Spaced Wall-type Element Patents (Class 210/461)
  • Patent number: 6312609
    Abstract: The water purification device includes at least a purification unit and a pipe unit. The water purification device is intended for purification of water being particularly in a storage, such as a container, a reservoir, a vessel or the like, by immersing the same at least partly into the water existing in the storage and by leading water away from the storage preferably from above into a collecting container placed essentially underneath the purification unit. A pipe connected to the purification unit is arranged to lead water by means of syphon principle, by influence of syphon pressure caused by the difference between the height of the purification unit and the collecting container. The filtering means include at least one thin filtering film, preferably made of plastic-based material, such as PTM (Particle Trade Membrane), TeM (track-etch Membrane) or the like, the thickness of which is preferably 7-25 micrometers and the size of pores is 0.05-10 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Nerox Filter Oy
    Inventors: Rostislav Solyanik, Kari Aalto, Alexander Melnikov, Valery Antipov
  • 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: 6210573
    Abstract: The filtering device is adapted to be removably attached to the distal end of a discharge hose of a washing machine for filtering lint and other particulate material from liquid discharge by the washing machine. The device includes an elongated tubular coupling having a generally cylindrical side wall with a centrally located axially extending passage therein, with the cylindrical side wall having an entrance end and an exit end. The centrally located passage has a diameter generally equal to the outside diameter of the hose. The side wall at the exit end has an inwardly turned flange which provides a stop for the hose when received in the centrally located passage. Removable fastening means extend through the side wall and the hose for securing the hose in place in the coupling. The exterior surface of the coupling has a pair of outwardly extending hooks. A removable and replaceable lint-collection bag has an opening for receiving at least part of the coupling and hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Tony D. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6193880
    Abstract: An adjustable downspout screening device that is width adjustable to allow the adjustable downspout screening device to be used with a variety of gutter downspout sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Julien P. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 6096207
    Abstract: A filter cartridge assembly includes a filter cartridge having a generally cylindrical filter medium which defines a cylindrically shaped core space, and a pair of end caps fixed to opposite ends of the filter medium. Most preferably, the filter cartridge is "coreless" in that it is not provided with an integral support core structure. At least one of the end caps (e.g., the proximal end cap) is annular and has an interior cylindrical surface defining an interior space in alignment with the core space. A truncated generally conically shaped seal skirt is operatively associated with the annular end caps. The filter cartridge is sleeved over reusable support core structure which includes a base having a truncated conically shaped seal skirt, and a tubular perforated rigid core element fixed at one end to the base. The annular end-cap and the base of the support core structure are removably mechanically coupled to one another, most preferably by being threadably interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: USF Filtration and Separations Group Inc.
    Inventors: Charles S. Hoffman, Jr., Norman F. Robillard, Robert H. Sumner
  • Patent number: 5958234
    Abstract: A suction strainer includes a hollow internal core tube and an external filtering surface built around the internal core tube. A plurality of openings are defined through the side wall of the internal core tube core. In some cases the openings through the side wall are constructed and arranged such that there is somewhat less open area near the downstream end than the upstream end of the internal core tube, and the amount of open area tapers between the upstream end and the downstream end. As a result, when liquid is drawn into the internal core tube through the plurality of openings, a substantially uniform inflow distribution may be defined along substantially the entire length of the internal core tube. The internal core tube functions as a rigid structural support for the external filtering surface, enabling the apparatus to withstand post-LOCA hydrodynamic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Performance Contracting, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Dwyer, Gordon H. Hart, Carl E. Nuzman, Gordon P. Pinsky
  • Patent number: 5935439
    Abstract: An elongated internal core tube suction strainer supported at its ends for use in a suction system is disclosed as is a suction system comprising the elongated suction strainer in combination with ECCS pipes in various support combinations. The elongated internal core tube suction strainer of this invention is particularly suited for use with boiling water reactor (BWR) and pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plants. Because of the flexibility of the suction strainer of this invention, the suction strainer can be adapted for use in a variety of reactor plants. The elongated suction strainer has an internal core tube defining a plurality of fluid inlets and an exterior filtering structure defining a plurality of perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Performance Contracting, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon H. Hart, Gordon P. Pinsky
