Deflector And Fibrous, Filamentary, Particulate Solids, Or Cohesive Sheet Filter Type Patents (Class 55/320)
  • Patent number: 5403367
    Abstract: A filter system 10 includes a pre-filter in a pre-filter zone 18 and a final filter in a final filter zone 22. The pre-filter is in the form of at least one inertial filter, e.g. an array 28 of axial flow cyclones 30. The final filter is in the form of a media filter 36 formed of a lofted bat of fibrous material which is of non-homogeneous structure through its depth. An upstream side is lofty, and a downstream side is of set structure. A contaminated fluid flow stream enters via an inlet 12. Contaminants are filtered out by the axial flow cyclones to be removed via a dust cover 32. Pre-filtered fluid flows via a chamber 20 through the media filter 36. After final filtration in the media filter it exits via a chamber 24 and an outlet 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignees: Atomic Energy Corporation of South Africa Limited, Universal Filtration (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Pierre De Villiers, Willem J. C. Prinsloo, Ivor M. Minnaar
  • Patent number: 5364456
    Abstract: Constructions and methods are described for collecting particulate material from gas streams. In one specifically described arrangement, a region of uniform or constant density depth media is oriented upstream of a region of gradient density depth media. In another, a preferred region of gradient density depth media is constructed, to effect particulate collection in a preferred manner. Preferred constructions described herein, utilize a pleated paper filter oriented downstream of depth media, to advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad E. Kahlbaugh, Susan B. Reinhart, Denis J. Dudrey, John T. Herman
  • Patent number: 5343592
    Abstract: A submicron size particle filter is mounted within a hot water vacuum extraction machine beneath a vertical riser tube which extends upwardly from an outer casing bottom wall. The riser tube is subject to vacuum pressure to remove contaminant and liquid free air from a recovery tank. An air filter chamber open to the lower end of the riser tube carries the secondary filter holder assembly consisting of a perforate secondary filter holder about an open pore filter element to filter out contaminants of submicron size. The secondary filter holder is formed of an open frame circular base member with a filter disk retaining ring snap fitted thereto and sandwiching the open pore filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Thermax
    Inventor: Carl Parise
  • Patent number: 5342143
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling emissions caused by spraying liquids from a moving vehicle onto a pavement surface use a vacuum hood mountable to the vehicle and a fan for creating a partial vacuum within the hood to draw air containing emissions into the hood for collection. A filter or other suitable apparatus is used to extract the emissions before the air is discharged to the atmosphere. The vacuum hood is located above the sprayed surface and is preferably located behind the nozzle. It has a primary opening at its forward end for collection of air adjacent the nozzle and a smaller, auxiliary opening behind the primary opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Manhole Adjusting Contractors Inc.
    Inventors: John Corcoran, Joseph W. Hower, William A. Moseley
  • Patent number: 5338339
    Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for removing particles from an air stream by filtration, particularly wood particles which have been treated with a resinous material, and which therefore are somewhat sticky. The apparatus is a filter system in which an air stream carrying the resinated particulates is directed upwardly through a set of filter elements which are arranged in a generally sawtooth pattern. The filter elements include a relatively large mesh screen to which the sticky particulates adhere and form of a filtering layer on the mesh in situ. As the filtering layer grows, its porosity is continually reduced, until it reaches a minimum acceptable level, at which time the filter elements are vibrated to cause a portion of the filtering layer to fall away, leaving a portion of the layer adhering to the filter element. In this way, continuous, high-efficiency filtering of a sticky particulate from an air stream is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Louisiana-Pacific Corporation
    Inventor: John L. Westphal
  • Patent number: 5320652
    Abstract: A liquid-vapor separator for two-phase fluids in general and specifically a steam-water separator in a steam drum of a steam generator includes axial or radial spinner blades to create a centrifugal motion which causes liquid to be forced outward against the outer wall and the vapor to be concentrated in the center. Conical extraction skimmers systematically extract and discharge the liquid outwardly and downwardly through the side walls such that it impinges on an optional discharge screen surrounding the skimmers. The vapor flows out the top through a central opening and enters a secondary separator packed with crimped wire mesh encased in a perforated enclosure. The conical extraction skimmers include an outwardly protruding rim portion which forms an enlarged annular chamber between the rim and the underlying conical extraction skimmer. This forms a converging-diverging flow path out between skimmer sections and an outwardly extending ring forms a tortuous path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Rodolfo Akel, John M. Banas, Brian P. DeMarey, Gary W. Gralton, Bard C. Teigen
