With Adjustable Connector Or Size Adjusting Means Patents (Class 55/496)
  • Patent number: 11731066
    Abstract: An air filter assembly includes a filter element having at least one variable dimension, and a frame for engaging and supporting the filter element. The frame may include a plurality of linear segments forming a rectangular configuration, and a plurality of clips for connecting the linear segments together at corners thereof. The linear segments may be L-channel segments, C-channel segments, or may be of other form. Clips may be used for connecting the linear segments together at the corners. The filter element may have a pattern of creases or fold lines to facilitate folding thereof from an expanded configuration to a reduced configuration. A grate may be included for spanning an area bounded by the frame to support the filter element. The grate may have multiple arms and a central hub. An edge treatment may form a seal between the filter element and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Second Nature Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin James Barry, Thaddeus Worth Tarkington, Aly Khalifa
  • Patent number: 11351493
    Abstract: An adjustable filter track system for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a filter track having a guideway and a bracket that form a recess configured to receive a filter and an adjustable angle bracket including a first panel and a second panel rotatably coupled to the guideway, where the bracket and the adjustable angle bracket are configured to hold the filter in place within the recess, and where the adjustable angle bracket is configured to rotate about an axis within the recess between a first configuration and a second configuration to accommodate different thicknesses of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Gurpreet Singh, Vishal S. Jagtap, Ketaki S. Vaidya, Ravindra B. Salunkhe
  • Patent number: 11305221
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards filter elements whose overall length can be adjusted such that the filter element can be installed through an opening in an air cleaner opening having a relatively smaller dimension than the maximum dimension of the filter element. In one aspect, the filter element can include a radial seal member disposed on a positionable coupling element circumscribing at least a portion of a filter medium pack. The filter element has a first axial length when the positionable coupling element is in an extended position and has a second axial length when the positionable coupling element is in a collapsed position, wherein the first axial length is greater than the second axial length. In some examples, the filter element includes two positionable coupling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristof Decoster, Bart Catoor, Mathijs Verstraete
  • Patent number: 11090595
    Abstract: An adjustable filter track system for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a filter track including a guideway and a bracket that form a recess configured to receive a first filter in a first configuration of the adjustable filter track system, a plurality of receptacles formed in the guideway and aligned along a length of the guideway, and a plurality of inserts, where, in a second configuration of the adjustable filter track system, each insert of the plurality of inserts is configured to be disposed in a corresponding receptacle of the plurality of receptacles and extend outwardly from the guideway to secure a second filter between the plurality of inserts and the bracket, where the second filter has a different thickness than the first filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Ravindra B. Salunkhe, Bhushan C. Kadu
  • Patent number: 10900681
    Abstract: A contaminant scrubber of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a housing having a first side wall and a second side wall opposite to the first side wall. The contaminant scrubber also includes a first compartment formed within the housing, a second compartment formed within the housing and having a cartridge set removably disposed therein, and a third compartment formed within the housing, where the second compartment is positioned between the first compartment and the third compartment. The contaminant scrubber also includes a first cross-member beam extending along a first bottom end of the first compartment and a second top end of the second compartment, where the first cross-member beam extends from the first side wall of the housing to the second side wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Air Distribution Technologies IP, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Longman, Steven M. Trame
  • Patent number: 10729993
    Abstract: A filtration filter comprises a porous film including a central film portion having a plurality of through holes and an outer edge portion adjacent to the central film portion. The porous film portion lies in a flat plane in the absence of a force being applied to the central portion of the central film portion. A frame holds the outer edge portion of the porous film in such a manner that when a force is applied to the central film portion in a first direction, the central film portion moves in the first direction relative to the flat plane and the outer edge portion moves in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, relative to the flat plane. In this way stresses applied to the porous film during a filtering operation are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Kondo, Yoshiji Okamoto, Seiji Kamba
  • Patent number: 10512872
