Abstract: This application describes a unique air filter engagement apparatus and related methods. The invention allows a user to easily replace an air filter using a unique engagement apparatus in addition to an apparatus on the filter itself. This apparatus along with the specific methods of use allow a user to replace air filters quickly and efficiently in often inaccessible or hard to reach areas.

Abstract: An improved solids interceptor and methods of using the same. The solids interceptor includes a tank having an inlet and at least one outlet, and an access opening on an upper end of the tank. A perforated basket is removably received within the tank via the access opening. When the basket is installed within the tank, wastewater entering the tank via the inlet flows into the basket, with the solid waste being collected in the basket and the liquid waste flowing out of the basket via the perforated screen. The basket and tank include an interlocking flange assembly that automatically axially aligns a basket inlet with an inlet pipe simply by inserting the basket into the tank. The basket is removable from the tank to easily clean out and discard solid waste accumulated in the basket.

Abstract: An air filter cartridge for use with an air cleaner assembly is provided. A variety of features for the air filter cartridge are characterized. An example air filter cartridge is depicted, which includes opposite flow faces. A preform secured to the media pack, with a seal member is described.

Abstract: Liquid filtration apparatus, comprising a filter cartridge adapted to mount within a dispensing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a lever operated cam mechanism for locking and unlocking the cartridge into and out of place.

Abstract: A portable, personal apparatus for treating drinking water comprises a generally tubular or cylindrical filter housing containing filtration media and water-permeable screen or mesh or felt or membrane or netting layer at the top and bottom ends of the filter. The design of the apparatus involves the bottle exterior and interior contouring to the filter and enables the efficient and rapid gravity flow of water in through the filter. The apparatus may be configured such that water is first passed through a top reservoir designed to receive water, followed by a porous mesh, followed by granular filtration and antimicrobial media agitated by turbulent motion of influent water, followed by a porous mesh before reaching a durable and reusable water containment vessel.

Abstract: A quick release pool skimmer basket apparatus includes a basket having a sidewall, a filter element coupled to the sidewall to move between an open position and a closed position, and a handle extending upwardly from the basket. A trigger in the handle is operatively coupled to the filter element to hold the filter element in the closed position. Activation of the trigger releases the bottom from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: The perforated line service pasta basket is fabricated from single-ply food service grade stainless steel. A steel sheet is heat-compressed into a cylindrical shape and provided with a single-ply perforated bottom wall. The bottom wall is raised to stimulate water circulation within the basket. A handle is provided on the basket to allow for manipulation of the basket to and from a pasta cooker. The use of stainless steel eliminates the possibility of rusting, thereby decreasing the chance of foodborne illness caused by contamination.

Abstract: A food container, comprising: a curved bottom; an opening in the bottom; a track connected to the bottom and adjacent the opening; a door slideable within the track, configured to encompass and occlude the opening in the bottom. When the door is opened, contents contained in the food container are pulled through the opening under the influence of gravity, and out of the food container without the need to rotate the container.

Abstract: A device and a method for removing a liquid, foam, fat or other solid or liquid material or anything else that a user wants to remove or separate from a remaining liquid or solid that is left in a container.

Abstract: An eggshell extraction utensil for selecting, isolating and removing eggshell fragments from a viscous fluid such as egg whites in a container. The utensil includes a handle, strainer portion and lip. The shape of the strainer portion is designed to maximize contact with a container edge and provide ease of use for the intended purpose. A lip extends from the strainer portion to more easily capture eggshell portions. By using the utensil, one may easily extract eggshell fragments during the preparation of certain recipes that require egg.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge, to be used as a filter, specifically for the infusion of soluble elements, aromatic herbs such as tea, coffee, chamomile, equipped with fastening means, is made up of a laminar template, divided into three sections of straight edges, one central section, which makes up the container and two similar side sections arranged obliquely, which, when overlapped constitute a rear straight wall, the side sections arranged obliquely are equipped with an extension or section, that make up a handle when overlapping, both equipped with a tab, a smaller one for fastening and a larger tab, both are the means used to fasten to an annular ring of a cup or similar.

Abstract: A field water purification system is described. The field water purification system includes a container and a filter coupled to an outlet port of the container. The container includes a first layer and a second layer of polymeric material. A first edge of the first layer is bonded to a first edge of the second layer. A second edge of the first layer is bonded to a second edge of the second layer. A first end of the first layer is bonded to a first end of the second layer. The outlet port is disposed in the first layer at a first distance from the first end. A flat water filter is also described. A method for treating water is also described.

Abstract: A collapsible container consists of three parts: a rigid top rim, a flexible center band, and a rigid base. This combination of sections allows the container to easily collapse to about one-third of its original height. The container is also quite stable when expanded and is self-supporting. In various embodiments of the invention, for example, the upper rim may be expandable, the base may include holes or mesh to serve as a colander or strainer, or the base may be configured as a tube to function as a funnel.

Abstract: A pole attachment mechanism for removably attaching swimming pool maintenance accessories to an end of a pole. The pole attachment mechanism includes a thumb-press which, when pressed, the pegs projecting from the shaft of the pole attachment are retracted thereby permitting the pole to be received over the retracted pegs or to be released from pegs.

Abstract: An improved pool skimming net apapratus has a net member including a frame and a net held by the frame. The frame has parallel elongated top and bottom frame portions, an elongated handle member pivotally attached to the top frame portion by an articulated joint member, an elongated retainer member pivotally attached to the top frame portion at a distance from the articulated joint member, a handle clamp member attached to a distal end of the retainer member and adapted to releasably hold a portion of the handle member, and a secondary handle clamp member fixedly attached to the top frame portion at a distance from the articulated joint member and adapted to releasably hold a portion of the handle member, such that when the handle member is held by the handle clamp member an acute angle is formed between the handle member and the top frame portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wedge-shaped filter cartridges having a maximized upstream surface area. The filter cartridges are modular and may be stacked in a filter cartridge system.

Abstract: A colander (110) is provided that can be suspended on two adjacent and substantially orthogonal edges of a rim of a substantially rectangular sink to be used hands-free. The colander is suspended by two mounting flanges (112). The colander includes a base (114), sidewalls (116) that form a substantially triangular shape, and a lateral rim (118). The base includes perforations (120) for straining of liquids and three or more feet (122) for resting the colander stably on a horizontal surface. The lateral rim may contain the mounting flanges and one or more handles (126). Inner faces of the sidewalls of the colander and handle openings (128) in the handles include serving indicators (132) such that dry pasta noodles of varying types and dry spaghetti noodles, respectively, can be measured previous to being cooked/boiled.

Abstract: A dialysis device, and a method of dialyzing a sample, are provided. The dialysis device includes a body having a first and a second major side, a first and a second retaining ring disposed on the first and second major sides, and a first and second dialysis membrane disposed, and held between the first and second major sides and the first and second retaining rings. The dialysis device is configured to receive a sample to enable dialysis of the sample across the membranes.

Abstract: A filter to remove debris from a pool, the filter including a basket defined by a bottom and a side wall, the side wall including a plurality of first apertures; and a handle with first and second ends, the first end of the handle connected to the side wall, in which the first end of the handle includes an opening in communication with the first apertures in the side wall, and the handle further includes a hollow neck disposed between the first and second ends, the neck including a plurality of second apertures.

Abstract: A gravity flow water filtration cartridge with a novel sieve system. The sieve system comprises an air vent and a shroud. The sieve system is attached or welded onto a housing bottom or barrel. An air permeable material covers the opening of the air vent.

Abstract: A strainer assembly has a bowl-like strainer member and a removable container member. The container member can be attached to the base of the strainer member, so that grease or other liquids poured into the strainer assembly will drain into the container member. The grease or other drained liquids can be stored in the container member and allowed to cool prior to disposal or reuse. The strainer member can include an optional handle and spout extension.

