Edge Supporting Or Securing Means For Nonplanar Sheet Form Filter (e.g., Zigzag) Patents (Class 55/497)
  • Patent number: 6749657
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignees: Carl Freudenberg KG, Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Uwe Felber, Björn Boschert, Christoph Malig, Tilo Rinckleb, Dieter Schöttmer
  • Patent number: 6743274
    Abstract: A seal member is attached to a peripheral edge portion of a filter body by being fused to semi-melted fibers that form the filter body when the semi-melted fibers are layered over a forming surface. Therefore, the formation of the filter body and the attachment of the seal member can be simultaneously accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Boshoku Corporation
    Inventor: Takanari Takagaki
  • Patent number: 6740136
    Abstract: A filter product includes a filtration media combined with a multi-component frame assembly that can effectively support the filtration media in place proximal to its edges and in accordance with its desired orientation and wherein the assembly can be selectively taken apart to provide access to the filtration media by way of a releasable lock connection. Preferably, a snap-fit releasable locking system is incorporated within the frame design. The present invention is particularly applicable to filtration media comprising pleated filtration media. Such support features include rack-like media engagement elements, which elements are advantageously provided so as to preferably engage the filtration media proximal to its side and end edges from above and below to preferably compress and ensure an effective seal and support connection between the frame and the filtration media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Dean R. Duffy
  • Patent number: 6726751
    Abstract: A filter material includes a filter pad made from a thin, nonwoven fiber mat which has been accordion-pleated, compressed into a unit having a large number of substantially parallel interconnected filter strips, and treated to retain the filter strips in substantially parallel relation to each other. In a preferred embodiment, activated carbon particles are operatively associated with the filter pad. Selected fibers of the nonwoven fiber material are hollow fibers, each having an outer surface, a hollow internal cavity, and an extended slot formed therein, between the hollow internal cavity and the outer fiber surface. Carbon particles may be located between selected filter strips, and additional carbon particles may be disposed within the cavities of the hollow fibers. Methods of forming the filter material, and a filter element made with the filter material are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel E. Bause, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Gordon W. Jones, Peter D. Unger, Alexander Lobovsky
  • Patent number: 6723148
    Abstract: An air induction system comprises flow body (32) and a filter housing (20). The filter housing (20) has a first housing portion (36) and a second housing portion (40) in communication with the air flow body (32). A filter (44) is disposed in the filter housing (20). A connector comprises a wing (54) mounted to a post (70) extending from the first housing portion (36) and a slot (56) on the second housing portion (40). (FIG. 4). The first housing portion (36) has at least one cutout (60) adjacent post (72). (FIG. 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Arden Stass
  • Patent number: 6723150
    Abstract: An air filter assembly comprises a plastic frame containing an air permeable filter media. The media is corrugated to provide a series of pleats. Some of the pleats can be folded more compactly than others, so that the media can fit in various size frames. This can reduce the inventory of filter manufacturers and dealers. The filter frame can be plastic injection molded with integral living hinges to enable the frame to fold from a relatively flat shape to a more box-like structure. The frame includes one or more flip-up saw tooth racks that help define a main series of chambers plus a storage chamber. The main series of chambers supports a portion of the media that is more loosely folded for filtering air. The storage chamber is adjacent the main air stream and holds the more compactly folded, excess pleats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan P. Parker
  • Publication number: 20040065066
    Abstract: A filter pack is formed of a pleated filter section and a top edge band and a bottom edge band that form a frame. The filter section and the frame are formed of a nonwoven polymer material, preferably a polyester material. The filter section is retained in the frame by an adhesive, preferably also a polyester material. The filter pack provides more filtration media per area, leading to more efficient filtration. The filter pack is fully shreddable and does not require separation into various components for recycling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Kent Mertz, Markus Schmitt, Beatrix Yvonne Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6716267
    Abstract: A filter rack is spring loaded to an expanded position to help hold the filter rack at various positions and orientations within a furnace enclosure. The rack may also include a spring-loaded channel whose position adjusts to receive filters of various widths. One set of springs urge two side members of the filter rack outward, while another set of springs urge the channel inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Lawlor, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6709480
