Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
176 words
In a tank having media for filtering fluid and means for supplying pressurized air, an elongated flexible air hose positioned below at least some of the filtering media and connected to the air supplying means, the air hose having a normally flattened transverse cross section provided by a pair of opposed substantially flat and substantially vertically extending peripheral wall portions and upper and lower arcuate peripheral wall portions extending between the flat portions, the air hose being provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings through the lower arcuate wall portion, the substantially flat wall portion and the upper arcuate wall portion being imperforate, the openings in the lower arcuate wall portion being normally closed against the passage of filter media therethrough, the hose being expandable by the introduction of pressurized air thereto to open the openings whereby air may flow through the openings and through the filter media above the hose, the hose being collapsible to its original configuration in which the openings are closed when pressurized air is no longer introduced to the hose.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
176 words
In a tank having media for filtering fluid and means for supplying pressurized air, an elongated flexible air hose positioned below at least some of the filtering media and connected to the air supplying means, the air hose having a normally flattened transverse cross section provided by a pair of opposed substantially flat and substantially vertically extending peripheral wall portions and upper and lower arcuate peripheral wall portions extending between the flat portions, the air hose being provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings through the lower arcuate wall portion, the substantially flat wall portion and the upper arcuate wall portion being imperforate, the openings in the lower arcuate wall portion being normally closed against the passage of filter media therethrough, the hose being expandable by the introduction of pressurized air thereto to open the openings whereby air may flow through the openings and through the filter media above the hose, the hose being collapsible to its original configuration in which the openings are closed when pressurized air is no longer introduced to the hose.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The structure of claim 1 in which the hose is made of elastomeric material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The structure of claim 1 in which the centers of the openings are spaced from about 4 to about 6 inches apart.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The structure of claim 3 in which the openings are elongated orifices from about three-eighths inch to about 1 inch long.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The structure of claim 1 in which the openings are elongated orifIces from about three-eighths inch to about 1 inch long.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure of claim 1 in which the means for supplying pressurized air includes an air conduit supported within the tank, the air hose being connected to the air conduit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
The structure of claim 1 in which the tank has a vertically extending cylindrical side wall, the air conduit extending generally diametrically across the tank, each hose having both ends thereof connected to the conduit and extending outwardly from the air conduit toward the side wall of the tank.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The structure of claim 7 in which an intermediate portion of each hose extends adjacent the side wall of the tank, and means on the tank for supporting the intermediate portions of the hoses.