U.S. patent application number 16/170826 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-02 for determining displacement from air filtration media.
This patent application is currently assigned to K&N Engineering, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is K&N Engineering, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard Dwyer, John Reedy, Steve Rogers.
Application Number | 20190128763 16/170826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40345238 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-02 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190128763 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reedy; John ; et
al. |
May 2, 2019 |
Determining Displacement From Air Filtration Media
Abstract
An apparatus and a system is provided that may be utilized to
determine oil migration and oil displacement from a pre-oiled air
filter. The present invention may also be utilized to determine if
oil is displaced from the air filter onto a portion of the
apparatus for visualization to a user. The present invention
utilizes a demonstration apparatus having a system for forcing air
through the oil subjected air filter thereby attempting to force
displacement of the oil from the air filter. The apparatus utilizes
a blowing means whereby the oil infused air filter is subject to
higher than normal air flow and whereby the apparatus has a
deflection portion whereby if oil is displaced from the air filter,
it is deflected onto the deflection portion where it would be
physically viewable to an observer present in the vicinity of the
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Reedy; John; (Pomona,
CA) ; Rogers; Steve; (Murrieta, CA) ; Dwyer;
Richard; (Arrowbear, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
K&N Engineering, Inc. |
Riverside |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
K&N Engineering, Inc.
Riverside
CA
|
Family ID: |
40345238 |
Appl. No.: |
16/170826 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14300951 |
Jun 10, 2014 |
10126199 |
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16170826 |
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|
13795226 |
Mar 12, 2013 |
8783092 |
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14300951 |
|
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|
13192736 |
Jul 28, 2011 |
8418528 |
|
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13795226 |
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12617586 |
Nov 12, 2009 |
8028564 |
|
|
13192736 |
|
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11837445 |
Aug 10, 2007 |
7637146 |
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12617586 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 11/00 20130101;
G01M 3/02 20130101; G01N 2015/084 20130101; B01D 2273/18 20130101;
B60H 3/0633 20130101; B60H 1/00585 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01M 3/02 20060101
G01M003/02; B60H 1/00 20060101 B60H001/00; B60H 3/06 20060101
B60H003/06 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for determining oil displacement from a filtration
media, the apparatus comprising: a container means having at least
a side, and a top and bottom portion; an accommodation portion
whereby the accommodation portion has an opening thereon for
accommodating an air filtration media; a blower means for directing
air flow through the air filtration media; and an extension
receptacle positioned above the air filtration media.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the accommodation portion holds
an air filtration media.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a channel
connecting the blower means to the accommodation portion whereby
the blower means directs forced air into the accommodation portion
and through the air filtration media.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extension receptacle
positioned above the air filtration media has a top portion, a
bottom portion and two side portions.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extension receptacle
positioned above the air filtration media has a top portion, a
bottom portion and two side portions whereby a wedge it formed
between the two side portions wherein said wedge extends downwards
from the bottom portion of the extension receptacle.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the air filtration media is a
vehicle air filter.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container means has at
least one transparent portion whereby a viewer may observe the
interior portion of the container means.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the extension
receptacle being constructed of white powder coated aluminum to
facilitate observation of any particles displaced thereto.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a front portion and the top
portion and side portions of the container means are constructed of
clear plexi-glass.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein extension receptacle is
constructed of a light material whereby any displaced byproducts
will be observable to a viewer.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extension receptacle has a
wedge extending downwardly away from a bottom portion of the
receptacle to be in closer contact with the air filtration media
whereby if any particle is displaced from the air filtration media,
it will be attracted to and adhered to the wedge of the extension
receptacle.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the blower means is any device
capable of forcing air through an air filtration media.
13. A system for determining displacement from a filtration media,
the system comprising: a container means having an accommodation
portion whereby the accommodation portion has an opening thereon
for accommodating an air filtration media; a blower means for
directing air through the air filtration media; and an extension
portion positioned above the air filtration media.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the extension portion positioned
above the air filtration media extends above the air filtration
media and covers the entire width and length of the air filtration
media.
15. The system of claim 13 wherein the extension portion positioned
above the air filtration media is adapted to accept and display any
displaced material from the air filtration media.
16. The system of claim 13 wherein the extension portion has a
wedge shaped portion extending downwardly from the bottom portion
of the extension portion to be in close proximity to the air
filtration media.
17. The system of claim 13 wherein the accommodation portion may be
constructed to fit a plurality of different air filtration
media.
18. The system of claim 13 wherein the blower means is a blower
capable of blowing air through the air filtration media at a rate
greater than two times the normal operating air flow of the air
filtration media's normal vehicle operating air velocities.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/300,951, filed Jun. 10, 2014, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/795,226, filed
Mar. 12, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,092, which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/192,736, filed Jul. 28,
2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,418,528, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/617,586, filed Nov. 12, 2009, now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,028,564, which is a division of U.S. application
Ser. No. 11/837,445, filed Aug. 10, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.
7,637,146, each of which are incorporated by reference in their
entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
vehicle performance parts. More specifically, the present invention
relates to apparatus and system to determine oil migration away
from a vehicle air filter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] On any given vehicle, there are thousands of functioning and
necessary parts to make the vehicle move. These essential parts are
usually interlinked with other parts as part of an overall system
to make the vehicle run efficiently.
