Abstract: A filter assembly includes a reusable filter frame and a collapsible and expandable filter element. The filter frame includes a base and a cover connected with the base. The base includes a plurality of longitudinal rails and a plurality of transverse ribs for supporting and spacing the filter element. The filter frame also includes a securing mechanism for securing the filter element to the frame and maintaining the filter element in its expanded condition. The filter element includes filter media having a plurality of pleats adapted to mesh with the ribs of the filter frame and a flexible spacing structure attached to the pleated media that provides the pleated media with uniform pleat spacing but allows the media to be collapsed to a compact form.

Abstract: An exhaust system for housing-type enclosures of machine tools is provided for removing air by suction from the interior of the enclosure. The cuttings which are produced during machining of the workpieces are distributed within the working chamber and are thrown to the exhaust location and removed by suction. The cuttings collect in the exhaust area and present a safety risk. In order to prevent undesirable components in the exhaust air from reaching the exhaust system, an air-permeable catch device is provided in the exhaust area in front of the exhaust location. On the catch device, the undesirable components are caught while the exhaust action itself is not impaired. The catch device is a basket having walls made of mesh.

Abstract: An improved structure of a dust-filtering module of a dust-collecting device which is characterized in that the top end of the mounting body is provided with a top mounting ring having an L-shaped cross-section, a fastening structure is formed between the mounting body and the dust-filtering module, the dust-filtering module is provided with an external hood body connected to a connection hose, a filtering device is provided within the dust-filtering module, the filtering device has a corrugated board having a bottom face mounted across a bottom rod, the bottom rod is pivotally mounted with an axle passed through the filtering device, the circumferential edge of the axle is provided with a plurality of wiping plates which resist the corrugated filtering board, and the axles which passes out of the external hood body locked to a rocking shaft.

Abstract: A filter system, including a folded filter (1) and a cover (2) of a filter housing (3), the folded filter (1) and the cover (2) forming a preassemblable unit (4) and being essentially sealingly joined to each other so as to be detachable without destruction.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter element, a frame construction secured to the filter element, and a handle member secured to the filter element. In preferred embodiments, the handle member is secured to the frame construction. Preferably, the filter element includes a central core member, wherein fluted filter media is coiled around the central core member. Preferably, the central core member includes a plurality of corrugations, wherein the corrugations mateably engage at least some flutes. Preferably, the handle member is integral with the central core member, and also includes a fastening member for connection to a frame construction on the filter element. Methods for cleaning air and servicing an air cleaner preferably include constructions as described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner filter which is detachably mounted into a dust collecting chamber of a main body of the vacuum cleaner and which filters dust contained in the air sucked into an air inlet of the dust collecting chamber, said filter comprising: a cylindrical filter body having a plurality of open parts and an external screw section on the outer periphery of the upper part thereof; a porous filter paper for covering the open parts; and a cover having a through hole fitting with the air inlet and an internal screw section corresponding to the external screw section. Since the cover is screwed to be tightly fastened to the filter body, it is possible to secure a complete closing of the filter body with the cover even when the filter is used for a long time.

Abstract: A bagless canister vacuum cleaner includes a selectively removable dirt cup, and an airstream flows rotationally through the dirt cup between an interior wall of the dirt cup and a filter assembly selectively mounted in the dirt cup so that entrained contaminants are separated from the airstream flowing through the dirt cup and collected by the dirt cup. The filter lies substantially parallel to the support surface on which the vacuum cleaner is supported. A cover member is connected to the main housing, and the cover member is selectively movable to and held in an operative position in covering relation with an open first end of a dirt cup. The main housing defines a base conformed to self-support the main housing on a support surface with the dirt cup arranged with its open first end at a higher elevation than its closed second end. The removable dirt cup includes a handle adapted for being held by a user, and the dirt cup defines or includes a spout to facilitate emptying dirt therefrom.

Abstract: An annular air filter utilizes an end gasket which is snap fitted to a metal end cap. The gasket has a sealing lip with a radially extending, axially facing sealing face for sealing with a filter housing; and an annular, axially extending body portion. The annular, axially extending body portion has an axially extending, radially facing sealing surface for sealing with an air outlet pipe projecting into the housing. The gasket is made of foam rubber, rubber or polyurethane material and is optionally fixed on the air filter element with adhesive.

Abstract: A filter has a filter housing and a receptacle chamber in the filter housing into which a filter element is insertable. The filter housing has a housing cover for opening and closing an opening of the receptacle chamber. The housing cover is situated in an area of the filter housing between the oncoming flow side and the outgoing flow side of the filter element.

Abstract: A compact, portable, lightweight, low power consuming, convenient, versatile and sterile laminar airflow device, useful in obtaining a workspace substantially devoid of airborne particulate contaminants, said device having a body (C) divided into an upper and lower chambers; the upper chamber housing one or more pre-filtration members (B), a motor (T) driving a fan (S), and one or more filters (U) located below the motor; and the lower chamber provided with a slideable front panel (M), a removable platform (X) located at the lower portion of the chamber and a perforated plane (N) placed on the removable platform.

Abstract: A portable HEPA filter chamber is provided with a pair of wheels and a handle whereby it can be moved by a person in the manner of a two-wheeled hand-truck. One or more inlet openings receive air from an area to be cleaned, dried, or decontaminated. An air outlet is adaptable to the air inlet height of standard, widely-used carpet dryer blowers. Pre-filters are provided in the portable chamber upstream of the HEPA filter. Strapping holds the blower unit to the outlet of the filter chamber. Support wheels and a handle enable convenient hand-truck type operation to facilitate movement of the combination when and as needed in the area being dried. An upstanding perimeter flange, and the handle, when retracted, serve as a fence to stabilize multiple chambers, when stacked for storage or transportation in a truck. The exterior wall of the chamber is shaped for inter-fitting with others to minimize floor space for storage and transporting.

Abstract: Air is removed by suction from the interior of an enclosure of machine tools by means of exhaust systems. The cuttings which are produced during machining of the workpieces are distributed within the working chamber and are thrown to the exhaust location and removed by suction. The cuttings collect in the exhaust area and present a safety risk.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter assembly, a filter housing, a seal member, and a moisture separator. The filter assembly has opposite first and second ends, a first axial length between the first and second ends, and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the filter assembly first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the filter assembly second end. Selected flutes are open at the first end portion and closed at the second end portion and other selected flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. The filter housing circumscribes the filter assembly. The seal member at least partially circumscribes the filter assembly. The seal member seals a joint between the filter assembly and the filter housing. The seal member also helps to secure the filter assembly within the filter housing.

Abstract: An air filtering enclosure for a vehicle to minimize the amount of debris entering the radiator of the vehicle is provided. The enclosure forms a shell having a set of interfitting interior and exterior members. Mounted with the interior member are clips designed to mate with a series of compatibly arranged brackets on the vehicle frame. Attached opposite the clips are handles which a user may grasp to easily install and remove the shell from a vehicle. Interior and exterior members form a frame which encases sheets of perforated screening to restrict the introduction of debris into the radiator. The shell is completed with a rubber seal enabling tight sealing of the enclosure to the vehicle on which it is attached.

Abstract: An access port for a house vacuum system that is equipped with a removable trap is described. The access port can be constructed by the components of a port body of elongated, cylindrical shape, which may have either an annular cross-section or a rectangular cross-section; a port cover that is pivotally connected to a floor panel by a hinge; a debris trap of elongated, cylindrical shape that is removable mounted inside the port body; a vacuum hose access port that is provided in the port cover; and a cover for the vacuum hose access port pivotally connected to the port cover by a hinge. The access port may also be made into a portable unit that can be moved from vacuum port to vacuum port in a cleanroom environment.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter element, a frame construction secured to the filter element, and a handle member secured to the filter element. In preferred embodiments, the handle member is secured to the frame construction. Preferably, the filter element includes a central core member, wherein fluted filter media is coiled around the central core member. Preferably, the central core member includes a plurality of corrugations, wherein the corrugations mateably engage at least some flutes. Preferably, the handle member is integral with the central core member, and also includes a fastening member for connection to a frame construction on the filter element. Methods for cleaning air and servicing an air cleaner preferably include constructions as described herein.

Abstract: A liquid collection vessel for an air and liquid vacuum system of the type incorporating an air vacuum unit coupled to the vessel for drawing air and liquid therein. The vessel includes a generally cylindrical housing having an upper region. An ingress nozzle is disposed in the upper region of the housing and is adapted for receiving air and liquid there through and into the housing in response to low pressure created by the vacuum unit coupled thereto. The ingress nozzle is further disposed angularly within the housing for discharging air and liquid into the housing in a descending, tangential flow pattern. An air intake manifold is likewise disposed within the housing and coupled to the air vacuum unit for drawing air out of the housing.

Abstract: An air treatment appliance having an external body with a movable portion and a main portion. An air inlet and an air outlet in the external body permit airflow through the device. A fan inside the body is operable to draw in air through the air inlet and to expel it through the air outlet, and the air may be passed through a filter mechanism in the device. An access mechanism permits convenient access to the filter mechanism and other components in the external body. The device is at least partially disabled when the movable portion is moved relative to the main portion.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter assembly, a filter housing, a seal member, and a moisture separator. The filter assembly has opposite first and second ends, a first axial length between the first and second ends, and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the filter assembly first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the filter assembly second end. Selected flutes are open at the first end portion and closed at the second end portion and other selected flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. The filter housing circumscribes the filter assembly. The seal member at least partially circumscribes the filter assembly. The seal member seals a joint between the filter assembly and the filter housing. The seal member also helps to secure the filter assembly within the filter housing.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter element, a frame construction secured to the filter element, and a handle member secured to the filter element. In preferred embodiments, the handle member is secured to the frame construction. Preferably, the filter element includes a central core member, wherein fluted filter media is coiled around the central core member. Preferably, the central core member includes a plurality of corrugations, wherein the corrugations mateably engage at least some flutes. Preferably, the handle member is integral with the central core member, and also includes a fastening member for connection to a frame construction on the filter element. Methods for cleaning air and servicing an air cleaner preferably include constructions as described herein.

Abstract: A ventless air scrubber assembly for use with a conventional cooking appliance situated within an interior location. A ventilation hood is arrayed in an overhanging manner above the cooking appliance and includes a recessed interior defined by a planar base surface and a plurality of interconnecting sides. The hood further includes an intake and an exhaust and a plurality of individual grease extraction units located within the hood in proximity to the exhaust. A filtration housing having an inlet and an outlet is located a specified distance from the hood and is interconnected to the hood exhaust by a first length of ductwork extending filtration housing inlet. A plurality of individual filters are arrayed between the inlet and an outlet in successive fashion. The filters include particulate entrapment filters and an odor removal filter. A second length of ductwork extends between the filtration housing outlet and an inlet of an exhaust fan.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable filter fan. A highly efficient and inexpensive air filtering device is made from a portable box fan with a pleated sheet o micron particle filter installed externally in channels on the inlet side of the fan housing. Activated charcoal used for removing odors and volatile organic compounds from the air is prevented from egress by a second similar filter mounted externally in channels on the outlet side of the fan housing. A low-cost fan filter sitting at floor level circulates the air and cleans the air more efficiently than many other filters placed in ceiling or attic areas. Gravity pulls the floating particles in the air downward toward the floor, and the new portable air filtering box fan draws and holds the particles on the filter.

Abstract: A filter assembly including an integral filter cartridge and storage pouch is disclosed herein. The storage pouch is configured to hermetically surround the filter cartridge upon removal of the cartridge from an opening of a liquid drainage conduit of the assembly. The drainage conduit can include a shutter for closing the opening of the drainage conduit upon removal of the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A portable, mountable air cleaner that is fashioned of a durable, molded plastic so as to be light weight; dimensioned to fit between typical 12 inch joists in a ceiling structure; containing a dual air filtration system; fashioned and configured so that each filter may be easily removed for cleaning; and that is capable of operation either resting on the ground or while suspended from a wall or ceiling structure.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter element configured for straight through flow and a handle member secured to the filter element. The filter element may typically have a plurality of flutes where selected ones of the flutes are open at upstream portions and closed at downstream portions, and where selected ones of the flutes are closed at the upstream portions and open at the downstream portions. In one embodiment, the handle member is secured to the central core member. In some embodiments, the handle member and the central core member are a single molded construction. The handle member can include a single aperture, such as an elongated slot, or a plurality of apertures. A method for servicing a system having a straight through flow filter element includes grasping a handle secured to the filter element, and pulling the handle to remove the filter element from the system.

