In Series For Prefilt Flow Patents (Class 210/335)
  • Patent number: 6605217
    Abstract: A bacterial fluid filter includes a filter element supported by a backing member. The filter element and backing member are sealed, e.g., with one or more o-ring seals, in a housing to provide a filter assembly capable of filtering fluid under relatively high pressure. In one embodiment, a filter element, backing member, and seal are disposed in a removable and disposable housing that is sized to fit within a filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Buhr, Adib G. Daoud, Derek J. Daw, John E. Merritt
  • Patent number: 6585888
    Abstract: An aquarium filter system comprising a pump, a manually positionable valve assembly, and one or a plurality of interchangeable filter cartridges. The filter cartridges are interchangeable and replaceable without the need to suspend water flow. The filter cartridges may be readily repositioned relative to their location from the pump. In method form, a method of changing filter cartridges in an aquarium filter is disclosed. The method comprises supplying a pump and pumping water to provide a continuous flow of water from the aquarium to one or a plurality of removable filter cartridges. This is followed by isolating any one or plurality of the filter cartridges from the flow of water and replacing any one or plurality of filter cartridges with one or a plurality of unused filter cartridges. This is all accomplished under conditions such that the continuous flow of water is uninterrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen Axelrod
  • Patent number: 6571960
    Abstract: A fluid filtering device has a housing with a mounting mechanism disposed at the forward end and on the top surface of the housing. A fluid inlet is defined through the housing top surface, and at least one fluid outlet is defined through the housing bottom surface. A valve member is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. At least one filter is disposed longitudinally within a portion of the housing rearward of the mounting mechanism. The filter is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and may be removable from the rear of the housing. An actuator extends from the forward end of the housing and is connected with the valve member through the housing. The actuator moves the valve member between a filtered and unfiltered position. In the filtered position, fluid is directed from the fluid inlet and through the rear portion of the housing containing the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce S. Williamson, Malcolm D. Poirier, Jeffrey E. Fish, Kevin P. McGrath, Paul Metaxatos
  • Patent number: 6564947
    Abstract: A screening screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine including an apertured plate, and a subassembly of an undulating support screen and fine screening screen and finer screening screen bonded to each other by a fused plastic grid and bonded to the apertured plate. A method of fabricating a screening screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine including the steps of providing a support screen, superimposing a plastic grid onto the support screen, superimposing a finer screening screen onto the fine screening screen, applying heat and pressure to the superimposed screens to fuse the plastic grid and thereby form a flat bonded laminate subassembly by causing the fused plastic grid to permeate the fine screen and the finer screen and the support screen, forming the bonded laminate subassembly into an undulating shape, providing an apertured plate, and bonding the undulating bonded subassembly to the apertured plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Derrick Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Bakula
  • Publication number: 20030089647
    Abstract: A filtration device is provided in which wastewater, in the form of a colloidal solution containing microparticles, is guided to tank, circulated, and filtrated using a second filter. The device includes a gel film that is formed by suction on the surface of a first filter. The suction pressure in this process is made extremely weak to maintain the filtration capacity while extending intervals prior to clogging of second filter 2. Furthermore, a filtration device is realized with which the gel film of second filter that becomes adsorbed onto the surface of first filter can be separated readily by stopping the suction and filtration can be continued again thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Motoyuki Tsuihiji, Hirofumi Iinuma, Hiroyuki Umezawa, Masahiro Iseki
  • Publication number: 20030075492
    Abstract: A laminated modular water filter includes superposed annular plates. A filter unit is disposed between each adjacent pair of the annular plates. The annular plates include a top plate, a bottom plate, a plurality of intermediate plates, and at least one flow-guiding plate sandwiched between two of the intermediate plates. Each of the top plate, the intermediate plates, and the bottom plate has an annular outer passage unit in fluid communication with a curved outer passage unit in the flow-guiding plate. Dirty water is introduced into two side openings in the top plate, and flows into central holes in the annular plates via the filter units so as to form filtered water. Solid particles in the dirty water are guided into two side openings in the bottom plate via the annular outer passage units and the curved outer passage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Kuo
  • Publication number: 20030062295
    Abstract: A self-cleaning assembly has an enclosed casing with a movable member/piston and a filter therein, the casing having an inlet and a first outlet for liquid supplied thereto and a second outlet for removing liquid containing contaminant from the casing. The filter assembly is constructed and arranged to provide, in a normal operating mode, a liquid flow path through the filter in a first direction between the inlet and the outlet and, in a cleaning mode, to provide a liquid flow path in a second direction between the inlet and the second outlet. The movable member compresses the filter during the liquid flow in the second direction and contaminant is released therefrom for removal from the filter assembly via the second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Steve Martin Brooks, Robert Ivan John Wiedemann, David Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20030042185
    Abstract: A multiple stage fuel strainer assembly for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a strainer adapted to be connected to an inlet of a fuel pump disposed in the fuel tank. The multiple stage fuel strainer assembly also includes a valve connected to the strainer to allow fuel to flow through the strainer to the inlet when an external surface of the strainer is restricted with contaminants in the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Randall Lee Dockery
  • Patent number: 6521127
    Abstract: A filtration system includes production modules (305) which are mechanically coupled in series, and which contain filters that are fluidly coupled in parallel. Among the many different possibilities contemplated, each production module may advantageously contain not only a filter (314), but also flowpaths for feed fluid (334a), waste fluid (334b), and product fluid (334c) so that a series of coupled modules can be installed, accessed, and removed as single unit. It is further contemplated that coupled modules may be deployed in space efficient manner, such as by insertion into a deep or shall well, a tower, along the ground, into the side of a hill or mountain, or even under a road or parking lot. It is still further contemplated that adjacent production modules may be designed to mate with one another using a slip fit joint, and that the production modules may be maintained in mating relationship through connections to supporting cables or rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nate International
    Inventor: Dennis Chancellor
  • Patent number: 6514408
    Abstract: In a particle or sand screen control assembly for mounting on a base pipe used in a well, a sealing strip preferably in the form of a metal strip is used in a weld joint that joins the metal mesh screen of filter media to a solid metal structure or “safe edge”. The sealing strip covers the pores in the screen proximate the metal structure to which it is welded. The sealing strip is a separate thin sheet of metal that is compatible with the welding metal used in the weld joint, such that the sealing strip becomes unitary with the weld joint. Prior to welding, the sealing strip may be bent around the screen if desired, or may lie flat along the top or bottom surface of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Purolator Facet, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Simone
  • Patent number: 6514404
    Abstract: A filter device for separating water and other impurities from liquid fuel including a housing body (11), inside which a first filter element (12) is disposed; a collector vessel (17) which is disposed underneath the filter element (12); a pump (25) which is used to remove water present in the collector vessel (17), and a detector (23) which is used to determine whether water has accumulated in the collector vessel (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Sascha Bauer
  • Patent number: 6488842
    Abstract: A filtering device includes a container having an inlet for introducing liquid to be treated, an annular multi-layered prepacked screen assembly provided in the container and having an outlet for treated liquid. The screen assembly includes three or more cylindrical screens having different diameters and being coexially disposed in the container with their axes extending vertically in the container. An annulus is formed between the respective cylindrical screens. Two or more different filter materials performing different filtering functions are filled one in each of the annuluses between the cylindrical screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Tadayoshi Nagaoka
  • Publication number: 20020139722
    Abstract: An arrangement for removing chips from a machining coolant prior to filtering out the finer solids in a main filter. A coarse weave belt is frictionally driven along a strainer bottom wall of an auxiliary tank suspended above the main filter tank, the permanent media belt of a coarse weave which allows the liquid and suspended finer solids to pass through while capturing the chips. A powered drag conveyor frictionally engages and drives the permanent media belt through the auxiliary tank, each diverging when returning across the top and bottom respectively of the auxiliary tank prior to being recirculated through the auxiliary tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 6447680
    Abstract: A filter for filtering particulate matter from liquids adapted to be received in a filter casing having a casing wall and an outlet is provided. The filter includes a filter element having a plurality of openings therein for filtering particulate matter while allowing liquids to pass therethrough, the filter element comprising a first section located proximate to the outlet and a second section adjacent to the first section. The filter element is receivable in the casing and is spaced apart therefrom such that the filter element and the casing wall define a space therebetween. A seal separates the first and second sections and prevents the flow of liquid therearound in the space. The seal is located below the outlet. A lower end member closes a lower end of the filter element, the lower end member preventing the flow of unfiltered liquid and particulate matter into the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: James Richard
