Helically Wound Patents (Class 210/497.1)
  • Publication number: 20040182775
    Abstract: A spiral separation membrane element which can attain a reduced pressure loss in the permeation-side passage and is effective especially when the feed-side pressure is low, is disclosed. The spiral separation membrane element comprises a perforated core tube and, wound therearound, one or more separation membranes, one or more feed-side passage materials, and one or more permeation-side passage materials, wherein the permeation-side passage materials each have warps 1 extending almost parallel with the direction of flow of a permeated liquid and wefts 2 fixed to the warps 1, a ratio of a pitch (width of each warp+distance between the opposed sides of adjacent warps) to a distance between the opposed sides of adjacent warps (w2/w1) is 1.1/1 to 3/1, and a ratio of a thickness of the passage material to a distance between the opposed sides of adjacent warps (t/w1) is 0.25/1 to 1.25/1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Hirokawa, Masaaki Ando, Shinichi Chikura, Satoru Ishihara
  • Patent number: 6761270
    Abstract: A filter assembly and a method of filtering a fluid using the filter assembly are disclosed. The filter assembly includes wave coils arranged axially to define a filter element. The filter element includes bottom and top ends and an inner cavity. The filter assembly also includes a base plate that engages one, or both, ends to support the wave coils. The fluid flows toward the base plate, and the base plate diverts the fluid inside or outside the inner cavity. The wave coils include crests and troughs engaging one another on adjacent wave coils to define filtration apertures. The diverted fluid is filtered through the filtration apertures such that a filtrate of the fluid passes through the inside or outside of the inner cavity, and a retentate of the fluid is retained on the other of the inside or outside of the inner cavity relative to the filtrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: E. Bayne Carew
  • Patent number: 6749753
    Abstract: Filters having a high accuracy, small pressure loss, and long filtration life compared with conventional filters are provided. The filters are composed of non-woven fibrous agglomerates and are constructed in such a way that at least two layers of a non-woven fibrous agglomerate of a pre-filtration layer and a precision filtration layer are disposed therein; the pre-filtration layer is constructed in such a way that the diameter of the fibers in the pre-filtration layer becomes gradually smaller toward the direction of filtration; and at least 10% by weight of the fibers in the precision filtration layer are fibers having a diameter smaller than that of the fibers having a smallest diameter in the pre-filtration layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Chisso Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Yamaguchi, Shigenori Fukuda, Satoshi Ogata
  • Patent number: 6736274
    Abstract: A method of continuously manufacturing tubular filter products includes rotating a mandrel in a first rotational direction, depositing nonwoven fibers on the mandrel to form a tube and continuously withdrawing the tube from the mandrel by engaging a peripheral surface of the tube with one or more detents extending radially from a surface of a roller. The roller rotates in a direction opposite the first rotational direction as the one or more detents engage the tube to a predetermined depth relative. For carrying out such a method, an apparatus includes a melt blowing die assembly for expelling melt blown fibers, a rotating mandrel arranged to receive the melt blown fibers from the melt blowing die assembly for allowing the melt blown fibers to accumulate in a body thereon and a rotating roll having a pattern of protruding detents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Total Filter Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice H. Tremblay, Andrew B. Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20040065627
    Abstract: The performance of a precoat cartridge filter is increased considerably, compared with conventional precoat filter cartridges, by reducing the outer diameter of the precoat filter cartridge. The cross-sectional area of the internal space defined by the precoat filter cartridges is reduced as compared with the cross-sectional area of the unfiltrate space. As a result, phase mixing at a phase change is likewise reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Filtrox AG
    Inventor: Werner Loser
  • Publication number: 20040060861
    Abstract: A filter element for end face inlet formed of triangular channels which are alternately closed such that the fluid to be filtered must pass through the filter material in order to flow from the inlet side (22) to the discharge side (23). The channels are formed by alternating flat layers (17) and folded layers (18), whereby all sides of the inlet channels face a discharge channel. A particularly high filter efficiency is thereby achieved such that a large filter surface area and a high filter capacity are attained with a relatively small structural volume. The filter can be used, for example, as an air filter for various air filtration applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Winter, Guenter Goerg, Ralf Poh
