Inner Separate Retainer Patents (Class 210/479)
  • Patent number: 10104981
    Abstract: A cord with an outer fabric covering over a sheath and draw string is used to secure a flexible sheet to a solid object, such as a mattress, table, pool, or ironing board. In some embodiments, the cord is a string lacking a sheath and draw string. The cord has a series of clips attached there-to by a second cord or by direct attachment. The clips are in turn removably attachable to edges of a sheet. One then tightens the draw string, reducing the length of the cord, and continues to do so until the sheet is pulled to a bottom side of an object. In this manner, the sheet ends are beneath the mattress and tightened thereto by the cord. The cord further snaps to itself, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, to form a closed loop around the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Jack Nekhala
  • Patent number: 9737102
    Abstract: Magnetic textile fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, the textile fastener may include a spherical member and two receiving members. Each of the receiving members may include a surface portion and an opening within the flat surface portion, wherein the opening is configured to receive the spherical member. In an embodiment, textiles are placed between each receiving portion and the spherical member while the spherical member is inserted at least partially into the openings. The spherical member thereby applies a force between each textile and its respective receiving member. Magnetic interaction between the spherical member and the receiving members may maintain the force between the textile and the receiving members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Margaret A. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 8746131
    Abstract: A drip bag having a bag body and a holder which is formed from a sheet material and is adhered to the bag body. The holder is folded into two parts, a front surface and a rear surface, on a center fold line, and the center fold line overlaps a lateral side of the bag body. V-shaped fold lines bent in V-shapes and extending from the open edge of the drip bag toward the bottom direction thereof are formed in regions on the side of the center fold line of the front surface and the rear surface of the holder. In addition, overhanging parts, which have concave portions for hooking, are formed in a manner that allows them to be pulled open on both the left and right sides of the lower end of each of the front surface and the rear surface of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsunori Saitoh, Naoko Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140083924
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter unit (1) for use in a water filtering device (30). The filter unit comprises a housing (3) having an inlet (13a-d) for receiving water to be filtered and an outlet (25) for dispensing filtered water. A water filtering medium (5) is contained in between the inlet and outlet. The water filtering medium (5) comprises an ion exchange resin layer (5b) and an activated carbon loaded material layer (5c), which layers are provided as two distinct layers arranged in the housing. The invention further relates to a water filtering device, such as a water filter jug, comprising a filter unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ulf Bergendal, Paula Cherinet, Marco Coan, Simon Faremo, Anna-Karin Gray, Tomas Hedlund, Roger Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8673149
    Abstract: A liquid filter assembly comprising a filter subassembly is inserted within an elongated tubular filter body, enclosed by a pair of end caps. The filter subassembly includes a plurality of filtration discs placed onto a tubular core and inner support member. A disc aperture is provided concentrically through each filtration disc. An outer filter support member and a central filter support member support each filtration disc. The outer filter support member engages with an interior of the elongated body and an end wall engages with the disc perimeter. The central filter support member engages with an exterior of the inner support member and an end wall engages with the peripheral edge about the filtration disc aperture. Fluid passes through the first end cap orifice, continuing through the inner support member, transferring flow through the filtration discs, returning through the inner support member, and exiting the opposite end cap orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Horace Lester Gadson
  • Publication number: 20140008276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pitcher-type water purifier, comprising: a pitcher body including a cylindrical casing having a bottom and a partition for partitioning the inside of the casing; a pitcher lid liquid-tightly closing an opened top end of the pitcher body; and a water purifying cartridge detachably attached to an opened attachment part in the partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI RAYON CLEANSUI COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Takeshi Ishikawa, Shouzou Kimura, Hatsumi Takeda
  • Patent number: 8608956
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus for curb vaults may be installed in existing vaults through manhole access openings whenever the smallest dimension of the access opening is greater than the smallest dimension measured across a support plate assembly of the filtration apparatus. An adjustable attachment system allows installation of the filtration apparatus by inserting the apparatus through the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Cleanway Environmental Partners, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Moulton, Stephen McInnis
  • Patent number: 8528747