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) home air filter to remove airborne molecular contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air within residential spaces. The HVAC home air filter includes a supportive frame having a shape and size suitable to orient the HVAC home air filter within a residential HVAC system. A filter medium is retained within the supportive frame to remove the airborne molecular contaminants and VOCs from air flowing through the residential HVAC system. The filter medium includes a combination of media layers configured to exhibit a relatively high filtration efficiency and a low air pressure drop across the filter medium. The supportive frame includes a plurality of elongate sections and corner sections disposed along perimeter edges of the filter medium to support the filter medium within the residential HVAC system so as direct air through the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jere James Wall
  • Patent number: 9931591
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor system for detecting accumulation of dust in a filter of a HVAC system includes a first conductive mesh, a second conductive mesh, a first filter media disposed between the first conductive mesh and the second conductive mesh, and a circuit configured to measure a capacitance of a first capacitive sensor formed by the first conductive mesh, second conductive mesh, and the first filter media. The circuit further is configured to translate a measured capacitance to a dust level indicator frequency that is used to determine a frequency corresponding to level of dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marlon Galsim, Marlowe Dulaca Apuhin
  • Patent number: 9555358
    Abstract: A filter for industrial coating filtration systems. The filter has a housing made up of a peripheral wall extending around the periphery. The housing is preferably made of a suitably rigid material. A preferably rigid support backing is mounted within the housing. The support backing has a planar configuration with openings formed through it so that air can flow through without substantial resistance. The preferably planar sheet of which the support backing is made is pleated. The pleated support backing defines a series of panels, each of which is angled to a next adjacent panel. Filtration media is mounted to the support backing, end caps are attached to the ends of the support backing to maintain the pleated configuration, and the assembly is inserted into the housing, which can have end flaps to seal using tape or adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Columbus Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Haufe, Mounir B. H. Slama, James E. Large
  • Patent number: 9259676
    Abstract: A radial flow filtration system includes a housing and one or more generally cylindrical filter cartridges including a filter cartridge shell and a filter section. The filter cartridge is removable with respect to the housing and the filter section in removable with respect to the filter cartridge shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Britton G. Billingsley, David M. Castiglione, Gary E. Dwyer, Pierre Legare
  • Patent number: 9048517
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery cooling duct. The duct includes a suction portion disposed between a rear seat and a floor panel of a vehicle, an inlet of the suction portion fluidly communicating with an interior of the vehicle to suction interior air. An extension portion is formed by extending an outlet side of the suction portion to a rear of the vehicle, e.g. a trunk, between the rear seat and the floor panel, and defines a passageway configured to allow the interior air to pass therethrough. A discharge portion extends from an outlet of the extension portion to the rear of the vehicle, and discharges the interior air passed through the extension portion, through an outlet of the discharge portion to the battery of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hae Kyu Lim, Yoon Cheol Jeon, Yong Jin Lee, Jeong Hun Seo
  • Publication number: 20150101296
    Abstract: A filter includes a relatively rigid support frame having top and bottom frame members and side frame members. A filter element is disposed within and supported by the frame for filtering a medium passing through the filter element. Two opposing members of the frame are bendable into an arch to allow the filter to be progressively inserted along an arched path into a filter housing. In one embodiment, the filter is a cabin air filter for a vehicle and opposing sides of the frame are provided with V-shaped notches to facilitate bending the filter into an arch for insertion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Ivo Ferreira
  • Patent number: 8986414
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a selected spacing folded, pleated media by preparing a pre-pleated sheet of filter media having pleats with peaks and troughs throughout its length applying an at least one adhesive element along the pre-pleated sheet of filter media; advancing and cutting the pre-pleated sheet of material; compressing the cut length of pre-pleated sheet of filter material, resulting in folding of the pleats and adherence of the pleats into a folded, pleated filter media stack that is selectively separable; selectively separating the media stack and selecting a pleat spacing for a selected pleat spacing section application of an at least one spacing support element at the peaks of each pleat and refolding and recompressing into a selected spacing folded, pleated media stack wherein the media stack is adhered and can be selectively removed to extend from a compacted state to a deployed state with the selected pleat spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Challen Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8979965