  • Patent number: 6706173
    Abstract: A filtration system for cleaning the fluid in a wash tank. The filtration system includes a process tank from which fluid is pumped to a filter element located in the wash tank. The filter element is formed of hollow porous tubes. The fluid is pumped from the process tank through the hollow porous tubes and back to the process tank. The fluid in the hollow porous tubes is at a greater pressure than that of the fluid in the wash tank in which it is submerged, such that fluid, but not particulate matter, with flow through the pores in the tubes to the wash tank. Cleaned fluid is thereby provided to the wash tank and fluid with a higher concentration of contaminants is returned to the process tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Heumann
  • Publication number: 20040045895
    Abstract: A pool skimmer basket kit for cleaning pool water is provided, which includes: a first skimmer basket having a peripheral wall portion and a bottom wall portion, each wall portion of the first skimmer basket defining therein a plurality of perforations of a first size; and a second skimmer basket having a peripheral wall portion and a bottom wall portion, each wall portion of the second skimmer basket defining therein a plurality of perforations of a second size. The pool skimmer basket kit of the invention may further include a third skimmer basket, the third skimmer basket having a peripheral wall portion and a bottom wall portion, each wall portion of the third skimmer basket defining therein a plurality of perforations of a third size. Each skimmer basket has a different color to one another for facilitating identification by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Bonelli, Matt Cowdell, Mitchell Saccoccio
  • Publication number: 20040040899
    Abstract: An easily collapsible and portable water filtering device mainly includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel, a filter unit, a water reserving space and a water dispensing valve. The outer barrel has a rigid first upper frame section and a soft watertight outer bag. The inner barrel has a rigid second upper frame section and a soft watertight inner bag. The filter unit is fixed on a fixing bottom edge of the bottom end of the inner bag. The filter unit contains a replaceable filtering member. The water reserving space can store certain filtered water. So, this invention is easily collapsible, suitable to be used in the wild filed, and can serve as a mini-type water reserving kettle temporarily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Shuenn Der Shing Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gwo-Sen Wu
  • Patent number: 6698595
    Abstract: A screen material having a flexible member. The screen material includes closely spaced filter wires supported by a plurality of support members. A stranded cable is used as the support members to provide flexibility to the screen material. The filter wires are welded to the members and define filter gaps between adjacent filter wires to allow liquid and small particles to pass through, while retaining particles too large to fit through the filter gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Norell, Stephen A. Uban
  • Patent number: 6699388
    Abstract: A filter for filtering blood includes a coiled core with a hollow center. The core has only two layers that are coiled atop one another, the two layers being a blood filter layer and a spacer layer where blood flows more easily through the spacer layer than through the filter layer. An outer side of one of the spacer layer, and the filter layer defines an outer circumference of the core. The filter and spacer layers are coiled so that both sides of the filter layer directly contact respective sides of the spacer layer. A casing for the core has a blood inlet in fluid communication with the outer circumference of the core and a blood outlet in fluid communication with the hollow center. Blood entering the inlet travels to the outlet within the spacer layer and transversely across the filter and spacer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Asahi Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ushio Iwamoto, Junsuke Suemitsu, Makoto Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20040031736
    Abstract: A filter element for a fluid filtration system, particularly for piston cooling jets used in reciprocating piston engines, is formed from a length of filter material arranged helically in a substantially tubular form. By applying a torque the length of filter material is resiliently expandable to a fitting position in which opposing longitudinal edges of the length are spaced apart from each other. The filter element is then fitted over a fluid chamber of the filtration system and allowed to retract to a rest position in which the opposing longitudinal edges are close or in contact. In the rest position the filter element surrounds the fluid chamber and covers a fluid inlet of the fluid chamber. The filter element of the invention can be used to apply local filtration, and can be readily removed for cleaning or replacement by reversing the fitting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: John R. Evans
