Sta-Rite Industries Inc.

Medtronic, Inc.

Terrel F Spencer

Gary L Brooks

W Sean Gallagher

A common filter assembly is formed from a filter membrane which is supported by a filter core element. The core element according to the invention is substantially planer in the as-molded condition but is adapted to be articulated into a cylindrical configuration. The core element comprises a framework adapted to control the flow of fluid therethrough to enhance the performance of the filter membrane.

Articulated filter core element

A new method for making a filter module includes the steps of providing an adhesive dispensing implement and a support member having an annular flange. A filter medium is placed around the support member to form an intermediate assembly and the implement and the assembly are rotated relative to one another while applying adhesive to the medium and the flange, thereby securing the medium and the flange to one another. A related apparatus for making a filter module has a powered module support mechanism for rotating a filter module about an axis and an adhesive dispensing implement for applying adhesive to a rotating filter module. Preferably, the module support mechanism includes two parallel rotating bars for holding the module and the module assembly is rotated while holding the adhesive dispensing implement stationary.

Apparatus for making a filter module

A filter cartridge has an inner filter element and an outer filter element concentric therewith. The filter elements define a water flow space between them and a container of sanitizing granules is positioned in the space. The granules kill waterborne bacteria that come into contact therewith. In a more specific embodiment, the container is in a riser tube positioned in the water flow space. In another embodiment, the cartridge includes two riser tubes, each holding a container of sanitizing granules. In the alternative, one riser tube holds a container of an oxidizer such as chlorine or bromine pellets.

Filter cartridge with integral bactericide

Method and apparatus for making a filter module

A filter component having a substantially rigid support core and a filter element. The core includes a projecting first anchoring rib and the filter element (which is substantially flat in a repose position) has first and second spaced end panels. At least the first end panel of the element is attached to the anchoring rib when the element is mounted on the component. Element-component attachment is, in one aspect, by panel-mounted hook-like devices which attach to the rib. Attachment devices may also be embodied as clip mechanisms or rivet-like fasteners. A retaining tab on the component platform fits into a tab notch on the filter element when the element is mounted on the component.

Filter apparatus

The invention is an improvement in a known cylindrical, annular fluid filter cartridge of the type having a lower end cap supporting spaced, concentric filter elements. The spaced elements define an effluent path therebetween. In known cartridges of the foregoing type, the inner and outer perimeters of the end cap (or either of them) have a significant circumferential 'Perimeter of engagement' which seats into a pocket with friction fit. As a result, significant force is required to remove a cartridge, especially a large cartridge, from the housing. The improvement comprises a channel (either a tube-like riser or a manifold) and a discharge port for receiving effluent, e.g., filtered water, from the effluent path. The discharge port (with its relatively small perimeter of engagement) is configured and arranged for attachment to and detachment from an outlet vent located near the bottom of the cartridge housing. Because of the relatively small engagement perimeter of the discharge port (and the resulting reduced 'frictional' forces), even large water-soaked cartridges are much more easily removed from the housing as when cleaning or replacing the cartridge.

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Lake Geneva, WI, United States of America

Terrel F Spencer