    Abstract: An air filter attachment apparatus for temporarily attaching a furnace-type air filter to a face of a box fan with a ferromagnetic box frame. The attachment apparatus comprises a plurality of magnetic flaps secured to respective top and side edges of the air filter, either directly or via a filter-receiving frame. The filter/frame is sized to approximate the face dimensions of the fan, and the flaps are foldable forwardly toward the fan to lie flat on top and side surface of the fan's metal box frame. Each flap includes magnetic attachment means to secure the flap to the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Mehran Minaeeghainipour
  • Patent number: 8945267
    Abstract: A collapsible air cleaner filter is provided. The filter includes a pleated media filter having a first end, a second end, and a filter media extending between the first and second ends, wherein the filter media includes a first plurality of flexible end portions and a second plurality of flexible end portions, the first and second plurality of flexible end portions are separated by a plurality of pleats, and the filter media extends a first length between the first and second plurality of flexible end portions, and an end member coupled to the first end of the pleated media filter, the end member extending a second length parallel to the first length, the first length being greater than the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Research Products Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Anoszko, John R. Genova
  • Publication number: 20140260138
    Abstract: A filter element for filtering a fluid flowing through the filter element. The filter element includes a pleat pack that extends about an axis and that has an internal volume. The pleat pack includes a filter media for filtering out particulate from the fluid. The filter media is pleated. The pleats extend out along planes that are transverse to the axis. An associated method of providing a filter element that filters a fluid flowing through the filter element is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BHA Altair, LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Adele Edwards, Martin Gregory Hatfield, Nusrat Farzana
  • Publication number: 20140237992
    Abstract: A method and device for testing a diesel engine to determine whether the engine's diesel particulate filter is functioning properly is provided. The device comprises an elongated pole with a service ring disposed at one end. The service ring is designed to removably support a filtration means, which is composed of porous cloth material. The device is removably affixed over the outlet of a diesel engine exhaust pipe, allowing the filtration means to trap any particulates that may be contained within the engine exhaust. If the diesel engine particulate filter is functioning properly, there will be no particulates collected by the filtration means; if the diesel engine particulate filter is not functioning properly, the present invention allows the user to collect physical evidence of such.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Claude Lee Wallace
  • Patent number: 8734572
    Abstract: A filter installation arrangement and an associated method of installing a filter assembly to a partition. A filter assembly includes a filter element that extends along a longitudinal axis. The filter element includes an end cap disposed at an end of the filter element. An adjustment device of the installation arrangement axially displaces the end cap of the filter element in a first direction. An insert portion is inserted adjacent the end cap subsequent to the axial displacement of the end cap. The insert portion is configured to limit axial displacement of the end cap in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: BHA Altair, LLC
    Inventors: Jianmin Zhang, Bradly Aaron Kippel
  • Patent number: 8685128
    Abstract: A filter element arrangement is provided which includes a media pack comprising Z-filter media, a preform and an overmold sealing a portion of the interface between the preform and the media pack, and also forming an air cleaner seal for the filter element. The overmold preferably comprises molded, foamed, polyurethane. A variety of media pack shapes can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Schrage, Troy Murphy, Donald Raymond Mork
  • Patent number: 8673041
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a filter frame assembly adapted for clamping in a housing is provided. The frame assembly includes a frame having a downstream frame member coupled to a cross-member, the downstream frame member and cross-member adapted to fit within the housing. At least two clamp mechanisms are coupled to frame assembly. Each of the clamp mechanisms include a rotatable rod coupled to a handle which is used to displace the frame assembly. The handle is configured to be clear of a filter receiving aperture defined above the cross-member when the handle is in both of an open or a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Camfil Farr, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith G. Woolard
  • Patent number: 8663370
    Abstract: An engine crankcase breather for oil segregation, from blow-by gases, in an engine. The engine crankcase breather includes a housing with an inlet located in a downstream direction of the blow-by gases and an outlet. The breather also includes a baffle within the housing which poses a tortuous path for the blow-by gases, in order to segregate oil particles from the blow-by gases. The baffle includes a hook-shaped portion, in which the oil segregation takes place. The engine crankcase breather further includes a trough extending within the housing. The trough is aligned with the hook-shaped portion of the baffle, to collect the segregated oil from the blow-by gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Seth E. Slaughter, Arthur S. Lindell, Kathleen Nackers, Ronald P. Maloney
  • Patent number: 8663354
    Abstract: An air filter (111) comprising a duct (118, 120) forming a passageway extending between an inlet (116) and an outlet (113) of the air filter, the duct comprising bristles (310) extending from a wall of the duct across at least a portion of the passageway so as to remove entrained particles from air passing through the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: 4Energy Ltd
    Inventors: Patrick Arthur Tindale, Stuart Peter Redshaw
  • Patent number: 8623109
    Abstract: A collapsible air cleaner filter is provided. The filter includes a pleated media filter having a first end, a second end, and a filter media extending between the first and second ends, wherein the filter media includes a first plurality of flexible end portions and a second plurality of flexible end portions, the first and second plurality of flexible end portions are separated by a plurality of pleats, and the filter media extends a first length between the first and second plurality of flexible end portions, and an end member coupled to the first end of the pleated media filter, the end member extending a second length parallel to the first length, the first length being greater than the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Research Products Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Anoszko, John R. Genova
  • Publication number: 20130255208
    Abstract: A filter installation arrangement and an associated method of installing a filter assembly to a partition. A filter assembly includes a filter element that extends along a longitudinal axis. The filter element includes an end cap disposed at an end of the filter element. An adjustment device of the installation arrangement axially displaces the end cap of the filter element in a first direction. An insert portion is inserted adjacent the end cap subsequent to the axial displacement of the end cap. The insert portion is configured to limit axial displacement of the end cap in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jianmin Zhang, Bradly Aaron Kippel
  • Publication number: 20130219844
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a selected spacing folded, pleated media by preparing a pre-pleated sheet of filter media having pleats with peaks and troughs throughout its length applying an at least one adhesive element along the pre-pleated sheet of filter media; advancing and cutting the pre-pleated sheet of material; compressing the cut length of pre-pleated sheet of filter material, resulting in folding of the pleats and adherence of the pleats into a folded, pleated filter media stack that is selectively separable; selectively separating the media stack and selecting a pleat spacing for a selected pleat spacing section application of an at least one spacing support element at the peaks of each pleat and refolding and recompressing into a selected spacing folded, pleated media stack wherein the media stack is adhered and can be selectively removed to extend from a compacted state to a deployed state with the selected pleat spacing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Challen Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8454720
    Abstract: A air condenser housing screening apparatus includes a pair of female mating members each comprising an elongated panel having a first side and a second side. A female receiver is mounted on the first side. A pair of male mating members is provided and each is removably engageable with one of the female mating members. Each of the female mating members has one of a plurality of fasteners coupled thereto. The fasteners are configured to releasably couple the female mating members to an air condenser housing. A screen mesh is positioned between coupled pairs of the female and male mating members to cover a portion of the housing with the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Richard C. Bond
  • Patent number: 8449661
    Abstract: To connect and disconnect a filter in a gas flow system, a filter unit has a filter housing wherein an adsorption/absorption filter is movably arranged. The filter housing has two tube connectors for connecting the filter unit in a gas conducting passage. The filter unit also has a shifting element which is movable from a first to at least a second position. The first position allows the filter to substantially fill the gas conducting passage in a way that forces the gas in the gas flow system to pass through the filter, whereas the second position substantially removes the filter from the gas conducting passage, allowing the gas to pass through the filter unit without passing the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Maquet Critical Care AB
    Inventor: Stefan Broborg
  • Patent number: 8414674
    Abstract: A collapsible air cleaner filter is provided. The filter includes a pleated media filter having a first end, a second end, and a filter media extending between the first and second ends, wherein the filter media includes a first plurality of flexible end portions and a second plurality of flexible end portions, the first and second plurality of flexible end portions are separated by a plurality of pleats, and the filter media extends a first length between the first and second plurality of flexible end portions, and an end member coupled to the first end of the pleated media filter, the end member extending a second length parallel to the first length, the first length being greater than the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Research Products Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Anoszko, John R. Genova