    Abstract: A self-supporting, pleated filter, and method of making the same. The method includes forming a plurality of pleats in a filter media that extend along a front face and a rear face. The pleats include a plurality of pleat tips and sloping side surfaces generally perpendicular to the direction of pleating. At least one planar reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating is bonded to the pleat tips on the front face. At least one reinforcing member is positioned along the rear face of the filter media. The filter media is then cut to size. Frame members are applied for some applications. The reinforcing member may be a reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and bonded to the rear face of the filter media prior to the step of forming the plurality of pleats. A second planar reinforcing strip may optionally be bonded to the reinforcing strip pleat tips. The reinforcing member, the first reinforcing strip and the second reinforcing strip can be aligned to form a truss structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Douglas C. Sundet, James F. Pitzen
  • Publication number: 20040050022
    Abstract: A filter element comprising a pleated metal fiber fleece is pleated according to pleating lines, providing an edge with pleat openings to be closed to make gas flowing through the metal fiber fleece. The filter element comprising at least two flanks, each of these flanks comprises a thermally and electrically insulating fabric and a stiff material layer. The thermally and electrically insulating fabric is present at one side of the stiff material layer, providing a thermally and electrically insulated side to the flank. The metal fiber fleece is mounted between the thermally and electrically insulated sides of both flanks, which exercise a clamping force on the edges of the metal fiber fleece in a direction essentially parallel to the pleating lines, while the flanks closing said pleat openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Willy Marrecau, Koen Wastijn, Geert Devooght
  • Patent number: 6702880
    Abstract: An improved inlet silencer/filter for an oxygen concentrator includes a HEPA filter and an adjoining chamber for receiving air flow from the HEPA filter. The chamber is surrounded on one face by the HEPA filter, and by sound absorbing padding on at least 4 other faces. Air is forced from the HEPA filter, through the open chamber and then through the sound absorbing padding by a flow restrictor plate. Air flows from here through air channels and into an open chamber leading to an outlet from the air silencer/filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Porous Media Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Roberts, Chaouki Khamis
  • Patent number: 6699301
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter ventilator that can be installed within an aperture in a wall, in particular the wall of a switch cabinet, circuit box, device housing or the like. The filter ventilator includes at least one ventilator motor (16, 50) with fan blades and a filter (14), which is positioned ahead of the ventilator motor (16) in the airstream. In accordance with the invention a build-in frame (10) with attachment means (24) and an insertion frame (12) are provided. The build-in frame (10) can be permanently fixed within the aperture. The insertion frame (12) is removably inserted into the build-in frame (10), the ventilator motor (16) is releasably connected to the insertion frame (12) and the filter (14) is removably set into the insertion frame (12). In addition, an exhaust filter is provided, which is constructed like the filter ventilator but includes no ventilator motor (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Stego-Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Hartmut Eisenhauer
  • Publication number: 20040035096
    Abstract: An air filter comprising an elastomeric flange member and a filter member mounted therein. The flange member has opposing ends and sides that define a central opening and protruding members integrally formed with the flange member and extending therefrom. The protruding members have opposed inwardly facing faces. The filter member has filter ends and sides and the filter sides are attached to the opposed faces in an insert molding process or via bonding of the filter sides to the respective faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Romanow Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Sangsun Ham
  • Patent number: 6685833
    Abstract: A fluid filter element is provided which is formed from an embossed flat filter material which is folded so as to define a plurality of substantially adjacent walls, each wall having an embossing having a first embossing portion which extends from one side of the wall and a second embossing portion which is adjacent to the first embossing portion and which extends from the other side of the wall, and an adhesive connecting adjacent embossings of adjacent walls, the adhesive having a substantially constant height. Additional embossings can also be provided. A method for forming the fluid filter element is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: LPD Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Lippold
  • Patent number: 6682576