  • 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: 5902480
    Abstract: An in-tank fuel filter includes a body having upper and lower panels comprising an outer shell or layer of extruded mesh, layers of spun bonded and melt blown filtration media and a fitting for mounting the filter to an in-tank fuel pump inlet. The outer layer of the body is extruded mesh material that has the general appearance of a woven fabric but includes connections at every filament intersection. This outer layer protects the finer, inner filtration layers which include a first layer of spun bonded material, a layer of melt blown filtration media defining smaller pore sizes and a second layer of spun bonded material. The mounting fitting is made of a fuel compatible material and may either be a multiple part device or be in-situ molded on one of the filter panels. Separating ribs or a stuffer may be disposed in the interior of the filter to prevent its collapse and improve fuel withdrawal through the mounting fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Kuss Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh G. Chilton, William L. Zehnpfennig
  • Patent number: 5843314
    Abstract: A suction strainer includes a hollow internal core tube and an external filtering surface built around the internal core tube. A plurality of openings are defined through the side wall of the internal core tube core. In some cases the openings through the side wall are constructed and arranged such that there is somewhat less open area near the downstream end than the upstream end of the internal core tube, and the amount of open area tapers between the upstream end and the downstream end. As a result, when liquid is drawn into the internal core tube through the plurality of openings, a substantially uniform inflow distribution may be defined along substantially the entire length of the internal core tube. The internal core tube functions as a rigid structural support for the external filtering surface, enabling the apparatus to withstand post-LOCA hydrodynamic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Performance Contracting, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Dwyer, Gordon H. Hart, Carl E. Nuzman, Gordon P. Pinsky
  • Patent number: 5783078
    Abstract: A filter assembly having a replaceable coalescing filter in which contaminants are separated from fuel, oil, or the like. The filter assembly has an outer housing that may be constructed from a cylindrical metal container and a top metal plate. A filter element is attached in a cantilever manner to the metal plate, by chemical bonding and/or mechanical locking, solely by way of an support member. The filter element is thus suspended from the plate leaving a clearance space between the bottom filter cap and the bottom of the filter container. No elements are disposed in the clearance space, thus maximizing the efficiency of the filter. The support member may be made of rubber or similar material suitable for sealing the inner and outer fuel chambers and for chemically bonding to the metal housing. The upper end cap of the filter element also may be chemically bonded to the element support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Allen Roll, Willie Luther Stamey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5759399
    Abstract: A suction strainer for straining water from the emergency suppression pool of a boiling water reactor includes a plurality of stacked, perforated disks having an internal core with a minimum internal radius r(x) that decreases with increased distance from the intake of the strainer, so that the core has a tapered profile. Internal radius r(x) may vary linearly or exponentially or a combination of both. The stacked, perforated disks each include a first surface that faces in the direction of the intake and a second surface, that faces away from the intake. A circumferential band may connect the first and second surfaces together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Continuum Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Bilanin, Andrew E. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 5732621
    Abstract: A filter sleeve (26) surrounds a rod-shaped, flexible drain core with flow paths for removing a pressed-out liquid from the pressing chamber of a press. For mounting one or both ends of the filter sleeve (26) and the drain core on the press, a rubber or elastically deformable shaped element (29) with a ring-like bead (22) is firmly connected with the filter sleeve (26) at its end. The shaped element (29) inseparably penetrates the fabric of the filter sleeve (26) because of an elastomer coating, and the bead (22) is automatically positioned in a groove (24) of a support body (23) because of its previous stretching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Bucher-Guyer AG
    Inventors: Eduard Hartmann, Ruedi Jossi
  • Patent number: 5728292
    Abstract: A filter is provided for use with an in-tank fuel pump for an internal combustion engine. The filter is disposed within a fuel tank and includes a main filtration chamber connected to an inlet of the fuel pump and a return fuel chamber connected to the engine for introducing thereto return fuel from the engine. The main filtration chamber has an upper side peripheral wall formed from a meshed filter medium. The return fuel chamber is connected to the main filtration chamber in such a manner that the upper side peripheral wall of the main filtration chamber serves as a partition wall between the main filtration chamber and the return fuel chamber. In one embodiment, the return fuel chamber has a peripheral wall formed from sheet or plate impermeable to fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hashimoto, Yuichi Fujinuma
  • Patent number: 5716522
    Abstract: An in-tank fuel filter includes a body comprising layers of spun bonded and melt blown filtration media and a fitting for mounting the filter to an in-tank fuel pump inlet. An outer layer of the body is preferably spun bonded material which exhibits good abrasion resistance. One or more inner layers of melt blown filtration media define smaller pore sizes and thus exhibit smaller particle filtration capability. The mounting fitting is made of a fuel compatible material and may either be a multiple part device or be in-situ molded on the filter body. A separator may be disposed in the interior of the filter to prevent its collapse and improve fuel withdrawal through the mounting fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Kuss Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh G. Chilton, John F. Combest
  • Patent number: 5672273
    Abstract: A filter arrangement which is employed in a fluid conduit is formed of a filter formed of a permeable filter material connected to a flange seal having an annular portion for engaging with and coupling to the permeable filter medium, and a planar portion for forming a seal which prevents leakage at a flange-type coupler. The planar and annular portions of the flange seal are formed of teflon, as is the filter itself, which may be formed of multiple layers of teflon fabric or filter material, each having a respective filter permeability characteristic. The filter is coupled to the annular portion of the flange seal by a thread which is sewn through the various layers of the filter medium and the annular portion of the flange seal. The thread may itself be formed of teflon, such that the entire filter arrangement is formed of teflon and will resist corrosion. Collapse of the filter is prevented by a rigid tubular support which has apertures therethrough to facilitate flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Technical Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith R. Ball
  • Patent number: 5665229
    Abstract: An in-tank fuel filter for securement to an in-tank fuel pump assembly includes a retaining or mounting ring which is utilized to secure the filter to the fuel pump assembly inlet. The mounting ring includes a collar which is received about the outlet stack of the fuel filter assembly and assists retention of the fuel filter assembly on the fuel pump inlet and maintains a fluid tight seal notwithstanding dimensional changes of the outlet stack occasioned by long term contact with fuel. The fuel pump assembly also includes a depending lug parallel to but offset from the inlet fitting. The mounting ring also includes complementary means to receive and grip the lug, namely, a plurality of resilient fingers arranged in a non-circular, i.e., elongate pattern such as an oval which compensates for inlet fitting to lug spacing variations and retains the fuel filter on the fuel pump assembly during subsequent manufacturing and assembly steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Kuss Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Fitzpatrick, Michael J. Davidson, Bernard R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5660729
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cartridge for a filter for filtering liquid or gaseous media comprising two front disks and a substantially hollow cylindrical filter member arranged inbetween the two front disks, with the medium to be filtered flowing through the filter member, with at least one of the front disks provided with a central aperture whereby the filter cartridge is axially mountable onto a medium inlet pipe or outlet pipe with at least one seal sealingly positioned inbetween, and wherein the filter cartridge is detachable from the pipe for replacement. The filter cartridge is designed as a replacement filter cartridge for replacing common filter cartridges having metal parts, wherein the filter consists of paper and/or cotton and/or felt and/or thermally usable plastic non-woven fabric, wherein the front disks and formed of thermally consumable plastic and the seal is formed of a flexible thermally consumable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Ing. Walter Hengst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Baumann
  • Patent number: 5639367
    Abstract: In a fuel filter disposed in a fuel tank for automobiles, a filter cloth is prevented from being damaged or broken so as to maintain the filtering property stably for a long period of time. The fuel filter disposed in a fuel tank for automobiles has a frame body for swelling the filter cloth wherein outer surfaces of the frame body arc gently at the portion where the frame body contacts the filter cloth, whereby the filter cloth is prevented from being damaged or broken even if the filter cloth repeatedly contacts the frame body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignees: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd., Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihide Ohzeki, Yoshio Ebihara, Hisashi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 5624557