  • Patent number: 8388717
    Abstract: An adapter is provided for placement within a furnace filter bay having a flow of air therethrough. The filter bay is for receiving a furnace filter. The adapter includes a filter abutment face for abutment with at least a portion of the furnace filter, a mounting face parallel to the flow of air and attachment means permitting removable attachment of the adapter to the furnace filter bay. The adapter allows filters of smaller depth than the filters originally designed for use within the filter bay to be used, thereby eliminating the need for purchasing the original filters. A brace is also provided for the same purpose. A kit is described that includes the adapter and/or brace, along with instructions for installation thereof within the filter bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David E. Livingstone, Darryl F. Klassen, David A. Beckett
  • Patent number: 8382874
    Abstract: There is provided herein an air filter that includes one or more foldable extension flaps that can be folded and secured against the frame to provided an extend thickness dimension for the frame of the air filter, which allows the same filter to be used in either a smaller or larger filter slot within an HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Greist, Sanjeev Hingorani
  • Patent number: 8361209
    Abstract: An air intake (2) for a turbine engine, and a method implemented by the air intake (2) are disclosed. The air intake (2) is provided with a filter system (10) including foldable filter elements (11), arranged at the inlet section (3) of the air intake (2). In addition, the filter system (10) includes control elements (11) that exert a force along a first direction (Y) on the free end (11?) of the foldable filter elements (11) to adjust the filtering power of the filter system (10), guide members (12) of the filter system (10) serving to guide the movement of the free end (11?) induced by the control elements (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventor: Marc Colaprisco
  • Patent number: 8323370
    Abstract: The invention has a captive tooless fastener for securing the engine intake air filter. The tooless fastener comprises shaft and associated bodies. The body has two arms oriented about 180 degrees apart. The shaft is threaded through a sealing washer and an aperture in a closed end cap of the air filter. The shaft is expanded so it cannot be removed from the end cap. The body's threaded inner diameter mates with a threaded portion of a central shaft in an air filter housing. The body's arms are rotated to screw the fastener and the shaft of the housing together. When tightened, the sealing washer closes the aperture. To remove the air filter, the fastener is unscrewed from the shaft of the housing and in the shaft floats in the aperture. A person in the field can remove the air filter by inserting fingers under the arms and pulling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Maradyne Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald C. Troxell, Roy E. Greenlees, Kenneth S. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20120247340
    Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Williams, Terrence L. Stanek, Jeffrey L. Young
  • Patent number: 8211198
    Abstract: Filter racks are disclosed that are adjustable to accommodate filters of various thicknesses. The filter racks may include an insert that can be positioned within the base of the filter rack in two or more positions to adjust the receiving width of the filter rack. A perforated tab of the insert may be unbent to position the insert within the base at a smaller width, and the tab may be bent to position the insert within the base at a larger width. The insert also may include a divider that can be positioned within the base to reduce the width of the filter rack. Further, a rotating guide may be attached to detents within walls of the filter rack compartment. The guide may be biased at various angles to accommodate filters of different widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Nathan A. Weber, Curtis A. Trammell
  • Patent number: 8182571
    Abstract: A frame for receiving a filter element includes: a pair of first members and a pair of second members. The first members may be arranged alternately with the second members in the assembled orientation to establish a plurality of joining structures between adjoining members. Each respective joining structure of the plurality of joining structures maintains the adjoining members oriented substantially about a respective axis. The first members and the second members cooperate to define a volume for effecting the receiving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ammar Kailani, Russell Lewis Baldinger
  • Patent number: 8157881
    Abstract: An air cleaner comprises an enclosing structure having support members spaced a distance from top and bottom walls. A collapsible extended surface pleated media filter has end members and a pleated mechanical media filter. The end members have an outer surface and a thickness that is based on the distance that the support surfaces are spaced from the top and bottom walls to provide an effective seal against air flowing around the collapsible filter. The end members can have a seal structure provided on the outer surface that interacts with the top or bottom wall. The collapsible filter optionally includes flexible support member(s) on or in the pleated mechanical media filter that assist in keeping the pleats open. The pleated mechanical media filter can extend beyond the end member(s) and interact with portions of the frame to provide an effective seal against air flowing around the collapsible filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Research Products Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Anoszko, John R. Genova
  • Patent number: 8105409
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a filter latching device for use in a filtering system that provides filtered intake air for a power generation facility. In some embodiments, a filter latch is provided that includes a hinge coupled to the filter frame and an S-shaped retaining plate rotatably coupled to the hinge. In some embodiments, the S-shaped retaining plate provides an over-center action mechanism that locks the retaining plate in place against a sealing flange and a camming surface that provides gradually increasing pressure on the sealing flange as the latch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Michael Ashley Mann, Christina Goodrick-Meech, Beverley Dunstan, William Keith Albert Eyers
  • Patent number: 8092567
    Abstract: An air filter element partially-fabricated on site wherein one or more wire frames are fastened to one another to form a structure substantially conforming to the dimensions of the original equipment manufacturer's filter housing. One or more of the wire frames are flexibly attached to each other end-to-end by flexible attachment means, allowing the assembled filter unit to be inserted into the filter housing one frame at a time, with the frame sections yet to be inserted folded or directed off to one side, thus bypassing space restrictions. Flexible attachment means may comprise spring connectors. Also disclosed is an end-cap affixed to or formed at one or both ends of the filter element. The end-caps may also contain printed material, such as text or pictures, which may include instructions for use, identifying labels or symbols, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Matthew P. Ashwood, David M. Kent
  • Publication number: 20110314781
    Abstract: There is provided herein an air filter that includes one or more foldable extension flaps that can be folded and secured against the frame to provided an extend thickness dimension for the frame of the air filter, which allows the same filter to be used in either a smaller or larger filter slot within an HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Lennox Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Henry Greist, Sanjeev Hingorani
  • Patent number: 8052770
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a filter clamping device for use in a filtering system that provides filtered intake air for a power generation facility. In some embodiments, a filter clamp is provided, which includes an over-center action mechanism that locks the clamp in place against the filter gasket. Some embodiments also include a camming surface that provides gradually increasing pressure on the filter gasket as the clamp is engaged. The clamp may also include a stop that engages the filter frame at a predetermined position and determines, in part, the amount of clamping pressure applied to the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gordon Ayshford, William Eyers
  • Publication number: 20110265436
    Abstract: A three-dimensional filter includes a filter frame having a three-dimensional skeletal structure with a filter media connected to the skeletal structure. The filters are nestable. The skeletal structure may be trimmed and provided with walls to create standard sized filters. Methods for making the three-dimensional filter include injection molding of the skeletal structure onto the filter media, injection molding the filter media and the filter frame together in a single molding process, thermoforming a molded or extruded skeletal structure and the filter media, and needle punching a molded or extruded skeletal structure to create filter media within the skeletal structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Keith Platt
  • Patent number: 8048186
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a filter holding frame configured to support a plurality of filters for a turbine engine. The filter holding frame has a first filter cell and a first retainer. The first retainer has a first retaining pad coupled to a first shaft, wherein the first retaining pad and the first shaft are movable to secure and release a first filter in the first filter cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Michael Ashley Mann, Christina Goodrick Meech
  • Patent number: 8016921
    Abstract: An assembly of structural components for supporting an air filtration member is disclosed. The assembly may include an air filtration member and a framework designed to provide support to the filtration member. The framework may include a first structural component forming a lower base of the framework for supporting the filtration member and a second structural component forming an upper base of the framework for supporting the filtration member. The framework may also have an arm that is slidable within and attachable to the framework, and may be configured to provide an adjustment mechanism for the framework, such that the framework and the filtration member can be located within a number of differently sized forced air heating or air conditioning ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Chad Ross Hassell, David F. Broadbent