    Abstract: An air filter medium is provided with a porous film made from a polytetafluoroethylene, and a non-woven fabric laminated on at least one side of the porous film. The non-woven fabric has an apparent density satisfying the following equation: apparent density (g/cm3)<1.5×(basis weight (g/m2)/1000)+0.11. The filter medium is produced by a process that includes a first step of producing a porous film formed from a polytetrafluoroethylene, and a second step of laminating a non-woven fabric on at least one side of the porous film on heating roll that has undergone a non-adhesive treatment. The filter medium is used to manufacture an air filter pack, while the air filter pack is used to manufacture an air filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Daikin Industries
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kiyotani, Osamu Inoue, Kunihiko Inui, Yoshiyuki Shibuya, Osamu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6676721
    Abstract: A V-pack filter includes a frame construction having a first frame structure and a second frame structure. The V-pack filter also includes first and second panel sections mounted in extension between the first and second frame structures. The first panel section has first and second ends. The second panel section has third and fourth ends. The first and third ends have a first distance therebetween while the second and fourth ends have a second distance therebetween. The second distance is generally greater than the first distance. The first and second panel sections and the second frame structure define an air flow aperture. A seal arrangement circumscribes the air flow aperture and projects outwardly from the second frame structure. The first frame structure defines a first receiver indent. Assemblies and methods are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Gillingham, Stan M. Koehler, William J. Krisko, Thomas G. Miller, Winston E. Olson, Fred H. Wahlquist, Ervin P. Fuchs, Eugene D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030230063
    Abstract: A reusable filter frame adapted to receive a replaceable filter element 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 means for securing the filter element to the frame and maintaining the filter element in its expanded condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James O. Kubokawa, Ben G. Rogowski, Thomas A. Tedham
  • Publication number: 20030230062
    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 means 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James O. Kubokawa, Ben G. Rogowski, Thomas A. Tedham
  • Patent number: 6652613
    Abstract: An expandable media filter structure is composed largely of biodegradable materials and is environmentally disposable. A plurality of pleated panels are interconnected at their edges so as to be collapsible for storage and shipping purposes but expandable for installation and use. A plurality of ribbons are ultrasonically welded to each of the panel edges, with the ribbon portions between edges being of substantially equal lengths, thereby maintaining equal spacing between the panel edges when the filter is in the expanded condition but allowing an easy collapsing of the filter for storage. Forming a part of the disposable filter are pair of end plates, with each being adhesively attached to an end panel and having a pair of slots formed near their ends for attachment to a nondisposable support structure. The end panels are formed of multiple layers of paperboard which are adhesively bonded and compressed into a U-shaped structure that rigidly supports the filter in its expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Rajendra K. Shah, Dwight H. Heberer, Danny L. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20030205039
    Abstract: A deep format filter element has a peripheral frame with outwardly protruding mounting flanges. The mounting flanges simulate the periphery of a shallow format filter element to allow the deep format filter element to replace the shallow format filter element in many situations. The frame design allows the entire frame to be formed of cardboard and still provide adequate rigidity and strength. The frame includes at least a first cardboard sheet forming individual sides of the frame and panels of the mounting flange. The first cardboard sheet includes for each mounting flange at least two inside folds defining edges of the mounting flange's end panel and first and second side panels. An outside fold defines the second side panel of the mounting flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Brad A. Terlson
  • Patent number: 6641637
    Abstract: An open flow fluid filter has a pleated main filter element having a plurality of pleats in a closed loop having an outer perimeter defined by a plurality of outer pleat tips, and an inner perimeter defined by a plurality of inner pleat tips. The loop has a hollow interior extending along an axis. Fluid to be filtered flows through the main filter element from an upstream dirty side to a downstream clean side, and flows axially in the hollow interior. The main filter element has an axial flow passage extending along the axis and circumscribing the hollow interior and has a flow perimeter greater than the inner perimeter. A safety filter element downstream of the main filter element filters both the axial flow in the hollow interior and additional flow between the flow perimeter and the inner perimeter. A filter with additional flow is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Nelson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent J. Kallsen, Tadeusz Jaroszczyk, Stephen L. Fallon, Z. Gerald Liu, Jerald J. Moy, Jeffrey S. Morgan, Michael J. Connor, Scott P. Heckel, Jon S. Wake