    Abstract: A pressure filter has a fluid compartment with a fluid inlet and at least one filter surface in the fluid compartment having a plurality of apertures, one side of the filter surface bounding the fluid compartment and the other side thereof bounding a filtrate compartment having a filtrate outlet. The backwashing system includes a backwashing head sweeping over the filter surface and sealing a part thereof with respect to the fluid compartment. The backwashing head restricts a backwashing compartment having at least one suction chamber open in a slot-like manner to the filter surface and having connected thereto a reject drain. The filter includes two filter surfaces located in the front side range of a hub. The hollow shaft is rotatably supported within the hub. The hollow shaft is coupled at its front sides to a respective backwashing head and at its cylindrical part to a drive means located outside of the fluid compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Mike Maurer
    Inventor: Uwe Maurer
  • Patent number: 5607578
    Abstract: A filter for an in-tank type fuel pump. The filter comprises a frame, a bag type screen adapted to be kept in an expanded condition by the frame, and a flat protector to be interposed between the screen and a bottom surface of the fuel tank. The protector is attached to the screen substantially at the central portion of the protector in the longitudinal direction thereof, so that it may be pressed against the tank bottom surface by a small deflecting force of the screen. This construction is effective to cause less transmission of noise of the pump to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kousaku Ohkouchi, Shigeru Yoshida, Kenji Hayashi, Shigeru Arakawa
  • Patent number: 5595657
    Abstract: A recyclable filter cartridge for use in photographic processing has a main tubular housing 11 that encases a core in which a synthetic fiber filtering material 17 is located. The core is accessed by elongated slots 15, 16 formed circumferentially in an outer shell 14 of the housing 11. The slots 15, 16 allow entry of photographic processing chemicals into the core so that, under the influence of an external pump, the processing chemicals may pass through and be filtered by the filtering material 17. There is a tubular outlet 19 for exit of the filtered processing chemicals from the core and for their passage to a processing tank 35. The cartridge may be disassembled by disconnection of a stem tube 12 from the main tubular housing 11 so as to allow manual removal of the used filtering material 17 from the core and the replacement within the core of clean filtering material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignees: Stanley D. Sandler, Stuart M. Coleman
    Inventor: Stuart M. Coleman
  • Patent number: 5587076
    Abstract: A filter is inserted into a cylindrical hole of a nozzle body 1. The filter has an axial blind hole, which communicates with transverse or radial holes. The transverse holes open into peripheral longitudinal trap channels, which are axially open against a collection space. Via slot-like openings, the trap channels are connected to second or clean channels, which communicate with an outlet opening of the nozzle body. A flushing opening, which can be closed by a screw, leads from the collection space to the outside. When foreign bodies have accumulated in the trap channels, the flushing opening is opened, and the foreign bodies are flushed out with an injection stroke. As a result, the foreign bodies can be removed rapidly and in a simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Herzog AG
    Inventor: Kurt Herzog
  • Patent number: 5584988
    Abstract: A filter is provided for use with an in-tank fuel pump for an internal combustion engine. The filter is disposed within a fuel tank and includes a main filtration chamber connected to an inlet of the fuel pump and a return fuel chamber connected to the engine for introducing thereto return fuel from the engine. The main filtration chamber has an upper side peripheral wall formed from a meshed filter medium. The return fuel chamber is connected to the main filtration chamber in such a manner that the upper side peripheral wall of the main filtration chamber serves as a partition wall between the main filtration chamber and the return fuel chamber. In one embodiment, the return fuel chamber has a peripheral wall formed from sheet or plate impermeable to fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hashimoto, Yuichi Fujinuma
  • Patent number: 5582729
    Abstract: A fuel tank filter assembly for a vehicle is disclosed which includes a suction pipe and a filter connected through the pipe to an inlet port of a bottom plate for a fuel suction pump, and which is characterized in that the bottom plate is formed of resin material so as to be integral with the suction pipe. Also disclosed is a shape retaining frame of a box-like shape made of a resin and having downwardly extending protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsugu Shioda, Tsutomu Oshida
  • Patent number: 5538633
