WO2000021637A1 - Renewable filter - Google Patents

Renewable filter Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000021637A1
WO2000021637A1 PCT/US1998/021414 US9821414W WO0021637A1 WO 2000021637 A1 WO2000021637 A1 WO 2000021637A1 US 9821414 W US9821414 W US 9821414W WO 0021637 A1 WO0021637 A1 WO 0021637A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
filter
housing
industrial fluid
filter element
industrial
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/021414
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2000021637A9 (en
Inventor
Richard J. Deibel
Patrick M. Dugan
Original Assignee
Dei-Tec Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dei-Tec Corporation filed Critical Dei-Tec Corporation
Priority to PCT/US1998/021414 priority Critical patent/WO2000021637A1/en
Priority to AU97970/98A priority patent/AU9797098A/en
Publication of WO2000021637A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000021637A1/en
Publication of WO2000021637A9 publication Critical patent/WO2000021637A9/en

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D41/00Regeneration of the filtering material or filter elements outside the filter for liquid or gaseous fluids
    • B01D41/04Regeneration of the filtering material or filter elements outside the filter for liquid or gaseous fluids of rigid self-supporting filtering material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D29/00Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
    • B01D29/11Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements
    • B01D29/111Making filtering elements
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D29/00Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
    • B01D29/11Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements
    • B01D29/117Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements arranged for outward flow filtration
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D35/00Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/30Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/31Filter housing constructions including arrangements for environmental protection, e.g. pressure resisting features
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D2201/00Details relating to filtering apparatus
    • B01D2201/02Filtering elements having a conical form

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to filtering devices.
  • the present invention relates to a renewable spin-on type filter including a high strength plastic housing.
  • Discussion of Background Spin-on, twist-on type filters are used in numerous liquid and pneumatic applications throughout the agricultural, mobile, commercial and industrial markets.
  • the housing or can for most spin-on disposable filters is manufactured by deep-draw forming of malleable materials such as aluminum. This technique limits the structural capabilities of current spin-on and twist-on type disposable products to the production capabilities of the metal forming industry and to the molecular characteristics of a limited number of specific malleable metals.
  • Prior art disposable filters use a stamped steel or cast cover plate to secure the housing or can to a mounting and distribution head assembly.
  • This plate typically has a threaded center hole and is spot welded and/or crimp sealed to a deep-drawn can.
  • the purpose of the cover plate is to provide a mounting site that contains sufficient strength to allow operation of the filter at the required pressure rating.
  • the filter media used in the prior art are usually paper products that are flexible and flimsy. As a result of their flexible and flimsy characteristics, these filters often are not properly secured in place within the housing or can during the assembly of the filter. By some accounts, 50% of current commercially available oil filters are defective and, thus, do not perform up to specification. Also, prior art paper filters often develop rips or tears during use. Such defects are not visible and the filter is used for its normal use period during which improperly filtered oil is re-circulated through the engine.
  • the filter is removed from the vehicle or machine and the remaining filtrate, usually oil, is drained and replaced. Thereafter, the filter is compacted and disposed of in accordance with industry practice.
  • the impact on the environment from the disposal of used filters and oil cannot be overstated when the variety of industrial and consumer applications that employ disposable filters, as well as the frequency with which they are replaced is considered.
  • the drasticity of this situation and its impact on the environment can be appreciated when it is realized that there are currently about 180,000,000 vehicles in the United States for which it is recommend that the filter and oil be changed every 3,000 miles.
  • About 400,000,000 oil filters are manufactured in the U.S. each year, of which less than 25% are properly recycled.
  • twist-on filter that is renewable, which would support and encourage the recycling of used oil and reduce environmental liability.
  • the present invention is a renewable twist-on filter comprising a polymeric, unitary housing that is open at the top and includes a filter element adhesively secured within the interior of the housing.
  • the housing is fitted with an external male thread allowing its removable attachment to a head distribution assembly.
  • This external male thread is disclosed as being cut or molded into the polymeric material of the housing.
  • a metallic member having machined threads could be secured to the housing by welding or bonding.
  • the threaded member contained on the head distribution assembly can be either cut or molded into the polymeric material or a metallic member can be provided into which threads are machined.
  • the end cap or top member of the housing is provided with a female threaded center section for removably attaching the filter to the head distribution assembly.
  • the threaded members can either be formed in the polymeric material or threaded metallic members can be utilized.
  • the end cap or top member is plastic welded to the hollow polymeric container to thus provide a closed housing having an interior chamber.
  • the end cap or top member is fused to the hollow polymeric container and this assembly now functions as a closed housing having an interior chamber within which is securely attached the filter media.
  • this embodiment discloses a housing formed from a cup-shaped member that is closed by a disc-shaped end cap, the end cap need not be disc-shaped but rather could be a cup-shaped top member.
  • the hollow polymeric container or cup- shaped member is disclosed as being a unitary cast part, it could also be fabricated from a section of polymeric tube having a molded bottom end member bonded or welded thereto. The essential feature being that the components from which the hollow housing are formed are welded together to form a closed housing having an interior chamber within which is securely attached the filter media. The filter is secured by adhesive at both ends within the housing such that the filter is immovable relative to the housing. A one part epoxy adhesive and bonding material is used for this purpose.
  • the end cap or top member functions as a mounting means for the filter as well as an end cap or top member for the housing.
  • the bottom of the filter is secured to the bottom or closed-interior-end of the housing by a one part adhesive material.
  • the top of the filter is bonded within a circular groove formed in the inner surface of the end cap or top member. The filter thus divides the interior chamber of the housing into an inlet section and a discharge section.
  • the filter medium may be any medium commonly employed in the art that is capable of being cleaned and subsequently reused.
  • the filter is formed from flat pieces of metal mesh material cut to a shape having a pair of edges that, when joined by a weld or encapsulated by adhesive, cause the flat piece of material to assume the shape of a cone. Multiple layers of these pieces are used in the preferred embodiment to fabricate the filter.
  • a one part epoxy adhesive and bonding material is used to encapsulate the edges by adhesive.
  • the metal mesh material is folded or pleated radially prior to joining the edges such that, after the edges are joined, the filter is in the shape of a truncated cone having continuous top and bottom edges. The pleats extend from the top continuous edge to the bottom continuous edge.
  • the surface area of the filter is greatly increased by this filter design.
  • the filter When the filter requires cleaning, it is removed from the distribution head of the vehicle or machine, and the excess fluid contained therein is drained out. This small amount of fluid that is drained from the filter can be easily disposed of in a manner that is not detrimental to the environment. Thereafter, the filter is back flushed using a cleaning solution. Once cleaned, the filter may be dried prior to reuse by allowing it to stand for a period of time or by blowing a drying gas therethrough. As a result of using the highly efficient and reliable filter, it is not necessary to change the oil each time the filter is cleaned. Test vehicles have currently exceeded 12,000 miles without an oil change and test of the oil show no deterioration. These vehicles are expected to reach 25,000 miles before an oil change is necessary.
  • a major feature of the present invention is the unitary design of the polymeric housing.
  • the need for a cover plate is eliminated because the external thread formed on the housing is capable of withstanding higher pressure values. Elimination of the coverplate reduces the number of operations required to fabricate the filter and thus reduces the cost of production.
  • Still another feature of the present invention is the combination of a polymeric housing and a renewable filter element. This combination enables the filter to be cleaned and recycled, which in turn significantly reduces the deleterious impact on the environment.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a cross-section view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3.
  • Figure 5 is a cross-section view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 5-5 of Figure 3.
  • Figure 6 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention seen in Figures 3.
  • Figure 7 is an enlarged cross section view of a portion of the end cap at a location spaced above the hollow polymeric container
  • Figure 8 is an enlarged cross section view of a portion of the end cap at a location spaced above the hollow polymeric container showing another embodiment of the connection between the end cap and the hollow polymeric container.
  • the present invention provides a renewable, spin-on type tube filter designed to remove particles from a lubricant or other industrial fluid.
  • the filter advanced by the present invention is suitable for use in a wide variety of industrial applications.
  • FIGs 1 and 2 there is shown a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a filter according to one embodiment of the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 10.
  • Filter 10 is comprised of a hollow housing 20 having a top-end portion including an end cap or top member 50 and a bottom-end portion.
  • the hollow housing 20 has an interior chamber that is divided by filter element 40 into an inlet section and a discharge section.
  • Housing 20 comprises a hollow polymeric container 60 having a bottom or closed-end 26 and an open-end 22.
  • the interior chamber 42 of hollow housing 20 is defined by inner wall 21 , floor or bottom surface 44 and the internal surface of end cap or top member 50.
