Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
  • B01D46/52—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filters embodying folded corrugated or wound sheet material
  • B01D46/521—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filters embodying folded corrugated or wound sheet material using folded, pleated material
  • B01D46/525—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filters embodying folded corrugated or wound sheet material using folded, pleated material which comprises flutes
  • B01D46/527—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filters embodying folded corrugated or wound sheet material using folded, pleated material which comprises flutes in wound arrangement
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
  • B01D46/0002—Casings; Housings; Frame constructions
  • B01D46/0004—Details of removable closures, lids, caps or filter heads
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
  • B01D46/0002—Casings; Housings; Frame constructions
  • B01D46/0005—Mounting of filtering elements within casings, housings or frames
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
  • B01D46/0084—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours provided with safety means
  • B01D46/0095—Means acting upon failure of the filtering system, e.g. in case of damage of the filter elements; Failsafes
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
  • B01D46/10—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filter plates, sheets or pads having plane surfaces
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
  • B01D46/42—Auxiliary equipment or operation thereof
  • B01D46/4227—Manipulating filters or filter elements, e.g. handles or extracting tools
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D2267/00—Multiple filter elements specially adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
  • B01D2267/40—Different types of filters
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D2271/00—Sealings for filters specially adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
  • B01D2271/02—Gaskets, sealings
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D2271/00—Sealings for filters specially adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
  • B01D2271/02—Gaskets, sealings
  • B01D2271/027—Radial sealings

