US6143047A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Effluent containment assembly
Assignee: Facilitec Corp
•
Filing: 1999-02-05
•
Granted: 2000-11-07
•
Expires: 2019-02-05
Abstract
Abstract A containment assembly for collecting grease or other effluent that includes a layered composite of effluent filtering and trapping materials in the form of a separation filter, a center filter and a barrier layer disposed in a layered manner. The separation filter and center filter desirably include a polypropylene material and each have a different porosity. The separation filter, center filter and barrier layer may be disposed between a top and bottom spacer layer in a layered manner. The composite may be received within a frame assembly. The effluent containment assembly also may include flashing for deflecting the effluent away from the equipment or other effluent source, an assembly for securing the frame assembly to equipment or other source of effluent at an elevation relative to a roof or other surface to be protected, a pole assembly for holding the composite within the frame assembly, and a windbar assembly for holding the composite together during wind conditions.
Inventors
- 👤 Jean L. Jodoin
- 👤 Christopher S. Barry
- 👤 Charles M. Murphy
- 👤 Patrick A. Malloy
- 👤 Jeffrey A. Kennedy
- 👤 James J. Yunker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 12:26
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D46/00; B01D46/0002; B01D46/0027; B01D46/003; B01D46/10; B01D46/12; B01D2275/00; B01D2275/10; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S55/00; Y10S55/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 58
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A containment assembly for collecting effluent comprising a layered composite of materials, the layered composite including: (a) a separation filter layer for absorbing the effluent and for repelling at least some of any water present with the effluent, the separation filter layer comprising a material having a porosity sufficient to permit passage of effluent therethrough; (b) a center filter layer disposed below the separation filter layer for absorbing the effluent absorbed by the separation filter layer and for repelling at least some of any water included with the effluent passing through the separation filter, the center filter layer comprising a material having a porosity less than the porosity of the material of the separation filter layer and an effluent absorbency rate greater than the effluent absorbency rate of the material of the separation filter layer; and (c) a barrier layer disposed below the center filter layer, the barrier layer for substantially preventing the passage of any effluent from the center filter layer beyond the barrier layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
A containment assembly for collecting effluent comprising a layered composite of materials, the layered composite including: (a) a separation filter layer for absorbing the effluent and for repelling at least some of any water present with the effluent, the separation filter layer comprising a material having a porosity sufficient to permit passage of effluent therethrough; (b) a center filter layer disposed below the separation filter layer for absorbing the effluent absorbed by the separation filter layer and for repelling at least some of any water included with the effluent passing through the separation filter, the center filter layer comprising a material having a porosity less than the porosity of the material of the separation filter layer and an effluent absorbency rate greater than the effluent absorbency rate of the material of the separation filter layer; and (c) a barrier layer disposed below the center filter layer, the barrier layer for substantially preventing the passage of any effluent from the center filter layer beyond the barrier layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 wherein the separation filter layer is comprised of polypropylene material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 wherein the center filter layer is comprised of polypropylene material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 wherein the center filter layer is comprised of a plurality of layers of polypropylene material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer is comprised of a substantially water impervious material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer is comprised of polyethylene.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 wherein the layered composite includes top and bottom spacer layers, the top spacer layer being disposed above and in contact with the separation filter layer and the bottom spacer layer being disposed below and in contact with the barrier layer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 wherein the layered composite includes a fire shield layer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The containment assembly of claim 8 wherein the layered composite includes a bottom spacer layer disposed below and in contact with the barrier layer, the fire shield layer disposed below and in contact with the bottom spacer layer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The containment assembly of claim 8 wherein the fire shield layer comprises a sheet of sheet metal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 wherein the layered composite defines an aperture for receiving a portion of equipment discharging the effluent such that the layered composite substantially surrounds the portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 wherein the separation filter layer includes a pair of aligning sections, the center filter layer includes a pair of aligning sections and the barrier layer includes a pair of aligning sections.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The containment assembly of claim 12 wherein one aligning section of each pair of aligning sections includes an edge overlapping an edge of the other aligning section of each pair of aligning sections.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The containment assembly of claim 13 wherein the layered composite defines an aperture for receiving a portion of equipment discharging the effluent such that the layered composite substantially surrounds the portion.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer includes a pair of aligning sections.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The containment assembly of claim 15 wherein one aligning section includes an edge overlapping an edge of the other aligning section.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 further comprising a frame assembly receiving the layered composite, the frame assembly comprising a plurality of frame members, and a plurality of corner members, each corner member slidingly engaged with a respective pair of the frame members.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
33 words
The containment assembly of claim 17 wherein the frame assembly further includes a plurality of pairs of fasteners, each pair of fasteners for securing the corner member to the respective pair of fasteners.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
47 words
The containment assembly of claim 17 wherein each frame member is generally C-shaped and includes a bottom member, a top member, and a side member extending substantially the length of the frame member, the bottom member extending farther than the top member to support the layered composite.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 further comprising at least one pole assembly for supporting the layered composite, the pole assembly including a plurality of holding poles oriented in a grid pattern on one side of the composite.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The containment assembly of claim 20 wherein the pole assembly further comprises a plurality of connectors, each connector securing together a pair of holding poles.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
31 words
The containment assembly of claim 21 wherein each connector is flexible and defines two pairs of holes, each pair of holes adapted to align and receive one of the holding poles.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
61 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 further comprising a frame assembly receiving the layered composite and a windbar assembly for securing the layered composite within the frame assembly, the windbar assembly comprising a plurality of windbars, a frame strap received within each end of the windbars, and a plurality of fasteners engaging the frame straps and engageable with the frame assembly.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 further comprising flashing for deflecting the effluent onto the layered composite.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
36 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 further comprising a frame assembly and a securing assembly for securing the frame assembly to equipment at an elevation relative to a surface to be protected by the containment assembly.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
49 words
The containment assembly of claim 25 wherein the securing assembly comprises a plurality of elongated supports and a plurality of threaded rods for supporting the elongated supports, the securing assembly further comprising a plurality of brackets and mounting plates, each corner bracket for engaging a portion of the equipment.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
48 words
A containment assembly for collecting effluent comprising a layered composite of materials and a frame assembly receiving the layered composite, the frame assembly including a plurality of frame members, and a plurality of corner members, each corner member slidingly engaged with a respective pair of the frame members.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
48 words
A containment assembly for collecting effluent comprising a layered composite of materials and a frame assembly receiving the layered composite, the frame assembly including a plurality of frame members, and a plurality of corner members, each corner member slidingly engaged with a respective pair of the frame members.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
33 words
The containment assembly of claim 27 wherein the frame assembly further includes a plurality of pairs of fasteners, each pair of fasteners for securing the corner member to the respective pair of fasteners.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
76 words
The containment assembly of claim 27 wherein the frame assembly includes a plurality of curved strips for engaging corner members with the respective pairs of frame members, each strip being secured to a respective corner member and being disposed within a channel defined by the respective corner member and having two ends, and wherein each frame member defines a channel, each end of the strip being slidingly received by the channel of a respective frame member.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
48 words
The containment assembly of claim 27 wherein the frame assembly includes a pair of fasteners secured to each corner member and wherein each frame member defines a channel slidably receiving a respective fastener, the fasteners for securing the respective corner members with the respective pairs of frame members.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
75 words
The containment assembly of claim 30 wherein the frame assembly includes a plurality of curved strips for engaging the corner members with the respective pairs of frame members, each strip being secured to a respective corner member by a pair of the fasteners and being disposed within a channel defined by the respective corner member and having two ends, each end of the strip being slidingly received by the channel of a respective frame member.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
The containment assembly of claim 31 wherein each corner member includes a pair of corner arms, each corner arm defining an aperture for receiving a respective fastener.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
35 words
The containment assembly of claim 27 wherein each corner member includes a pair of abutting surfaces for abutting the ends of respective frame members to facilitate positioning of the frame members within the corner members.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
The containment assembly of claim 33 wherein each corner member includes a bottom member having a top surface, the top surfaces being formed on the top surface.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
47 words
The containment assembly of claim 27 wherein each frame member is generally C-shaped and includes a bottom member, a top member, and a side member extending substantially the length of the frame member, the bottom member extending farther than the top member to support the layered composite.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
38 words
The containment assembly of claim 27 further comprising at least one pole assembly for supporting the layered composite, the pole assembly including a plurality of holding poles oriented in a grid pattern on one side of the composite.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
The containment assembly of claim 36 wherein the pole assembly further comprises a plurality of connectors, each connector securing together a pair of holding poles.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
32 words
The containment assembly of claim 37 wherein each connector is flexible and defines two pairs of holes, each pair of aligned holes adapted to align and receive one of the holding poles.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
53 words
The containment assembly of claim 27 further comprising a windbar assembly for securing the layered composite within the frame assembly, the windbar assembly comprising a plurality of windbars, a frame strap received within each end of the windbars, and a plurality of fasteners engaging the frame straps and engageable with the frame assembly.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The containment assembly of claim 27 further comprising flashing for deflecting the effluent onto the layered composite.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
33 words
The containment assembly of claim 27 further comprising an elevated support assembly for securing the frame assembly to equipment at an elevation relative to a surface to be protected by the containment assembly.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
49 words
The containment assembly of claim 41 wherein the securing assembly comprises a plurality of elongated supports and a plurality of threaded rods for supporting the elongated supports, the securing assembly further comprising a plurality of brackets and mounting plates, each corner bracket for engaging a portion of the equipment.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
31 words
The containment assembly of claim 1 wherein the center filter layer is in contact with the separation filter layer and the barrier layer is in contact with the center filter layer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
74 words
A containment assembly for collecting effluent comprising: a frame attachable to a roof discharge ventilator adjacent a discharge area of the roof discharge ventilator; a layered composite of effluent absorbing materials carried by said frame, said frame defining an upper opening exposing said layered composite of effluent-absorbing materials; and a flashing member disposed intermediate said discharge area and said frame opening for directing effluent to said frame opening for absorption by said layered composite.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
74 words
A containment assembly for collecting effluent comprising: a frame attachable to a roof discharge ventilator adjacent a discharge area of the roof discharge ventilator; a layered composite of effluent absorbing materials carried by said frame, said frame defining an upper opening exposing said layered composite of effluent-absorbing materials; and a flashing member disposed intermediate said discharge area and said frame opening for directing effluent to said frame opening for absorption by said layered composite.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
21 words
A containment assembly as recited in claim 44, wherein said frame is attached to one side of said roof discharge ventilator.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
A containment assembly according to claim 44, wherein said frame surrounds said roof discharge ventilator, and said flashing correspondingly extends about the periphery of said ventilator.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The containment assembly of claim 44 wherein the flashing is for mounting the frame to the ventilator.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
31 words
A containment assembly for collecting effluent comprising a layered composite of materials, the layered composite including a plurality of layers of effluent trapping and filtering materials and a fire shield layer.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
31 words
A containment assembly for collecting effluent comprising a layered composite of materials, the layered composite including a plurality of layers of effluent trapping and filtering materials and a fire shield layer.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
168 words
The containment assembly of claim 48 wherein the plurality of layers of effluent trapping and filtering materials comprise: (a) a separation filter layer for absorbing the effluent and for repelling at least some of any water present with the effluent, the separation filter layer comprising a material having a porosity sufficient to permit passage of effluent therethrough; (b) a center filter layer disposed below the separation filter layer for absorbing the effluent absorbed by the separation filter layer and for repelling at least some of any water included with the effluent passing through the separation filter, the center filter layer comprising a material having a porosity less than the porosity of the material of the separation filter layer and an effluent absorbency rate greater than the effluent absorbency rate of the material of the separation filter layer; and (c) a barrier layer disposed below the center filter layer, the barrier layer for substantially preventing the passage of any effluent from the center filter layer beyond the barrier layer.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
17 words
The containment assembly of claim 49 wherein the fire shield layer is disposed below the barrier layer.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
14 words
The containment assembly of claim 48 wherein the fire shield layer comprises sheet metal.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
The containment assembly of claim 48 wherein the fire shield layer comprises silicone rubber impregnated fiberglass fabric.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The containment assembly of claim 48 wherein the fire shield layer comprises a luminized fiberglass fabric.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
14 words
The containment assembly of claim 48 wherein the fire shield layer comprises galvanized steel.
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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) | 2003-11-07 | 2004-05-08 | 2004-11-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-11-07 | 2008-05-08 | 2008-11-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-11-07 | 2012-05-08 | 2012-11-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |