Patents by Inventor John L. Pulek

John L. Pulek 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).

  • Publication number: 20140048741
    Abstract: A filtration media is disclosed comprising functionalized particles distributed throughout a sintered porous matrix, the sintered porous matrix derived from a combination of components comprising first ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene initially comprising a plurality of non-porous particles having a first shape that is substantially spherical; second ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene initially comprising a plurality of non-spherical perforated particles having a second shape that is convoluted; and third ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene initially comprising a plurality of non-spherical perforated particles having a third shape that is convoluted, wherein the functionalized particles comprise a range from about 20% by weight to about 90% by weight of the sintered porous matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Prince, John L. Pulek, Robert Gieger
  • Patent number: 8075720
    Abstract: A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising the steps of preparing a plurality of upstanding pleats each having first and second pleat legs, wherein the first pleat leg of one pleat is joined to the second pleat leg of a preceding pleat by a medial pleat section; moving the upstanding pleats into an overlapped condition wherein each medial pleat section becomes part of the second leg of a preceding pleat; and forming the overlapped pleats into a cylindrical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brian L. Fall, Thomas J. Hamlin, Mahesh Z. Patel, John L. Pulek, Aaron Spearin
  • Publication number: 20110152054
    Abstract: A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising the steps of preparing a plurality of upstanding pleats each having first and second pleat legs, wherein the first pleat leg of one pleat is joined to the second pleat leg of a preceding pleat by a medial pleat section; moving the upstanding pleats into an overlapped condition wherein each medial pleat section becomes part of the second leg of a preceding pleat; and forming the overlapped pleats into a cylindrical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Brian L. Fall, Thomas J. Hamlin, Mahesh Z. Patel, John L. Pulek, Aaron Spearin
  • Patent number: 7922006
    Abstract: A filter assembly is provided which includes an outer filter sleeve formed at least in part by a plurality of pleats, an inner filter sleeve formed at least in part by a plurality of pleats, wherein the inner and outer filter sleeves define a passage therebetween. An inlet cap is secured to a first end of the inner and outer filter sleeves and it has at least one inlet port communicating with the passage, and an end cap is secured to a second end of the inner and outer filter sleeves and it has an end surface closing the passage. Methods of forming such a filter assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brian L. Fall, Thomas J. Hamlin, Mahesh Z. Patel, John L. Pulek, Aaron Spearin
  • Publication number: 20100264077
    Abstract: A cell-type filter unit having two or more filter media layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter media are preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter media layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter media element and preventing collapsing of the media into any separator conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, William A. Larsen, Charles Thomas Paul, Clifford L. Schorr, Francis J. Swiatek, Art Artinyan
  • Patent number: 7582209
    Abstract: A fluid filtration unit having two or more filter medium layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter medium are presently preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter medium layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter medium element and preventing collapsing of the medium into any separator conduit. At least one of the medium elements is formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption with the various zones and the separator being operatively connected by a new and innovative edge seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, William A. Larsen, C. Thomas Paul, Clifford L. Schorr, Francis J. Swiatek, Art Artinyan
  • Publication number: 20070221561
    Abstract: Provided are liquid filtration systems and filter elements. An aspect of the invention provides a filter element comprising: a filter block having an inlet and an outlet; an end cap having a handle and a passage, the passage operatively connecting the outlet of the filter block with an end location; and a housing comprising a shroud and an opening, the housing being adjacent to the end cap, wherein the inlet of the filter block is directly operatively connected to the opening of the housing. Another aspect of the invention provides a filtration system comprising the filter element and a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel comprises an inlet port that is adjacent to the shroud such that upon fluid flowing through the inlet port, the fluid contacts the shroud and the direction of flow changes, and wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet of the filter block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Charles C. Funkhouser, John L. Pulek, Laurence W. Bassett
  • Patent number: 7178676
    Abstract: A fluid filtration unit having two or more filter medium layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter medium are presently preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter medium layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter medium element and preventing collapsing of the medium into any separator conduit. At least one of the medium elements is formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption with the various zones and the separator being operatively connected by a new and innovative edge seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, William A. Larsen, C. Thomas Paul, Clifford L. Schorr, Francis J. Swiatek, Art Artinyan
  • Patent number: 6939466
    Abstract: A fluid filtration unit having two or more filter medium layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter medium are presently preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter medium layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter medium element and preventing collapsing of the medium into any separator conduit. At least one of the medium elements is formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption with the various zones and the separator being operatively connected by a new and innovative edge seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, William A. Larsen, C. Thomas Paul, Clifford L. Schorr, Francis J. Swiatek, Art Artinyan
  • Publication number: 20040154973
    Abstract: The present disclosure utilizes a unique system for initially installing, removing and transporting cartridge disk stacks, the apparatus includes a center post member; a connecting member, operatively positioned relative to the center post member and operatively connected thereto; and a adapter member member, operatively connected to the center post member, for supporting at least one disk thereon when the center post is operatively connected to a housing base and for supporting at least one disk during the installation/removal of at least one disk from the housing base. Systems and methods for utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Martin Blaze, John L. Pulek
