Patents by Inventor Joseph C. Tokar

Joseph C. Tokar 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: 8460442
    Abstract: Fluted filter media includes filter material having a plurality of flutes formed therein having alternating ends of adjacent flutes closed to force fluid through filter material. A first embodiment of the filter media includes tapered flutes which have the open ends of the flutes larger in cross-section than the closed flutes, wherein the upstream open flutes converge toward the downstream end and the upstream closed end flutes diverge toward the downstream end. A second embodiment includes filter media which is asymmetric formed with dissimilar upstream and downstream flute cross-sections with larger flute openings to the upstream side of the filter. A third embodiment includes filter media with an upstream edge crushed to improve flow at the upstream edge. A fourth embodiment includes filter media with the upstream sealing material recessed from the upstream edge for reducing effects from blockages at the upstream edge of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Wagner, Gary R. Gillingham, Joseph C. Tokar, Daniel T. Risch, Jim C. Rothman, Fred H. Wahlquist, Bernard A. Matthys, Gregory L. Reichter, Stephen W. Sabelko, Bryan D. Patten
  • Publication number: 20120312167
    Abstract: Fluted filter media includes filter material having a plurality of flutes formed therein having alternating ends of adjacent flutes closed to force fluid through filter material. A first embodiment of the filter media includes tapered flutes which have the open ends of the flutes larger in cross-section than the closed flutes, wherein the upstream open flutes converge toward the downstream end and the upstream closed end flutes diverge toward the downstream end. A second embodiment includes filter media which is asymmetric formed with dissimilar upstream and downstream flute cross-sections with larger flute openings to the upstream side of the filter. A third embodiment includes filter media with an upstream edge crushed to improve flow at the upstream edge. A fourth embodiment includes filter media with the upstream sealing material recessed from the upstream edge for reducing effects from blockages at the upstream edge of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Wagner, Gary R. Gillingham, Joseph C. Tokar, Daniel T. Risch, Jim C. Rothman, Fred H. Wahlquist, Bernard A. Matthys, Gregory L. Reichter, Stephen W. Sabelko, Bryan D. Patten
  • Patent number: 8268053
    Abstract: Fluted filter media includes filter material having a plurality of flutes formed therein having alternating ends of adjacent flutes closed to force fluid through filter material. A first embodiment of the filter media includes tapered flutes which have the open ends of the flutes larger in cross-section than the closed flutes, wherein the upstream open flutes converge toward the downstream end and the upstream closed end flutes diverge toward the downstream end. A second embodiment includes filter media which is asymmetric formed with dissimilar upstream and downstream flute cross-sections with larger flute openings to the upstream side of the filter. A third embodiment includes filter media with an upstream edge crushed to improve flow at the upstream edge. A fourth embodiment includes filter media with the upstream sealing material recessed from the upstream edge for reducing effects from blockages at the upstream edge of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Wagner, Gary R. Gillingham, Joseph C. Tokar, Daniel T. Risch, Jim C. Rothman, Fred H. Wahlquist, Bernard A. Matthys, Gregory L. Reichter, Stephen W. Sabelko, Bryan D. Patten
  • Publication number: 20080216654
    Abstract: Fluted filter media includes filter material having a plurality of flutes formed therein having alternating ends of adjacent flutes closed to force fluid through filter material. A first embodiment of the filter media includes tapered flutes which have the open ends of the flutes larger in cross-section than the closed flutes, wherein the upstream open flutes converge toward the downstream end and the upstream closed end flutes diverge toward the downstream end. A second embodiment includes filter media which is asymmetric formed with dissimilar upstream and downstream flute cross-sections with larger flute openings to the upstream side of the filter. A third embodiment includes filter media with an upstream edge crushed to improve flow at the upstream edge. A fourth embodiment includes filter media with the upstream sealing material recessed from the upstream edge for reducing effects from blockages at the upstream edge of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Wagner, Gary R. Gillingham, Joseph C. Tokar, Daniel T. Risch, Jim C. Rothman, Fred H. Wahlquist, Bernard A. Matthys, Gregory L. Reichter, Stephen W. Sabelko, Bryan D. Patten
  • Patent number: 7329326
    Abstract: Fluted filter media includes filter material having a plurality of flutes formed therein having alternating ends of adjacent flutes closed to force fluid through filter material. A first embodiment of the filter media includes tapered flutes which have the open ends of the flutes larger in cross-section than the closed flutes, wherein the upstream open flutes converge toward the downstream end and the upstream closed end flutes diverge toward the downstream end. A second embodiment includes filter media which is asymmetric formed with dissimilar upstream and downstream flute cross-sections with larger flute openings to the upstream side of the filter. A third embodiment includes filter media with an upstream edge crushed to improve flow at the upstream edge. A fourth embodiment includes filter media with the upstream sealing material recessed from the upstream edge for reducing effects from blockages at the upstream edge of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Wagner, Gary R. Gillingham, Joseph C. Tokar, Daniel T. Risch, Jim C. Rothman, Fred H. Wahlquist, Bernard A. Matthys, Gregory L. Reichter, Stephen W. Sabelko, Bryan D. Patten
