The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 20, 2007
Filed:
Mar. 30, 2005
John L. Pulek, Cheshire, CT (US);
William A. Larsen, Southington, CT (US);
C. Thomas Paul, Madison, CT (US);
Clifford L. Schorr, Cheshire, CT (US);
Francis J. Swiatek, Stafford Springs, CT (US);
Art Artinyan, Belvidere, NY (US);
John L. Pulek, Cheshire, CT (US);
William A. Larsen, Southington, CT (US);
C. Thomas Paul, Madison, CT (US);
Clifford L. Schorr, Cheshire, CT (US);
Francis J. Swiatek, Stafford Springs, CT (US);
Art Artinyan, Belvidere, NY (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
A fluid filtration unit having two or more filter medium layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter medium are presently preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter medium layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter medium element and preventing collapsing of the medium into any separator conduit. At least one of the medium elements is formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption with the various zones and the separator being operatively connected by a new and innovative edge seal. The new and innovative edge seal is presently preferably formed from a thermoplastic material having a modulus of elasticity which is sufficient to permit radial expansion of the edge seal when the unit medium swells in size.