    Abstract: A filter apparatus includes a box-shaped casing formed by connecting peripheral edges of first and second casing members each having a concavity and a filter composed of first and second filter media placed one upon the other and having respective peripheries held between substantially the entire peripheral edges of the first and second casing members such that the filter assumes the shape of a bag when disposed in the casing. The casing has a suction port and an exhaust port each communicating between the interior and the exterior of the casing. The filter communicates with the exterior of the apparatus through the suction or exhaust port of the casing. The first and second filter media have respective through holes and are closely adhered together at peripheral portions of the respective through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignees: Toyo Roki Seizo Kabushikikaisha, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kyoji Kitajima, Shunichi Nogami, Hiroaki Yamashita, Keiichi Katagiri, Naomi Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 5441637
    Abstract: A suction head for a fuel line of a fuel tank, especially for hand-held working tools such as motor chainsaws, has a cup-shaped housing made of plastic and comprising a mantle wall with cutouts and an end face with an opening. A filter mesh is covering the cutouts. A filter insert is inserted into the housing through the opening in the end face. A cap made of plastic and having a connector for the fuel line is sealingly connected to the end face with the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl
    Inventors: Kurt Gutjahr, Hansjorg Bossler
  • Patent number: 5409608
    Abstract: A filter for an in-tank pump of an automobile fuel tank includes a flat bag-shaped filter body, a connector body and a suction nozzle. The filter body has a closed front end and a rear end wall and includes a mesh member and a filter frame having a plurality of longitudinal and lateral ribs formed on the upper and lower portions thereof. The connector body includes a cylindrical attachment for attaching the filter body to a suction port of an in-tank pump and an end plate joined to an outer surface of the rear end wall of the filter body. The suction nozzle is attached to the end plate of the connector body so that it communicates with the cylindrical attachment and thrusts into the filter body. The suction nozzle is made of a deformable material and formed into a mesh cylinder having a closed forward end disposed within the filter body at a position of the closed front end of the filter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignees: Aisan Industry Co., Ltd., Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Yoshida, Shinichi Fujii, Hideya Miura
  • Patent number: 5393425
    Abstract: An upstanding tubular strainer is provided including inlet and outlet end portions delimited by a longitudinally central radially outwardly projecting diametrically enlarged shoulder. The inlet end portion is provided with elongated, longitudinally extending and circumferentially spaced inlet slots which taper in width inwardly toward the interior of the tubular member and the outlet end portion includes tandem circumferentially extending seal structure spaced longitudinally therealong. The outlet end portion is adapted to be telescoped upwardly into the inlet end of a riser pipe or the like opening upwardly outwardly from the upper wall portion of a horizontal main supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Clois R. Cobb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5389255
    Abstract: A module having a plurality of chambers which are seated relatively close to each other in a flow-through reservoir having a feed inlet and an oppositely located retentate outlet. The chambers include pervaporation chambers which have a permeation-selective layer and heating chambers. The pervaporation chambers and the heating chambers are alternatingly disposed and supported in cutouts within comb-shaped supports. The flow-through reservoir is box-shaped and has removable, tightly secured longitudinal end walls, one of which supports all pervaporation chambers, the other of which supports all heating chambers. The module is highly efficient due to flow and temperature distribution conditions which remain extremely exact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Krebs & Co. AG
    Inventors: Rene S. Danziger, Claus Gerrath
  • Patent number: 5366620
    Abstract: An improved liquid filtering assembly used in applications such as filtering solvents for use in a liquid chromatography system. The filter assembly uses a filter cup having a large surface area which can be quickly removed and changed. The filter assembly also allows for the liquid to be drawn close to the bottom of the liquid reservoir. The filter assembly includes a coupling nut into which the tubing is secured on one side and an expansion member is secured on the other side. A seal ring is located around a portion of the expansion member. The expansion member urges the seal ring against the interior surface of the filter cup to secure the filter cup to the filter assembly. When the filter cup becomes clogged, the expansion member can be loosened to allow an operator to remove the clogged filter cup, replace it with a new filter cup, and then tighten the expansion member. Thus, the filter assembly can be reused simply by replacing the filter cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Upchurch Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans G. Schick