  • Patent number: 6638333
    Abstract: An expandable media filter structure is composed largely of biodegradable materials and is environmentally disposable. A plurality of pleated panes are interconnected at their edges so as to be collapsible for storage and shipping purposes but expandable for installation and use. A plurality of ribbons are ultrasonically welded to each of the panel edges, with the ribbon portions between edges being of substantially equal lengths, thereby maintaining equal spacing between the panel edges when the filter is in the expanded condition but allowing an easy collapsing of the filter for storage. Forming a part of the disposable filter are pair of end plates, with each being adhesively attached to an end panel and having a pair of slots formed near their ends for attachment to a nondisposable support structure. The end panels are formed of multiple layers of paperboard which are adhesively bonded and compressed into a U-shaped structure that rigidly supports the filter in its expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel E. Schuld, Robert C. Squier, Rajendra K. Shah, Dwight H. Heberer, Danny L. Jenkins, Robert G. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20030196420
    Abstract: A filter element of an air filter includes a main body and a substrate. The far infrared emission powder substances are embedded at certain grain sized and at certain ratio to the substrate, thereby forming the main body that is adapted in form to various internal combustion engines. The resonance effect will be created by means of the far infrared emission substances in the filter element of the air filter, thereby making tiny the molecular cluster of water in the moisture-containing air entering into the internal combustion engine for combustion, increasing the molecular freedom, enlarging the contact surface of the oil gas with the air. Therefore, it's easier that the oxygen-containing particles and the oil gas are evenly mixed for reaching an optimal mixture ratio of the original design standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Tung-Sen Chen
  • Publication number: 20030192293
    Abstract: Self-supporting pleated fluid filter medium and method of making the same wherein the filter medium and accompanying flow-through border frame are of coated thermobondable materials, which are heat bonded together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Kyung-Ju Choi, Dennis R. Porter, Paul B. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20030177745
    Abstract: A filter device for an air cleaner includes a frame having four sides beams and four corner members. The beams each has an outer plate and two bars for forming a chamber and for receiving the peripheral portion of a filter element, and for preventing particles from bypassing the filter element and from entering into the air cleaner. An adhesive material may be engaged between the peripheral portion of the filter element and the beams for solidly securing the filter element to the beams. A peripheral member may secure the corner members and the beams together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Tjoen Liang Jauw
  • Publication number: 20030150196
    Abstract: There is provided in a standard ceiling system, comprising suspension rails or elements a movable air delivery diffuser resting on the suspension elements and a filter panel inserted into and retained between the suspension elements and the air delivery diffuser. The filter panel comprises a filter frame and an attached filter designed to be inserted into and retained on the suspension elements of the suspension ceiling. The filter frame has an inner face and an outer face with a filter media retained in the filter frame. The outer edges of the filter media are located and retained adjacent the filter frame inner face. The filter frame outer face has a flexible perimeter flange projecting outwardly from an uppermost portion of the filter frame outer face. This flexible perimeter flange can bend inwardly so as to be substantially flush with said frame outer face and can then flex back outward to engage the suspension elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Dean R. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20030145568
    Abstract: A filtered air vent has a housing with an inlet and outlet, at least one set of spaced apart airflow control elements extending across the housing elements, spaces between the elements, and a pleated filter disposed within the housing. The filter has alternating first and second pleats that open up in opposite first and second directions, respectively. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the pleats that open in a first one of the directions are disposed across the spaces between the elements. The filter may be made from a washable filter material such as, for example, woven polypropylene. The elements in one embodiment of the invention are rotatable blades of a damper disposed within the housing and each of the blades are disposed within a corresponding one of the pleats that open in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Hodge
  • Patent number: 6602328
    Abstract: A gas turbine suction air filter is provided wherein, despite a large capacity, dust is easily removed by an ultrasonic washer. A gas turbine suction air filter (1) has a box-like frame member (3) and a filter cloth (5) contained in the frame member (3). The frame member (3) is made of a metal material, preferably a stainless steel. The filter cloth (5) is formed having many pleats so that many folded faces (7) are formed. No intervening member is provided between adjacent folded faces (7, 7), with only a space being arranged there. The filter cloth (5) is a non-woven fabric of a synthetic resin fiber, preferably a polypropylene fiber. While this filter (1) has a large capacity, an ultrasonic wave reaches the entire filter cloth (5) when the filter (1) is washed by an ultrasonic washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Kawasaki Prime Mover Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Doi, Toyosei Aota, Katsutoshi Okuno, Shigeru Maehata, Kenji Isohasi, Tatsuo Adachi, Satosi Hara
  • Patent number: 6599343
    Abstract: An expandable media filter structure is composed largely of biodegradable materials and is environmentally disposable. A plurality of pleated panels are interconnected at their edges so as to be collapsible for storage and shipping purposes but expandable for installation and use. A plurality of ribbons are ultrasonically welded to each of the panel edges, wit the ribbon portions between edges being of substantially equal lengths, thereby maintaining equal spacing between the panel edges when the filter is in the expanded condition but allowing an easy collapsing of the filter for storage. Forming a part of the disposable filter are pair of end plates, with each being adhesively attached to an end panel and having a pair of slots formed near their ends for attachment to a nondisposable support structure. The end panels are formed of multiple layers of paperboard which are adhesively bonded and compressed into a U-shaped structure that rigidly supports the filter in its expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Fredrick, Daniel E. Schuld, Robert C. Squier, Rajendra K. Shah, Dwight H. Heberer, Danny L. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6592643
    Abstract: An expandable media filter structure is composed largely of biodegradable materials and is environmentally disposable. A plurality of pleated panels are interconnected at their edges so as to be collapsible for storage and shipping purposes but expandable for installation and use. A plurality of ribbons are ultrasonically welded to each of the panel edges, with the ribbon portions between edges being of substantially equal lengths, thereby maintaining equal spacing between the panel edges when the filter is in the expanded condition but allowing an easy collapsing of the filter for storage. Forming a part of the disposable filter are pair of end plates, with each being adhesively attached to an end panel and having a pair of slots formed near their ends for attachment to a nondisposable support structure. The end panels are formed of multiple layers of paperboard which are adhesively bonded and compressed into a U-shaped structure that rigidly supports the filter in its expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Rajendra K. Shah, Dwight H. Heberer, Danny L. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6579337
    Abstract: A filter element formed of a pleated filter medium (11) and having a seal or gasket element (15) on its periphery or end faces. On one side of the filter element, which may represent either the inlet or the outlet side of the filter element, at least one adhesive track or reinforcing member (12, 13, 14), and preferably at least two adhesive tracks or reinforcing members (12, 13, 14), is/are arranged in such a way that the filter element can be bent to a curved configuration in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: MHB Filtration GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tanja Heilmann, Rolf Weber, Stefan Weiss
  • Patent number: 6579350
    Abstract: A pleatable high efficiency non-woven, gas filtration media is provided. The media has an electrically charged air laid fibrous layer with a thickness between about 2 and about 35 mils, and a wet laid fibrous layer having a thickness of between about 5 and about 35 mils. The combined layers have, (a) a thickness of between about 10 and about 50 mils, (b) a stiffness of between about 200 and about 3500 mgs, (c) a Frazier of between about 10 and about 400 CFM, and (d) an &agr; of at least 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Lydall, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Doherty
  • Patent number: 6569219
    Abstract: An air filter element has a cylindrical filter media sleeve axially slidable along and around an inner liner from either axial end of the sleeve. First and second end caps at distally opposite axial ends of the liner and sleeve each have a central aperture, the aperture in the first end cap providing air flow therethrough in communication with the hollow interior of the liner, the aperture in the second end cap retaining a closing cover. The cylindrical filter media sleeve extends axially along the inner liner and is axially retained between the cover and the first end cap. The cover is removably mounted to the second end cap in snap-in relation and axially retains the sleeve on the inner liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Nelson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Connor, Kent J. Kallsen, Rebecca A. Beier, Carl P. Harris, Mark V. Holzmann, Robert A. Bannister
  • Patent number: 6568540
    Abstract: A filter (12) has a resiliently compressible thermally and chemically resistive combined unitary frame and gasket member (22) extending along its perimeter (18) and supporting a filter media element (16) and sealed to both the filter media element and the housing (20). One or more flange portions (34, 72, 94, 96, 118, 130) have one or more hollow channels (36, 74, 90, 92, 120, 132) deformed by engagement with the housing and reducing required closure force of the housing thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Nelson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Holzmann, Michael J. Connor, Robert A. Bannister
  • Publication number: 20030089089
    Abstract: A filtration element of a respirator or breathing mask including rear and front walls and a pleated separating layer that is not coextensive with the walls. The pleated separating layer maintains the front and rear walls in a spaced-apart relationship resulting in high filtration performance and reduced breathing resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Keith E. Fecteau, Don Seeto
  • Publication number: 20030089091
    Abstract: A self-supporting, pleated filter, and method of making the same. The method includes forming a plurality of pleats in a filter media that extend along a front face and a rear face. The pleats include a plurality of pleat tips and sloping side surfaces generally perpendicular to the direction of pleating. At least one planar reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating is bonded to the pleat tips on the front face. At least one reinforcing member is positioned along the rear face of the filter media. The filter media is then cut to size. Frame members are applied for some applications. The reinforcing member may be a reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and bonded to the rear face of the filter media prior to the step of forming the plurality of pleats. A second planar reinforcing strip may optionally be bonded to the reinforcing strip pleat tips. The reinforcing member, the first reinforcing strip and the second reinforcing strip can be aligned to form a truss structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Douglas C. Sundet, James F. Pitzen
  • Patent number: 6555218
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flame retardant hot melt composition comprising from about 10% to about 60% by weight of the adhesive of at least one copolymer of ethylene, from about 10% to about 70% by weight of the adhesive of a flame retarding hydrated inorganic compound and from about 5% to about 35% by weight of at least one wax component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: H. B. Fuller Licensing & Financing Inc.
    Inventors: Kristine D. Halloran, Cheryl Y. Chase
  • Publication number: 20030070406
    Abstract: A filter product includes a filtration media combined with a multi-component frame assembly that can effectively support the filtration media in place proximal to its edges and in accordance with its desired orientation and wherein the assembly can be selectively taken apart to provide access to the filtration media by way of a releasable lock connection. Preferably, a snap-fit releasable locking system is incorporated within the frame design. The present invention is particularly applicable to filtration media comprising pleated filtration media. Such support features include rack-like media engagement elements, which elements are advantageously provided so as to preferably engage the filtration media proximal to its side and end edges from above and below to preferably compress and ensure an effective seal and support connection between the frame and the filtration media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Dean R. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20030070405
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an accordion filter insert in which an accordion filter pack is introduced into a mold and a space remaining thereafter in the mold is filled with a liquefied polymer material so as to form a frame surrounding the accordion filter pack. At least one peripheral elastically deformable sealing lip, consisting of the material of the frame, is produced together with the frame and is consolidated concurrently therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: UDO MICHAELIS, DIETER LINSE, JORGEN KNUDSEN
  • Publication number: 20030056479
    Abstract: A self-supporting filter media, comprising a batt made of thermoplastic fibers, and heat induced scores provided at predetermined intervals along a length of the batt. The batt has a shape memory induced by the scoring whereby the batt will self pleat when heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Harley LeMaster
  • Patent number: 6533845
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an 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 first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end portion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6527838
    Abstract: One or two filters in brackets are integrated with a square or circular fan. Filters and associated brackets are provided both in the front and in the rear of the fan in one embodiment. In another embodiment, a single filter in a bracket is provided at the rear of the fan. The filter(s) can be pre-pleated and pre-activated carbon filter(s). The fan housing can include a pocket for adding an odorizing and/or deodorizing agent. A plurality of stick-on right-angled brackets having the capacity of adjustable clearance to snugly hold the filters is another embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Giovanni D. Volo, Salvatore R. Carabetta
  • Publication number: 20030037521
    Abstract: A filter assembly for use in filtering air in an air conditioning system has a water resistant front grille through which air enters the assembly and a water resistant rear grille through which filtered air is exited. The ends of these grilles are not apertured and are bent over and joined together to form a container structure. An air permeable filter element in the form of a pleated or undulating sheet is installed in the container structure, the opposite ends of the pleated sheet being attached to opposing sides of the grilles. The pleated sheet runs between the front and rear grilles and extends from the top to the bottom of the grilles. The filter sheet has a filtering media which may be of fiberglass on the side thereof which faces the front grille and a stiffened backing providing structural support, on the side facing the rear grille. The fiberglass, while passing air resists the passage of liquid therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Craig Chicks, Randy Harbur, Bruce Day, Ky Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6521011
    Abstract: A self-supporting, pleated filter, and method of making the same. The method includes forming a plurality of pleats in a filter media that extend along a front face and a rear face. The pleats include a plurality of pleat tips and sloping side surfaces generally perpendicular to the direction of pleating. At least one planar reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating is bonded to the pleat tips on the front face. At least one reinforcing member is positioned along the rear face of the filter media. The filter media is then cut to size. Frame members are applied for some applications. The reinforcing member may be a reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and bonded to the rear face of the filter media prior to the step of forming the plurality of pleats. A second planar reinforcing strip may optionally be bonded to the reinforcing strip pleat tips. The reinforcing member, the first reinforcing strip and the second reinforcing strip can be aligned to form a truss structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Douglas C. Sundet, James F. Pitzen
  • Publication number: 20030029146
    Abstract: A filter assembly and method includes a filter media attached to a perimeter frame using a polyimide material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: General Signal Technology
    Inventor: John Patrick Quigley
  • Publication number: 20030029145
    Abstract: To enlarge an opening area in an element retainer supporting a clean side of an element, to reduce resistance to air passage and thereby to enlarge intake air quantity. The interior of an air cleaner is surrounded by a case and a lid is partitioned by an element into a dirty side and a clean side. An opening portion on the side of the clean side of an element holder supporting the element is covered by an element retainer, and the element retainer is formed in the shape of a louver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Katsunori Sudoh
  • Patent number: 6508851
    Abstract: A filter including a housing with a bottom shell (11) and a cover (13) for receiving a filter element (10). The filter element has a seal (17) that is made of non-woven material and is also used as a filtering medium. The filter element is clamped in a slot (16) between clamping ribs (20) and clamping grooves (21). Manufacturing tolerances of the housing parts can thus be compensated over a wide range. This leads to improved economic efficiency in the manufacturing process, especially as regards the production of synthetic resin housings. In addition, the assembly and retaining forces acting between the parts of the housing can be reduced, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Goerg
  • Patent number: 6507717
    Abstract: A filter unit includes a corrugated filter, and a casing for containing the filter. A reinforcement member is formed by casting a resin material into at least one recess of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Kushida
  • Publication number: 20030005671
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Uwe Felber, Bjorn Boschert, Christoph Malig, Tilo Rinckleb, Dieter Schottmer
  • Publication number: 20020184862
    Abstract: A high-performance filter for an intake air for a gas turbine according to the present invention includes a low-efficiency filter media and a high-efficiency filter media superposed closely on each other in the named order from an upstream side in a direction of an air flow. Each of the filter media is formed with a filtering area of 20 to 35 m2. The filter media having a filtration efficiency of 40 to 70% for particles having a particle size of 0.3 &mgr;m is disposed as a layer upstream in the air flow direction, and the filter media having a filtration efficiency of 90 to 99.99% for particles having a particle size of 0.3 &mgr;m is disposed as a downstream layer. In addition, a filter unit according to the present invention is made using the above filter, Thus, even when the filter unit is used for atmospheric dusts including a high concentration of dusts having a particle size of 0.3 to 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Ohno, Fumio Nakajima, Hitoshi Niinuma