With Drip, Overflow Or Content Draining Feature Patents (Class 210/248)
  • Publication number: 20080230493
    Abstract: The invention is a handheld device for puncturing oil filters and thus allowing more retained oil to drain from used filters. An oil filter has several internal chambers filled with oil which do not drain by gravity from the filter unless the sidewall of the filter is punches. The device of the invention punches the sidewall of the filters, and provides a rack for draining the oil filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Keith A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20080223043
    Abstract: A filtering apparatus having a vessel and a filter made from fluororesin and treated before filtering operation by at least one of adding thermal treatment in gas or liquid and penetrating with fluid composed of hot water or steam at a temperature of less than melting point of the fluororesin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Makoto FUJIE, Hideki Nakamura, Kazuya Yamada, Shuji Seki, Manabu Sakurai, Tadashi Fukushima, Kenichiro Ide, Tetsuya Noda, Masaru Komatsubara
  • Publication number: 20080202996
    Abstract: A water dispenser including a water inlet adapted to receive water from a water supply, a water filter operative to filter water received from the water supply via the water inlet, a water outlet operative to provide filtered water received from the water filter, a water spill collector and a pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support having a first operative orientation underlying the water outlet and defining a downwardly inclined water spill drainage pathway communicating with the water spill collector and a second, non-operative, orientation not underlying the water outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: TANA INDUSTRIES (1991) LTD.
    Inventors: Michael Oranski, Avner Sadot, Israel Heifetz, Yoav Dracher
  • Publication number: 20080169233
    Abstract: An oil filter assembly with a housing which comprises a receiving chamber for a filter element can be inserted into the housing and through which oil can flow in a radial direction, and with a housing lid that closes the receiving chamber, wherein a pure oil or unfiltered oil opening that is surrounded by a pipe socket, and a channel chamber extending in the longitudinal direction of the receiving chamber are provided at the bottom of the receiving chamber. A drainage plate is provided in the bottom area of the receiving chamber, which is disposed on the pipe socket such that it can be axially displaced to at least a certain degree and has a closing means, wherein at least one pressure spring is disposed between the drainage plate and the bottom such that in the operating position when the housing is closed and the filter element is inserted, the drainage plate is loaded by the filter element against the spring force and the closing means closes a drainage opening of the channel chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: Joma-Polytec Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Friedhelm Pfitzer, Peter Jungmann, Stefan Heinz, Alexander Maute
  • Patent number: 7390407
    Abstract: A liquid filter, in particular for the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, having a housing with an inlet and an outlet formed from a housing pot having a substantially downwardly open filter element installation opening and a screw-on cover that closes the installation opening, and a filter element arranged in the housing, sealingly separating the inlet from the outlet. The screw-on cover has a drain for residual liquid present in the housing with a round drain opening arranged in the central axis of the housing. A device for opening and closing the drain opening is arranged in the area of the drain and connected to an end disk of the filter element so that it moves relative to the drain opening and opens the drain when the cover is unscrewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Weindorf, Markus Kolczyk, Ralf Blum
  • Patent number: 7371321
    Abstract: A filtration system (10) for removing contaminants from a fluid is provided. The system includes a housing (44) having a convex shaped base (78) and a top (84), with filter media (46) disposed within the housing. The filter media may take the form of a roll having a first end formed by edges of the wound filter media and convex in shape. The system may further include a seal (56) adapted to impede channeling of the fluid in proximity to the core through substantially sealing annuluses formed between adjacent wraps of filter media by engaging the edges of the filter media in proximity to the core without substantially radially displacing the filter media. A fluid passageway may pass through the housing, wherein the passageway (20, 24, 40, and/or 42) is sized sufficiently small in cross-sectional area to substantially impede the flow of fluid through the passageway due to gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Nickolas Bernheart Nesland, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7347981
    Abstract: A method for bulk separation of single-walled tubular fullerenes (100) based on helicity is provided wherein a solution or suspension of the single-walled tubular fullerenes (100) is flowed onto a crystalline or highly oriented substrate (30). The single-walled tubular fullerenes (100) that flow onto the substrate (30) have a respective longitudinal axis that is aligned with the flow direction (105). The direction of flow (105) is oriented at a predetermined angle with respect to a lattice axis (24) of the substrate (30) for energetically favoring adsorption of a respective plurality of single-walled fullerenes (100) having a tubular contour and a selected helicity. Subsequently, the adsorbed single-walled tubular fullerenes (100) of the selected chirality are removed from the substrate (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignees: The Penn State Research Foundation, The Mitre Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent H. Crespi, Aleksey N. Kolmogorov, James C. Ellenbogen, Monika H. Schleier-Smith
