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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Warwick, RI, United States of America

Donald I Thornton

This inventor holds 16 USPTO granted patents. Top assignees: Allied Corporation, Fram Corporation. Active years: 1979-1988.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Donald I Thornton. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/donald-i-thornton

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 16

% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.7

ph-index = 12

Forward Citations = 404(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • East Providence, RI (US) (1984)
  • Warwick, RI (US) (1979 - 1988)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal9 out of 1,393 
 
Allied Corporation
 patents
silverMedal7 out of 23 
 
Fram Corporation
 patents

Years Active: 1979-1988

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16 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 4772443 - Thermally formed filter (1988-09-20),
2. 4732677 - Thermally formed stacked disc filter (1988-03-22),
3. 4732671 - Diesel fuel filter/water separator (1988-03-22),
4. 4701197 - Molded panel filter (1987-10-20),
5. 4661132 - Themally formed gradient density filter (1987-04-28),
6. 4636231 - Panel air filter (1987-01-13),
7. 4629474 - Thermally formed filter (1986-12-16),
8. 4570604 - Fuel system for a vehicle engine (1986-02-18),
9. 4500425 - Pump valve for liquid separator (1985-02-19),
10. 4470301 - Probe and drain assembly for fuel oil/water separator (1984-09-11),
11. 4437986 - Separating device and cartridge therefor (1984-03-20),
12. 4400864 - Fluid filter (1983-08-30),
13. 4371439 - Cam actuated filter assembly (1983-02-01),
14. 4324660 - Fluid filter (1982-04-13),
15. 4180885 - Windshield wiper (1980-01-01),

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Donald I Thornton

Introduction

Donald I Thornton is a notable inventor based in Warwick, Rhode Island, with a remarkable portfolio of 16 patents. His work primarily focuses on fluid filtration technologies, showcasing his expertise in engineering and innovation.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions is the "Thermally Formed Filter," which involves creating a fluid filter by manufacturing an air laid batt containing randomly disposed structural fibers and a thermoplastic binder fiber. The interstices between the fibers are fixed by applying a latex resin to the batt, thereby establishing the pore sizes of the filtering media before it is molded. The filtering media is then shaped using a plunger to tuck it into an open cavity mold, which may be heated and subjected to pressure for effective molding. Another significant invention is the "Diesel Fuel Filter/Water Separator," designed to separate immiscible components from a fluid mixture, such as water from a diesel fuel oil/water mixture. This device includes a housing and a horizontally oriented filter cartridge, allowing the coalesced water or heavier component to collect in the lower portion of the cartridge and drain into a sump for periodic removal.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Donald I Thornton has worked with prominent companies, including Allied Corporation and Fram Corporation. His contributions to these organizations have significantly advanced the field of fluid filtration.

Collaborations

Donald has collaborated with notable individuals in his field, including Richard H Peyton and Clarke A Rodman. Their combined expertise has likely contributed to the success of his innovative projects.

Conclusion

Donald I Thornton's contributions to fluid filtration technology through his patents and collaborations highlight his significant impact on the industry. His innovative spirit continues to inspire advancements in engineering and product development.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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