Abstract: A device for easily removing a product from a vessel comprises a rod associated with a flexible supporting element adapted to be introduced into a vessel containing a product either immersed or not in a liquid, said flexible supporting element having such an arrangement as to fit an inner portion of the vessel, said rod including, at a free end portion thereof, a gripping element for raising said device to facilitate a removal of a product while draining off the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is a water filter pitcher equipped with a removable, replaceable filter cartridge and means to count the number of times the pitcher is filled with water, and also means to notify the user when the pitcher has filtered enough water to exhaust the filtering capacity of the filter cartridge so that the user can replace the filter cartridge when necessary but does not have to remember to change the cartridge at a specific interval or count the number of gallons filtered manually, and instead can rely on the water filter pitcher to track the amount of water filtered and inform the user when to change the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools includes a frame, a corresponding net, and retaining means for retaining the net on the frame. The preferred retaining means is an elongated strip of resilient, flexible material, having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The web portion of the cross-section includes an exterior surface smoothly shaped between its two edges to urge debris from the pool into the net. The leg portions of the cross-section include gripping portions to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the retaining means from the frame, to permit the net to be assembled, changed or replaced. Preferably, the retaining means is formed from at least two different materials. The preferred frame of the tool is fabricated from aluminum and includes an elongated, curved frame portion with its ends permanently assembled into the end of a tubular attachment member, to permit attachment of the tool to a handle, pole or similar structure.

Abstract: A lightweight water treatment system which can be easily distributed and employed by disaster survivors for treating locally available freshwater sources. The water treatment system includes an internal storage volume for maintaining a predetermined volume of water, a water fill port in communication with the internal storage volume provided at a first end of the elongated container for receiving the predetermined volume of water, a sealing member disposed at about the first end of the elongated container for maintaining the volume of water within the internal storage volume, a second end of the elongated container for receiving sediment settling out of the predetermined volume of water and a discharge port disposed superjacent to the second conically-shaped end for controllably releasing at least a portion of the water maintained within the internal storage volume of the elongated container.

Abstract: A filter unit for a shower system includes a filtering housing and a filter core. The filtering housing includes a main body having a water inlet and a plurality of water outlets, wherein the water inlet is arranged to connect with the water supply tube so as to allow water to flow into the filtering housing through the water inlet, wherein one of the water outlets is connected with the second end of an extension tube of a shower head. The filter core is received in the filtering housing, and is capable of filtering unwanted substances in the water flowing from the water supply tube, wherein the filtered water is guided to flow out of the filtering housing through one of the corresponding water outlet to the extension tube and the shower head.

Abstract: A fluid filter module including an end cap assembly disposed about at least one end of a tubular-shaped housing. The end cap assembly includes a base, fluid port and handle which may optionally comprise an integrally molded structure.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A replaceable filter cartridge including filter media defining a substantially columnar flow path sandwiched between first and second endcaps. The first endcap includes an opening fluidly connected to the substantially columnar flow path, leading to an interior cavity of the filter media defining a flow path. A sealing flange is aligned with the opening and extends axially away from the filter media. A handle is coupled to the sealing flange or a centerpost such that at least a portion of the handle extends into the flow path.

Abstract: A lubricant filtration assembly is provided for quick attachment with a lubricant reservoir, for pre-filtering lubricant and pumping the lubricant into its intended machinery.

Abstract: A fluid filter module including an end cap assembly disposed about at least one end of a tubular-shaped housing. The end cap assembly includes a base, fluid port and handle which may optionally comprise an integrally molded structure.

Abstract: A filter assembly is described that includes a unique seal configuration between a filter and a housing. The filter has a filter media that allows fluid to be filtered therethrough, and has an endplate with an opening that allows fluid to flow into or out of the filter media. The endplate has a main surface with an elliptical spud protruding outward from the main surface and surrounding the opening. An oval seal is disposed about an outer surface of the elliptical spud. The housing is releasably connected to the filter, and has a mounting component. The mounting component has an elliptical boss that mates with the elliptical spud and seals against the oval seal.

Abstract: A filter housing and filter cartridge engagement structure comprising a housing having at least one ramp adapted to engage lugs of the at least one filter cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for a food straining device. In various embodiments a food product is placed within a bowl having drainage holes or a mesh bag. A lid component is coupled with or adapted to work in conjunction with the bowl or bag such that the lid causes the food product to be compressed such that excess liquid can escape through the drainage holes or through the mesh. An optional catch bowl can be used to capture and retain the drained liquid.

Abstract: A fluid strainer device is disclosed. The device includes a housing which defines an open chamber, the chamber having both at least one fluid input port and at least one fluid outlet port. A plurality of spaced strainer baskets are disposed within the chamber. Each basket has a pair of spaced perforated side panels, a perforated rear panel, a perforated top panel and an open front portion in fluid communication with the chamber fluid input port. Finally, each strainer basket is aligned within the chamber for fluid flow from the chamber input port into the basket's open front portion and out through the perforations thereof to filter debris from the fluid while preventing substantial fluid pressure drop between the input and outlet ports substantially independent of debris buildup within the basket.

Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a filter having first and second opposed surfaces. A first reservoir is positioned adjacent with the first surface and in communication with the first surface, and a first inlet-outlet port is in communication with the first reservoir and spaced from the first surface. A second reservoir is positioned adjacent the second surface, and in communication with the second surface, and a second inlet-outlet port is in communication with the second reservoir and spaced from the second surface. A filter plate system comprises a reservoir plate. The reservoir plate comprises at least one reservoir well. The filter plate system further comprises a strainer plate. The strainer plate comprises at least one strainer well, which is removably receivable in the reservoir well. The strainer well comprises at least one mesh wall portion.

Abstract: An aquarium cleaning device structured for use with glass or plastic aquarium walls, enabling a dislodging and freeing of debris from the walls, while also simultaneously enabling a collecting of dislodged and freed debris for subsequent removal. The cleaning device includes a frame providable of a rigid, possibly closed, and flattened loop, and a netting material, each of which are preferably sandwiched between two scrubbing pads. An elongated handle portion is fixable to the rigid loop and scrubbing pads, and arranged for secure grasping by a user such that aquarium wall cleaning activities may be conducted. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pivoting swimming pool tool device including a pivot mechanism, a frame member, and a net to allow a person to remove large quantities of surface debris from a swimming pool.

Abstract: A diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element is disclosed. Also disclosed is a filter cartridge that comprises a core element having an inner diameter, two ends and apertures formed therein, a diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element having an inner and an outer diameter positioned about the core element wherein the ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element is about 1.5 to about 2.5, an open end cap, for transferring fluid into or out of the core element, positioned at one end of the core, and a closed end cap, for preventing fluid from exiting therefrom, positioned at the other end of the core, the closed end cap including structure for positioning the open end cap in filtration housing. Systems and methods for manufacturing the filter cartridge and the diamond patterned tubular pleated filter media itself are also disclosed.

Abstract: A skimmer apparatus including a floatation element defining an operative top end and configured to remain on top of a body of water, a net material having a top edge connected to the floatation element and extending nearly a complete width of the floatation element, a non-floatation element defining an operative bottom and connected to a bottom edge of the net material, a guide element extending from a first side and second side of the floatation element and first side and the second side of the non-floatation element, and a handle attached to the end of the guide element distant from the floatation element and the non-floatation element.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a manual drip coffee cone from sheet material is comprised of three general steps: In the first step, a conical body 1 is formed from sheet material in the shape of a truncated cone to hold a coffee filter. The base of the conical body 1 forms a drip ring 2, which directs dripping coffee into a receiving vessel and prevents the cone from slipping off the vessel. In the second step, a drip plate 3, having at least one drip hole 4, is fixed to the inside of the conical body 1, near the drip ring 2, to form a drip plate 3 at a short height above the drip ring 2 to provide maximum headspace for effective drip filtration.

