Resting On Internal Stop Or Surface Patents (Class 210/477)
  • Patent number: 8007668
    Abstract: A device for dialysis of a sample includes a sample chamber formed by a gasket and dialysis membranes affixed to each side of the gasket in facing relationship. A housing supports the dialysis membranes and gasket. An air chamber causes the device to float in a generally upright position when the device is immersed in a dialysate. An access port is provided through the gasket and between the dialysis membranes. The access port is accessible from outside the housing and in communication with the sample chamber such that a dispensing end of a dispensing device can be inserted through the access port to dispense sample into the sample chamber. In one embodiment, the gasket is impermeable or essentially impermeable to the sample being dialyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Pierce Biotechnology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Haney, Michael Robert Johnston
  • Patent number: 8007671
    Abstract: A method of treating a hollow fiber membrane microfiltration filter having an influent side and an effluent side to improve performance of the filter is disclosed. The method entails sealing imperfections in surfaces of the filter by flushing the filter with a liquid aqueous suspension of particulates. Filter cartridge devices also are disclosed. The devices may include a bactericidal chamber. A radial flow filter may be included in the devices. The filter cartridges may include a drain tube positioned within the filter for removing of effluent generated by the filter. A plurality of filter cartridges may be positioned on the drain tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Streamline Capital, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Chen, Kevin P. Nicolazzo, Bryan E. Kepner
  • Patent number: 7997423
    Abstract: A cooking oil container has a filter cup retained at the upper end thereof. The filter cup retains a planar circular filter at the lower end and a seal between the filter holder and the bottom of the filter cup prevents oil from overflowing around the circumference of the filter holder to avoid the filter. The filter cup is spaced from the inner walls of the container to allow air to escape from the bottom of the container. The top of the container has a grip ring and the inverted top is useable as a drip tray for the filter cup while oil is being poured out of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: David Goodman, John R. Howard, Robert W. Machacek
  • Patent number: 7955501
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Kelce Steven Wilson
  • Patent number: 7875178
    Abstract: A drain basin insert having a housing, with the housing having a sidewall having a top edge and a bottom edge, and with the housing having a perforated base member secured to the sidewall at the lower edge of the sidewall, and with the housing having an outwardly extending flange at the top edge of the sidewall. The insert also includes a secondary filter means having a permeable container having hydrophobic filter media therein. The insert also has a perforated, rigid structural member having a bottom wall and a raised portion, with the raised portion attached to the bottom wall and extending upwardly therefrom. The insert also has a primary filter means having an outer sidewall, a bottom surface, and a central portion, with the bottom surface contacting the bottom wall of the perforated structural member, and with the central portion contacting the raised portion of the perforated structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: ADS Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Courtney Ashliman
  • Patent number: 7832567
    Abstract: A liquid supply assembly for use with a spray gun (FIG. 1) comprises a reservoir 9 provided with a drop-in filter 10 for removing solid particles from liquid added to the reservoir 9. The reservoir 9 has a lid 12 with an outlet opening 12E connectable via a spout 16 to the spray gun and a separate inlet opening 12D in which a support collar 27 of the filter 10 is located. The filter 10 comprises a tubular mesh body 10A having an open end and a closed end. The open end is connected to the support collar 27 and the mesh body 10A extends away from the inlet opening 12D within the reservoir 9. The mesh body 10A is sized to pass through the filler opening 12D and has a high flow capacity to permit rapid filling of the reservoir 9. The filter 10 may be left in place when the reservoir 9 is connected to the spray gun and the reservoir 9 may be discarded together with the filter 10 after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 7820045
    Abstract: A sludge filter is comprised of a mesh filter media secured to a support net. The support net includes a front surface adjacent the filter media and a rear surface opposite the filter media, the rear surface having a plurality of outwardly extending nodes to define flow channels for horizontal and vertical fluid flow intermediate the net and a container surface. The sludge filter is attached directly to the walls or floor of a container. In a preferred embodiment a border of the sludge filter comprises one part of a two-part fastener system with a second part of the two-part fastener system attached to a container along the perimeter of the filter coverage area, so that the filter medium may be removably attached to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Flo Trend Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Russell Caughman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7815797
