Attached To Open End Of Pipe Patents (Class 210/460)
  • Patent number: 6253585
    Abstract: A lint filter construction 10 for use with the drain outlet 101 of a washing machine 100 wherein the construction 10 includes a filter body unit 11 comprising a sieve-like body member 20 fabricated from a sheet of plastic netting and having an upper portion 22 dimensioned to receive and be captively secured to the drain outlet 101 by a filter attachment unit 12 and further including an enlarged intermediate portion 23 and an enlarged lower portion 24; wherein, the lower portion 24 is further provided with a releasable sealing arrangement 40 for removing trapped lint directly from the bottom of the sieve-like body member 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph F Wright
  • Publication number: 20010004978
    Abstract: A system for removal of water from a hydrocarbon fluid, such as a fuel emulsion in a tank or flowing through a conduit that is used from time to time for delivering fuel to a household or consumer device, including a filter with a super-absorbent, hydrophilic, oleophobic substance bound with a medium to prevent separation and a support body structured to hold the filter, the filter being removable in order to be cleaned and reused or to be discarded and replaced by another filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Dwight D. Rutledge, Linda Marie Rutledge
  • Patent number: 6251274
    Abstract: The invention provides a faucet attachment for treating water issuing from a faucet of the type having a threaded outlet for receiving an aerator. The attachment has a valve assembly including a generally cylindrical inner structure having a faucet attachment for threadably engaging the thread on the faucet to seal the faucet attachment to the faucet, and a valve element below the faucet attachment. An outer structure contains the inner structure and includes a first outlet below the valve element, and a second outlet extending orthogonally with respect to said main axis. A housing receives water from the second outlet and a bottom exit is provided on the housing for dispensing treated water. The housing is movable angularly between a first position in which water leaves through the bottom exit. A cartridge is also provided for use in the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Envirogard Products Limited
    Inventor: Charles G. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6220454
    Abstract: A compact, high capacity in-tank fuel filter defines a large surface area while simultaneously occupying a relatively small space and defining a small footprint. The filter comprises a body of filtration media and an outlet fitting which is integrally molded to the filtration media and provides communication from the interior of the filter to an associated fuel pump to which it is typically mounted. The filtration media of the body is folded upon itself in a multiple accordion fold configuration and sealed along the non-folded edges. The resulting surface area to size (footprint) ratio provides improved flow capacity, reduced pressure drop and extended service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kuss Corporation
    Inventor: Hugh G. Chilton
  • Patent number: 6217763
    Abstract: Filter cartridge assemblies are provided with a generally cylindrical filter medium which defines a cylindrically shaped core space, and a pair of end caps. A threaded base member having detent projections receives at least one of the end caps, which itself is annular and has an interior cylindrical surface defining an interior space in alignment with the core space. The interior space is also provided with interrupted threads defining detent spaces. In use, therefore, the lower end cap may be threadably coupled with the threaded base member such that the detent projections are seated in respective ones of the detent, thereby minimizing the unintended threaded uncoupling therebetween. In another aspect, the filter cartridge is most preferably “coreless” and is capable of being sleeved over a permanent, reusable perforated core element. However, the core element is removably insertable within a base member to which the filter cartridge may be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: USF Filtration and Separation Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dianna L. Lawrence, Brian M. Raab, Carolyn A. Williams, Carl H. Hohenberger
  • Patent number: 6209572
    Abstract: A coupling system that can be placed into the existing drain and over the existing drain pipe to effect a repair without removal of an existing tub, shower or similar receptacle. The drain coupling system is self-sealing and can be locked into place from above. After ensuring that the proper seal is obtained between the invention and the drain pipe, the body of the invention is pushed downward until the upper collar lip engages the floor surrounding the drain opening. The system is then secured in position from above by the plurality of hex head set screws provided. The hex head set screws extend downward from the upper most surface of the invention. The coupling system is supplied with locking tabs. When the present invention is in the proper position within the drain opening, the rotation of the screws forces the wings of the locking tabs to rotate in a lateral fashion. The rotation of the locking tab continues until the wings contact the walls of the drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Dale Alan Wicklund
  • Patent number: 6193885
    Abstract: A pool cleaner debris bag comprising a body having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end coupled to the pool cleaner to receive debris from the pool ejected by the cleaner into the bag, and a float positioned in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Letro Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Sanford F. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6143169
    Abstract: Oil sump arrangements, such as transmission oil sumps and lubricating oil sumps used with the drive train of automotive vehicles are divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber with a filter media disposed between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. The oil being circulated to a transmission or an engine pools in the lower chamber and is sucked by a suction tube out of the lower chamber for recirculation. In order to prevent the oil from pooling or accumulating under centrifugal force away from the suction tube so that air is ingested by the suction tube and the transmission or engine momentarily starved for oil, a plurality of baffle plates are placed in the lower chamber and extended parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle which is the normal direction of motion of the vehicle. The baffle plates obstruct movement of the oil away from the suction tube inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Thomas Lee
  • Patent number: 6096197
    Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-purpose shower/tub filter unit are shown and described, the filter unit containing a chlorine-removal media and a scale-inhibiting media. The housing of the filter unit is adapted to attach universally to various water sources, such as a pipe or faucet and to a showerhead or hand-held spray unit. The filter unit preferably has an arm extending out from the main body of the filter unit, and the filter unit preferably extends upward and outward from the attachment point on the pipe or faucet. This way, a single filter unit may either be positioned a) substantially above a shower pipe to place the showerhead generally at a similar level as it would be without the filter unit in place, as in a United States shower configuration; or b) to fit under but extend out from a tub faucet, as in a European shower configuration. The filter unit has a replaceable cartridge that includes a carbon block and scale-deposit-inhibiting phosphate spheres contained in a space inside the carbon block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Douglass E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6086759
    Abstract: A skimmer assembly is used in a swimming pool having a water surface, a return inlet and a wall. The skimmer assembly includes an elongate container defining a channel therein. The container has a first side opposing a second side. The first side defines a substantially horizontally oriented, elongate cutout therein. The cutout is in communication with the channel and is configured for communication with the water surface. The cutout has an upper edge and a lower edge. The container has a substantially open first longitudinal end and a substantially closed second longitudinal end with a nozzle disposed therethrough. The nozzle is aligned substantially parallel with the channel and has an opposing inlet and outlet. The outlet of the nozzle tapers toward and is in communication with the channel. A porous trap having an open mouth is connected to the open first end of the container. An elongate, semi-flexible hose is disposed outside the container and is connected with the inlet of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Robin Bisseker
  • Patent number: 6075206
    Abstract: A low point drain for draining accumulated water from electrical conduit systems that are located in non-hazardous environments is disclosed. The drain includes a threaded coupling suitable for connection to a tapped opening in an electrical conduit, or a conventional "T" or elbow fitting or an electrical enclosure or junction box. The drain also includes an end cap attached to the other end of the coupling, a safety washer and a screen assembly that is retained within the end cap. The end cap has an interior lip that defines an opening through which the water may drain. The screen assembly includes a grommet that is held securely against the coupling end and a frustoconical screen that protrudes through the end cap opening. When the drain is installed at a low point in the conduit system, condensate that forms in the system flows out the drain aperture and screen by the action of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick A. Walker
  • Patent number: 6073777
    Abstract: A fluid swivel of the type that includes a transfer chamber (56) formed between inner and outer main parts (52, 54), is constructed so sand and other particles settling out of the fluid, does not find its way into the lower gap passage (86) and quickly wear out a seal. A second of the main parts has a lower wall with a raised barrier (110) close to the top (122) of the lower gap passage. The first main part lower wall forms a first barrier (112) in the form of a projection that lies closely over the second barrier. The two barriers are closely spaced to form an entrance region (120) leading to the lower gap passage, with the entrance region including an upstream entrance part (132) that extends vertically or at an upward incline to discourage the migration of sand therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Imodco Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Jansen
  • Patent number: 6066253
    Abstract: A pool or spa filter comprising a filter unit having porous filter wall structure to pass pool or spa water into the filter unit interior, the unit having a suction outlet; a perforated cover plate in water-passing registration with the outlet; the filter unit and cover plate being endwise interconnected and blocked against endwise inadvertent disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Softub, Inc.
    Inventors: Carsten H. Idland, John J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6063270
    Abstract: A swimming pool skimming device for skimming leaves and other floating debris from the water surface. The device includes a conduit and a connector for connecting one end of the conduit to the return flow inlet of the pool. The device also includes a trap support unit to which the other end of the conduit is connected. The unit has a shroud extending beneath the second end of the conduit and there is a porous trap which is supported by the trap support unit with the second end of the conduit spaced apart from and aimed at the trap. The trap support unit is sufficiently buoyant to support the second end of the conduit and the trap near the water surface. In use a return water flow from the return flow inlet passes through the conduit and is directed through water at the surface of the pool towards the trap. Floating matter at the surface of the water in the swimming pool is entrained in the flow and is captured in the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Andre d'Offay
  • Patent number: 6063276
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: North American Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A Felber
  • Patent number: 6051131
    Abstract: Improved flow modifier assembly for a water intake system having a cylindrical intake screen prevents damage to fish and other aquatic organisms by providing a controlled velocity profile which causes the average flow velocity to closely approach the peak flow velocity. By extending two or more concentric tubular flow modifiers into one end of the screen, it is possible to achieve flow uniformities of more than 90%, as compared to a maximum of about 72% for a prior art configuration utilizing a single tube flow modifier. In addition, the size, weight and cost of screen required can be greatly reduced for a given peak flow velocity as compared to prior art devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Richard C. Maxson
  • Patent number: 6051132
    Abstract: An aquarium filtration system intake cover, for use in aquariums having a filtration system having an intake tube having an intake tube mouth and an intake tube outer wall, comprising a net. The net comprises a network of criss-crossing members forming a net surface. The criss-crossing members meet at net member junctions. The net has a net mouth having an elastic band. The net mouth is extended over the intake tube mouth, and the elastic band tightens onto the intake tube outer wall. Spacers extend perpendicularly inward from the net member junctions to space the net surface from the intake tube outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Enid Flores
  • Patent number: 6004457
    Abstract: A temporary silt guard for temporarily enclosing the open upper end of a drop inlet during the construction of a road system in commercial and residential developments is adapted to fit over and seat upon the open end of the drop inlet to enable runoff water to drain into the drop inlet while preventing silt and debris from being carried into and collected therein. The silt guard includes a body portion formed from a series of spaced slats defining radially spaced passages through the silt guard. A filter cover is received over the silt guard, formed from a silt screen material, with the slats of the body portion providing rigidity and strength to the filter cover. The filter cover filters out silt and debris while enabling storm water and runoff to drain into the drop inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Roger Singleton
  • Patent number: 5993652
    Abstract: A novel all-wheel journaling of the rotary portion of a rotary self-cleaning strainer on a stationary central core. Respective sets of circumferentially spaced wheels are provided on respective end closures of the rotary portion that close opposite axial ends of a strainer screen to the central core. A first set of wheels on one end closure rides on a wear sleeve around the suction pipe of the stationary core, and a second set on the other end closure rides on a ring disposed around the supply pipe of the stationary core. Two additional rings sandwich the ring on the supply pipe to axially capture the second set of wheels and thereby axially capture the rotary portion on the central core. The rotary portion has a frame, including the end closures, for supporting the screen. Novel tie rod structures extend between the end closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Perfection Sprinkler Co.
