Abstract: Structured surfaces are described. In one embodiment, the structured surface comprises a plurality of structures having a complement cumulative slope magnitude distribution (Fcc) such that at least 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90% of structures have a slope greater than 10 degrees; and less than 80% of the structures have a slope greater than 35 degrees. In other embodiments, the structures comprise peaks and valleys defined by a Cartesian coordinate system such that the peaks and valleys have a width and length in the x-y plane and a height in the z-direction and at least a portion of the peaks and/or valleys vary in height in the y direction and/or the x-direction by at least 10% of the average height. Articles and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter element (10) retained between a retention cover (12) and a support (18). Filter element (10) is provided with an inner liner (24) longer than an outer liner (26). Inner liner (24) extends between retention cover (12) and support (18) to absorb substantially all the axial load created by the retention mechanism.

Abstract: A discharge valve assembly for use in dust collection systems is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a conduit (160) and a rotatable valve member (162). A rod (192) is connected to the valve member (162). The conduit (160) is formed of an elastic material and has a generally circular cross section. The conduit (160) also has an inner diameter (164) in an unstretched condition. The valve member (162) has a generally circular cross section and an outer diameter (178) which is greater than the inner diameter (164). The rod (192) has an axis spaced from a line bisecting the valve member (162) and is connected to the valve member (162) for rotation of the valve member (162) between a closed and an open position. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of discharge valve assemblies are disposed below a number of dust separator mechanisms (60,92). A discharge valve assembly can also serve as a suction or vacuum breaking means (158) in a multiple-stage dust collector system.

Abstract: A three-stage dust collector incorporating a side outlet cyclone separator as the second dust collection stage. The side outlet separator includes an inlet end, an outlet end and a continuous side wall therebetween. A plurality of side outlet apertures are provided in the side wall and the separator has a plurality of axial passageways between its inlet and outlet ends. A vortex generating device is affixed within each axial passageway proximate the inlet end thereof and a device is provided for channeling clean air from within each axial passageway through a side outlet aperture. The vortex generated in the flow of dust-laden air entering the axial passageway discharges dust through the outlet end of the separator while cleaned air is channeled through the channeling device to a third stage separator.