  • Publication number: 20040026313
    Abstract: A multi-micron, multi-zoned woven metal wire mesh for the production of sand control screens. The multi-zone, dual micron layer is spirally wound on top of a perforated metal pipe. Second and third metal mesh filtration layers are spirally wound on top of the three-zone, dual micron layer, respectively. A perforated metal shroud is placed on top of the entire assembly to protect from the surrounding environment and acts as a protective cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Todd Kenneth Arlon Fischer
  • Publication number: 20030222011
    Abstract: A spiral wound filtration cartridge construction is provided which includes a cartridge positioned within a solid outer cylinder which, in turn is positioned within a solid outer cylinder which, in turn is positioned within a solid housing. Fluid flows within the space between the outer cylinder and housing is controlled by a ring and flexible chevron construction. The chevron construction includes outer peripheral holes, the sizes and number of which are set to determine by-pass flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph Almasian, Stephen Dzengeleski
  • Patent number: 6632357
    Abstract: A permeable membrane system (10) for the separation of fluid components includes a laminated composition (12) having two sheets (14 and 16) formed from a polymer and positioned adjacent one another to form a fluid passage (18) therebetween. The outside surfaces (20 and 22) of the sheets (14 and 16) are permeable to allow fluid flow from the outside surface (20 and 22) to the fluid passage (18). The outside surface (20 and 22) of the laminated composition (12) includes a plurality of embossed islands spaced from one another to define feed pathways (26) around and between the embossed islands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Marilyn Barger, Drew Hoff, Robert P. Carnahan, Richard A. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20030155293
    Abstract: A filter support sleeve for use with a filter element to provide structural support for the filter element. The support sleeve encompasses the filter element and includes a metal strip wound in helical turns joined by a continuous spiral weld to form a hollow cylinder. The metal strip has substantially square perforation for passage of fluid flow through the support sleeve oriented such that when the metal strip is helically wound, a line parallel to each side of the square-shaped perforation is skew with the axial axis of the support sleeve. The support sleeve present an open structure while protecting the filter element from forces generated by the fluid flow during normal use or back flow during cleaning. When used with a pleated filter element, the support sleeve will not obstruct the entire length of the pleats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: James A. McGrath, James Allen Morton, Stephen Neubert, Joseph C. Anderer, Stephen Sierens
  • Patent number: 6602407
    Abstract: An oriented structure for treating a fluid, comprising an inlet end for receiving a fluid to be treated and an outlet end opposite the inlet end and from which a treated fluid is discharged, the fluid being allowed to flow into the structure from the inlet end to the outlet end defining a flowing direction. The oriented structure comprises a juxtaposition of layers of porous material having a different porosity, each layer spanning from the inlet end to the outlet end of the structure whereby in use the layers are oriented generally parallel to the flowing direction of the fluid. The oriented structure is designed so to better control the different biological and physical phenomena related to the accumulation or exchange processes taking place in the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Premier Tech 2000 Ltee
    Inventors: Pierre Talbot, Roger Lacasse, Yves Arcand, Olivier Vermeersch, Jacek Mlynarek
  • Publication number: 20030111404
    Abstract: A composite filter medium for removing at least 99.95 percent of particulates of a size in the 3 to 4 micron range and dissolved chemical contaminants from a fluid and filters of various configurations employing the composite filter medium are disclosed. The composite filter medium comprises an adsorbent layer containing an adsorbent agent and a hydrophilic particulate intercepting layer disposed adjacent to the adsorbent layer. The composite medium has a mean flow pore diameter of about 1 to 10 microns, a bubble point of about 3 to 15 microns and an air permeability of about 0.5 to 7 liters per minute/cm2 with a pressure drop of about 0.1 bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Evan E. Koslow
  • Publication number: 20030098276
    Abstract: A fluid filter and a method of filtering flowing fluid so as to remove undesirable particulates and bacterial constituents, the method comprising providing an enclosed channel for fluid flow and passing the fluid flow through a filter material, disposed within the channel and in the fluid flow path, the filter material comprising a metal alloy consisting primarily copper and zinc and further comprising a metal fiber wool consisting of metal fibers having an average diameter from 12 microns to 150 microns, contact of the fluid with the fibers of the metal fiber wool providing a bactericide effect and inhibiting further propagation of bacteria and particulates from flowing through the filter material. In a radial-flow filter comprising multi-perforate pipe and a plurality of overlapping layers of strip of fibrous metal wool includes metal wool containing copper (Cu).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20030057147
    Abstract: A filtration system for the filtration of a biological fluid includes a filtration device interposed between a fluid supply source and a collection container. The filtration device includes a filtration assembly disposed within a housing. The housing has an inlet for receiving unfiltered fluid from the supply source and an outlet for exiting filtered fluid to the collection container. The filtration assembly includes a central core projecting into the housing and surrounded by filter material. The housing may be collapsible around the filter material to aid in the flow of the fluid and minimize hold-up fluid upstream of the filtration device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Hemasure, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter C. Sutcliffe
  • Patent number: 6536600
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device for microfiltration of oil, in particular for use in engines, automatic transmissions and hydraulic applications. The filter device comprises a tubular microfilter cartridge through which medium can flow in the transverse direction and which has open ends. This filter cartridge is accommodated in a filter chamber which is enclosed by a filter housing and is accommodated between two end closure elements, between which the filter cartridge is clamped under prestress. On their surface facing towards the filter cartridge the end closure elements are provided with at least one rib which extends in the transverse circumferential direction of the filter cartridge. The holding means comprise a spring which acts with prestress on one of the end closure elements, in such a manner that his closure element follows the end wall which it adjoins in the event of longitudinal expansion and also in the event of longitudinal contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: NTZ International Holding BV
    Inventor: Pierre Gerard Willem Nieuwland
  • Publication number: 20030052066
    Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of an article which is wholly formed with a thread formation or includes a portion which is threaded. The threaded portion is formed by winding a wire in a helical path around a series of spaced support members. The wire forms the thread and also forms a slot in a helical path between adjacent portions of the wound wire. A suitable threaded member can then be introduced to the article and selective rotation causes relative movement of the threaded member along the threaded portion. The article can be used as a filter medium, a securing means and the like and the wire used is typically triangular in cross section and known as wedge wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: WEDGE WIRE SCREENS LIMITED
    Inventor: Clifford Michael Spiller
  • Publication number: 20030038073
    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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald E. Fall, John Ruddock
  • Publication number: 20030006186
    Abstract: A spiral wound filter element is disclosed which includes at least three radially successive prequalifying sections of filter medium commencing with a radially outer prequalifying section of filter medium and concluding with a radially inner prequalifying section of filter medium, each prequalifying section of filter medium having a number of perforation formed therein, wherein the number of perforations in the filter medium of each radially successive prequalifying sections is less than the number of perforations in the filter medium of a radially preceding prequalifying section, and further including a radially inner qualifying section of filter medium succeeding the radially inner prequalifying section, the radially inner qualifying section of filter medium having imperforate filtering layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, Thomas J. Hamlin, Richard Sale, C. Thomas Paul
  • Publication number: 20030000890
    Abstract: An improved tubular membrane and process of making is disclosed comprising the deposition of fine metallic fibers onto a substrate. The deposited fine metallic fibers are heated to form a flexible membrane. Catalytically active particles can be dispersed with the fine metallic fibers. The flexible membrane is wound to form a membrane winding. The membrane winding is sintered for forming a substantially rigid tubular membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Nathaniel R. Quick, Michael C. Murray, Matthew R. June, Thomas Peloquin
  • Patent number: 6491818
    Abstract: A suction strainer includes a hollow internal core tube and an external filtering surface built around the internal core tube. A plurality of openings are defined through the side wall of the internal core tube core. In some cases the openings through the side wall are constructed and arranged such that there is somewhat less open area near the downstream end than the upstream end of the internal core tube, and the amount of open area tapers between the upstream end and the downstream end. As a result, when liquid is drawn into the internal core tube through the plurality of openings, a substantially uniform inflow distribution may be defined along substantially the entire length of the internal core tube. The internal core tube functions as a rigid structural support for the external filtering surface, enabling the apparatus to withstand post-LOCA hydrodynamic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Performance Contracting, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Dwyer, Gordon H. Hart, Carl E. Nuzman, Gordon P. Pinsky
  • Patent number: 6462098
    Abstract: A process for producing liquid and, optionally, gaseous products from gaseous reactants feeds (18), at a low level, gaseous reactants into a slurry bed of solid catalyst particles (14) suspended in a suspension liquid. The gaseous reactants are allowed to react as they pass upwardly through the slurry bed (14), hereby to form liquid and, optionally, gaseous products. The reaction is catalyzed by the catalyst particles. Liquid product is separated from the catalyst particles by passing, in a filtration zone (22) within the slurry bed, liquid product through a filtering medium having a plurality of openings through which the liquid passes. The openings have a controlling dimension of x microns. The proportion of catalyst particles, which have a particle size smaller than x microns, in the slurry bed is less than 18% by volume based on the total volume of the catalyst in the slurry bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Alex Philip Vogel, Andre Peter Steynberg, Peter Jacobus Van Berge
  • Publication number: 20020139745
    Abstract: A fluid filtering member is provided with three layers including a dense layer having first and second surfaces and performing a filtering function, and a pair of rough layers respectively connected to both surfaces of the dense layer and functioning as a passage. A V-shaped member is formed by connecting edge portions of two sheets of materials to one another. The V-shaped member may be formed either by folding a single sheet of material in a longitudinal direction or by connecting edge portions of two lapped sheets of materials in a longitudinal direction. When the V-shaped bodies are rolled, the rough layer at an opening edge of one V-shaped member is connected to the rough layer at an opening edge of an adjacent V-shaped member by heat-welding to form the fluid filtering member. The fluid filtering member can simplify the manufacturing process and can decrease the manufacturing cost. Further, the fluid filtering member can improve durability and reliability the fluid filtering member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: KYOSAN DENKI Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiichi Koguchi
  • Publication number: 20020117440
    Abstract: A spring filter element having a plurality of coils. The coils are pre-tensioned with the degree of pre-tension varied progressively along the length of the filter such that any part of the filter, in one vertical orientation of the element, supports the dependent remainder of the filter to maintain a closed coil state during normal use. This allows substantially equal opening of the filter gaps between the coils when the element is extended and submerged in fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: CROSS MANUFACTURING (1938) LIMITED
    Inventors: Edward Henry Cross, William Frederick Smith-Haddon, Peter Roy Smith
  • Patent number: 6423227
    Abstract: A yarn of meltblown thermoplastic fibers is manufactured by meltblowing fibers onto a collector to form a thin web thereon, and continuously withdrawing and twisting the web into a generally circular yarn. In a preferred embodiment the yarn has a reinforcing cord disposed therein to lend strength thereto. The yarn is suited for many applications, including knitted and woven fabrics, and cartridge filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Martin A. Allen, Oldrich Jirsak
  • Patent number: 6413424
    Abstract: A new sanitary filter element is described which provides a structure which cannot harbor contaminants and is readily and thoroughly cleaned as needed. The new device utilizes a uniquely configured adhesive component and membrane and tricot channel sheets which are significantly trimmed in size following adhesive curing. Such configuration eliminates structures within the filter where bacterial and other contamination, or materials which support such contaminants, can accumulate. In addition, a novel cage structure provides turbulent fluid flow while having improved strength and furnishes a site for permanent identification indicia. Finally, an improved step in the manufacturing process, in which a temporary separation sheet is positioned between the membrane and the feed spacer, prevents the occurrence of random unwanted contact adhesions between the two before and during the curing of the adhesive bonding membranes and their adjacent tricot channeling sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Hydranautics
    Inventor: Irving Shelby
  • Publication number: 20020063092
    Abstract: A new non-woven depth filter cartridge is formed by insertion of a core into filter mass formed in a continuous process. A mass of very fine diameter polymer filaments is overlaid by mass of larger diameter polymer filaments. The filaments are continuously accumulated on a spinning mandrel and advanced along and off of the mandrel by a press roller. An inner cylindrical surface of the cumulative filament mass forming the depth filter element is calendered, which facilitates insertion of a core member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Osmonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Aune, Travis G. Stifter, Donald A. Boothroyd
  • Publication number: 20020060176
    Abstract: An enhanced static filtration media may comprise a mat body comprising a non-woven of fibers that comply with 21 CFR 177.2260, and having a weight of about 4-7 oz./sq. ft.; a coating on the mat comprising about 100%-200% of the weight of the mat, and including, by weight, about 60-85% activated carbon, about 10-20% binder, and about 0-25% zeolite; and the media mat having an RDV/BV ratio of greater than about 0.4, and a porosity of greater than 90%. Various pitcher constructions make optimal use of the media. In some pitchers, the level of filtered water is easily viewed from the outside while the media is not visible from the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Bradley D. Mierau, Henry C. Reid, John E. Nohren, Gerald J. Larsen
  • Patent number: 6391200
    Abstract: A spiral wound filter element is disclosed which includes alternating layers of filter medium and diffusion medium wrapped about a cylindrical core defining a central axis of the filter element. The alternating layers extend from a radially innermost layer of the filter element to a radially outermost layer of the filter element, the diffusion medium is defined by a continuous lengthwise sheet of mesh material, and the filter medium is defined by at least one sheet of filter material arranged along the length of the continuous sheet of mesh material. The alternating layers of filter medium and diffusion medium define three distinct radially disposed layered filtering sections surrounding the cylindrical core, and include a first filtering section having radially outer prequalifying layers, a second filtering section having middle prequalifying layers and a third filtering section having radially inner qualifying layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, Thomas J. Hamlin, Richard Sale, C. Thomas Paul
  • Publication number: 20020023871
    Abstract: An oriented structure for treating a fluid, comprising an inlet end for receiving a fluid to be treated and an outlet end opposite the inlet end and from which a treated fluid is discharged, the fluid being allowed to flow into the structure from the inlet end to the outlet end defining a flowing direction. The oriented structure comprises a juxtaposition of layers of porous material having a different porosity, each layer spanning from the inlet end to the outlet end of the structure whereby in use the layers are oriented generally parallel to the flowing direction of the fluid. The oriented structure is designed so to better control the different biological and physical phenomena related to the accumulation or exchange processes taking place in the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Pierre Talbot, Roger Lacasse, Yves Arcand, Olivier Vermeersch, Jacek Mlynarek
  • Publication number: 20020020663
    Abstract: A filter assembly and a method of filtering a fluid using the filter assembly are disclosed. The filter assembly includes wave coils arranged axially to define a filter element. The filter element includes bottom and top ends and an inner cavity. The filter assembly also includes a base plate that engages one, or both, ends to support the wave coils. The fluid flows toward the base plate, and the base plate diverts the fluid inside or outside the inner cavity. The wave coils include crests and troughs engaging one another on adjacent wave coils to define filtration apertures. The diverted fluid is filtered through the filtration apertures such that a filtrate of the fluid passes through the inside or outside of the inner cavity, and a retentate of the fluid is retained on the other of the inside or outside of the inner cavity relative to the filtrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: E. Bayne Carew
  • Patent number: 6342283
    Abstract: Filter cartridges may have a core element formed of a non-filtering, self-supporting non-woven mass of indefinite length continuous synthetic polymeric core fibers, and at least one annular filtration zone layer formed of a mass of non-woven indefinite length continuous synthetic polymeric filtration fibers. The non-woven core element is most preferably formed in situ during filter cartridge manufacturing by melt-blowing synthetic polymeric core fiber streams toward a forming mandrel. The non-woven core element is completely solidified prior to the filtration zone fibers being melt-blown thereon so that the core and filtration fibers are predominantly mechanically interlocked with one another, instead of being melt-bonded thereto. Filter cartridges of predetermined length may be cut from an upstream filter cartridge preform of indefinite length by subjecting the preform to forced cooling air to thereby minimize (if not eliminate entirely) significant filter cartridge shrinkage over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: USF Filtration & Separations, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mozelack, Robert J. Schmitt, Steven D. Barboza, Praveen Jana, Son Ngoc Nguyen, Ronald R. Gschwandtner, Robert D. Connor, Timothy W. Yingling
  • Publication number: 20020003105
    Abstract: A modular fluid treatment system utilizing hollow fiber cartridges held within the controlled environment of a reaction chamber, with the system being designed to accommodate and facilitate ease of access to individual cartridges within a given module. The arrangement provides for parallel operation of a group of individual modules, while at the same time facilitating access to individual modules for cartridge replacement. Each module includes an elongated cylindrical reaction chamber with end caps, with the end caps being designed to sealingly engage and retain individual cartridges for use within the module, while at the same time providing for accommodating a wide range of tolerance for variations in cartridge length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas J. McEvoy
  • Patent number: 6332984
    Abstract: An integrated system for diverting and reducing the size of waste materials in an effluent stream comprising a frame having a bottom housing and a top housing and mountable in the stream. A grinder unit is mounted to the frame bottom housing and comprises a cutter assembly positioned in the stream and a drive mechanism coupled to the cutter assembly to rotate the cutter assembly. The drive mechanism may be electric or hydraulic. A diverter unit is mounted to the frame. It may be a single diverter or dual diverters. The diverter unit comprises a cylindrical drum rotating on a stub shaft. It may also be a helical coil. A drive assembly operably couples the drive mechanism to the drum shaft to rotate the cylindrical drum as the cutter assembly rotates. In operation the diverter unit is positioned side by side to the grinder unit to diverts solids in the effluent stream toward the grinder unit for size reduction. Side rails are employed for flow control around both the diverter unit and the grinder unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Chambers, Boyd and Associates
    Inventors: Ramon E. Boyd, Armando I. Chacon, Ronald A. Duecker, Craig J. Fennessy, Winslow P. Freeman, Jr., Rodney E. Graham, Robert T. Sabol, Enrique Santiago
  • Patent number: 6328887
    Abstract: A tow wound filter cartridge comprises a permeable core and one or more tows wound in a helicoidally or diamond-like shaped way or serpentine-like way around the core, having a zero twist degree, in order to obtain a filter rating of below 75 micrometer. The tows may comprise metal fibers. Preferably the tows of the filter cartridge consist only of metal fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: N. V. Bekaert S.A.
    Inventor: John Joseph Toon
  • Patent number: 6319416
    Abstract: The present invention typically involves the use of a compressed blocking area to assist in sealing a filter element and avoiding channeling in a wound fibrous tissue filtering system. It may involve the use of multiple, spaced, interstitial rings. It may involve the intentional wasting of a portion of the filter element to create a compressed blocking area. It may also involve the use of different heights of the rings and may include the use of compression and secondary tapers on the rings. The heights and spacing of the rings with respect to the other ring or rings may vary in a certain ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Harvard Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Morgan, Edd D. Gryder
  • Patent number: 6319415
    Abstract: A packaged fluid filter comprises a sealed canister fitted with fluid inflow means and fluid outflow means which communicate internally of the canister respectively with proximal ends of an axial flow filter element hollow core spool, and outflow face of wound tissue laid on said core spool, thereby serving to eliminate need for a fixed spool holder internally of the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Harvey R. Schade
  • Publication number: 20010037982