  • Patent number: 5312465
    Abstract: An air filtering apparatus includes a fan body having an air intake and an air outlet. There is a fan within the body which draws air into the intake and forces it out of the outlet. There is at least one air filter between the intake and the outlet. A plenum chamber is connected to the fan body about the air outlet. The plenum chamber is a flexible bag of a sheet-like material which is inflated by air forced out of the outlet of the fan body. At least a portion of the plenum chamber is an air diffuser for air exiting the apparatus. The diffuser is more permeable than the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Raine Riutta
  • Patent number: 5297893
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling emissions caused by spraying liquids from a moving vehicle onto a pavement surface use a vacuum hood mountable to the vehicle and a fan for creating a partial vacuum within the hood to draw air containing emissions into the hood for collection. A filter or other suitable apparatus is used to extract the emissions before the air is discharged to the atmosphere. The vacuum hood is located above the sprayed surface and is preferably located behind the nozzle. It has a primary opening at its forward end for collection of air adjacent the nozzle and a smaller, auxiliary opening behind the primary opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Manhole Adjusting Contractors Inc.
    Inventors: John Corcoran, Joseph W. Hower, William A. Moseley
  • Patent number: 5281246
    Abstract: An air cleaner assembly for capturing and filtering fumes is provided which comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a pair of filter cartridges supported therein and a blower. A channel and baffle assembly direct the flow of air drawn into the housing in a vortical pattern around the filter cartridges to separate heavier particles in the air and to efficiently draw the air through the filter cartridges. The separated particles collect in a pair of dust trays that are provided with flow directional lips to prevent the vortical air flow from disturbing the deposited particles. A backflushing assembly cleans the filter cartridges of the particles that are collected thereon by pulsing the particles away with a blast of air directed through the entire length of the filter cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Metal-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Ray, Robert G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5275644
    Abstract: A liquid-vapor separator for two-phase fluids in general and specifically a steam-water separator in a steam drum of a steam generator includes axial or radial spinner blades to create a centrifugal motion which causes liquid to be forced outward against the outer wall and the vapor to be concentrated in the center. Conical extraction skimmers systematically extract and discharge the liquid outwardly and downwardly through the side walls such that it impinges on an oval discharge screen surrounding the skimmers. The vapor flows out the top through a central opening and enters a secondary separator packed with crimped wire mesh encased in a perforated enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Bard C. Teigen, H. Rodolfo Akel, Paul S. Zymba, John M. Banas, James S. Tollo, Craig Bradley, Joe B. Lindsay, Jr., Benjamin F. Love
  • Patent number: 5266089
    Abstract: A multi-positionable sediment trap for use with a vapor delivery pressure system. The main body of the adaptor is tubular with the opposite ends extending into end caps. A diverter tube is sealingly and fixedly mounted to one end cap, whereas an outlet control tube is sealingly and fixedly mounted to the opposite end cap. Each tube is located off center relative to the longitudinal axis of the main body forming a sediment chamber into which is directed the gas and sediment from the diverter tube with the gas then flowing from the sediment chamber to the outlet tube. A flared cone filter is mounted within the outlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: William C. Blocker
  • Patent number: 5259854
    Abstract: A disposable canister containing a HEPA filtration mechanism is used in conjunction with a removably mounted vacuum motor assembly. The vacuum motor assembly draws particulate-laden air, including harmful airborne contaminants, into an inlet opening of the canister by a disposable vacuum hose. The inlet opening is made of a magnetically attracting material. The particulate-laden air is then filtered through the HEPA filtration mechanism prior to exiting from the canister as non-contaminated air. Upon termination of the vacuum force on the inlet, a hinged magnetic flap seals the inlet to the canister. The immediate and complete sealing of the inlet by the magnetically biased flap assures against escape of harmful contaminants from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: GPAC, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene E. Newman
  • Patent number: 5254146
    Abstract: An improved means is provided for emptying dust and debris accumulated in the air filter box of a surface maintenance machine having vacuumized dust control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Beaufoy
  • Patent number: 5244480
    Abstract: A high efficiency ventilation system for removing contaminants from an area used in combination with an air conditioner or an environmental monitoring system. The system includes a fan unit and filter unit. The filter unit has two filters, a prefilter and a HEPA filter, each of which has its static pressure monitored by a separate gauge. The static pressure of the fan used in the fan unit is monitored by a third gauge. Thus, it is possible to determine which of two filters needs replacement and troubleshooting can be performed much faster and more efficiently. The air conditioner is coupled to the output of the fan so as to condition the air discharged from the ventilation system and pass the air back into the work area. The environmental monitoring unit may instead be coupled to the output of the fan so as to monitor contaminants that remain in the ventilated air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Harold G. Henry
  • Patent number: 5240486
    Abstract: A condensate separator for separating liquids from gases comprises a tubular housing which is closed at each end by a body forming part of a flow element which extends into the tubular housing. The flow elements have axial bores, the bore of one flow element terminating in a transverse bore; the bore in the other flow element is an axial bore. In addition,filters are provided, preferably a coarse particle filter downstream of the inlet and a fine particle filter upstream of the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Testoterm Messtechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Thomas Springmann, Rolf Buerssner, Juergen Senn
  • Patent number: 5238474
    Abstract: Constructions and methods are described for collecting particulate material from gas streams. In one specifically described arrangement, a region of depth media is oriented upstream of a second region of depth media. A surface loading media is positioned downstream from the second region of depth media. In an alternate embodiment, a further region of filter media is positioned downstream from the surface loading media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad E. Kahlbaugh, Susan B. Reinhart, Denis J. Dudrey, John T. Herman
  • Patent number: 5211918
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of an improved catalytic converter for the cleaning of exhaust gases from internal-combustion engines, which includes a catalytic converter body through which the exhaust gases flow. The catalytic converter body is compression-molded from metal wire pieces or metal chips and is sintered after molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Schwabische Huttenwerke
    Inventor: Hans A. Harle
  • Patent number: 5199963
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner treats cleaning air by forcing the air through a liquid bath so as to remove suspended particulates within the air. The cleaner comprises a pan member adapted to contain the fluid bath, a cleaning air inlet, an upper casing supported from and secured to the pan member, and a motor mounted on the upper casing having a cooling air inlet and cooling air exhaust separate from that of the cleaning air. A main baffle shrouds the cleaning air inlet for the containment of the over splash created by induced fluid turbulence created in the liquid bath by the incoming cleaning air. At least two fluid collector rings are mounted between the cleaning air inlet and cleaning air outlet to provide a circuitous path for the cleaning air after it has traveled through the fluid bath to collect liquid particles and moisture in the cleaning air and redirect it back into the liquid bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Arcoline J. Scarp
  • Patent number: 5198002
    Abstract: A gas cleaning filter is formed in-situ within a vessel containing a fluidizable bed of granular material of a relatively large size fraction. A filter membrane provided by a porous metal or ceramic body or such a body supported a perforated screen on one side thereof is coated in-situ with a layer of the granular material from the fluidized bed by serially passing a bed-fluidizing gas stream through the bed of granular material and the membrane. The layer of granular material provides the filtering medium for the combined membrane-granular layer filter. The filter is not blinded by the granular material and provides for the removal of virtually all of the particulates from a process gas stream. The granular material can be at least partially provided by a material capable of chemically reacting with and removing sulfur compounds from the process gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Joseph S. Mei, James DeVault, John S. Halow
  • Patent number: 5192343
    Abstract: A high efficiency ventilation system for removing contaminants from an area. The system includes a fan unit and filter unit. The filter unit has two filters, a prefilter and a HEPA filter, each of which has its static pressure monitored by a separate gauge. The static pressure of the fan used in the fan unit is monitored by a third gauge. Thus, it is possible to determine which of two filters needs replacement and troubleshooting can be performed much faster and more efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Harold G. Henry
  • Patent number: 5183488
    Abstract: A multi-stage filter assembly having a number of filter media layers, at least one of which is removably mounted to a filter frame, utilizes a retaining clip to hold the filter media in place. The retaining clip is in the form of an elongated strip that extends across the filter media and has its ends disposed within channels formed in the frame. The elongated strip is provided with a centrally located bend that causes the ends of the clip to be urged upwardly into engagement with the framework and causes a portion of the clip to be urged downwardly into engagement with the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Research Products Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Deering
  • Patent number: 5176726
    Abstract: A dust collector of the type wherein a main body of the dust collector includes one or more filter elements 11 which are permeable to air but not to airborne particles above a predetermined size, a live air zone 13 below the filter elements 11 and a main air inlet port 14; a vacuum being generated on that side of the filter elements 11 opposite the live zone 13 which thereby induces a pressure differential across the filter elements 11 whereby air and entrained particulate matter is drawn through the main air inlet port 14 into the live air zone 13 within the main body 17; the dust collector further including particulate matter guiding means 18 (in one particular form being in the form of a tubular shell) for changing the direction of movement of the entrained particulate matter in the main hopper immediately after it enters the main body from the main air inlet port 14; the particulate matter guiding means comprising a duct member 18, having at least one change in cross-sectional area therein from a smaller
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Robert J. Beavis
  • Patent number: 5160513
    Abstract: An inlet distributor for use in downflow reactors or contacting vessels removes debris from the feedstream that could otherwise plug the top of the catalyst or particle bed surface. Gaseous streams are charged into the inlet distributor and debris is separated from the inlet stream and accumulated in the bottom of the distributor. Fluid flow in the bottom of the distributor is minimized to prevent reentrainment of debris into the gas stream as it leaves the distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: William J. Koves
  • Patent number: 5154742
    Abstract: An air cleaner for removing air entrained cooling oil mist, smoke and particulates which become air borne during machine tool cutting operations and the like thereby contaminating ambient air adjacent the machining and the like operations.The contaminated air is driven against a planar impingement plate arranged to be struck with a glancing blow of such force as to remove a substantial portion of the contaminates by impact.A series of cylindrical openings extend transversely through the impingement plate. The openings are sufficient in number to ensure continued flow through the cleaner. The plate is arranged at such an angle with respect to the air flow directed toward the plate that the openings appear to be elliptical to the air stream when the air first strikes the plate, thus effectively increasing the impingement surface area, but at the same time an adequate number of openings is provided through the impingement plate to maintained the desired air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventors: William J. Gault, Donald E. Gault, Frederick E. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5135551
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved muffler for an automobile that filters the exhaust and eliminates noise and odor as well as forces steam back into the engine to improve gas mileage. The muffler uses replaceable cartridges that serve as filters to divide the muffler into chambers that filter and eliminate the noise of the exhaust. Each filter can be removed and cleaned as the need arises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: James L. Fielding
  • Patent number: 5114445
    Abstract: A flare vent head adapted for use on a vent riser for venting gas-liquid mixtures wherein an adapter means for fixing said head to the vent riser carries a plurality of baffle means surmounted by a diversion member, all of which enclosed in a wall closure so that gas and liquid are separated by action of the diversion member and baffle means within the wall closure thereby allowing liquid to pass downwardly from the vent head and gas separated from the liquid to pass upwardly through the top of the vent head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Anthony R. Burton, Dallas D. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5106397
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air cleaner comprising a generally bell-shaped air cleaner housing and a generally frustoconical filter positioned concentrically within the housing. The housing has an air inlet at its small end and an air outlet at its large end for the flow of air generally axially into and out of the housing. The filter has a filter element coaxially juxtaposed the interior surface of the housing. The filter element is generally annular and has an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The downstream portion of a member supportably engages the upstream portion of the filter element. The upstream portion of the filter element has a diameter larger than the diameter of the member downstream portion. The member blocks the flow of air into the interior of the filter element and directs air axially along the exterior of the filter element. A downstream annular support piece engages the downstream end of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Tadeusz Jaroszczyk, David A. Olson
