With Additional Support Means Not Positively Engaged Or Joined To Media (e.g., Across Face Of Filter) Patents (Class 55/501)
  • Patent number: 6941630
    Abstract: An air filter cabinet designed for a relatively large electronic air filter cells is adapted to receive and position a relatively smaller filter element without an associated loose fitting relationship and air leakage. A plurality of S-shaped adaptor elements are each removably interconnected to a respective guide rail in the cabinet to reduce the size of a cavity so as to accommodate the smaller filter element and secure it in a fixed position while preventing air leakage therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald M. Wynn
  • Patent number: 6918940
    Abstract: A filter element with a replaceable filtration panel held in place in a frame by elastic straps. A course support screen may be included atone side of the filtration panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Imagine One
    Inventors: Robert W. Lackey, Roy Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6911060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor standing treatment device that has a front panel and a mainframe assembly adapted to be removably attachable to the front panel. The mainframe assembly has an integrally molded latching mechanism having a latch and one or more L shaped guides configured to cooperate with one or more pairs stops for limiting lateral movement of the latch. The latch is adapted to engage a portion of the front panel for securely attaching the front panel to the mainframe assembly. The air purifier may also have a cavity positioned along a bottom edge of a back housing to house an electrical cord provided with the air purifier. Additionally, the air purifier may also have an elongated slot positioned at the apex of the mainframe assembly for allowing one or two handed carrying of the air purifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Kaylan, Guolian Wu, Armando Luisi, Andrew D. Litch, Paul B. Allard
  • Patent number: 6890366
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards an air filter assembly in an air induction system in a motor vehicle. The air filter assembly comprises a housing and layered filter disposed in the housing. The air filter assembly provides for a sealing surface such that the air filter is sealed in the housing such that the filter can not removed without breaking the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Neville Jimmy Bugli, Celine Jee Dixon
  • 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: 6863706
    Abstract: In order to achieve the object of providing a module having improved mechanical characteristics as well as a wide range of application, it is proposed that the module include at least one layer having open porosity, having an outer side facing a medium flowing into the module and an inner side facing away from the inflowing medium, manufactured from a material that can be sintered, selected from a group including metals, metal oxides, metal compounds, and/or metal alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: GKN Sinter Metals GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Röthig
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6793715
    Abstract: The invention provides a filter that can be cut-to-fit or deformed to fit a variety of differently shaped and sized intakes. The invention also provides a filter kit that allows a user to create a filter of a desired size with attaching mechanisms to secure the filter to or on the intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Leslye Sandberg
  • Patent number: 6793703
    Abstract: A filter apparatus for use in filtering air flow through an air-conditioning or heating system. The filter apparatus comprises a frame, a filter element, and a support member for preventing deformation of the filter element due to the force of air flow thereacross. The frame has a substantially E-shaped cross-section formed by an outer side, a pair of legs, and a rib disposed between the legs such that first and second channel sections are formed. The support member is disposed in the first channel section and across a central opening through the frame such that the rib and one of the legs hold the support member in place without the necessity of attaching the support member to the frame. The filter element is disposed in the second channel section and across the central opening of the frame. The frame is formed of an extruded length of material having three notches cut therein. The material is bent adjacent to each of the notches to form three corners of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: IAQS, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan S. Sledge, Mark A. Sledge
  • Patent number: 6790261
    Abstract: A rigid frame is provided for a conventional air filter as used in ductwork of air handling systems in homes, buildings and the like. The frame includes a first section having a series of apertures and a second section slideably mounted thereto. The second section likewise includes a series of apertures for air passage. The method describes placing a conventional filter in the filter frame and adjusting its length to accommodate the selected filter, the filter can then be placed within the air handling system in a usual seat without fear of dislodgement due to flexing or bending of the air filter when it becomes loaded with dust and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Glenwood Delts
  • Patent number: 6776815
    Abstract: A particulate filter can be prevented from being damaged. The ashes can be removed from the particulate filter without by burning. A non-woven welding operation for a sealing portion can be simplified. The operability is enhanced by facilitating an insertion of a multi-layer body into a heat resisting container. The number of recycling processes executed when particulate matters such as soot are accumulated on the particulate filter is made as small as possible. A particulate filter 1 comprises an axial core 7 composed of a heat resisting metal, a multi-layer body 3 formed by winding said axial core with a multi-layer member into which a non-woven fabric 11 and a corrugated sheet 13 each composed of a heat resisting metal are tiered, and a heat resisting container 5 charged with said multi-layer body 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Zenichiro Kato, Hiromichi Yanagihara, Kazuhiko Shiratani, Youichi Nagai, Satoru Itsuaki, Kohei Shimoda, Kazutoshi Shibutani
  • Patent number: 6773480
    Abstract: A ring filter comprising a star-shaped folded filtering material and a closure on both front sides thereof in the form of a closed end disc. This closure has a plate-shaped insert forming the central area of the closure and located radially inside the filtering material. The insert is made of a different material from that of the rest of the closure. The invention aims at providing a ring filter than can be rationally produced and that is more resistant and durable. To this end, the ring filter has a radially permeable tubular frame that extends approximately along the entire axial length of the ring filter that borders radially inward on the filtering material; and wherein the plate-shaped insert is connected to the tubular frame and wherein the material of the closure is a foamed plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Köhler, Wilhelm Schönherr, Norbert Vorbach
  • Patent number: 6740149
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsunori Sudoh
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040074214
    Abstract: An air filter housing slidably receives an air filter therein, without requiring the air filter housing to be removed from the wall, floor or ceiling surrounding an air duct. The air filter housing varies in size in at least one dimension, to reduce the quantity of air filters and air filter housing required to accommodate a wide variety of air duct types and sizes. The air filter housing is mounted to a register, diffuser or return air grill covering an air duct. The air filter is slidably received in the air filter housing, for ease of removing, cleaning or replacing the air filter. The air filter housing is adaptable to receive a variety of air filters which are custom designed to remove specific pollutants from the air, to improve the air quality in a home or office.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph C. Henson
  • Patent number: 6716266
    Abstract: A dust filter for a ducted air delivery system has a frame, a filter, an extension of rubbery thermoplastic material, and an integral lip. The frame defines an open mouth and a body portion formed of rubbery thermoplastics material reinforced with one or more stiffening elements. The filter material extends from sides of the frame to cover the open mouth. The intermediate extension of rubbery thermoplastic material extends outwardly from a joint with the body portion. The integral lip of flexible resilient material is joined to the intermediate extension. The lip of flexible resilient material is shaped to make a friction fit within the outlet of a duct to hold the dust filter therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Craig Douglas McNaughton
  • 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: 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: 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: 6652615
    Abstract: An improved seal and method of making is disclosed for sealing a filter element to a filter mounting. The improved seal comprises a bonding pad formed from a sintered matrix of randomly oriented metallic fiber. The bonding pad is disposed between the filter element and the filter mounting A mechanical fastener coacts between the filter element and the filter mounting for compressing the bonding pad to provide a seal between the filter element and the filter mounting. The bonding pad may be heated to create a frangible seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Nathaniel R. Quick, Robert Malanga, Matthew M. Smolowitz
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6632269
    Abstract: A furnace filter assembly for removing dirt and contamination from air entering an existing furnace is installable on the existing furnace without the need for modification thereof, and includes a filter frame, a supply roll for supporting a continuous length of bulk filter media, a take-up roll for receiving the filter media as it is advanced from the supply roll across the filter frame, a motor for rotating the take-up roll for advancing the filter media, all of which components are mounted on the filter frame. The assembly further includes a motor control system having a pressure sensor, a timer, and a switch in electrical communication with a controller for energizing and de-enegizing the motor in response to conditions of the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph L. Najm
  • Patent number: 6623538
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Rajesh Thakur, Anil Sood, Paramvir Singh Ahuja
  • Patent number: 6620223
    Abstract: An air filter assembly which filters and purifies air prior to entering an external combustion engine includes a conical radially pleated filter element disposed over a filter carrier. When assembled, the pleats of the filter element are trapped between a plurality of internal teeth on an internal comb section of the filter carrier and a plurality of external teeth on an external comb section of an opening of the air cleaner box. The filter carrier further includes a plurality of struts which further shapes the filter element. A locking mechanism secures the air filter assembly to the air cleaner box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Bloomer
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20030124036
    Abstract: The present invention is a retainer and a method of manufacture therefor that can incorporate the ability to condition the flow of a fluid therethrough. The retainer defines an bearing surface for buttressing an element having a fluid flowing therethrough. The retainer is comprised of a plurality of members that if given the proper aspect ratio can condition the flow of a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin J. Low, Warren F. Smith, William C. Pfefferle, Subir Roychoudhury
  • Patent number: 6585788
    Abstract: The width of at least one felt out of a plurality of felts (22 to 24) is formed of ceramic fibers superposed between two wire nets (26, 27) for a heater is made to be narrower than the width w of the wire nets for heater (26, 27), and the width of other felts (22, 24) is made to be the same as the width w of the wire nets (26, 27) for the heater. A superposed body (28) of the wire nets (26, 27) for a heater and the felts (22 to 24) is bent lengthwise to form a tube (21) having a petal shape in section, and a metal frame (31) is connected to both ends of the tube (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takatoshi Sugano
  • Patent number: 6579336
    Abstract: A reversed cube air filter assembly has a frame and filter media. The frame is adapted to be attached to and surround an air intake duct wherein the duct has an intake side and the frame is adapted to protrude outwardly from the intake side. The filter media is adapted to be removably mounted around the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Tri-Dim Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce T. Duffy, John C. Stanley
  • Patent number: 6471736
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Campbell, Jay F. Perkins
  • Patent number: 6447566
    Abstract: A filtration system has a main filter assembly having a frame and filter media comprising pleated sections arranged in a row in V shapes within the frame. The filter media is spaced from an upstream face of the frame a distance sufficient to prevent blinding of the filter media by an upstream filter media, thereby eliminating a filtration stage and reducing the volume of the filtration system. Filter media alignment members disposed within the frame assist in holding the filter media sections in alignment within the frame. In another embodiment, flexible strips of edge banding, preferably of a filter material, are affixed to adjacent upper and lower longitudinal edges of the sections of the filter media. The edge banding minimizes pressure drop across the filter and is simpler and less costly to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Freudenberg Nonwovens Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Samuel Rivera, Simon D. Ladd
  • Publication number: 20020104299
    Abstract: An air filter screen has a corrugated composite screen securely enclosed in a sectional frame. The sectional frame has two first beams respectively attached on first and third side-edges of the composite screen, two second beams respectively attached on second and fourth side-edges of the composite screen, and four right-angle connectors respectively combine the first beams together with the second beams, whereby the composite screen is enclosed in the combined sectional frame. When the composite screen needs to be replaced, the sectional frame is able to be separated, the old composite screen is detached from the opened sectional frame, and then after fitting a new composite screen with the sectional frame, the sectional frame is combined together again, so as to reduce cost of the air filter screen and help environmental protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Yung-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 6419729
    Abstract: Filter assemblies with adhesive attachment systems are provided. In one embodiment, a filter assembly includes a porous filter member and an adhesive disposed on a reinforcement scrim adhesively attached to at least a portion of at least one major surface of the porous filter member, wherein the reinforcement scrim has discrete open areas. In an alternative embodiment, a filter assembly includes a porous filter member that includes fibrous filter media and an adhesive impregnated into discrete regions of the porous filter member such that there is a substantially continuous adhesive region throughout at least about 25% of the thickness of the porous filter member in the discrete regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dean R. Duffy, William M. Stevenson, John F. Reed, David J. Andrews
  • Patent number: 6406509
    Abstract: A framed filter media comprising a filter media having a fluid inlet face and a fluid outlet face with peripheral sidewalls. The peripheral sidewalls are attached to a strip frame by an adhesive-potting compound. The continuous strip frame is formed into three or more (up to an infinite number if the sidewall sections(s) is formed into a circular filter frame) sidewall sections having a substantially flat sidewall and at least two projecting filter retaining tabs which form a channel on a first face of the sidewall section for containing the adhesive potting compound. The sidewall sections are separated by corner notches extending through the retaining tabs at least to the substantially flat sidewalls. Two terminal sidewall sections meet to form a seam such that the sidewall sections circumscribe the filter media peripheral sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Dean Duffy
  • Patent number: 6398839
    Abstract: A self supporting pleated fluid filter medium having different fibers to provide pleats sufficiently self supporting to maintain pleated form during fluid filter treatment, the invention further including low melt fiber and an optional support frame and a method of making such pleated filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: AAF International
    Inventors: Kyung-Ju Choi, Dennis R. Porter, Ronald E. Braswell