    Abstract: A filter including alternating layers of filter medium and diffusion medium. The filter provides optimum distribution of fluid over the filtering medium, a reduced pressure drop and an increased filter life, without a reduction in filter rating. The diffusion medium has a first plane of spaced-apart, substantially parallel strands defining first longitudinal passages having a first height dimension and a first width dimension, and a second plane of spaced-apart, substantially parallel strands defining second longitudinal passages having a second height dimension and a second width dimension. The strands of the second plane of the diffusion medium are oriented in a non-parallel manner with respect to the strands of the first plane, such that the first and the second planes define lateral openings having side dimensions. The first and the second longitudinal passages include at least one dimension that is smaller than any of the side dimensions of the lateral openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: JOHN L. PULEK, THOMAS J. HAMLIN, RICHARD SALE, C. THOMAS PAUL
  • Patent number: 6283308
    Abstract: A bacteriostatic filter cartridge having a porous core member about which is layered a yarn and/or a polyester membrane and/or melt blown web of polypropylene and/or a trilaminate polypropylene membrane, any or all of which may be impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The filter cartridge is sized so as to fit tightly into a cartridge housing of a fluid filtration system. Fluid passing through the cartridge housing will be filtered by the filter cartridge to remove contaminants from the water and which prevents the growth of bacterial and other microorganisms on the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Microban Products Company
    Inventors: Arvind S. Patil, Gilbert Patrick
  • Patent number: 6270668
    Abstract: The present invention typically involves the use of a compressed blocking area to assist in sealing a filter element and avoiding channeling in a wound fibrous tissue filtering system. It may involve the use of multiple, spaced, interstitial rings. It may involve the intentional wasting of a portion of the filter element to create a compressed blocking area. It may also involve the use of different heights of the rings and may include the use of compression and secondary tapers on the rings. The heights and spacing of the rings with respect to the other ring or rings may vary in a certain ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Harvard Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Morgan, Edd D. Gryder
  • Patent number: 6258267
    Abstract: In order to greatly shorten the filter exchange time required for detachably winding a filter (20) on the opening portions (2) formed in the outer circumferential surface of a filtration drum (1), projecting or recessed annular mounting portions (6) are respectively formed near edge portions of the outer circumferential surface of the filtration drum, to have portions (7) which prevent the wound filter from moving toward the center in the thrust direction of a main shaft (4) of the filtration drum and which maintain the filter liquid-tight, and the filter (20) is firmly fixed with fastening means (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Syst
    Inventor: Seizo Ota
  • Patent number: 6238561
    Abstract: A corrugated axial filter (148) has a plurality of flow channels (178, 180, 182, 184, 208, 212) extending axially from the upstream dirty frontside (146) of the filter to the downstream clean backside (160) of the filter. Each channel has an upstream opening (186) at the upstream dirty frontside and has top and bottom walls (188 and 190) and right and left sidewalls (192 and 194) extending from the opening rearwardly toward the downstream clean backside. The right and left sidewalls taper towards each other as they extend rearwardly to define a triangular shaped flow channel. Right and left sidewalls of adjacent flow channels are a single continuous sheet of filter material (130) in a zig-zag pattern (134) with a plurality of fold lines including a first set of fold lines (136, 138, 140, 142, 144) at the upstream dirty frontside and a second set of fold lines (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) at the downstream clean backside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Nelson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhili G. Liu, Tadeusz Jaroszczyk, Jerald J. Moy
  • Patent number: 6224767
    Abstract: A fluid separation element assembly comprises a fluid separation element having a membrane unit and a wrapping material formed around the membrane unit, an anti-telescoping plate attached to at least one end of the fluid separation element at a condition free to be detached, and a feed water seal member for preventing feed water from leaking through a gap between the fluid separation element and the anti-telescoping plate. The membrane unit is formed by a separation membrane, a permeate carrier material and a feed carrier material which are spirally wound around a permeate collection tube. By providing the anti-telescoping plate detachably, when the separation membrane has reached its life, it is possible to reuse other members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Toray Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Ikada, Hisaaki Fujino
  • Patent number: 6190555
    Abstract: An aerobic microorganism growth medium for use in a wastewater treatment system is formed as a resilient coil of fibrous strand material suspended on a frame placed in a vessel containing the wastewater to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Masao Kondo