Handled Patents (Class 210/470)
  • Patent number: 6685843
    Abstract: An internal spa filter for a spa, having a filter body with an inlet opening at its one end and a discharge orifice at its opposite end, the sides of such body are formed with auxiliary spa water inlet openings. The filter also includes 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 body from the main spa water inlet opening. Operation of the spa water circulation system draws spa water into the main spa water inlet opening through the filter bag pocket into the filter body while concurrently spa water is drawn transversely through the filter bag sheath and auxiliary spa water openings into the filter body, all of such spa water flows rearwardly out of the filter body through the filter body discharge orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: A. H. Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Gregg W. Leaverton
  • Publication number: 20030226795
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Merritt, Gene W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20030192824
    Abstract: A straining apparatus is provided for a supporting and balancing a container to strain liquid from solid food. Specifically, the straining apparatus comprises a base plate, a plurality of holes formed in the base plate, and a plurality of support members. The support members are formed to act as a brace in supporting the straining apparatus over an opening in a container. A handle and a protective steam fin may also be connected to the base plate. The fin reduces exposure to harmful steam during straining of food. The straining apparatus may also include magnets which facilitate removal of metal coverings of the container. The straining apparatus provides a balanced handling of heavy containers during straining. In addition, a method of engaging and straining a container such as a can is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Anita Marriott, Victor J. Marriott
  • Publication number: 20030192823
    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 user 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Anita Marriott, Victor J. Marriott
  • Publication number: 20030183568
    Abstract: Length-adjustable end caps and filter cartridges including the same are provided. In preferred embodiments, the length-adjustable end caps include a stationary ring member which unitarily includes an annular lip seal, and a connection member in moveable sealing contact with said lip seal. Most preferably, the lip seal is a segment of a conical surface. The stationary ring member preferably includes a connection flange which defines an annular recess concentric with, but spaced from, the unitary lip seal. An annular spacer ring received within said recess. During thermal bonding of the connection flange to an end of a generally cylindrical filter medium, the spacer ring and the end of the filter medium will both be melded to respective adjacent portion of the connection flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Charles S. Hoffman, Charles C. Schuyler, Norman F. Robillard
  • Patent number: 6627078
    Abstract: A filter (20) has a removable cover (30) releasably engaging and gripping an end cap (40) of a filter element (34) including upon removal from the filter housing (22). The cover has a plurality of axially extending cantilever legs (102, 104) gripping a mushroom-shaped boss (118) on the end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Nelson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Wagner, Kwok-Lam Ng, Robert A. Bannister, Tao You
  • Patent number: 6607665
    Abstract: A disposable filter cartridge, in which the entire filter cartridge is disposable. The filter cartridge includes a tubular filter element substantially permanently retained to a lid such that the filter element cannot be removed from the lid without extreme force. The filter element includes a ring of filter media having ends potted in cup shaped end caps. The lid includes a central hub that is inserted through the opening in on of the end caps and ultrasonically deformed or flared radially outward to provide a lip that engages the top end cap for axial retention. The filter element is free floating and can be moved or tilted a small degree axially and can also be freely rotated relative to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J Fick, Gene W. Brown, David A. Biere
  • Patent number: 6602408
    Abstract: A filtration system is described for a water garden having a reservoir 10. The reservoir includes a lid 14 and a tubular intake 26 connected to a water line 20 for receiving unfiltered water. The improvement includes a cup-shaped retainer 40 and one or more upright filters 60. The retainer includes a side wall tubular intake 48 mated to the reservoir intake 26 and a lower surface having an opening 50 supporting the filter upper end and may also include a handle 52 supported on the reservoir rim. The filter encompasses the opening so that substantially all unfiltered water entering the retainer intake portion flows downwardly into the upright filter. The retainer is removable from the reservoir and the filter may be removable from the retainer by handle 68.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Edward B. Berkey
  • Patent number: 6592756