  • Publication number: 20080047891
    Abstract: A liquid filter suitable for motor vehicles which includes a filter head (11), a vessel (12) and a filter element (16) disposed within the vessel (12) sealingly separating an inlet (14) from an outlet (15) such that liquid from the inlet must flow through the filter element to reach the outlet. The filter element (16) has guide projections (27, 28) positioning the filter element (16) within the vessel (12). Prior to installation, the filter element (16) is preassembled into the vessel (12) and fixed in position by pushing the filter element (16) into an element guide (29), after which the preassembly is screwed onto the filter head (11). When the vessel (12) is unscrewed from the filter head (11), the filter element (16) slides out of the element guide (29) and moves axially upwardly to free a volume V. Liquid flowing into the vessel (12) from the higher regions of the liquid filter (10) can flow into this volume, thus enabling drip-free replacement of the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: MANN & HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventor: Andre Roesgen
  • Patent number: 7329344
    Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane bioreactor process combined with an advanced biological sludge digestion process that provides significant improvements in sludge digestion by reducing the costs and resources required for disposing of digested sludge. The offline treatment vessel is used to solubilize the organic material by operating in a very low oxygen environment. Digested process fluid is transferred back to the membrane bioreactor. The processes and apparatus substantially reduce the production of waste sludge. The device includes one or more weirs operable to remove grease and scum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Edward John Jordan, Robert Elefritz
  • Patent number: 7297282
    Abstract: The invention provides a drain mechanism of a fluid filter in which a heated fluid is not splashed on a worker at a time of discharging the fluid such as a time of exchanging an element, and can inhibit dusts or the like from being mixed from an external portion at a time of normal use. A drain mechanism 7 of the present invention is provided with a cap 3 engaged with a case 2 and having a drain hole 15, a drain member (a drain plug 20) detachably mounted to the cap from an outer side thereof and closing the drain hole, a valve member 25 provided in an inner side of the cap and closing the drain hole, and an elastic means (a spring 11) for energizing the valve member in a direction of closing the drain hole. In a state in which the drain member is detached from the cap, a residual fluid within a housing is discharged by a tubular draining jig 30 inserted to the drain hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignees: Toyoda Boshoku Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kiichiro Suzumori, Toshihiro Takahara, Sadahito Fukumori, Ryuichiro Kamioka, Jin Hashioka, Kenzo Kado
  • Patent number: 7291277
    Abstract: A method for cleaning the fountain solution of a printing press with an automatically emptying separator (16), separates the dirt particles and oil residues from fountain solution and supplies them, as a mixture of dirt and fountain solution, to a dirt and fountain solution container (24) and passes the remaining fountain solution into a fountain solution storage tank (20). The dirt and fountain solution mixture in the dirt and fountain solution mixture container (24) is caused to settle in layers and the layer, containing the fountain solution, is transferred by an overflow (26) in to the fountain solution storage tank (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignees: Technotrans AG, Westfalia Separator GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Walczyk, Christian Brüggemann, Jürgen Mackel
  • Patent number: 7276114
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to produce grade road base material using recycled oilfield waste, called “oil and gas waste,” more specifically, drilling waste and aggregate and a novel road base material. Hydration and mixing of the waste materials along with a binder, will achieve an irreversible pozzolanic chemical reaction necessary for stabilization into a road base. An asphalt emulsifier may be included in the binder to manufacture asphalt stabilized road base. The entire method is a cold batch process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: David L. Polston
  • Patent number: 7273550
    Abstract: A filter assembly may include a valve which includes a valve member. The valve member moves between a first position and a second position and the valve is opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Guy Gutman, Roger Alexander Buttery, Kenneth Roy Weight
  • Patent number: 7241385
    Abstract: An oil filter canister removal tool comprising a cup-shaped plastic body long enough to receive the filter therein and of sufficient diameter as to provide radial clearance between the filter canister and the top rim of the body. A snug fit can be provided by integral flutes or bonded in strips of elastomeric material. In operation the tool is slipped over a canister after the canister has been loosened relative to the engine block. The tool is manually rotated until the canister is free of the engine. The tool can be cleaned up and reused after disposal of the oil filter canister. The tool may also be thrown away with the used filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel B. Cline
  • Patent number: 7179390
