Abstract: Expansion resistant filter cartridge assemblies are provided that facilitate filtering of strong solvent solutions. The filter cartridge assemblies generally include a cylindrical filter element defining an outer periphery, an inner periphery and opposed end surfaces, a perforated cage operatively associated with the outer periphery of the filter element, a perforated core operatively associated with the inner periphery of the filter element and having opposed ends and a predetermined length, and an end cap operatively associated with each of the opposed end surfaces of the filter element and bonded to each end of the core. The perforated cage generally includes an expansion region of about 2.5% to about 4% of the total length of the filter cartridge, e.g., a region of axial discontinuity or a plurality of angular struts, to accommodate swelling and/or dimensional expansion of the cage without adversely affecting the integrity of the filter cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A filter for filtering a fluid, such as lubricating oil for an engine, has a full flow filter element and a bypass filter element stacked on the full flow filter element. A flow-deflecting element is disposed between the full flow filter element and bypass filter element to provide a spinning motion to oil flowing from the bypass element as that oil joins oil which is passed through the full flow filter element. The spinning motion of the oil from the bypass filter element encourages mixing of the oil from the bypass filter element with the oil filtered by the full filter element. During operation of the engine this arrangement tends to provide cleaner lubricating oil and therefore reduces engine wear while increasing the time interval between scheduled maintenance.

Abstract: A base module for a filter assembly constructed from molded parts comprises a body which forms a receiving cavity for a replaceable filter cartridge and a communication module which includes integral inlet and outlet structures for providing fluid communication with the received filter cartridge and inlet and outlet fittings for remote fluid communication. The body, communication module and inlet and outlet fittings may be individually molded of plastic or similar material to provide for the efficient assembly of a set of elementary components into a base module having a configuration specified from an infinite variety of possible angular orientations.

Abstract: A fuel filter cartridge assembly employs a two piece housing to house a disposable, incineratable filter unit. The filter unit is constructed to cooperate with the sealing mechanism of the housing to seal the assembled cartridge against a fuel inlet/outlet conduit. Tabs formed on the filter unit end cap cooperate with slots formed in the housing to ensure that only compatible filter units are used.

Abstract: A water treatment device for purifying small quantities of non-potable water for drinking purposes. The device includes: a primary container, a secondary product container, and a cylindrical filter cartridge. The primary container is filled with untreated water, and brought into contact with a disinfecting agent. The filter cartridge is then attached to the primary container and the secondary container is attached to an outlet port of the filter cartridge, the entire arrangement is then inverted to allow water to flow from the primary container into the inlet port of the filter cartridge. A physicochemical time switch is installed near the inlet port of the filter cartridge and blocks the flow of water from the primary container into the filtering elements until an appropriate amount of time has lapsed for the disinfecting agent to effectively disinfect the water. The physicochemical time switch is either a water dissolvable barrier or an expandable compartment filled with hydrophilic polymeric crystals.

Abstract: A wastewater filtration system with a housing provided by a cylindrical conduit forming a filter chamber and having an inlet end and an outlet. A shutoff valve assembly is connected to an inlet end of the housing, and includes a closure element movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure element is biased to the closed position in the absence of a filter in the chamber and positioned near the inlet such that the shutoff valve opens when a filter is installed. The closure element may be hinged to the housing, and may be counterweighted or spring biased to the closed position.

Abstract: A spiral wound type membrane element is formed by winding independent or continuous envelope-like membranes around the peripheral surface of a water collection pipe and interposing raw water spacers between the envelope-like membranes. When running, raw water is supplied from at least the periphery side of the spiral wound type membrane element and permeate is taken out from an opening end of the water collection pipe. In back wash reverse filtration, permeate is introduced from the opening end of the water collection pipe and permeate guided out from the peripheral surface of the water collection pipe is discharged from at least the periphery side of the spiral wound type membrane element.

Abstract: A fusion-welded thermoplastic assembly and a method of fabricating the same includes first and second thermoplastic members fusion-welded together using a third thermoplastic fusion element. The first and second thermoplastic members and the thermoplastic fusion element are heated to a molten state using an infrared heater, and the molten fusion element is fused to each of the first and second thermoplastic elements. Prior to being connected by the fusion element, the first and second thermoplastic members are either brought into contact with one another or is held in such a way that they can be connected to each other using the third thermoplastic fusion element.

Abstract: A bathtub spout water filter for use with a bathtub spout having a spout body with an open rear, and an open front for water egress with a female threaded fitting located behind the open front. The bathtub spout water filter has a frustum-shaped filter body with enclosing sidewalls, a rearwardly extending male threaded end for water ingress adapted to screw into a bathtub spout water supply line, and a frontwardly extending male threaded end for water egress and adapted to screw into the female threaded fitting in the bathtub spout. Filter material is contained within the enclosed filter body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for desalinating brackish water or seawater by using a hollow fiber type reverse osmosis membrane, and an apparatus therefor, and an object thereof is to provide a novel method by which the lifetime of said reverse osmosis membrane can be prolonged and which is abundant in simplicity and economy, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: An oil filter (10) includes a colloidal suspension (12) of PTFE particles less than 2 microns in size retained by capillary forces within the intricacies of the filter media (26) until the filter (10) is installed and engine oil flows at first engine start up following installation. The PTFE colloidal suspension (12) is completely and immediately released into the engine lubricating system when oil flow is initiated. The PTFE colloidal suspension (12) is introduced into the oil filter (10) as one of the last manufacturing steps. Oil filter (10) is disposed vertically with its outlet port (14) at the top. A quantity of the PTFE colloidal suspension is introduced into the outlet port (14) to initially fill a portion of the volume defined by a centertube (18) and a retainer (16). The PTFE colloidal suspension passes through openings (20,24) into contact with filter media (26).

Abstract: A common filter assembly is formed from a filter membrane which is supported by a filter core element. The core element according to the invention is substantially planer in the as-molded condition but is adapted to be articulated into a cylindrical configuration. The core element comprises a framework adapted to control the flow of fluid therethrough to enhance the performance of the filter membrane.

Abstract: A method of making an elongated filter system including the steps of forming an elongated alignment rod, an attachment device, a tubular filter element and a yoke, followed by the steps of attaching the elongated alignment rod to the attachment device and positioning the tubular filter element, upon and about the elongated alignment rod then securing the yoke so that an outer peripheral area of the yoke is in sealing engagement with the tubular filter element.

Abstract: A contactor for degassing liquids includes a perforated core, a plurality of microporous hollow fibers, and a shell. The fibers surround the core and have two ends. A tube sheet affixes the ends of the fibers. A baffle is located between the tube sheets. The hollow fibers are closed at the baffle. The shell encloses the fibers, tube sheets, and the baffle. The system for degassing liquids includes a source of liquid containing a gas, a source of vacuum, and the contactor.

Abstract: A filter system including a cylindrical filter formed around a cylindrical spindle so as to form a passage therebetween, the spindle forming a channel along its length, a channel outlet at a lower end and a plurality of inlet apertures which lead from the passage to the channel, the apertures unevenly distributed along the length of the spindle such that there is a greater combined aperture area in an upper portion of the spindle than there is in a lower portion of the spindle whereby essentially even fluid flow occurs through the filter.

Abstract: An air gap adapter for use with a water faucet. The air gap adapter has an adapter body with a base portion and an integral riser portion which extends generally vertically upwardly from a rear region of the base portion. The base portion has a hole for a water inlet shank of the water faucet, and the riser portion has brine inlet and outlet bores. The brine outlet bore is vertically oriented in the riser portion, and the brine inlet and outlet bores are open at their upper region. Two barbed connectors are located at a lower region of the adapter body and provide a brine inlet and outlet to the adapter. A venting aperture is formed near an upper region of said riser portion and passes into the brine outlet bore. A cap is positioned on the riser portion above the bores.

Abstract: A filter device used to remove organic and inorganic debris from a liquid stream, such as irrigation water. The device comprises a diverter tube having a plurality of apertures therein to divert a significant portion of the liquids entering the device onto a filter screen, thereby filtering out the lighter debris on the screen. A portion of the liquid flows through the diverter tube with the heavier debris entrained therein, which settles out by gravity in a dead water zone at the lowermost end of the device. A flush valve can be opened, permitting the heavier debris to be swept out, and back-flushing the lighter debris off of the filter screen.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to filters for removing impurities from liquids, and more particularly to a replaceable filter cartridge having a barrier for preventing contaminants from draining from a spent cartridge, as it is being replaced. The barrier comprises a layer of filter media closely surrounding an inner perforated conducting conduit.

Abstract: An elongated filter system is provided which comprises an elongated filter alignment structure, a filter attachment structure and an elongated filter. The elongated filter attachment structure is removably attached to the filter alignment structure. The elongated filter alignment structure has a structure on one end to secure the elongated filter thereupon in fluid communication with a fluid passageway disposed in the filter attachment structure. The filter attachment structure for attaching the elongated filter comprises a yoke having an outer peripheral area in sealing engagement with the filter. The elongated filter alignment structure may comprise a central rod attached to a central opening in the filter attachment structure and may further have an elongated apertured center tube assembly disposed upon the rod.

Abstract: A combined venous and cardiotomy blood reservoir is provided that includes a rigid shell having a top, a bottom, and a continuous side wall. The top and bottom walls are connected to the continuous side walls so as to define a reservoir for venous and cardiotomy blood. A double column structure is provided within the blood reservoir, the first column for receiving and degassing venous blood, the second for receiving, filtering and defoaming cardiotomy blood. The venous blood filtering and defoaming components can include a top venous screen plate, a bottom venous screen plate or stand and a perforated venous cage captured therebetween. The venous column is of generally D-shape and has a double screen structure including an inner microscreen and an outer microscreen received respectively on the inside and outside of the perforated venous cage.

Abstract: A filter arrangement formed with a housing and a center tube connected with the housing. In the filter arrangement, a metal-free filter cartridge is arranged which includes an accordion-folded, annular filter element. The filter cartridge is provided with end plates on the axial end faces of the annular filter element, at least one of the end plates having an elastic construction, and each elastic end plate is provided with a flexible supporting ring which is arranged directly adjacent a radial seal formed by the elastic end plate.

Abstract: The reactor has two tubes arranged concentrically, one having a larger diameter than the other, the tubes thus defining an inner channel and an outer channel. The inner channel contains an elongated light source, such as a bulb or a fiber optic bundle receiving sunlight from a solar collector, radiating light outwardly, the light including a substantial component of light having a wavelength of less than 390 nm. The outer channel has at least one and preferably a number of angled conical baskets arranged therein, each basket covering all of the channel and having a face supporting a fiber glass mesh thereon, exposed towards the light. An alternative embodiment reflects sunlight inwardly towards a single tube with baskets. Each basket has a plurality of small apertures therethrough to permit water to pass therethrough, and the mesh is impregnated with TiO.sub.2 particles. Preferably, the inner surface of the outer channel is reflective. The mesh is prepared by a process which includes treatment of the TiO.sub.

Abstract: A diesel engine secondary oil filter is formed from a punched tinned steel spiral lock seam center tube, with a flanged cap at one end and a flanged threaded outlet at the other end. A layer of polyester non-woven media is wrapped in one wind around the center tube. A yarn is wound is a 27-diamond pattern in a first yarn section out to two inches outer diameter. The yarn is tied off. Knitted socks are first placed partially on axial ends of the first wound section, leaving half of the socks extending over the ends. A sheet of activated carbon paper about 1/6 of an inch thick and about 52 inches long is rolled onto the filter cartridge with about nine turns. The carbon paper is made of a cellulose paper impregnated with about 50% activated carbon powder by weight.

Abstract: Filter cartridge that prevents leakage of unfiltered fluid, as well as filter system and method using the same, are provided. The filter system includes a housing having an inlet for introducing unfiltered fluid into the housing and an outlet extending into the housing for draining filtered fluid after filtration occurs. A series of filter cartridges are positioned on the outlet within the housing, and gaskets are placed between adjacent filter cartridges and at each extreme end of the series. Each filter cartridge includes filter material configured in a tubular shape and opposite end walls located at the ends of the filter material. An aperture is formed through each end wall to receive the outlet when the filter cartridge is positioned thereon, and concentric pressure ridges are located on each end wall so as to substantially encompass the aperture.

Abstract: The method of cleaning porous ceramic filters with a backwashing apparatus comprising an accelerating circulation path and a unit for mixing accelerated water with high-pressure air can be implemented with compact equipment to achieve efficient cleaning. The pool water purifying apparatus and system that adopt this method of cleaning porous ceramic filters comprise a filtering means that uses the ceramic filters, a disinfecting means and an adsorbing means and, optionally, an ultrafiltration means as an additional filtering means, and are capable of removing not only bacteria but also viruses so that the water purified by this apparatus and system may be as clean as potable water. Such an extremely high efficiency of water purification achieved by the apparatus and system can be maintained over a prolonged period since both the filtering and adsorption means can be cleaned by backwashing.

Abstract: A filter assembly for decreasing fluid hold-up waste and providing uniform flow while maintaining desired flow rates and pressures comprises a housing, a filter element including first and second end caps and a filter fastened therebetween, and a sleeve. The sleeve is positioned around the filter and may be joined to the first and second end caps, thereby forming the cage as a single integral unit which is positioned within the housing.

Abstract: A filter for liquids is disclosed herein. The filter includes a filter housing containing an exchangeable filter element. A support part is provided within the housing that is separable from the at least one filter element and extends at least partly centrally through the interior space of the filter element. A means is provided for releasably attaching one end of said support part to the filter housing. The housing includes first and second radial inner seals for separating a crude space surrounding an exterior of the filter element from a clean space located within interior of the filter element with the radial inner seals being mounted within the housing at the axial ends of the filter element. The filter element is folded star-shaped and sealed on the face side and provided on the inside at each of its two axial ends with a sleeve having an interior portion resting against the radial inner seals.

Abstract: A replaceable element fluid filter is provided that has a rigid apertured center tube which is attached to a fluid outlet. The center tube is formed of a plurality of sections that fit together to achieve the desired overall length. A rod of selectable length is received within the center tube to retain the center tube in rigid position in communication with a fluid outlet. Once the center tube assembly is secured to the fluid outlet, a tubular filter element is replaceably secured around the center tube. By incorporating a rigid center tube, the tubular filter element can be constructed so that it does not require a self contained supporting structure. By varying the number of sections of the center tube and the length of the rod, tubular filter elements of various lengths may be employed.

Abstract: A filter assembly in housing 11 into which a thixotropic fluid is injected for filtration comprises filter layer 14c that is positioned along the central axis and which has the finest mesh, said filter layer 14c being surrounded successively in order by middle filter layer 14b having the next finest mesh and outer filter layer 14a of a coarse mesh. The thixotropic fluid injected into the housing passes through layers 14a, 14b and 14c in that order, whereby the fluid flows out of the housing through one stage of filtration steps.

Abstract: A waste water filtering apparatus includes a vertically extending filter housing having a plurality of filter tubes disposed therein. At least one of the filter tubes has an opening in the bottom end thereof and is closed at the top wherein waste water to be filtered flows in through the interior of the filter tube and out through openings in the walls of the filter tube into the interior of the filter housing. A second filter tube is provided with a closed bottom end and an open outlet end in flow communication with a discharge outlet from the filter housing. The second filter tube is in spaced parallel relation with the first filter tube whereby water flowing in the interior of the housing flows into the second filter tube and flows upwardly and out of openings in the top end of the filter tube which is in flow communication with the outlet discharge of the filter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning fluid filtration system is presented and which includes a tank having a bottom wall and a side wall together forming a fluid chamber. An inlet is located in the bottom wall for receiving fluid to be filtered. A tube extends from the inlet upwardly into the chamber for directing fluid upwardly through the tube. The tube has perforations therein for directing fluid to flow outwardly therefrom. A platform is carried by the tube intermediate its ends and extends radially outward therefrom toward the side wall of the tank. A perforated rigid basket in the chamber surrounds the tube and has an open lower end mounted to the upper surface of the platform and a closed upper end located above the upper end of the tube. A collapsible fluid-permeable filter bag is located in the chamber intermediate the tube and the basket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter (1) for filtering gaseous and liquid media, in particular an oil filter for internal combustion engines, having a filter housing (2) and a filter packing (8) taken up in the filter housing and made of a porous deformable material, e.g. a roll of absorbent paper. To prevent the filter packing from being deformed and thereby preventing a smooth flow through the filter packing, stabilizing elements (12), e.g. stabilizing bars, are provided for fixing the form and position of the filter packing (8) in the filter housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter element that comprises a center core and at least one layer of ion exchange yarn wound about the center core. In a preferred embodiment, more than one winding layer is wound about the core. The present invention also provides a method for purifying liquids, the method comprising providing a filter unit that contains a filter element that comprises a center core and at least one layer of ion exchange yarn wound about the core, and passing a liquid to be purified through the filter element.

Abstract: A method of increasing service life of an oil comprises placing a quantity of oil within a circuit, and placing a filter in the circuit, the filter having surfaces including interstices which contain a quantity of a liquid additive at a time of placement in the circuit, the additive being washed from the interstices of the filter into solution with the oil during filling and operation of the circuit to form a mixture of the oil and additive which reduces the formation of metallo-organic soaps. The oil may be an synthetic ester based oil or a mineral oil. The additive either reacts with an organic acid formed from hydrolysis of the oil during operation of the circuit to neutralize the acid, or alternatively the additive coats metallic wear particles formed during operation of the circuit so that organic acids formed from hydrolysis of the oil during operation of the circuit cannot attach thereto.

Abstract: A filter for sterile filtration of suspensions, comprising a pressure vessel, at least one candle filter element arranged in the pressure vessel, the at least one filter element having a hollow member with a lower portion which is formed as a filtering medium and an upper portion which is formed as a closed tube with an unwrapped self-supporting filtering medium, and a tube for carrying off a filtrate, the tube being formed as a central tube which is arranged in the hollow member and the filtering medium and is removable so as to permit inspection and cleaning of the filter element without opening the pressure vessel.

Abstract: Filter cartridge assemblies (10) comprising at least one filter cell (12) having an aperture (18) therethrough; a retainer ring (22) securably disposed on the filter cell and concentric with the aperture; and a lifting device (42, 50, 70, 80, 90) in communication with the retainer ring. A device for lifting and carrying a filter cell (12) comprising a retainer ring (22); and a lifting device (42, 50, 80, 90) in communication with the retainer ring. A method for the assembly of a cell-type filter cartridge device (10) comprising the steps of providing a filter housing (28) for at least one filter cell (12), the filter housing having a removable opening, an inlet and an outlet; providing at least one filter cell, the cell having an aperture (18) communicable with the outlet and a retainer ring (22) secured to the cell and providing a lifting device (42, 50, 80, 90); depositing the filter cell into the filter housing; and fastening the removable opening to the filter housing.

Abstract: A filter assembly for decreasing fluid hold-up waste and providing uniform flow while maintaining desired flow rates and pressures comprises a housing, a filter element including first and second end caps and a filter fastened therebetween, and a sleeve. The sleeve is positioned around the filter and may be joined to the first and second end caps, thereby forming the cage as a single integral unit which is positioned within the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for expelling gas from within a sealed container. The apparatus may include a device for collecting gas in a predetermined area within the container as well as a device for drawing the gas out of the predetermined area and for directing the gas into the inlet of a pump. The apparatus eliminates problems related to the buildup of gas within the container such as water noise and vapor lock.

Abstract: A sanitary cartridge filter housing is formed by a bottom plate having a raised platform thereon from which a splash plate extends radially. A housing cylinder is mounted on the bottom plate and clamped thereto, with an O-ring therebetween, by a surrounding clamp. At an opposite end of the housing cylinder is located a top plate which is either held in place by a clamp or by the pressure exerted on the top plate by a tightening nut threadingly engaging a winged center post with the threads of the winged center post engaging the tightening nut externally of the formed housing. The winged center post is solid (non-perforated) and extends through the center of the housing cylinder, through the platform supporting the splash plate, and is secured at its lowermost end at the bottom of an outlet port tee located externally of the formed housing.

Abstract: An improved filter assembly for filtering liquid, in particular milk. The improved assembly comprises a retainer for connecting the filter assembly to a liquid supply tube, a filter sock, having a predetermined diameter and length, for filtering the liquid, and an internal support coil, having coils of varying pitch, located within and supporting the filter sock, also having a predetermined diameter and length. The internal support coil extends substantially the entire length of the filter sock. The diameter of the filter sock is slightly greater than the diameter of the internal support coil so that the filter sock fits snugly over the internal support coil. The predetermined length of the filter sock is longer than the predetermined length of the internal support coil so that a flexible tab is provided at the open end of the filter sock.

Abstract: An improved fluid filter is provided that has a rigid apertured center tube which is attached to a fluid outlet. Once the center tube assembly is secured to the fluid outlet, a tubular filter element is replaceably secured around the center tube. By incorporating a rigid center tube, the tubular filter element can be constructed so that it does not require a self contained supporting structure. Thus, by eliminating an integral supporting structure, the filter element can be made solely of combustable materials, aiding in the disposal of used filter elements.

Abstract: A filter support tube for use in a filter cartridge including a helical wound wire defining a cylinder and a plurality of reinforcing strips extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the helical wire cylinder and circumferentially spaced from one another about a perimeter of the cylinder. The multiple turns of the helical wire are embedded in the reinforcing strips and extend through it. The wire is coated with a bonding agent to permit the wire to bond to the reinforcing strips and to provide corrosion resistance. The reinforcing strips embedding the wire lock the wire in the desired helical configuration and provide the required column strength for the filter support tube.

Abstract: A filter component having a substantially rigid support core and a filter element. The core includes a projecting first anchoring rib and the filter element (which is substantially flat in a repose position) has first and second spaced end panels. At least the first end panel of the element is attached to the anchoring rib when the element is mounted on the component. Element-component attachment is, in one aspect, by panel-mounted hook-like devices which attach to the rib. Attachment devices may also be embodied as clip mechanisms or rivet-like fasteners. A retaining tab on the component platform fits into a tab notch on the filter element when the element is mounted on the component.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include pressure differential barrier members for separating selected substances from fluid, gaseous and/or liquid, and methods of making same. They include separation material which, with respect to the fluid to be treated, is pervious and exhibits desired separation capabilities. They may also, at least in part, include material which is substantially impervious to the fluid. They include bridges spanning flow paths to form lateral flow paths, and they may also include flow paths that are unbridged. All flow paths through such embodiments are either through structural elements which themselves have desired separation capabilities or are occupied by separation material that is pervious to the fluid being treated and is of such desired characteristics.

Abstract: A method of increasing service life of an oil and a filter in a transmission which converts a variable speed input (10) into a constant speed output (14 or 20) for driving an a generator (16 or 22) producing constant frequency power in an airframe in accordance with the invention utilizes a filter having interstices wetted prior to placement in an oil circuit (24) with a quantity of a liquid additive that is washed from the interstices of the filter into solution with the oil during filling and/or operation of the transmission to form a mixture of the oil and additive which reduces the formation of metallo-organic soaps and solids, that are retained in the interstices of the filter.

Abstract: A gas/liquid mixture passes through a duct in which a filter device is interposed, the filter device being disposed such that its outlet duct is essentially vertical. The outlet duct opens out into a collecting enclosure placed above the filter device. A side outlet duct from the enclosure is disposed below the level of the liquid collected in the enclosure, a top portion collecting the gas given off above the level. The top portion communicates with the inlet of a jet which reinjects the gas into the outlet flow so as to form a homogeneous gas/liquid stream. The invention may be used, in particular, in the lubrication circuit of a vacuum pump having vanes and oil seals.

Abstract: Liquid filtration by means of a flow-through filter unit. An open-top housing is adapted to contain a removable filter cartridge having a center bore. Closing the housing with its cover effectively centers the cartridge and also seals both ends of the cartridge to keep unfiltered liquid from bypassing it. A concave baffle below the cartridge reorients the inflow of unfiltered liquid and defines a compartment from which the liquid flows to and enters both ends of the cartridge, flows therein and is filtered, flows radially to the center bore, and axially therefrom to an outlet for filtered liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil filter (1) for internal combustion engines, which is preferably used in secondary oil circuit in addition to a conventional oil filter. The oil filter comprises a filter housing (2a, 2b, 3o, 3u) in which a filter element (5) that consists of a roll of absorbant paper that is wound about a rod (4) is installed. In order to simplify production and inventory management, the present invention proposes that the oil filter be configured as a set of elements that comprises the body sections (2a, 2b) and caps (3o, 3u) and a rod (4) with the rolled filter element (5). The volume of the oil filter can be matched to a particular application by connecting a plurality of body sections (2a, 2b) with an appropriate number of rods (4).

Abstract: A filtering apparatus and method for removing solid impurities contained within a fluid. A plurality of filters each define successive stages and are linked in series whereby the output from a first filter feeds the input of a second filter and so on. Successive stages remove impurities of progressively smaller particle size whereupon the last stage provides a fluid substantially clean of all impurities and polished for subsequent reuse. The specific environment associated with the instant apparatus and method involves cleaning cooking oil in deep fat fryers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a generally cylindrically shaped container having a filter medium positioned therein and a plurality of partitions, each extending upwardly from the bottom of the container providing a plurality of adjacent lower sections to include an inlet section within the container. The inlet section has an inlet port on one side of the filter medium interconnecting the inlet section with the inlet of the container, and each of the sections has an outlet port on the other side of the filter medium. When blood is introduced into the filter, the blood flows initially and at low flow rates only through the inlet section, and at sufficiently higher flow rates the blood level exceeds the height of the partition of the inlet section and further flows successively over the partitions and through the adjacent sections.