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030121845
    Abstract: Fluted filter media includes filter material having a plurality of flutes formed therein having alternating ends of adjacent flutes closed to force fluid through filter material. A first embodiment of the filter media includes tapered flutes which have the open ends of the flutes larger in cross-section than the closed flutes, wherein the upstream open flutes converge toward the downstream end and the upstream closed end flutes diverge toward the downstream end. A second embodiment includes filter media which is asymmetric formed with dissimilar upstream and downstream flute cross-sections with larger flute openings to the upstream side of the filter. A third embodiment includes filter media with an upstream edge crushed to improve flow at the upstream edge. A fourth embodiment includes filter media with the upstream sealing material recessed from the upstream edge for reducing effects from blockages at the upstream edge of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Wagner, Gary R. Gillingham, Joseph C. Tokar, Daniel T. Risch, Jim C. Rothman, Fred H. Wahlquist, Bernard A. Matthys, Gregory L. Reichter, Stephen W. Sabelko, Bryan D. Patten
  • 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: 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: 6235195
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter element configured for straight through flow and a handle member secured to the filter element. The filter element may typically have a plurality of flutes where selected ones of the flutes are open at upstream portions and closed at downstream portions, and where selected ones of the flutes are closed at the upstream portions and open at the downstream portions. In one embodiment, the handle member is secured to the central core member. In some embodiments, the handle member and the central core member are a single molded construction. The handle member can include a single aperture, such as an elongated slot, or a plurality of apertures. A method for servicing a system having a straight through flow filter element includes grasping a handle secured to the filter element, and pulling the handle to remove the filter element from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Tokar
  • Patent number: 6213146
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing and a float. The housing is constructed and arranged to inhibit movement of the float between a resting position to a position where it is situated in its valve seat, unless a selected liquid volume within the valve housing is attained. In one embodiment, a series of projection members or rings creates a tortuous path, such that there is no clear path for the float to reach the valve seat. In another embodiment, vacuum pressure is created between the float and its cup support. Still other embodiments utilize magnets, springs, linkages, and bent wires. Methods for preventing liquid ingestion into an engine through an air intake are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Risch, Gary R. Gillingham, Fred H. Wahlquist, Wayne M. Wagner, Joseph C. Tokar, Bernard A. Matthys, Pete A. Betts
  • Patent number: 6209559
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing and a float. The housing is constructed and arranged to inhibit movement of the float between a resting position to a position where it is situated in its valve seat, unless a selected liquid volume within the valve housing is attained. In one embodiment, a series of projection members or rings creates a tortuous path, such that there is no clear path for the float to reach the valve seat. In another embodiment, vacuum pressure is created between the float and its cup support. Still other embodiments utilize magnets, springs, linkages, and bent wires. Methods for preventing liquid ingestion into an engine through an air intake are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Risch, Gary R. Gillingham, Fred H. Wahlquist, Wayne M. Wagner, Joseph C. Tokar, Bernard A. Matthys, Pete A. Betts
  • Patent number: 6210469
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a housing having first and second stage regions of filtering. The air flows through an inlet and into a first chamber having a cross-sectional area larger than the inlet. The air expands and particles drop to the bottom of the chamber. The air then passes through the first stage filter media. Additional particles are trapped by the filter media and dropped to the bottom of the first chamber. The air then flows into a second chamber and then through a second stage filter arrangement. Additional particles are removed in the second stage filter arrangement. The air is then exhausted. One preferred application is in a shop-vacuum. Methods of cleaning air and changing out the filters are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Tokar
  • Patent number: D425189
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Gillingham, Bernard A. Matthys, Joseph C. Tokar, Daniel T. Risch
  • Patent number: D428128
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Gillingham, Wayne M. Wagner, Joseph C. Tokar, Daniel T. Risch, Jim C. Rothman, Steven A. Carter