    Abstract: Filtering of an operating fluid of a mechanical device is performed utilizing a pumping device of the mechanical device which routinely circulated the operating fluid within the mechanical device. A remote filtering station of the present invention has a first conduit to contain the operating fluid during transfer from the mechanical device, a filter and a second conduit to contain the operating fluid during transfer back to the mechanical device. In the most preferred embodiment a filter replacement adapter is attached in place of the mechanical device's filter during the filtering procedure. The mechanical device is operated during the filtering procedure where the pumping device of the mechanical device circulates the operating fluid through the mechanical device and through the filter of the remote filtering station. This provides for a cleansing of all of the conduits of the mechanical device which routinely has the operating fluid circulated therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: George F Layton
  • Patent number: 7152520
    Abstract: A tea bag press and container assembly configured for receiving a tea bag during or after brewing, which conceals the wet tea bag, collects dripping liquid, and extracts tea liquid essence by efficiently compressing the wet tea bag vertically or sidewardly. In a vertical compression embodiment, a lid has an integral press element that compresses the tea bag against a tea bag support means in the bottom of the container upon applying pressure to the lid. In a sideward compression embodiment, a flexible container retains the tea bag during sideward compression, such as between the thumb and fingers, for releasing tea liquid from the bag. The tea bag press-container assembly is designed to reduce staining and mess on saucers, tables and fabric caused by a dripping tea bag and provides efficient extraction and pouring of tea liquid into an existing beverage, or the brewing of an additional beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: United States Thermoelectric Consortium
    Inventor: James M. Kerner
  • Patent number: 7150828
    Abstract: A drain structure for a fluid filter includes a cap internally forming a drain hole. The cap receives a valve member urged by an urging means in a direction, in which the valve member blocks the drain hole. Normally, the drain hole is blocked with a drain member. When fluid is drained from the drain hole, the drain member is removed from the drain hole, and a drain tool is inserted into the drain hole, so that the drain tool displaces the valve member in a direction, in which the drain hole is unblocked. The drain tool has a hooking portion that can hook to a hooked portion provided to the cap by axially rotating the drain tool inserted into the drain hole of the cap. Thus, the drain tool can be connected with the cap while the hooking portion is supported by the hooked portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Corporation, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Haruaki Sakata, Toshihiro Takahara, Yoshihiko Sugiura, Noriyuki Tsuge
  • Patent number: 7147013
    Abstract: A spillage-control boot apparatus for use during removal of a spin-on fluid filter from an engine block or other substrate. The boot apparatus includes a boot with a substantially cylindrical boot body, including a flared bell portion for placement surrounding a filter, and a constricted portion integrally attached to and extending from the flared bell portion, for placement closely surrounding a portion of the filter. The flared bell portion of the boot body is adapted to form an annular pocket therein when the boot is placed surrounding a cylindrical filter. The apparatus also includes an absorbent member, for placement in the flared bell portion of the boot body, for absorbing spillage from the filter base when the filter is removed from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Zulauf, Michael S. Lynch
  • Patent number: 7147772
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a water filter assembly having a filter element sealingly disposed in a cartridge, and having an inlet and an outlet, the water filter assembly being substantially dripless when charged with water and disposed substantially horizontally. A manifold assembly is fluidly couplable at an inlet to a source of water to be filtered and having a filtered water outlet and having mating members for removably mating to the water filter assembly and having a mounting means attached to said manifold providing rotational travel to the water filter assembly for installation, removal and replacement of the water filter assembly. A cartridge and a water distribution manifold assembly are further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Karl Fritze
  • Patent number: 7141166
    Abstract: An oil filter has a drain hole, which is internally blocked with a valve member. When oil remaining in the oil filter is drained, a drainpipe is inserted into the drain hole, so that the valve member is displaced and remaining oil is drained from the drain hole. This valve member has an annular recession to steadily support an upper end of the inserted drainpipe. Therefore, gripping force of the drainpipe is enhanced without decreasing draining performance. The drainpipe and the oil filter are connected with each other via a seal member that is provided to the oil filter. The drainpipe 80 has a removing means that holds at least a part of the seal member to pick the seal member off the oil filter, when the inserted drainpipe is detached from the drain hole. Thus, the seal member can be removed simultaneously with the drainpipe from the oil filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignees: Toyoda Boshoku Corporation, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Sugiura, Toshihiro Takahara, Noriyuki Tsuge
  • Patent number: 7132048
    Abstract: The object is to provide a filter element extracting jig which facilitates the extracting operation of a filter element from a housing of a filter device and prevents its contamination. A filter element extracting jig is formed from an elastic plate and comprising a supporting portion, a spring portion extending at an acute angle with the supporting portion, a hook portion extending toward the supporting portion, and an operating portion extending from the hook portion at substantially right angles, which are constructed by bending at bent portions substantially parallel to each other in that order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Yukio Hagashihara