Abstract: A device for skimming the surface of the water in a swimming pool or the like, in a single, generally sweeping motion and thereby collecting most all of the debris floating on or near the surface of the pool into one spot where it may be lifted and removed from the pool. The system incorporates a long rectangular section of netting that is wound onto a cylindrical reel and contained on a vertically oriented cylindrical axel. The cylindrical axel and reel are mounted by brackets or weights to the side of the pool. The cylindrically wound netting may be drawn out from the fixed cylinder mounted on the side of the pool through a slot in a pivoting debris deflector positioned on the same cylindrical axel. One end of the long rectangular section of netting may be fixed to a second smaller cylinder or pipe which serves to keep the net from being drawn completely into the enclosure comprising the cylindrical reel.

Abstract: A simple device, skimmer or utensil perfect for removing unwanted fat, impurities or foam from excess starch accumulated on the surface of soups, stocks, sauces, stews, or boiling pasta; wherein the skimmer is slowly inserted into the cooked liquid and by gently rotating its handle back and forth and gradually dipping the plate into the liquid, the fat, grease, or unwanted foam is spilled onto its holding plate; thus, removing from the cooked food unhealthy fat and/or other unwanted impurities.

Abstract: A portable filter and filter system. The filter has a filter housing defining a liquid channel from an inlet to an outlet. The portable filter includes a liquid filter located in the filter housing, a mouthpiece mechanically associated with the dispensing end of the filter housing, and a liquid receiving means connected to the receiving end of the filter housing. The device can include a pre-filter assembly of which the liquid receiving means is a part. The liquid receiving means can include multiple connection members to receive liquid from a variety of liquid sources. The filter can be combined with a liquid container to form a portable filter system. The container can be a flexible bladder having a strap to connect the filtration device to the bladder.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a fluid-material comprising: providing at least one substrate comprising a three-dimensional knit in an initial configuration made of knitted polymeric fiber which substantially resumes the initial configuration after it is released from stretching or compressing force; and submerging said at least one substrate in a fluidic material for treatment of the fluidic material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dipper to hold a cookie or other material to submerge the cookie or material into milk or other desired liquid. In one embodiment, the dipper includes a perforated top cover, a perforated bottom spoon structure, a handle, and a slide mechanism to open an close the perforated top cover of the dipper.

Abstract: A refuse/oil removing device and a refuse/oil recovery bag are provided which can remove refuse and oil contained in drainage discharged from a restaurant in a simple manner without contact with the refuse and oil. A support base of a support unit is disposed in the interior of a grease trap at a position higher than the water level. A recovery bag is attached to the support unit and plural layers of bag portions of the recovery bag are put on the support base. The bag portions are each formed of a material which permits the adhesion of oil thereto and a large number of water passing holes are formed in each of the bag portions. Drainage is introduced inside the innermost one of the plural layers of bag portions and is passed through the bag portions, allowing refuse and oil to adhere to the bag portions. In this way, the job of replacing the recovery bag can be simplified and the amount of oil accumulated within the grease trap can be decreased.

Abstract: A flexible water bottle is provided that includes an approach for filtering unfiltered water within the bottle. The bottle includes a filter assembly located within the cap of the bottle such that the filter assembly need not descend into the bottle cavity when the cap is screwed on, thereby not displacing water while screwing on the cap. The filter assembly has an axial flow orientation. An illustrated filter assembly includes paper filters covering the upper and lower ends and can include an activated charcoal filter in between the paper filters. Water is filtered when pressure generated by squeezing the bottle forces water from the bottle cavity through the filter along an axial flow path and out through a spout.

Abstract: A handheld surface skimmer with flotation support to lighten the load on the operator. Other improvements include a hinge or swivel for ease of positioning the skimmer, and optional brushes to allow cleaning the sides of a swimming pool. If desired, a drawstring may be added to raise the skimmer's screen element for movement around the pool and for stowage.

Abstract: A collapsible container consists of three parts: a rigid top rim, a flexible center band, and a rigid base. This combination of sections allows the container to easily collapse to about one-third of its original height. The container is also quite stable when expanded and is self-supporting. In various embodiments of the invention, for example, the upper rim may be expandable, the base may include holes or mesh to serve as a colander or strainer, or the base may be configured as a tube to function as a funnel.