    Abstract: Solid phase extraction (SPE) disks may be manufactured by providing a suspension comprising glass microfibers and a suspension comprising one or more sorbents and forming a disk by combining the suspensions or by layering the suspensions. This may be followed by a drying procedure to create the finished disk. A disk mold including a collar and plug may be used to establish the size and shape of the disk. Examples of various constructions and processes for forming the disks are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Horizon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Dinnean, Robert S. Johnson, Steve J. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 8162152
    Abstract: A blood filter device includes: a housing that includes a dome 2 provided with a blood inlet, a filter retaining portion 3 that is positioned below the dome, and a bottom portion 4 provided with a blood outlet; and a filter 8 that is mounted in a cavity of the filter retaining portion and partitions a cavity of the housing into a dome side and a bottom portion side. A sheet-like filter member 8a of the filter forms a plurality of pleats, and ridgelines of the respective pleats traverse the filter retaining portion in parallel respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Omori, Shota Nakao, Yutaka Katsuno
  • Publication number: 20120061312
    Abstract: Described is a filter cartridge having a cup shape that can be filled with a filtering material, and placed in a filtering device such as a water pitcher. The filter cartridge has a base, a side wall, and a flange defining the cup shape of the filter cartridge. A removable mesh insert may be affixed atop the flange, allowing replacement of the filtering material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: LVD ACQUISITION, LLC
    Inventors: Louis M. Busick, John M. Kucharik
  • Publication number: 20110233148
    Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a filter having first and second opposed surfaces. A first reservoir is positioned adjacent with the first surface and in communication with the first surface, and a first inlet-outlet port is in communication with the first reservoir and spaced from the first surface. A second reservoir is positioned adjacent the second surface, and in communication with the second surface, and a second inlet-outlet port is in communication with the second reservoir and spaced from the second surface. A filter plate system comprises a reservoir plate. The reservoir plate comprises at least one reservoir well. The filter plate system further comprises a strainer plate. The strainer plate comprises at least one strainer well, which is removably receivable in the reservoir well. The strainer well comprises at least one mesh wall portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: STEMCELL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jennifer Antonchuk, Cindy Miller
  • 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: 7901476
    Abstract: A peaky filter comprises a covering and a corresponding base, a supporting frame connected between the covering and the base, and a multifold filter covering the exterior of the supporting frame. The supporting frame includes plural transversely spaced first supports and plural connectors. Each support has a supporting rod and a plurality of longitudinally spaced supporting members connected to the supporting rod. Each supporting member has a first supporting leg and a second supporting leg extending radially and outwardly from the supporting rod. Each connector has a first connecting part and a second connecting part, which are used for respectively connecting one end of the first supporting leg of one support and one end of the second supporting leg of another adjacent support to connect elastically the plurality of transversely spaced supports, and consequently alter the size of the supporting frame and the filtering area of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Ying-Shou Kao
  • 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: 7461585
    Abstract: A portable hot water dispensing machine, particularly suitable for dispensing espresso, that is compact, lightweight, requires minimal power to operate, and is readily transportable, and a method of dispensing hot water, such as espresso. Two-stage heating is utilized for reducing the boiler volume and power requirements. In addition, components are thermally insulated and are strategically spaced to maximize space and allow for portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventors: Chris Nenov, Arnold Samreth, Louis St. Germain
  • 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: 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: 6902673
    Abstract: A manifold assembly (12) for a medical waste collection device (10) is provided. The manifold assembly (12) comprises a housing (14) and a cap (16) connected to the housing (14) by a snap-fit connection (18). The housing (14) includes a bottom (20) and a wall (24) extending upwardly therefrom about an axis (26). A support structure (22) is disposed on the bottom (20) of the housing (14) to support a plurality of filters (60, 62). The support structure (22) includes spaced inner (38) and outer (40) rings. The support structure (22) further includes a plurality of inner spokes (52) extending radially between the axis (26) and the inner ring (38) and a plurality of outer spokes (44) extending radially between the inner ring (38) and the outer ring (40). The rings (38, 40) and spokes (44, 52) have upper surfaces that are coplanar to define a filter support surface (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Stryker Instruments
    Inventors: Karen L. Smit, Mark Wasserman
  • 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: 6884343
    Abstract: This invention is a filter for a street curb inlet catch basin that comprises a removable filter basket assembly, a funnel to channel storm water into the basket, and a support structure that holds the filter in place within the basin by means of bracing the structure against the basins interior walls without altering the interior walls of the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventors: John F. Harris, Ardle E. Page
  • Patent number: 6752275
    Abstract: An extraction bag with support includes a support member and a bag member which contains a material to be extracted or which is capable of containing a material to be extracted or which is capable of containing a material to be extraction, and is obtained by using a sheet composite on which the support member is arranged and joined along the center line of a water-permeable filtering sheet member, by folding the sheet composite into two and by passing it through a bag-making machine (and, as required, though a filling machine). The head portions of the extraction bag with support are torn apart, the right and left ends are pushed down or up toward the inside to push open the head portions. At the same time, the leg portions continuous with the head portions are folded down to place the extraction bag with support on an extraction container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Michiko Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20020096468
    Abstract: A vacuum filtration apparatus (100) for detecting microorganisms and particulates in liquid samples. The apparatus includes a base (1), an absorbent pad (91), a filter means (90), a funnel (30), and a lid (60). The funnel contains an integral flexible seal for releasably attaching the funnel to the base, and an integral flexible seal for releasably sealing the filter means to the base. The base and funnel contain one or more lid clamp tabs. The outer wall of the lid is segmented to make it flexible, this flexibility allows it to be releasably attached to the lid clamp tabs of either the funnel or the base. The flexible seals and segmented lid allow any funnel to fit to any base, and any lid to fit to any base or to any funnel when all parts are manufactured to normal tolerances. The apparatus contains a means to keep the filter means wrinkle free in both the dry and wet states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Zuk
  • Patent number: 6395170
    Abstract: Embodiments of a portable water filter are described and shown, each embodiment being adapted to fit and seal into a bottle neck without modification of, or attachment to, the bottle or its cap or other closure. The filter has a flange system that rests on the lip of the bottle neck and that has slanted or curved surfaces to seal with the neck and the bottle cap when the cap is screwed onto the bottle. The filter further includes a connector for attachment to a straw for an alternative use of the filter in a cup or mug. The filter water inlets are preferably in the lower region of the filter housing, to facilitate suctioning of the liquid from the bottom of the cup or mug even when the liquid level is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventors: Douglass E. Hughes, Raymond G. Bryan
  • Patent number: 6315896
    Abstract: A disposable waste collector is formed by attaching the open end of a porous tubular bag to a rigid ring. The waste collector is positioned in a drain opening below the entry grate so that all fluids passing through the entry grate must pass through the tubular bag. Solid particles in the fluid stream are trapped in the tubular bag as waste water passes therethrough. The waste collector may be withdrawn and replaced when filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6250209
    Abstract: A beverage brewing filter structure used to retain a brewing filter and a beverage brewing substance. The structure is designed to create a consistent bed depth and a plurality of wicking points in order to give a more even extraction of the beverage brewing substance and a better taste profile over other standard filter structures. The structure is generally a frame including a base, and a wall extending from the base to a top rim, thus defining a generally annular mouth. The frame defines open spaces therein. The wall is made up of a plurality of ribs, each of which has a first angled portion that extends from the base and a second angled portion that extends from the first angled portion to the top rim. The first angled portion of the ribs defines a smaller angle relative to the base than the second angled portion. The ribs of the wall extend radially inwardly to define a base which is positioned in a plane and has a plurality of gaps therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Randy D. Pope
  • Patent number: 5888392
    Abstract: The present invention relates to filters for coffee, tea, hot chocolate etc., in which a filter is placed in a cylindrical container and whatever is to be filtered is placed in the filter that has been placed in the cylindrical container. Thereafter, either hot or ice cold water, in the case of iced tea, is poured into the cylindrical container over that which is to be filtered. In more cases than not, the filter collapses, especially in the case of coffee and tea, the result is that coffee grinds and tea leaves eventually get into the coffee cup or tea leaves get into the tea cup. The present invention solves this problem by providing a retention ring of shape retaining inert material, such as plastic or stainless steel that is capable of being compressed in size placing it inside the filter that has been placed in the cylindrical container that is to be filled with a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas Frizell
  • Patent number: 5852966
    Abstract: A coffee filter comprising a cylindrical coffee retaining ring, and a cylindrical sleeve, the cylindrical sleeve being sized and fitted so that it may be slidably mounted upon the cylindrical coffee retaining ring so that the inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve is in close proximity with the outer surface of the cylindrical coffee retaining ring; and comprising a sleeve and filter retaining means, fixedly attached to the cylindrical coffee retaining ring and to the cylindrical sleeve, such means being capable upon such slidable mounting of the cylindrical sleeve of fixedly attaching the cylindrical sleeve to the cylindrical coffee retaining ring, and being capable of retaining a sheet of filter paper so that such paper underlies and spans across the lower end of the cylindrical coffee retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: M. Keith Hursh
  • Patent number: 5782791