  • Patent number: 6387140
    Abstract: An arrangement for filtering a particulate-laden fluid stream in a confined flow-through passage which includes a porous filter media extending thereacross and a velocity distribution control member cooperative with said filter media to preselectively control the velocity of the fluid stream as such fluid stream passes through the entirety of the porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: AAF-McQuay, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyung-Ju Choi
  • Patent number: 6387143
    Abstract: An engine exhaust filter system comprises a housing and a pleated filter element. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet and defines an exhaust flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The pleated filter element is disposed in the exhaust gas flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The pleated filter element includes a filter medium and at least a first perforated support member, the filter medium being disposed adjacent to the perforated filter support member. The filter medium includes a portion extending beyond the perforated support member comprising a seal that prevents or reduces bypass of unfiltered exhaust gas around the pleated filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph G. Adiletta
  • Patent number: 6379412
    Abstract: A air filtering assembly for removing particulate matter from air supplied through HVAC ducts. The air filtering assembly includes a frame assembly including a connection assembly adapted for coupling to an air vent, and an air filter couplable to the frame assembly and positioned adjacent to the air vent for filtering the air directed through the air vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Albert Porterfield
  • Patent number: 6372005
    Abstract: A ceiling fan having a rotatable plate. A filtering media is disposed proximate the peripheral edge of plate and rotatable therewith. A number of curved fan blades are coupled with and extend from the plate, and are disposed annularly to define a central opening so that air is pulled toward the blades and through the filtering media. In another embodiment, a ceiling fan has a circular plate with a number of fan blades attached to the plate and arranged in a ring shape. The circular plate has a number of spacers that are coupled with a lower ring. At least one section of filter media is located between the plate and the ring. Also, at least one door is coupled with the plate and is located at the peripheral edges of the plate and ring to cover at least a section of the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Fiacco
  • Patent number: 6368386
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that use a hydrophobic medium to remove salt and moisture from the intake air of a gas turbine system. The disclosure also relates to systems and methods that use a two stage filtering process to remove particulate material, salt and moisture from the intake air of a gas turbine system. Particulate material is filtered from the intake air at a first stage air cleaner. Subsequently, salt and moisture are removed from the intake air at a second stage salt barrier located downstream from the first stage air cleaner. In certain embodiments, the second stage salt barrier uses a hydrophobic medium to remove salt and moisture from the intake air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Benny Kevin Nelson, Mark Alan Gogins
  • Patent number: 6361578
    Abstract: The Easy-Attach Air-Duct Filter Frame is a simple device that permits ordinary consumer to filter the air issuing from interior air ducts in buildings either with or without forced air circulation systems. The Frame, which consists of four frame sides (1) manufactured to create a channel opening into which a filter or filters may be inserted, is easily installed on the surface of an existing grille by magnetic backing (4a) either by adhering directly on to front surface of the register grille, or by a attaching a thin steel frame (4b) to the surface of the grille before attaching the Frame. Access to the filters for installation, removal, and cleaning is provided by a removable pullout front-grate (3), which secures the filters in the unit when it is in place. A mesh screen (2) at the back of the frame sides (1) helps restrict the passage of dirt and vermin into the Frame unit. The device and its method of installation effectively redirect air flow from the duct through the Frame unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Rhonda Rubinson
  • Patent number: 6358292
    Abstract: A filter cartridge for use in a filter apparatus having a tube sheet is provided. The filter cartridge has a tubular filter with opposite ends, a mounting cap and a mounting plate. The mounting cap is secured to one end of the tubular filter and has a first surface and a ledge extending from the tubular filter. The mounting plate has an opening sized for receipt of the tubular filter. The ledge of the mounting cap overlies the mounting plate when the tubular filter is received within the opening, and, the mounting cap is supported by the mounting plate to enable the first surface to engage the tube sheet when the filter apparatus in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: BHA Group Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack T. Clements
  • Patent number: 6293983
    Abstract: A filter assembly for use in an air filtration unit, particularly for filtering cooking vapors. The assembly includes a filter disposed across an air flow and a grease pre-filter located upstream of the filter. The grease pre-filter is formed principally from wool fiber having an approximate density of 150-200 g/m2 and a loft of substantially 15-20 mm. The use of such a pre-filter substantially prolongs the service life of the filter before cleaning is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald More