Abstract: A single facer media is provided according to the invention. The single facer media includes a fluted sheet attached to a facing sheet and having a first end and a second end so that when the single facer media is formed into a media pack, the first end or the second end forms a media pack first face, and the other of the first end or the second end forms a media pack second face. Adhesive is provided between the fluted sheet and the facing sheet at the first end or the second end, and wherein the fluted sheet and the facing sheet are pushed together and adhered together at the location of the adhesive to provide a seal between the fluted sheet and the facing sheet. At least 25% of the flutes of the fluted sheet comprise at least one ridge extending along at least 50% of the flute length between adjacent peaks. Filtration media packs, filter elements, and methods for forming a single facer media are provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a filtration system may include one or more of the following features: (a) a housing having a bottom portion, a middle portion coupled to the bottom portion and all upper portions and a cap coupled to the upper portion, (b) a sediment storage area within the bottom portion, (c) a separator area within the middle portion, (d) a porous filter within the upper portion, (e) an access hatch within the cap, (f) an inlet pipe for allowing storm water within a middle chamber, (g) an outlet pipe for allowing filtered water to be discharged from the filtration system, and (h) a central pipe being a passageway through the porous filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kitchen utensil 10 for separating and removing congealed fat 30 from cooked food 12 in a cooking vessel 14. The utensil comprises: a generally planar portion 16 shaped to correspond with a shape of a receptacle 18 of said cooking vessel and sized to fit within said receptacle so that an outer periphery 20 of the planar portion is contiguous with an internal periphery 22 of the receptacle; and a handle to allow a user to handle the utensil. The planar portion 16 contains perforations 24 sized so that when the utensil is rested on food in said receptacle liquid fat generated during cooking is allowed to pass from the food through said perforations and when cool congealed fat is generally prevented from passage back through said perforations. The handle allows a user to remove the utensil and congealed fat from said receptacle.

Abstract: A portable skimmer, motor and pump protector for a swimming pool or a hot tub having a sidewall, an adjoining top deck, a skimmer in the sidewall, in fluid communication with the pool pump and motor. The protector includes a frame having a top portion resting against the top deck, an upright portion resting against the sidewall, wherein the frame surrounds the skimmer. A handle extends from the top frame portion. Removable netting surrounds the frame to permit passage of water but prevent passage of leaves and other debris into the skimmer.

Abstract: A coffee and brewed beverage making apparatus and method includes a coffee filter that is immersed in and removable from heated fluid in a brewing vessel. The filter has a bottom and side with mesh openings and is formed to facilitate agitation of the filter while the filter is in a brewing vessel during the brewing process, The filter is used with French press style coffee makers and both manual and automatic coffee carafes.

Abstract: A container includes a vessel having an opening proximate an upper end thereof and a floor proximate a lower end thereof. A threaded shaft secures to the floor and extends along a substantial portion of the height of the vessel. A slider having a threaded portion secures to the shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the slider defines passages allowing fluid to pass through the slider. A grippable member secures to the shaft enabling a user to rotate the shaft and cause the slide to move up in order to lift food items out of fluid within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a commercial kitchen sink having a drain; a trough below the sink for transporting effluent positioned such that there is an air gap between it and the drain; and a plurality of selectively positionable markers on the trough for indicating positions for strainers to collect solids in effluent discharging form the drain. A method of removing solids from an effluent flow from a kitchen sink having a drain hole is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter includes a filter element with an enlarged end cap at one end of a media ring with an elliptical flange set oblique or angled to the longitudinal axis of the element. The flange carries a sealing element, and is closely and sealingly received in a head casting of the filter to divide the head casting into inlet and outlet partitions. The end cap directs fluid from a transverse port in the housing into an axial flow path into the central cavity of the element, where the fluid flows radially outward through the media, and then out through an opposite transverse port in the head casting. The element can be removed when it is spent from the head casting after removal of an end closure.

Abstract: An aquarium filter arrangement including a filter housing and a filter cartridge having self-spacing structure. The self-spacing structure being designed to automatically space the filter cartridge in an operable filtering position. The operable filtering position being a position at which the filter cartridge is seated against a single rib formed in the housing.

