US5106501A — Multi-function filter cartridge with flow distrib…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 153 words

In a filter cartridge including a self-supporting body of a porous filter material having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, said cartridge disposed within a housing and positioned to allow the passage of a fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, and axially along the hollow interior to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the filter body for distributing the flow of fluid through the filter body axially along substantially the full length thereof and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises means formed integrally with said filter body for providing said filter body with a radial flow capacity which varies axially along the length of the body from a minimum adjacent the outlet end to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 153 words

In a filter cartridge including a self-supporting body of a porous filter material having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, said cartridge disposed within a housing and positioned to allow the passage of a fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, and axially along the hollow interior to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the filter body for distributing the flow of fluid through the filter body axially along substantially the full length thereof and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises means formed integrally with said filter body for providing said filter body with a radial flow capacity which varies axially along the length of the body from a minimum adjacent the outlet end to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 48 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for providing the axially varying radial flow capacity comprises said filter body having an axially varying porosity which provides said body with a minimum porosity adjacent said outlet end and a maximum porosity adjacent said remote end.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 46 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for providing the axially varying radial flow capacity comprises a radial inner wall defining the hollow interior of said filter body having a shape which is axially divergent in the direction of said remote end.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the shape of the radial inner wall of said filter body is frustoconical.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 179 words

In a filter cartridge for fluid treatment including a body of bonded activated carbon particles having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, said cartridge disposed within a housing and positioned to allow the passage of the fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, and axially along the hollow interior to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the carbon body for distributing the radial flow of fluid uniformly and equally through the carbon body axially along substantially the full length thereof, thereby maximizing the capacity of the filter body and minimizing the short circuiting through the filtered fluid outlet; and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises means formed as an integral part of said carbon body for providing said carbon body with radial flow capacity which varies axially along the length of the body from a minimum adjacent the outlet end to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 179 words

In a filter cartridge for fluid treatment including a body of bonded activated carbon particles having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, said cartridge disposed within a housing and positioned to allow the passage of the fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, and axially along the hollow interior to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the carbon body for distributing the radial flow of fluid uniformly and equally through the carbon body axially along substantially the full length thereof, thereby maximizing the capacity of the filter body and minimizing the short circuiting through the filtered fluid outlet; and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises means formed as an integral part of said carbon body for providing said carbon body with radial flow capacity which varies axially along the length of the body from a minimum adjacent the outlet end to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 47 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein the means for providing the axially varying radial flow capacity comprises said carbon body having a graduated porosity which provides said body with a minimum porosity adjacent said outlet end and a maximum porosity adjacent said remote end.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 47 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein the means for providing the axially varying radial flow capacity comprises a radial inner wall defining the hollow interior of said carbon body having a frustoconical shape which is axially divergent in the direction of said remote end.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 202 words

In a filter cartridge including a body of bonded activated carbon particles having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, and a particulate filter media bed filling the hollowing interior, said cartridge disposed within a housing and positioned to allow the passage of a fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, into the interior media bed, and axially through the media bed to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the carbon body for distributing a greater portion of the flow of fluid after passing initially through the carbon body axially toward the end of the filter media bed remote from the open end, whereby contact between the fluid and both the carbon body and media bed is substantially balanced and maximized; and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises means formed as an integral part of said carbon body for providing said carbon body with a radial flow capacity which varies axially along the length of the body from a maximum adjacent the outlet end to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 202 words

In a filter cartridge including a body of bonded activated carbon particles having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, and a particulate filter media bed filling the hollowing interior, said cartridge disposed within a housing and positioned to allow the passage of a fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, into the interior media bed, and axially through the media bed to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the carbon body for distributing a greater portion of the flow of fluid after passing initially through the carbon body axially toward the end of the filter media bed remote from the open end, whereby contact between the fluid and both the carbon body and media bed is substantially balanced and maximized; and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises means formed as an integral part of said carbon body for providing said carbon body with a radial flow capacity which varies axially along the length of the body from a maximum adjacent the outlet end to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 47 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the means for providing the axially varying radial flow capacity comprises said carbon body having a graduated porosity which provides said body with a minimum porosity adjacent said outlet end and a maximum porosity adjacent said remote end.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 47 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the means for providing the axially varying radial flow capacity comprises a radial inner wall defining the hollow interior of said carbon body having a frustoconical shape which is axially divergent in the direction of said remote end.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 206 words

In a filter cartridge including a self-supporting body of a porous filter material having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow generally cylindrical interior with an axial open end, and a particulate filter media bed filling the hollow interior, said cartridge disposed within housing and positioned to allow the passage of a fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, into the interior media bed, and axially through the media bed to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means defining at least a portion of the interface between the filter body and the particulate filter media for distributing the radial flow of fluid through the filter body substantially equally along its length, said flow distribution means including barrier means for preventing direct passage of at least a portion of the flow of fluid after passage initially through the filter body into said media bed adjacent the open end and means for directing said portion of the flow axially along said barrier means toward the end of the filter media bed remote from the open end, whereby contact between the fluid and the filter body and media bed is substantially balanced and maximized.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 206 words

In a filter cartridge including a self-supporting body of a porous filter material having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow generally cylindrical interior with an axial open end, and a particulate filter media bed filling the hollow interior, said cartridge disposed within housing and positioned to allow the passage of a fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, into the interior media bed, and axially through the media bed to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means defining at least a portion of the interface between the filter body and the particulate filter media for distributing the radial flow of fluid through the filter body substantially equally along its length, said flow distribution means including barrier means for preventing direct passage of at least a portion of the flow of fluid after passage initially through the filter body into said media bed adjacent the open end and means for directing said portion of the flow axially along said barrier means toward the end of the filter media bed remote from the open end, whereby contact between the fluid and the filter body and media bed is substantially balanced and maximized.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 111 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said flow distribution means comprises: means for providing said filter body with a radial flow capacity which varies axially along the length of the body from a maximum adjacent the outlet end to a minimum adjacent the remote end; and, a cylindrical tubular barrier surrounding a portion of the media bed and extending axially from eh open end of the filter body and terminating in an opposite end portion defining an open area adjacent the remote end of the media bed, and highly previous spacer means defining a substantially open space between said barrier and the interior surface of the filter body.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein the opposite end portion of said tubular barrier terminates spaced from the remote end of said media bed.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said tubular barrier has an axial length in excess of one-half the length of the filter body and media bed.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said tubular barrier is impervious.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 13 comprising a highly porous medium filling said open space between the outer surface of the tubular barrier and the interior surface of said filter body.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said filter body comprises a body of bonded activated carbon particles.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 46 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein the means for providing the axially varying radial flow capacity comprises said carbon body having a graduated porosity which provides said body with a maximum porosity adjacent said outlet and a minimum porosity adjacent said remote end.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 50 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein the means for providing the axially varying radial flow capacity comprises a radially inner wall defining the hollow interior of said carbon body, said inner wall having a frustoconical shape which is axially convergent in the direction of said remote end.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 199 words

In a filter cartridge including a self-supporting body of a porous filter material having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, said cartridge disposed within a housing and positioned to allow the passage of a fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, and axially along the hollow interior to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the hollow interior of the filter body for distributing the flow of fluid through the filter body axially along substantially the full length thereof; and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises a cylindrical tubular member in contact with the filter body and with the surface of the tubular member extending generally normal to the direction of radial flow through said body, said tubular member extending axially from the open end of the filter body to an opposite end adjacent the remote end of the filter body, said tubular member having a uniformly varying porosity along its length which increases progressively from a minimum adjacent the outlet to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 199 words

In a filter cartridge including a self-supporting body of a porous filter material having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, said cartridge disposed within a housing and positioned to allow the passage of a fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, and axially along the hollow interior to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the hollow interior of the filter body for distributing the flow of fluid through the filter body axially along substantially the full length thereof; and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises a cylindrical tubular member in contact with the filter body and with the surface of the tubular member extending generally normal to the direction of radial flow through said body, said tubular member extending axially from the open end of the filter body to an opposite end adjacent the remote end of the filter body, said tubular member having a uniformly varying porosity along its length which increases progressively from a minimum adjacent the outlet to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein said tubular member includes a pattern of radial through holes along its length.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 21 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 21 wherein the opposite end of said tubular member extends to the remote end.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 21 wherein the opposite end of said tubular member is spaced from the remote end.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 202 words

In a filter cartridge for fluid treatment including a body of bonded activated carbon particles having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, said cartridge disposed within a housing and positioned to allow the passage of the fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, and axially along the hollow interior to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the carbon body for distributing the radial flow of fluid uniformly and equally through the carbon body axially along substantially the full length thereof, thereby maximizing the capacity of the filter body and minimizing the short circuiting through the filtered fluid outlet; and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises a cylindrical tubular member lying adjacent the hollow interior of the carbon body, said tubular member extending axially from the open end of the carbon body to an opposite end adjacent the remote end of the carbon body, said tubular member having a uniformly varying porosity along its length which increases progressively from a minimum adjacent the outlet to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 202 words

In a filter cartridge for fluid treatment including a body of bonded activated carbon particles having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, said cartridge disposed within a housing and positioned to allow the passage of the fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, and axially along the hollow interior to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the carbon body for distributing the radial flow of fluid uniformly and equally through the carbon body axially along substantially the full length thereof, thereby maximizing the capacity of the filter body and minimizing the short circuiting through the filtered fluid outlet; and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises a cylindrical tubular member lying adjacent the hollow interior of the carbon body, said tubular member extending axially from the open end of the carbon body to an opposite end adjacent the remote end of the carbon body, said tubular member having a uniformly varying porosity along its length which increases progressively from a minimum adjacent the outlet to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus as set forth inn claim 24 wherein said tubular member includes a pattern of radial through holes along its length.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 21 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 25 wherein the opposite end of said tubular member extends to the remote end.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 25 wherein the opposite end of said tubular member is spaced from the remote end.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 226 words

In a filter cartridge including a body of bonded activated carbon particles having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, and a particulate filter media bed filling the hollow interior, said cartridge disposed within a hosing and positioned to allow the passage of a fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, into the interior media bed, and axially through the media bed to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the carbon body for distributing a greater portion of the flow of fluid after passing initially through the carbon body axially toward the end of the filter media bed remote from the open end, whereby contact between the fluid and both the carbon body and media bed is substantially balanced and maximized; and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises a cylindrical tubular member defining the interface between the carbon body and the media bed, said tubular member extending axially from the open end of the carbon body to an opposite end adjacent the remote end of the media bed, said tubular member having a uniformly varying porosity along its length which increases progressively from a minimum adjacent the outlet to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 226 words

In a filter cartridge including a body of bonded activated carbon particles having a cylindrical outer wall and a hollow interior with an axial open end and an opposite closed remote end, and a particulate filter media bed filling the hollow interior, said cartridge disposed within a hosing and positioned to allow the passage of a fluid to be treated inwardly through the cylindrical outer wall in a generally radial direction, into the interior media bed, and axially through the media bed to a filtered fluid outlet in the open end, the improvement comprising: flow distribution means extending axially along the carbon body for distributing a greater portion of the flow of fluid after passing initially through the carbon body axially toward the end of the filter media bed remote from the open end, whereby contact between the fluid and both the carbon body and media bed is substantially balanced and maximized; and, wherein said flow distribution means comprises a cylindrical tubular member defining the interface between the carbon body and the media bed, said tubular member extending axially from the open end of the carbon body to an opposite end adjacent the remote end of the media bed, said tubular member having a uniformly varying porosity along its length which increases progressively from a minimum adjacent the outlet to a maximum adjacent the remote end.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 28 wherein said tubular member includes a pattern of radial through holes along its length.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 21 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 29 wherein the opposite end of said tubular member extends to the remote end.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus as set forth in claim 29 wherein the opposite end of said tubular member is spaced from the remote end.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1995-04-21	1995-10-21	1996-04-21	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1999-04-21	1999-10-21	2000-04-21	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2003-04-21	2003-10-21	2004-04-21	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Multi-function filter cartridge with flow distribution control

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