  • Patent number: 6436282
    Abstract: A unitary multi-function control module 18 for a reverse osmosis water purification system provides all of the necessary flow control functions in a single removable and easily replaceable unit. The module connects directly with a unitary injection molded manifold 14 and includes a control housing having a cover plate 42, a main body 40, and a closure plate 47. The control housing entirely encloses therein the supply flow shutoff valve 46, the reverse osmosis flow control 100, the permeate back flow check valve 82, and all of the interconnections between the manifold and the supply, permeate, and brine flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Plymouth Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Gundrum, Michael J. Kurth, Michael D. Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 6423223
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-element filtering system assuring serial filtration of a liquid through multiple filter cartridges while enabling flushing without requiring removal of the filter cartridges. Both conventional and reverse osmosis filtration is performed, sequentially, within the system. The filter cartridges are held within a canister which is pressed against the cap and constrained against rotation with the cap. The canister is divided into chambers, and has passages in its floor arranged to enable serial transfer of liquid from one chamber to the next. Flushing employs liquid introduced under normal pressure. Passages leading to the flush liquid outlet enable flushing to proceed when the flush liquid outlet is opened. At other times, filtered liquid will pass through passages leading to the filtered liquid outlet. Liquid is circulated to assure filtration even when flushing, so that contamination of filtered liquid is precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: Donald A. Northcut, Douglas W. Northcut
  • Patent number: 6405875
    Abstract: A gravity-flow cyst-reducing water filtration device, comprising a removable high surface area cyst-reducing filtration member that provides at least 99.95% removal of 3-4 &mgr;m particles when tested in accordance with NSF standard 53, Drinking Water Treatment Units—Health Effects (September 1997). The cyst-reducing filtration member is adapted for connection to a bottom rim of a filtration cartridge sleeve of a water filter carafe, the cartridge sleeve being integral with a bottom surface of an untreated water reservoir of the water filter carafe. The cartridge sleeve further comprises an air vent hole that is located proximate to a top rim of the cartridge sleeve, wherein the cartridge sleeve further contains a filtration cartridge that is filled with an ion-exchange resin and carbon granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Willard A. Cutler
  • Patent number: 6360898
    Abstract: A filter and housing for waste water treatment includes a housing having a plurality of coaxially mounted vertically extending sections adaptable to receive a filter cartridge therein. An upper section is provided with an outlet consisting of at least two coaxially aligned rings of preselected diameters wherein the thickness of the rings and the spacing between the rings is sufficient to receive waste water treatment outlets of different diameters. The filter cartridge is comprised of a stacked arrangement of a plurality of disc-dam units wherein each disc-dam unit is provided with a serpentine configured first dam, the first dam extending upwardly from an upper surface of the disc-dam unit, the first dam having terminating ends spaced at outer terminating edges of the disc dam unit to define a cord segment therebetween. The terminating ends are connected by a second dam having a height less than the first dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventors: Harry L. Nurse, Jr., John Christensen
  • Patent number: 6346192
    Abstract: A bacterial fluid filter includes a filter element supported by a backing member. The filter element and backing member are sealed, e.g., with one or more o-ring seals, in a housing to provide a filter assembly capable of filtering fluid under relatively high pressure. In one embodiment, a filter element, backing member, and seal are disposed in a removable and disposable housing that is sized to fit within a filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Buhr, Adib G. Daoud, Derek J. Daw, John E. Merritt
  • Publication number: 20010037964
    Abstract: The filter has hollow fiber membranes which are spaced apart from each other and are held in a substantially linear fashion between a first bonded layer and second bonded layer. This allows the membranes to work effectively without having to be looped. This placement also avoids the kinking of the membranes and stretching in the membrane which in turn would undesirably increase the pore size. The filter thus has a plurality of porous membranes, each membrane having a hollow passage therein and having a first end and second end, and each end having an opening. The first bonded layer is affixed to the first ends so as to block fluid entry through the openings of the first ends. The second bonded layer is affixed to the second ends so as to leave the openings of the second ends exposed for fluid exit from the hollow fiber membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: WON JAY
    Inventors: JAY WON, ANDRE TREMBLAY, HENRY HUNSE
  • Patent number: 6287459
    Abstract: A drainwater treatment system positionable within the vertical passageway of a drainage system utilizes a catch basin for accepting drainwater which flows downwardly into the drainage system and a filter-supporting section disposed alongside the catch basin. The filter-supporting section accepts drainwater which flows therein from the catch basin and permits drainwater to flow downwardly therethrough. First and second filters containing a hydrophobic material are positioned within the filter-supporting section for filtering contaminants from the drainwater flowing downwardly therethrough, and an overflow is associated with the catch basin and the filter-supporting section through which drainwater is permitted to exit the treatment system and bypass the first and second filters when the flow rate of drainwater into the system exceeds the rate at which drainwater is permitted to flow downwardly through the first and second filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Remedial Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Kelly Williamson
  • Publication number: 20010013487
    Abstract: A filter device for filtration of fluids with extraction of a filtered sample fluid from containers and tube conduits for measuring purposes, the filter device has a closed fluid circuit including at least one first filter element, a fluid pump, a second filter element arranged so that a sample fluid is suctioned via the first filter element out of a container or tube conduit and via the second filter element is pumped back into the container or tube conduit, or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: Holm Kaendler
  • Patent number: 6267879
    Abstract: Described is a continuous liquid filtering apparatus having a preliminary filtering chamber 9, a filtering chamber 3, a filtered liquid chamber 12, and an electromechanical cleaning system. In operation, after entering inlet 1, liquid passes through coarse screen 2 into the filtering chamber 3. The liquid then passes through a multi-layer sintered filtering element 4 before exiting the apparatus through the outlet 6. The electromechanical cleaning system includes a hollow connector unit 10 having dirt suctioning members 5 and spraying nozzles 11 for cleaning the sintered filter element. The cleaning system is activated whenever the liquid differential pressure exceeds a predetermined valve indicating that the cylindrical filter requires a cleaning treatment. The spraying nozzles 11 are in fluid communication with the filtered liquid chamber 12 via booster pump 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Odis Irrigation Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Shemuel Gil
  • Patent number: 6264832
    Abstract: An apparatus (18) for receiving rain water from a water collecting means (20) and treating this water according to a treatment cycle. The apparatus has a stop tank (24) to hold incoming water while a treatment cycle is being executed in a main tank (32), so there is no mixing of the treated water with water to be treated. The main tank has various reservoirs (42, 52, 62), valves (30, 40, 50) and buoyant elements (68, 70), and the water flow is strictly controlled by gravity and the buoyancy of the water. Treating solutions such as a mineral solution and a chloride solution are added in predetermined quantities to the water during the treatment cycle, and the treated water is stored into a storage tank (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Fazlollah Panahi
  • Patent number: 6245153
    Abstract: A method is provided for extracting and processing sugar cane juice from sugar cane sticks to produce a natural juice product. The method includes the steps of: providing sugar cane sticks having a high sucrose level; extracting sugar cane juice from the sugar cane sticks using a roller mill apparatus; filtering the extracted sugar cane juice through a screen filter; stabilizing the pH of the juice in a non-acidic solution of calcium hydroxide; flocculating the sugar cane juice with a mixture of water and at least one natural flocculate product; evaporating the sugar cane juice to form a sugar cane juice concentrate and extracting the sugar cane juice concentrate from the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Hoy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorge E. Gonzales
  • Patent number: 6241945
    Abstract: A customized pump, filtration, oxygenation and/or debubbler apparatus includes a first pump module, a filtration module, an oxygenation module, a debubbler module and/or a second pump module. Each module is formed of stackable support members with filtration, oxygenation and/or degassing membranes interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Life Science Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Owen
  • Patent number: 6217754
    Abstract: A swimming pool filter including a casing having an opening and a filter cartridge arranged in the casing having an axial hollow core. The swimming pool filter also includes a top cover having means for securing the top cover to the casing in order to cover the opening of the casing and an opening substantially corresponding to the axial hollow core of the filter cartridge. The swimming pool filter further includes a plug structured and arranged to fit within the opening of the top cover and an accessory element arranged in the plug to complement the functions of the filter. The accessory element is structured and arranged to fit at least partially within the axial hollow core of the filter cartridge when the plug is fitted within the opening of the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Aplister, S.A.