  • Patent number: 5082476
    Abstract: Constructions and methods are described for collecting particulate material from gas streams. In one specifically described arrangement, a region of uniform or constant density depth media is oriented upstream of a region of gradient density depth media. In another, a preferred region of gradient density depth media is constructed, to effect particulate collection in a preferred manner. Preferred constructions described herein, utilize a pleated paper filter oriented downstream of depth media, to advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad E. Kahlbaugh, Susan B. Reinhart, Denis J. Dudrey, John T. Herman
  • Patent number: 5053126
    Abstract: A device for separating liquid from a mixture of the liquid and a gas includes a separator tank having an interior surface. A baffle plate in the tank defines a first higher pressure space and a second relatively lower pressure space therein. The baffle plate has first, second and third edges. The first edge is sealably connected to the interior surface. The second edge has a first portion sealably connected to the interior surface and a second portion spaced from the interior surface and defining a slot therewith. The slot has a length and a width and is the only gas passage between the first and second spaces. The third edge is spaced from the interior surface. Mixture inlet means introduces the mixture into the first space. A liquid collection reservoir is provided at one end of the tank adjacent the third edge. The slot is of such a cross-sectional area that higher pressure mixture in the first space flows through the slot and is dispersed along the entire length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Eugene Krasnoff
  • Patent number: 5038815
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cleaning and/or muffling a gas discharge which in one aspect includes a hollow body with a filter element mounted therein through which the discharge gas flows and in which liquids entrained in the gas are filtered out, the body having one or more liquid collection areas from which liquid can be removed from the apparatus for disposal or for re-use. The apparatus also can serve as a noise muffler to reduce the noise level of the gas discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas W. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5039323
    Abstract: The present invention relates to engine manufacture. An air cleaner which comprises a housing (1) with an air-supply pipe (2) forming an annular clearance (3). A main filtering member (5) is placed in the clearance (3) and in close vicinity to the opening (13) of the air-supply pipe (2) and additional filtering member (14). According to the invention the filtering member (14) has a recess (15) which is coaxial to the pipe (2) on the surface (16). The size of the recess (15) on the surface (16) is greater than the diameter of the pipe (2).It is preferably to use the air cleaner in an engine operating in unfavorable conditions with vapors of oil and soot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventors: Alexandr D. Ulitsky, Jury I. Glushkov, Vladimir V. Andreev
  • Patent number: 5034037
    Abstract: An engine air filter housing having an integral fluid trap to prevent liquid fuel from contacting and clogging filter elements. A fluid trap is located within a filtration chamber along the flow path of fuel from an engine flame starter. An air filter differential pressure sensing mechanism is integrally constructed in the filter housing access opening cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Harold, Kevin H. Schield
  • Patent number: 5002595
    Abstract: A debris and water vacuum system comprising a vacuum pump, a debris receptacle, a first air filter stage, a second filter stage, and valve means for connecting and disconnecting the second air filter stage from a 40 mesh screen final filter and vacuum pump, selectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Samson Metal & Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin A. Kehr
  • Patent number: 4971612
    Abstract: There is disclosed a silencer for a pneumatic system, including a sound muffler containing a primary filter and removable cartridge containing an oil mist reclassifying filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Arrow Pneumatics, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Loughran
  • Patent number: 4948398
    Abstract: A fiber bed mist eliminator comprising at least two radially spaced and concentrically disposed fiber bed elements. The elements have an opened upper and lower end forming substantially vertical, independent channels through which gases can flow. The mist eliminator further comprises baffle means of imperious material, horizontally disposed at the upper and lower ends of the mist eliminator. The baffle means closes the bottom of one channel and the top of an adjacent channel, thus forcing a gas stream to pass through not more than one fiber bed element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Ceco Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Lazarus Thomaides, Steven I. Taub
  • Patent number: 4946480