Abstract: In order to facilitate removal of an air filter from a housing, the air filter has a flexible tab which provides a finger grip. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible tab is disposed between a molded gasket and an expanded metal screen which covers the downstream area or dirty side of a pleated filter media.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a reduced velocity chamber with a high velocity air inlet, an electric motor, a rotary mechanism driven by the motor for creating a vacuum in the chamber, an outlet for exhausting air from the chamber, which air flows in a selected path from the air inlet, through the chamber and out the air exhaust outlet and a disposable porous sheet filter layer in the chamber for removing large solid particles from the air. The vacuum cleaner also has an improved filter, wherein the improved filter includes a layer of material to remove very fine air particles and a layer of material to remove odors from the air.

Abstract: A portable air cleaner comprising a cylindrical filter element mounted on a circular base and encased by a cylindrical cover. A centrifugal fan mounted within the cover draws unpurified air into inlet openings disposed in the base and the side wall of the cover, and through the filter element. The resulting purified air is drawn into the centrifugal fan and forced radially outward therefrom. An air deflector dish redirects the purified air through the exhaust openings disposed on the top surface of the cylindrical cover. Such an exhaust flow which is perpendicular to and spaced from the inlet flow results in an improved efficiency in purifying the entire volume of air within a room.

Abstract: A portable, mountable air cleaner that is fashioned of a durable, molded plastic so as to be light weight; dimensioned to fit between typical 12 inch joists in a ceiling structure; containing a dual air filtration system; fashioned and configured so that each filter may be easily removed for cleaning; and that is capable of operation either resting on the ground or while suspended from a wall or ceiling structure.

Abstract: A tubular accordion filter element having at one end a U-shaped end piece of flexible sealing material embraces a filter body on the outside and inside in an annular manner. A necking is arranged on the outside of the end piece, extending away from the end face of the end piece, the necking being followed by a straight or frustoconical area.

Abstract: A lifting device for a portable air purifying unit that includes a rectangular main support member for supporting all the component parts of the unit so that they are balanced about the support. A housing comprising a top cover and front and rear covers is attached to the support for enclosing the unit. The top cover is coextensive with the top wall of the support and contains a raised partition that extends laterally across the cover. A hand-hold passes through the center of the partition that opens into an enclosure mounted on the cover in front of the partition. The hand-hold and the chamber combine to form a handle. The front cover of the housing passes over the handle to partially shield the handle thereunder.

Abstract: An air handling unit that includes a main support member and front, rear and top covers mounted on said support that forms a housing for enclosing said unit. The covers have side walls that close over the support frame in abutting contact to form an interlocking seam therebetween at closure. Ribs are mounted upon the side walls of the support frame which bias the side walls of the covers outwardly to render the seam relatively air tight at closure. Two covers are securely affixed to the main support member while the other is removably attached to the main support member by a latching means. A HEPA filter is mounted in the main support member along with a blower system for drawing air through said housing.

Abstract: A system which reduces the transmission of noxious fumes into the surrounding air during the application of a heated liquid roofing product on a roof. A mobile tanker or kettle contains a supply of the heated liquid. The air space within the tanker or vessel above the liquid product communicates with a mobile filtration unit by a first duct. A rooftop carrier for the liquid product has a fume collection hood which communicates with the filtration unit by a second duct. A blower in the filtration unit creates negative pressure which draws the noxious fumes from the tanker or vessel and carrier through the ducts and into and through the filtration unit. The filtration unit has a series of airtight chambers mounted on a mobile truck bed, each containing a different type of filtering medium to remove various components of the noxious fumes as the fumes move through the filtration unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aligning a powder spray canopy of a powder coating booth with a fan plenum assembly so that a powder collector can be quickly aligned and simultaneously sealed to both the powder spray canopy and the fan plenum. The invention also relates to an improved filter cartridge and filter cartridge mounting assembly which allows for quick and easy mounting and dismounting of filter cartridges to the powder collector.

Abstract: A grease filter system for use in connection with retaining viscous products of combustion in commercial food preparation environments includes a receptacle and a filter element removably supported within the receptacle. The receptacle has a lid covering one end thereof and a bottom. The lid includes an opening through which grease, condensed steam, water and other products of combustion enter the system. The receptacle further includes a plurality of apertures disposed spaced from the bottom about the perimeter of the receptacle such that the filter system retains grease and other viscous fluids while allowing condensed steam, water and other products of combustion to pass through the filter element and the receptacle out through the apertures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dust and lint collection device. The device is utilized in the collection and disposal of lint, dust or other such material. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a collection sleeve which is adapted for engagement with the opened end of a flexible bag. The material to be collected is inserted through the sleeve and into the bag. The bag can then be disposed.

Abstract: A portable air cleaner having a cylindrical filter element mounted on a circular base and encased by a cylindrical cover. A centrifugal fan mounted within the cover draws unpurified air into inlet openings disposed in the base and the side wall of the cover, and through the filter element. The resulting purified air is drawn into the centrifugal fan and forced radially outward therefrom. An air deflector dish redirects the purified air through the exhaust openings disposed on the top surface of the cylindrical cover. Such an exhaust flow which is perpendicular to and spaced from the inlet flow results in an improved efficiency in purifying the entire volume of air within a room.

Abstract: A portable/mountable air cleaner is disclosed. The air cleaner includes an elongated body which contains the air cleaner unit and an integral carrying handle extending from one side of the elongated body. Spaced suspension straps are associated with the elongated body for mounting same relative to a sealing or wall structure. The air cleaner unit within the elongated body includes an integrally molded motor frame and fan venturi within the elongated body. The integrally molded motor frame supports the motor within the elongated body while the fan venturi is located in the vicinity of a motor driven fan blade to facilitate the flow of air through the elongated body.

Abstract: A smoke removal device, especially designed for use in welding, having one or more portable funnels, with a wide opening through which suction may be directed to remove smoke from particular areas where combustion is taking place, and a narrow opening opposite to the wide opening, a vacuum device for creating the suction by which the smoke is removed, the vacuum device having an inlet valve for each funnel, and hoses connecting the narrow opening of each portable funnel to one of the inlet valves of the vacuum device. In a preferred embodiment, the portable funnel is connected to a base containing magnets. The funnel is connected to the base by a first cylinder extending downward from the funnel, with the first cylinder fitting inside a second cylinder attached to the base, with the funnel and first cylinder being rotatable in relation to the base and the second cylinder. A wheeled, multifilter carriage is provided to clean smoke coming from the funnel before it is exhausted into the surrounding air.

Abstract: A portable air cleaner designed to remove fine particles and unwanted gases from a room to provide for a healthier and cleaner environment. The portable air cleaner includes a high air volume circulating design and operates quietly and efficiently. The portable air cleaner is designed to minimize the unsettling of particles which have settled out on the floor about the base of the air cleaner so as not to aggravate the particle concentration within the room environment. The portable air cleaner includes a particle filter designed to have ultra high efficiencies with respect to particle removal. Disposed coterminous to the particle filter to remove unwanted gases from the filter air to provide for improved cleaner and healthier environment.

Abstract: An exhaust system, including a hand-held exhaust wand is employed to remove laser smoke plumes generated at a surgical site. The wand includes a transparent cylindrical shroud containing a conical filter that diverges in the proximal direction. An adapter, removably coupled to the shroud at its proximal end, enables coupling of the wand to standard vacuum tubing, connectors and other components for exhausting air that flows through the wand. The wand is positioned with its distal end confronting the surgical site, whereby plumes and odor generated at the site are immediately drawn into the wand through its distal opening. As air passes through the filter toward a proximal opening of the wand, the conical filter traps the airborne contaminants to protect against contamination of downstream components. The removable coupling of the shroud enables convenient exchange of the filter.

Abstract: A modular filtration system for cleaning HVAC ductwork includes first and second modular assemblies containing a plurality of filters. The modules can be easily transported into a site and connected to one another and to the ductwork. The system includes a plurality of wheels and external assembly protruding from the housing to assist in wheeling the housing up and down stairs.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for cleaning HVAC ductwork, including the steps of transporting first and second modular filter assemblies to a site, connecting them in sealed fluid communication with one another and to the ductwork, drawing fluid through the filtration system from the HVAC ductwork, exhausting filtered fluid from the filtration system and tilting the housing so that any stairs present at the site bear against a bearing surface of an external conveyance assembly as the modules are transported up and down stairs.

Abstract: A hand-held deodorizer which includes a cylindrical housing having a centrally mounted fan, and upper and lower air permeable barriers. At least one of the air permeable barriers includes a filter which absorbs odors from air drawn therethrough. The deodorizer further includes a U-shaped handle attached to the periphery of the housing disguising the deodorizer so it resembles a drinking mug. The handle contains batteries and a push-button switch permitting the user to selectively provide power to rotate the fan. The deodorizer can easily be transported and manipulated by the handle and placed adjacent a source of wretched odor. Upon actuation of the push-button switch, the fan draws air from the source of odor through the filter or filters where the wretched odor is reduced or eliminated, and dissipates the odor-reduced air into the surrounding environment. A flagrance impregnated member masks the scent of the dissipated air by providing it with a pleasant odor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying oxygen to passengers on board an aircraft in the form of a portable machine including a housing having a shape and size allowing it to be positioned under a seat on the aircraft, an air separation device in the housing for separating oxygen from the air inside the aircraft, a self-contained compressed air supply in the housing including a compressor operatively connected to the air separation device and a brushless d-c motor for driving the compressor, and a circuit for connecting the d-c motor to the aircraft electrical power source including converting the a-c voltage and current on board the aircraft to d-c voltage and current for operating the motor. The brushless motor insures compliance with airline requirements that the machine generates a low level of electrical interference. The machine includes an intake resonator and a muffler associated therewith for reducing the level of noise generated to a value acceptable for airline use.

Abstract: A humidity moisture exchanger (HME) for trapping heat and/or moisture normally lost during mechanical ventilation and the like. This HME includes a housing having a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber includes a pair of fluid ports connectable, in series, to a fluid flow tube extending from the patient. Inside the housing is a filter or an absorbent heat and moisture collecting material. To permit the uninhibited passage of fluid through the housing, the absorbent material is removed from the second chamber area and temporarily stored within the first chamber area.

Abstract: An improvement in filter construction, wherein the filter has a metal end cap affixed over the front end of corrugated filtering material within the filter, the metal end cap having a radially extending portion and inner and outer axially extending portions with one of the axially extending portions being longer than the other. Plastisol is used to bond the metal end cap to the end face of the corrugated filtering material and a seal of vulcanized rubber having a hardness of 35 to 40 durometer is bonded to the outside surface of the end cap. The opposite end of the filter is closed with a circular metal pan bonded thereto with plastisol. A loop is pivoted on the circular metal pan to facilitate withdrawing the filter from a filter housing after the filter has been used for a prescribed period of time or has become clogged.

Abstract: A dust filter bag for a vacuum cleaner, having a holding plate (1) of a cardboard paper material, which holding plate (1) has a sealing-closable opening (9) for a suction pipe of a vacuum cleaner, the opening (9) being adapted to be closed from the outside by a separate closure tab (10) which has an insertion region, and, in order to obtain an improved dust filter bag, the cardboard-paper material is developed in three layers (layers a, b, c) in the region of the opening (9) and in at least two layers in the remaining region of the holding plate (1), a rubber gasket (11) being gripped between two layers, preferably the second and third layers (b, c).

Abstract: A high voltage electrostatic filter has alternating oppositely charged plates with an ionizing wire affixed directly to alternate plates so as to be included in a removable charged assembly unit which may also include the high voltage source and deflection of the direction of air flow by the charged plates brings airborne particulate into contact with the plates.

Abstract: Filter unit assembly located at an operator-designated position is provided for enabling fluid flow through a removable mesh filter and ready disconnectibility from a vacuum line with the avoidance of liquid spillage from the filter unit assembly. The filter unit has a chamber which is open at one end and closed at its other end except for an outlet conduit displaced from the longitudinal axis of the chamber, first and second outwardly extending grip means which are displaced from each other about the longitudinal axis of the chamber, first and second supports for permitting the unit to rest in different stable positions, and a cap member for which engages and closes the front end of the chamber and has an axial inlet.