With Additional Transversely Arranged Members Patents (Class 55/499)
  • Publication number: 20100107577
    Abstract: A filter element, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The element generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration, and an axial seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Methods of assembly and use are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William Joseph Krisko, Wayne R.W. Bishop, Steven Scott Gieseke, Carolyn J. Finnerty, David W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7628834
    Abstract: An exemplary compressed air filter assembly for nail gun has an end cap at a handle of the nail gun, having an inlet aperture for guiding external compressed air therein, communicating with a main air chamber of the handle; an inlet pipe extending in the inlet aperture and the main air chamber, having a ring-shaped step formed at an inner peripheral surface of a sidewall thereof; and a filter disposed at the inlet pipe. At least one bar is provided at the sidewall of the inlet pipe, transversely disposed in the inlet aperture, and the filter being disposed between the at least one bar and the ring-shaped step. The compressed air filter assembly for nail gun utilize the at least one bar to support a center portion of the filter, which can improve the strength of the filter to resist the blasting of the compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignees: De Poan Pneumatic Corp., Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Po-Feng Huang, Marco Laubach
  • Patent number: 7615091
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Scott Gieseke, William M. Juliar, Edward A. Steinbrueck, Wayne R. W. Bishop, Patrick Golden, Wayne C. Musselman
  • Patent number: 7582131
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a filter assembly for removing particulate matter from a fluid stream is disclosed. The filter assembly includes a filter medium having a number of longitudinally extending spaced pleats. Opposing faces of adjacent pleats form a valley therebetween and include a pair of peak portions and a valley portion. The filter assembly further includes a plastic support net being pleated for supporting the filter medium in a pleated shape. The plastic support net includes spaced strands extending in a first direction and spaced strands extending in a second direction that is generally transverse the first direction. The strands extending in the first direction continuously extend over the valley and peak portions of opposing faces of adjacent filter medium pleats and are aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filter medium pleats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Conwed Plastics LLC
    Inventors: Chris E. Worthington, Christopher P. Hakanson, Keith E. Misukanis
  • Publication number: 20090188222
    Abstract: An air treatment system includes features for maximizing efficiency and effectiveness. In one embodiment, a sensor air passage utilizes a low pressure region created by the blower to draw air through the passage. In another embodiment, a filter frame includes a plurality of connectors formed integrally with the filter frame. In another embodiment, a screen is positioned adjacent to the blower intake. The screen includes a plurality of angled strands oriented in a particular direction. In another embodiment, a remote control holder is formed integrally with the housing. In another embodiment, a gasket is positioned between the blower and the housing, forming a seal between the blower and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Gregory K. Evans, Bradley J. Pippel
  • Publication number: 20090139190
    Abstract: A bypass flow filter includes a plurality of channels which are formed of at least one structured wall layer and a filter layer. Projecting guide vanes and passages, which are formed by the wall layer and lead to a different channel, are provided in at least a majority of the channels. The passages have a narrowing cross section and a narrowing part of the cross section is directed towards an adjacent guide vane. An exhaust system and a vehicle having a bypass flow filter, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicants: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUR EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH, TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kait Althofer
  • Patent number: 7537632
    Abstract: A panel filter frame and panel filter are provided. The panel filter frame is made from a one-piece die-cut blank of material. The die-cut blank includes a grill portion, four sidewall portions and four flap portions all integrally connected. Individual sidewall portions are interposed between a side of the grill portion and one of the four flap portions. The plurality of portions of the die-cut blank are interconnected at fold lines. The frame is formed when the die-cut blank is folded about the fold lines and the portions are secured in the folded position by at least a plurality of interlock receptacles formed in the terminating folded portion of the die-cut blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Clarcor Air Filtration Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Miller, Mitch Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7507279
    Abstract: A fuel adsorption member 16 is fixed to an inner surface of a housing 13 by fixing pins 14. A fuel vapor leaking from an intake system of an engine is adsorbed by an active carbon included in an adsorption sheet member of the fuel adsorption member 16. The fuel adsorption member 16 is arranged along an inner surface of the housing 13. Accordingly, when an engine is operated, the fuel adsorption member 16 can reduce a ventilation resistance without being adversely affecting an intake air E. Further, the fuel adsorption member 16 is fixed to an inner surface of the housing 13 in accordance with a swaging of the fixing pins 14. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a damage of the fuel adsorption member 16 caused by a vehicle vibration, a fluctuation of an intake pressure or the like, and a reduction of a fuel adsorbing function caused by a wear of the active carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiro Mizutani, Yasufumi Shibata
  • Patent number: 7503953
    Abstract: A self-supporting, pleated filter including 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 reinforcing member may be a reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and bonded to the rear face of the filter media. 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: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Douglas C. Sundet, James F. Pitzen
  • Publication number: 20090064647
    Abstract: A filter element (300) comprising a housing (400) and a filter medium (500). The housing (400) comprises a plurality of walls forming a filter compartment (420), and an outlet chamber (422). A downstream wall (448) has a circular outlet opening (470) and an annular sealing gasket (472) surrounding the outlet opening (470). Lower corners (450) and sidewall fingers (452) carry clips (454, 456) for mounting the filter element (300) to an affixed bracket. The bottom wall (442) has a shroud-aligning catch (466) and fastener-insertion receptacles (468) for shroud-securing thumbscrews.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Justin R. Darnell
  • Patent number: 7497888
    Abstract: An air filter element partially-fabricated on site wherein one or more wire frames are fastened to one another to form a structure substantially conforming to the dimensions of the original equipment manufacturer's filter housing. One or more of the wire frames are flexibly attached to each other end-to-end by flexible attachment means, allowing the assembled filter unit to be inserted into the filter housing one frame at a time, with the frame sections yet to be inserted folded or directed off to one side, thus bypassing space restrictions. Flexible attachment means may comprise spring connectors. Also disclosed is an end-cap affixed to or formed at one or both ends of the filter element. The end-caps may also contain printed material, such as text or pictures, which may include instructions for use, identifying labels or symbols, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew P. Ashwood, David M. Kent
  • Patent number: 7481862
    Abstract: A cylindrical shaped pleated media includes adhesive beads arranged on a periphery to bridge pleats and provide structural support for the pleated media. The pleated media is used in a fluid filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Purolator Filters NA LLC
    Inventor: Nishaj Attassery
  • Publication number: 20080250766
    Abstract: Z-filter media pack arrangements and methods for providing them are described. Certain aspects concern a cured-in-place seal on an outside of a coiled z-filter media combination. Other aspects concern a cured-in-place center core, most preferably one that has opposite concave ends with seal arrangements configured to seal a lead end portion of the coiled z-filter media combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Schrage, Eugene Lensing, Jeff S. Rahlf, Wayne R.W. Bishop, Gregory L. Reichter, Benny K. Nelson, Rodger I. Spears, Bruce R. Crenshaw, Vladimir Kladnitsky
  • Publication number: 20080196370
    Abstract: A filter assembly is configured to be incorporated into an exhaust treatment device. The filter assembly comprises a frame, a filter media element, and a plurality of dividers supporting the filter media element within the frame. The frame has a first end and a second end defining a frame length therebetween. The filter media element is disposed within the frame and extends generally perpendicular to the frame length as a series of pleated contours. The plurality of dividers includes a first divider and a second divider. The first divider is disposed adjacent to the filter media element at the first end of the frame. The second divider is disposed adjacent to the filter media element at the second end of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Eric J. Schramm, Phil P. Treier, Bradley R. Postage, Donald W. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7413588
    Abstract: A filter includes a filter element formed of filter media, and a plastic framework molded and bonded to and structurally supporting the filter media. One embodiment desirably provides a two-component assembly consisting solely of two components, namely the filter media and the plastic framework molded thereon. In a further embodiment, the plastic framework includes a resilient seal integrally molded therewith and of the same plastic material thereof, eliminating a separate component for the seal. In a further embodiment, a filter combination includes a primary filter element and a secondary filter element. In a further embodiment, a resilient integrally. molded seal is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Holzmann, Kelly Ann Detra, Jim L. Alonzo, Chirag D. Parikh, Gregory J. Schoenmann, Michael J. Connor, Gary L. Rickle, Barry M. Verdegan
  • Patent number: 7364602
    Abstract: An air cleaner assembly for use with a conventional household air conditioning system with a duct having an opening sized to receive a standard panel filter comprises a peripheral frame sized to be received within the opening in the return duct and sized to receive a standard panel filter. The air cleaner assembly is adapted to move a filter element inserted into the recess to a position exterior of the recess so that multiple filter elements can be mounted inside the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Guolian Wu, Andrew D. Litch, Marcus R. Fischer, Paul B. Allard, Alexander J. Karp
  • Patent number: 7364607
    Abstract: A wrought fiber sheet or air cleaning filter unit that exhibits high performance and is biodegradable so as to enable reducing load upon environment. The wrought fiber sheet is produced by coupling biodegradable fiber sheets having electret properties by means of a configuration reinforcing member of a biodegradable material. Further, the frame for accommodating the wrought fiber sheet is also constituted of a biodegradable member so as to obtain an air cleaning filter unit that exerts biodegradability as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ueda, Toyota Seki
  • Patent number: 7354470
    Abstract: A multiple retainer bridge device is provided for securing a utility member (e.g., a magnet or bracket) to posts on a housing member (e.g., a filter housing). When assembled, the utility member is staked onto the posts. A single retainer member prevents the utility member from sliding off of the posts. The retainer member has at least two ends. Each end has a recess, and each recess has a securing portion and a receptacle portion. The securing portion is fixed to the posts by, for example, sonic welding. Flash created by the fixing process is confined within the receptacle portion of the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Filtertek Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Condrad
  • Publication number: 20070294988
    Abstract: A panel filter frame and panel filter are provided. The panel filter frame is made from a one-piece die-cut blank of material. The die-cut blank includes a grill portion, four sidewall portions and four flap portions all integrally connected. Individual sidewall portions are interposed between a side of the grill portion and one of the four flap portions. The plurality of portions of the die-cut blank are interconnected at fold lines. The frame is formed when the die-cut blank is folded about the fold lines and the portions are secured in the folded position by at least a plurality of interlock receptacles formed in the terminating folded portion of the die-cut blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: Clarcor Air Filtration Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Miller, Mitch Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20070261374
    Abstract: An air filter arrangement, an air cleaner assembly including the air filter arrangement and methods of assembly and use are described. An air filter arrangement comprising a serviceable filter cartridge is described. The typical cartridge includes a recessed first flow face and an opposite outwardly projecting second flow face, with a central apex. Features of the cartridge, and an air cleaner for installation into the cartridge, are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Benny Kevin Nelson, Gregory L. Reichter, Bruce Allen Boehrs, Paul Anthony Wendt
  • Patent number: 7288130
    Abstract: A cassette filter comprising a frame and a pleated filter material that is inserted therein, in addition to a protective grid having passage holes. The protective grid is fastened at a distance from the filter material in the frame and has a flow resistance that is smaller than that of the pleated filter material. The protective grid includes at least one film strip that is bent around the passage holes, said film strip extending parallel relative to the direction of flow of the medium to be filtered, and in that the protective grid recurrently contacts at least one other identically bent film strip outside the passage holes in contact points and is glued to said other film strip in the contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Renate Tapper, Thomas Schroth, Thomas Caesar
  • Patent number: 7258717
    Abstract: The invention is related to a framed filter media comprising a pleated filter media having a fluid inlet face and a fluid outlet face with peripheral sidewalls. The peripheral sidewalls of the pleated filter are attached to the frame generally by an adhesive. The frame is preferably a flexible strip frame formed into three or more (up to an infinite number if the sidewall sections(s) is formed into a circular filter frame) sidewall sections each having a substantially flat sidewall and at least two projecting filter retaining tabs which form a flange on a first face of the sidewall section for containing the filter along its peripheral sidewalls and any adhesive. A cross brace is also inserted within the filter retaining tabs which fits into at least one pleat of the framed pleated filter media. The cross brace fits into the space formed by the pleated filter media but is not in continuous contact with the filter media forming the pleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Dean R. Duffy
  • Patent number: 7255723
    Abstract: A fluid pleated filter assembly arrangement including a method and structure wherein crests of the pleated medium are sharp and narrow being enhanced by alignment of the fibers with the direction of fluid stream flow with the crests being supported by a preselectively controlled breadth and thickness support strip and adhesive fastening band disposed intermediate opposed side edges of the support strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: AAF McQuay, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung-Ju Choi, Dennis R. Porter, Ronald D. Unthank
  • Patent number: 7182804
    Abstract: An arrangement for separating a hydrophobic liquid phase from a gaseous stream includes a coalescer filter, a housing, a gas flow direction arrangement, and a liquid collection arrangement. The coalescer filter includes a non-woven media of fibers. The housing includes an interior having a gas flow inlet and a gas flow outlet. The liquid collection arrangement is positioned within the housing construction and is oriented for receiving liquid collected from the coalescer filter and drained therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Gieseke, Robert A. Dushek, Carolyn J. Finnerty
  • Patent number: 7175699
    Abstract: A filter assembly including a filter medium installed in at least one receptacle. The filter assembly includes a heating system to heat the filter medium. The filter medium includes metal fibers. The receptacle or receptacles are provided with at least one air inlet and with at least one air outlet and a device to eliminate the air and free space around and in the filter medium. The receptacles may include at least two deformable walls, which are membranes made of a polymeric or elastomeric material, and the filter medium may include at least one sintered, non-woven metal fiber web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: NV Bekaert SA
    Inventor: Bruno Aubert
  • Patent number: 7169202
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a reusable filter frame and a replaceable, pleated, reversibly expandable, self-spacing filter removably arranged in the frame. The self-spacing pleated filter expands uniformly with equal pleat spacing to allow the filter to be easily installed in the reusable filter frame without the aid of a secondary spacing structure. When the filter is expanded to the length of the filter frame, the filter is under tension, thereby allowing the length of the filter to be readily adjusted to match the length of the frame and allowing the pleats to be aligned with corresponding ribs provided in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James O. Kubokawa
  • Patent number: 7156891
    Abstract: An air filter including a filter media having a plurality of flat pleats defining a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and a rear face. The truncated pleat tips are oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating and are configured with a planar tip portion. The reinforcement structure includes at least one generally planar first reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of the pleating and connected to the truncated pleat tips along the rear face. The reinforcing structure further includes at least one generally planar second reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the truncate pleat tips along the front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Filtration Group Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip J. Winters, Kevin Hobbs, Michael Corbat, Dean Kerstetter
  • Patent number: 7150774
    Abstract: A replaceable, self-spacing, pleated, filter insert that can be easily installed in a reusable filter frame without the aid of a secondary spacing structure includes reversibly collapsible and expandable filter media including a plurality of pleats that expand uniformly when the filter is expanded. When the filter is expanded to the length of the filter frame, the filter is under tension and behaves like a spring, thereby allowing the length of the filter to be readily adjusted to match the length of the frame and allowing the pleats to be aligned with corresponding ribs provided in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James O. Kubokawa, John F. Reed
  • Patent number: 7135052
    Abstract: A cartridge filter includes a folded package including filter material and a frame holding the folded package. The frame includes a plurality of profiled strips having identical profiles, and each having two ends. The frame also includes a plurality of corner joints, each disposed at an end of a respective profiled strip. Each corner joint includes an end cap for engaging pair wise with an end cap of an adjacent one of the plurality of corner pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Michael Meierhoefer, Renate Tapper, Thomas Caesar, Heiko Knust, Thorsten Schmitt, Norbert Kuck, Rainer Kaffenberger
  • Patent number: 7097684
    Abstract: A high efficiency fluid filter arrangement wherein a combined layer of scrim and filter media applications is of empirically relatively estimated weight size and depth with intermediate pleat spacing so as to arrive at a combined filtration capability value in keeping with selected approved test standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: AAF-McQuay, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyung-Ju Choi
  • Patent number: 7090708
    Abstract: A filter element for filtering a fluid stream, comprising a cylindrical support body, which is provided with openings and is sealed at one axial end, and a filter medium arranged on the support body. The filter medium is a strip material, which extends over approximately the entire length of the support body, and is wrapped around the circumference of the support body, and the start and the end of the strip material are welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Winter, Bernhard Staudenmayer, Angelika Gohle, Holger Weiss
  • Patent number: 7077921
    Abstract: A method of manufacture includes the steps of laminating together a pleated filter media with an expanded wire forming a laminate; pleating the laminate forming a filter pack with a two pleated edges; forming an inner frame with inner front and back panels, an inner top side with two flaps and an inner bottom side with another two flaps; adhering the pleated first edge to the inner top side; inserting a support wire between the inner frame and the filter media; adhering the flaps together to form box to contain the filter media; forming an outer frame with outer front and back panels, an outer top side with two flaps and an outer bottom side with another two flaps; adhering the flaps together to form a second box to contain the filter media; inserting clips to engage the outer and inner frames forming an expandable air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony Dimicelli
  • Patent number: 7070638
    Abstract: The burp filtering device has the body of a writing pen, with an intake port at the upper end of the body, a plurality of exhaust ports adjacent the writing tip, and a filter disposed within the body. The filter may be made of activated charcoal or other media for filtering eructation odors. In use, the user holds the upper end of the pen body to his lips, releases the suppressed burp, and the filtered gas is exhausted through the ports at the writing tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Bryan S. Jeanfreau
  • Patent number: 7044992
    Abstract: In a particle filter for exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, particularly Diesel engines, including a filter body with filter pockets which are formed from sinter metal sheets and are wedge-shaped with an opening at the blunt end and edges formed by converging pocket side walls and arranged adjacent one another such that, between adjacent filter pockets, corresponding opposite spaces are formed with openings facing in a direction opposite to the openings at the blunt end, the filter pockets side walls are spaced from one another by widening means extending along at least an edge of the filter pockets so as to increase the width of the space between the side walls of the filter pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: HJS Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gerhard Jürgen Fränkle, Hermann Josef Schulte, Hans Peter Frisse, Carsten Jutka, Jochen Koll, Franz Kraft
  • Patent number: 7041158
    Abstract: The end cap (2) comprises a cylindrical gasket-type fitting formed of soft, malleable material. The end cap (2) is connected to the end of an air filter (1) with an adhesive (6). The end cap has a general “U” shaped end portion that encases one end of the air filter (1), and includes a locking tab (7). The locking tab (7) is formed on the end cap's (2) interior lip to assist in holding the end cap (2) in place. Pre-molded air filter end caps (2) are primarily designed for use in safety air filters (1) for heavy motor vehicle applications, specifically, off road vehicles such as bulldozers, bob cats, transfer trucks, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Wix Filtration Corp.
    Inventors: Donald Troy Chilton, Mitchell Jerome Baker
  • Patent number: 7004989
    Abstract: Embodiments of a filter assembly and method of fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment, a filter assembly includes a filter media pack disposed in a frame assembly. A first seal biases the filter media pack against a second seal along at least one edge of the media pack. In another aspect, a method of fabricating a filter assembly includes the steps of placing a filter media pack in at least a first portion of a frame assembly and compressing an edge of the media pack between a first and second seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Camfil Farr, Inc.
    Inventor: Niclas Karlsson
  • Patent number: 6955702
    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 a securing mechanism for securing the filter element to the frame and maintaining the filter element in its expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James O. Kubokawa, Ben G. Rogowski, Thomas A. Tedham
  • Patent number: 6955701
    Abstract: An improved filter element is provided. In preferred form, the filter element includes first and second end caps, with media extending therebetween. The end caps are preferably formed from foamed polyurethane, and preferably there are no outer peripheral standoff indents provided in the end caps. Each end cap preferably includes a standoff ring, spaced from an outer perimeter, positioned therein. Preferred approaches to manufacturing such elements are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Schrage
  • Patent number: 6884274
    Abstract: Air filter with a sidewall and inverted cone cap sections; a beveled crown unifying the sidewall with the cap to form a one-piece filter; a seat on the bottom of the wall section with seals for contact with a support; and a flange affixed to the cap to adjust contact with a support surface. The filter media includes four-layer oleophilic cotton mesh layers supported between two structural mesh layers, with an efficacious amount of oil to increase particle trapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Advanced Flow Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Shahriar Nick Niakan, Stuart T. Miyagishima, Christopher C. Beau, Oscar Morales
  • Patent number: 6866700
    Abstract: A filter housing assembly including a substantially frusto-conical shaped housing member having an open end portion and a substantially closed dome shaped portion, the housing member being adaptable for receiving a filter member therewithin and having at least one opening extending through the dome shaped portion for allowing air to enter therewithin. A first end cap member adaptable for engaging one end portion of a filter member is receivable within the housing member, and a second end cap member adaptable for engaging the opposite end portion of a filter member is engageable with the housing member. The second end cap member includes an opening for allowing air to exit the housing member. The housing member includes a centering mechanism engageable with the first end cap member for facilitating centering of the filter member within the housing member when the first end cap member is positioned within the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: AG Industries
    Inventor: Harold P. Amann
  • Patent number: 6860916
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James O. Kubokawa, Ben G. Rogowski, Thomas A. Tedham
  • Patent number: 6852148
    Abstract: An arrangement for separating a hydrophobic liquid phase from a gaseous stream includes a coalescer filter, a housing, a gas flow direction arrangement, and a liquid collection arrangement. The coalescer filter includes a non-woven media of fibers. The housing includes an interior having a gas flow inlet and a gas flow outlet. The liquid collection arrangement is positioned within the housing construction and is oriented for receiving liquid collected from the coalescer filter and drained therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Gieseke, Robert A Dushek, Carolyn J. Finnerty
  • Patent number: 6843820
    Abstract: A filter assembly with a frame and a filter element including a sheet of filter media with attachment strips at opposite ends. The frame positions the filter element with the filter media across a passageway in the frame and with the attachment strips along opposite end parts of a perimeter portion of the frame. Abutments extend along the perimeter portion between its end parts and along opposite edges of the filter material. Projections on the end parts are engaged in openings in the attachment strips and are spaced from the abutments such that the filter element can be mounted on the frame with either of the attachment strips engaged with the projections at either of the end parts while the filter element can only be mounted on the frame with an inlet surface of the sheet of filter material facing the same direction as a front surface of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James O. Kubokawa
  • Patent number: 6814773
    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 panels 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 each collapsing of the filter for storage. Forming a part of the nondisposable framework for support of the disposable filter are a pair of end plates which are C-shaped in cross section for slidably receiving an end panel of the media filter therein. The depth of the C-shaped channel is sufficient to allow a plurality of the unexpended pleats to be stored therein so that a single sized filter may be used for various sizes of cabinet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Rajendra K. Shah, Dwight H. Heberer, Danny L. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20040182055
    Abstract: A collapsible expandable air filter assembly includes an expandable pleated filter media, a filter frame made from a cardboard blank that is pre-scored, slit, creased and die cut to define a central area enabling air passage therethrough, and side and end panels foldable to positions generally normal to the central area to form a perimeter wall about the central area to receive and support the expanded air filter media. A filter grill is formed from a cardboard blank and has an open central area and laterally opposite marginal side and end walls foldable to enable mounting on the filter frame to assist in retaining the filter media within the filter frame. Separating fingers are formed integral with or separate from but connectable to the filter grill and are adopted to be positioned between adjacent expandable pleats to evenly position and secure the filter pleats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Fedders Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald M. Wynn
  • Publication number: 20040172928
    Abstract: A filter assembly including a frame having a through passageway between front and rear surfaces surrounded by a perimeter portion; and a filter element including a sheet of flexible filter media with longitudinal attachment strips at opposite ends and extending at about a right angle to opposite edges of the sheet. Structure on the frame receives and positions the filter element with the sheet of filter media extending across the passageway with an inlet surface of the sheet facing the same direction as the front surface of the frame and with the attachment strips of the filter element extending along opposite end parts of the perimeter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James O. Kubokawa
  • Patent number: 6776814
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment filter (100) is provided for internal combustion engine exhaust, and includes an axially extending cylindrical filter roll (106) having pleated filter media (110) defining a plurality of axially extending flow channels (130), and having a first open-flow section (142) with open flow channels (140), and a second filtering section (148) with alternately sealed flow channels (136, 138) forcing exhaust to flow through (158) the pleated filter media (110). A core section (142) aides filter regeneration by providing an exothermic reaction. A combination catalytic converter and filter includes a first catalytic section (142) treated with a catalyst, and a second filter section (148) with alternately sealed flow channels (136, 138).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt M. A. Badeau, William C. Haberkamp
  • Patent number: 6758877
    Abstract: A filter and a method of manufacturing the filter which is formed by spinning a fiber in a semi-molten state onto a mold such that the mold is provided as a filter structural member. The method obviates the need to remove the filter from the mold and thus simplifies the manufacture of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Boshoku Corporation
    Inventors: Kouichi Oda, Tomohide Nishino
  • Patent number: 6712870
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Willie Luther Stamey, Jr., Robert Sean Cunningham
  • 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