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminants generated in a volume of air contained within a work structure includes a housing, an inlet aperture disposed in the housing for receiving the contaminated air generated in the structure, an outlet aperture for passing of filtered air disposed in another portion of the housing removed from the inlet aperture and a plurality of removable interchangeable filter units disposed in the housing in spaced relationship between the inlet and outlet apertures thereby forming a plurality of chambers each defined by adjacent filter units and the housing. A detector device is engaged with at least the first chamber adjacent the inlet aperture for detecting the level of concentration of contaminants in the air passing through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Francois P. Hauville
  • Patent number: 4946482
    Abstract: A dust removing apparatus for an intake air cleaner in which the air cleaner is disposed in the vicinity of a passage of a high speed air flow and an opening in a wall of the air passage confronting high speed air flow within the passage. As a result dust is removed from the high speed air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Tamba, Hitomi Miyake, Hiromu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4934393
    Abstract: A spray gun cleaning apparatus for containing and collecting toxic materials resulting from cleaning a spray gun with a cleaning fluid is disclosed. The apparatus includes an interior airflow passageway, a receptacle at an inflow end of the passageway for receiving the spray from the spray gun nozzle, and an outlet at the other end of the passageway for discharging airflow into the ambient environment. At least one filter/condenser is located within the passageway for condensing cleaning fluid vapor into liquid which flows into a waste container, preferably by gravity flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: John S. Lighthall
    Inventors: John S. Lighthall, Homer H. Lighthall
  • Patent number: 4921509
    Abstract: An air filtration system for removing smoke and grease from cooking exhaust of ducted range hoods is disclosed. In particular, the system includes a coarse filter device fine filter device which substantially remove all of the cooking effluents from the cooking exhaust drawn into the system by a fan powered by a variable speed motor. A sail switch device is connected to the motor and is positioned in the system to determine the flow quantity of the air drawn into the system and to maintain this flow quantity at a substantially constant volume by controlling the speed of the motor device. A maximum speed of the motor is determined by an indicator device signaling an operator to change filters clogged with cooking particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Micro-Technology Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Austin Maclin
  • Patent number: 4908050
    Abstract: This is an oil mist remover used in purifying polluted air containing oil mist generated in a factory or the like, which is capable of lessening the load of the filter, preventing deterioration of the filter, and maintaining a high efficiency if used for a long period, by removing large particles of oil mist and dust contained in the air inhaled from the suction hole before adsorption on the filter. It is composed of main body case, straightening box having a suction hole provided before the main body case, ventilation chamber having exhaust means behind the main body case, and drain chamber having liquid discharge means provided beneath the main body case, in which means for interrupting the straightforward move of the inhaled air is provided inside the suction hole, and the oil mist depositing on this means is dropped, and is collected in the drain chamber to be discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignees: Tabai Espec Co. Ltd., Itoman & Co. Ltd., Taichi Uchida
    Inventors: Tsuneo Nagashima, Makoto Yamane
  • Patent number: 4902318
    Abstract: An inlet apparatus for gas-aerosol sampling comprises an elutriator column and an impactor member. The elutriator column comprises an inlet and an impact accelerator jet outlet, and the inner surface of the column is provided with a coating of polytetrafluoroethylene-containing polymer. The impactor member includes a housing which surrounds the impact accelerator jet outlet and an impactor surface arranged within the housing and opposite the impact accelerator jet outlet. The inner surface of the housing is also provided with a polytetrafluoroethylene-containing polymer coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Robert K. Stevens, Charles Stone
  • Patent number: 4886531
    Abstract: An air filter casing of an internal combustion engine is described, having an unfiltered air chamber which receives the uncleaned intake air and is separated from a clean air chamber for receiving the cleaned intake air by way of a filter element. To prevent possible intake of larger quantitites of water in the event of heavy rainfall, there is provided in the clean air chamber a device for swirling water which settles at the bottom of the casing, the bottom end of which device has a minimum spacing from the bottom of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventor: Norbert Lutze
  • Patent number: 4874409