    Inventors: James O. Stoneburner, Charles A. Wilkins, Thomas R. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 5993648
    Abstract: A faucet-mounted water filtration device includes a gate valve that is used to select between discharge options. The gate valve contains a thumb rest which is configured to allow manual valve actuation while supportedly engaging a user's thumb. First discharge option includes a conventional bottom discharge into a sink. A second discharge option exists as a water fountain that is formed as a compact, integral feature of the water filtration device. A flow indicator permits a user to check whether the filtration cartridge is working properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: American Standard, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Hunter, Jeffrey K. Aldred, Kraig J. Koski, Ralph Burns
  • Patent number: 5980740
    Abstract: A filtration system for storm drain collection boxes includes a helical coil frame, open at both ends, which coil frame is attached at an exit end to a vertical exit side wall of the collection box with the exit end aligned with a collection box outlet opening. The opposite, inlet end of the coil frame is suspended from a ceiling of the collection box, and a filter fabric "sock", which is also open at both ends, is positioned surrounding the coil frame. The inlet end of the coil frame is positioned at a level below the ceiling of the collection box. The filter sock normally filters out silt, sediment and solid materials from storm water run-off before the water enters the storm drainage system but the open inlet end of the coil frame and sock acts as an overflow during flooding conditions to permit storm water to bypass the filtration provided by the filter sock while still filtering out solid materials via a wide mesh screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Civitas Erosion Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Harms, Paul W. Stiles, George E. Preuss
  • Patent number: 5948249
    Abstract: A sealing device 2 for forming a seal against an object such as a pipe surface 12 comprises a sealing strip 6 having a deformable inner pad 8, which is held tightly on the object by a slide fastener 18. The fastener 18 is preferably a hermetic zip fastener. A sealing device of the present invention may be used with a filter bag and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Michael H. Scott
  • Patent number: 5935450
    Abstract: Screens for protecting the intake openings of pool skimmer systems which include a body portion having front and opposite side walls. Retention flanges extend from the body rearwardly relative to the front wall of the size to extend within the intake openings for retaining the screens within the intake openings. In some embodiments the screens may include top and/or bottom sections or an optional outwardly extending debris receiving tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Charles E. Benedict
  • Patent number: 5928507
    Abstract: A fuel filter has a supporting body comprising plastic which is enclosed in a filter fabric and which has a pump connection neck positioned on the top side of the filter. The pump connection neck, with its bottom end extending in close proximity to the bottom of the filter, has an inlet opening. The inlet opening is surrounded by a number of supporting feet. According to the invention, the inlet opening (9) is covered by a plastic disk (12) extending normal to the axis (14) of the pump connection neck (6). The plastic disk (12) is connected with the supporting feet (10) in such a way that the filter fuel flows into the pump connection neck (6) in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Filtertek, S.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Chiga
  • Patent number: 5928504
    Abstract: A faucet-mounted water treatment device including a flow totalizer and an end-of-life indicator cooperating with the totalizer to tell the user when it is necessary to replace the filter cartridge. End-of-life indication is provided by a valve which stops flow after a predetermined volume has been filtered and by a rotating screen which shows the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Recovery Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Hembre, Brian F. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5922197
    Abstract: A debris suppression device in combination with a manhole on-site remediation system which defines a discharge system having a hose and a pump system to clean out and discharge contaminated and stagnated polluted water that accumulates in manholes and underground vaults, wherein the debris suppression device comprises a submersible bucket formed with a plurality of drain holes located adjacent the opening of the bucket and a plurality of straps which define strut members that are fixedly mounted to the bucket and extend upwardly so as to be secured to the flexible hose, whereby solid materials of various sizes and shapes found in stagnated polluted water are prevented from being pumped or discharged through the remediation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Gary D. Sparks
  • Patent number: 5910249
    Abstract: A process and apparaus for recovery water from raw sewage extracted directly from the sewer including a screen(2) operable to obtain from raw sewage a screened effluent having a maximum particle size of no more than 900 microns. The apparatus also comprises a first membrane separator(5) which is operable to filter the suspended solids from some or all of the screened effluent. The process also includes a second membrane separator preferably in the form of reverse osmosis filter(8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: CRC for Waste Management and Pollution Control Limited