  • Patent number: 5284582
    Abstract: This invention is regarding to a fast connection joint for pipe fitting, particularly for those applications where prevention of water spraying in large quantity is required. Its structural design allows connecting or disconnecting an external pipe or faucet, without the need to shut off the water automatically opens when a pipe or faucet is inserted into the connection joint and automatically closes when the pipe or faucet is withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Ming-Tung Yang
  • Patent number: 5190648
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying a reservoir of water is disclosed employing an elongated lift tube suspended in a water tank for conveying water from and into the reservoir and introducing an air stream containing ozone in the bottom of the lift tube for causing passage of water through a filter into the lift tube upward movement of the water in the lift tube for purifying the water. Magnets (448) with their north poles facing one another are placed on opposite sides of the water received in the lift tube and ozone is diverted into water that is pumped into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Larry R. Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 5180489
    Abstract: A filter cartridge (10) for filtering liquid having an internal liquid trap (28). The cartridge (10) has a cylindrical housing (12) having a closed top end (14) and bottom end (16), and a side wall (30) which is perforated to allow liquid to pass through. A tube (22) extends from a liquid inlet (18) at the bottom end (16) of the housing toward the top end (14), where the tube (22) is open to allow the liquid to flow into the housing (12). The cartridge (10) includes a filter media (26) inside the housing spaced apart from the conduit (22) so that the filter media (26), the bottom end (16) and the length of the conduit (22) below where the conduit is open form a trap (28). This trap catches liquid flowing into the housing (12) through the conduit (22) whereby the liquid may escape the cartridge (10) only through the filter media (26) thereby preventing back flow through the conduit (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Edmund B. Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 5164089
    Abstract: An aquarium filter assembly (10) which comprises a filter body (12) made of an open celled foam material which supports a culture of aerobic bacteria which removes toxic ammonia from aquarium water in which it is immersed. The filter body (12) substantially defines a closed cavity (14) and a passageway (30) extends through the open celled foam material into cavity (14) for receipt therewithin of an aerator lift tube (32) of a cross sectional dimension substantially less than that of the cavity (14) leaving open space in the cavity (14) and to draw aquarium water therefrom to cause aquarium water to freely flow into the open space of the cavity substantially uniform through the entire amount of open celled foam material of the filter body (12). The aquarium filter assembly also includes a means for mounting (43) the filter body (12) within the aquarium but spaced from interior surfaces thereof to permit unobstructed flow through substantially the entire filter body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Glen R. Preston
  • Patent number: 5130020
    Abstract: A tall open top plastic container has a closed bottom portion sealed to the lower end portion of a tubular water filter member having an upper end portion sealed to a removable plastic top wall within the container and sealed to the container. Flexible water inlet and outlet tubes have inner end portions connected through the top wall to an annular inlet chamber surrounding the filter member and a center outlet chamber within the filter member. A flexible vinyl coupler body receives the outer end portion of the inlet tube and forms a friction connection with a faucet aerator. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the container defines a cavity above the removable top wall, and the flexible tubes are coiled within the cavity where they are retained along with the coupler body during storage by a removable snap-on cap. The cavity may also be formed by an annular wall molded integrally with the removable top wall and covered by a removable cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Alan F. Meckstroth
  • Patent number: 5130014
    Abstract: An oil pan for an internal combustion engine has a relatively flat bottom part as well as a deep pan section as the oil sump with a suction pipe of an oil pump extending into the deep pan section. The deep pan section is designed as a removable oil container. The oil can thus be changed rapidly and without draining the oil since all the oil is collected in the oil container. A cover may be provided to close the container when removed from the shallow flat bottom part. Also, a filter may be mounted in the container and its upper section may be vented to the engine crankcase ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Wolfgang Volz
  • Patent number: 5100550
    Abstract: A filter nozzle equipped with annular filter discs which establish flow paths (26, 28), serving to conduct the filter liquid and which paths are radial (28) and also penetrate through (26) the filter discs (18). These passages (26) through the filter discs (18) are in themselves formed as passages (26) that become narrow in the flow direction of the filtered water, and are distributed uniformly over the disc (18). The discs (18) have projections which ensure that the passages (26) of two adjacent discs are not in alignment. With such a filter nozzle, the danger of blockage is much less than with known nozzles, assuring a steady operation and requiring less frequent cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Walter Furrer
    Inventor: Paul Brulhart
  • Patent number: 5084166
    Abstract: In a fuel filtering device for a fuel pump (6) which is arranged in a liquid fuel tank (1) of vehicles and feeds the liquid fuel to an engine, there is provided a screen (17, 23) which is for filtering the liquid fuel (2) and is constituted as a bag with a bottom part thereof disposed in contact with or close to an inside wall of the bottom of the fuel tank and covers a suction opening (16) of a suction tube (15) and at least a part of the suction tube (15), the screen (17, 23) being constructed with a dense web which forms a substantially air-tight liquid film by soaking the liquid fuel (2) which makes contact with at least the bottom part of the screen (17, 23) when the screen is partially immersed in the liquid fuel (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Shiraga, Isamu Sato
  • Patent number: 5055187
    Abstract: A known fuel filter is formed by a meshed body in a bag shape made of a synthetic resin while the meshed body is penetrated to form a fuel passage which is open toward the inside of the meshed body. The known fuel filter is attached to a portion adjacent to a bottom of the fuel tank for preventing water and a dust accumulated inside the fuel tank from being drawn inside the fuel filter. However, the known fuel filter has the fuel passage penetrating the central portion of the meshed body so that the degree of freedom of attachment is reduced. On the other hand, a fuel filter according to the present invention comprises a piece of meshed body being folded double, an outer flange and an inner flange respectively having a fuel passage and being connected to each other from the inside and the outside of the doubled folded portion, a swollen supporter provided integrally with or separately from the inner flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Ito, Kitio Ogaki
  • Patent number: 5049267
    Abstract: A filter arrangement disposed in a fuel tank of an automotive vehicle has a flat upper section made of mesh. A lower section made of mesh is joined to the upper section to define a space between the upper and lower sections. The space is filled with fuel filtered by the upper and lower sections and communicates with a fuel pump. The upper and lower sections are different in shape and therefore deform differently under suction due to operation of the fuel pump. This prevents the filter arrangement from collapsing under suction, thereby effectively ensuring a fuel flow passage leading to the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co.
    Inventors: Michiaki Sasaki, Joji Masuda, Koichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4968424
    Abstract: Filter element, formed by a supporting body with a filtration part and a connecting part extending therefrom, in which the filtration part has the form of a flat ellipse or a flat rhomb, from which the connecting part gradually extends to a rounder shape, while over the supporting body a filter bag has been applied which at the open end has been fastened onto the connecting part by means of a clamp device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: Leendert Plaisier
  • Patent number: 4961850
    Abstract: A fuel filter and method of making same provides an in-tank filter having a novel fitting and seal construction. The filter includes a fabric body and a spacing structure disposed within the body to prevent collapse of the filter and accompanying reduction of or interference with fuel flow. The fitting comprises a first segment disposed outside the filter and incorporating a fuel line receiving aperture and a second, mating segment disposed within the filter. The filter segments are ultrasonically bonded to the fabric such that melting material from the segments flows into the interstices of the fabric and mechanically bonds and retains it within the segments of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Kuss Corporation
    Inventor: John F. Combest
  • Patent number: 4857175
    Abstract: A debris catcher comprising a conical screen (filter) in a drill string which defines an annular accumulation space between the screen and the inner wall of the drill string is presented. The central portion of the screen is open to establish an unimpeded flow path. A centrifugal deflector, impeller or similar device above (upstream from) the screen establishes a helical flow pattern in the drilling mud whereby debris entrained in the mud is forced outwardly by centrifugal action. The debris is then caught in the annular accumulation space between the screen and the drill string wall when the mud flows through the screen. If the accumulator fills or the screen becomes clogged, mud will still flow through the center flow passage. The debris catcher of the present invention is preferably positioned within a drill string upstream of a mud powered turbine or other device in the mud stream, the operation of which may be jeopardized by debris in the mud stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Teleco Oilfield Services Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph F. Spinnler