    Abstract: A pre-filter assembly is for use in a skimmer of a residential swimming pool. The pre-filter comprises a skimmer collar and a cleanable filter basket. The skimmer collar 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 is permanently secured at an edge defining the open-top to the skimmer collar. The filter basket further has a chevron shape for ease of use. 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 cleaned as needed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Zone Filtration, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny A. Keith
  • Patent number: 7785466
    Abstract: An injection molded assembly forming a Membrane Pipette Tip having at least one bottom portion including a apex end for receiving a calibrated first volume of fluid, a cavity for holding said volume of fluid and a opening with shoulder for receiving the filter membrane. The pipette tip includes at least one upper body having a first opening for communication to a pipetter and a second opening for receiving the shoulder of the bottom portion. The bottom portion fused at the shoulder to the second opening of the upper body with the membrane therebetween to permanently attach the membrane filter to the pipette tip. The 2 part Membrane Pipette Tip can be constructed as a single tip or a plurality of upper and bottom portions with optional tubular members that can include overflow wells for containing fluid in excess of the first volume of fluid drawn into the Membrane Pipette Tip cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: James C. Smith
  • Patent number: 7767087
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Kelce S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7763140
    Abstract: A method of forming a multiwell filtration plate comprising of first gluing a filter to a major surface of a multiwell plate so as to close off one entrance to the wells of the plate. The filter is then heat sealed so as to collapse the pores of the filter in the area between the wells so as to prevent lateral migration of fluid from one well to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan Fisher
  • Patent number: 7681740
    Abstract: A two part drain assembly for a container assembly with a drain for flowing fluid from the interior of the container assembly to exterior of the container assembly. A back plate comprising a first sliding engagement means parallel a second sliding engagement means connected by a back plate body, wherein a drain attachment hole is disposed on the back plate body and a bottom plate is disposed perpendicular to the first sliding engagement means and the second sliding engagement means. A front cover comprising a plurality of flow holes for slidably engaging simultaneously the first sliding engagement means and the second sliding engagement means, wherein the front cover forms an enclosed hollow chamber when slidably engaged with the back plate thereby permitting fluid to flow from the interior of the container assembly into the hollow chamber while excluding particles from entering the enclosed hollow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventors: David S. Lange, William Garland Johnson
  • Patent number: 7661538
    Abstract: A filtration funnel with integral prefilter usable for filtering fluids. The integral prefilter is disposed above the final filter which is sealed to the funnel. The prefilter may contain one or more layers of prefilter material, and is sealed to the funnel with one or more seal rings. The funnel may be used with either vacuum or pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Roush Life Science, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Zuk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7617991
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for substantially reducing or eliminating pressure pulsations caused by the opening and closing of fuel injectors. A preferred embodiment provides a restriction orifice adjacent the inlet end of a fuel injector filter of a respective fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan R. Wells, Kevin R. Keegan
  • Patent number: 7615152
    Abstract: A water filter device for treating untreated drinking water, wherein the water filter device may comprise a connector for providing fluid communication between the water filter device and an untreated drinking water source. The water filter device may comprise a low-pressure water for treating untreated drinking water, the water filter may comprise a water filter material. The water filter may comprise a F-BLR of greater than about 2 logs. The water filter device may comprise a storage housing in fluid communication with the low-pressure water filter. The water filter device may comprise an automatic shutoff valve for arresting the flow of treated drinking water into the storage housing. The water filter device may comprise a dispenser for dispensing treated drinking water from the storage housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: PUR Water Purification Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Tanner, David James Emmons, Richard P. Riedel
  • Patent number: 7569139
    Abstract: An aquarium filter assembly includes a housing having a filter cartridge and a water pump and defining a flow path therethrough from upstream to downstream from an inlet to an outlet. A replaceable filter element is mounted in one or more designated orientation positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Newa Tecno Industria S.r.l.