  • Publication number: 20040118766
    Abstract: A cell-type filter unit having two or more filter media layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter media are preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter media layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter media element and preventing collapsing of the media into any separator conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, William A. Larsen, Charles Thomas Paul, Clifford L. Schorr, Francis J. Swiatek, Art Artinyan
  • Patent number: 6712966
    Abstract: A cell-type filter unit having two or more filter media layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter media are preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter media layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter media element and preventing collapsing of the media into any separator conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, William A. Larsen, Charles Thomas Paul, Clifford L. Schorr, Francis J. Swiatek, Art Artinyan
  • Publication number: 20030173283
    Abstract: A fluid filtration unit having two or more filter medium layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter medium are presently preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter medium layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter medium element and preventing collapsing of the medium into any separator conduit. At least one of the medium elements is formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption with the various zones and the separator being operatively connected by a new and innovative edge seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, William A. Larsen, C. Thomas Paul, Clifford L. Schorr, Francis J. Swiatek, Art Artinyan
  • Patent number: 6524411
    Abstract: A filter element comprising at least one elastomeric end-cap, a thin-walled pleated filter medium having edges thereon constructed and arranged for positioning proximate to the elastomeric end-caps, and a polymeric adhesive material within the end-caps for sealing the edges of the filter media therein, and a method for producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: CUNO Incorporated
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, Daniel Marcinczyk
  • Publication number: 20030006186
    Abstract: A spiral wound filter element is disclosed which includes at least three radially successive prequalifying sections of filter medium commencing with a radially outer prequalifying section of filter medium and concluding with a radially inner prequalifying section of filter medium, each prequalifying section of filter medium having a number of perforation formed therein, wherein the number of perforations in the filter medium of each radially successive prequalifying sections is less than the number of perforations in the filter medium of a radially preceding prequalifying section, and further including a radially inner qualifying section of filter medium succeeding the radially inner prequalifying section, the radially inner qualifying section of filter medium having imperforate filtering layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, Thomas J. Hamlin, Richard Sale, C. Thomas Paul
  • Patent number: 6464084
    Abstract: A fluid filtration cell is disclosed which includes a separator disposed between two media elements having outer peripheries which are secured together by an edge seal. The media elements are formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption. The edge seal is formed from a thermoplastic material having a modulus of elasticity which is sufficient to permit radial expansion of the edge seal when the cell media swells in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventor: John L. Pulek
  • Publication number: 20020060184
    Abstract: A cell-type filter unit having two or more filter media layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter media are preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter media layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter media element and preventing collapsing of the media into any separator conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, William A. Larsen, Charles Thomas Paul, Clifford L. Schorr, Francis J. Swiatek, Art Artinyan
  • Patent number: 6391200
    Abstract: A spiral wound filter element is disclosed which includes alternating layers of filter medium and diffusion medium wrapped about a cylindrical core defining a central axis of the filter element. The alternating layers extend from a radially innermost layer of the filter element to a radially outermost layer of the filter element, the diffusion medium is defined by a continuous lengthwise sheet of mesh material, and the filter medium is defined by at least one sheet of filter material arranged along the length of the continuous sheet of mesh material. The alternating layers of filter medium and diffusion medium define three distinct radially disposed layered filtering sections surrounding the cylindrical core, and include a first filtering section having radially outer prequalifying layers, a second filtering section having middle prequalifying layers and a third filtering section having radially inner qualifying layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, Thomas J. Hamlin, Richard Sale, C. Thomas Paul
  • Publication number: 20020023873
    Abstract: The present disclosure utilizes a unique system for initially installing, removing and transporting cartridge disk stacks, the apparatus includes a center post member; a connecting member, operatively positioned relative to the center post member and operatively connected thereto; and a adapter member member, operatively connected to the center post member, for supporting at least one disk thereon when the center post is operatively connected to a housing base and for supporting at least one disk during the installation/removal of at least one disk from the housing base. Systems and methods for utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Martin Blaze, John L. Pulek
  • Publication number: 20010037982
    Abstract: A filter including alternating layers of filter medium and diffusion medium. The filter provides optimum distribution of fluid over the filtering medium, a reduced pressure drop and an increased filter life, without a reduction in filter rating. The diffusion medium has a first plane of spaced-apart, substantially parallel strands defining first longitudinal passages having a first height dimension and a first width dimension, and a second plane of spaced-apart, substantially parallel strands defining second longitudinal passages having a second height dimension and a second width dimension. The strands of the second plane of the diffusion medium are oriented in a non-parallel manner with respect to the strands of the first plane, such that the first and the second planes define lateral openings having side dimensions. The first and the second longitudinal passages include at least one dimension that is smaller than any of the side dimensions of the lateral openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: JOHN L. PULEK, THOMAS J. HAMLIN, RICHARD SALE, C. THOMAS PAUL