    Abstract: There is disclosed a swimming pool skimmer basket handle capable of being attached to a swimming pool skimmer basket, in which the handle has a column that positions a grip of the handle above the top of the skimmer basket when the handle is attached to the skimmer basket. The column of the handle also positions the grip of the handle above the top of the water level in a skimmer well when the handle is attached to the skimmer basket and the skimmer basket is located within the skimmer well. The improved accessibility of the grip of the handle significantly minimizes the unpleasantness associated with removing and cleaning a swimming pool skimmer basket. There is also disclosed an improved reversible weight for a skimmer basket. The reversible weight is capable of being attached to a skimmer basket in two configurations. A number of alternate embodiments of the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Cool Pool Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John Paul Felix, Jr., James Keet Lewis, III, David Wayne Chilcoat
  • Publication number: 20030111399
    Abstract: A filter for use in a waste water discharge system including a first channel defining a receptacle for a filter and a second channel connected generally orthogonally to the first channel providing an outlet from the filter receptacle. The filter has an axial support of a pre-selected length, a plurality of bristles fixed to the axial support extending radially outward to define an outer margin. The outer margin of the bristles, at some portions along the pre-selected length, are at least equal to an inside dimension of the channel defining the receptacle. A handle is fixed to the axial support facilitating the placement and withdrawal of the filter element in the filter receptacle. A shield member is provided that is generally conformable to the inside surface of the filter receptacle. The shield member has a length dimension sufficient to cover the outlet leading to the second channel for blocking any flow of waste water into the second channel during replacement of the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Gary L. Koteskey
  • Publication number: 20030080048
    Abstract: An opening/closing structure for a tea-leaf filtering box of tea-brewing device is disclosed. The opening/closing a filtering box includes a body and a lid provided with a plurality of pores, the body including a frame body at the edge thereof, a bottom edge frame body and a plurality of supporting wire, characterized in that a bottom board is provided to the bottom frame body, and the center of the board and the center of the lid are respectively provided with a female threaded rod and a screw rod corresponding to each other, the screw rod passes through the top surface end of the lid and is pivotally connected to a lifting rod, thereby the rotating of the lifting will cause the screw rod to connect with the female threaded rod or to unscrew to dislocate with the lid so as to either lifting up the container or to lower the container to brew tea. The repeating process of lifting up and lowering down the tea leaf-filtering box can expedite the brewing of tea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Yen Huei Lin
  • Patent number: 6547080
    Abstract: Colander apparatus for straining and rinsing including a first rim portion and a second rim portion hingedly movable about an axis between a generally coplanar position and a collapsed or folded position wherein the rim portions are generally parallel or oriented at a small acute angle one to the other, the first and second rim portions when in the generally coplanar position defining a bowl opening. The colander apparatus further includes a bowl portion integrally formed with, attached to or otherwise supported by the first and second rim portions around the bowl opening in spanning relation thereto, the bowl portion including a plurality of openings therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Gravity, Incorporated
    Inventor: Tony Michael Guard
  • Patent number: 6537446
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for removing debris and contaminants from water passing through a storm drain generally includes a debris trap adapted to fit within a storm drain a porous, filtering element adapted to separate debris from a water flow passing through the storm drain and a frame for directing the water flow into the porous element. The debris trap includes a frame element adapted to substantially prevent bypass of the debris trap, especially during low water flow conditions. The system may further include a debris block adapted to prevent debris from entering a back curb inlet opening of the storm drain. The debris block includes foam end members for adjustably securing and/or sealing the debris block to edges of the drain inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Water Sweeper
    Inventor: Peter S. Sanguinetti
  • Patent number: 6537447
    Abstract: A sewer basket and its support are to be positioned at any selected level within a vertical sewer pipe having an interior surface and an opening, of reduced size or not, at street level. The basket support is secured to the interior surface of the sewer pipe to receive the basket that includes a plurality of filter units adjacently and releasably resting on the basket support. Each filter unit is so sized as to get through the sewer opening while being in a substantially horizontal orientation. Each filter unit includes a frame, a filter screen secured to and extending across the frame, and a handle device accessible from the pipe opening to properly position, place and retrieve the unit on and from the basket support respectively. The basket support includes an intermediate support having a generally flat lattice shape that abuttingly rests thereon and that abuttingly supports the filter units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Gilles Remon