  • Patent number: 7959699
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the need for a collapsible filter that is easily assembled and installed. The collapsible filter comprises top and bottom arms rotatably attached to the top and bottom edges of two end caps. A pleated filter media is provided attached to at least one of the end caps. The present invention also addresses the need for mechanisms to facilitation the expansion of the pleated filter media, utilizing spring-like devices or other materials that may be compressed but expand to a natural state. Similarly, the present invention further addresses the need for mechanisms that allow for controlling the distance between adjacent pleats within a pleated, collapsible filter media. The present invention recognizes that a combination of these approaches may be utilized to provide a collapsible filter that is easily constructed at a manufacturing facility, assembled in the field, and installed within a system having need for a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Privitt, Ammar Kailani
  • Publication number: 20110083408
    Abstract: An air filter cartridge has Z-media and a gasket arrangement with a perimeter gasket member against the downstream flow face and a side gasket member adjacent to at least a partial extension of a first side panel. The side gasket member includes no portion against second, third, and fourth side panels of the air filter cartridge. The air filter cartridge can be used in a dust collector having a tubesheet and a frame arrangement extending from the tubesheet. The perimeter gasket member seals against the frame arrangement and the side gasket member seals against the tubesheet. A method of servicing includes orienting the air filter cartridge against a guide ramp and moving the filter cartridge until the side gasket member is engaged against the tubesheet sealing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Donald Raether, Eli Ross, Rodney Slade Switzer, Gary Richard Nygaard
  • Patent number: 7892307
    Abstract: A compact filter has a filter housing and a compact filter element that is arranged in the filter housing, wherein the filter element is exchangeable. The compact filter element has a filter body having a longitudinal axis. The compact filter element has an unfiltered air side and a filtered air side. A baffle element is arranged at the unfiltered air side of the compact filter element. The baffle element is removable together with the filter element from the filter housing and has at least one baffle surface that is slanted relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Freisinger, Mario Rieger
  • Publication number: 20100323603
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ventilation air assembly, including a filter holding unit the filter holding unit includes a housing having an inlet for ventilation air and an outlet for ventilation air, and a control member for controlling a ventilation air flow through the outlet. The filter holding unit is mounted at the wall surface. Furthermore, the ventilation air assembly includes a filter, which is arranged in the housing of the filter holding unit such that the ventilation air passes through the filter when flowing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet. Furthermore, the ventilation air assembly includes a wall portion having a wall surface, and a heater device, such as a radiator, which is mounted at the wall surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Erik Lans
  • Publication number: 20100275562
    Abstract: An air filter element partially-fabricated on site wherein one or more wire frames are fastened to one another to form a structure substantially conforming to the dimensions of the original equipment manufacturer's filter housing. One or more of the wire frames are flexibly attached to each other end-to-end by flexible attachment means, allowing the assembled filter unit to be inserted into the filter housing one frame at a time, with the frame sections yet to be inserted folded or directed off to one side, thus bypassing space restrictions. Flexible attachment means may comprise spring connectors. Also disclosed is an end-cap affixed to or formed at one or both ends of the filter element. The end-caps may also contain printed material, such as text or pictures, which may include instructions for use, identifying labels or symbols, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: MATTHEW P. ASHWOOD, David M. Kent
  • Patent number: 7811346
    Abstract: An air filter housing slidably receives an air control insert therein without requiring the air filter housing to be removed from the wall, floor or ceiling surrounding an air duct. The air filter housing varies in size in at least one dimension to reduce the quantity of air filters and air filter housings required to accommodate a wide variety of air duct types and sizes. The housing is mounted to a register, diffuser or return air grill covering an air duct. The air control insert is slidably received in the air filter housing for ease of removing, cleaning or replacing. The housing is adaptable to receive a variety of inserts which are custom designed to remove specific pollutants from the air to improve the air quality in a home or office, or to block the flow of air entirely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph C. Henson
  • Patent number: 7771503
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a filter element for use in connection with e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Nordic Air Filtration A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Poulsen