    Inventors: Brad L. Mihlbauer, David R. Troop, II, Lonnie Austin Ready, Giacomo Guoli, Fabio Bellia
  • Publication number: 20090159525
    Abstract: Disposable filter cartridge for espresso coffee machines. The cartridge has a body with a height of 25.6 mm, calculated from the top of its filling end (A) to the opposite end (B) for discharging the coffee, said body in turn being composed of a cylindrical part (C) with a height of 17.5 mm which is connected to an oval-shaped part (D) truncated at the end, the outer diameter of the cylindrical part (C) being 35 mm, said cylindrical part (C) being connected via a curved wall part (D) having a radius of curvature of 16 mm to the bottom part (B) which has in turn an outer diameter of 18.5 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: ARIETE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Rosa, Alessandro Ostuni
  • Patent number: 7540953
    Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated belowground vault with filter catch basin, that allows the runoff water to enter into a belowground two-part vault passing through a commercially available replaceable filter before being transferred out to the sewer, Rood control system or out through a French drain consisting of a cavity below the device that is filled with drain gravel. A layer of filter cloth can optionally be placed over the drain gravel. This device will be manufactured in variety of sizes and shapes and made from several different materials. The device has the unique ability of being capable of filtering low flow water runoff while allowing high volume to pass through with the added benefit of not retaining water that can become a mosquito breeding ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: James Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20080302718
    Abstract: A new use for a circular, solids retention screen for removable use with a variety of sizes of circular drinking vessels to allow for the separation of liquid from solids contained within the vessel. Typical embodiments for the vessel size can be a drinking glass to allow the user to drink without disruption from the contained ice, whether crushed or cubes. For this embodiment, the invention relies upon a retention screen comprising a continuous, circular, flexible, elastomeric ring. The ring is constructed of an annular base portion with a continuous tapered portion extending radially outwardly from the base portion. Finally, a central, generally flat, liquid passing screen portion is secured from the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Hardy
  • Publication number: 20080290040
    Abstract: A flow diverter, vacuum control and tilting of the liquid filtering system are used alternatively or in conjunction to reduce foam production in a filtered liquid sample. A liquid filtering system includes an upper sample reservoir, a filter and a lower storage bottle. A vacuum is applied below the sample filter to draw sample liquid through the sample filter into the storage bottle. A flow diverter may be used to direct flow of the filtered liquid sample onto a sidewall of the storage bottle or guide flow to a bottom of the storage bottle. The vacuum may be regulated to reduce foaming. The liquid filtering system may be tilted to direct fluid to the sidewall of the lower storage bottle and reduce foaming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: NYPRO INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Kane, Thomas Taylor, Peter Zuk, JR., Sean Landis Phillips
  • Patent number: 7435344
    Abstract: A device for separating impurities from liquids has at least one separating container for separating impurities from a liquid/impurities mixture flowing in a flow direction through the at least one separating container. A partition divides the interior of the at least one separating container. At least two separating elements are arranged sequentially in the flow direction within the separating container, wherein the at least two separating elements have different diameters parallel to the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: B + V Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Knud Drohula, Carsten Behnke, Frank Fischer
  • Patent number: 7389883
    Abstract: A filter cartridge which comprises a filter pack (3) formed by a flat filtering medium, a tubular sheath (2) with a perforated wall, surrounding the filtering pack, and two respective end caps (5) having a first disc (16) and a second disc (17) placed one on top of the other, each made from thermoplastic, with a portion of the filtering pack (3) situated along one of its edges and a portion of the sheath (2) situated along one of its edges (33) which are embedded in the second disc (17), with the first disc (16) having a peripheral rim (19) which surrounds the relevant portion of the sheath (2) and with the sheath having a shoulder (34) opposite the edge of the rim (19) of the first disc (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Nolwenn Stephan, Sylvie Chavanne
  • Patent number: 7377210
    Abstract: A grease receiving and holding system includes a sink that has a peripheral flange having an opening extending therethrough. A housing is mounted below a plane of the peripheral flange. The housing has a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall extending between and is attached to the top and bottom walls. A pipe has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to the housing. A funnel is fluidly attached to the second end of the pipe. The funnel has an upper edge that has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of the opening. A peripheral lip is attached to and extends around the upper edge. The peripheral lip is abuttable against the flange when the funnel is positioned in the opening. Grease may be poured down the funnel and into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Geno A. Franco
  • Publication number: 20080110820
    Abstract: A gravity fed carbon block water filter includes activated carbon particles; a binder material interspersed with the activated carbon particles; and a lead scavenger coupled to at least one of the activated carbon particles and binder material, the lead scavenger being for removing lead from water, where a lead concentration in a final liter of effluent water filtered by the filter is less than about 10 ?g/liter after about 151 liters (40 gallons) of source water filtration, the source water having a pH of 8.5 and containing 135-165 parts per billion total lead with 30-60 parts per billion thereof being colloidal lead greater than 0.1 ?m in diameter, and where the water has an average flow rate of at least 0.1 liter per minute through the filter with a head pressure of between approximately 0.1 and 1.0 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Elizabeth Louise Knipmeyer, Toni L. Lynch, Bruce D. Saaski
  • Publication number: 20080041781
    Abstract: A cooking oil container has a filter cup retained at the upper end thereof. The filter cup retains a planar circular filter at the lower end and a seal between the filter holder and the bottom of the filter cup prevents oil from overflowing around the circumference of the filter holder to avoid the filter. The filter cup is spaced from the inner walls of the container to allow air to escape from the bottom of the container. The top of the container has a grip ring and the inverted top is useable as a drip tray for the filter cup while oil is being poured out of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: David Goodman, John R. Howard, Robert W. Machacek
  • Patent number: 7211165
    Abstract: A method of forming a multiwell filtration plate comprising of first gluing a filter to a major surface of a multiwell plate so as to close off one entrance to the wells of the plate. The filter is then heat sealed so as to collapse the pores of the filter in the area between the wells so as to prevent lateral migration of fluid from one well to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan Fisher
  • Patent number: 7179377
    Abstract: A sludge filter is comprised of a mesh filter media secured to a support net. The support net includes a front surface adjacent the filter media and a rear surface opposite the filter media, the rear surface having a plurality of outwardly extending nodes to define flow channels for horizontal and vertical fluid flow intermediate the net and a container surface. The sludge filter is attached directly to the walls or floor of a container. In a preferred embodiment a border of the sludge filter comprises one part of a two-part fastener system with a second part of the two-part fastener system attached to a container along the perimeter of the filter coverage area, so that the filter medium may be removably attached to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Carl Russell Caughman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7163635
    Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated belowground vault with filter catch basin, that allows the runoff water to enter into a belowground two-part vault passing through a commercially available replaceable filter before being transferred out to the sewer, flood control system or out through a French drain consisting of a cavity below the device that is filled with drain gravel. A layer of filter cloth can optionally be placed over the drain gravel. This device will be manufactured in variety of sizes and shapes and made from several different materials. The device has the unique ability of being capable of filtering low flow water runoff while allowing high volume to pass through with the added benefit of not retaining water that can become a mosquito breeding ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: James Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7153424
    Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water, that includes a frame, in connection with which is arranged a primary space for water to be filtered, secondary space for filtered water and a filter. The filter is arranged to filter water, that is driven by gravity from the primary space existing in the frame to the secondary space, wherein the filtering influence of the filter is based essentially on a thin filtering film made of plastic based material. Essentially underneath the primary space is arranged an accessory space for the filtering means, that is in connection with the primary space and that has an essentially smaller cross-section than the same, in order to keep the filter surrounded by unclean water in the auxiliary space of the primary space, being limited from the secondary space, totally separate from the secondary space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventors: Kari Aalto, Valery Antipov, Alexander Melnikov
  • Patent number: 7137419
    Abstract: An oil filtering and storage apparatus comprising housing containing a cooking oil storage receptacle therein with a hingedly attached door providing access to said storage receptacle with the receptacle serving as containment of oil that has been filtered for reuse or unfiltered for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Dylan Reeves
  • Patent number: 7097681
    Abstract: An improved filtering bag combination having an increased area of filtering and a longer life of use. The improved structure includes a filtering member with multiple folds to cover a support formed of a plurality of rods. The rods of the support have a plurality of bracing members to support the filtering member, two ends of the support are mounted with two shaping pieces, and an upper and lower lid for fixing and sealing. The bracing members are all serrated members, and are provided on the outside with numerous equidistantly separated crests and corresponding hollows and on the inner side with a connecting base. The crests each have a clamping notch for placing a rod, so that the bracing members can be transversely arranged within a circle formed by encircling the rods of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Read Yes Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Shou Kao
  • Patent number: 7073670
    Abstract: A filter element for hydrocarbon emissions in, e.g., marine diesel engine applications, comprises a wound mat received within a filter bag. An annular end cap is bonded to one end of the wound mat, and is sealed around its periphery to a bag ring at the open end of the bag. The bag ring is then received and retained in a seat ring in the housing. The exhaust gas stream from the engine is directed through an opening in the end cap and through the wound mat and bag for removal of hydrocarbons and contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Fall, John Ruddock