    Inventors: Clinton Kopp, Warren Johnson, Anthony Day, Antony MacCormick, Tomasz Markiewicz, Gary Stollery, Mark Thompson, Brett Alexander, Neil Wende
  • Patent number: 5904847
    Abstract: A waste water filter for use within a septic tank. The waste water filter comprises a shield including an upstanding peripheral wall, the peripheral wall defining a shield interior within the shield. The shield further includes an inlet opening for allowing the entry of unfiltered wastewater into the shield interior. A filter enclosure is disposed within the shield interior at a spaced apart distance from the shield. The filter enclosure includes an upstanding peripheral wall, a top end, and a bottom end. The bottom end includes a bottom panel for preventing the passage of unfiltered waste water into filter enclosure. The filter enclosure further includes at least one filter surface disposed intermediate the top and bottom ends of the filter enclosure for allowing the passage of water restricting the passage of solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Tom Bovington
  • Patent number: 5891329
    Abstract: A water tapping fixture with an outlet opening which is connected to a supply connection through a pipe having at least one valve, wherein an ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged in the pipe connected to the water tapping fixture. The ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged closely adjacent the outlet opening of the fixture. The outlet opening may be arranged in a head which is movable relative to a base part and the ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged in the head. Such a head may be, for example, a shower head which is connected through a hose to a wall fixture. The head may be connected through a flexible line to the base part and a feed line for the ultraviolet light radiating device is attached to the flexible line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Karl F. Massholder
  • Patent number: 5885450
    Abstract: A water purifier includes a quick connect connector in a port that receives a tube that carries the water. The tube is received along the axis of the port in a first reference direction along the axis. The connector is assembled by inserting, in sequence, a support ring, an O-ring, and a plug into the port along the axis, but in a direction opposite the first direction. The plug is held in place by adhesive or conventional welding. To complete the assembly, a collet is inserted into the port along the axis and in the first direction. A tube is then connected to the water purifier by urging the tube through the collet, along the axis, and in the first direction. The tube is gripped by the collet, supported by the support ring, sealed by the O-ring, and stopped against the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Roger P. Reid
  • Patent number: 5882515
    Abstract: An inline filter having a swivel right-angle fitting for coupling an inlet or outlet tube. The fitting includes a stem having a pair of O-rings and a distal ridge and notch. The cap of the filter includes a port having a plurality of annular, resilient tabs that engage the notch and ridge to retain the fitting to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Hydro-Flow Filtration Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Lacy, Michael T. Baird
  • Patent number: 5865996
    Abstract: A water purifier includes a port having a collet, an O-ring seal, and a support between the collet and the seal. The collet axially receives a tube for water passage. The support limits radial movement of the tube off the axis. The support has an L-shaped cross section having a radial leg that seats the O-ring, and an axial leg. Water purifiers are often installed in confined spaces near mechanical equipment. Conventional water purifiers installed with sharp bends in influent and effluent water tubes and exposed to equipment vibration conducted by the tubes often exhibit weeping at the port. In an embodiment of the present invention, weeping is eliminated by maintaining axial relation between the tube, the seal, and the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Roger P. Reid
  • Patent number: 5865209
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: QMP, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Freddy Vidal
  • Patent number: 5863425
    Abstract: An improved filter bag is provided for mounting onto a suction mast of a pool cleaner to retain and collect debris and the like vacuumed by the pool cleaner from submerged floor or wall surfaces of a swimming pool. The filter bag includes a porous bag-shaped filter element having an open mouth mounted to a latch collar adapted for quick release coupling to a downstream end of the pool cleaner suction mast. The filter element and latch collar include interfitting alignment members to insure filter element assembly with the latch collar in a desired front-to-rear orientation. The suction mast and latch collar further include additional interfitting alignment members for latch collar mounting onto the pool cleaner in a desired front-to-rear orientation, thereby insuring proper orientation of the filter bag on the pool cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Polaris Pool Systems
    Inventors: Timothy D. Herlehy, Isain S. Monge
  • Patent number: 5863424
    Abstract: A filter element for use in a pan, such as a oil pan for a vehicle transmission or internal combustion engine, is configured for positioning in the opening of a sump in the pan. In order to position the filter element, an inwardly projecting shoulder is provided on the wall of the sump upon which a shoulder on the frame of the filtering elements rests. Between the two shoulders a resilient seal is positioned and held compressed by a latching arrangement on the filter element. A preferred latching arrangement comprises plurality of detents that project laterally from the filter element frame and seat within indentations in the wall of the sump. Preferably, the filter element has a pleated filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Thomas Lee
  • Patent number: 5858234
    Abstract: A two piece suction strainer for use with a centrifugal pump is provided. The strainer includes a cage having the form of a basket and a cover having an integral hub formed as a hose shank fitting. The cover is securely placed in the open end of the cage basket. The hose is directly attached onto the hub. The cage and the cover preferably are injection molded from a high impact plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Nami K. Sukun
  • Patent number: 5851385
    Abstract: A strainer for use with a dry hydrant having a fluid inlet includes an inlet tube having a first end and a second end, the first end being substantially capped, and the second end being connected to the dry hydrant fluid inlet. A plurality of apertures are formed in the inlet tube and are disposed between the first end and the second end. The apertures are disposed in a substantially v-shaped pattern, whereby an apex of the substantially v-shaped pattern is spaced proximal to the second end. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apertures spaced proximal to the first end of the inlet member have diameters greater than diameters of the apertures spaced proximal to the second end of the inlet member. In operation in a dry hydrant system, the strainer provides for uniform suction zone throughout the inlet pipe, and provides uniform fluid drafting flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Leo Merrett
  • Patent number: 5843306
    Abstract: A temporary silt guard for temporarily enclosing the open upper end of a drop inlet during the construction of a road system in commercial and residential developments is adapted to fit over and seat upon the open end of the drop inlet to enable storm runoff water to drain into the drop inlet while preventing silt and debris from being carried into and collected therein. The silt guard includes a body having a filter box portion formed from a series of radially spaced slats. A silt screen material is encircled about at least the slats of the filter box portion and secured to the body portion, with the slats providing rigidity and strength to the silt screen material. The silt screen material filters out silt and debris while enabling storm water and runoff to drain into the drop inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Earl R. Singleton
  • Patent number: 5833849
    Abstract: A spout-mounted water filter assembly suitable for use with a shallow sink having a short necked spout. The water filter assembly includes a water filter unit and an extension pipe which provides additional vertical clearance between the base of the sink and the outlet of the filter unit. The extension pipe may further be dimensioned to provide additional clearance relative to an inner edge of the sink in order to prevent interference between the water filter unit and the sink. The water filter assembly of the present invention is versatile and may be configured in a variety of orientations to fit a variety of sink/faucet combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Everpure, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Primdahl
  • Patent number: 5833927
    Abstract: A device for capturing a component present in a fluid is a pipette tip having a rearward end 15 adapted to be fitted on a micro-pipette, and a forward end 12 with a membrane 17, adapted to bind the component, extending across the pipette tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Amersham International plc
    Inventors: Margaret Patricia Raybuck, Michael Kenneth Kenrick, David Alun Parry
  • Patent number: 5827428
    Abstract: A water dispenser includes a housing in which a tank is disposed for containing purified water. A valve is disposed at a front of the housing for enabling a user to dispense the purified water. A water collecting tub is disposed beneath the valve for collecting spilled water. A drainage hose communicates with a lower portion of the tub for draining-away collected water. A removable filter is removably mounted across an inlet of the drainage passage for filtering-out foreign substances that might otherwise block the drainage hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Beung-Kwon Chang
  • Patent number: 5824219
    Abstract: A water spout seat of the water filtration device is composed of a water discharge tube, a main body, a stop valve, and a trigger member, The main body is provided with a through hole, a water inlet, a chamber, a stop edge located between the through hole and the chamber, a stop lip located between the water inlet and the chamber, and an inclined connection hole located between the water inlet and a water outlet of the main body. The stop valve is provided with a tapered washer which is engaged securely with a tapered hole of a water admitting tube. The through hole, the chamber and the water inlet are located coaxially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Cheng-Chen Lai
  • Patent number: 5811002
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: North American Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Felber
  • Patent number: 5796035
    Abstract: A low point drain for draining accumulated water from electrical conduit systems that are located in non-hazardous environments is disclosed. The drain includes a threaded coupling suitable for connection to a tapped opening in an electrical conduit, or a conventional "T" or elbow fitting or an electrical enclosure or junction box. The drain also includes an end cap attached to the other end of the coupling, a safety washer and a screen assembly that is retained within the end cap. The end cap has an interior lip that defines an opening through which the water may drain. The screen assembly includes a grommet that is held securely against the coupling end and a frustoconical screen that protrudes through the end cap opening. When the drain is installed at a low point in the conduit system, condensate that forms in the system flows out the drain aperture and screen by the action of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Patrick A. Walker
  • Patent number: 5795473
    Abstract: An elongated fluid filtering assembly includes an elongated filter element housed within an elongated hollow tube. The filter and hollow tube are supported on an elevated frame by at least two resilient bushings. The resilient bushings allow easy maintenance of the filter. The hollow tube contains at least one transverse slit which allows fluid to enter the fluid chamber and contact the filter. The filter assembly is easily accessible and relatively inexpensive to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Donald C. Marks
  • Patent number: 5795475
    Abstract: Coupler/diverter has housing with an aerator at the bottom and an inner barrel having rotary valving stem serving to distribute supply water, brine and overflow from RO filter. Depending on the setting, the stem permits flow through the housing to issue in the usual aerated stream. At this setting it also shuts off all other flow for decoupling. In diverting setting it sends supply to filter, shuttles return brine flush to the outside of the housing and lets reservoir overflow pass through the aerator. In a working setting the stem also can control volume of brine return to a varying degree to optimize the operation of the RO filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Neoperl, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick L. Luedke, Ryan K. Hur, Dirk Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5772882
    Abstract: An anti-clogging device for drain pipe includes: a cap member linked with an open-topped cylindrical container, whereby upon insertion of the cylindrical container into the drain pipe and upon covering of the cap member on a top opening of the drain pipe, the drain pipe can be well protected for preventing clogging by waste materials or scraps in a building construction site by means of the anti-clogging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Yi-Chun Chang
  • Patent number: 5762790
    Abstract: A filtering system for filtering effluent in a septic system comprising a filter housing with sides, a top and an open bottom, a filter element holder secured within the filter housing, wherein the filter element holder contains a top and a side portion, a discharge opening in the filter housing located generally above the filter element holder for discharging filtered effluent from the filter housing, a plurality of filter elements, each secured to the filter element holder, each with a top, bottom and side, wherein the bottom of each filter element is closed to prevent flow of the effluent through the bottom of the filter element, wherein each filter element contains filtering slots for filtering solids contained in the effluent and a separation element for separating one filter element from other filter elements, which element does not significantly impede the flow of effluent through the filtering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Zoeller Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Zoeller
  • Patent number: 5759398
    Abstract: A suction sieve has a cylindrical sieve body made up of several annular, modular cassette elements that are axially spaced apart and coupled to one another. The cassette elements surround a central suction chamber and are clamped together between an end plate that covers the suction chamber and a flange for connection to a suction line of a cooling water pump. Each cassette unit is formed of two annular, perforated side wall sections and several perforated wall segments that are circumferentially spaced apart and arranged between the side wall sections. The perforated wall segments and the side wall sections form sieve pockets that essentially extend in the radial direction and open toward the outer periphery of the sieve body so that water can flow through the sieve pockets in all directions. Discharge gaps extend in an essentially radial direction, open into the suction chamber, and are formed between the sieve pockets and between the cassette units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Sulzer Thermtec AG
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kielbowicz
  • Patent number: RE36343
    Abstract: A drain filtering device is disclosed. The improvement over the prior art .[.is comprised of.]. .Iadd.includes .Iaddend.reducing the filter size from an elongated device that spans the length of .[.the gutter.]. .Iadd.drain .Iaddend.system to a modular unit which is necessary only at the drain .[.sight.]. .Iadd.outlet.Iaddend.. The .[.invention also includes.]. .Iadd.filtering device has .Iaddend.an inclined upper face which is positioned on the upstream side of the .[.drain in the gutter and a downspout.]. .Iadd.channel of the drain and an .Iaddend.attachment which locates the .[.invention.]. .Iadd.filtering device .Iaddend.in the .[.gutter.]. .Iadd.channel .Iaddend.such that the flow of filtered water passes through the .[.invention.]. .Iadd.device .Iaddend.and into the .[.downspout.]. .Iadd.outlet.Iaddend.. The debris that collects in the .[.gutter.]. .Iadd.channel .Iaddend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Charles Silva