Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
  • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
  • B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
  • B05B7/2402—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device
  • B05B7/2405—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device using an atomising fluid as carrying fluid for feeding, e.g. by suction or pressure, a carried liquid from the container to the nozzle
  • B05B7/2408—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device using an atomising fluid as carrying fluid for feeding, e.g. by suction or pressure, a carried liquid from the container to the nozzle characterised by the container or its attachment means to the spray apparatus

Definitions

• Spray guns are widely used to apply a liquid to a substrate in a variety of industries.
• the liquid is contained in a reservoir attached to the spray gun from where it is fed to a spray nozzle.
• the liquid On emerging from the spray nozzle, the liquid is atomised and forms a spray with compressed air supplied to the nozzle.
• the liquid may be gravity fed or suction fed or, more recently, pressure fed by an air bleed from the compressed air line to the reservoir or even from the spray gun itself.
• a common application of spray guns is in vehicle body repair shops when re- spraying a vehicle that has been repaired following an accident.
• a typical paint finish may require application of a primer, base coat, top coat and a clear lacquer.
• the presence of contaminants such as solid particles in the liquid to be sprayed can spoil the paint finish and extensive re-working is required to achieve an acceptable paint finish.
• the solid particles may cause blockage of the spray gun itself requiring stripping down and cleaning of the spray gun to remove the blockage.
• the blockage may have an adverse effect on the spray and render the resulting paint finish unacceptable so that extensive re- working is again required to produce an acceptable paint finish.
• Re-working of the paint finish and, where required, unblocking of the spray gun adds to costs both in terms of materials and time. It is already known to provide a filter in the reservoir to remove contaminants as the liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir during operation of the spray gun.
• the reservoir has an outlet connected to an inlet on the spray gun and the filter is positioned across or within the outlet.
• the outlet is usually of comparatively small size compatible with the connection to the spray gun.
• the presence of solid particles in the liquid added to the reservoir can result in blockage of the filter so that flow of the liquid to the spray gun is restricted or, in extreme cases, prevented altogether.
• a reduction in the flow of the liquid to the spray gun may have an adverse effect on the spray and the resulting paint finish may be unacceptable so that re-working is again required to obtain an acceptable paint finish.
• opening of the reservoir is required to remove and replace the blocked filter with a new filter. This is time consuming and may require decanting of liquid remaining in the reservoir which is then returned to the reservoir when the new filter is in place. As a result, there is increased risk of spillage and possible introduction of contaminants into the liquid.
• some liquids require activation prior to spraying and have a relatively short life after activation. Delays caused by blockage of the filter may result in such liquids being unusable thereby adding further to costs.
• At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a filter for a liquid supply assembly that allows liquid to be added to a reservoir in a simple manner so that contaminants in the liquid can be removed at the time of adding the liquid to the reservoir.
• At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a high flow filter for a liquid supply assembly that permits rapid filling of a reservoir with filtered liquid for supply to a spray gun.
• At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a filter for a liquid supply assembly that can be left in place when a reservoir containing the filter is attached to a spray gun.
• At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a filter for a liquid supply assembly that permits a reservoir containing the filter to collapse as liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir.
• a filter for a liquid supply assembly including a reservoir for connection to spraying apparatus such as a spray gun, the filter comprising an elongate tubular body closed at one end and open at the other end, the open end being provided with a support collar for location in a filler opening of a reservoir so that the filter body extends away from the opening within the reservoir when liquid is added to the reservoir through the filler opening to filter the liquid added to the reservoir.
• liquid refers to all forms of flowable materials that can be applied to a surface using a spray gun (whether or not they are intended to colour the surface) including (without limitation) paints, primers, base coats, lacquers, varnishes and similar paint-like materials as well as other fluent materials which may be applied in atomised or non-atomised form depending on the properties and/or the intended application of the material and the term “liquid” is to be construed accordingly.
• the tubular body of the filter extends into the reservoir and can be arranged so that the surface area of the filter within the reservoir is optimised compared to the volume of the filter.
• the filter can have a high flow capacity that permits rapid filling of the reservoir with reduced risk of spillage.
• liquid can be filtered as it is poured into the reservoir to produce a supply of filtered liquid within the reservoir for supply to the spray gun when the reservoir is connected to the spray gun. Consequently, the filter does not interfere with flow of filtered liquid supplied to the spray gun and the risk of the spray gun being blocked or the surface finish being contaminated with solid particles in the liquid is reduced if not eliminated.
• the surface area to volume ratio of the tubular body is such that the liquid can be filtered at a rate compatible with the rate of addition of the liquid to provide rapid filling of the reservoir without spillage of the liquid.
• the surface area to volume ratio may vary depending on the properties of the liquid, for example viscosity, and the size of particles to be removed.
• the tubular body of the filter may be comparatively rigid so as to maintain its shape.
• the- body of the filter may comprise a wire mesh. More preferably, however, the tubular body is flexible so that the filter can change shape.
• the body of the filter may comprise a mesh of a plastics material such as polypropylene, polyester, polyamide (nylon) or any other suitable material.
• the filter may be supplied in a compact configuration to reduce space for storage and transportation.
• the filter may be left in place within the reservoir and conform to the collapsed condition of the reservoir.
• the mesh can be woven, non-woven or knitted depending on the material, application and requirements such as mesh size and/or uniformity.
• the mesh may be formed by any suitable method, for example a plastics mesh may be formed by moulding or extrusion.
• the filter may have an axial length chosen to provide a suitable flow capacity for the liquid to be filtered.
• the filter may have an axial length substantially the same as the depth of the reservoir in which it is received. In this way, the available surface area of the filter within the reservoir can be maximised for a given size of filler opening.
• the reservoir is connected to the spray gun with the filter left in place within the reservoir, as the level of liquid falls in the reservoir, liquid contained in the filter can pass through the mesh body at the surface of the liquid. As a result, the flow of liquid to the spray gun is not reduced or interrupted as the liquid passes through the mesh body.
• the support collar may be sized to fit the filler opening and preferably has an external lip at the outer end to locate and retain the collar in the opening.
• the lip may seat around the marginal edge of the filler opening at the outer end of the wall bounding the filler opening.
• the filler opening may have a counterbore at the outer end of the wall in which the lip is received to locate against an internal shoulder within the filler opening. In this way, the collar is prevented from passing completely through the filler opening.
• the support collar may be made of plastics, such as polypropylene, polyamide (nylon) or polyethylene and is preferably integral with the mesh body of the filter.
• the support collar may be moulded onto the outer end of the mesh body. In this way, the support collar locates the mesh body of the filter within the reservoir and conforms the open end to the shape of the filler opening.
• the support collar may be of circular, oval, square or other shape to match the shape of the filler opening.
• the cage may comprise a plurality of legs extending from the collar at the open end of the mesh body to a base element at the closed end of the mesh body.
• the legs are preferably uniformly spaced apart and may be flexible to allow the filter to conform to the shape of the reservoir, for example if the reservoir is constructed to collapse as liquid is withdrawn in use.
• the cage may be comparatively rigid to maintain the shape of the filter both when liquid is added to the reservoir and when liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir in use, for example if the reservoir does not collapse as liquid is withdrawn in use.
• the cage may be integral with the mesh body, for example, the cage may be moulded with the mesh body.
• a liquid supply assembly for use with spraying apparatus such as a spray gun
• the liquid supply assembly comprising a reservoir for containing a liquid, the reservoir being connectable in use to a spray gun for supply of the liquid to an inlet of the spray gun and having a filler opening for adding liquid to the reservoir, and a filter for filtering liquid added to the reservoir through the filler opening, the filter comprising an elongate tubular body closed at one end and open at the other end, the open end being provided with a support collar for location in the filler opening so that the filter body extends away from the opening within the reservoir when liquid is added to the reservoir through the filler opening to filter liquid added to the reservoir.
• the lid is provided with an outlet connectable to the spray gun.
• the outlet comprises a supply opening formed in the lid separately from the filler opening and leading to a tubular spout connectable to the spray gun.
• the filter may be left in position within the reservoir when the reservoir is connected to the spray gun.
• the filler opening may be provided with a releasable closure such as a screw cap that can be removed when it is desired to add liquid to the reservoir and re- attached to close the filler opening when the reservoir is connected to the spray gun.
• a releasable closure such as a screw cap that can be removed when it is desired to add liquid to the reservoir and re- attached to close the filler opening when the reservoir is connected to the spray gun.
• access to the filler opening may be provided to add liquid to the reservoir when the reservoir is connected to the spray gun.
• the filler opening is larger than the supply opening and both openings are offset from the central longitudinal axis of the reservoir. In this way, access to the filler opening may be improved when the reservoir is connected to the spray gun to allow liquid to be added to the reservoir without disconnecting the reservoir from the spray gun.
• the filler opening is located centrally of the lid and the outlet is provided by a separate connector releasably secured to the lid around the filler opening and having a tubular spout connectable to the spray gun.
• the reservoir can be detached from the connector to provide access to the filler opening when it is desired to add liquid to the reservoir.
• the filter is removed after adding the liquid and before the reservoir is re-attached to the connector.
• the lid and container may be permanently secured together around the marginal edge of the open of the container.
• the lid and container may be bonded or welded in fluid tight manner to each other.
• the lid and container may be releasably secured together in fluid tight manner.
• the lid may be clamped to the container.
• the container is collapsible as liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir in use.
• the container may have a flexible sidewall and a comparatively rigid base such that the container can be stood upright unsupported on the base and the sidewall is foldable to move the base towards the lid as liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir.
• the lid is comparatively rigid and may have a dependent skirt that is located within and secured around the inner marginal edge of the open end of the container so that the container is supported by the lid.
• the container is received in an outer container to which the reservoir is secured by a collar releasably attached to the outer container over the lid.
• the reservoir container acts as a liner for the outer container and, after use, the reservoir can be thrown away and the outer container and collar assembled with another reservoir.
• the reservoir is adapted for releasable connection to the spray gun.
• the reservoir and spray gun may be provided with co-operating bayonet type formations. In this way, the reservoir can be connected to and released from the spray gun in a simple manner.
• the reservoir and spray gun may be provided with complementary screw threads.
• the spray gun inlet may comprise a socket to receive the spout for connecting the reservoir outlet to the inlet.
• the spray gun and reservoir may be provided with the co-operating bayonet type formations or with complementary screw threads for releasably securing the reservoir to the spray gun.
• the spout and socket are provided with bayonet formations engageable within the socket.
• bayonet lugs on the spout received in bayonet grooves in the socket.
• spray gun and reservoir are provided with bayonet formations engageable externally of the socket.
• the socket may have an external flange co-operable with a pair of hook members arranged on opposite sides of the spout.
• the socket may be an integral part of the spray gun or it may be detachable.
• the socket may be formed by an adaptor permanently or releasably secured to the spray gun.
• the reservoir may be supplied empty with the filter in place ready for the user to fill with liquid.
• the filter may be supplied separately for the user to insert in the filler opening before adding liquid.
• the reservoir is collapsible, it may be collapsed to a compact form for storage and transportation and, after use may be discarded in the collapsed condition.
• the filter is preferably also collapsible so that it can be supplied in place with the reservoir collapsed and, after use, can be discarded with the reservoir.
• the reservoir may be supplied pre-filled with liquid and the spout sealed until it is desired to attach the reservoir to the spray gun.
• the spout may be provided with a removable closure or a rupturable membrane. Where provided, the membrane may be ruptured prior to or when the spout is attached to the spray gun.
• the reservoir may be provided with the filter in place so that the user does not have to provide a filter when adding liquid to the reservoir.
• the filter may be supplied separately for the user to insert if it is desired to add liquid to the reservoir.
• Pre-filling may be employed for liquids that can be packaged and stored until required without degrading. Thus, pre-filling may be useful for liquids that can be supplied ready for use (i.e.
• base coats in standard colours of a specified shade and/or primers or lacquers that can be supplied in a non-activated form and activated (if necessary) by suitable means such as by exposure to a source of energy, e.g. ultraviolet radiation, visible light or electrical energy at the time of use.
• a source of energy e.g. ultraviolet radiation, visible light or electrical energy at the time of use.
• spraying apparatus comprising a spray gun and a liquid supply assembly according to the second aspect of the invention.
• the spray gun may be of the gravity feed, suction feed or pressure feed type.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a spray gun for use with a liquid supply assembly according to the present invention
• Figure 2 is an end view of the spray gun adaptor shown in Figure 1 ;
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of the filter shown in Figure 3;
• Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the reservoir shown in Figure 3;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of a liquid supply assembly for use with the spray gun of Figures 1 and 2 and incorporating a filter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
• a hand held gravity feed spray gun 1 (Figure 1) has an inlet adaptor 2 ( Figures 1 and 2) for releasably connecting a liquid supply assembly 3 ( Figures 3 to 5).
• the gun 1 ( Figure 1) comprises a body 4, a handle 5 which extends downwards from the rear end of the body, and a spray nozzle 6 at the front end of the body.
• the gun 1 is manually-operated by a trigger 7 which is pivotally-mounted on the sides of the gun 1.
• the inlet adaptor 2 ( Figures 1 and 2) is located on the top of the body 4 and communicates with an internal passageway (not visible) which extends through the body 4 to the nozzle 6.
• the inlet adaptor 2 is detachable, for example a screw fit in the body 4.
• the spray gun 1 can be converted for use with different types of liquid supply assemblies by selection and fitment of the appropriate adaptor 2.
• a damaged adaptor 2 may be replaced.
• the inlet adaptor 2 may be an integral part of the body 4 of the spray gun 1.
• the inlet adaptor 2 may be formed with the body 4 of the spray gun 1 or it may be formed separately and permanently secured to the body 4 of the spray gun 1.
• the adaptor 2 may be omitted and the liquid supply assembly mounted directly on the body 4 of the spray gun 1.
• the gun 1 is connected via a connector 8 at the lower end of the handle 5 to a source of compressed air (not shown) so that, when the user pulls on the trigger 7, compressed air is delivered through the gun to the nozzle 6.
• a source of compressed air not shown
• liquid for example paint
• delivered under gravity from the liquid supply assembly 3 to the nozzle 6 is atomised on leaving the nozzle 6 and forms a spray with the compressed air emerging from the nozzle 6.
• the liquid supply assembly 3 depicted comprises a reservoir 9 for the liquid (not shown) to be sprayed and a filter 10 for removing solid particles when the liquid is added to the reservoir 9.
• the lid 12 is of generally annular shape and in this embodiment is also made of transparent plastics material, preferably polyethylene or polypropylene, by injection moulding or other suitable process.
• the lid 12 has a dependent skirt 12A inset from the marginal edge 12B.
• the skirt 12 A is received inside the open end 11A of the container 11 and locates against an annular step 11D in sidewall l lC.
• the marginal edge 12B of the lid 12 seats on an external flange HE at the open end of the container 11.
• the lid 12 is permanently secured to the container 11 by adhesive or welding between the skirt 12A and sidewall 11C and between the marginal edge 12B and the flange HE.
• the sidewall 11C is flexible and can be made to collapse as liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir 9 for supply to the spray gun 1. As the sidewall 11C collapses, the comparatively rigid base 11B retains its form but moves towards the lid 12. The sidewall 11C collapses in a similar fashion to a plastic bag without being ruptured (e.g. by splitting, tearing or cracking).
• the lid 12 has an upper surface 12C of convex shape and is formed with an inlet or filler opening 12D and an outlet or supply opening 12E.
• the filler opening 12D has a diameter of approximately half the diameter of the lid 12 and is bounded on the upper surface 12C by an annular spigot 14 having an external screw thread 14 A.
• the filler opening 12D is closed by a detachable screw cap 15 having a skirt 15A with an internal screw thread complementary to the external screw thread 14A of spigot 14.
• the supply opening 12E has a diameter of approximately one sixth the diameter of the lid 12 and is bounded on the upper surface 12C by a cylindrical spout 16.
• the spout 16 is sized to be a push- fit in a counterbore 17 ( Figure 2) at the outer free end of the adaptor 2.
• the spout 16 has external annular ribs 16A that provide a fluid-tight seal within the counterbore 17. It will be understood, however, that any suitable sealing means may be provided such as one or more O-rings in the counterbore 17 and/or on the spout 16.
• the filler opening 12D is much larger than the supply opening 12E and is made as large as possible to facilitate addition of liquid to the reservoir 9 from the same end as the supply opening 12E. In this way, liquid can be added to the reservoir through the filler opening 12D with the reservoir in an upright position either free standing on the base or with the supply opening 12E attached to the spray gun 1.
• the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the filler opening 12D to that of the supply opening 12E is approximately 9: 1 but it will be understood that different sizes of the openings 12D,12E may be employed.
• the openings 12D,12E in the lid 12 are offset from the central longitudinal axis of the reservoir 9 and extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis. In this way, access to the filler opening 12D is improved for adding liquid to the reservoir 9 when the reservoir 9 is attached to the spray gun 1.
• opening 12D extends at an angle of approximately 17° and the opening 12E extends at an angle of approximately 13° to the longitudinal axis of the reservoir 9, i.e. at an angle of approximately 30° to each other. It will be understood that one or both openings 12D, 12E may be extend parallel to the longitudinal axis or at any angle to the longitudinal axis as desired.
• the lid 12 is also provided with a pair of hook members 18,18' arranged on opposite sides of and spaced from the spout 16.
• the hook members 18,18', spout 16 and spigot 14 are aligned on a diameter of the lid 12.
• the flange 2A comprises four arcuate recesses 19,20,21,22 uniformly spaced in a circumferential direction around the outer periphery such that the recesses 19,21 are opposite each other and the recesses 20,22 are opposite each other.
• Each recess 19,20,21,22 leads in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Figure 2) via a cam lobe 19A,20A,21A,22A to a flat 23,24,25,26 that terminates in an abutment 23A,24A,25A,26A.
• the reservoir 9 is then rotated relative to the inlet adaptor 2 to cause the hook members 18,18' to ride over the cam lobes 19A,21A or 20A.22A and locate locking ribs 18C,18C of the heads 18A.18A' behind the flats 23,25 or 24,26. In this way, the reservoir 9 is secured to the inlet adaptor 2 and axial separation of the reservoir 9 from the inlet adaptor 2 is resisted.
• the reservoir 9 can be detached from the inlet adaptor 2 by reversing the above operation.
• the filter 10 is inserted in the filler opening 12D and extends to the bottom of the reservoir 9 to remove any solid particles from liquid added to the reservoir 9 through the filler opening 12D with the cap 15 removed.
• the filter 10 comprises a tubular mesh body 10A closed at one end and open at the other end.
• the mesh body 10A is made of plastics such as polypropylene, polyester or polyamide (nylon) having a mesh size to remove particles of 40 microns or larger, potentially up to 1000 microns. It will be understood that the mesh body 10A may be made of other materials and may have any desired mesh size to suit any given application.
• the filter 10 is provided with a comparatively rigid annular collar 27 at the open end of the mesh body 10A.
• the collar 27 is made of plastics, for example polyamide (nylon), polypropylene or polyethylene, and is integral with the mesh body 10A, for example the collar 27 may be moulded onto the mesh body 10A.
• the axial length of the mesh body 10A is such that the closed end is located adjacent to the base of the reservoir 9 when the collar 27 is seated in the spigot 14.
• surface area to volume ratio of the tubular mesh body 10A can be optimised for the mesh size of the filter and the properties of the liquid to be added.
• the filter 10 has a high flow capability that allows liquid to be poured into the reservoir 9 through the filler opening 12D without overflowing or spilling. This permits rapid filling of the reservoir 9 with liquid that has been filtered to remove solid particles.
• the mesh body 10A is flexible so as to be collapsible with the reservoir 9 as liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir 9 in use. In this way, the filter 10 can be left in place within the reservoir 9 after filling and the screw cap 15 attached to close the filler opening 12D and secure the filter 10 in position.
• the filter 10 may be removed after filling with liquid and the screw cap 15 attached to close the filler opening 12D prior to attaching the reservoir 9 containing filtered liquid to the spray gun 1.
• the mesh body 110A of the filter 110 is arranged inside a support cage 128 integral with the collar 127.
• the support cage 128 comprises four legs 128A extending axially from the collar 127 and joined to a base ring 128B at the closed end of the filter body 110A.
• the support cage 128 helps to maintain the tubular shape of the filter body 110A when liquid is added to the reservoir 109.