  • Patent number: 7011746
    Abstract: A rainwater surface drain for use in roof drains comprises a substantially funnel-shaped reservatory for water to be drained and covered with an upper strainer or grating member downstream of which an eddy preventing insert means in the form of a flat grate member is disposed at a short distance upstream of a discharge outlet on the bottom side of the reservatory which is connected with an outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ernst Zürn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Antonio Böckmann
  • Patent number: 7011754
    Abstract: A filtering device includes a container, a cover attached on top of the container having a space communicating with an inlet opening and a chamber of the container, and a filter screen received in the container for filtering the fluid from the inlet opening to the chamber of the container. The filter screen includes an upper peripheral flange having a peripheral wall or a peripheral flap for making an excellent seal between the container and the cover. The space of the cover includes a changing volume for decreasing the flowing speed of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: I-Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 7011755
    Abstract: A filtration funnel with integral prefilter usable for filtering fluids. The integral prefilter is disposed above the final filter which is sealed to the funnel. The prefilter may contain one or more layers of prefilter material, and is sealed to the funnel with one or more seal rings. The funnel may be used with either vacuum or pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Peter Zuk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6977037
    Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming coolant used in cutting machines and for returning the reclaimed coolant to the coolant system of the cutting machine is provided. The apparatus includes a shallow receptacle for supporting a barrel that cuttings are deposited into during a milling operation of a work piece. The apparatus includes a flange that extends from an inner surface of the receptacle and supports the bottom of the barrel allowing coolant to drain from the barrel into the receptacle. The collected coolant is returned to the coolant system of the cutting machine by gravity via a drain line. The apparatus further includes a plurality of casters allowing the apparatus along with the supported barrel to be moved from location to location relatively easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Alex Mioc
  • Patent number: 6949188
    Abstract: A filter assembly including a filter housing defining an interior chamber with an open end, a filter disposed within the interior chamber, and a cover removably positioned over the open end to enclose the interior chamber. The filter housing defines an axially-facing sealing surface spaced from the open end. The filter includes a filter element and a flange element, with the flange element having a hook-shaped lip portion defining an axially-facing groove adapted to securely retain an O-ring seal therein. The cover includes an axially-extending sidewall portion and a laterally-extending flange portion, with the sidewall portion defining an outward taper adapted to retain an O-ring seal thereon. A clamp is used to bias the cover into sealing engagement with the open end of the filter housing. The cover in turn biases the flange element of the filter into sealing engagement with the axially-facing sealing surface of the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Geyer's Manufacturing & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick J. Geyer
  • Patent number: 6942835
    Abstract: The invention provides a test kit, having a tube (17) and a reactant (30) which is held between two holding devices (8, 9). Each holding device has a filter (10), with an elastically deformable part (13) transverse to a disc (11), and a spring (15) which presses the elastically deformable part (13) against the walls of the tube (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Contralco
    Inventors: Philippe Monblanc, Bruno Lacan
  • Patent number: 6913152
    Abstract: A vacuum filtration apparatus (900) for detecting microorganisms and particulates in liquid samples. The apparatus includes a base (901), an absorbent pad (991), a filter (990), a funnel (930), and a lid (960). The funnel is releasably attached to the base, and may contain an integral flexible seal for releasably sealing the filter to the base. The outer wall of the lid may be segmented to make it flexible, this flexibility allows it to be releasably attached to the funnel or the base. The apparatus is designed so that any funnel will fit any base, and any lid will fit any base or any funnel when all parts are manufactured to normal tolerances. The apparatus may be configured to to keep the filter wrinkle free in both the dry and wet states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Zuk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6896144
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus having a plurality of sample wells comprises an upper plate comprising a plurality of upper wells, a lower plate comprising a plurality of lower wells disposed in flexible communication with each other, and a ratcheting mechanism disposed at interfaces of the upper wells and the lower wells. A method for assembling the filtration apparatus comprises supporting the lower plate, disposing a filter medium in the lower well, disposing the upper plate at the lower plate such that the lower wells substantially register with the upper wells, and compressing the upper plate onto the lower plate to form an interference fit between the lower well and the upper well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Innovative Microplate
    Inventors: Stephen G. Young, Yevgeniy Margolin
  • Patent number: 6892892
    Abstract: A frustum filter used for separation of cation and anion exchange resins, which is used in condensate water polishing system or apparatus, wherein said frustum filter comprises a microporous filtering net body (1) which is formed by sintering a mixture of silicon carbide grains and a binder, said net body being provided with a plurality of micropores, the diameter of said micropores being in a range of 50-300 micron, said filtering net body (1) being shaped as an inverted truncated cone and its maximum diameter being in a range of 50-200 cm, the angle between a inner tapered face and a horizontal plane being in a range of 15°-30° and the thickness of said filtering net body being in a range of 2 cm-14 cm. Some reinforcing steel bars which have the property of high temperature resistance are embedded in said filtering net body(1) in advance. A steel ring (6) welded at the housing (2) is fixed on the external circumference of said filtering net body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Hongxiao Wang
  • Patent number: 6886698
    Abstract: Spent pyrophoric reaction catalyst from a reaction mixture is removed safely, cheaply, and rapidly using a single plate pressure filter. After hydrogenation, the reaction mixture is decanted, the desired hydrogenation product is removed, and catalyst-rich material which settles at the bottom of the vessel is delivered to a single plate pressure filter fitted with a filter bag 40 of permeable material. The spent catalyst is retained in the filter bag 40 and stored under water awaiting recovery. The filter apparatus 1 comprises a container having a domed base 2, a generally cylindrical sidewall 3 terminating in an upper rim 4 closed by a lid 5 having lifting lugs 6. The lid 5 is fixed in pressure-tight engagement with the sidewall 3 by flange engaging screw clamps 7 and an embedded polytetrafluoroethene gasket 8. The filter bag 40 is held in position by a band 11 and may be readily released for removal of the spent catalyst material. The bag 40 may be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventor: William Tully
  • Patent number: 6849179
    Abstract: An internal filter that may be installed or removed from the outside of the housing. The internal filter may also cooperate with an inlet passage for a charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael Taylor, Jeffrey A. Wilson, Neil Brandenburg
  • Patent number: 6770203
    Abstract: A filtering unit including an upper container for receiving fluid to be filtered, a lower container for receiving the fluid from the upper container and an intermediate filter cassette. The filter cassette includes a support member connected with a flat filter member, such as a membrane filter, and can be removed with respect to each of the upper and lower containers. The filter cassette may be inserted within the upper container with sealing engagement between the support member and the internal wall of the upper container. The various disclosed embodiments include the ability to serially connect multiple filter cassettes generally between the liquid contained in the upper container and the lower container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Nalge Nunc International Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Leoncavallo, Mark Giverc
  • Patent number: 6761271
    Abstract: A wash bucket screen has a slanting platform supported on a frustum skirt. The platform has a plurality of holes interspersed between raised ridges on the platform running radially generally toward its perimeter as an aid in releasing water from a cloth squeezed against the platform. To effectively prevent backsplash from the bucket bottom back through the screen, the holes taper from a diameter sized to readily collect water on the platform top to a smaller hole diameter on the platform bottom. The skirt includes a flange on its distal end that engages the bucket wall. To accommodate a frustum bucket with changing wall diameter, the skirt flexes resiliently with the flange engaging the bucket wall and the skirt flexing inward as the screen is inserted in a bucket with decreasing diameter. To allow movement of the skirt, a plurality of slits extend vertically, opening at the skirt distal end, providing an effective splash shield between the skirt and the bucket wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Lynn J. Cresswell
  • Patent number: 6732635
    Abstract: A coffee pot has a strainer (3) in the form of a bag which extends down into the pot (1). Ground coffee (6) is first poured into the pot (1), and then hot water (5) is filled into the pot, causing the coffee (6) to be stirred up and to be mixed with the water, so that the coffee extraction takes place in a gentle and effective manner. Over time, the ground coffee (6) quietly precipitates on the bottom of the pot. When the coffee is poured out of the pot, the coffee grounds (6) are retained in the pot by the strainer element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Eva Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Claus Jensen, Henrik Peter Holbaek
  • Patent number: 6675974
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with an array of liquid specimen containers having open upper ends includes a panel structure having an array of openings corresponding to the array of liquid specimen containers such that the open upper ends of the containers will be aligned with the openings upon placement of the panel structure over the containers in an upright engagement with the containers. The apparatus further includes filter material stretched across the openings so as to extend across the open upper ends of the containers in overlying abutment with the open upper ends of the containers when the panel structure is in the upright engagement. In this arrangement, liquid contents of the containers can flow downward through the filter material when the panel structure and the containers are together moved from their upright engagement to an overturned engagement inverted from their upright engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Trek Diagnostic Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Benny Ballin, Amir Geron, Anat Weinstein, Nir Barkai
  • 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: 20030080045
    Abstract: A filtration funnel with integral prefilter usable for filtering fluids. The integral prefilter is disposed above the final filter which is sealed to the funnel. The prefilter may contain one or more layers of prefilter material, and is sealed to the funnel with one or more seal rings. The funnel may be used with either vacuum or pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Zuk