U.S. patent application number 09/860694 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-15 for check valve.
Invention is credited to Beckham, Scott.
Application Number | 20010040123 09/860694 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24263110 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010040123 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beckham, Scott |
November 15, 2001 |
Check valve
Abstract
A filter system especially useful in the treatment of waste
material, in particular liquid waste material which may include
particulate matter therein. The filter system includes a series of
filters of progressively finer porosity in order to selectively
eliminate particulate (or semi-particulate) matters from a carrier
material, typically, but not exclusively, of a fluid or liquid
nature. The filters are mounted within a housing which includes one
or more inlet ports and at least one outlet port.
Inventors: |
Beckham, Scott; (Newport
Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
G. Donald Weber, Jr.
18442 Taft Avenue
Villa Park
CA
92861
US
|
Family ID: |
24263110 |
Appl. No.: |
09/860694 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09860694 |
May 21, 2001 |
|
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09566491 |
May 8, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
210/136 ;
137/511; 210/232; 210/314 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/87571 20150401;
Y10T 137/7837 20150401; B01D 2201/188 20130101; A61M 1/79 20210501;
Y10T 137/7976 20150401; B01D 2201/301 20130101; Y10T 137/87684
20150401; B01D 35/30 20130101; B01D 35/153 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/136 ;
210/232; 210/314; 137/511 |
International
Class: |
B01D 035/153 |
Claims
1. A filtration unit comprising, a housing, at least one inlet port
at said housing, at least one outlet port at said housing, a check
valve interposed between said inlet port and said outlet port to
control material flow therebetween in said housing, and a filter
device interposed between said inlet port and said outlet port in
said housing to filter the material flow therebetween.
2. The unit recited in claim 1 wherein, said filter device includes
a plurality of filter components.
3. The unit recited in claim 1 wherein, said inlet port is
integrally formed with said housing.
4. The unit recited in claim 1 wherein, said inlet port is disposed
at a side surface of said housing.
5. The unit recited in claim 1 wherein, said outlet port is
disposed at the bottom surface of said housing.
6. The unit recited in claim 1 including, a cap for selectively
covering each said inlet port.
7. The unit recited in claim 1 wherein, said inlet port is mounted
on a support which is affixed to said housing.
8. The unit recited in claim 7 wherein, said housing has at least
one inlet port aperture therein for receiving said inlet port such
that said support is disposed within said housing.
9. The unit recited in claim 1 wherein, each said check valve is
attached to an inlet port to permit only unidirectional flow
through said housing.
10. The unit recited in claim 1 including, a filter support
disposed within said housing and adapted to support said filter
device thereon.
11. The unit recited in claim 1 including, at least one rib formed
on the internal surface of said housing to direct material flow
toward said outlet port.
12. The unit recited in claim 1 wherein, said check valve includes
a proximal end which is securely joined to said inlet port and a
distal end which is selectively opened or closed to passage of
material flow through said check valve from said inlet port.
13. The unit recited in claim 6 including, a connecting strap
joined to each said cap.
14. The unit recited in claim 13 wherein, said connection strap is
selectively mounted to said outlet port.
15. The unit recited in claim 1 including, a plurality of inlet
ports disposed in a first surface of said housing and a single
outlet port disposed in a second surface of said housing.
16. A check valve comprising, a proximal end which is normally open
and is adapted to be joined to an inlet source, and a distal end
remote from said proximal end, said distal end includes at least
one flexible portion which is adapted to flex to thereby permit
material flow through said proximal end in one direction only.
17. The unit recited in claim 16 wherein, said distal end includes
a pair of flaps joined together at the sides thereof and at said
proximal end.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is directed to a filter system, in general,
and, more particularly, to a filter system for removing solids or
semi-solids from a fluid or liquid carrier.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] There are many uses for filter systems and/or devices for
removing certain types of materials from a carrier. One such
application is the removal of solid or, semi-solid detritus such as
bone chips, flesh, blood clots or the like from the waste material
generated by a medical procedure or operation. This removal process
permits the liquid or fluid carrier to be treated separately from
the other debris which is trapped by the filtration process. Of
course, filtration processes are not limited to the medical field,
per se, but can be used in areas such as clean rooms or other
sterile environments.
SUMMARY OF THE INSTANT INVENTION
[0005] The invention relates to a filter system which is especially
useful in the treatment of waste material, in particular liquid
waste material which may include particulate matter therein. The
filter system includes filtration means, for example, a series of
filters of increasingly finer porosity in order to selectively
eliminate particulate and/or or semi-particulate matter from a
fluid or liquid carrier material passing through the filter system.
The filters are mounted within a housing which includes one or more
inlet ports and at least one outlet port so that multiple input
sources can be accommodated, if so desired. The system includes
appropriate check valve devices to establish unidirectional flow to
prevent reverse flow of effluent therethrough. The filter materials
are intended (but are not required) to be disposable. The housing
may also be disposable, if preferred.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an oblique view of one embodiment of the housing
for the filtration system of the instant invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the
filtration system of the instant invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a partially broken away rear view of a preferred
embodiment of the filtration system of the instant invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a partially broken away side or oblique view of
the filtration system shown in FIG. 3.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a top view of the housing for the filtration
system shown in FIG. 1 with the lid and the internal components
removed.
[0011] FIG. 6 is an oblique view of a check valve shown in FIG. 2
and valve shown in FIG. 2 and used in the filtration system of the
instant invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the check valve shown in FIG.
6.
[0013] FIGS. 8A and 8B show the distal end of the check valve shown
in FIG. 6 with the closed and open positions, respectively.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0014] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an oblique, external
view of a preferred embodiment of the housing for the filter
manifold system 100 of the instant invention. The system 100
includes a generally hollow housing 101 and a removable lid 102.
The lid 102 can include one or more ears 102A which are useful in
removing the lid from the housing.
[0015] A plurality of inlet ports 103-106 are shown projecting
outwardly from the front surface of housing 101. As will be noted
infra, the inlet ports can be integrally formed with the housing.
Alternatively, the inlet ports, the number of which is not a
critical part of the invention, per se, can be formed as a separate
assembly which is conveniently mounted at the housing 101 (see
infra at FIG. 2). The inlet ports 103-106 are provided to be
connected to a suitable source of material to be filtered by means
of a suitable conduit. In a typical application, the conduit
comprises conventional "plastic" tubing.
[0016] As shown in this embodiment, the outlet port 107 depends
from the bottom of the housing 101 and is adapted to drain and
conduct the filtered contents of the housing 101 to a suitable
receiver. Again while not limited or intended to be of the
invention, the outlet port is inserted into a conduit such as
conventional tubing.
[0017] An optional feature of the manifold system 100 comprises the
port caps 110-113 which fit snugly over the outer ends of the inlet
ports 103-106, respectively. In this embodiment, the port caps
110-113 are attached together via a flexible cap leash 109. The
configuration of the leash, typically a thin plastic strip, can
vary as a function of design preference. In this embodiment, the
leash includes a cap ring 108 which is adapted to encircle and
engage the outlet port 107 for convenience. In addition, the leash
109 includes a leash grommet 114 which is adapted to engage a leash
pin 115 which depends from the lower front portion of the housing
101. In this embodiment, the leash grommet and cap ring are formed
as an integral unit.
[0018] In use, the port caps 110-113 are used to cover any of the
inlet ports 103-106 which are not connected to an input source (not
shown) as described supra, in order to maintain the integrity of
the filtration system 100, in general, and to prevent leakage
through the housing 101, in particular. The port caps can, of
course, be individually provided (with or without individual
leashes) and need not be connected by a common leash 109.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2 there is shown an exploded view of
the system 100. Typically, the lid 102 is formed of polyethylene
and includes a peripheral groove (see infra at FIG. 3) which
receives and snugly engages the upper edge 101A or lip of the
housing 101. In this embodiment, the housing 101 is formed of ABS
and is, generally, rectangular in configuration with a slightly
arcuate rear surface (which is provided for mounting purposes in
one typical application). The outlet port 107 depends from the
bottom of the housing 101.
[0020] In this embodiment, a plurality of inlet port openings
210-216 are provided through the front surface of the housing 101.
That is, as suggested supra, the inlet ports 103-106 can be formed
on a common support base 202, and take the form of a separate
assembly 201. In this case, the assembly 201 is placed inside the
housing 101 with the proximal ends of the ports extending outwardly
through the port openings. The support base 202 is, typically,
affixed to the inner surface of the housing in any suitable manner.
Of course, in the embodiment wherein the inlet ports are formed as
integral parts of the housing 101, per se, the separate openings
213-216 are unnecessary.
[0021] The port caps 110-113 and the related cap leash 109 (and
components 108 and 114 thereof) are adapted to be mounted to the
assembly as suggested in FIG. 1 whether the inlet ports are
separate or integral with the housing 101. Again, the leash 109
(and the design thereof) is not a critical portion of the
invention..
[0022] A plurality of check valves 202-206 are adapted to be
attached to each of the inner ends of the inlet ports 103-106,
respectively. Each of the check valves, described in greater detail
infra, includes a connection portion, for example connector 301,
(generally cylindrical in this embodiment) which is the proximal
end of the check valve and is adapted to be snugly joined to the
inner (distal) end of the respective inlet port and a flexible
distal end which permits fluid flow through the check valve in one
direction only as described infra relative to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.
[0023] Mounted within the housing 101 is a filter element 210 which
is the least porous filter element in the preferred embodiment.
Typically, filter element 210 is fabricated of reticulated
polyurethane foam and is, in a preferred embodiment, about 0.3
inches thick. In this embodiment, element 210 has approximately 100
pores per linear inch although this parameter can vary in
accordance with the application of the filter system.
[0024] Mounted within housing 101 immediately above filter element
210 is the filter support gasket 209 which is fabricated of ABS
and, thus, provides a rather rigid gasket. Typically, gasket 209
conforms somewhat snugly to the inner perimeter of housing 101. The
gasket 209 is, typically, affixed to the inner surface of the
housing by any suitable method such as adhesives, bonding,
frictional force fit, sonic welding or the like. Thus, the gasket
209 maintains the filter element 201 in position whereby the outlet
port 107 remains open (i.e. unclogged by the filter components)
and, as well, prevents leakage flow to outlet port 107 around the
filter elements.
[0025] Mounted above filter element 210 is filter element 211
wherein element 211 is, typically, more porous than filter element
210. In the preferred embodiment, filter element 211 contains about
30 pores per linear inch and is about 0.3 inches thick. Element 211
is, typically, fabricated of reticulated polyurethane foam and
extends snugly to the internal surfaces of housing 101 to prohibit
flow therearound. The filter element 211 tends to rest loosely upon
support gasket 209 and the upper surface of filter element 209.
[0026] Also, mounted in the housing 101 is filter element 212 which
is the most porous filter element in this embodiment. Typically,
element 212 is fabricated of reticulated polyurethane foam and has
about 5 pores per linear inch. It is noted that element 212 has a
configuration which advantageously substantially surrounds the
inner (distal) ends of the check valves 203-206. In this
embodiment, the configuration of the element 212 is such that the
wall thicknesses thereof are about 0.5 inch while the height of the
back and sides is about 1.5 inches. This element has the effect of
confining any effluent which passes through the check valves
203-206 so that the effluent material flow must pass through the
filtration portion of system 100 in order to traverse from the
inlet ports to the outlet port.
[0027] The filter element 212 may be fabricated in the "sofa"
configuration as shown. Alternatively, the filter element can be
fabricated from a flat sheet of material which is cut to shape and
folded into the depicted shape.
[0028] It must be understood, of course, that the specific
configurations and/or parameters of any of the filter elements are
desirable but can be varied in accordance with the specific
filtration process required. In fact, some or all of the filtration
elements may be combined or eliminated as a single filter element,
if so desired.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a partially broken
away view of the system 100 taken through the rear of the housing
101. There is shown the interior of the front surface of the
housing 101 with the distal end of check valves 203-206 extending
inwardly. The outlet port 107 extends downwardly from the housing.
Lid 102 includes the groove 102B which is secured to the edge 101A
of housing 101. The ribs 310 provide support and rigidity to lid
102 and can be omitted in some designs.
[0030] As seen, filter element 210 is mounted adjacent to the
bottom of the housing 101 and above the outlet port 107. A partial
shading suggests the fine porosity of filter 210.
[0031] The support gasket 209 is disposed above filter element 210
and, as noted, secured to the housing 101. In one embodiment,
upright pins 320 extend upwardly from the inner bottom surface of
housing 101. The pins 320 extend through filter 210 and engage
apertures in gasket 209 to secure the gasket and the filter 210 to
the housing 101. This arrangement maintains filter element 210 in
position and affords a support for the other filter elements. The
pins 320, if utilized, can be treated to assist in securing the
gasket 209 to the housing 101.
[0032] Filter element 211 rests upon gasket 209 and, to some
extent, upon filter element 210. The partial shading of filter
element 211 suggests a more porous structure than filter element
210.
[0033] Filter element 212 is also provided in housing 101 and
adjacent to the check valves 203-206. As shown, filter element 212
rests upon filter element 211 and substantially surrounds the inner
(distal) ends of the check valves. That is, the filter element 212
includes side walls 212A and 212B which extend upwardly along the
side walls of the housing 101 into close proximity to the inner
surface of lid 102. Thus, effluent from the check valves is
contained within filter element 212 to insure filtration of all of
the effluent. The partial shading of filter element 212 suggests a
structure which is more porous than filter element 211.
[0034] In FIG. 3, the support base 202 for the inlet ports 103-106
is shown although this support base may be eliminated as described
supra.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cut away view of
the filtration system 100. The system includes the housing 101, lid
102 and outlet portal 107. Also, the inlet port 106 is shown
complete while inlet port 105 is partially broken away. The port
cap 113 is shown along with the partially broken away port cap 112
together with the optional leash 109 and leash ring 108.
[0036] A partially cutaway view of check valve 205 is shown inside
the housing 101 and connected to port 105. The check valve is
described infra.
[0037] Again, the ribs 116 (seen best in FIG. 5) are formed at the
lower, internal surface of housing 101 extending toward the opening
in outlet port 107. The filter element 210 rests upon the interior
ledge 118 adjacent the bottom of the housing 101 and in some cases,
upon the upper edges of ribs 116. The gasket 209 maintains the
filter element in place as described supra. The filter element 211
is supported by gasket 209.
[0038] As seen in FIG. 4, the filter element 212 rests on the
filter element 211. The filter element 212 includes the front wall
portion 212A and the rear wall portion 212B which are joined to the
bottom section of the filter element 212. As noted supra, filter
element 212 comprises a sofa-shaped, basket-like filter element
which receives and filters all of the effluent from the check
valves 203-206 before the flow passes through the other filter
elements and out through outlet port 107. The decreasing porosity
of the filter elements removes smaller sized, fluid borne matter as
the fluid passes through the filter system.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a top view of the
housing 101 with the lid 102 and the several filter elements
removed. In this view, the inlet ports 103-106 are shown formed
integrally with the housing 101 and with the check valves removed.
The bottom of the housing 101 is shown to incorporate a plurality
of ribs 116 which extend generally radially from the opening 107A
of outlet port 107 to the inner surface of the housing 101. The
ribs 116 serve to channel the effluent which has passed through the
filter elements into the opening 107A in outlet port 107. The rim
117 adjacent to opening 107A may be formed in the interior bottom
surface 118 of the housing 101 and is sloped downwardly to enhance
outward flow from housing 101 to the port 107. The inner, bottom,
surface 118 of housing 101 may also be configured to slope from the
perimeter thereof toward the outlet port 107 in order to enhance
outward flow of effluent.
[0040] Referring now concurrently to FIGS. 6 and 7, there are shown
an assembled view and an exploded view, respectively, of the check
valve 203, for example. The check valve 203 comprises a connector
tube 301 which is designed to engage with the respective inlet
port. Typically, the tube 301 is a short cylindrical tube which is
relatively rigid in order to maintain its shape. However, the tube
is able to snugly engage the inlet port and form a secure,
leakproof connection therewith.
[0041] The check valve 203 also includes an elongated, flattened
tube 304 which is, in this embodiment, formed by flaps 302 and 303
of generally planar, flexible material such as PVC. flaps 302 and
303 each have one end joined to the connector tube 301 in suitable
fashion, as for example by adhesives, RF bonding, sonic welding or
the like to form a secure seal. The side edges of the flaps 302 and
303 are also sealed to each other in a suitable fashion as
suggested above. Thus, the common end of the flaps 302 and 303
along with tube 301 forms a generally cylindrical opening which
communicates with the space between the flaps which are sealed
together at the side edges at seams 305 and 306 to form the
flattened tube 304. The other ends of the flaps 302 and 303 are not
sealed together but are independently flexible.
[0042] Thus, as shown in FIG. 8A, by properly selecting the
dimensions of the components, the unsealed ends of the flaps 302
and 303 tend to come together snugly and form a closed end to the
check valve.
[0043] Conversely, as shown in FIG. 8B, the unattached ends of the
flaps 302 and 303 can be spread apart by application of a modest
force applied thereto by fluid passing through the check valve.
[0044] Thus, fluid can flow through the tube 301, through the
channel in tube 304 defined between the edge-sealed flaps 302 and
303, and out the unsealed end of the check valve. However, inasmuch
as the free ends of the flaps 302 and 303 tend to come together in
the absence of a pressurized flow through the valve unidirectional
flow is achieved and reverse flow through the check valve cannot
occur.
[0045] It should be understood that the pressurized flow can be
provided by supplying a positive pressure at the input side of
connector tube 301 (e.g. via inlet ports 103-106) or by supplying a
negative pressure (e.g. vacuum) at the unsealed end of the flaps at
the distal end of the valve (e.g. via outlet port 107). In either
case, unidirectional flow through the check valve is achieved.
[0046] Thus, there is shown and described a unique design and
concept of a waste filter and manifold system. While this
description is directed to a particular embodiment, it is
understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications
and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described
herein. Any such modifications or variations which fall within the
purview of this description are intended to be included therein as
well. It is understood that the description herein is intended to
be illustrative only and is not intended to be limitative. Rather,
the scope of the invention described herein is limited only by the
claims appended hereto.
* * * * *