• the surface area of the mesh body 110A is again optimised compared to the volume of the filter 110 to provide a high flow capability for rapid filling of the reservoir 109 with filtered liquid.
• the cage 128 may be replaced by a plurality of annular support hoops (not shown) that extend around the mesh body 110A at axially spaced positions.
• the hoops provide strength to maintain the tubular shape of the mesh body 110A when liquid is added to the reservoir 109 but allow the filter 110 to collapse with the reservoir 109 as liquid is withdrawn in use.
• the reservoir 109 can be connected to the spray gun with the filter 110 left in place within the reservoir 109.
• the cage 128 may be formed to allow the filter 110 to collapse, for example the legs 128 could be flexible.
• the reservoir 9, 109 may be detached from the spray gun 1 and stood upright on a flat surface with the lid 12, 112 uppermost prior to removing the screw cap 15, 115 to add more liquid (the reservoir 9, 109 may have to be extended from the collapsed condition resulting from withdrawal of liquid during spraying).
• the cap 15, 115 can then be re-secured and the reservoir 9, 109 re- attached to the spray gun 1 to continue spraying.
• the reservoir 9, 109 may be detached from the spray gun 1 and any paint remaining in the reservoir 9, 109 may be stored temporarily by closing off the supply hole 12E, 112E with any suitable means. The reservoir 9, 109 may then be re-attached to the spray gun 1 to use the remaining liquid. Alternatively, the reservoir 9, 109 may be discarded together with the filter 10, 110 after closing off the supply hole 12E, 112E.
• the arrangement of the filler opening separate from the supply opening allows the filter to be left in situ when attaching the reservoir to the spray gun and enables liquid to be added with the reservoir attached to the spray gun.
• the filler opening and supply opening may be provided in the lid at the same end of the reservoir.
• the filler opening may be provided in a sidewall or base wall of the container and the supply opening in the lid.
• the lid may be provided with a centrally located filler opening to receive the filter and a separate connector having an outlet spout for securing the reservoir to the spray gun.
• the connector is releasably attached to the lid around the filler opening and converts the lid for connection to the spray gun after the liquid has been added to the reservoir.
• the reservoir may be supplied empty with the filter in place so that the user only has to remove the screw cap and add the liquid to be sprayed.
• the filter may be supplied separately for insertion in the filler opening by the end user prior to adding liquid.
• the reservoir may be supplied pre-filled with liquid.
• the filter may be supplied separately for insertion by the end user if it is desired to add liquid to the reservoir in use.
• the reservoir may be supplied with the filter in place so that liquid can be added by the end user when required.
• the reservoir may be rigid.
• the filter may be flexible or stiff and may be left in place when the reservoir is attached to the spray gun.
• the reservoir may be supplied empty or pre-filled with liquid and with the filter secured in place or separate.
• an air vent is required in the liquid delivery system to allow liquid to be withdrawn from the reservoir in use, for example the reservoir may be provided with an air hole that can be opened when the reservoir is connected to the spray gun.
• the present invention provides a high flow, drop-in filter for use with a liquid supply assembly for spraying apparatus such as spray guns to permit rapid filling of the reservoir.
• the liquid is filtered on being added to the reservoir to provide a supply of filtered liquid for delivery to the spray gun.
• the filter can be left in place when the reservoir is attached to the spray gun so as to be available if it is desired to top-up the reservoir with more liquid.
• the filter can be employed both in reservoirs that are collapsible as liquid is withdrawn and in reservoirs that are rigid.

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• 2002
  • 2002-12-18 GB GBGB0229399.1A patent/GB0229399D0/en not_active Ceased
• 2003
  • 2003-12-02 AU AU2003300803A patent/AU2003300803A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-12-02 JP JP2004565148A patent/JP4520308B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2003-12-02 EP EP03814637A patent/EP1572374B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2003-12-02 RU RU2005115839/15A patent/RU2336925C2/ru not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2003-12-02 CA CA2506454A patent/CA2506454C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2003-12-02 WO PCT/US2003/038072 patent/WO2004060575A1/en active IP Right Grant
  • 2003-12-02 AT AT03814637T patent/ATE331570T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2003-12-02 DE DE60306550T patent/DE60306550T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2003-12-02 CN CNB2003801062804A patent/CN100371087C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related

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