  • Patent number: 7112281
    Abstract: A device and method for removal of liquid from the downstream side of a membrane or a well, such as a well of a multiwell plate. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a wicking structure, which channels droplets of liquid away from a membrane in communication with a plurality of wells. In the preferred embodiment, the wicking structure is placed in a manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Busnach, Brian Foley, Phillip Clark, Joseph E. Gabriels
  • Patent number: 7060184
    Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a filter element to be positioned in an interior region defined by a housing. The filter element comprises a quick-drain valve member to block a flow of fluid from the interior region through a quick-drain outlet defined by the housing when the filter element is positioned in the interior region and to allow a flow of fluid from the interior region through the quick-drain outlet when the filter element is removed from the interior region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Steven Cline, Henry L. Neufeld, Bryant L. Richie
  • Patent number: 7014760
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for receiving and separating chips and coolant collecting on machine tools, the coolant being returned for reuse and the chips being removed, having a receiving tank (1) to receive the chips and the coolant, a rising guide section (3) adjoining the receiving tank (1), an elevated discharge section (4) adjoining the guide section (3), a chain-like closed transport element, which, at least in the region receiving the chips and the coolant and in the discharge section (4), is guided over deflection elements (6, 7), at least one of which is coupled to a rotary drive, and a rotatably mounted filter drum (12), which is in drive connection with the transport element. A suggestion is made for preventing unfiltered coolant from penetrating the tanks for filtered coolant in the event the receiving tank overflows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Mayfran International B.V.
    Inventors: Leo J. P. Ackermanns, Wiel E. H. Krōonen, Joseph H. van Loo
  • Patent number: 7005067
    Abstract: A positive pressure disc-type filtration apparatus including a collection trough internal to the cylindrical pressure vessel housing the filter discs. The collection trough is entirely disposed within the cylinder of the pressure vessel and configured and located to receive and direct filter cake removed from the discs and then reslurried and sluiced toward the center of the trough using jets of liquid, to be discharged longitudinally centrally through a single outlet extending downwardly from the trough and through the wall of the pressure vessel. A method of filtration is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: GL&V Management Hungary KFT
    Inventor: Peter J. Flanagan
  • Patent number: 6994787
    Abstract: A fuel/water separator threadingly engaging a base at a first open end and a drain valve at a second open end. The fuel/water separator is constructed of a translucent plastic material enabling a viewer to evaluate the presence of contaminants without having to loosen the filter or open a drain valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Wix Filtration Corp.
    Inventors: Willie Luther Stamey, Jr., Mark Allen Roll
  • Patent number: 6989099
    Abstract: A device and method for removal of liquid from the downstream side of a membrane or a well, such as a well of a multiwell plate. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a wicking structure, which channels droplets of liquid away from a membrane in communication with a plurality of wells. In the preferred embodiment, the wicking structure is placed in a manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Busnach, Brian Foley, Phillip Clark, Joseph E. Gabriels
  • Patent number: 6982032
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. Although the apparatus is continuous, the controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic nutrient composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Aqua-Nova LLC
    Inventors: Jon Shaffer, Jack Fernandes, John Lucido
  • Patent number: 6977040
    Abstract: A multiround filter housing apparatus, cleaning system and method are provided. A filter housing having an integrated base that includes an integral cartridge plate, a plurality of cartridge filter bores, an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold is presented. The upper face of the integral cartridge plate is recessed to facilitate drainage of product and cleaning media. The lower portions of the cartridge filter bores are connected to the outlet port by additional sloped bores, thereby eliminating the need for a collection chamber. A spray device assembly is provided to facilitate a complete “Clean-in-Place” system in conjunction with the filter housing of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Allegheny Bradford Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel P. McCune, Michael A. Sutherland, Jr., Thomas S. Harvey
  • Patent number: 6974540
    Abstract: A street curb drain filter is comprised of U-shaped brackets for attaching to an inside wall of a street curb drain adjacent an inlet. A horizontal retaining bar is attached to the outer ends of the brackets. The lower edge of a horizontally elongated flexible net is attached to the retaining bar. The upper edge of the net is connected to the interior ceiling of the drain with eye bolts and S-hooks. A horizontally elongated debris basin is supported within the brackets. A filter media pack is positioned inside the basin adjacent a perforated outer wall of the basin. Water flowing from the street into the drain is directed through the filter. When runoff is relatively light, debris flowing into the drain is collected inside the basin. When runoff is relatively heavy or when the basin is clogged, debris bypassing the basin is filtered by the net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Charles R. Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 6974537