    Abstract: The equipment solves the problems of appropriate and simple construction and suitable especially for continuous separation of solid sublimable compounds from the gaseous mixture. The equipment consists of a desublimer 1 and separator 4 in which is situated a conical vessel 5 and the well 7. The principle of the invention is that between the outlet neck 6 of the conical vessel 5 and the well 7 is situated a filter 9 of a conical shape with the angles of wall inclination between 10.degree. and 45.degree., whose upper end is connected with the outlet neck 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Ceskoslovenska akademie ved
    Inventors: Jaroslav Vitovec, Jan Cermak, Jiri Smolik
  • Patent number: 4863499
    Abstract: An anti-diffusion chemical breather assembly for disk drives having a body portion (20), a cover portion (40), and a filter media (50), including a layer (51) impregnated with activated charcoal granules (53). When assembled, the body portion (20) and cover portion (40) define therebetween a sealed tortuous passage 15 which provides fluid communication between external environment and a hard disk drive interior when the apparatus is positioned in a receiving cavity of a hard disk drive. The tortuous passage limits the rate of moisture entry into the disk drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Osendorf
  • Patent number: 4848988
    Abstract: A compressed air dehumidifying device, comprising: an external cylinder having an inlet port for the compressed air fed from the compressor, a passageway and an outlet port for the clean compressed air dehumidified and purged of oil, dirt, and dust, and a drain hole for discharging the moisture, oil, dirt, and dust out of the device; and an internal cylinder having a passageway connected to the inlet port for compressed air, orifices for explosively injecting the compressed air that are connected to the passageway, and inverted-funnel-shaped injection tubes adjoining the respective orifices and the diameter of which is gradually increased along the axis, and being formed in the external cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Hisamoto Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4838901
    Abstract: A lightweight, snap together filter is provided for use under high stress environmental conditions. The casing and cover of the filter may be molded from high strength plastics and has been designed to snap together by a snap lock mechanism to secure a subtantially pressure tight filter assembly. The filter assembly may be utilized in an aircraft and other vehicles that may be exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The filter is designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Schmidt, Haans K. Petruschke
  • Patent number: 4813385
    Abstract: A general-purpose internal combustion engine comprises an engine unit, a recoil starter, a fuel tank disposed on the engine unit, a main air cleaner disposed on the engine unit and coupled with a precleaner, and a muffler disposed on the engine unit. The main air cleaner and the muffler are disposed laterally of the fuel tank in parallel relation to each other, the main air cleaner being located closely to the recoil starter, and the muffler being disposed remotely from the recoil starter. The precleaner has an air inlet member disposed remotely from the muffler and positioned without projecting out of a plane containing a side of the main air cleaner which is remote from the muffler. The precleaner has an air outlet and the main air cleaner has a case with an air inlet defined in a side thereof and a substantially cylindrical filter housed centrally in the case coaxially with the vertical axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyoroki Seizo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Yamaguchi, Mutsumi Terasawa, Mitsuo Sasagase
  • Patent number: 4749385
    Abstract: A method of providing clean air to a workpiece comprises positioning the workpiece adjacent to a first opening in a conduit. The conduit includes a central segment and a peripheral segment having, respectively, the first opening and a second opening disposed at opposite ends of the conduit. The peripheral segment surrounds the central segment such that the first opening is substantially coplanar with the second opening. A laminar flow of air is created through the conduit in a direction away from the second opening and toward the first opening. The air flow is filtered through a HEPA filter supported within the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: RCA Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn W. Brunner, Samuel Pearlman, Randall E. McCoy, Jordan R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4722747
    Abstract: An air filtration and purifying system for the air interiorly of a vehicle and is in the form of an add-on device for existing vehicles for removing particulate material and odors. The add-on system may be used in existing vehicles with or without an air conditioning system or heating system and effectively removes airborne particulates such as dust, dirt, pollen and the like and also removes odors such as tobacco, smoke, food, body odors and toxic gases and fumes and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Inventor: Joseph M. Armbruster
  • Patent number: 4697604
    Abstract: Tobacco expansion apparatus comprises a transport duct in which can be established a flow of hot gaseous medium and into an upstream end of which can be fed particulate tobacco. The downstream end of the duct opens into the casing of a tobacco/gaseous medium separator comprising a separation screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: British-American Tobacco Company Limited
    Inventors: Ian C. Brown, Roger W. Hedge, David J. Molyneux