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid filter comprising: (a) providing a cone having a tip end and an open end and made of a filter material; (b) providing a support element having a plurality of concentric annular members mounted on a base and having outermost and innermost concentric annular members; (c) aligning the central axes of the cone and the support element with the tip end of the cone closest to the support element; and (d) inserting a portion of the cone into a circular area between two concentric annular members by placing a forming sleeve inside the cone and inserting the forming sleeve between the two concentric annular members, the concentric annular members being generally cylindrical and having an interior and an exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Avecor Cardiovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard O. Peterson, Robert W. Olsen
  • Patent number: 5733448
    Abstract: Two chambers in a container are separated by an easily replaced filter. One of the chambers is capable of being compressed so as to pressurize a water volume in the chamber which is to be filtered. The water is therefore forced through the filter into the second of the chambers where it is stored for use in a clean and drinkable form. The filter is made-up of a series of discs arranged to effectively remove particulate, chemical and other undesired contents of the water. The filtered water may be filtered to the molecular level providing an essentially sterile drinking water. The filter may also remove odor and taste components that are undesirable. The filter is constructed and held within the container in such a manner as to prevent seepage and leakage of the unfiltered water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Kamaljit S. Kaura
  • Patent number: 5628902
    Abstract: Filter holder having a dish (1) designed to be mounted on an "espresso" coffee machine and having a cup (2) whose bottom wall forms a filtering surface (3) and which is designed to receive a quantity of coffee, the fineness of whose grounds may vary. The dish also has a collection chamber for froth (4) provided between its bottom (10) and the filtering surface (3), and communicating via an exit passage (5) with distribution funnels (6) enabling the infusion to flow out of the dish (1). The cup (2) has structure for partially blocking the filtering surface (3) of the bottom wall of the cup (2), this structure being formed by at least one blocking area (9) arranged in the bottom (10) of the dish (1) and distant from the bottom (10) at a certain level (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Robert Krups GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dorothea Pytlik, Michael Borgmann
  • Patent number: 5507948
    Abstract: A ring for supporting a coffee filter within a filter basket of a brewing device. The inventive device includes a support ring positionable within a filter basket so as to capture an upper edge of a coffee filter between the ring and the basket. A plurality of vertical stanchions depend from the support ring for engaging a bottom of the basket to support the ring at a desired position therein. An adjustment assembly is provided for varying a diameter of the ring and each stanchion includes frangible notches permitting sizing of the stanchions to a desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventors: David G. Wargo, Susan B. Wargo
  • Patent number: 5297299
    Abstract: A plastic device using nylon thread mesh material as a trapping element to prevent clogging of traps and drain lines caused by loose hair or other objects dropped in or washed down the drain opening. The device includes an annular flange having a depending collar which fits into a section of tubing sandwiching the mesh material between the flange and tubing. The tubing is sized to fit into the drain opening and the mesh material is sized to extend beyond the edge of the flange to cover any peripheral opening between the tubing and drain opening and to provide a tab for easy removal of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Mary A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5290444
    Abstract: A device for securing a coffee filter paper in a grounds container comprising a single thin sheet of thermo-plastic, heat resistant, resilient material having a plurality of fingers spaced symmetrically around the periphery, for placing adjacent a paper filter with its open central core at the center of the filter and in combination therewith wedged into a coffee grounds container with the instant invention exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Alton Campbell
  • Patent number: 5279007
    Abstract: A web protection system for a sink having at least first and second sink basins separated by a partition wall with the partition wall having an upper horizontal surface. The system includes an elongated web protector having a U-shaped cross-section which fits over and protects the partition wall. A colander having a pocket to hang over the partition wall is also provided. The colander can be used with the web protector or a separate adapter to fit properly over the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Paul P. Kolada
  • Patent number: 5252211
    Abstract: A support assembly for coffee filters comprises an annular or ring-like member adapted to nest inside the coffee filter basket of an automatic "drip" style coffee machine with the ring member being adapted to fit concentrically inside the circumference of the replaceable filter element in a manner to maintain the filter in engagement against the inside wall of the basket during the coffee brewing cycle. A portion of the ring member is tubular and flexible whereas another portion of the ring comprises a rod having its opposite ends received inside corresponding opposite ends of the tubular portion so that the rod portion may be telescopically displaced relative to the tubular portion. Resilient biasing means in the interior of the tubular portion tends to resist such relative telescopic displacement and urges the ring member to assume its normal diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Robert T. Searfoss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5221475
    Abstract: A strainer assembly for straining a liquid, such as paint, to be poured into a container includes a tubular strainer support having a continuous imperforate side wall structure with an open top, an open bottom, and an annular exterior flange for removably resting on the open top of the container for holding the strainer support in an upright position above the container. A filter medium, such as a mesh filtering cloth, is secured to the top of the support for holding it in the interior of the support above the container. Paint is poured through the filtering cloth to filter the paint before it passes into the container. In one embodiment, the strainer support includes an annular ridge recessed in the exterior side wall of the support adjacent the open top of the support to provide a second means for mounting the strainer support in an inverted position over a smaller-sized container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Andrew N. Mealey
    Inventors: Andrew N. Mealey, David E. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5211104
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a coffee maker holds the grounds in a cylindrical configuration in the hot water stream for more uniform and efficient extraction. A thin-wall, right cylinder has a slotted lower edge. A thin-wall frustum of a cone also has a smaller diameter, slotted lower edge. Both lower edges are resilient and cooperate with one another to hold the central portion of a filter elastically therebetween. The peripheral portion of the filter is held securely in the annular space between cylinder and frustum. The slots in the cylinder also provide for lateral liquid flow through the grounds as the volume of liquid in the cylinder increases. The frustum may be configured to facilitate use of a flat filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: John B. Arpin
  • Patent number: 5064533
    Abstract: A beverage brewing funnel including a filter retaining basket and a handle which are securely yet removably attached to a funnel shell. A compressible fork and a prong attached to an upper portion of the filter retaining basket engage a slot and an aperture, respectively, and a compressible annular bead engages a corresponding groove to retain the filter retaining basket inside of the funnel shell. A two member fastener attaches the handle to an outside surface of the funnel shell. A first member of the fastener is attached to the outside surface of the funnel shell and a second member of the fastener attaches the handle to the first member of the fastener. The filter retaining basket employs no loose hardware and the two member fastener used to attach the handle to the funnel shell is attached in on the outside of the funnel shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Anson
  • Patent number: 4946591
    Abstract: A strainer assembly for straining a liquid such as paint to be poured into the interior of an open top container includes a tubular strainer support having a continuous imperforate side wall structure with an open top, an open bottom, and an annular exterior flange for removably resting on the open top of the container for holding the strainer support in an upright position above the container. A filtering medium secured to the open top of the strainer support includes, in one ebmodiment, a thin, flexible tubular imperforate plastic sheet having an open top which is taped to the upper exterior portion of the strainer support. The flexible plastic sheet extends downwardly for most of the distance into the interior of the strainer support. A flexible mesh filtering cloth secured to the bottom of the tubular plastic sheet extends across a major portion of the projected area of the strainer support interior adjacent the top of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Andrew N. Mealey
  • Patent number: 4908130
    Abstract: A gasoline filter for the entranceway to a gas tank filler tube has three preferred embodiments. The first includes a semipermanently mounted cap having a bore in which there is disposed a removable cylindrical filter element. The element is seated on a rotatable retainer for alignment with an eccentric opening in the filler tube entranceway. Normally closed resiliently mounted doors seal the entranceway but permit a gas pump nozzle to be inserted into the entranceway. The second embodiment has an integral hinged door atop the filter element for use with a conventional gas cap. The third embodiment has dual hinged doors mounted within the bore of the filter element arranged to be opened automatically by a pusher bushing when a gasoline dispensing nozzle is inserted in the gas tank filler tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Empire Research and Development Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Lynne
  • Patent number: 4885987
    Abstract: A device with several embodiments for securing a coffee filter in a coffee maker which will fit most commercially made coffee makers and which uses substantially all of the filter's surface for filtering purposes but does not allow the filter to fall inward on itself to allow coffee grounds to enter the brewed coffee container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Inventors: Adrian R. Franke, Harold L. Hull
  • Patent number: 4867880
    Abstract: A device for brewing a beverage into container, such as a cup, which includes an enclosure adapted to fit over the rim of a receiver such as a cup with a space between the bottom of the device and the receiver and where a reservoir is provided to receive granular or particulate material to be used in the brewing process. A removeable water apertured distributor plate is provided to be located above the reservoir with foot members provided to generally center the apertured plate and to provide an annular space around a part of the plate between the edge of the plate and the chamber defined by the enclosure. A filter is provided in the bottom of the reservoir to prevent loss of the particulate material which is being extracted into the receptical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: D.J. Incorporated