    Inventor: Armand Puiggros Ros
  • Patent number: 6210577
    Abstract: A multiple cartridge filter housing assembly for the high purity filtration of etching liquids, deionized water, slurries and other liquids used in the semiconductor, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. It comprises at least one upper and one lower cartridge within a bottom housing, a top housing and at least one extension housing. A vent tube in the top housing extending to the upper spacer ring in the extension housing generates a first air pocket between its lower end and the top of the housing assembly. The upper end of each cartridge is centered by a flow-through spacer ring. The lower end of each cartridge is sealed, against the pressure drop across the cartridge, and centered by an adapter ring. The adapter rings, except for the bottom one, have a downwardly extending tube with flow-through holes at its lower end such that secondary air pockets are generated above the holes and below the bottom surface of the adapter ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Guy Garber
  • Patent number: 6210576
    Abstract: The system comprises a number of membrane modules (21), each one containing one or a bundle of several membrane tubules. The membrane modules (21) are connected on behind the other in series (passes) (43 to 48), which lie in horizontal planes. Several series (passes) (43 to 48) lie vertically on top of each other. Vertically extending collection lines (261, 49, 271) are arranged for the supply to, or respectively the removal of the medium to be filtered from the series (passes) (43 to 48). The arrangement offers a particularly simple assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Bucher-Guyer AG
    Inventor: Giuliano Rosa
  • Patent number: 6207050
    Abstract: A filter (10) for a vehicle is provided. The filter includes a casing (12) having an inlet (22), a plurality of outlets (25) and a passage extending within the casing. The inlet and outlet are adapted to be in fluid communication with a fluid system of a vehicle. The filter further includes a first filter (26) disposed within the passage and a core (20) received with the passage. The core is adapted to be in fluid communication with the fluid system, wherein at least a portion of the core is magnetized such that fluid passing through the fluid system passes through the core and ferrous particles within the fluid are magnetically captured by the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Bill A. Holifield
  • Patent number: 6190545
    Abstract: A drainwater treatment system positionable within a horizontal flow passage of a drainage system utilizes a partition which divides the flow passage into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. In addition, a mid-panel is supported within the upstream chamber for dividing the interior of the upstream chamber into an upper section and a lower section so that the drainwater enters the upper section before entering the lower section through a first opening provided in the mid-panel. A conduit is also joined between a second opening provided in the mid-panel and the opening of the partition for conducting drainwater from the lower section of the upstream chamber to the downstream chamber so that the drainwater which enters the upper section and then into the lower section is decelerated to flow conditions at which debris and suspended are permitted to separate and settle from the drainwater before being conducted from the lower section and into the downstream chamber through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Remedial Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Kelly Williamson
  • Patent number: 6190546
    Abstract: An oil suction filter having an enclosed housing with a base surface and an oil intake opening, a top surface with an oil discharge opening, and a filter usually in the form of a filter cloth in the housing between the intake opening and the outlet. In one form, an oil diverting device at least partially surrounds the oil intake opening. In another form, an oil flow diverting device is provided at either or both of the oil intake opening and the oil outlet. In another form, an oil filter cloth has various densities, thicknesses or layers that control the flow. All the foregoing is for the purpose of minimizing formation of large air bubbles passing through the suction filter. Further, beads in the housing may keep the filter cloth off the base surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Luk Fahrzeug-Hydraulik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ivo Agner
  • Patent number: 6149826
    Abstract: In a water purification system in which a first filter (20) is placed in a flow of raw water for filtering the raw water to produce filtered water, a second filter (27) is placed downstream of the first filter for filtering the filtered water. The first filter is conductive and has a plurality of water passages through which the raw water flows. Each of the water passages of the first filter has a first diameter. At intervals, an electric voltage is applied to the first filter to destroy bacteria which is captured by the first filter. The second filter has a plurality of water passages through which the filtered water flows. Each of the water passages of the second filter has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Snaden Corporation