  • Patent number: 6537448
    Abstract: A plastic floor drain for use with a floor sink in which a thin lip is provided around the outside of an upper edge to provide good engagement with the sides of the floor sink to prevent leakage between the sides of the floor sink and the sides of the floor drain. Also, in order to provide controlled nesting, a recess and interacting tabs are provided to control the depth of nesting. An alternative structure to provide controlled nesting is a recess in each side that provides an inside projecting surface on which an upper filter basket floor rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Lee Houk
  • Patent number: 6508933
    Abstract: A strainer for immersion in liquid, especially shallow water, to prevent debris from entering a pump connected by a suction pipe to the interior of the strainer. The strainer has a cylindrical housing that is closed at the bottom and covered by a circular screen at the top. As the pump sucks water, the screen prevents debris from being sucked into the strainer interior along with the water. Debris drawn against the screen's exterior is dislodged by a rotating spray arm that contains nozzles and is disposed within the strainer interior to spray water against the screen. The water is fed under pressure to the spray arm through a separate supply line tapped into the pump's outlet. The spray arm nozzles are aimed to direct water generally upward through the screen to dislodge the debris and to cause the spray arm to rotate. Hence, as the spray arm spins, the water washes substantially the full face of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Perfection Sprinkler Co.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Wilkins, Charles A. Wilkins, James O. Stoneburner
  • Patent number: 6497818
    Abstract: A liquid shield and a funnel in combination with the liquid shield is disclosed. The funnel includes at least one side wall defining a cavity within the funnel and it has a drain opening generally on the bottom surface of the funnel. A rim along the upper edge of the side wall defines a mouth of the funnel. A handle is provided on the funnel. Spaced apart receptacles are positioned on the side wall in relation to the handle. The liquid shield includes a body portion which extends over at least a portion of the cavity of the funnel and is positioned adjacent the handle. The shield includes attachment portions extending from the body which are engageable with the receptacles for removably retaining the shield on the funnel. A flange extends from a portion of the shield and abuts an inside surface of the side wall of the funnel generally blocking passage of material between the shield and the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Bunn O. Matic Corp.
    Inventor: Arthur H. Bunn
  • Patent number: 6485635
    Abstract: A filter, in particular for the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, which includes a pot-shaped filter housing (10), a support tube (11) disposed therein and a filter element (14) secured on the support tube (11). The filter element is essentially made up of a filtering material which is folded in a pleated manner and has plates (15 and 16) at its ends. The filter housing provides a direct seal between itself and a flange (19), and the support tube is provided with a screw-on thread (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Sergio Gandini, Thomas Petschl
  • Publication number: 20020153298
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Martin Blaze
  • Patent number: 6443313
    Abstract: The invention is a kitchen utensil that aids in the removal of grease or oil from soups, sauces, etc. Specifically, the device is a ladle with an inverted funnel that when dipped into soup or sauce, it effectively removes the fat from the top of the soup or sauce. The invention works on the notion that oil and water do not mix, and as a result, the oil will float on the top of the water. When dipped into the soup, the fat is forced through the inverted funnel until it is forced out and then falls into the ladle device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Ross Uli
  • Patent number: 6440302
    Abstract: An improved portable water purifier of a type having a pitcher with a lower terminal wall and being divided vertically by a lateral partition into an upper compartment for holding raw water and a lower compartment for holding purified water, and a filter depending from the lateral partition into the lower compartment for purifying the raw water into the purified water. The improvement includes a base having a weight and replaceably supporting the pitcher thereon and acting as a coaster therefore, and a permanent magnet having a weight and encased throughout the base for delivering a concentrated and polarized magnetic charge through the lower terminal wall of the pitcher and into the purified water so as to polarize the purified water until its molecules are gradually rearranged from a normal agglomerated state into a more linear, organized, and substantially more permeable state that increases a body's ability to absorb and assimilate the purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Herb Leipziger
  • Publication number: 20020063091
    Abstract: Commercial cookers utilize hot shortening or oil in order to deep fry potatoes or other fried foods. Crumbs of breading materials and pieces of food must be frequently removed from the hot shortening, in order to keep the taste of cooked food fresh. This invention permits a restaurant or commercial kitchen to extend the life of a batch of shortening in such a cooker by removing breaded materials and pieces of food so that they do not burn and spoil the taste of cooked foods. The cleaning device is used to filter unwanted food substances in the bottom of the cooker, permitting the cooker to remain in service, and the shortening to remain fresher. The removed food substances are periodically discarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Robert H. Lafleur
  • Patent number: 6383374
    Abstract: A pool skimmer system for facilitating the removal of debris from pools. The pool skimmer system includes a skimmer assembly, which is substantially buoyant for facilitating skimming along a top surface of a pool and designed for collecting debris, and a handle assembly which includes a proximal end pivotally coupled to the skimmer assembly and a distal end designed for grasping by a human hand is used to facilitate placement of the skimmer assembly in an interior position of the top surface of the pool being skimmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Dominick Splendorio
  • Patent number: 6372132
    Abstract: A purifier for filtering and purifying a fluid, such as water, comprises a pressure vessel for holding a purifying element for filtering and purifying the fluid, the pressure vessel having inlet and outlet members for introducing the fluid into the pressure vessel and for removing the fluid from the pressure vessel. A first end cap closes a first opening in the housing of the pressure vessel, and a sealing member located between the first end cap and the housing of the pressure vessel seals between the first end cap and the housing. A first removable retaining yoke extends between the housing and the first end cap for securing the first end cap to the housing. Level compensating support members are provided for supporting the pressure vessel above a surface on which the purifier rests in a secure, non-wobbling manner. Optionally, a by-pass channel and a by-pass valve are provided to cause the fluid to by-pass the purifying element, when filtered/purified fluid is not desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Richard T. Williams
  • Patent number: 6368503
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filtered fluid dispensing system. The invention may replace the sprayer provided with the faucet assembly of a conventional sink and may, in certain embodiments, be adapted to selectively dispense filtered and unfiltered fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce S. Williamson, Michael S. Brunner, Jeffrey E. Fish, Kevin P. McGrath, Malcolm D. Poirier, Paul Metaxatos, Dave Mathieu
  • Patent number: 6368502
    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. The preferred frame of the tool is fabricated from metal and includes an elongated, curved frame portion with its ends welded to a tubular attachment member, to permit attachment of the tool to a handle, pole or similar structure. A corresponding preferred method of use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Eric Resh
  • Patent number: 6365214
    Abstract: An apparatus for absorbing, containing, immobilizing, transporting and disposing of quantities of used cooking oil and/or other oils and hydrocarbons, comprising decomposed organic matter and/or inorganic matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: David E. Kirk
  • Patent number: 6365046
    Abstract: An automated system for removing waste grease is provided employing a pump, the pump being used to draw waste grease from a grill grease trap via an intake assembly and pump the waste grease through the system, the intake assembly comprising a wand, hose, and in-line filter. The intake assembly is connected in flow communication with a suction line which guides waste grease into the pump. A pressure line then guides the pumped waste grease out of the pump and to a waste grease storage container which may be connected to the system. The suction line, pump, and pressure line are heated to prevent solidification of the waste grease as it flows through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Restaurant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew P. Burke
  • Patent number: 6337013
    Abstract: A filter having filter elements with outwardly flanged ends sealed together. The seal may be secured by use of a rod extending in a lengthwise direction through apertures in the flanged ends. The rod has one end releasably securing the filter element and a second end secured to the housing. A frame can cover the filter elements, and a jack screw in the frame can be used to apply force to the filter elements to secure the seals. The filter may have a cleaning apparatus capable of suctioning material from the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Ontario Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Koopmans, Kevin Graydon McCauley
  • Patent number: 6325929
    Abstract: A filtration device having a base portion including a sump which has an inlet and an outlet and which accommodates a filter element. The base has a reception port for receiving the filter element. The sump optionally is enclosed by a housing which is engaged to a portion of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventor: Laurence W. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20010045388
    Abstract: A soup ladle structure comprises of a soup ladle having a spoon portion with a perforated strainer pore, an elastic element and a stop straining plate; wherein the elastic element is inserted and axially conjoined to handle bodies of the soup ladle and the stop straining plate by means of an axle pin for always maintaining a cover body covering closely on the strainer pore of the soup ladle, while the press handle on the upper end of the stop straining plate makes the cover plate on the lower end lift to open or close tightly on the strainer pore by the axially engaged point and the elastic element to further achieve the purposes of either straining the liquid while leaving the fat for scooping up and removing the floating fat of the broth or only picking up the solid food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Chen-Lung Ho
  • Patent number: 6319403
    Abstract: An effluent filter for septic tanks and the like has substantially horizontal filtering levels provided in a stepped arrangement on both an inlet side and an outlet side of the effluent filter. The effluent filter provides an array of both substantially horizontal and vertical filtering slits through which effluent must pass to reach the outlet side and exit the septic system. Particles in the effluent must navigate tortuous paths created by the array of filtering slits and are trapped by these filtering slits, rather than being allowed to exit the septic system with the filtered effluent. The effluent filter is flexible and is further provided with integral external flexible wiper blades that serve to improve a friction fit between the effluent filter and an associated T baffle, sanitary T baffle, or other pipe component, as well as prevent particles in the effluent from circumventing the effluent filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Tuf-Tite, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore W. Meyers
  • Patent number: 6315902
    Abstract: A device for selectively filtering liquid samples in compartments comprising inlet and outlet openings of a carrier body under reduced pressure and vacuum drying drops of the sample liquid in the area of the outlet openings of the compartments. The device comprises a vacuum pump for producing two levels of subpressure, a suction conduit, and a chamber comprising an interior space limited by a top wall having an opening with an edge, a bottom wall, and lateral walls connecting the top and bottom walls. A lid or the carrier body with outlet openings directed towards the interior space of the chamber can be placed in a substantially gastight manner on the opening with an edge. One of the lateral walls is formed as an access wall which is opened and substantially gastightly sealed for introducing the carrier body into the interior space of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Qiagen GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Collasius, Oliver-Guido Venschott
  • Publication number: 20010032822
    Abstract: There is provided a beverage maker having a device that removes contaminants from a liquid, which is removably supported within a compartment for ingredients. The device is preferably a filter that is surrounded by a supporting member, which supports the device within the compartment. The supporting member around the device may have a plurality of outwardly-protruding extensions that support the device by fitting against the sidewall of the compartment. A method and a system for such a device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Applicant: KX Industries, L.P.
    Inventors: Evan E. Koslow, Lawrence S. Walters, Dennis C. Bernardi, Irl R. Sanders, Donald J. Baumgarten, Stephen P. Huda
  • Patent number: 6299762
    Abstract: An oil-filter assembly has an upwardly open can generally centered on an upright axis and having at an upper rim a mounting ring having in turn an axially upwardly directed annular seal surface and, offset axially downward therefrom, an annular upwardly directed annular shoulder surface. A filter insert of filter material in the can has an annular outwardly directed flange sitting on the shoulder surface and an upper end wall. A cover fittable over the ring has a lower surface engageable with the seal surface of the ring and with the end wall of the filter insert. Fasteners press the cover down on the ring and filter insert and retaining the cover in place on the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Arpad Szabo, Georg Wittenzellner
  • Patent number: 6280620
    Abstract: An oil filter body with two protruding tabs positioned to rest flush with the top edge of the oil filter. The key is a plastic unit designed to fit over the top of the oil filter and the key has two male posts which correspond to and fit into the filter's protruding female tabs. The key has a handle-like grip providing the user with a secure and comfortable grasp on the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: L. David Duran
  • Patent number: 6254770
    Abstract: The sewer basket is to be positioned at any selected level within a vertical sewer pipe having an interior surface and an opening at street level without in any way modifying the same. A basket support is provided comprising an expandable support for extending entirely around the interior surface of the sewer pipe and having at least one pair of opposite spaced free ends that define inturned ears through which a bolt extends and the ears are spread apart by nuts screwed on the bolt. For a sewer pipe of circular cross-section, the basket frame and the support frame are both of circular shape, the expandable frame having a single pair of spaced ears with a single bolt extending through the ears. For sewer pipes of quadrilateral shape, both the basket and the support frame are similarly quadrilateral, the support frame being made of two U-shaped sections each having opposite free ends defined by inturned ears and a bolt with nuts extending through each pair of ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Gilles Remon
  • Patent number: 6248237
    Abstract: A filter assembly including an integral filter cartridge and storage pouch is disclosed herein. The storage pouch is configured to hermetically surround the filter cartridge upon removal of the cartridge from an opening of a liquid drainage conduit of the assembly. The drainage conduit can include a shutter for closing the opening of the drainage conduit upon removal of the filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Societe d'etudes et de Constructions Aero-Navales
    Inventors: Xavier Mery, Claude Chevallier
  • Patent number: 6235195
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter element configured for straight through flow and a handle member secured to the filter element. The filter element may typically have a plurality of flutes where selected ones of the flutes are open at upstream portions and closed at downstream portions, and where selected ones of the flutes are closed at the upstream portions and open at the downstream portions. In one embodiment, the handle member is secured to the central core member. In some embodiments, the handle member and the central core member are a single molded construction. The handle member can include a single aperture, such as an elongated slot, or a plurality of apertures. A method for servicing a system having a straight through flow filter element includes grasping a handle secured to the filter element, and pulling the handle to remove the filter element from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Tokar
  • Patent number: 6209729
    Abstract: A pool scoop for providing a rigid scoop for lifting items off of the bottom of a pool. The pool scoop includes a pole with tubular attachment sleeve at a distal end of the pole. A scoop member is provided having a bottom wall, a pair of spaced apart side walls upwardly extending from the bottom wall, and an end wall upwardly extending from the bottom wall between the side walls. The scoop member has a front edge extending along the bottom wall between the side walls opposite the end wall. The bottom wall also has a plurality of apertures of a predetermined size therethrough. An extent extends from the end wall of the scoop member and is inserted into a second end of the attachment sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: John P. Brouillard
  • 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: 6180017
    Abstract: A pool skimmer basket assembly is submerged in a filter passage. The filter passage communicates with a filter opening formed in a wall of a pool. The basket assembly operates to separate and capture debris entrained in pool water entering the filter opening and moving downstream through the filter passage. The skimmer basket assembly is accessible through a user access opening communicating with the filter passage, such that the skimmer basket assembly is readily removable by a user for periodic emptying and cleaning. The skimmer basket assembly includes a basket defined by walls and having an open top arranged for receiving pool water. A filter is provided for separating debris from pool water flowing downstream through the filter passage and through the open top of the basket. An extendable handle is attached to the basket for being grasped by the user to lift and remove the basket outwardly from the filter passage through the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Michael J. Usher
  • Patent number: 6132604
    Abstract: A pool skimmer for quickly skimming a pool to remove debris. The pool skimmer includes an elongate pole handle and at least one skimming net assembly. The pole handle has opposite proximal and distal ends. Each skimming net assembly comprises an open frame and a net screen. The open frame defines a central opening which the net screen extends across. One end portion of the open frame is pivotally coupled to the distal end of the pole handle. The other end portion of the open frame of the skimming net assembly is adapted for detachable attachment to an end portion of an open frame of another skimming net assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Kirchoff
  • Patent number: 6092670
    Abstract: A steam pan manipulation device (16) is provided for handling stainless steel pans (10), commonly known as steam pans or hotel pans, of varying sizes as found in commercial restaurant, catering, and hotel applications for use in steam tables. Use of the device (16) permits the worker to safely carry a tray full of liquid without sloshing, since the center of gravity of the liquid is lower than the point of carrying. Furthermore, the steam pan manipulation device (16) features apertures of an appropriate size, so that the device may be also used as a strainer for separating liquid from the content of the tray while retaining solid content in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Victor J. Marriott
  • Patent number: 6071403
    Abstract: A pool skimmer basket assembly is submerged in a filter passage. The filter passage communicates with a filter opening formed in a wall of a pool. The basket assembly operates to separate and capture debris entrained in pool water entering the filter opening and moving downstream through the filter passage. The skimmer basket assembly is accessible through a user access opening communicating with the filter passage, such that the skimmer basket assembly is readily removable by a user for periodic emptying and cleaning. The skimmer basket assembly includes a basket defined by walls and having an open top arranged for receiving pool water. A filter is provided for separating debris from pool water flowing downstream through the filter passage and through the open top of the basket. An extendable handle is attached to the basket for being grasped by the user to lift and remove the basket outwardly from the filter passage through the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Michael J. Usher
  • Patent number: 6063276
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to filters for removing impurities from liquids, and more particularly to a replaceable filter cartridge having a barrier for preventing contaminants from draining from a spent cartridge, as it is being replaced. The barrier comprises a layer of filter media closely surrounding an inner perforated conducting conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: North American Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A Felber
  • Patent number: 6036038
    Abstract: A food packaging system that includes a jar with a mouth opening and a food holding chamber, a screw on lid that is securable over the mouth opening of the jar, and a resilient cupped lifting basket assembly that is positionable within a food holding chamber of the jar. The resilient cupped lifting basket assembly includes a resilient, cupped shaped, molded plastic, basket element and a rigid rectangular cross-sectional, grasping rod. The resilient, cupped shaped, molded plastic, basket element has a resiliently flexible, raised circumferential lip, a plurality of drain holes formed entirely therethrough and a centrally positioned rod connecting disk. The system optionally includes at least one resilient, cup shaped lifting attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: Diane H. Lovelace, Barbara H. Duncan
  • Patent number: 6007714
    Abstract: An auxiliary filter assembly is for use in a skimmer of residential swimming pools. The assembly comprises an adaptor collar and a cleanable filter basket. The adaptor collar is substantially flat and is for placement on a rim of a below water surface opening within the skimmer. The cleanable filter basket is made of a water porous material. The filter basket has an open top with a substantially rigid stabilizing ring permanently positioned in an edge defining the open top. The ring is dimensioned to rest on the adaptor collar. Swimming water debris is trapped in the filter basket as pool water is pulled through the filter basket on its way to a primary filter apparatus. The filter basket is easily separated from the adaptor collar, cleaned as needed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Keith Brothers, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny A. Keith
  • Patent number: 5992306
    Abstract: An improved structure of a hand holding net basket for frying comprises a rectangular upper basket frame and a rectangular lower basket frame for being connected with a net frame. Two concave cambered surfaces are installed on the two front sides of the lower basket frame so that after the lower end of the hook has been arranged within the two cambered surfaces, it may be welded in various points. Also, the inner rim of the lower basket frame is connected with a handle, and a bracket like a water droplet is extended downwards from the handle. The cambered portion on the front end of the bracket is welded between the concave cambered surfaces of the lower basket frame. Thus three symmetric points are formed on the front end of the concave cambered surface and the bracket for increasing the stability of the structure. Thus, the net-covered basket may be prevented to become loose so to cause a danger accident due to continuously flap or beat and the lifetime of the basket is prolonged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Century Machinery Corp.
    Inventor: Tai Kun Chiang
  • Patent number: 5951854
    Abstract: A filtering appliance for cleaning cooking oil in a food fryer is designed and dimensioned for single-handed portable use in "hand-gun" fashion. The appliance has an elongate casing means (10) with a hand grip (14) at one end adjacent a pump-and-motor assembly (21, 34). An intake nozzle (11) conducts oil to be cleaned to a cartridge style filter (29) made by stacking annular elements (30, 31) cut from a commercially available filter material of fibrous mat forming a matrix holding particulate filtering media. The filter (29) is axially spring loaded to accommodate yielding of the filter material. The appliance discharges into the food fryer through a duct (15) outside the casing means (10). Thus, the oil is re-circulated to achieve cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Murray Buchart Innovations Limited
    Inventors: Margaret Buchart Goldberg, Terence Murray Goldberg, Michael Phillip Griese