    Inventors: Theos R. Pelle, Bobby H. Allen
  • Patent number: 4865737
    Abstract: A cylinder having both ends opened is structured of loosely woven metal or plastic wire. The cylinder is sized to fit vertically in a coffee maker filter basket inside a disposable coffee filter as a filter support. The filter support prevents the walls of the disposable filter from collapsing over the coffee grounds thus reducing chances of coffee grounds being released into the coffee pot. The rounded cylinder comprising this filter support is sized to fit and function in all shapes of coffee maker filter baskets and in other coffee making filter funnels, round, square, and frusto-conical. The filter support of the immediate invention is reuseable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: John R. McMichael
  • Patent number: 4863601
    Abstract: A filter bag is positioned inside and fastened to a holding frame. The holding frame has substantially vertical walls and is adapted to be placed on the edge of a coffee cup or the like. The sides of the holding frame that face the filter bag are made of hydrophobic material. The filter bag is made of nonwoven hydrophilic filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Jacobs Suchard GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Wittekind, Hans-Joachim Hampel
  • Patent number: 4859337
    Abstract: The invention relates to A filter for making portions of coffee or tea, comprising a substantially cup-shaped supporting vessel having a pouring-in opening at the top, a chamber for filling with liquid and having an outlet opening at the bottom, and a filter insert disposed in the supporting vessel above the outlet opening, wherein the filter insert (5) comprises a filter mat and extends approximately parallel to the inner wall of the supporting vessel and its periphery is connected to the supporting vessel (1) in the edge region of the pouring-in opening (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Erich H. Woltermann
  • Patent number: 4792398
    Abstract: A manual liquid filtration device includes a housing having an open lower end providing access to an internal vacuum chamber, and defining a liquid specimen receiving chamber at its upper end adapted for flow communication with the vacuum chamber. An elastic diaphragm extends across the lower open end of the housing and upwardly along its outer peripheral surface so as to cooperate with air orifices in the housing to define valve means enabling unidirectional air flow from the vacuum chamber. A porous membrane filter element is interposed between the specimen receiving chamber and the vacuum chamber and when dry enables air to pass therethrough from the vacuum chamber upon flexing of the diaphragm into the vacuum chamber. When wetted by water, the filter element maintains vacuum in the vacuum chamber but enables liquid from a liquid specimen to be drawn through the filter element so as to retain solid particulate on the filter element for diagnosis or further reagent washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Marion Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Vernon W. Klein
  • Patent number: 4765896
    Abstract: Beverage brewing funnel combination for supporting scrunchable disposable filters in either their non-scrunched full or normal capacity condition or in a scrunched reduced-capacity condition. The combination is formed by a funnel and a removable skeleton-like insert. The interior bottom surface of the funnel is inclined or dished toward a drain aperture and has a plurality of upstanding ribs which maintain a wet disposable filter out of adhering contact with the bottom surface when the funnel is used without the removable insert to support a disposable filter in its non-scrunched condition. When the insert is nested within the funnel it supports the disposable filters in their scrunched condition and preferably out of contact with the bottom surface of the funnel as well as the sidewall surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Philip G. Hartley, Harvey W. Cheatley, Mitchell J. Konop
  • Patent number: 4735719
    Abstract: A continuous generally frusto-conically shaped ring for use in retaining the side walls of conventional automatic drip type coffee filters in erect orientation within filter support trays and which include an annular flange which is engageable with the top or sides of the filter in such a manner so as to not interfere with the normal passage of hot water through the coffee filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Benedict Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Benedict
  • Patent number: 4728425
    Abstract: There is disclosed filter apparatus for coffee makers wherein the the ground coffee is placed in a filter and hot water passes over the coffee grounds, through the filter and into the coffee pot. The filter apparatus includes a pleated paper filter that is placed in a basket to have the filter peripheral wall portion extend upwardly from the bottom of the basket and a retainer positionable for being surrounded by the filter peripheral wall portion to prevent the filter from collapsing and allowing coffee grounds flowing into the coffee pot with the filtrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Larry G. Sandvig
  • Patent number: 4650583
    Abstract: This invention relates to an infusion filter, in particular for use in coffee percolators, which includes a first rigid disc having an open space therein and a second rigid disc having an open space therein. The infusion filter includes a filter element having an inclined edge and a circular part having an open space therein. The filter element and the circular part are disposed between the first and second discs. The inclined edge of the filter element abuts the inclined edge of the circular part. The first and second rigid disc are molded such that the inclined edge of the filter element and the inclined edge of the circular part extend beyond the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Inventor: Faliero Bondanini