    Inventors: Motoharu Sato, Kazushige Watanabe, Takaaki Suga
  • Patent number: 6139727
    Abstract: A self-cleaning filter is provided for filtering particulate from a fluid flow stream such as water used in an irrigation system or the like, wherein a segmented filter element is backwashed or flushed clean in response to cyclic on-off supply of fluid. The self-cleaning filter comprises a filter housing having inlet and outlet fittings for in-line connection along a water supply conduit at a location downstream from a system on-off valve. The segmented filter element is supported within the filter housing, with a first filter segment aligned with an inlet port for filtering water. When the water supply is turned on, filtered water passing through the first filter segment initially backwashes through a second filter segment with increasing line pressure to flush prior-collected particulate thereon through a flush port. When the line pressure reaches a predetermined level, a normally open and pressure responsive flush valve closes the flush port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Anthony Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: George H. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 6139741
    Abstract: A filter system (50) includes first and second filter heads each including a housing receptacle and a filter receptacle. The second filter head (10) includes an inlet (42) providing fluid communication to the housing receptacle; an unfiltered-fluid outlet (44) connected to the inlet of the first filter head (9) via an unfiltered-fluid line (64); and a filtered-fluid outlet (46) providing fluid communication to the filter receptacle and connected to the filtered-fluid opening (32) of the first head via a filter-fluid line (62). A filtered-fluid outlet (47) is provided in the first head for filtered fluid to leave the system. A plug (34) is also included to prevent fluid communication between the filtered- and unfiltered-fluid outlets within the bore (24) of the second filter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald McGibbon
  • Patent number: 6039885
    Abstract: Process and device intended for ultrafiltration of particles contained in fluids. The fluids are passed through at least one filtering barrier made from a source rock with micropores below a few hundred Angstroms in diameter. These rock samples are available in good supply for example when drilling through reservoirs containing hydrocarbons. The filtering device comprises a housing (1) containing at least one thin disk (5) cut in a source rock, through which fluid is passed. This disk withstands high pressures and temperatures well, and it can be regenerated after use by means of a thermal process. The process and device can be applied for filtering of colloidal particles such as resins or asphaltenes in petroleum fluids for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Emmanuel Behar, Alexander Werner
  • Patent number: 6029479
    Abstract: A lint filter having a succession of mesh screens which are arranged in parallel in a tank which receives lint-containing water from a laundry facility. The mesh screens are positioned so that the lint-containing water must pass through the screens in order to leave the tank. The lint-containing water is sprayed evenly on one side of the tank and proceeds across the tank toward the mesh screens. The mesh screens are angled so that lint and particles contained in the lint-containing water are allowed to fall to the bottom of the tank. Multiple exits allow lint-filtered water to leave the lint filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Harley J. Pattee
  • Patent number: 6027647
    Abstract: A filter housing assuring serial filtration of a liquid through plural filter cartridges and enabling flushing without requiring removal of the filter cartridges. The filter housing has a cap including a liquid inlet, a filtered liquid outlet, a flush liquid outlet, and internal passages. The filter cartridges are held within a canister which is pressed against the cap and constrained against rotation with the cap. A retaining member surrounding and bearing against the canister threads to the cap. The canister is divided into chambers, and has passages in its floor arranged to enable serial transfer of liquid from one chamber to the next. Flushing employs liquid introduced under normal pressure. Passages leading to the flush liquid outlet enable flushing to proceed when the flush liquid outlet is opened. At other times, filtered liquid will pass through passages leading to the filtered liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: Donald A. Northcut, Douglas W. Northcut
  • Patent number: 6001249
    Abstract: A water filter system having a housing for a plurality of serial-flow connected filter cartridges with distinct filtering characteristic related to the direction of flow of water being filtered. Each filter cartridge has a membrane wrapped activated carbon filter body. One of the filter bodies includes a heavy metal bacteriostat. The cartridges are each releasably retained in a manifold by keyed connectors including rotatable locking rings. Each cartridge having a distinct filtering characteristic includes a keying structure to ensure that the cartridge can only be connected to the manifold for placement in proper serial-flow relationship in the system. The filter system includes a spent filter cartridge indicator. The filter system is particularly suited for countertop placement and connection to a faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: J. Rushton Bailey, William Reinhard, Stephen E. Frazier
  • Patent number: 6001251
    Abstract: A method of making a solid filter material which filters a predetermined wavelength band from a broader spectrum of radiation is provided. The method includes creating a colloidal structure composed of particles dispersed within a medium, and introducing a solvent thereto. Thereafter, the solvent is evaporated and the remaining structure solidifies into a solid crystalline array. The particles can also be fused together by polymerization using one of several methods which are provided. In another embodiment, methods of filtering submicron particles have been developed which consists of establishing a gel membrane from a crystalline colloidal array with an interstice size less than or equal to the particles to be filtered are disclosed. The gel membrane may employ anisotropic interstices of submicron size and is stretchable or compressible mechanically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
    Inventors: Sanford A. Asher, Jay Henis
  • Patent number: 5968356
    Abstract: The invention resides in apparatus and methods for isolating and collecting cells from donor tissue for later use in medical procedures. The apparatus includes a sealed enclosure, at least one screening material inside the enclosure, an inlet port configured to conduct a fluid through the screening material, and an outlet port for receiving the fluid from the screening material and conducting the fluid out of the enclosure. A material to be screened is placed inside or conducted into the enclosure. Screened material is entrained in the fluid. The fluid carries bits of the material through the screening material and out of the enclosure for later separation from the fluid. Preferred embodiments include a series of screening materials of decreasing pore size, usually in the range from ten to one thousand micrometers in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: PacFab, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugenio Morsiani, Jacek Rozga, Achilles A. Demetriou
  • Patent number: 5951876
    Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus comprises two titanium mesh filters (12,22) connected in series across a flow passage. Each filter (12,22) is irradiated by UV light from respective lamps (13a,13b,23a,23b), so as to kill any micro-organisms trapped on the filters. Backwashing means (18,19,28,19) are provided for backwashing each filter in succession whilst fluid flowing along the passage is filtered by the other filter. In this manner micro-organisms are unable to pass through the apparatus untreated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Water Recovery plc
    Inventor: Malcolm Robert Snowball
  • Patent number: 5942105
    Abstract: A float actuated water level control valve has a sliding valve tube depending from a float to meter the amount of water flow through the valve proportionally in response to the position of the float. The valve is especially useful for controlling the water level in an aquarium overflow filter system. The valve inlet has an adjustable flow area which is defined as the area between a lower edge of the sliding valve tube and an upper edge of a drain. The configuration of the lower edge of the sliding valve tube and the upper edge of the drain are selected to provide increased flow area linear to the position of the float. The valve inlet is submerged, and drain gurgling sounds are thereby muffled. In addition, the valve maintains the water level within the reservoir at a height above the valve inlet, which is especially useful for reducing splashing sounds from water spilling over an overflow wall in an aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: All-Glass Aquarium Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Leis
  • Patent number: 5932098
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus for brewing coffee, tea or the like therein and allowing a user to directly drink the brewed liquid from the same filtration apparatus. The apparatus comprises a vessel, such as a container or cup, and a double filter assembly installed within the vessel. The double filter assembly comprises a lower filter, an upper filter, and an alignment rod connecting the lower and upper filters together for facilitating the installation of the double filter assembly into the container. The lower and upper filters engage the interior periphery surface of the container for preventing the contents, such as ground coffee beans or tea leaves, in the container from being consumed by the user but allowing the brewed liquid to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Gary Ross
  • Patent number: 5914033
