Hand Manipulable Patents (Class 210/238)
  • Patent number: 7658846
    Abstract: A water filter assembly includes an upper cover body, a lower base, and a plurality of filter cores. The upper cover body is formed with a connector extending downwards. The connector is to be connected to a filter core set, which includes the filter cores connected together and has output and input hoses. The lower base has a chamber for accommodating the filter core set and has a cover portion connected to the upper cover body. Positioning members are formed on the output and input hoses at suitable positions. Notches are formed on two sides of the cover portion of the lower base so that the positioning members may engage with the notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Chih-Sheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20100025342
    Abstract: Provided is a platelet-rich plasma separator which can carry out the separation of a platelet-rich plasma with a small number of gamma radiation sterilized instruments and a platelet-rich plasma separation method. The platelet-rich plasma separator comprises a first syringe and a second syringe. The first syringe comprises a first syringe cylinder provided with a first port on which a blood collection needle can be mounted, a first cap detachable from the first port, a first gasket for sealing the first syringe cylinder fluid-tightly, which first gasket is reciprocated within the first syringe cylinder, and a first plunger provided detachably on the first gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Nipro Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Morimoto, Norihisa Sasayama, Akio Shirasu
  • Publication number: 20090308802
    Abstract: A filter system having a filter element ejection device is provided. Filter systems according to the present invention may include a filter element that includes an ejection receiver for receiving actuation action from an ejector of a filter housing. The ejector engages the ejection receiver when a user desires to eject the filter element from the filter housing. Typically, the ejector extends through the filter housing and axially ejects the filter element from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: BALDWIN FILTERS, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Beard, Farrell F. Calcaterra
  • Publication number: 20090272683
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the treatment of substance mixtures conveyed under high pressure, with a casing (3) surrounding a high-pressure space (2), with at least one sealing means (12) in order to seal off the high-pressure space (2) with respect to the surroundings, and with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) in order respectively to supply the substance mixture to be treated to the high-pressure space (2) and to discharge it from the high-pressure space (2). The high-pressure space (2) is closed, via at least one cover for mounting and demounting, by a processing module arranged in the high-pressure space (2), the cover having a central fastening means (6) which can be locked, oriented coaxially with respect to the casing (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: BAYER TECHNOLOGY SERVICES GMBH
    Inventors: Reinhold Rose, Olaf Behrend, Martin Poggel, Lars Obendorf
  • Publication number: 20090255880
    Abstract: A single use, disposable filtration assembly that eliminates the need for disassembly and replacement of fouled filtration modules in a pharmaceutical setting. The single use, disposable filtration assembly is a unitary assembly that is simply positioned and connected within the fluid processing system whereupon the disposable filtration assembly, upon reaching the end of its useable life, is removed from the process as a single, integral unit ready for disposal through appropriate methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Scott J. Pritchard, John V. Fullerton, III
  • Publication number: 20090223888
    Abstract: A demountable filtering device is mounted inside a food processor or coffee pot, and comprises a shell and a filter, wherein the filter is detachably mounted in the shell, and the filter has a handle for the user. The filter can be separated from the shell, so the filter can be demounted and be cleaned after use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Weijun ZHONG
  • Publication number: 20090223189
    Abstract: A filter bowl and filter cover assembly is provided wherein the filter bowl is adapted to be easily mounted upon and removed from the filter cover by a plurality of bolt fasteners as a result of the bolt fasteners, connecting the filter bowl to the filter cover, being loosened to a predetermined degree and rotating the filter bowl relative to the filter housing in a clockwise direction so as to permit the head portions of the bolt fasteners to pass through key-hole shaped apertures formed within the filter cover. The filter bowl is able to likewise be easily and quickly re-installed upon the filter cover as a result of a reversal of the aforenoted removal procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Kosmyna, Marvin Burns
  • Patent number: 7575678
    Abstract: A portable water purification device includes a base, a fixed sleeve, a tube, a filtering unit, and a movable sleeve. The base includes a channel for providing filtered liquid. The fixed sleeve is fixed on the base and includes a first peripheral wall and a first axial hole. The tube on where the filtering unit is mounted is secured on the base and held in the first axial hole to define a penetrated hole communicating with the channel. The movable sleeve is mounted on an external surface of the fixed sleeve, and slid between a first position away from the base and a second position adjacent to the base. The movable sleeve includes a second peripheral wall and a second axial hole whereby the first axial hole communicates with the second axial hole to define a containing room when the movable sleeve is located on the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: New Century Membrane Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chang Kuo
  • Patent number: 7572373
    Abstract: A filter system having individual compartments, a removable filter rack in each compartment, and an array of filter elements positioned in candle housing that are moveable into and out of the filter racks. Each compartment has an independent set of dirty oil inlets, clean oil outlets, overflow outlets, and air purge inlets, and is fluidly separated from adjacent compartments by the interior walls of the frame. Each rack may be disengaged from the various pipes and removed from the frame without disengaging the racks in adjoining compartments. As a result, the filter elements may be serviced without having to take the entire system off-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Filtertech Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph El-Hindi
  • Patent number: 7527732
    Abstract: A filter assembly (10) including a housing (11) which is used to receive a filter medium and is closed by a lid or cover (14) in a sealed manner. The cover (14) is fixed by fixing elements (15) to an axial end face of the housing (11), and a seal is arranged between the cover (14) and the housing (11). Fixing contours (24) are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the housing (11) on the front side of the assembly. The fixing element (15) is arranged on the outer front side of the cover (14) so as to be pivotable such that the fixing element (15) can be displaced essentially parallel to the front side of the cover (14). When positioned parallel to the front side of the cover, the fixing element (15) creates a positively locking connection between the cover (14) and the housing (11), and when in the opened and pivoted state, the fixing element (15) forms a grip or handle for handling the cover (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Bauder
  • Publication number: 20090107906
    Abstract: A faucet mounted water filtration system includes a base defining an inlet and a plurality of outlets. The base at least partially defines a filter compartment configured to house a filter cartridge. A first valve assembly is positioned within the base and defines a first passage and a second passage. A valve stem is movably positioned within the first passage. With the valve stem in a first position, the first passage provides fluid communication between the inlet and a first outlet and with the valve stem in a second position the second passage provides fluid communication between the inlet and the filter compartment. A body is rotatably coupled to the base and includes a first cam configured to urge the valve stem from the first position to the second position as the body rotates with respect to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Brandon L. Ennis, James Murray Klump, Norman Jacques Boulard, Jeffery W. Borden, Jason Anthony Nichter, Glenn Leon Graham, Sheng-Nan Lin
  • Publication number: 20090071891
    Abstract: A dispenser system that takes high pressure fluid such as a high pressure water source and reduces the volume flow of the high pressure water as it flows into a dispenser with the dispenser having a low pressure outlet, which offers negligible fluid resistance in comparison to the inlet fluid resistance to the dispenser, thereby ensuring that if a dispenser cap is accidentally removed from the dispenser while the unit is in operation the water will not spray out into and onto the user. The dispensing system includes a removable cartridge carrier with adjustable openings and a dispenser housing that one can maintain a uniform flow pattern under different flow rates to provide for a predicable control of a dispersion rate from a dispersant located in the system and a method of predictably changing the dispersion rate of a dispersant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffery Johnson, Marlin Frank
  • Publication number: 20090045114
    Abstract: A filter cartridge assembly including a carrier and a filter element. The carrier including a water collection cup that collects water from the filter element when the filter cartridge assembly is held in an inverted orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Donald Barry Huehn, Joseph Roark, Jeffrey Warden
  • Patent number: 7491327
    Abstract: A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Jenkins, Jr., David J. Olberding, Michael J. Eveland, Todd E. Kniffen, John Frank Zinni, Timothy Mark Nugent, Ravi Kumar Sawhney
  • Patent number: 7490375
    Abstract: A garbage disposer replacement unit for straining food waste comprises a drainage means fitted to one or more sink for transporting food wastes to a sewer system and a main interceptor connected in series with the drainage means. The main interceptor is fluidly connected in series to the sink drain outlet through an adapter funnel and includes a convex reservoir and a number of legs for supporting the main interceptor above a floor. Two opposite side outlets are positioned at the lowermost level of the convex reservoir. A tray is slidingly suspended within the main interceptor above the reservoir, wherein the tray has fine bottom perforations for retaining small particles of food waste. A draining basket is removably positioned under the side outlets for catching escaped wastes bypassing the main interceptor. The interceptor has a top opening over which the adaptor funnel is placed concentrically to redefine the top opening to fit with the existing sink drainage means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Ricky Wangchi Luk
  • Patent number: 7488417
    Abstract: An aquarium filter assembly includes a filter assembly body, a water supply section and a filtered water section, the aquarium filter assembly being adapted for liquid connection with an aquarium, a removable filter cartridge caddy within the filter assembly body, a base with an outer peripheral wall extending upwardly from the base and an inner peripheral wall extending upwardly from the base surrounding an opening in the base, a support for a filter cartridge, a lift handle, a removable cover connectable to an upper portion of the support; a multi-paneled filter cartridge of filter material with a space between the panels removably supportable on the support; and a water supply assembly to supply water from the aquarium to the filtered water section, such that water flows from the water supply section through the filter cartridge supported by the caddy, into the filtered water section of the filter assembly body and then into the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Mars Fishcare North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacques Jean Chauquet, Yves André René Grosse, Gary Lee Jones, Joel Martin Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20090014375
    Abstract: A filter element including a filter media, a first end cap, and a second end cap is provided. The filter media has first and second filter ends. The first end cap is attached to the first filter end and the second end cap is attached to the second filter end. The second end cap is formed from a molded material and includes a handle structure unitarily molded therein. The handle structure includes a flange with a void formed at least partially transversely therethrough. The void is molded without a mold split such that no mold split parting line is formed on the second end cap. In one embodiment, the void is formed in the flange of the handle structure using a grommet molded therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: BALDWIN FILTERS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Savage, Steven J. Merritt
  • Patent number: 7469932
    Abstract: A stationary receptor for a separation module is positioned between a pump housing and the separation module. The stationary receptor has a pivot line and two shelves on its outer surface which permit fitting the separation module into the stationary receptor adjacent the pump housing. The separation module has a housing, a filter within the housing and at least one outlet and one inlet, which are positioned to mate with fittings of the pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: J Karl Niermeyer, Marc Laverdiere, Ralph J. Stankowski, Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 7459078
    Abstract: A filter device includes at least one filtering element arrangeable in a filter housing (11) connectable to a hydraulic device (9), in particular a hydraulic tank. The tank is connectable to the filter housing through hydraulic connections (37, 39) by a connection system in such a way that a fluid is enabled to circulate. The filter housing is removably mounted on the hydraulic device (9) by a fixing unit. The fixing unit is embodied in the form of a bayonet fitting (17, 19) which is lockable and detachable by the filter housing (11) rotation. The connection system has at least one movable locking element which locks in the locking position the hydraulic connection (37, 39) associated with it, and releases the connection after displacement in the open position. The locking element is displaceable in a sealing or opening position by rotational motions of the housing (11) for detaching and locking the bayonet fitting (17, 19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Volkmar Klein, Joel Daub
  • Patent number: 7442300
    Abstract: Filter installation for liquids, including a basin with at least one closable suction opening, and a filter, which has a filter element and, from a removal position above the liquid can be lowered in a straight line to an operating position assigned to the suction opening. The suction opening, in an operating position of the filter, communicates with an inner space of the filter and, is connected essentially only through the filter element with liquid outside of the filter. There is a sealing device, which, during the lowering of the filter, while an external side of the filter is in contact with the liquid in the basin, seals the inner space of the filter from the liquid in the basin, so that the inner space of the filter is connected essentially only through the filter element with the liquid outside of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Schröder Maschinenbau KG
    Inventor: Christoph Umbach
  • Patent number: 7438803
    Abstract: A garnet settling/filtration system for use with a plurality of machine tools such as a water jet cutting machine is described. The garnet settling/filtration system comprises a settling tank, which utilizes a removable, disposable settling weir, which is received therein. The settling weir drops into the settling tank and provides an over-under flow system through which the garnet slurry must travel. As the flow of the slurry travels over and under the incorporated series of baffles, the garnet particulate settles out on the bottom of the liner. Once the liner has reached its maximum holding capacity, a series of incorporated, reinforced removal loops located near the top of the liner allow for the easy and quick removal of the liner and the settled-out particulate from the settling tank. The liner can then be discarded and a new one replaced in a matter of minutes, thereby reducing downtime of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Ebbco, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane C. Allen
  • Patent number: 7435344
    Abstract: A device for separating impurities from liquids has at least one separating container for separating impurities from a liquid/impurities mixture flowing in a flow direction through the at least one separating container. A partition divides the interior of the at least one separating container. At least two separating elements are arranged sequentially in the flow direction within the separating container, wherein the at least two separating elements have different diameters parallel to the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: B + V Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Knud Drohula, Carsten Behnke, Frank Fischer
  • Publication number: 20080245720
    Abstract: A filter housing and filter cartridge engagement structure comprising a housing having at least one ramp adapted to engage lugs of the at least one filter cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Howard D. Hutchinson, Mahesh Z. Patel
  • Publication number: 20080237153
    Abstract: A particulate collector configured to engage a container proximate to the container perimeter and which can disengage from the perimeter of the container to collect particulate accumulated in an amount liquid in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Larry P. Nicastle
  • Publication number: 20080216522
    Abstract: In a foreign materials filtering apparatus and a washing machine having the same, owing to a detachable mounting structure between a handle and a front filter and between a rear filter and the front filter, foreign materials collected in a foreign materials filtering space can be easily cleaned. Accordingly, can be solved the conventional problem that a net filter has to be kept inside out at the time of a cleaning process, resulting in causing a user's hands to become dirty. Also, can be solved the conventional problem that there is a difficulty in removing foreign materials from the net filter due to a fibrous characteristic of the net filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Sang-Hee YOO, Jong-Deuk Bae, Bo-Young Chang, Young-Bae Park, Ji-Maeng Kim, Soo-Jin Jung, Ae-Na Jo
  • Publication number: 20080203005
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing purified drinking water. The apparatus comprises a container top including an ultrafiltration insert. The container top attaches to the opening of a liquid holding container, such that liquid from the container passes through a filter. The device includes a mechanism for back flushing or cleaning the filter. The resulting water is substantially pure, being free of bacteria, to make it safe for drinking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: 350 Cambridge Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Francisco, Subhash Mehra, Sumeet Mehra
  • Patent number: 7416665
    Abstract: The pore size controllable filter can separate and remove effectively the suspended solid and eliminate rapidly it captured by the device. The filtering materials (21) are built on the upper filtering material holder (23) and the lower filtering material holder (24) of radial type facing each other at a certain distance in the filtering tub (2), forming a filtering layer (21a). According to the direction and the degree of rotation of the upper handle (28) connected to the upper rotation axis, the filtering materials (21) come together to the center along the upper filtering material holder (23) and the lower filtering material holder (24). Then one side or both sides are twisted in opposite directions and concentrated around the perforated pipe (22) located at the central axis or restored to the original state. Accordingly, the size of the pore created between the filtering materials (21) can be adjusted, enabling to conduct filtering and washing operations at a proper level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sungshin Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Youngbae Kang
  • Publication number: 20080185330
    Abstract: Filter cartridges and methods of use with manifolds of appliances. The filter cartridges can includes components, such as handles, levers, cams, rotatable nuts, actuators, pins, and springs, to assist in removing the filter cartridge from the manifold. Some embodiments of the filter cartridges can include a neck having a non-uniform diameter over a longitudinal length. Other embodiments of the filter cartridges can include a recess that receives a portion of the manifold and the recess can have at least one seal. One embodiment of the invention provides an adapter for use between a manifold and a filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Michael R. Brewster, Ken Kusel, Michael J. Kurth, Roland Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7404894
    Abstract: A carrying case (1) of a portable water cleaner includes a case main body (2) having an opening portion (2a) and forming a container (2b) that contains water, and a lid member (3) that opens/closes the opening portion (2a), and a filtration device (10) which purifies uncleaned water into drinking water is detachably and replaceably housed in the lid member. Further, a pump unit (25) which suctions the uncleaned water contained in the container (2b) and supplies the uncleaned water to the filtration device (10) is provided in the case main body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Toyoda Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7402244
    Abstract: A portable water filtering assembly includes a soft bag which is composed of a first part and a second part. At least one holding member is connected to an inside of at least one of the first and second parts so as to hold a water filtering device. The water filtering device is connected with an inlet tube and an outlet tube. Two pouches are respectively connected with the first and second parts so as to receive the inlet tube and the outlet tube. Each of the first and second parts has an opening in a side thereof and the opening communicates with the pouch corresponding thereto. A door pivotably closes the opening and the inlet and outlet tubes can extend from the openings when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Sheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20080156715
    Abstract: The present invention to provides an improved tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools, comprising a modular combination of frame means forming a mouth portion and net means covering the mouth portion, with a net retaining means for retaining the net in operative relationship with the frame means, and a modular handle/net assembly which engages the proximal “Y” portion of the frame and a multi-buttoned pole retaining clip. In the preferred embodiment, the handle/net has a modular design where a top stem assembly engages a bottom stem assembly which, when in this joined configuration, encloses a double-buttoned retaining clip and a portion of the frame support bar which extends from the frame means. The portion enclosed with the top and bottom assemblies is substantial “Y” configuration and designed to become engaged within the upper track of the top stem assembly and the lower track of the bottom stem assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jess Hetzner
  • Patent number: 7392909
    Abstract: An increased efficiency, more durable pool leafing tool, and method, for gathering leaves and other pool debris from a pool bottom wall has a handle, a handle-controlled basket of a water-pervious and leaf and debris-impervious plastic mesh pocket having a closed end and an open end and a leaf and debris receiving volume therebetween formed by longitudinally extended sidewalls. The sidewalls provide an open end edge margin that is attached to a supporting frame. A pocket stay structure has one or more spring elements bent on themselves about the pocket closed end. The stay structure extends attached to the sidewalls for substantially the sidewall longitudinal extent length for biasing the mesh pocket volume against collapse onto itself in its empty or leaf and debris-filled condition to facilitate both gathering and disposal of leaves and debris from swimming pools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: James R. Conrad
  • Patent number: 7390402
    Abstract: A skimmer-diverter assembly that cooperates with a conventional water circulating and filtration system of a swimming pool, the skimmer-diverter assembly comprising a diverter releasably attached to a mounting bracket that is removably attached to a skimmer inlet opening of the swimming pool filtration system. The diverter including upper and lower diverter housings each diverter housing having an upwardly extending pin. The mounting bracket including upper and lower bracket housings each of the housings having a bore sized to receive the pin of the diverter housings. The diverter further including a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory E. Rhoades, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20080142425
    Abstract: A filter cartridge having a filter end cap with a set of circumferentially spaced multifaceted dogs that can laterally support a filter on a filter mount as well as latch the filter securely lock the filter end cap to the filter mount while preventing the problem of mounting incorrect filter cartridges as well as a method of mounting
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Hansen
  • Patent number: 7387726
    Abstract: An oil filter for an internal combustion engine with a cup-shaped housing that is releasably connectable to a receiving head. The housing has a first interlocking element that extends across at least a portion of the outer circumference of the housing and is interrupted by at least one axially extending recess. The filter element has a liquid-tight canister provided on its outer surface with second interlocking elements, which fit into the recesses of corresponding first interlocking elements when the filter element is installed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Wolf, Joachim Stinzendoerfer, Karlheinz Muenkel, Ralf Bauder, Norbert Maurer
  • Patent number: 7384548
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from a surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location; in further embodiments, the system further comprises an air filtering means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventors: Richard J. Terrien, David T. Walker
  • Publication number: 20080011656
    Abstract: A shower filter apparatus to neutralize chlorine and chloramines from water using water soluble vitamin c in the forms of ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate, vitamin e in the form of tocopheryl acetate to prevent the oxidation of vitamin c, a cylindrical threaded replaceable sealed cartridge system with carefully sized media feed apertures to control delivery of said vitamin solution, a gasketed flow control device that creates a positive water tight seal over the media feed apertures when the device is not in use, a transparent observation window within the media cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Jarvis Marcellus Lacy, Hongqi Zhang, Grace Deguia Lacy
  • Patent number: 7303605
    Abstract: A fluid filter is provided with a snap-together housing for the filter media. The housing is designed with two main parts that are easily snapped together to encapsulate the filter media. The filter housing is substantially cylindrical, and contains an inlet on one end of the filter and an outlet on the opposing end. The filter can be designed so as to be opened for the replacement of the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventors: Majid Zia, Anthony J. Angelo, Craig M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7303673
    Abstract: A high-pressure spin-on filter assembly is provided that utilizes a two-piece cover assembly to hold or sandwich the housing in place once the housing is folded over the inner cover member. This design allows for the outer cover member to be interchanged to fit multiple applications while making little or no change to the other components. Suitable gaskets are provided between the housing and two-piece cover assembly and the filter and cover assembly. The outer cover member may be changed to accommodate thread changes or gasket location changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Wix Filtration Corp LLC
    Inventor: James Michael Glazewski
  • Patent number: 7261815
    Abstract: A water dispenser in a refrigerator door can include a filter casing in the door opening into the bottom of the dispenser housing. The filter casing can include a top wall positioned in the bottom of the dispenser housing, a head assembly at the bottom of the filter casing connected to the water supply and to a water outlet in the dispenser, and can include a filter casing drain. A filter cartridge in the filter casing can connect to the head assembly. The filter casing can include a filter retainer mounted adjacent the opening into the filter casing and can hold the filter cartridge connected to the head assembly in a first position and can release the filter cartridge in a second position. The filter casing can include a drain line leading from the filter casing drain to a pan outside the refrigerated space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nihat O. Cur, Timothy T. Murphy, Michael A. Kahwaji, Paul B. Allard, Guolian Wu, Claiton E. Amaral, Marcos Heinzle
  • Patent number: 7237682
    Abstract: A filter assembly comprising a housing with a threaded open end, a filter element, and a cover assembly. The filter element includes a media ring and a pair of end caps, one of which includes outwardly-projecting fingers. The cover assembly includes a cover member, and a sleeve with recesses in an outer surface. A collar member surrounds the sleeve and is freely rotationally supported by the cover member. The collar member includes i) a threaded portion on an outer surface for screwing the cover member onto the housing, and ii) recesses in an inner surface. The collar member is rotatable relative to the sleeve such that the recesses in the collar member and in the sleeve can be aligned, and the fingers can be inserted therebetween, to rotationally lock the collar member relative to the sleeve and to retain the element with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Anita L. Reynolds, Donald J. Gembolis, Raymond G. Herr, Daniel W. Miller
  • Patent number: 7232523
    Abstract: An improved device for collecting and removing debris from a swimming pool, pond or the like comprising a mesh material formed into a net for collecting and temporarily storing the debris. The net includes a top open portion with a support frame and a bottom closed portion forming a vertex. A pole or extensible rod is attached to the end of the frame for holding and manipulating the device through the water. Also provided is a means connected to the bottom closed portion of the net enclosed within the netting to maintain the vertex portion of the net in an open and receptive position while it is manipulated and moved along and below the water's surface to collect and remove debris. The means, when rotated to a horizontal position, expands the bottom closed portion of the net to facilitate the collection of debris and is also used as a device for grasping the bottom closed portion of the net in the process of emptying the net of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Valterra Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Clay
  • Patent number: 7214310
    Abstract: A portable pool cleaning system for the remote cleaning of a swimming pool including a housing and a base. A motor is connected to the housing and is attached to a high pressure pump wherein the pump includes both intake and ports. The first tubing is connected to the intake port and the opposite end is inserted into the swimming pool for the transportation of water from the swimming pool to the pump. A second tubing is connected to an output port of the high pressure pump with the opposite end of the second tubing placed into the swimming pool and attached to a self-propelled cleaning device. The self-propelled cleaning device uses a high pressure water stream as a scrubbing function. The motor is connected to a timer which is connected to a power source. The timer initiates the activation and deactivation of the motor and the self-propelled cleaning device. A means for attaching the base and portable pool cleaning system to the periphery of the swimming pool is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Charles Stephenson
  • Patent number: 7214314
    Abstract: A portable cleaning device for removing sediment from an enclosure retaining water. The cleaning device includes a pump, a housing, and a receptacle. The pump creates a fluid flow through the cleaning device. The cleaning device draws water from the enclosure into the housing through a tube. The housing includes an inlet passage and an outlet passage defined within the housing. The fluid flow path through the cleaning device is at least partially defined by the inlet passage, the receptacle and the outlet passage. The inlet passage receives the fluid flow from the tube and empties the fluid flow into the receptacle. The outlet passage receives fluid flow out of the receptacle. A filter is connected to the outlet passage and prevents relatively large particles in the water from entering the outlet passage. The fluid flow proceeds from the outlet passage toward the pump through an outlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Lance A. Reyniers
  • Patent number: 7179378
    Abstract: Transducer-protector device for biomedical haemodialysis lines comprising a first and a second element each of which is formed in a single piece of moulded plastic material with a tubular fitting and an annular radial flange. The first element is formed with a semi-crystalline polymer and the related annular radial flange has greatly thinner portions able to allow the see-through viewing of the filtering membrane secured between the flanges of the first and of the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Industrie Borla S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Guala
  • Patent number: 7168573
    Abstract: A filter cartridge which is environmentally friendly in that it is made up of components which are all incinerateable. The ends of a filter element are sealed using potting compound and plastic endcaps. The upper endcap, which is closed, has a pressure relief aperture associated therewith to prevent bowing. In a plugged filter condition the high-downward pressure introduced on the upper endcap is compensated by providing the cartridge with centering ribs which bottom on an associated ledge in the housing to provide a positive stop for the top endcap, preventing it from being driven down into and through the filter element. Rubber gaskets are associated with the respective endcaps, and are reliably secured to the endcaps by being snap fit into grooves molded into the plastic of the endcaps. The lower endcap utilizes a simple radial seal gasket which is both highly effective and also positioned to avoid structural crushing forces on the cartridge. A keying system prevents the installation of improper filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene W. Brown, Steven J. Merritt
  • Patent number: 7163620
    Abstract: Systems and methods to filter water. A filtration device for a floodable compartment having a water inlet and a water outlet can include a removable filter for being positioned at or near the water outlet of the compartment, a strainer having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to at least partially surround the filter near the water outlet, and wherein the second end is configured to contact the compartment at least partially around the filter at a point in the compartment between the water inlet and the water outlet. The filtration device can be implemented as a water filtration system for a pool or spa, where the water inlet can be from the pool or spa, and the water outlet can be to a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Dimension One Spas
    Inventors: James McClure, Angelo Vito Pugliese, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7160473
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from the surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Universal Separators, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Terrien, David T. Walker
  • Patent number: 7147773
    Abstract: A refrigerator with a water treatment system including a head connecting a water supply to a water-using accessory. An end piece is provided for connecting a treatment cartridge to the head. The end piece comprises an inlet fitting having a cam that contacts a follower of a valve located in the head to open the valve when the end piece is mounted to the head and connects the treatment cartridge to the water treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Joseph Mitchell, Todd Lawrence Rose, Judd Dylan Olson, David James Emmons, John Paul Boros, Donald Stephen Bretl
  • Patent number: 7138053
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a filter device of the type that the filter element is exchangeable, said device can be easily and accurately connected and disconnected to the fixed head which leads to a plumbing system, by simple operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuo Sato