  • Patent number: 4853123
    Abstract: A completely sealed fuel filter comprises an open mesh support and a closed tubular perforate body covering the support of a material having openings there throughout its surface sufficiently small in the micron range so as to pass fuel therethrough, but not aqueous solutions present in fuel and contaminants. The body has an outlet. A connector surrounds the outlet and is secured to the body adapted for coupling the filter to the inlet of a fuel pump. An outlet patch of a material with openings in the micron range as the body spans and covers the outlet and is peripherally secured to the body to thereby completely seal the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Cusolar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Hayes, Daniel Scanlon
  • Patent number: 4805525
    Abstract: Apparatus for filtering contaminants from liquids such as cooking oil is disclosed. A filter assembly comprises an envelope formed of an upper wire mesh filter element and a lower wire mesh filter element joined about their peripheral edges and a porous insert filter member removably contained centrally within the envelope which has a plurality of voids allowing vertical and lateral fluid flow therethrough. The filter assembly is releasably secured in the assembled condition by a fastener which is adapted to be connected to a pump and the fastener has fluid passageways in communication with the porous insert for drawing fluid through the upper and lower filter elements and said insert. The upper and lower filter elements of the envelope are formed of stainless steel mesh and the porous insert filter member is formed of apertured aluminum plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventor: Thomas H. Bivens
  • Patent number: 4776958
    Abstract: A diatomaceous earth caking filter element includes a first elongated tubular manifold having a slot therein and a suction coupling formed thereon for drawing a liquid from said first manifold. A second elongated tubular manifold has a slot therein and a plurality of hollow pipes connected between the first and second manifolds with one end of each pipe extending into the first manifold through the slot therein and the other end of each pipe extending into the second manifold through the slot therein. Each pipe is held by the slot edges of each manifold extending into an annular groove on each end of each pipe. A filter cake screen covers both sides of the plurality of hollow pipes for catching a filtering medium, such as diatomaceous earth, thereon for filtering liquid passing therethrough, so the liquid can be drawn through the filter medium and filter screen into the first and second manifolds and out the suction coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Inventor: William R. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 4693835
    Abstract: A filter process and its device consist of a double filtration system, i.e. a superficial filtration by means of coating of a filter medium and a cubical filtration by forming a large number of recesses between adjacent wires to be wrapped up round a screw thread portion of a cylinder. The screw thread portion is formed on the outer circumference of the cylinder. The section of the wire is isosceles triangle and a summit of the wire is wrapped up round screw bottom of the screw thread portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Arai Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Arai
  • Patent number: 4693817
    Abstract: An assembly which is used with an undergravel aquarium filter in order to keep the passage between the bottom cavity under the filter and the uptake tube free from blockage due to gravel. The assembly is in the form of a collar which extends from the bottom plate of the undergravel filter at the point of insertion of the uptake tube. A ring, with a structure to prevent the passage of gravel through the central portion thereof is fitted within the collar. The ring may be removed from the collar to clear gravel out from the collar before insertion of the uptake tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Penn Plax Plastics Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Goldman, Marvin Goldman, Gerald Phillips
  • Patent number: RE34636
    Abstract: Apparatus for filtering contaminants from liquids such as cooking oil is disclosed. A filter assembly comprises an envelope formed of an upper wire mesh filter element and a lower wire mesh filter element joined about their peripheral edges and a porous insert filter member removably contained centrally within the envelope which has a plurality of voids allowing vertical and lateral fluid flow therethrough. The filter assembly is releasably secured in the assembled condition by a fastener which is adapted to be connected to a pump and the fastener has fluid passageways in communication with .Iadd.the lateral flow passages in .Iaddend.the porous insert for drawing fluid through the upper and lower filter elements and said insert. The upper and lower filter elements of the envelope are formed of stainless steel mesh and the porous insert filter member is formed of apertured aluminum plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas H. Bivens