    Abstract: Removable inserts are disclosed for positioning within a dialysis machine in order to connect a pressure transducer to external apparatus such as a drip chamber. The removable insert comprises a cup-shaped container adapted to be disposed within the dialysis machine with its open end aligned with the front face of the dialysis machine, a cover to cover the open end of the container, the cover including an orifice, a tube extending from the closed end of the cup-shaped container for communication with the pressure transducer, a filter positioned within the container, and a coupler for coupling the tube with the orifice in the cover with the filter interposed therebetween so that the pressure associated with the drip chamber can be monitored by the pressure transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Gambro AB
    Inventor: Per-Olov Carlsson
  • Patent number: 5914041
    Abstract: A plurality of reverse osmosis units each having a cavity and a membrane are placed within a deep channel. The channel contains an unpurified liquid, and the membranes communicate directly with the unpurified liquid in the channel. The level of unpurified liquid is such that the differential pressure across the membranes is sufficient to cause purified liquid to accumulate in the cavities, from which it is emptied and pumped to the surface. The high pressure sides of the membranes are flushed by unpurified liquid being pumped through the channel. In this manner, a relatively large percentage of the channel diameter can be utilized, and the mechanisms can be implied over prior systems in which unpurified and purified liquids are piped from one reverse osmosis unit to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Nate International
    Inventor: Dennis H. Chancellor
  • Patent number: 5914045
    Abstract: A filter assembly for a flexible, portable bottle having a sealing cap including a filter attached to the interior of the cap to filter out substantially all INORGANICS, ORGANICS, RADIOLOGICAL CHEMICALS AND MICROBIOLIGY. The filter assembly also may include a second filter or Iodinator sealed in the flexible bottle to further remove micro-organisms from water passing therethrough. The filter assembly is designed so that the flexible bottle must be pressurized, as by being hand pressed, after it is filled with water to force flow of water through the either or both of the filters. The filter in the cap includes a check valve to allow the bottle to be repressurized after water has been dispensed from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventors: Carl W Palmer, Michelle R Palmer
  • Patent number: 5888385
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment and recovery of spent vehicle coolant that involves the following steps:a) removing the spent coolant from the engine;b) treating the spent coolant with sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate to cause dissolved metals therein to form insoluble particles;c) treating the spent coolant of step b) with an aqueous basic coagulating agent such as a polyquaternary ammonium compound in its hydroxide form;d) filtering the spent coolant from step c) through a set of filters and then through a bed of carbon particles, to produce a relatively cleaner liquid; ande) adding to the relatively clear liquid a combination of corrosion inhibitors, buffering agents and alkali, whereby the treated coolant can be recycled to the vehicle for effective coolant performance therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Century Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Ische, Michael W. Johnson, William S. Dea, Thomas D. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5868929
    Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine including a frame in the nature of a plate having spaced apertures therein, spaced frame members on opposite sides of the apertures, a screen formed in an undulating shape having substantially parallel ridges with downwardly sloping sides, troughs formed between the downwardly sloping sides for conducting material which is being screened, undersides on the troughs, bonds for securing the undersides of the troughs to the spaced frame members which are located on opposite sides of the apertures, and channels at the sides of the plate for securing the frame to a vibratory screening machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Derrick Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: William W. Derrick, John J. Bakula
  • Patent number: 5833850
    Abstract: A water filter includes a housing, a base adapted to engage with a lower end of the housing, two filtering cores each having a cylindrical casing threadedly connected with an upper circular cover and a lower circular cover, the lower circular cover having a threaded circular shoulder depending downwardly therefrom and a tubular neck having an upper end extending upwardly from the threaded circular shoulder and a lower end extending downwardly from the threaded circular shoulder, a first seat formed with an inner neck and an outer neck and arranged in a respective recess of the base, and a second seat formed with an second inner neck and an second outer neck and fitted into a respective recess of the base, whereby the water filter will provide two circulation cycles for purifying water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Hsin Fa Liu