Purification Means Patents (Class 184/6.24)
  • Patent number: 6951606
    Abstract: An auxiliary oil filtration system and method for filtering oil in an engine is provided. The auxiliary oil filtration system consists of an auxiliary filtration device, an integral oil transfer pump controlled by an electric motor and that is in electrical communication with an electrical control unit, an electronic pressure sensor, fluid conductors, and means for connecting hardware. The auxiliary filtration device is separate from the primary engine lubrication system, and includes a media supply reel having a roll of filtering media thereon which is moveable to a take-up reel. A media indexing system advances the media supply reel as the filtering media becomes plugged. An electronic pressure sensor dictates the advancement of the filtering media when a pre-determined differential pressure across the filtering media is attained. When all of the filtering media has been transferred from the supply reel to the take-up reel, the cartridge is replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: EMP Advanced Development LLC
    Inventors: Jason M. Cousineau, David J. Allen
  • Patent number: 6932856
    Abstract: An air or oil dryer module is provided to remove or reduce moisture from a lubricant using a pressurized air supply to inject dry air into a lubricant sump. As the “dry air” or air with a minimized moisture content, gathers moisture from the lubricant a relative humidity sensor detects an increase in air moisture. At a pre-determined relative humidity level, a fresh supply of air is added into the lubricant sump, purging the higher relative humidity level air from the sump. A method of reducing moisture content of a lubricant contained in an enclosed space is also disclosed and is performed by agitating the lubricant, providing a humidity sensor in fluid communication with the enclosed space, measuring the humidity of the enclosed space and comparing the humidity measurement with a pre-selected humidity level, introducing dry air into the enclosed space if the humidity level equals or exceeds the pre-selected humidity level, until the saturated humidity level is less than the pre-selected humidity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Trico Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Brad Rake
  • Patent number: 6920960
    Abstract: An inline oiler cartridge assembly for a pneumatically powered instrument includes a housing, a first conduit and a second conduit. The housing includes a lower portion removably attached to an upper portion. The lower portion defines an inner cavity and an outer cavity. A source of oil is disposed in the inner cavity. A dry fiber cellulose material is disposed in the outer cavity. The first conduit has a first end for attachment to a source of pressurized air and a second end for attachment to a pneumatically powered instrument. The first conduit passes through a portion of the upper portion of the housing and defines a channel for transmission of the source of pressurized air. The channel is in fluid communication with the inner cavity such that the source of pressurized air draws oil into an air stream for delivery to the pneumatically powered instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Highley
  • Patent number: 6919023
    Abstract: An acid neutralizing filter construction is provided that may be used as a bypass type filter. The filter includes a canister having an open end. An end plate is secured to the canister at the open end and includes an inlet port and an outlet port to provide for fluid communication with a mounting adaptor of an oil circuit. A reactor housing is arranged inside the canister and comprises a bowl and a lid. The reactor housing defines an entrance port and an exit port. An acid neutralizing bed of acid neutralizing particles is deposited in the reactor housing. The acid neutralizing particles comprises primarily of calcium carbonate compound or other suitable medium which may be provided by crushed limestone. A particulate filter is also arranged in the reactor housing between the acid neutralizing bed and the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Merritt, Gene W. Brown, Allan Roush, John H. Beard
  • Patent number: 6913438
    Abstract: A circulating lubrication system for a centrifugal pump, or other rotating equipment utilizing an oil sump, is disclosed. The lubrication system includes an external reservoir located distant from the main lubrication chamber, so that lubricating fluid from the main misting chamber is forced out of the main chamber, cooled and cleaned (i.e. filtered) in the external reservoir, and thereafter fed back into the main lubricating chamber. In such a manner, the lubrication system maintains substantially clean, cool, and moisture free lubricating fluid in the main misting chamber and reduces the required downtime of the device. Thus, the life span of the device is lengthened while at the same time production is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Environamics
    Inventor: Robert E. Rockwood
  • Patent number: 6849179
    Abstract: An internal filter that may be installed or removed from the outside of the housing. The internal filter may also cooperate with an inlet passage for a charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael Taylor, Jeffrey A. Wilson, Neil Brandenburg
  • Patent number: 6736965
    Abstract: An auxiliary oil filtration system and method for filtering oil in an engine is provided. The auxiliary oil filtration system consists of an auxiliary filtration device, an integral oil transfer pump controlled by an electric motor and that is in electrical communication with an electrical control unit, an electronic pressure sensor, fluid conductors, and means for connecting hardware. The auxiliary filtration device is separate from the primary engine lubrication system, and includes a media supply reel having a roll of filtering media thereon which is moveable to a take-up reel. A media indexing system advances the media supply reel as the filtering media becomes plugged. An electronic pressure sensor dictates the advancement of the filtering media when a pre-determined differential pressure across the filtering media is attained. When all of the filtering media has been transferred from the supply reel to the take-up reel, the cartridge is replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Engineered Machined Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Cousineau, David J. Allen
  • Patent number: 6715459
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering oil. The apparatus being an oil pan having an integrated oil filter unit, wherein part of the oil pan forms the bottom of the oil filter unit. The oil filter unit is fastened on the oil pan at least by means of a sealing component and one or more punch rivets. A method of fastening an oil filter unit on an oil pan, the method including introducing a seal and an adhesive between the oil filter means and the oil pan and joining the oil pan and the filter means, including the layer there between, by means of punch rivets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: IBS Filtran Kunststoff/Mettallerzeugnisse GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Rosendahl, Markus Beer
  • Publication number: 20040040789
    Abstract: A volumetric lubricant dispensing apparatus for delivering a precise volume of lubricant, such as oil, to a rotating machine element. The delivery mechanism includes a piston and cylinder assembly. A plurality of sensors are utilized to record operating conditions of the machine, element, environment, and lubricant. The apparatus is controlled either manually or with the aid of a controller unit such as a microprocessor. The output from each sensor is inputted into the microprocessor wherein an algorithm computes an responsive output. The responsive output is sent to the piston and cylinder assembly, which maintains an optimum lubricant condition within the reservoir wherein a rotating machine element located. Alternatively, for the purpose of qualitative control, the present invention may be described as a system intended for controlling lubricants, both mineral (natural) and synthetic based by measuring the condition characteristics of the lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Trico Mfg. Corporation
    Inventors: Brad Rake, Keith Cravillion, Mark Moertl
  • Patent number: 6691511
    Abstract: In a hydrostatic transmission or integrated hydrostatic transaxle having a housing forming an oil sump and a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor mounted in the sump and connected through hydraulic porting, a filter housing or other structure defining an internal volume is mounted adjacent to the check valves for the hydraulic porting. Oil passing into this internal volume is filtered to prevent the introduction of contaminants into the hydraulic porting. A chimney is formed as part of the filter housing and extends upwards therefrom, and is open to the internal volume. The chimney also includes an opening to permit air to escape to the oil sump, to reduce the risk of air being introduced into the hydraulic porting through the check valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Eric S. Phanco, Raymond M. Hauser, Lonnie E. Holder
  • Publication number: 20040025825
    Abstract: An oil filter is provided which comprises a housing main body, a cover attached to the housing main body on the lower side thereof, an inner tubular member axially movably disposed in a recessed portion of the housing main body, a seal member interposed between the inner tubular member and the cover so as to provide a seal therebetween, a biasing unit for urging the inner tubular member in the direction to protrude from the recessed portion, and a filter element disposed in an oil flowing space between the housing main body and the cover, wherein when the cover is in a sate of being attached to the housing main body, the inner tubular member is pushed down into the recessed portion of the cover against a bias of the biasing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: HITACHI UNISIA AUTOMOTIVE, LTD.
    Inventor: Shoji Morita
  • Patent number: 6688433
    Abstract: A transmission mounted in a housing and including a hydrostatic pump and motor mounted on a center section, and a filter connected thereto to prevent contaminants from entering the hydrostatic system. A filter member is mounted to the center section and houses the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, John Schreier
  • Publication number: 20040000451
    Abstract: A wheel hub magnetic filter fits within a wheel hub mounted for rotation on an end of the axle. The lubricating oil filter is positioned in a lubricating oil path upstream from the wheel hub bearings and is mounted with the wheel hub for rotation. The lubricating oil filter comprising a circular ring section which fits into an annular plenum in the wheel hub and includes flow directing barriers positioned radially inwardly from an outer edge of the circular ring section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Michael B. Merkler, Vincent O. Valenzuela, Daniel A. Grohnke, Richard L. Overman
  • Patent number: 6652439
    Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base plate and a rotor shell. The base plate has a center tube extending therefrom along a longitudinal axis. The center tube is constructed and arranged to deliver fluid containing particulate matter. A rotor shell has an inner cavity and a plurality of spiral vanes extending along the longitudinal axis within the inner cavity. The spiral vanes extend spirally around the center tube and the spiral vanes are integrally formed with the rotor shell. In one form, spiral vanes are also formed on the base plate and are nested in between the spiral vanes of the rotor shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Kevin South, Hendrik N. Amirkhanian, Richard Jensen
  • Patent number: 6637551
    Abstract: A hydraulic transmission fluid supply system for operating a transmission of a vehicle includes a hydraulic pump having an inlet and an outlet communicating with an inlet of the transmission. A filter assembly includes a filter housing having an inlet communicating with a source of hydraulic fluid and a fluid outlet communicating with the inlet of the pump. A check valve is associated with the filter housing inlet to permit only one-way flow of fluid through the system such that in the event the transmission develops an air leak, the fluid is nonetheless maintained in the system and not permitted to back flow through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy William Heath, Thomas C. Rytlewski, Douglas D. Mc Clain, George E. Arlt
  • Patent number: 6634459
    Abstract: An accessory drive system to provide engagement between a driving input source and a driven accessory unit includes a housing attachable to the input source. A fluid suction port and a discharge port are defined by the housing and the suction port is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir of the input source. The fluid discharge port is in fluid communication with the suction port and a gear assembly is rotatably supported by the housing. The accessory unit is operably engaged by the input source through the gear assembly and the gear assembly is structured and arranged within the housing to urge fluid away from the housing in response to movement of the gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Thaddeus T. Litkenhus, Cornelius N. Opris, Craig R. Rust, William L. Short
  • Patent number: 6607372
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to remove foreign matter such as worn powder in a refrigerating cycle and enhance the reliability in a refrigerating cycle using, in particular, HFC refrigerant. In the invention, accordingly, a coil shaped connection piping is provided in at least front portion or rear portion of a throttling unit, a fine pipe is connected to a lower portion of the connection piping, and a collector for collecting foreign matter in the refrigerating cycle is coupled to this fine pipe. Foreign matter in the refrigerant is separated from the refrigerant by centrifugal force, and is collected in the collector. Moreover, the foreign matter collecting effect is enhanced by disposing a magnetic piece in the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotsugu Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 6602180
    Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base having a pair of tangential jet nozzles for generating the self-driven force for the centrifuge. Connected to the base is a centrifuge shell which defines a hollow interior space. A hollow rotor hub having a central axis of rotation is assembled to the base and extends through the hollow interior space. A support plate is positioned within the hollow interior space and, in cooperation with the rotor hub, defines an annular flow exit opening for the circulating liquid. Positioned within the hollow interior space is a separation vane module which is constructed and arranged so as to extend around the rotor hub and positioned so as to be supported by the support plate. The separation vane module includes a plurality of axially-extending and spaced-apart separation vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Richard Jensen
  • Patent number: 6602059
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical submersible pump assembly having a submersible pump, a submersible electrical motor drivingly connected to the pump, and a seal assembly disposed between the submersible pump and the motor. The seal assembly is generally of tubular construction and provides fluid communication between the seal assembly cavity and the motor, such fluid communication being in a circuitous path effecting gravity segregation of contaminants including particulate solids in wellbore fluids. The seal assembly thereby controls and minimizes migration of the contaminants into the body of the seal section and on into the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Wood Group Esp, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Howell, Greg Wilson
  • Patent number: 6579218
    Abstract: A centrifuge filter for removing soot from engine oil. The centrifuge filter includes a rotor adapted to be rotated inside a centrifuge housing by an electric motor or other means. The rotor preferably includes a reusable aluminum support casing and a disposable plastic cartridge. The plastic cartridge includes a trap with partition walls to prevent wave formation in the rotating liquid contained in the trap. The cartridge includes an annular inlet through its top end, a winding flow path through the cartridge and an outlet at the bottom enc. The centrifuge housing includes an isolated sealed rotor chamber. Using the venturi effect, air is evacuated from the rotor chamber to provide a partial vacuum to reduce air drag on the rotor. Resilient rubber vibration isolators are used to reduce vibrations and engine induced shock loads from reaching the rotating element. A side oil inlet is provided in the cartridge to receive unfiltered oil at a location offset from the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Analytical Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. May, Louis A. Krempel, Steven J. Merritt
  • Patent number: 6551230
    Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a stand pipe that is constructed and arranged to deliver fluid. A vane assembly is adapted to receive fluid from the stand pipe. The vane assembly includes a liner and a plurality of vanes. The liner defines an inner cavity and the vanes extends within this inner cavity. Each of the vanes has a radially outer edge portion and integrally formed with the liner and an opposite free edge. The vanes are oriented in a parallel relationship with the stand pipe, and the free edges of the vanes define a stand pipe passage in which the stand pipe is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Jean-Luc Guichaoua, Richard Jensen
  • Patent number: 6547037
    Abstract: A system and method for lubricating fluid flow apparatus utilizing a hydrate-reducing chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventor: Mark Joseph Kuzdzal
  • Patent number: 6540653
    Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base having a pair of tangential jet nozzles for generating the self-driven force. Connected to the base is a centrifuge shell which defines a hollow interior space. A disposable liner is positioned within the centrifuge shell. A hollow rotor hub is assembled to the base and extends through the hollow interior space. A support plate is positioned within the hollow interior space and, in cooperation with the rotor hub, defines an annular flow exit. Positioned within the hollow interior space is a unitary separation vane module which is constructed and arranged so as to extend around the rotor hub. The separation vane module includes a plurality of axially-extending and spaced-apart separation vanes. In one embodiment the vane module and a liner shell are formed as a unitary component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Richard Jensen
  • Patent number: 6537453
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filter apparatus for use in removing impurities and acids contained in a fluid that includes a particulate filter and an acid-neutralizing filter. The particulate filter and the acid-neutralizing filter may be positioned within separate housings or they may be positioned within a common housing. The acid-neutralizing filter contains an acid-neutralizing compound such as crushed limestone, calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Beard, Allan Roush
  • Patent number: 6527085
    Abstract: A compressor assembly including a housing, a compression mechanism disposed in the housing, a sump located in the housing, the sump containing liquid lubricant, a conduit extending between the compression mechanism and the sump, the compression mechanism and the sump being in fluid communication through the conduit, lubricant in the sump being provided to the compression mechanism through the conduit, and a reservoir containing liquid lubricant located between the compression mechanism and the sump. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the conduit, and the compression mechanism and the reservoir are in fluid communication through the conduit. Lubricant in the reservoir is provided to the compression mechanism through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Andrew W. Paczuski
  • Patent number: 6523561
    Abstract: An oil reservoir for a vehicle transmission includes a separately formed oil pan and suction tube each formed of plastics material. A filter cartridge is disposed about a lower end portion of the suction tube to filter oil entering an oil inlet of the suction tube at the lower end. The suction tube and floor of the oil pan have snap-together connecting structure. To assemble the suction tube with the floor of the oil pan, the tube is simply pressed toward the pan causing the connecting structure to engage with a snap-fit connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Kapcoe, Robert M. Waters, Todd M. Willis
  • Patent number: 6520902
    Abstract: A centrifuge filter for removing soot from engine oil. The centrifuge filter includes a rotor adapted to be rotated inside a centrifuge housing by an electric motor or other means. The rotor preferably includes a reusable aluminum support casing and a disposable plastic cartridge. The plastic cartridge includes a trap with partition walls to prevent wave formation in the rotating liquid contained in the trap. The cartridge includes an annular inlet through its top end, a winding flow path through the cartridge and an outlet at the bottom enc. The centrifuge housing includes an isolated sealed rotor chamber. Using the venturi effect, air is evacuated from the rotor chamber to provide a partial vacuum to reduce air drag on the rotor. Resilient rubber vibration isolators are used to reduce vibrations and engine induced shock loads from reaching the rotating element. A side oil inlet is provided in the cartridge to receive unfiltered oil at a location offset from the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene W. Brown, Steven J. Merritt
  • Patent number: 6517475
    Abstract: A centrifuge filter for removing soot from engine oil. The centrifuge filter includes a rotor adapted to be rotated inside a centrifuge housing by an electric motor or other means. The rotor preferably includes a reusable aluminum support casing and a disposable plastic cartridge. The plastic cartridge includes a trap with partition walls to prevent wave formation in the rotating liquid contained in the trap. The cartridge includes an annular inlet through its top end, a winding flow path through the cartridge and an outlet at the bottom. The centrifuge housing includes an isolated sealed rotor chamber. Using the venturi effect, air is evacuated from the rotor chamber to provide a partial vacuum to reduce air drag on the rotor. Resilient rubber vibration isolators are used to reduce vibrations and engine induced shock loads from reaching the rotating element. A side oil inlet is provided in the cartridge to receive unfiltered oil at a location offset from the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignees: Baldwin Filters, Inc., Analytical Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene W. Brown, Steven J. Merritt, Farrell F. Calcaterra, John H. Beard, David F. May, Louis A. Krempel
  • Publication number: 20020189990
    Abstract: In a magnetic filter apparatus in which permanent magnets are arranged to oppose each other with a container therebetween so as to generate a magnetic line of force in a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving direction of the fluid in the interior of the container, while regulating a filter passage time of the fluid in the range of 0.5 to 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Sachihiro Iida, Kenji Nakagawa, Naoto Ueno, Katsuhiko Kato
  • Patent number: 6488844
    Abstract: An oil reservoir for vehicle transmissions includes an oil pan, cover, and filter cartridge which are manufactured as separate components. The cover 14 is attached to the pan 12 preferably with a snap-fit connection. The filter cartridge 16 is releasably secured in position between the cover 14 and pan 12 so as to enable the module 16 to be installed and removed without having to disconnect the cover 14 from the pan 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Willis, Robert M. Waters, John C. Kapcoe
  • Publication number: 20020127121
    Abstract: To provide a gas compressor that is suitable for reducing cost for the overall compressor without degrading the oil separation performance needed for the compressor and that may keep the oil separation performance constant for a long period of time. An oil separator having a pipe structure composed only of a discharge pipe formed integrally with a side block as a means for separating a lubricant oil component contained in high pressure cooling medium gas is adapted. In this case, the discharge pipe is adapted to form a discharge route for the high pressure cooling medium gas without any bypass immediately before an inner wall of a compressor case from a first discharge chamber. The separation of the lubricant oil component is performed by collision of the high pressure cooling medium gas, immediately after discharged from a cylinder discharge port to the first discharge chamber, against the inner wall of the compressor case through the discharge pipe without reducing a high flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Toshinari Matsuura, Tatsuhiro Tohyama
  • Patent number: 6425689
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement for supporting a movable component, in particular the crankshaft, of an internal combustion engine, having at least one bearing for receiving the component and an oil feed line to each bearing, wherein a filter (5) is arranged in the oil feed line (7) directly upstream of the bearing (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Jenbacher Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gunther Herdin
  • Patent number: 6406635
    Abstract: A coolant supply and recycle system and method for cleaning used machine tool coolant and returning it to the machine tools for reuse. A tank receives used coolant containing metal chips from one or more machine tools. A pump is in communication with the tank, and is operative to extract used coolant from the tank into an inlet portion of the pump. Within the inlet, the pump includes an inducer-chopper operative to prime the pump and to chop the metal chips to effect a reduction in their size prior to discharging the used coolant from the pump. An impeller is recessed in the pump above the inducer-chopper to create a vortex of the used coolant and sized-reduced metal chips and force them from the pump discharge. The pump discharge portion is connected to a filter for removing the metal chips and supplying the clean coolant back to the machine tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Ruthman Pump and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Smith, Charles D. Brann
  • Patent number: 6379537
    Abstract: An oil filter 1 for an internal combustion engine includes a filter body 3 and a plastic filter housing 2. Integrally formed within the filter housing, a safety wall 7 is radially fitted around the feed channel 4 and the return channel 5 creating a collecting space 6 that surrounds both channels. If seal leaks occur when the device is connected to a flange, e.g. of an engine block, the leaked oil will accumulate in the collecting space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Brieden, Markus Layer
  • Patent number: 6341667
    Abstract: An arrangement in a circulation lubrication system includes a lubricating oil tank, pressure pipe lines for supplying oil to parts that are to be lubricated, return pipe lines for returning the oil from the parts that are to be lubricated to the oil tank, and a mechanism for pumping oil into the pressure pipe lines and maintaining a desired state of lubrication. The lubricating oil tank has a rotationally symmetric structure; and a return duct, positioned at the center axis of the rotationally symmetric structure, is configured to extend below the surface of the oil in the lubricating oil tank. A return flow through the return duct passes through a dividing element to a mechanism configured to separate impurities from the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Safematic Oy
    Inventors: Kari Ahlbom, Ari Airaksinen, Kari Antila, Jari Rinkinen, Arto Alfthan
  • Patent number: 6319417
    Abstract: A filter is provided which uses a particle barrier with its “dirty” side flow path connected in series with a centrifuge. The “dirty” side flow path has an inlet and an outlet for delivering fluid with particles suspended therein under pressure against the “dirty” surface of the particle barrier. The barrier has a plurality of fluid passages through it which are sized to collect particles suspended in the fluid on the “dirty” surface of the barrier while passing some of the fluid through the barrier. A centrifuge serially connected to the outlet draws fluid containing suspended particles across the “dirty” surface to wash collected particles from the “dirty” surface of the barrier wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Scott A. Rodibaugh
  • Patent number: 6296765
    Abstract: A centrifuge oil filter includes a centrifuge filter housing and a replaceable centrifuge cartridge. The centrifuge oil filter is adapted to remove soot from oil in engine applications. The centrifuge filter housing can be mounted directly on the frame of a vehicle for support and provides top access for a mechanic to service and replace the cartridge from the top of the filter. The centrifuge housing includes a lid at the top which can be removed to allow top access to the cartridge. The lid carries a bearing support and bearings upon which the upper end of a drive shaft is journalled to facilitate rotation of the cartridge. In the lower end of the housing another bearing assembly is provided with at least one set of bearings upon which the lower end of the drive shaft is journalled and an electrical motor which drives the drive shaft and therefore the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene W. Brown, Steven J. Merritt, Farrell F. Calcaterra
  • Patent number: 6290843
    Abstract: An oil sump with an integral filter includes an upper sump having a major opening therethrough which contains the integral filter and a minor opening through which projects a tube which is connected to the inlet of a suction pump. Beneath the upper sump is a lower sump into which the tube projects and with which the opening with the filter is in communication. Both the upper sump and lower sump are made of a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting material, which includes enforcing fibers. A lower sump is fixed to the upper sump by either a strong permanent adhesive or by welding, using known welding processes such as ultrasonic welding, vibration welding or friction welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventors: Brian Thomas Lee, Edward Allen Covington
  • Patent number: 6280613
    Abstract: A limited slip differential for a motor vehicle having a hydraulic medium plenum and pickup tube assembly which draws hydraulic medium from an axle sump by a vacuum generated by a hydraulic pump and transports the hydraulic medium to a hydraulic pump intake sump reservoir, the hydraulic medium plenum pickup tube assembly having a cross-sectional configuration which maintains the desired hydraulic medium flow rate, while being “thin” in at least one direction to filter out particulate contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Morse, Jun Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 6267875
    Abstract: The invention is a spin-on type filter with a reclaimed permanent filter casing and permanent filtering media that are washable and reusable. There are three distinct progressive filtering systems that function simultaneously,but separately within one filter housing, one is the full flow filtering at 10 micron capability while the other is in its bypass fine filtering mode at 1 to 3 micron filtering capability. In addition, a safety full flow filter can be activated to filter the return oil while the main full flow medium is fouled. Each system can be implemented with multiple media. The main body of the filter, which comprises the filter head and the media, can be separated easily for servicing from its casing which is designed to attach to the engine. Fine stainless steel cloths are utilized as filtering media which can last the life of an engine Furthermore, magnets arc utilized to trap suspending metal filings in oil flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Ano Leo
  • Patent number: 6234137
    Abstract: A lubricating apparatus for an internal combustion engine incorporating a trap in fluid communication with a low point of the sump of the engine. The trap may house a plurality of meshes having a plurality of sizes for trapping precipitating solids. The trap may be isolated from the sump by a valve for cleaning of the trap and meshes. An auxiliary oil pump may provide a small flow of oil through the trap during periods of engine shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew R. Spriegel, Michael A. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 6187185
    Abstract: The dirt holding capacity of the filter is increased by providing one or more areas for the particles to settle and remain out of suspension on the filter so that the particles are not carried through a filter media disposed in the filter. The areas may be provided by recessed pockets, chambers or downwardly sloping floors which end in gutters. This arrangement is useful in transmissions and engine lubricating arrangements wherein oil is accumulated in and recirculates from an oil pan. With these arrangements, the filter is in the form of a panel having an opening therethrough, wherein the panel is disposed within an oil pan in spaced relation to the bottom of the oil pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Thomas Lee