Definitions

• This disclosure describes filter constructions for filtering fluids, such as gas or liquid.
• this disclosure describes a straight-through flow filter element with sealing members, and methods for using and assembling such a filter element.
• Straight through flow filter elements have been used in systems for cleaning fluid passing therethrough.
• Straight through flow filter elements typically have an inlet face and an oppositely disposed outlet face. In this manner, fluid flows in one direction upon entering the filter element at the inlet face and will have the same direction of flow as it exits the outlet face.
• straight through flow filter elements will be installed in a duct or housing of some type. After a period of use, the filter element will require servicing, either cleaning or a complete replacement of the filter element. If it is difficult or inconvenient to service the filter element, the user may delay the proper servicing, which can cause damage to whatever system is being filtered.
• a filter arrangement includes a media construction comprising a corrugated sheet secured to a flat sheet rolled into a coiled construction.
• a frame and a first seal member are provided.
• the frame secures the first seal member to the coiled construction.
• the first seal member is preferably oriented to form a radial seal with a housing.
• a second seal member is secured to the outer annular surface of the coiled construction.
• the second seal member includes a gasket extension having first and second opposite ends; an attachment portion; and a protrusion extending from the attachment portion.
• the second seal member is preferably oriented to form an axial seal with a housing.
• Air cleaners preferably utilize filter arrangements as described herein operably installed within housings.
• Methods of installing, filtering, assembling, and servicing preferably include arrangements as described herein.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic, side elevational view with a portion broken away showing a cross-section of one embodiment of an air cleaner including a housing with a filter element, the cross-section being taken along the line 1-1 of FIG. 2, constructed according to principles of this disclosure;
• FIG. 2 is a schematic end view of the air cleaner depicted in FIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged, schematic, fragmented, cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing one of the seals;
• FIG. 4 is an enlarged, schematic, cross-sectional view of one of the seal members of the filter element depicted in FIG. 1;
• FIG. 5 is a schematic, enlarged, fragmented cross-sectional view of one of the seal members of the filter element depicted in FIG. 1;
• FIG. 6 is a schematic, exploded, cross-sectional view of the filter element utilized in the air cleaner of FIG. 1 ;
• FIG. 7 is an end view of one embodiment of a frame utilized by the filter element of FIG. 6;
• FIG. 8 is a schematic, enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view showing a connection between the frame of FIG. 7 and a core of the filter element depicted in FIG. 6;
• FIG. 9 is a schematic, enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view depicting connection between a knob and a core of the filter element depicted in FIG. 6;
• FIG. 10 is a schematic, exploded, perspective view of the filter element utilized in the air cleaner of FIG. 1. Detailed Description
• FIG. 1 depicts an air cleaner 1, including a housing 2 with a filter element 10 operably mounted therein.
• the housing 2 preferably includes a body member 3 and a removable cover 4.
• the filter element 10 is selectively removable and replaceable from the housing 2 by removing the cover 4 from the body member 3, providing access to the element 10.
• the air cleaner 1 is usable for cleaning fluid, such as gas, in particular air.
• the filter element 10 is configured to permit straight through flow. By the term “straight through flow,” it is meant that the fluid flows directly through the filter element 10, entering at an inlet face 11 and exiting in a same direction at an opposite, outlet face 12 without turning a corner.
• the filter element 10 includes filter media 14 that is configured to filter particulates from the gas stream entering at the inlet face 11, such that the gas stream exiting the outlet face 12 is at least partially clean (i.e., free of particulates).
• the filter element 10 includes a first seal member 16, which aids in inhibiting leakage between the filter element 10 and the housing 2 in which the filter element 10 is installed.
• the filter element also includes a second seal member 18, which is oriented upstream of the first seal member 16, and also aids in inhibiting leakage between thetician element 10 and the housing 2.
• the second seal member 18 also helps to prevent an accumulation of dust between the element 10 and the housing 2 upstream of the first seal member 16.
• the filter element 10 may include an optional center piece construction 20, depicted in FIG. 6.
• the air cleaner 1 may also include an optional safety element 5.
• the safety element 5 is depicted schematically, and is oriented downstream of the filter element 10.
• the safety element 5 helps to protect downstream components in the filtration system, in case of failure of the filter element 10.
• the safety element 5 also protects downstream components during servicing of the air cleaner 1.
• serving it is meant when the cover 4 is removed from the body member 3, and the filter element 10 is removed from the body member 3 and replaced with a new filter element.
• the air cleaner 1 may also include an optional secondary element (not shown in the drawings). The secondary element would also provide protection to downstream components while servicing the air cleaner 1.
• One usable secondary element includes the secondary elements described in U.S. Patent No. 6,221,122 issued on April 24, 2001, which patent is incorporated herein by reference.
• FIGS. 1 and 2 Other features visible in FIGS. 1 and 2 include an outlet tube 6 on the body member 3 and an inlet grid 7 on the cover 4.
• the cover 4 defines a plurality of elongated slots 8 to take in incoming gas to be directed through the filter element 10.
• the grid 7 helps to remove large particles, such as leaves and insects from the gas stream being directed into the filter element 10.
• Filter media 14 usable in this construction is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,190,432 and international publication WO 97/40918, published November 6, 1997. Each of these publications is incorporated by reference herein.
• the filter media 14 is a coiled construction 24 (FIG. 10) having a fluted sheet secured to a flat sheet.
• the fluted sheet generally is a corrugated layer and is secured to the flat sheet with an adhesive, which helps to form appropriate seals.
• the corrugation utilized in the filter media 14 can be many types of configurations.
• examples include corrugations resulting in straight flutes, where the flutes are parallel to each other; straight flutes having crushed ends or pinched ends; and tapered flutes, where alternating flutes gradually converge from a wide section to a narrow section with the next adjacent flute diverging from a narrow section to a wide section.
• the corrugated sheet and flat sheet secured together are rolled or coiled around a portion of the center piece construction 20 (FIG. 6), with an adhesive to inhibit air leakage between the media 14 and the center piece construction 20.
• the element 10 may be coreless, such that the fluted sheet and flat sheet secured together are not rolled around a center core.
• the flute chambers form alternating peaks and troughs.
• filter media 14 having media comprising a plurality of flute chambers, with each of the flute chambers having a first end adjacent to the filter element inlet face 11, and a second end adjacent to the filter element outlet face 12. Selected ones of the flute chambers are open at the first end and closed at the second end ("inlet flutes"), while selected ones of the flute chambers are closed at the first end and open at the second end ("outlet flutes").
• unfiltered fluid such as air
• the unfiltered fluid is not permitted to pass through the downstream ends of those flute chambers that they entered into because those particular flute chambers are closed by a sealant bead.
• the fluid is forced to proceed through the fluting sheet or the flat sheet.
• the unfiltered fluid passes through the fluting sheet or the flat sheet, the fluid is cleaned or filtered.
• the fluid then passes tlirough the outlet flutes that have their upstream ends closed and their downstream ends open.
• the seal member 16 is for creating a seal with the housing that the filter element 10 is installed within. Such a seal will inhibit leakage of fluid between the filter element 10 and the housing, to ensure that the unfiltered fluid must pass through the filter media 14 for cleaning.
• the seal member 16 can include various types of sealing arrangements, such as axially directed seals, radially directed seals, or a combination of these.
• the seal member 16 is a radial seal member 26, configured to result in a radially directed seal 27 with the housing.
• the radial seal member 26 is supported by a frame construction 28 (FIGS. 6 and 7).
• the frame construction 28 includes an extension 30 (FIG. 6) that projects or extends axially from the outlet face 12.
• the frame construction 28 also includes a skirt or band 32 that is used to secure the filter media 14 to remaining portions of the frame construction 28.
• the particular radial seal member 26 that is preferred is shown, enlarged, in FIG. 4.
• the preferred seal member 26 depicted has a stepped cross- sectional configuration of increasing outermost dimensions and defines a plurality of progressively larger steps, in this case, three steps 37, 38, 39 from an end tip 40 and in the direction toward the rest of the filter element 10.
• the smallest step 37 allows for easy insertion of the filter element 10 into the housing.
• the largest step 39 ensures that a tight radial seal is formed.
• the radial seal member 26 is made from a polyurethane foam material having "as-molded" density of no greater than 25 lbs per cubic foot, typically about 11-22 lbs. per cubic foot.
• seal member 26 This material permits the seal member 26 to be soft and compressible, such that the seal member 26 can be compressed between the extension 30 and a sealing surface of the housing in which it is installed. In preferred applications, the seal member 26 is compressed between about 15% and 40% of its thickness.
• the radial seal member 26 will be supported by the frame construction 28 to help keep the seal member 26 properly oriented against the sealing surface of the housing.
• the frame construction 28 preferably includes a truss system 42 (FIG. 7) to help support the seal member 26.
• the truss system 42 includes a plurality of struts or support members 44 arranged and configured to provide structural support and take the forces exerted by the compression of the seal member 26 against the extension 30.
• the struts or support members 44 can be arranged in a variety of configurations. In the particular arrangement shown in FIG.
• the truss system 42 includes a plurality of spokes 46 symmetrically arranged over the outlet face 12, radially extending from a hub 47 centered over the center piece construction 20 and terminating at the extension 30 and the band 32.
• the truss system 42 further includes arched members 48 extending between and connecting each of the spokes 46.
• FIG. 1 An enlarged, schematic view of this seal is shown in FIG. 3.
• the second seal member 18 may be oriented and sized in a variety of configurations to result in an axial seal, a radial seal, or a combination of these types.
• the seal member 18, the housing 2, and the filter element 10 are constructed, sized, and arranged to result in an axial seal 101.
• the seal member 18 is squeezed or compressed by axial forces between the cover 4 and the body member 3 by action of the clamp assembly 104 (FIG. 2).
• FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged, fragmented, schematic, cross-sectional view of the seal member 18.
• the particular seal member 18 depicted includes a gasket extension 106 having an attachment portion 108 and a protrusion 110 for forming the axial seal 101, extending from the attachment portion 108.
• the attachment portion 108 includes an attachment surface 112, being generally a smooth, flat plane 114 that provides for secure attachment to an outer annular surface 113 of the coiled construction 24.
• the protrusion 110 includes first and second inclines 120, 121 with a land 122 extending therebetween.
• the land 122 is generally parallel to the attachment surface 112.
• the inclines 120, 121 are symmetrical. It can be seen in FIG. 5 that the protrusion 110 (the protrusion 110 including: the inclines 120, 121; the land 122; and an imaginary straight line connecting portions 120a, 121a where the inclines intersect the attachment portion 108) generally resemble a truncated triangle.
• the protrusion 110 has the cross- sectional shape of a trapezoid. Extending from the protrusion 110, adjacent to the incline 121 is a second ramp 124. The ramp 124 extends from the incline 121 to an end 126. End 118 and end 126 form opposite ends of the gasket extension 106. The end 126 is nearer to the outlet end 12 of the element 10 than the end 118 is to the outlet end 12.
• the end 118 of the gasket extension 106 is even with the inlet face 11. This arrangement helps to protect the element 10 during installation of the element 10 in the housing 2.
• the cover 4 is more tightly secured to the body member 3 by the extension of the ramp 116.
• One, specific, usable gasket extension 106 includes the following dimensions: an overall length between end 118 and end 126 of at least 2 inches, preferably 2.5-3.4 inches; a height of the protrusion 110 from the attachment surface 112 to the land 122 of at least 0.5 inch, preferably 0.75-1 inch; the land 122 extending from the end 118 at least 1.5 inches, preferably 1.75-2.25 inches; a length of the land 122 extending at least 0.1 inch, preferably 0.2-0.3 inch; each of the inclines 120, 121 being angled relative to the plane parallel to the land 122 at least 45 degrees, preferably 55-65 degrees; the first ramp 116 being angled from the horizontal (a plane parallel to the land 122) of at least 2 degrees, preferably 3-7 degrees; and the ramp 124 being angled relative to the plane parallel to the land 122 of at least 15 degrees, preferably 22-27 degrees.
• FIG. 3 depicts the gasket extension 106 as being secured to an exterior portion 130 of the coiled construction 24.
• the attachment surface 112 is secured, by way of adhesive or other suitable securing arrangement, to the exterior portion 130.
• the filter element 10 may include an optional center piece construction.
• the particular embodiment of the filter element 10 that is illustrated includes the center piece construction 20.
• the center piece construction 20 provides a mounting structure for holding and having the filter media 14 mounted thereon.
• the center piece construction 20, in preferred embodiments, also provides structure that is constructed and arranged to connect or be secured to other portions in a fluid cleaning system.
• the center piece construction 20 may be constructed to permit framework from the filter housing 2 to be secured thereto. It may also provide structure to permit other structural support members from the filter element 10, the housing 2, or other portions of the filtration system.
• the center piece construction 20 may merely function to hold the filter media 14 and be devoid of any other connections. In situations where the center piece construction 20 is devoid of connections, either at one or both ends, the center piece construction 20 may be blocked with a suitable plug at one or both ends.
• the center piece construction 20 is constructed and arranged to be releasably, selectively secured or attached to the frame construction 28.
• the center piece construction 20 is also depicted as being secured to an optional handle 22.
• FIG. 6 shows the center piece construction 20 in schematic, cross- sectional view.
• the center piece construction 20 comprises a central core 51 to the filter element 10.
• the core 51 is embodied as tube 52, preferably, a hollow cylinder 54.
• the cylinder 54 includes the first and second opposite ends 56, 57.
• the first end 56 is configured for selective attachment to the frame construction 28, usually located at the outlet face 12.
• the second end 57 is configured for optional attachment to the handle 22, and is usually located at the inlet face 11.
• a wall 58 is shown at approximately the center of the cylinder 54 to close the interior 59.
• the wall 58 provides structural support to the cylinder 54 at this section.
• the first end 56 of the cylinder 54 in the one depicted, is constructed and arranged to connect to the frame construction 28.
• the first end 56 of the cylinder 54 includes a hook arrangement 76.
• hook arrangement 76 includes at least one flange, preferably, a pair of deflectable flanges 62, 63 having hooks 66, 67 that engage the central hub 47 of the frame construction 28.
• the cylinder 54 has a pair of cut out extensions 69, 70 that allow the flanges 62, 63 to deflect toward each other (radially inwardly). Typically, the deflection will occur by camming force exerted by the hub 47 against the hooks 66, 61. See FIG. 8. As the frame construction 28 and the cylinder 54 are moved axially toward each other and the flanges 62, 63 are deflecting inwardly, eventually the hub 47 will reach the reliefs 72, 73 on the hooks 66, 67.
• the flanges 62, 63 will deflect back to their natural position, and the cylinder 54 will be secured to the frame construction 28 because the hub 47 will be trapped below the hooks 66, 67.
• a rib 74 radially extending from the cylinder wall 75 and adjacent to the flanges 62, 63, prevents the frame 28 from sliding axially along the cylinder 75 toward the second end 57.
• the hook arrangement 76 could be on the framework 28 and engage the cylinder 54.
• the second end 57 is shown optionally secured to the handle 22.
• the handle 22 is in the form of a grip or knob 76.
• the knob 76 is arranged such that when mounted on the filter element 10, it includes a grasping structure 78 that is spaced a sufficient distance away from the inlet face 11 to permit at least a portion of a user's hand or fingers to be between the grasping structure 78 and the inlet face 11.
• the grasping structure 78 is spaced at least 0.5 inch from the inlet face 11.
• the particular knob 76 depicted includes a shaft 80 adjacent to the grasping structure 78.
• the shaft 80 is constructed and arranged to allow convenient engagement with the cylinder 54.
• the shaft 80 includes a pair of deflecting flanges 82, 83 having hooks 85, 86.
• Adjacent to each of the flanges 82, 83 are cut out extensions (not shown) that permit the flanges 82, 83 to deflect radially inwardly and toward each other.
• the preferred cylinder 54, at the second end 57 defines at lease one, and preferably, a pair of apertures or voids 90, 91.
• the voids 90, 91 receive the deflecting flanges 82, 83 and engage the hooks 85, 86 to provide for a snap-fit engagement between the knob 76 and the cylinder 54.
• the second end 57 could have the barbs or deflecting flanges and engage apertures on the handle 22.
• the voids 90, 91 are radially offset by 90 degrees relative to the cut out extensions 69, 70 of the first end 56.
• the voids 90, 91 are generally in line with the flanges 62, 63. This is arranged in this manner for molding techniques .
• the filter media 14 is coiled or wound around the core 51.
• the frame construction 28 holding the radial seal member 26 is mounted onto the filter media 14. This is done by snap engagement between the deflecting flanges 62, 63 and the hub 47.
• the band 32 is also secured to the outer periphery 113 of the coiled construction 24.
• the knob 76 is snapped into the second end 57 of the core 51, by engagement between the flanges 82, 83 and the voids 90, 91.
• the knob 76 may be secured to the coiled construction 54 before the frame construction 28 is secured to the coiled construction 54.
• the filter element 10 is then operably installed within the housing 2.
• the cover 4 will be removed from the body member 3 to provide access to the interior of the body member 3.
• the filter element 10 is inserted into the body member 3, with the outlet face 12 leading the insertion direction.
• the filter element 10 is pushed axially into the body member 3 to provide contact between the first seal member 16 and the housing 2 to create the radial seal 27.
• the cover 4 is oriented over the inlet face 11 of the filter element 10 that is protruding from the body member 3.
• the cover 4 is operably oriented to rest against the end of the body member 3, and the clamp assembly 104 is actuated.
• the clamp assembly 104 provides for an axial compression between the cover 4 and the body member 3.
• the second seal member 18 is also at this body member 3/cover 4 interface.
• the clamp assembly 104 is continued to be actuated to provide the axial force, until the axial seal 101 is formed between the cover 4, the second seal member 18 of the filter element 10, and the body member 3.
• gas to be cleaned enters the air cleaner 1 through the slots 8 in the inlet grid 7. This partially filters the gas, by removing large debris. The gas then proceeds to the inlet face 11, through the filter media 14, and exits through the outlet face 12. After exiting the outlet face 12, the air may pass through an optional safety element 5 or secondary element, before exiting the housing 3 through the outlet tube 6.
• the media 14 will become loaded with dust and require servicing.
• the cover 4 is removed from the body member by loosening the clamp assembly 104. This releases the axial seal 101.
• the cover 4 is removed from the body member, and the filter element 10 is removed from the body member 3 by pulling the filter element 10 from the body member 3. This releases the radial seal 27.
• the filter element 10 may then be disposed of, for example, by incineration.
• the filter element 10 preferably is constructed of at least 95%, more preferably 100% metal-free materials.
• the air cleaner 1 may then be supplied with a second, new, unused filter element.

Landscapes

• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)
• Glass Compositions (AREA)
• Sealing Using Fluids, Sealing Without Contact, And Removal Of Oil (AREA)

Priority Applications (8)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (3)

Family

ID=25366453

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (12)

Cited By (6)

Families Citing this family (157)

Family Cites Families (114)

• 2001
  • 2001-06-06 US US09/875,844 patent/US6610126B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 2002
  • 2002-05-30 CN CNB200610159808XA patent/CN100462127C/zh not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2002-05-30 JP JP2003501574A patent/JP4510439B2/ja not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2002-05-30 MX MXPA03011188A patent/MXPA03011188A/es unknown
  • 2002-05-30 WO PCT/US2002/017292 patent/WO2002098539A2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2002-05-30 AT AT02739580T patent/ATE305815T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2002-05-30 BR BR0210274-9A patent/BR0210274A/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2002-05-30 EP EP02739580A patent/EP1406717B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2002-05-30 KR KR10-2003-7016032A patent/KR20040018263A/ko not_active Withdrawn
  • 2002-05-30 CN CNB028140370A patent/CN1282496C/zh not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2002-05-30 CA CA002449079A patent/CA2449079A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2002-05-30 DE DE60206507T patent/DE60206507T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 2003
  • 2003-08-22 US US10/646,627 patent/US6878190B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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• 2004
  • 2004-08-24 US US10/925,790 patent/US6997968B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 2006
  • 2006-02-01 US US11/275,865 patent/US7393375B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 2008
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• 2010
  • 2010-04-05 US US12/754,324 patent/US7976601B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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• 2012
  • 2012-08-20 US US13/589,781 patent/US8608818B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2013
  • 2013-12-16 US US14/107,224 patent/US9346004B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related

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