    Abstract: The diesel purifier produces a fuel of high purity that meets the full ignition requirements at the combustion chamber of the engine. The purifier comprises a purification chamber encapsulated by an external body of the unit wherein, the purification chamber has a barrier with conical and cylindrical parts surrounded by a filter, such that fuel flows from the unit inlet through a pipe to the conical part, further wherein the upper part of the unit has a relief valve, the lower part has a heating element, and a water sensor connectable to sound and light indicators at a cabin dash board, and at the bottom there is a drain valve and filter, which is secured at the outlet of the unit. The above purification process depends on causing of some differences in the density of contaminants which contributes towards the settling of heavy impurities and the light contaminants are separated by a wire filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Ali Hasan Hamdan Abdelqader
  • Patent number: 6969414
    Abstract: A waste stream separator separates liquid and solid waste from a conveying air stream. The liquid and solid waste are first separated from the air steam by gravity and filtration in a removable primary waste barrel. The air is then drawn through a secondary waste barrel and vacuum chamber with a moisture separator and water-resistant HEPA filter to produce dry, filtered air at the output port of the system. The liquid passing through the filter media in the primary waste barrel and the liquid collecting in the secondary waste barrel can be withdrawn for further treatment. When filled with waste, the primary waste barrel can be readily removed and sealed for disposal. If necessary, polyacrylate can be injected into the primary waste barrel to convert any remaining liquid to a solid gel prior to disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Technical Mechanical Resource Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis P. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6969460
    Abstract: A graywater diverter vessel assembly (as shown in FIG. 2) comprises a cylindrical side vessel 4 and valve diversion assembly 1, 2, 16. The device fits onto a vertical wastewater pipe 9, wherein a user can by closing the valve 1, divert graywater to upflow into the cylindrical side vessel 4 and pass through the vessel's removable mesh filter 5 and outflow point 7 for reuse, or alternatively by opening the valve permit graywater to flow downward through the valve diversion assembly and sewer or onsite wastewater system. The cylindrical side vessel has an over-flow outlet 8 so graywater can overflow and bypass the closed valve and flow directly to the sewer or onsite wastewater system in the event that the free outflow of graywater is restricted from either clogging of the mesh filter or other blockage, without restricting or limiting the continued normal free outflow of graywater from the building's plumbing fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: James Edward Bertram
  • Patent number: 6960296
    Abstract: An oil filter unit has a drain valve device. The valve comprises a retainer axially movably received in a cylindrical bore of a drain passage at a position upstream of a valve seat. The retainer has a valve member holding end. A valve member is axially movably received in the retainer in such a manner as to be movable between a closed position where the valve member closes a drain bore of the valve seat and an open position where the valve member opens the drain bore. A coil spring is arranged to bias the retainer relative to the valve seat in such a direction as to cause the valve member to take the open position. The retainer has a projected portion that projects into the interior of a filter housing. When a filter element is properly set in the filter housing, the projected portion is pressed down to shift the retainer to a position to allow the valve member to take the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Morita
  • Patent number: 6960293
    Abstract: A system and method for pre-treating grease and other similar wastes prior to introducing them into a waste water treatment facility so that the grease, etc., does not clog the waste water treatment facility equipment. The system includes a tank for receipt of the grease that has an inlet pipe equipped with water jets and emulsifying blades that emulsify and dilute the grease in hot water as it enters the tank. The dilute waste then can be drawn through a drain pipe by opening a valve to allow it to enter the waste water processing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Richard G. Middleton
  • Patent number: 6953529
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for particulate removal from liquids is disclosed and includes a Coanda tilted wire wedge wire screen in combination with a liquid-flow velocity control orifice mounted within a cylindrical air-tight vessel that can be operated under pressure. The liquid flow velocity control orifice and Coanda tilted wire wedge wire screen in combination with the pressurized system provides for highly efficient and uniform removal of particulate matter that includes a self-cleaning feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Robert K. Weir
  • Patent number: 6949190
    Abstract: A device for washing, serving and storing berries, grapes and other fruits, etc. has a first container provided with a plurality of throughgoing openings so that when berries, grapes and other fruits, etc. are deposited in an interior of the first container and water is poured into it for washing berries, grapes and other fruits, etc., after washing water can flow out of the first container, and a second container which is substantially solid and formed so that the first container can be inserted into the second container so that water flowing out of the first container is accumulated in an interior of the second container and thereby the water is substantially removed from the berries, grapes and other fruits, etc. located in the interior of the first container, so that the device can be used for washing, serving and storing the berries, grapes and other fruits,etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hutzler Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Hutzler
  • Patent number: 6939465
    Abstract: A fluid filtering system for filtering dirt and other debris from fluids being conveyed in a pipeline for snow making apparatus and other devices. An upright pipe segment is connected to a horizontal pipe segment through a pipe elbow or angle for conveying fluid such as water and/or air under pressure from the horizontal pipe segment through the pipe angle and upwardly through the upright pipe segment. A filter is provided in the upright pipe segment adjacent its lower end and an external drain is disposed in the pipe angle directly under the filter to automatically flush and clean the filter when the drain is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Herman K. Dupre
  • Patent number: 6936169
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid filter, especially an oil filter, for cleaning lubricating oil, especially for internal combustion engines of automobiles, comprising an upright filter housing which contains a receiving area for a ring-shaped filter insert that is inserted into said receiving area, an inlet channel for unclean liquid, an outlet for clean liquid, and an additional discharge channel which is exposed when the ring-shaped filter insert is removed. An eccentrically projecting pin is moulded to a lower end plate and sealingly penetrates an opening of the discharge channel when the ring-shaped filter insert is introduced into the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Baumann, Thomas Brieden, Hans Gebert, Benoít Monzie, Uwe Grass
  • Patent number: 6926825
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filter, especially an oil filter for an internal combustion engine, comprising a filter housing and a central, approximately tubular component which extends into the interior of the filter, said central component engaging in the operating position a projection located on the filter housing and permanently retained in the filter housing, said component being disengageable from said projection and nondestructively removable in said disassembly position from the filter, the component being rotatably mounted around its longitudinal axis within the filter housing, a retaining component (10) being arranged in rotatably restricted fashion within the filter housing, which retaining component in its operating position surrounds and fixes the central component by means of a clamping or locking interference fit, and the central component being rotatable in its disassembly position when the clamping or locking force is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Ing. Walter Hengst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilhelm Ardes
  • Patent number: 6911145
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid from a slurry comprised of a solid and a liquid is described. The apparatus comprises a container sized and configured to receive the slurry which container comprises a removable cover sized and configured to enclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is attached to the container, a filter disposed within the container for separating the liquid from the slurry, and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container which pump is configured to create a vacuum within the container that causes the liquid to move through the filter, which pump is configured to vacuum material comprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Related methods of separating liquid from the slurry using the apparatus of the invention are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Walker-Dawson Interests, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Hutchinson, Richard F. Dawson
  • Patent number: 6896803
    Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a ring secured to a filter cover so as to engage a center tube extending within a filter element to retain the center tube and the filter element. A method of assembling a filter apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Steven Cline, Henry L. Neufeld
  • Patent number: 6893562
    Abstract: A device and method for removal of liquid from the downstream side of a membrane or a well, such as a well of a multiwell plate. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a wicking structure, which channels droplets of liquid away from a membrane in communication with a plurality of wells. In the preferred embodiment, the wicking structure is placed in a manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Busnach, Brian Foley, Phillip Clark, Joseph E. Gabriels
  • Patent number: 6884360
    Abstract: The present invention employs cross-flow to extend operation time of filtration devices and to increase filtration efficiency. The filtration device with cross-flow function consists of a filter, a case for containing the filter and a diffuser. There are an inlet and an outlet set on the case. The diffuser is set inside the filter along longitudinal direction. The diffuser consists of a reducing section, a throat section and a flared section for producing cross-flow so as to prevent the impurities and particles in the fluid to form cake on the inner surface of filter, so the operation time is therefore greatly increased. A drain outlet is set for adjusting the impurities and particles concentrations of the fluid inside the filter for further extending the effective operation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Sei-Chang Chang
  • Patent number: 6881328
    Abstract: A method for directly evacuating water that has been separated from the filtered fuel in a fuel filter and has settled in a water collection chamber (4) of the fuel filter to an evacuation area that lies above the water level, by opening a shut-off valve (7), which leads to the exterior of the fuel filter and is connected in a water-conductive manner to the water collection chamber (4). Said evacuation takes place under a pressure that is higher in the water collection chamber (4) in relation to the evacuation area, whereby said pressure differential is created either by the operating pressure within the fuel filter during operation, or by a negative pressure that is applied externally. The method permits the simple evacuation of water form the interior of a fuel filter by a method that is not based on gravity. The inventive method can be implemented in a particularly advantageous manner, using specially configured fuel filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Dittmann, Matthias Gänswein, Edson Manzato, Frank Metz, Ricardo De Abreu
  • Patent number: 6852221
    Abstract: A lint trap, including a housing having a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall and a front wall, and the bottom wall defining an aperture; at least one attachment mechanism joining the housing to a utility sink; a lint collection plate slot defined in the side walls; a lint collection plate, the lint collection plate being slidably received within the lint collection plate slot; and an adapter having a hose end and a trap end, the hose end being adapted to join to a hose of a washing machine and the trap end being joined relative to the aperture defined in the bottom wall and a method of use including the steps of flowing water into a flow rate control chamber of a lint trap; flowing water from the flow rate control chamber to a water release chamber; flowing water from the water release chamber through a lint collection plate; removing the lint collection plate from the lint trap; wiping lint off the lint collection plate; and reconnecting the lint collection plate to t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: John M. Smolley
  • Patent number: 6849176
    Abstract: An oil/grease separator separates a lighter liquid from a mixture of the heavier liquid and a lighter liquid. A housing has an inner volume, an inlet to receive influent flow, an outlet to discharge the heavier liquid, which defines a static liquid level, and an outlet port above the static liquid level to discharge substantially all of the lighter liquid and portions of the heavier liquid. The lighter liquid floats on the heavier liquid, so that large volume flows into the inlet raises the liquid level in the housing, flowing the floating lighter liquid through the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles, Charles Kemp
  • Patent number: 6835305
    Abstract: The invention relates to a especially an oil filter for cleaning lubricating oil, especially for internal combustion engines of automobiles, comprising a filter housing which is positioned essentially upright when installed, which contains a filter receiving area for accommodating a ring-shaped filter insert in an upper section and which contains an inlet channel for unclean liquid, which connects a supply line of the liquid filter to an unclean side of the ring-shaped filter insert in the filter receiving chamber and an outlet channel for clean liquid, which connects a clean side of the ring-shaped filter insert in the filter receiving area to a discharge line of the liquid filter, in a lower section. The invention provides for a functional support insert which can be inserted into the support receiving area formed in the lower section of the filter housing and which contains the outlet channel, in order to simplify the production of the liquid filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Baumann, Thomas Brieden, Hans Gebert, Benoît Monzie
  • Patent number: 6811694
    Abstract: A liquid filter for removing contaminants from liquids such as lubricating oil, water or fuel, comprising a filter housing (10), a filter element (15), a support body (16) and a slide valve (17), which, when closed, prevents liquid from flowing from an unfiltered liquid area or from a filtered liquid area to a filter outlet (24). When the filter housing is opened, the slide valve moves axially and opens the filter outlet (24) so that the filter housing can empty. The slide valve (17) is detachably snapped together with the support body (16), which in turn is connected to a housing cover (12). This enables the slide valve to be detached from the support body, and reduces the level of maintenance required by the liquid filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Jainek
  • Patent number: RE40051
    Abstract: A self-venting drain valve is rotatably and slidably mounted to a filter assembly through an internally threaded base. The drain valve comprises a homogenously formed one-piece unitary valve body including a tubular valve stem portion and a valve knob portion. The valve stem portion includes a wall member defining an internal passageway provided with axially extending air vent openings through which ambient air can enter a filter housing through the internal passageway, and drain holes through which water is drained from the filter housing and the internal passageway. The air vent openings are formed through an upper portion of the wall member and are open to a top edge thereof, while the drain holes are formed through the lower portion of the wall member. The liquid drains from the filter housing through the internal passageway and the drain holes, then exits into the valve knob portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Wix Filtration Corp LLC
    Inventors: Willie L. Stamey, Jr., Mark A. Roll