  • Thread 28 is formed about the perimeter of hollow polymeric container 66 proximate to open-end 22.
  • Thread 28 may be manufactured to any size, which in turn enables filter 10 to achieve the specific pressure rating required by the particular application.
  • Thread 28 is formed to removably mate with a variety of distribution heads commonly used in industry, thereby enabling filter 10 to be employed in a variety of industrial applications.
  • Hollow polymeric container 60 is made of any polymeric material that can operate in a temperature range between approximately -40°C and 190°C without experiencing thermal degradation. Hollow polymeric container 60 can be formed to assume any thickness and length. The dimensions of hollow polymeric container 50 are selected to provide a stable structure at its intended operating temperature and pressure.
  • hollow polymeric container 60 is made of a polymeric material impregnated with a quantity of glass fibers.
  • a circular recess 34 is formed at the center of bottom or closed-end 26.
  • annular shoulder 36 Extending into the interior 42 of hollow polymeric container 60 from floor 44 is an annular shoulder 36. Shoulder 36 is dimensioned to fit within the annular center 46 defined by filter element 40. Shoulder 36 serves to center filter element 40 within interior 42 of hollow polymeric container 60. As best seen in Figure 2 the peripheral edge of end cap 50 is spaced from the inner wall 21 of the hollow polymeric container 60, which defines an annular opening that functions as the industrial fluid outlet 58.
  • Filter element 40 may be fabricated of any filter medium commonly employed in the art, including but not limited to, stainless steel mesh, polyesters, and cellulosic materials. The mesh or porosity of the filter element 40 is determined by industrial fluid and operating conditions to which the filter will be exposed.
  • Filter element 40 has an inlet surface 45 that is in fluid communication with the throughhole or industrial fluid inlet 52 and an outer or outlet surface 43 that is in fluid communication with the industrial fluid outlet 58. If filter 40 is constructed of bendable or flexible material, a perforated annular core made of metal or polymer may be required so that filter element 40 maintains its geometrical integrity. Filter element 40 is tubular and has an endless bottom or closed-end portion edge 47 and an endless top or open- end portion edge 41. The filter element 40 is secured along its bottom or closed-end portion edge 47 to floor 44 by an adhesive, potting or bonding material 48.
  • the filter element 40 is secured along its top or open-end portion edge 41 in an annular groove 33 formed in the bottom surface of end cap 50.
  • the annular groove 33 is located between the industrial fluid inlet 52, formed in end cap 50 and the industrial fluid outlet 58, formed by the peripheral edge of end cap 50 and inner wall 21 of the hollow polymeric container 60, and thus isolates the industrial fluid inlet 32 from the industrial fluid outlet 58.
  • Bonding material 48 may any type commonly employed in the art that will not react with the fluid being filtered and can withstand operating temperatures between approximately -40°C and 190°C.
  • the bonding material 48 is a one part epoxy adhesive and bonding material.
  • One part epoxy adhesive is preferred because it does not set up as fast as two part epoxy which is advantageous in the assembly process. The supply of two part epoxy must be discarded after a short time period and a fresh new batch obtained to continue the assembly process.
  • One part epoxy has another advantage in this particular process since it settles down and sets with a flat smooth exterior surface.
  • This flat smooth exterior surface does not have cavities in which oil and debris can collect as occurs with two part epoxy adhesive.
  • end cap 50 may be made of either a metal or polymer and is formed to have a throughhole or industrial fluid inlet 52 in registration with annular center 46 of filter element 40.
  • An O-ring 54 is provided in industrial fluid inlet 52 that functions as a fluid seal between throughhole or industrial fluid inlet 52 and the distribution head.
  • Hollow polymeric container 66 can be manufactured using any process commonly employed in the art. Preferably, housing 20 is manufactured using an injection molding process. In assembling filter 10, filter element 40 is secured to end cap 50 using bonding material 48. Bonding material 48 is then applied to floor 44 of hollow polymeric container 66.
  • Filter element 40 and end cap 50 are then placed within interior 42 of hollow polymeric container 66 and secured to floor 44.
  • a cleaning solution is injected into housing 20 in the direction opposite to the direction of filtration.
  • cleaning solution may be directed through industrial fluid outlet 58 into annulus 56 which is defined by outer surface 43 of filter element 40 and the inner wall 21 of hollow polymeric container 66.
  • the injection of solution into annulus 56 effectuates the removal of particulates from filter element 40 and transports the fluid entrained particles into annular center 46 and subsequently from the interior 42 of hollow polymeric container 66.
  • cleaning solution may be injected through industrial fluid inlet 52 into annular center 46 to thereby cause the removal of particulates from filter element 40 through annulus 56 and industrial fluid outlet 58 to the exterior of housing 20.
  • filter 10 is dried and reused.
  • FIG 3 is a perspective view of a filter according to this embodiment of the present invention and is generally designated by reference numeral 100.
  • Filter 100 is comprised of a hollow housing 120 having a top-end portion, including an end cap or top member or plastic distribution or connector head 150 and a bottom-end portion. It should be noted that, although this embodiment discloses a housing formed from a cup-shaped member 160 that is closed by a disc-shaped end cap 150, the end cap or top member need not be disc-shaped but rather could be a cup- shaped top member.
  • hollow polymeric container or cup 160 shaped member is disclosed as being a unitary cast part it could also be fabricated from a section of polymeric tube having a molded bottom member bonded or welded thereto.
  • the essential feature being that the components from which the hollow housing 120 are formed are welded together to form a closed housing having an interior chamber 142 within which is securely attached the filter media 140.
  • housing 120 has an interior chamber that is divided into a inlet section and a discharge section by filter element 140 The filter element 140 is securely mounted within the housing.
  • Housing 120 includes a cup, can or hollow container 160 having a bottom or closed-end 126 and an open-or top end 122.
  • Hollow polymeric container 160 has an interior 142 that is defined by inner wall 121 and a floor or bottom surface
  • Filter element 140 has a frusta conical shape and has an endless bottom or closed-end portion edge 47 and an endless top or open-end portion edge 141.
  • the filter element 140 is secured along its bottom or closed-end portion edge 147 in a circular groove 136, formed in floor 144, by one part adhesive, potting or bonding material 148.
  • the filter element 140 is secured along its top or open-end portion edge 141 in an annular groove 138 formed in the bottom surface of 150.
  • the annular groove 138 is located between the industrial fluid inlet 153, formed in end cap or top member 150 and the industrial fluid outlets 158, formed in end cap or top member 150, and thus isolates the industrial fluid inlet 153 from the industrial fluid outlets 158. As a consequence of this isolation the industrial fluid that enters the inlet section of filter 100 through the industrial fluid inlet 153 must pass through the filter element 140 to reach the discharge section from which it is discharged through industrial fluid outlets 158.
  • the inner wall 121 of hollow polymeric container 160 has a recessed rim 124 formed along its upper edge that is of a larger diameter than inner wall 121.
  • the peripheral edge 155 of end cap or top member 150 has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of recessed rim 124 and thus the end cap or top member 150 can be lowered into the open end of hollow polymeric container 160 without interference.
  • a band 125 of polymeric material, having a diameter larger than recessed rim 124 and smaller than inner wall 121 is provided as a step between the bottom of recessed rim 124 and the inner wall 121.
  • end cap 150 During assembly of the filter 100, as the end cap 150 is lowered into hollow polymeric container 160 the bottom surface of end cap or top member 150 encounters band 125 which prevents end cap or top member 150 from becoming fully seated in hollow polymeric container 160. As will be discussed in more detail, this interference with band 125 will be overcome during the plastic welding process that secures the end cap 150 to the hollow polymeric container 160. Thus, when assembly is complete, the end cap member 150 will be fully seated in the open end 122 of hollow polymeric container 160. As shall be further discussed, end cap member 150 is permanently secured to housing 120 by a plastic weld.
  • the end cap or top member 150 has a central circular bore 152 formed therein into which is secured an internally threaded metallic collar 154.
  • the internally treaded metallic collar 154 can be secured in central circular bore
  • the threaded collar 154 is formed to mate with a variety of distribution heads commonly used in the industry, thereby enabling filter 100 to be employed in a variety of industrial applications.
  • the fluid to be filtered enters the filter 100 through the connection between the threaded collar 154 and the distribution head. Arrow 170, seen in figure 4, indicates the direction that the industrial fluid to be filter flows as it enters filter 100.
  • the opening 153 formed by the internally threaded collar is referred to as the industrial fluid inlet.
  • the end cap or top member 150 is also provided with a plurality of outlets 158 through which the industrial fluid exits the filter 100. As illustrated in Figure 6, there are four arc- shaped outlets 158 that are concentric with bore 152. The arc-shaped outlets 158 are separated by bridges 159.
  • the end cap or top member 150 includes a circular groove 157 formed in its upper or outer surface that receives a mating ring shaped member that is integral with the distribution head of the internal combustion engine or other device that the filter 100 is secured to. An 0-ring or other seal can be contained in the circular groove 157 to assure a liquid seal between the end cap or top member 150 and the distribution head.
  • a concentric circular groove 138 is formed in the lower or internal surface of end cap or top member 150. The upper edge of the filter element 140 is received in groove 138.
  • Hollow polymeric container 160 and end cap or top member 150 are made of any polymeric material that can operate in a temperature range between approximately -40° C and 190°C without experiencing thermal degradation. Hollow polymeric container 160 can be formed to assume any thickness and length. Preferably, hollow polymeric container 160 is made of a polymeric material impregnated with a quantity of glass fibers.
  • the interior 142 of hollow polymeric container 160 is defined by an inner wall 121 and a floor 144.
  • a circular groove 136 is formed in floor 144.
  • Groove 136 is located at the intersection of wall 121 and floor 144 but could be spaced centrally of this intersection. Groove 136 serves to receive the lower or bottom edge 147 of the filter element 140.
  • Filter element 140 may be fabricated of any filter medium commonly employed in the art, including but not limited to, stainless steel mesh, polyesters, or cellulose materials. Filter element 140 has an inlet surface 145 that is in fluid communication with the industrial fluid that enters filter 100 through industrial fluid inlet 153 and an outer or outlet surface 143 that is in fluid communication with the industrial fluid outlets 158.
  • the filter element 140 is formed from flat pieces of material cut to a shape that includes pairs of edges that when joined by a weld or encapsulated by adhesive cause the flat pieces of material to assume the shape of cones.
  • multiple layers of stainless steel wire mesh are used which provides a filter element that is stiff and will not be distorted or bent by the fluid flow through it.
  • Each layer of the metal mesh material is folded or pleated radially.
  • the multiple layers are nested together and the edges are joined such that after the edges are joined the filter is in the shape of a truncated cone having continuous top and bottom edges.
  • Radial pleats are formed in the flat piece of material that extend from the upper peripheral edge to the lower or outer peripheral of the right circular cone shaped filter.
  • the pleats are formed such that their amplitude becomes greater as they progress from the periphery of the central hole to the lower peripheral edge.
  • the flat piece of material assumes the shape of a frustum of a right circular cone.
  • the surface area and, thus, the filtering capacity of the filter element 140 is greatly increased as a result of the pleats.
  • the rigidity and, therefore, the geometric integrity of the filter element 140 is also increased considerably as a result of the multiple layers and the pleats.
  • the radial edges can be joined by inserting them in a U- shaped strip of material having one part epoxy adhesive and bonding material therein, after which the U-shaped strip is crimped and the adhesive is allowed to cure.
  • filter having the shape of a right circular cone is the preferred shape for the filter
  • filters having other shapes, for example tubular can be used with this invention.
  • the large or bottom peripheral edge 147 of filter element 140 is secured in groove 136 formed in floor 144 by adhesive, potting or bonding material 148.
  • a one part epoxy adhesive and bonding material 148 that will not react with the fluid being filtered and can withstand operating temperatures between approximately -40°C and 190°C is preferred. This bonding permanently secures the lower edge of the filter 140 to the hollow polymeric container 160 such that there can be no relative movement therebetween.
  • the small or top peripheral edge 141 of filter element 140 is secured in groove 138 formed in the bottom surface of end cap or top member 150 using bonding material 148. This bonding permanently secures the upper edge of the filter 140 to the end cap or top member 150 such that there can be no relative movement therebetween.
  • hollow polymeric container 160 and end cap or top member 150 are manufactured using any process commonly employed in the art.
  • hollow polymeric container 160 and end cap or top member 150 are manufactured by an injection molding process.
  • filter element 140 is secured in groove 138 formed in end cap or top member 150 using bonding material 148.
  • Bonding material 148 is then placed in groove 138 formed in floor 144.
  • the filter element with the attached end cap or top member 150 is then lowered into the hollow polymeric container 160 and the large or lower peripheral edge of filter element 140 approaches the groove 138 that contains bonding material 148.
  • the peripheral edge 155 of end cap or top member 150 enters the open end 122 of the hollow polymeric container 160 and is aligned with the recessed rim 124 of the inner wall 121. As the filter element with the attached end cap 150 is lowered further the band 125 of polymeric material engages the bottom surface of end cap 150.
  • the end cap 150 has been manufactured such that the diameter of the peripheral edge 155 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the rim 124 of the hollow polymeric container 160.
  • the end cap 150 is then subjected to an ultrasonic welder which melts the band 125 of polymeric material which enables the end cap 150 to be forced downwardly into place in the hollow polymeric container 160.
  • Ultrasonic plastic welding is the preferred plastic welding process.
  • An ultrasonic plastic welding apparatus has one or more sonic horns. Each sonic horn has a generator-transducer for ultrasonically activating the horn and its welding blades. When the sonic horn is activated, vibrations in the range of 20,000 cycles per second are created producing heat which melts the plastic material being welded. After deactivation of the sonic horn, a permanent welded bond is formed between the end cap 150 and the hollow polymeric container 160. This permanent bond locks the filter in place within the now enclosed housing 120.
  • filter 100 When filter 100 requires cleaning, it is removed from the distribution head and the excess lubricant is drained from it. Thereafter, a cleaning solution is injected into housing 120 in the direction opposite to the direction of filtration. For example, cleaning solution is be directed into outlets 158. The injection of solution into outlets 158 effectuates the removal of particulates from filter element 140 and transports the fluid entrained particles into the conical shaped center of the filter element 140 and subsequently out of filter 100 through industrial fluid inlet 153. Alternatively, cleaning solution may be injected into industrial fluid inlet 153 to thereby cause the removal of particulates from filter element 140 through the outlets 158 formed in end cap or top member 150. After cleaning, filter 100 is dried and reused.
  • the peripheral edge of end cap 150 has an upper section 255 that has the same diameter as the outer diameter of the hollow polymeric container 160 and a lower section 256 that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow polymeric container 160. This allows the lower section 256 of end cap 150 to enter the open upper end of the hollow polymeric container 160 without interference.
  • the peripheral edge of end cap 150 includes a band portion 257 that has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the lower section 256 and smaller than the diameter of the upper section 255. As the end cap 150 is lowered into the hollow polymeric container 160, the band portion 257 will encounter the upper edge of the hollow polymeric container 160 and prevent the end cap 150 from fully seating.
  • the ultrasonic welding operation commences which melts the material forming the band portion 257 permitting the end cap to completely seat in hollow polymeric container 160 and form a bond therewith.
  • This embodiment has the advantage that there will not be a resulting bead of weld on the upper surface of the end cap 150 which could interfere with the attachment of the filter 100 to the distribution head.

Abstract

A renewable spin-on cartridge filter is disclosed herein. The filter includes a plastic cup shaped member (160) having an open top end (122) and a plastic top end cap (150) attached to the open top end (122) by a plastic welding process. The filter (100) includes a filter media (140) formed of pleated metal mesh having a frusta conical shape disposed between the top end cap (150) and a floor of the cup shaped member (160). Bonding material (148) is used to attach a top portion edge (147) of the filter media (140) within an annular groove (138) formed in the top end cap (150) and a bottom portion edge (147) within a circular groove (136) formed in the floor (144) of the cup shaped member (160).

Description

RENEWABLE FILTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to filtering devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a renewable spin-on type filter including a high strength plastic housing. Discussion of Background Spin-on, twist-on type filters are used in numerous liquid and pneumatic applications throughout the agricultural, mobile, commercial and industrial markets. The housing or can for most spin-on disposable filters is manufactured by deep-draw forming of malleable materials such as aluminum. This technique limits the structural capabilities of current spin-on and twist-on type disposable products to the production capabilities of the metal forming industry and to the molecular characteristics of a limited number of specific malleable metals. Prior art disposable filters use a stamped steel or cast cover plate to secure the housing or can to a mounting and distribution head assembly. This plate typically has a threaded center hole and is spot welded and/or crimp sealed to a deep-drawn can. The purpose of the cover plate is to provide a mounting site that contains sufficient strength to allow operation of the filter at the required pressure rating. These prior art techniques for sealing and connecting the can to the plate, plus the structural limits of thin gauge malleable metals, restrict the application and uses of prior art spin-on, twist-on disposable filters. Recently new high pressure, high burst strength disposable filter housings with burst pressure ratings in the 1000 psi range have been developed for some narrowly defined markets and applications. However, even these newer high-strength filters remain applicationally limited because of their continued use of deep-drawn metal cans.
The filter media used in the prior art are usually paper products that are flexible and flimsy. As a result of their flexible and flimsy characteristics, these filters often are not properly secured in place within the housing or can during the assembly of the filter. By some accounts, 50% of current commercially available oil filters are defective and, thus, do not perform up to specification. Also, prior art paper filters often develop rips or tears during use. Such defects are not visible and the filter is used for its normal use period during which improperly filtered oil is re-circulated through the engine.
Serious damage to the engine can result.
Once these disposable filters have served their purpose and are in need of replacement, the filter is removed from the vehicle or machine and the remaining filtrate, usually oil, is drained and replaced. Thereafter, the filter is compacted and disposed of in accordance with industry practice. The impact on the environment from the disposal of used filters and oil cannot be overstated when the variety of industrial and consumer applications that employ disposable filters, as well as the frequency with which they are replaced is considered. The enormity of this situation and its impact on the environment can be appreciated when it is realized that there are currently about 180,000,000 vehicles in the United States for which it is recommend that the filter and oil be changed every 3,000 miles. About 400,000,000 oil filters are manufactured in the U.S. each year, of which less than 25% are properly recycled. The remaining, which retain some oil, are disposed of and this used oil enters the environment. Even properly drained oil filters retain up to 8 ounces of used oil. It is estimated that the result of recycling would result in the recovery of more than 17,000,000 gallons of oil. If properly processed, this oil could be reused.
Therefore, there exists a need for a twist-on filter that is renewable, which would support and encourage the recycling of used oil and reduce environmental liability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to its major aspects and briefly stated, the present invention is a renewable twist-on filter comprising a polymeric, unitary housing that is open at the top and includes a filter element adhesively secured within the interior of the housing. In one embodiment of the invention, the housing is fitted with an external male thread allowing its removable attachment to a head distribution assembly. This external male thread is disclosed as being cut or molded into the polymeric material of the housing. However, a metallic member having machined threads could be secured to the housing by welding or bonding. Likewise, the threaded member contained on the head distribution assembly can be either cut or molded into the polymeric material or a metallic member can be provided into which threads are machined. The advantage of utilizing metallic threaded members being that they are more durable and will have a longer service life. In another embodiment of the invention, the end cap or top member of the housing is provided with a female threaded center section for removably attaching the filter to the head distribution assembly. As stated above with regard to the earlier discussed embodiment, the threaded members can either be formed in the polymeric material or threaded metallic members can be utilized. In this embodiment, the end cap or top member is plastic welded to the hollow polymeric container to thus provide a closed housing having an interior chamber. Thus, the end cap or top member is fused to the hollow polymeric container and this assembly now functions as a closed housing having an interior chamber within which is securely attached the filter media. It should be noted that, although this embodiment discloses a housing formed from a cup-shaped member that is closed by a disc-shaped end cap, the end cap need not be disc-shaped but rather could be a cup-shaped top member. It should also be noted that, although the hollow polymeric container or cup- shaped member is disclosed as being a unitary cast part, it could also be fabricated from a section of polymeric tube having a molded bottom end member bonded or welded thereto. The essential feature being that the components from which the hollow housing are formed are welded together to form a closed housing having an interior chamber within which is securely attached the filter media. The filter is secured by adhesive at both ends within the housing such that the filter is immovable relative to the housing. A one part epoxy adhesive and bonding material is used for this purpose. In this embodiment, the end cap or top member functions as a mounting means for the filter as well as an end cap or top member for the housing. The bottom of the filter is secured to the bottom or closed-interior-end of the housing by a one part adhesive material. The top of the filter is bonded within a circular groove formed in the inner surface of the end cap or top member. The filter thus divides the interior chamber of the housing into an inlet section and a discharge section. The filter medium may be any medium commonly employed in the art that is capable of being cleaned and subsequently reused. In the preferred embodiment, the filter is formed from flat pieces of metal mesh material cut to a shape having a pair of edges that, when joined by a weld or encapsulated by adhesive, cause the flat piece of material to assume the shape of a cone. Multiple layers of these pieces are used in the preferred embodiment to fabricate the filter. A one part epoxy adhesive and bonding material is used to encapsulate the edges by adhesive. The metal mesh material is folded or pleated radially prior to joining the edges such that, after the edges are joined, the filter is in the shape of a truncated cone having continuous top and bottom edges. The pleats extend from the top continuous edge to the bottom continuous edge. The surface area of the filter is greatly increased by this filter design.
When the filter requires cleaning, it is removed from the distribution head of the vehicle or machine, and the excess fluid contained therein is drained out. This small amount of fluid that is drained from the filter can be easily disposed of in a manner that is not detrimental to the environment. Thereafter, the filter is back flushed using a cleaning solution. Once cleaned, the filter may be dried prior to reuse by allowing it to stand for a period of time or by blowing a drying gas therethrough. As a result of using the highly efficient and reliable filter, it is not necessary to change the oil each time the filter is cleaned. Test vehicles have currently exceeded 12,000 miles without an oil change and test of the oil show no deterioration. These vehicles are expected to reach 25,000 miles before an oil change is necessary. A major feature of the present invention is the unitary design of the polymeric housing. In the embodiment having external mounting threads, the need for a cover plate is eliminated because the external thread formed on the housing is capable of withstanding higher pressure values. Elimination of the coverplate reduces the number of operations required to fabricate the filter and thus reduces the cost of production.
Still another feature of the present invention is the combination of a polymeric housing and a renewable filter element. This combination enables the filter to be cleaned and recycled, which in turn significantly reduces the deleterious impact on the environment.
Other features and their advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a careful reading of the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments accompanied by the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a cross-section view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a cross-section view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 5-5 of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention seen in Figures 3.
Figure 7 is an enlarged cross section view of a portion of the end cap at a location spaced above the hollow polymeric container Figure 8 is an enlarged cross section view of a portion of the end cap at a location spaced above the hollow polymeric container showing another embodiment of the connection between the end cap and the hollow polymeric container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention provides a renewable, spin-on type tube filter designed to remove particles from a lubricant or other industrial fluid. The filter advanced by the present invention is suitable for use in a wide variety of industrial applications. Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a filter according to one embodiment of the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 10. Filter 10 is comprised of a hollow housing 20 having a top-end portion including an end cap or top member 50 and a bottom-end portion. The hollow housing 20 has an interior chamber that is divided by filter element 40 into an inlet section and a discharge section. Housing 20 comprises a hollow polymeric container 60 having a bottom or closed-end 26 and an open-end 22. The interior chamber 42 of hollow housing 20 is defined by inner wall 21 , floor or bottom surface 44 and the internal surface of end cap or top member 50.
An external thread 28 is formed about the perimeter of hollow polymeric container 66 proximate to open-end 22. Thread 28 may be manufactured to any size, which in turn enables filter 10 to achieve the specific pressure rating required by the particular application. Thread 28 is formed to removably mate with a variety of distribution heads commonly used in industry, thereby enabling filter 10 to be employed in a variety of industrial applications. Hollow polymeric container 60 is made of any polymeric material that can operate in a temperature range between approximately -40°C and 190°C without experiencing thermal degradation. Hollow polymeric container 60 can be formed to assume any thickness and length. The dimensions of hollow polymeric container 50 are selected to provide a stable structure at its intended operating temperature and pressure. Preferably, hollow polymeric container 60 is made of a polymeric material impregnated with a quantity of glass fibers. Extending from bottom or closed-end 26, about the perimeter of hollow polymeric container 66, is a series of serrations 30 designed to permit an individual to grasp housing 20. Formed about the perimeter of bottom or closed-end 26 is an annular groove 32. A circular recess 34 is formed at the center of bottom or closed-end 26.
Extending into the interior 42 of hollow polymeric container 60 from floor 44 is an annular shoulder 36. Shoulder 36 is dimensioned to fit within the annular center 46 defined by filter element 40. Shoulder 36 serves to center filter element 40 within interior 42 of hollow polymeric container 60. As best seen in Figure 2 the peripheral edge of end cap 50 is spaced from the inner wall 21 of the hollow polymeric container 60, which defines an annular opening that functions as the industrial fluid outlet 58. Filter element 40 may be fabricated of any filter medium commonly employed in the art, including but not limited to, stainless steel mesh, polyesters, and cellulosic materials. The mesh or porosity of the filter element 40 is determined by industrial fluid and operating conditions to which the filter will be exposed. The stiffness of the filter must be sufficient such that it maintains its geometric integrity and will not flex or deform when exposed to normal operating conditions and or to back flushing. Filter element 40 has an inlet surface 45 that is in fluid communication with the throughhole or industrial fluid inlet 52 and an outer or outlet surface 43 that is in fluid communication with the industrial fluid outlet 58. If filter 40 is constructed of bendable or flexible material, a perforated annular core made of metal or polymer may be required so that filter element 40 maintains its geometrical integrity. Filter element 40 is tubular and has an endless bottom or closed-end portion edge 47 and an endless top or open- end portion edge 41. The filter element 40 is secured along its bottom or closed-end portion edge 47 to floor 44 by an adhesive, potting or bonding material 48. The filter element 40 is secured along its top or open-end portion edge 41 in an annular groove 33 formed in the bottom surface of end cap 50. The annular groove 33 is located between the industrial fluid inlet 52, formed in end cap 50 and the industrial fluid outlet 58, formed by the peripheral edge of end cap 50 and inner wall 21 of the hollow polymeric container 60, and thus isolates the industrial fluid inlet 32 from the industrial fluid outlet 58. As a consequence of this isolation the industrial fluid that enters the inlet chamber of filter 10 through the industrial fluid inlet 52 must pass through the filter element 40 to reach the discharge section that is in fluid communication with industrial fluid outlet 58. Bonding material 48 may any type commonly employed in the art that will not react with the fluid being filtered and can withstand operating temperatures between approximately -40°C and 190°C. Preferably, the bonding material 48 is a one part epoxy adhesive and bonding material. One part epoxy adhesive is preferred because it does not set up as fast as two part epoxy which is advantageous in the assembly process. The supply of two part epoxy must be discarded after a short time period and a fresh new batch obtained to continue the assembly process. One part epoxy has another advantage in this particular process since it settles down and sets with a flat smooth exterior surface.
This flat smooth exterior surface does not have cavities in which oil and debris can collect as occurs with two part epoxy adhesive.
The top or endless open-end portion edge 41 of filter element 40 is secured to end cap 50 using bonding material 48. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 end cap 50 may be made of either a metal or polymer and is formed to have a throughhole or industrial fluid inlet 52 in registration with annular center 46 of filter element 40. An O-ring 54 is provided in industrial fluid inlet 52 that functions as a fluid seal between throughhole or industrial fluid inlet 52 and the distribution head. Hollow polymeric container 66 can be manufactured using any process commonly employed in the art. Preferably, housing 20 is manufactured using an injection molding process. In assembling filter 10, filter element 40 is secured to end cap 50 using bonding material 48. Bonding material 48 is then applied to floor 44 of hollow polymeric container 66. Filter element 40 and end cap 50 are then placed within interior 42 of hollow polymeric container 66 and secured to floor 44. When filter 10 requires cleaning, it is removed from the distribution head and the excess lubricant is drained from it. Thereafter, a cleaning solution is injected into housing 20 in the direction opposite to the direction of filtration. For example, cleaning solution may be directed through industrial fluid outlet 58 into annulus 56 which is defined by outer surface 43 of filter element 40 and the inner wall 21 of hollow polymeric container 66. The injection of solution into annulus 56 effectuates the removal of particulates from filter element 40 and transports the fluid entrained particles into annular center 46 and subsequently from the interior 42 of hollow polymeric container 66. Alternatively, cleaning solution may be injected through industrial fluid inlet 52 into annular center 46 to thereby cause the removal of particulates from filter element 40 through annulus 56 and industrial fluid outlet 58 to the exterior of housing 20. After cleaning, filter 10 is dried and reused.
Referring now to Figures 3-8, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be discussed. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a filter according to this embodiment of the present invention and is generally designated by reference numeral 100. Filter 100 is comprised of a hollow housing 120 having a top-end portion, including an end cap or top member or plastic distribution or connector head 150 and a bottom-end portion. It should be noted that, although this embodiment discloses a housing formed from a cup-shaped member 160 that is closed by a disc-shaped end cap 150, the end cap or top member need not be disc-shaped but rather could be a cup- shaped top member. It should also be noted that although the hollow polymeric container or cup 160 shaped member is disclosed as being a unitary cast part it could also be fabricated from a section of polymeric tube having a molded bottom member bonded or welded thereto. The essential feature being that the components from which the hollow housing 120 are formed are welded together to form a closed housing having an interior chamber 142 within which is securely attached the filter media 140. As best seen in Figures 4 and 5, which are cross-section views taken along lines 4-4 and 5-5 respectively of Figure 3, housing 120 has an interior chamber that is divided into a inlet section and a discharge section by filter element 140 The filter element 140 is securely mounted within the housing. Housing 120 includes a cup, can or hollow container 160 having a bottom or closed-end 126 and an open-or top end 122. Hollow polymeric container 160 has an interior 142 that is defined by inner wall 121 and a floor or bottom surface
144.
Filter element 140 has a frusta conical shape and has an endless bottom or closed-end portion edge 47 and an endless top or open-end portion edge 141. The filter element 140 is secured along its bottom or closed-end portion edge 147 in a circular groove 136, formed in floor 144, by one part adhesive, potting or bonding material 148. The filter element 140 is secured along its top or open-end portion edge 141 in an annular groove 138 formed in the bottom surface of 150. The annular groove 138 is located between the industrial fluid inlet 153, formed in end cap or top member 150 and the industrial fluid outlets 158, formed in end cap or top member 150, and thus isolates the industrial fluid inlet 153 from the industrial fluid outlets 158. As a consequence of this isolation the industrial fluid that enters the inlet section of filter 100 through the industrial fluid inlet 153 must pass through the filter element 140 to reach the discharge section from which it is discharged through industrial fluid outlets 158.
As is best seen in Figure 7, the inner wall 121 of hollow polymeric container 160 has a recessed rim 124 formed along its upper edge that is of a larger diameter than inner wall 121. The peripheral edge 155 of end cap or top member 150 has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of recessed rim 124 and thus the end cap or top member 150 can be lowered into the open end of hollow polymeric container 160 without interference. A band 125 of polymeric material, having a diameter larger than recessed rim 124 and smaller than inner wall 121 is provided as a step between the bottom of recessed rim 124 and the inner wall 121. During assembly of the filter 100, as the end cap 150 is lowered into hollow polymeric container 160 the bottom surface of end cap or top member 150 encounters band 125 which prevents end cap or top member 150 from becoming fully seated in hollow polymeric container 160. As will be discussed in more detail, this interference with band 125 will be overcome during the plastic welding process that secures the end cap 150 to the hollow polymeric container 160. Thus, when assembly is complete, the end cap member 150 will be fully seated in the open end 122 of hollow polymeric container 160. As shall be further discussed, end cap member 150 is permanently secured to housing 120 by a plastic weld.
The end cap or top member 150 has a central circular bore 152 formed therein into which is secured an internally threaded metallic collar 154. The internally treaded metallic collar 154 can be secured in central circular bore
152 by bonding material 148 or by plastic welding. If it is to be secured by plastic welding, then the outer surface of threaded metallic collar 154 is grooved or serrated to receive the liquid polymeric material during welding and thus lock the threaded metallic collar 154 in place. The threaded collar 154 is formed to mate with a variety of distribution heads commonly used in the industry, thereby enabling filter 100 to be employed in a variety of industrial applications. The fluid to be filtered enters the filter 100 through the connection between the threaded collar 154 and the distribution head. Arrow 170, seen in figure 4, indicates the direction that the industrial fluid to be filter flows as it enters filter 100. The opening 153 formed by the internally threaded collar is referred to as the industrial fluid inlet. The end cap or top member 150 is also provided with a plurality of outlets 158 through which the industrial fluid exits the filter 100. As illustrated in Figure 6, there are four arc- shaped outlets 158 that are concentric with bore 152. The arc-shaped outlets 158 are separated by bridges 159. The end cap or top member 150 includes a circular groove 157 formed in its upper or outer surface that receives a mating ring shaped member that is integral with the distribution head of the internal combustion engine or other device that the filter 100 is secured to. An 0-ring or other seal can be contained in the circular groove 157 to assure a liquid seal between the end cap or top member 150 and the distribution head. A concentric circular groove 138 is formed in the lower or internal surface of end cap or top member 150. The upper edge of the filter element 140 is received in groove 138.
Hollow polymeric container 160 and end cap or top member 150 are made of any polymeric material that can operate in a temperature range between approximately -40° C and 190°C without experiencing thermal degradation. Hollow polymeric container 160 can be formed to assume any thickness and length. Preferably, hollow polymeric container 160 is made of a polymeric material impregnated with a quantity of glass fibers.
The interior 142 of hollow polymeric container 160 is defined by an inner wall 121 and a floor 144. A circular groove 136 is formed in floor 144.
Groove 136, as illustrated in Figure 4, is located at the intersection of wall 121 and floor 144 but could be spaced centrally of this intersection. Groove 136 serves to receive the lower or bottom edge 147 of the filter element 140. Filter element 140 may be fabricated of any filter medium commonly employed in the art, including but not limited to, stainless steel mesh, polyesters, or cellulose materials. Filter element 140 has an inlet surface 145 that is in fluid communication with the industrial fluid that enters filter 100 through industrial fluid inlet 153 and an outer or outlet surface 143 that is in fluid communication with the industrial fluid outlets 158. The filter element 140, that is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, is formed from flat pieces of material cut to a shape that includes pairs of edges that when joined by a weld or encapsulated by adhesive cause the flat pieces of material to assume the shape of cones. In the preferred embodiment, multiple layers of stainless steel wire mesh are used which provides a filter element that is stiff and will not be distorted or bent by the fluid flow through it.
Each layer of the metal mesh material is folded or pleated radially. The multiple layers are nested together and the edges are joined such that after the edges are joined the filter is in the shape of a truncated cone having continuous top and bottom edges. Radial pleats are formed in the flat piece of material that extend from the upper peripheral edge to the lower or outer peripheral of the right circular cone shaped filter. The pleats are formed such that their amplitude becomes greater as they progress from the periphery of the central hole to the lower peripheral edge. As a result of forming these pleats and joining the edges, the flat piece of material assumes the shape of a frustum of a right circular cone. The surface area and, thus, the filtering capacity of the filter element 140 is greatly increased as a result of the pleats.
Furthermore, the rigidity and, therefore, the geometric integrity of the filter element 140 is also increased considerably as a result of the multiple layers and the pleats. The radial edges can be joined by inserting them in a U- shaped strip of material having one part epoxy adhesive and bonding material therein, after which the U-shaped strip is crimped and the adhesive is allowed to cure.
It should be noted that, although the filter having the shape of a right circular cone is the preferred shape for the filter, filters having other shapes, for example tubular, can be used with this invention. The large or bottom peripheral edge 147 of filter element 140 is secured in groove 136 formed in floor 144 by adhesive, potting or bonding material 148. A one part epoxy adhesive and bonding material 148 that will not react with the fluid being filtered and can withstand operating temperatures between approximately -40°C and 190°C is preferred. This bonding permanently secures the lower edge of the filter 140 to the hollow polymeric container 160 such that there can be no relative movement therebetween.
The small or top peripheral edge 141 of filter element 140 is secured in groove 138 formed in the bottom surface of end cap or top member 150 using bonding material 148. This bonding permanently secures the upper edge of the filter 140 to the end cap or top member 150 such that there can be no relative movement therebetween.
In fabricating and assembling the filter 100, hollow polymeric container 160 and end cap or top member 150 are manufactured using any process commonly employed in the art. Preferably, hollow polymeric container 160 and end cap or top member 150 are manufactured by an injection molding process. Thereafter, filter element 140 is secured in groove 138 formed in end cap or top member 150 using bonding material 148. Bonding material 148 is then placed in groove 138 formed in floor 144. The filter element with the attached end cap or top member 150 is then lowered into the hollow polymeric container 160 and the large or lower peripheral edge of filter element 140 approaches the groove 138 that contains bonding material 148. The peripheral edge 155 of end cap or top member 150 enters the open end 122 of the hollow polymeric container 160 and is aligned with the recessed rim 124 of the inner wall 121. As the filter element with the attached end cap 150 is lowered further the band 125 of polymeric material engages the bottom surface of end cap 150. The end cap 150 has been manufactured such that the diameter of the peripheral edge 155 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the rim 124 of the hollow polymeric container 160. The end cap 150 is then subjected to an ultrasonic welder which melts the band 125 of polymeric material which enables the end cap 150 to be forced downwardly into place in the hollow polymeric container 160. The melted material of band 124 then forms a bond with the rim 124 of the inner wall 121 and the peripheral edge 155 of end cap 150. As a result, the end cap 150 has been permanently secured to the hollow polymeric container 160 to form the housing 120. As a result of the end 150 being permanently secured to the hollow polymeric container 160 and the top and bottom edges of filter 140 being permanently secured to grooves 138 and 136, respectfully, there can be no relative movement of filter 140 relative to housing 120.
Ultrasonic plastic welding is the preferred plastic welding process. An ultrasonic plastic welding apparatus has one or more sonic horns. Each sonic horn has a generator-transducer for ultrasonically activating the horn and its welding blades. When the sonic horn is activated, vibrations in the range of 20,000 cycles per second are created producing heat which melts the plastic material being welded. After deactivation of the sonic horn, a permanent welded bond is formed between the end cap 150 and the hollow polymeric container 160. This permanent bond locks the filter in place within the now enclosed housing 120.
When filter 100 requires cleaning, it is removed from the distribution head and the excess lubricant is drained from it. Thereafter, a cleaning solution is injected into housing 120 in the direction opposite to the direction of filtration. For example, cleaning solution is be directed into outlets 158. The injection of solution into outlets 158 effectuates the removal of particulates from filter element 140 and transports the fluid entrained particles into the conical shaped center of the filter element 140 and subsequently out of filter 100 through industrial fluid inlet 153. Alternatively, cleaning solution may be injected into industrial fluid inlet 153 to thereby cause the removal of particulates from filter element 140 through the outlets 158 formed in end cap or top member 150. After cleaning, filter 100 is dried and reused.
Another embodiment for the bonding of the peripheral edge of end cap 150 to the inner wall 121 of the hollow polymeric container 160 is illustrated in
Figure 8. In this embodiment the peripheral edge of end cap 150 has an upper section 255 that has the same diameter as the outer diameter of the hollow polymeric container 160 and a lower section 256 that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow polymeric container 160. This allows the lower section 256 of end cap 150 to enter the open upper end of the hollow polymeric container 160 without interference. The peripheral edge of end cap 150 includes a band portion 257 that has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the lower section 256 and smaller than the diameter of the upper section 255. As the end cap 150 is lowered into the hollow polymeric container 160, the band portion 257 will encounter the upper edge of the hollow polymeric container 160 and prevent the end cap 150 from fully seating. At this point of the fabrication, the ultrasonic welding operation commences which melts the material forming the band portion 257 permitting the end cap to completely seat in hollow polymeric container 160 and form a bond therewith. This embodiment has the advantage that there will not be a resulting bead of weld on the upper surface of the end cap 150 which could interfere with the attachment of the filter 100 to the distribution head.
It should be understood that the foregoing disclosure is illustrative of the broad inventive concepts comprehended by this invention and that various other modifications and improvements may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit of the disclosed concept.

Claims

Claims
1. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids comprising: a hollow housing having an interior chamber: said housing comprising a hollow polymeric container having a closed-end and an open-end, and a polymeric top member for closing the open end of said hollow polymeric container; said hollow housing having an industrial fluid inlet formed therein through which industrial fluid to be filtered enters said interior chamber of the hollow housing; said hollow housing having an industrial fluid outlet formed therein through which filtered industrial fluid exits said interior chamber of the hollow housing; a frusta conical shaped filter element formed of a metal mesh material disposed within said interior chamber of the hollow housing, said filter element is secured to said hollow housing such that it divides said interior chamber of said hollow housing into an inlet section and an discharge section, said inlet and discharge sections being isolated from each other such that fluid received in said inlet section must pass through said filter element to reach said discharge section; said filter element having an inlet surface that is in fluid communication with said inlet section and said industrial fluid inlet and an outlet surface that is in fluid communication with said discharge section and industrial fluid outlet such that the filter element will retain contaminates carried by the industrial fluid as industrial fluid passes through said filter element; said top member being permanently secured to said hollow polymeric container such that said filter element is permanently fixed to and unmovable relative to said hollow housing.
2. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising: said polymeric top member being plastic welded to the open- end of said hollow polymeric container.
3. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising: said frusta conical shaped filter element including multiple layers of metal mesh material.
4. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids comprising: a hollow housing having an interior chamber: said housing comprising a hollow polymeric container having a closed-end and an open-end, and a polymeric top member for closing the open end of said hollow polymeric container; said hollow housing having an industrial fluid inlet formed therein through which industrial fluid to be filtered enters said interior chamber of the hollow housing; said hollow housing having an industrial fluid outlet formed therein through which filtered industrial fluid exits said interior chamber of the hollow housing; a filter element disposed within said interior chamber of the hollow housing, said filter element is secured to said hollow housing such that it divides said interior chamber of said hollow housing into an inlet section and an discharge section, said inlet and discharge sections being isolated from each other such that fluid received in said inlet section must pass through said filter element to reach said discharge section; said filter element having an inlet surface that is in fluid communication with said inlet section and said industrial fluid inlet and an outlet surface that is in fluid communication with said discharge section and industrial fluid outlet such that the filter element will retain contaminates carried by the industrial fluid as industrial fluid passes through said filter element; said top member being permanently secured to said hollow polymeric container such that said filter element is permanently fixed to and unmovable relative to said hollow housing; and said polymeric top member having a dimension and shape such that there is interference between the polymeric top member and the open- end of said hollow polymeric container which interference is eliminated by plastic welding the polymeric top member to the open-end of said hollow polymeric container.
5. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 4 and further comprising: said filter element including multiple layers.
6. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids comprising: a housing: said housing comprising a hollow polymeric container having a closed-end and an open-end, said housing also including an open-end top member; said open-end top member being dimensioned and shaped to close said open-end of said hollow polymeric container; said open-end top member having an industrial fluid inlet formed therein through which industrial fluid to be filtered enters said housing; said open-end top member having an industrial fluid outlet formed therewith through which filtered industrial fluid exits said housing; a filter element disposed within said hollow polymeric container, said filter element having an inlet surface that is in fluid communication with said industrial fluid inlet and an outlet surface that is in fluid communication with said industrial fluid outlet such that the filter element will retain contaminates carried by the industrial fluid as industrial fluid passes through said filter element; said filter element including an endless closed-end portion edge and an endless open-end portion edge; said endless closed-end portion edge is bonded, along its entire extent, to the closed-end of said hollow polymeric container and said endless open-end portion edge is bonded, along its entire extent, to said open-end top member such that it surrounds said industrial fluid inlet formed therein and isolates said industrial fluid inlet from said industrial fluid outlet; the material for bonding the endless closed-end portion edge and the endless open-end portion edge being an epoxy resin that can withstand operating temperatures between approximately -40°C and 190°C; said open-end top member being permanently secured to said hollow polymeric container about said open-end such that said filter element is permanently fixed to and unmovable relative to said hollow polymeric container; a mounting attachment carried by said open-end top member for mounting said renewable filter to a source of industrial fluid to be filtered and to a filter cleaning mechanism.
7. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 6 and further comprising: said polymeric top member being plastic welded to the open- end of said hollow polymeric container.
8. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 6 and further comprising: said polymeric top member having a dimension and shape such that there is interference between the polymeric top member and the open- end of said hollow polymeric container which interference is eliminated by plastic welding the polymeric top member to the open-end of said hollow polymeric container.
9. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 6 and further comprising: said material for bonding the endless closed-end portion edge and the endless open-end portion edge being a single part epoxy resin.
10. A renewable filter adapted to filter industrial fluids used in a device, said renewable filter comprising: a housing adapted for connection to said device, said housing formed from multiple cast parts that are during assembly of the renewable filter permanently attached to each other; said housing includes an interior chamber, a top-end portion and a bottom-end portion; an industrial fluid inlet formed in said top-end portion through which industrial fluid is received from said device to be filtered, an industrial fluid outlet formed in said top-end portion through which filtered industrial fluid flows to said device, a frusta conical shaped filter element disposed within said interior chamber of the housing including an endless bottom-end portion edge and an endless top-end portion edge, said endless bottom-end portion edge is bonded by an epoxy resin, along its entire extent, to the bottom-end portion of said housing and said endless top-end portion edge is bonded by an epoxy resin, along its entire extent, to said top-end portion of said housing such that it surrounds said industrial fluid inlet formed therein and divides said interior chamber into an inlet section and a discharge section, said filter element isolates said industrial fluid inlet from said industrial fluid outlet; said filter element functions to retain contaminates carried by the industrial fluid as industrial fluid passes through said filter element from said inlet section to said discharge section.
11. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 10 wherein the improvement further comprising: said multiple cast parts of said housing are plastic welded together during assembly of the renewable filter.
12. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 10 further comprising: said multiple cast parts having dimensions and shapes such that there is interference that prevents the multiple cast parts from fully seating together which interference is eliminated by plastic welding the multiple cast parts together.
13. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 10 further comprising: said frusta conical shaped filter element having multiple layers and said epoxy resin being a single part epoxy resin.
14. A method of cleaning the filter element of a renewable filter comprising the steps of: providing a filter according to claim 1 ; draining any industrial fluid from said renewable filter; supplying a pressurized cleaning solution to said housing through said industrial fluid outlet; allowing said pressurized cleaning solution to escape from said housing through said industrial fluid inlet, such that said pressurized cleaning solution dislodges and flushes out through said industrial fluid inlet said retained contaminates that are held by said filter element.
15. A method of cleaning the filter element of a renewable filter comprising the steps of: providing a filter according to claim 6; draining any industrial fluid from said renewable filter; supplying a pressurized cleaning solution to said housing through said industrial fluid outlet; allowing said pressurized cleaning solution to escape from said housing through said industrial fluid inlet, such that said pressurized cleaning solution dislodges and flushes out through said industrial fluid inlet said retained contaminates that are held by said filter element.
16. A method of cleaning the filter element of a renewable filter comprising the steps of: providing a filter according to claim 10; draining any industrial fluid from said renewable filter; supplying a pressurized cleaning solution to said housing through said industrial fluid outlet; allowing said pressurized cleaning solution to escape from said housing through said industrial fluid inlet, such that said pressurized cleaning solution dislodges and flushes out through said industrial fluid inlet said retained contaminates that are held by said filter element.
17. A method of cleaning the filter element of a renewable filter comprising the steps of: providing an filter according to claim 1 ; draining any industrial fluid from said renewable filter; supplying a pressurized cleaning solution to said housing through said industrial fluid inlet; allowing said pressurized cleaning solution to escape from said housing through said industrial fluid outlet such that said pressurized cleaning solution dislodges and flushes out through said industrial fluid outlet said retained contaminates that are held by said filter element.
18. A method of cleaning the filter element of a renewable filter comprising the steps of: providing an filter according to claim 6; draining any industrial fluid from said renewable filter; supplying a pressurized cleaning solution to said housing through said industrial fluid inlet; allowing said pressurized cleaning solution to escape from said housing through said industrial fluid outlet such that said pressurized cleaning solution dislodges and flushes out through said industrial fluid outlet said retained contaminates that are held by said filter element.
19. A method of cleaning the filter element of a renewable filter comprising the steps of: providing an filter according to claim 10; draining any industrial fluid from said renewable filter; supplying a pressurized cleaning solution to said housing through said industrial fluid inlet; allowing said pressurized cleaning solution to escape from said housing through said industrial fluid outlet such that said pressurized cleaning solution dislodges and flushes out through said industrial fluid outlet said retained contaminates that are held by said filter element.
20. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids comprising: a housing: said housing comprising a hollow polymeric container having a closed-end and an open-end, said housing also including an open-end top member; said open-end top member having a dimension and shape to be received within said hollow polymeric container; said open-end top member having an industrial fluid inlet formed therein through which industrial fluid to be filtered enters said housing; said housing having an industrial fluid outlet formed therein through which filtered industrial fluid exits said housing; a filter element formed of a metal mesh material disposed within said hollow polymeric container, said filter element having an inlet surface that is in fluid communication with said industrial fluid inlet and an outlet surface that is in fluid communication with said industrial fluid outlet; said filter element including an endless closed-end portion edge and an endless open-end portion edge; said endless closed-end portion edge is bonded, along its entire extent, to the closed-end of said hollow polymeric container and said endless open-end portion edge is bonded, along its entire extent, to said open-end top member such that it surrounds said industrial fluid inlet formed therein and isolates said industrial fluid inlet from said industrial fluid outlet; said open-end top member being permanently secured to said hollow polymeric container about said open-end, through said filter element, such that said filter element is permanently fixed to and unmovable relative to said hollow polymeric container; a mounting attachment carried by said housing for mounting said renewable filter to a source of industrial fluid to be filtered and to a filter cleaning mechanism.
21. A method of cleaning the filter element of a renewable filter comprising the steps of: providing an filter according to claim 20; draining any industrial fluid from said renewable filter; supplying a pressurized cleaning solution to said housing through said industrial fluid inlet; allowing said pressurized cleaning solution to escape from said housing through said industrial fluid outlet such that said pressurized cleaning solution dislodges and flushes out through said industrial fluid outlet said retained contaminates that are held by said filter element.
22. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 20 wherein the improvement further comprising: said filter element being formed of multiple layers of metal mesh material.
23. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 20 wherein the improvement further comprising: said closed-end portion edge is bonded to the closed-end of said hollow polymeric container by a single part epoxy resin; and said endless open-end portion edge is bonded to said open-end top member by a single part epoxy resin.
24. A renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 22 wherein the improvement further comprising: said closed-end portion edge is bonded to the closed-end of said hollow polymeric container by a single part epoxy resin; and said endless open-end portion edge is bonded to said open-end top member by a single part epoxy resin.
25. A method of cleaning the filter element of a renewable filter comprising the steps of: providing an filter according to claim 20; draining any industrial fluid from said renewable filter; supplying a pressurized cleaning solution to said housing through said industrial fluid inlet; allowing said pressurized cleaning solution to escape from said housing through said industrial fluid outlet such that said pressurized cleaning solution dislodges and flushes out through said industrial fluid outlet said retained contaminates that are held by said filter element.
26. A method of producing a renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids comprising the steps of: forming a hollow polymeric container having a closed-end and an open-end; forming a polymeric top member for closing the open-end of said hollow polymeric container; providing a filter element having a closed-end end and an open- end end; securing the open-end end of said filter element to said top member; depositing a bonding agent in said closed-end of the hollow polymeric container; inserting the closed-end end of said filter element into said hollow polymeric container such that said closed-end end becomes submerged in the bonding agent; securing said polymeric top member to said open-end of said hollow polymeric container.
27. A method of producing a renewable filter for filtering industrial fluids as set forth in claim 26 wherein: the step of securing said polymeric top member to said open- end of said hollow polymeric container is done by plastic welding.
PCT/US1998/021414 1998-10-09 1998-10-09 Renewable filter WO2000021637A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1998/021414 WO2000021637A1 (en) 1998-10-09 1998-10-09 Renewable filter
AU97970/98A AU9797098A (en) 1998-10-09 1998-10-09 Renewable filter

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1998/021414 WO2000021637A1 (en) 1998-10-09 1998-10-09 Renewable filter

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000021637A1 true WO2000021637A1 (en) 2000-04-20
WO2000021637A9 WO2000021637A9 (en) 2000-09-14

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AU (1) AU9797098A (en)
WO (1) WO2000021637A1 (en)

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DE112006001365B4 (en) * 2005-05-26 2021-04-15 Cummins Filtration Inc. Screw-on filter with open flow inlet end

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104150556A (en) * 2014-08-27 2014-11-19 江苏永尚能源科技有限公司 Tap water filtering device with filter area being increased

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US3044475A (en) * 1961-05-04 1962-07-17 Robert S Thompson Oil filter cleaner
US3458050A (en) * 1968-09-10 1969-07-29 Pall Corp Frustoconical filter fittings
US3782083A (en) * 1971-09-16 1974-01-01 Pall Corp Disposable gas filter
DE3429634A1 (en) * 1984-08-11 1986-02-20 Ing. Walter Hengst GmbH & Co KG, 4400 Münster Screw-in filter for fuels and/or lubricants

Patent Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3044475A (en) * 1961-05-04 1962-07-17 Robert S Thompson Oil filter cleaner
US3458050A (en) * 1968-09-10 1969-07-29 Pall Corp Frustoconical filter fittings
US3782083A (en) * 1971-09-16 1974-01-01 Pall Corp Disposable gas filter
DE3429634A1 (en) * 1984-08-11 1986-02-20 Ing. Walter Hengst GmbH & Co KG, 4400 Münster Screw-in filter for fuels and/or lubricants

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE112006001365B4 (en) * 2005-05-26 2021-04-15 Cummins Filtration Inc. Screw-on filter with open flow inlet end

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WO2000021637A9 (en) 2000-09-14
AU9797098A (en) 2000-05-01

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