US5254033A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatically released air inlet filter
Assignee: Motors Liquidation Co
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Filing: 1992-09-01
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Granted: 1993-10-19
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Expires: 2012-09-01
Abstract
Abstract In an automotive heating and/or cooling system, an air inlet leads to plenum which contains a filter held horizontally by a hinge at one side and by a spring latch at the other side to filter the incoming air flow. The spring latch has a limited holding force so that if the filter becomes clogged the force of the air flow through the filter is sufficient to overcome the spring latch and the filter will swing open to a bypass position. The incoming air will then enter the system without filtering.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven M. Brauen
- 👤 James L. Cronk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 11:03
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60H; B60H3/00; B60H3/06; B60H3/0608; B60H3/0641; B01; B01D; B01D2273/00; B01D2273/10; B01D2273/14; B60H2003/0683
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A filtered air inlet for an automotive ventilation system subject to an accumulation of dirt comprising: an air induction opening on a vehicle; a passage inside the induction opening; a filter in the passage for filtering air flowing from the inlet to the passage, whereby gradual dirt accumulation on the filter in combination with air flow causes an increasing force on the filter; means for mounting the filter in the passage for movement between a first operative filtering position and a second position for bypassing the air flow; and latch means responsive to the force on the filter for holding the filter in the first position when the force on the filter is below a threshold and for releasing the filter for movement to the second position when the force reaches the threshold.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
A filtered air inlet for an automotive ventilation system subject to an accumulation of dirt comprising: an air induction opening on a vehicle; a passage inside the induction opening; a filter in the passage for filtering air flowing from the inlet to the passage, whereby gradual dirt accumulation on the filter in combination with air flow causes an increasing force on the filter; means for mounting the filter in the passage for movement between a first operative filtering position and a second position for bypassing the air flow; and latch means responsive to the force on the filter for holding the filter in the first position when the force on the filter is below a threshold and for releasing the filter for movement to the second position when the force reaches the threshold.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for mounting the filter comprises means for pivotally mounting the filter at one side of the passage for movement between a first position for filtering the air and a second position for bypassing the air.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the latch means comprises a spring catch biased against the filter with sufficient resistance to withstand a force on the filter below the threshold and which is overcome by a force above the threshold to release the filter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein the filter has an edge opposite the pivotally mounting means; and the latch means comprises a spring catch biased against the filter edge with sufficient resistance to withstand a force on the filter below the threshold and to release the filter at a higher force.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the latch means comprises a bracket holding a coil spring with two outwardly extending end wires, one end wire being biased against a side of the bracket and the other end wire being biased against the filter with sufficient force to withstand force on the filter up to the threshold force.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
124 words
In an automotive air conditioning or heating system, an intake filter means at the system entrance comprising; a plenum at the entrance of the system for receiving a flow of inlet air; filter means including a frame and filter media supported by the frame; a pivot mount at one side of the plenum and a latch at the opposite side of the plenum for jointly holding the frame to interpose the filter media in the flow of inlet air, wherein the filter is subject to force as a function of dirt loading; and the latch comprising a resilient member for holding the frame up to a limit force value and releasing the frame at higher force values for pivotal movement out of air flow.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
124 words
In an automotive air conditioning or heating system, an intake filter means at the system entrance comprising; a plenum at the entrance of the system for receiving a flow of inlet air; filter means including a frame and filter media supported by the frame; a pivot mount at one side of the plenum and a latch at the opposite side of the plenum for jointly holding the frame to interpose the filter media in the flow of inlet air, wherein the filter is subject to force as a function of dirt loading; and the latch comprising a resilient member for holding the frame up to a limit force value and releasing the frame at higher force values for pivotal movement out of air flow.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein the resilient member comprises a coil spring coiled around a support on the opposite side of the plenum with two outwardly extending end wires, one end wire being held stationary and the other end wire being biased against the frame for holding the frame.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-10-18 | 1997-04-19 | 1997-10-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-10-18 | 2001-04-19 | 2001-10-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-10-18 | 2005-04-19 | 2005-10-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |