Abstract: An improved filter pad assembly, for supporting a filter pad, used in conjunction with a filter system having a pumping unit to filter a contaminated fluid. Included in the filter pad assembly are a filter pad support member, a sealing member, and securing means for maintaining the filter pad support member and sealing member in a closed operative position during the filtering process such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is created therebetween. Thus, the contaminated fluid is prevented from exiting the filter pad assembly without passing through the filter pad. The filter pad assembly may be defined to include, or not include, the filter pad. The filter pad assembly and filter pad also have a one-way guided configuration that ensures the filter pad is properly oriented within the assembly. Three preferred embodiments of the filter pad assembly of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved filter pad holder for supporting a filter pad and for use in conjunction with a filter system having a pumping unit to filter a contaminated fluid. The filter pad holder (10) includes a base frame (20) and an upper housing (22) hingedly coupled by a pair of spaced-apart hinges (24) to form a chamber (53) when pivoted to a closed operative position. When held in this closed operative position by a pair of spaced-apart latches (26), a pair of tapered ribs (32 and 34) extending upwardly about the periphery of the base frame compress the filter pad (28) against the upper housing to create a substantially fluid-tight seal. Consequently, when the filter pad holder is coupled to the pumping unit, the contaminated fluid is prevented from exiting the chamber without passing through the filter pad.

Abstract: An improved filter comprising a porous sheet of substantially uniform thickness having the following composition: 15% to 35% activated carbon; 15% to 40% calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, or mixtures thereof; 25% to 40% cellulosic fiber; up to 2% resin binder; and, optionally, 0% to 30% diatomaceous earth.

Abstract: A method of filtering hot cooking oil including passing the oil through a screen to remove particulate matter and then pumping the oil under a relatively low positive pressure through a filter pad of uniform thickness and porosity composed in part of fibrous material and possibly other elements such as activated carbon and silica bound by a resin binder. Equipment for filtering cooking oil including a reservoir for storing strained oil, pump means for drawing oil from the reservoir and passing it under relatively low pressure through a filter pad of uniform thickness and porosity composed at least of fibrous material and possibly other elements such as activated carbon and silica bound by a resin binder and sealed in the base of a pressure chamber.