Abstract: A downhole wet-connector and debris exclusion system includes a relatively stationary component; a relatively mobile component operably engageable with the relatively stationary component; at least one connector disposed behind a moveable debris exclusion member in a protected condition within the relatively mobile component; and at least one complementary connector disposed behind another movable debris exclusion member in a protected condition within the relatively stationary component each of the moveable debris exclusion members being openable to expose the at least one connectors therebehind upon axial motion of the relatively stationary component and the relatively mobile component into contact with one another and method.

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 leaf and debris catcher for removing leaves and/or debris from a body of water. The leaf and debris catcher includes a leaf and debris collection member having top, bottom, front, rear, first, and second sides, the bottom side defining an interior side. A female vertical stem extends from a central location on the interior side of the bottom side, the stem defining a bore having opposite open ends. At least one inward opening front flap is located at the front side of the leaf and debris collection member. A plurality of debris and leaf guides converge and extend from the at least one front flap. The first and second sides of the leaf and debris collection member define a plurality of male tongues, and the top and bottom sides define complementary female slots, which are aligned such that the tongues snap-fit into the complementary female slots.

Abstract: Disclosed are a foreign materials filtering apparatus and a washing machine having the same. Since a filter cover unit and a filter unit are integrally modularized with each other, a user can separate or mount the filter unit from/to a washing water circulating duct by separating or mounting the filter cover unit from/to the washing water circulating duct. Accordingly, the foreign materials filtering apparatus can be easily detachably mounted at the washing water circulating duct.

Abstract: There is a method of capturing, removing or collecting the particulate matter from a fluid containing a toxic liquid reaction and particulate matter produced from the reaction. The method includes partly or completely disposing a screen into the toxic fluid. Mixing the toxic fluid allowing the particulate matter to contact the screen. Moving the screen to capture the particulate matter on the screen. Removing the particulate matter from the screen by washing or scraping. There is also a cleaning apparatus to capture, remove or collect particulate matter from a toxic fluid. A cleaning apparatus contains at least a screen and a structure securing the screen. The cleaning apparatus can optionally include a scraping or washing means, a drive means, a flow inducer and a housing structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from a surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location; in further embodiments, the system further comprises an air filtering means.

Abstract: A leaf and debris catcher for removing leaves and/or debris from a body of water. In one aspect of the invention, the leaf and debris catcher includes a base, a first vertical support member, a horizontal support member, a second vertical support member, and a leaf and debris collection member. In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for removing leaves from a body of water. The method includes the steps of: providing a leaf and debris collection member; positioning the leaf and debris collection member in a body of water such that the leaf and debris collection member is located in a flow of water; collecting leaves in the leaf and debris collection member; removing the leaf and debris collection member from the flow of water; and removing leaves from the leaf and debris collection member.

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 baskets.

Abstract: An improved device for collecting and removing debris from a swimming pool, pond or the like comprising a mesh material formed into a net for collecting and temporarily storing the debris. The net includes a top open portion with a support frame and a bottom closed portion forming a vertex. A pole or extensible rod is attached to the end of the frame for holding and manipulating the device through the water. Also provided is a means connected to the bottom closed portion of the net enclosed within the netting to maintain the vertex portion of the net in an open and receptive position while it is manipulated and moved along and below the water's surface to collect and remove debris. The means, when rotated to a horizontal position, expands the bottom closed portion of the net to facilitate the collection of debris and is also used as a device for grasping the bottom closed portion of the net in the process of emptying the net of debris.

Abstract: A portable cleaning device for removing sediment from an enclosure retaining water. The cleaning device includes a pump, a housing, and a receptacle. The pump creates a fluid flow through the cleaning device. The cleaning device draws water from the enclosure into the housing through a tube. The housing includes an inlet passage and an outlet passage defined within the housing. The fluid flow path through the cleaning device is at least partially defined by the inlet passage, the receptacle and the outlet passage. The inlet passage receives the fluid flow from the tube and empties the fluid flow into the receptacle. The outlet passage receives fluid flow out of the receptacle. A filter is connected to the outlet passage and prevents relatively large particles in the water from entering the outlet passage. The fluid flow proceeds from the outlet passage toward the pump through an outlet tube.

Abstract: A skimmer device and a method for skimming 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: A filter cartridge which is environmentally friendly in that it is made up of components which are all incinerateable. The ends of a filter element are sealed using potting compound and plastic endcaps. The upper endcap, which is closed, has a pressure relief aperture associated therewith to prevent bowing. In a plugged filter condition the high-downward pressure introduced on the upper endcap is compensated by providing the cartridge with centering ribs which bottom on an associated ledge in the housing to provide a positive stop for the top endcap, preventing it from being driven down into and through the filter element. Rubber gaskets are associated with the respective endcaps, and are reliably secured to the endcaps by being snap fit into grooves molded into the plastic of the endcaps. The lower endcap utilizes a simple radial seal gasket which is both highly effective and also positioned to avoid structural crushing forces on the cartridge. A keying system prevents the installation of improper filters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from the surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tea strainer comprised of a perforated bowl with a cover. The bowl is connected to an elongated handle. The cover is connected to a cover shaft that is pivotally attached to the handle. The perimeter of the cover is slightly smaller than the perimeter of the bowl so that the cover can be extended into the bowl to strain the tea. A retention latch is attached to the front of the bowl to keep the cover from opening.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly dual lube venturi filter cartridge which has no metallic components. A plastic centertube having a venturi section supports a bypass filter element on standoffs molded into the centertube. An outer concentric full flow filter element surrounds the bypass filter. The full flow filter is supported on a plastic centertube which creates a gap between it and the bypass filter. A first bypass filter endcap both seals the bypass filter and provides standoffs for allowing full flow oil around the bypass filter. The standoffs thus split the full flow which progresses through the primary filter in two paths, a primary path around the bypass filter and into the centertube, and a bypass path through the secondary filter and the venturi. Plastic upper and lower endcaps carry grooves for simple sealing gaskets, a radial seal gasket on the bottom which seals against both the endcap which carries it and a flange in the housing, and an axial seal gasket at the top.

Abstract: A cooking utensil includes an all-in-one device that incorporates a partially perforated pan, circular in shape, with a permanent and continuous circumferential holder with one or more supports that provide stability and safety during the extrusion process of the soft batter. At the same time, this cooking utensil fits easily on top of commonly used cooking vessels regardless of lip configuration or vessel diameter. This cooking utensil also includes versions for removable type holders in kit form that can be used interchangeably with several pans with different hole sizes while providing multiple support and stability over commonly used cooking vessels.

Abstract: A method for removing matter from fluid contained within a tank. The method includes inserting a filter within the fluid, and circulating the fluid within the tank such that a portion of the fluid is passed through the filter such that matter contained within the fluid is retained by the filter.

Abstract: A filter frame including a panel having a plurality of V-shaped elements disposed on the first side thereof. Each V-shaped element includes a pair of slots each configured to receive and orient a filter element. A portion of the panel disposed between adjacent pairs of V-shaped elements has an opening form therein to define a handle for carrying the filter frame.

Abstract: A filter for a spa or pool, having a filter body which receives a filter bag having a sheath encompassing the exterior of the filter body and a pocket extending inwardly from the front end of the sheath into the filter. Operation of the spa water circulation system draws spa water into the filter bag pocket while concurrently spa water is drawn transversely through the filter bag sheath and auxiliary spa water openings into the filter body. An O-ring encircles the upper portion of the filter bag to releasably retain such bag to the filter body during operation of the spa water circulation system.

Abstract: A pool skimmer basket kit for cleaning pool water is provided, which includes: a first skimmer basket having a peripheral wall portion and a bottom wall portion, each wall portion of the first skimmer basket defining therein a plurality of perforations of a first size; and a second skimmer basket having a peripheral wall portion and a bottom wall portion, each wall portion of the second skimmer basket defining therein a plurality of perforations of a second size. The pool skimmer basket kit of the invention may further include a third skimmer basket, the third skimmer basket having a peripheral wall portion and a bottom wall portion, each wall portion of the third skimmer basket defining therein a plurality of perforations of a third size. Each skimmer basket has a different color to one another for facilitating identification by the user.

Abstract: A sample collection substrate of aerogel and/or xerogel materials bound to a support structure is used as a solid phase microextraction (SPME) device. The xerogels and aerogels may be organic or inorganic and doped with metals or other compounds to target specific chemical analytes. The support structure is typically formed of a glass fiber or a metal wire (stainless steel or kovar). The devices are made by applying gel solution to the support structures and drying the solution to form aerogel or xerogel. Aerogel particles may be attached to the wet layer before drying to increase sample collection surface area. These devices are robust, stable in fields of high radiation, and highly effective at collecting gas and liquid samples while maintaining superior mechanical and thermal stability during routine use. Aerogel SPME devices are advantageous for use in GC/MS analyses due to their lack of interfering background and tolerance of GC thermal cycling.

Abstract: A waste water outlet unit, for a shower tray having a drain opening, comprises a base element which is locatable on the underside of the shower tray to cover the drain opening, and a clamp element which is locatable on the topside of the shower tray and which is engageable with the base element to clamp the base element to the underside of the shower tray. The clamp element has an aperture through which waste water from the shower tray can pass into the base element, and a filter element which is positionable over the aperture and which can be removed to enable access to the interior of the unit while maintaining the engagement between the base and clamp elements.

Abstract: A filter cartridge assembly, and method for constructing the same, wherein the assembly has at least two axially adjacent filter cells separated by a spacer ring and a lifting means having a mounting portion with an opening formed therein for surrounding the outer periphery of the spacer ring. The lifting means also includes opposed elongated arms which extend radially outwardly from the central mounting portion and have gripping portions for facilitating lifting the filter cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A drilling water filter (1) with a self-cleaning system including a filter container (2), a cover (3) and a filter element (6) that can be inserted in the flow arm between an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) for separation of solid material from the fluid. The cover (3) has a displaceable carrying handle (7) for transporting the drilling water filter. The carrying handle (7) is connected with at least one self-cleaning means, in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A filter for a spa or pool, having a filter body which receives a filter bag having a sheath encompassing the exterior of the filter body and a pocket extending inwardly from the front end of the sheath into the filter. Operation of the spa water circulation system draws spa water into the filter bag pocket while concurrently spa water is drawn transversely through the filter bag sheath and auxiliary spa water openings into the filter body. An O-ring encircles the upper portion of the filter bag to releasably retain such bag to the filter body during operation of the spa water circulation system.

Abstract: A fluid filter, which is adapted for separating a less dense fluid floating on a high dense fluid, includes at least a fluid filtering arrangement including a floating wing adapted for floating on the less dense fluid and at least a fluid outlet formed on the floating wing, and a container body, which is extended from the floating wing, having a fluid collecting cavity communicating with the fluid outlet, wherein the fluid outlet is formed at a position above the fluid collecting cavity. Therefore, when a downward force is applied on the floating wing until the fluid outlet is slightly positioned below the surface level of the less dense fluid, the less dense fluid is allowed to flow into the fluid collecting cavity through the fluid outlet by gravity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drain strainer installation and maintenance are disclosed. In one embodiment, a drain strainer assembly includes a housing having an interior chamber and defines an opening leading to the interior chamber. Inlet and outlet ports are disposed through the housing, and at least one coupling device couples the housing to a support wall such that the opening is at least approximately parallel with the support wall. The assembly further includes a strainer member positioned in the interior chamber at least partially between the inlet and outlet ports, and a door member covering the opening.

Abstract: A lint trap, including a housing having a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall and a front wall, and the bottom wall defining an aperture; at least one attachment mechanism joining the housing to a utility sink; a lint collection plate slot defined in the side walls; a lint collection plate, the lint collection plate being slidably received within the lint collection plate slot; and an adapter having a hose end and a trap end, the hose end being adapted to join to a hose of a washing machine and the trap end being joined relative to the aperture defined in the bottom wall and a method of use including the steps of flowing water into a flow rate control chamber of a lint trap; flowing water from the flow rate control chamber to a water release chamber; flowing water from the water release chamber through a lint collection plate; removing the lint collection plate from the lint trap; wiping lint off the lint collection plate; and reconnecting the lint collection plate to t

Abstract: A strainer basket is used in conduits or fluid systems and includes a non-metallic strainer basket in which a bio-cide is disposed to combat algae and fungal buildup along the surface of the basket and/or in the openings of the basket.

Abstract: A filtration device for liquids is provided and includes a filtration beaker filled with a filtration material and a lid. The lid is connected to the filtration beaker in a liquid-tight manner to define an inner volume, and includes at least one liquid inlet and at least one air vent. A sieve-like textile fabric is disposed in between the filtration beaker and the lid. In order to guarantee secure operation and ensure a good retaining effect with respect to particles having a size of approximately 200 micrometers at different filtration-material fill heights in the filtration beaker, the sieve-like textile fabric has at least one formed part protruding into the inner volume of the lid, whereby air can be found on both sides of the part of the textile fabric which is located farthest away from the filtration beaker.

