Patents by Inventor James A. LeBlanc

James A. LeBlanc has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7252704
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end portion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6994744
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end potion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6960245
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end potion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20040255781
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end potion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6740142
    Abstract: The filter structures commonly known as a bag house or a filter bag or an air filter with a bag construction can be made by preparing the bag assembly, either in a tubular or a bi-fold construction by placing a layer of fine fiber on the upstream surface of the filter media structure. The filter assembly includes a filter cabinet with an interior component. The filter component is suspended within the filter cabinet interior. The filter component includes a frame or support for the filter media. The frame or support holds the filter bags such that the filter bags are suspended from the frame in the cabinet interior. The intake air enters the cabinet, passes through the filter assembly and exits the cabinet. The air must pass first into the fine fiber layer, the filter media and then the exterior of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Buettner, James A. Leblanc, Mark A. Gogins, Thomas M. Weik
  • Publication number: 20030154863
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end potion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6533845
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end portion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20020073849
    Abstract: The filter structures commonly known as a bag house or a filter bag or an air filter with a bag construction can be made by preparing the bag assembly, either in a tubular or a bi-fold construction by placing a layer of fine fiber on the upstream surface of the filter media structure. The filter assembly includes a filter cabinet with an interior component. The filter component is suspended within the filter cabinet interior. The filter component includes a frame or support for the filter media. The frame or support holds the filter bags such that the filter bags are suspended from the frame in the cabinet interior. The intake air enters the cabinet, passes through the filter assembly and exits the cabinet. The air must pass first into the fine fiber layer, the filter media and then the exterior of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: John M. Buettner, James A. Leblanc, Mark A. Gogins, Thomas M. Weik
  • Publication number: 20020073850
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end portion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. Leblanc
  • Patent number: 6348085
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end portion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 5935284
    Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a cylindrical inner filter, and a removable and replaceable outer filter of media. The removable and replaceable filter includes more than one layer of media therein. One application for the filter cartridge is in a mist collector arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, Mervin E. Wright, Timothy H. Grafe, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 5931988
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter cabinet defining an interior. A filter component is suspended within the filter cabinet interior. The filter component includes an outer frame having first and second rigid frame sections. The first and second rigid frame sections are pivotable, relative to each other about a pivot arrangement, such as a hinge. The first and second frame sections hold filter bags, such that the filter bags are suspended from the frame in the cabinet interior. Methods of changing a filter bag in a cabinet air filter assembly are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. LeBlanc, Joseph C. Tokar, Daniel T. Risch
  • Patent number: 5871557
    Abstract: A mist collector cartridge for collecting airborne liquids, and more particularly, a filter media having vertically oriented interconnected pleats treated with a low surface energy material to facilitate agglomeration and drainage of liquid which accumulates on the inner and outer surface of the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, Mervin E. Wright, Timothy H. Grape, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 5454858
    Abstract: A mist collector cartridge for collecting airborne liquids, and more particularly, a filter media having vertically oriented interconnected pleats treated with a low surface energy material to facilitate agglomeration and drainage of liquid which accumulates on the inner and outer surface of the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, Mervin E. Wright, Timothy H. Grafe, James A LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 5415676
    Abstract: A mist collector cartridge for collecting airborne liquids, and more particularly, a filter media having vertically oriented interconnected pleats treated with a low surface energy material to facilitate agglomeration and drainage of liquid which accumulates on the inner and outer surface of the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, Mervin E. Wright, Timothy H. Grafe, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 5246472
    Abstract: An engine exhaust filtering system (10) filters carbon particles from exhaust gases. A length of pipe (12) leads from the engine to promote the agglomeration of carbon particles in the exhaust gases. The exhaust gases then pass through a diffuser (36) having a series of chokes (38) to promote further turbulence and agglomeration of the carbon particles. A diffuser (36) directs particles for uniform distribution over a filter cartridge (22). After passing through the filter cartridge (22), the filtered exhaust gases are then expelled into the atmosphere. The filter cartridge (22) is removable and can be reused after the particles are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Herman, Wayne M. Wagner, Mervin E. Wright, Bruce B. Hoppenstedt, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 4946484
    Abstract: A clean room ceiling grid system having a detent means for loading filter panels into ceiling grids from a clean room. The system is operable to permit removal of the filter panels by use of a filter panel removing tool. More particularly, this clean room ceiling grid system requires no plenum space use above the grid members for either installation or removal of filter panels. The system also includes means for hermetically sealing the interface of connected ceiling grid members and means for substantially laminar flow of filtered air in clean rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Monson, James A. LeBlanc, Joseph C. Tokar
  • Patent number: 4883513
    Abstract: A clean room ceiling grid system having spring clips for loading filter panels into ceiling grids from a clean room. The system is operable to permit removal of the filter panels by use of a filter panel removing tool. More particularly, this clean room ceiling grid system requires no plenum space use above the grid members for either installation or removal of filter panels. The system also provides for hermetic sealing of the interface of connected ceiling grid members and allows substantially laminar flow of filtered air in clean rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Monson, James A. Leblanc
  • Patent number: 4704144
    Abstract: An air filtering apparatus is disclosed having a housing defining a chamber with an air inlet and an air outlet. A filter assembly is disposed within the housing and is provided with a first cylindrical filter element and a second cylindrical filter element received within the first element and coaxially aligned. The first filter element and second filter element are supported with opposing surfaces of said elements defining an annular chamber. One axial end of the annular chamber is fixedly sealed and the second end of the axial chamber is provided with a sealing plate connected to a diaphragm for sealing the chamber in response to a suction applied to the second filter element. An impact cleaning mechanism is provided for impacting the second filter element and cleansing it when the annular chamber is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. LeBlanc, Reynold F. Durre