Abstract: There is therefore provided devices that are used for straining liquid from solid food. Specifically, there is a food strainer that fits a multiple of pot and pan sizes and securely couples to those various size devices. There is a food strainer that provides for reduced exposure for the use to harmful steam during the act of straining food. There is a food strainer that provides for a more balanced handling of the heavy pot or pan during the act of straining.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from a surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location; in further embodiments, the system further comprises an air filtering means.

Abstract: A T-handle for a filter includes an integral mechanical indicator. The T-handle indicator has a threaded portion that extends through a hole in the filter cover and retains the cover to a canister. The indicator includes a spring-biased button that provides a visual indication of whether the element needs to be replaced. The button is received in a body that is open to the pressure on the downstream side of the filter element. A pair of clips on the button engage the indicator body to retain the button in the inward (element change) position. The clips can be accessed when the T-handle indicator is removed from the filter to return the button to the outward (fresh element) position. The indicator button includes an axially-elongated slot extending radially through the button, and the body includes a corresponding pair of holes on opposite sides of the slot.

Abstract: A filtering system for a spa or pool that includes a closed filtering tank which houses a filter having a filter body which receives a filter bag having a sheath encompassing the exterior of the filter body and a pocket extending inwardly from the front end of the sheath into the filter. An O-ring encircles the upper portion of the filter bag to releasably retain such bag to the filter body during operation of the spa water circulation system. A pump is provided to force water from the spa or pool into the filtering tank, through the filter body and back into the spa or pool.

Abstract: A runoff drain filter is comprised of a tray for being supported inside a runoff drain. A plurality of separately removable cartridges are supported by the tray and aligned with holes in the tray. Each cartridge is comprised of a bucket and an insert. The insert is comprised of a central overflow tube centered in the bucket by a vented annular top plate and an annular bottom plate. Runoff pouring into the tray is directed into each bucket through the vented annular top plate. The runoff is filtered by a perforated tube which is part of the central overflow tube before it is discharged through an open bottom of the central overflow tube. Debris and contaminants are collected in the buckets. The total capacity of the filter is divided among the separately removable cartridges to enable a filled cartridge to be more easily lifted by an average person.

Abstract: A strainer for straining food is disclosed wherein. The strainer includes a clamping device for clamping the strainer to a center partition of a sink.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus including a filter cap with a releasable filter element is disclosed herein. The filter cap defines a filter chamber and includes an upper wall having an opening therein. An oil filter element is positioned in the filter chamber. A snap connection is provided within the filter chamber for releasable connecting the oil filter to the filter cap. Finally, an actuator having a portion extending through the opening into the filter chamber is provided. The actuator is operable is operable to eject the filter element from the filter chamber. The actuator is movably secured to the filter cap and is separable from the oil filter upon ejection of the filter element from the filter chamber.

Abstract: A drilling water filter (1) with a self-cleaning system including a filter container (2), a cover (3) and a filter element (6) that can be inserted in the flow arm between an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) for separation of solid material from the fluid. The cover (3) has a displaceable carrying handle (7) for transporting the drilling water filter. The carrying handle (7) is connected with at least one self-cleaning means, in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A device for washing, serving and storing berries, grapes and other fruits, etc., comprising a first container provided with a plurality of throughgoing openings so that when berries, grapes and other fruits, etc. are deposited in an interior of the first container and water is poured into it for washing berries, grapes and other fruits, etc., after washing water can flow out of the first container, and a second container which is substantially solid and formed so that the first container can be inserted into the second container so that water flowing out of the first container is accumulated in an interior of the second container and thereby the water is substantially removed from the berries, grapes and other fruits, etc. located in the interior of the first container, so that the device can be used for washing, serving and storing the berries, grapes and other fruits, etc.

Abstract: A strainer basket is used in conduits or fluid systems and includes a non-metallic strainer basket in which a bio-cide is disposed to combat algae and fungal buildup along the surface of the basket and/or in the openings of the basket.

Abstract: A duplex strainer for straining material includes a housing, housing inlet port through which material enters the housing under pressure for straining and an outlet port through which strained material exits the housing. The housing includes a first strainer chamber having the first and second ports in separate fluid communication with the housing. A second strainer chamber includes third and fourth ports in separate fluid communication with the housing. The first port opposes the third port and the second port opposes the fourth port. A valve control structure includes a first three-way ball valve disposed within the housing for controlling fluid flow between the first port, third port and the housing. A second three-way ball valve is disposed within the housing to control fluid flow between the housing, second port and fourth port.