[0004] For many car enthusiasts, modifying a factory vehicle with
upgraded aftermarket parts is rewarding and satisfying in a
multiplicity of different ways. Many individuals decide to modify
their vehicles for aesthetic purposes. However, many individuals
modify or alter their vehicles to elicit better performance from
their vehicle or to upgrade from more restrictive parts that come
with their vehicle from the factory to less restrictive parts with
better usability and/or performance.
[0005] There are some very common aftermarket modifications that
most vehicle enthusiasts, such as car owners, motorcycle owners,
boat, and other gasoline/diesel powered vehicle owners choose to
employ. A few of these common aftermarket modifications are
replacement of a vehicle exhaust system, and replacement of headers
(which are tubes that run from the engine and direct unwanted heat
and exhaust away from the engine). Additionally, many individuals
will recalibrate a vehicle's computer which regulates engine speed
and other functions, to elicit higher performance and tolerances.
However, the most common type of vehicle modification is the
replacement of the stock air filter with an aftermarket type air
filter.
[0006] The two main types of air filters that are used in vehicles
are the combustion air filter, and the cabin air filter. The cabin
air filter is a pleated paper filter that is placed in the
outside-air intake for the vehicle's passenger compartment. Some of
these filters are rectangular and similar in shape to the
combustion air filter. Others are uniquely shaped to fit the
available space of a particular vehicle's outside-air intake. This
type of filter is relatively new to the car industry and often gets
clogged and dirty. Newer cabin air filters may reduce allergens and
may utilize additional compositions to reduce particulates, odors
and the like.
[0007] Combustion air filters are used in vehicles to prevent
abrasive particulate matter from entering the engine. If
particulate matter enters the engine, it could cause mechanical
problems or contamination of vital fluids needed for proper engine
management, including contamination of engine oil.
[0008] Most modern, fuel injected vehicles use some sort of pleated
paper filter element in the form of a flat panel. This filter is
usually placed inside a plastic box connected to the throttle body
with a large hose. The filter may stop particulate matter and other
contaminates from entering the engine and causing damage or
degradation of the engine.
[0009] Most air filters are constructed from similar materials.
Traditional prior art air filters are constructed from a pleated
paper filter because they are efficient, easy to use and
cost-effective. Other air filters are constructed of different
materials such as cotton, foam and the like. Aftermarket filters
are typically constructed of one and/or a combination of these
materials and may allow for more air flow from the outside of the
vehicle to the engine, which may increase engine performance while
still reducing contaminant intrusion into the engine.
[0010] A very large aftermarket presence has arisen from the
replacement of the stock factory air filter with a newer, more
efficient filter that may allow for increased air flow through the
filter and subsequently into the engine. A pioneer in the
replacement air filter is the company K&N.RTM. Engineering,
Inc. K&N.RTM. developed a new air filter which is composed of a
cotton gauze material which is placed between aluminum wire mesh.
The new air filter was the first of its kind that was not
constructed to be replaced after a period of time. The K&N.RTM.
filter was made to withstand repeated washing of the filter, while
still operating effectively as a tool to filter particulates. In
order for the K&N.RTM. filter to operate effectively in
filtering particulates, dust and a plurality of other particles,
the filter is treated with a specially formulated oil. When the
filter is accessed, and subsequently washed, the filter needs to be
oiled to attract and retain particulates once it is re-inserted
into the vehicle. This specially formulated oil is applied to the
filter after the filter has been cleaned and prior to insertion
into the vehicle.
[0011] However, one problem that exists, is that many individuals
believe that this oil is harmful to the rest of the vehicle once
applied to the air filter. Many individuals are under the
misconception that the oil that is applied to the air filter may
find its way into the throttle body of the engine and ultimately
into the engine itself. Additionally, another problem that exists,
is that many individuals believe that the oil migrates off the air
filter and may affect other engine and vehicle systems including
mass air sensors and other delicate vehicle sensors that should be
kept unobstructed from liquid application thereto.
[0012] A need therefore exists for an apparatus and system to
determine if the oil applied to an air filter does in fact migrate
on the air filter and/or away from the same. Additionally, a need
therefore exists for an apparatus and system that may be utilized
to determine if oil migrates off the air filter or may be projected
away therefrom.
[0013] Moreover, a need exists for a system that may illustrate the
possible migration of oil from the air filter to a viewer to
determine if migration of oil does occur from the filter
itself.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a system
that may be utilized to determine oil migration on and/or away from
an air filter. The present invention may also be utilized to
determine if oil is displaced from the air filter onto a portion of
the apparatus for visualization to a user/viewer. The present
invention utilizes a demonstration apparatus having a system for
forcing air through the oil-treated air filter thereby forcing
possible displacement of the oil from the air filter. The apparatus
utilizes a blowing means whereby the oil infused air filter is
subject to higher than normal air flow and whereby the apparatus
has a deflection portion whereby if oil is displaced from the air
filter, it is projected onto the deflection portion where it would
be physically viewable to an observer present in the vicinity of
the apparatus.
[0015] To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus for determining displacement from a
filtration media is provided. The apparatus has a container means
having at least a side, and a top and bottom portion. Additionally,
the apparatus has an accommodation portion whereby the
accommodation portion has an opening thereon for accommodating an
air filtration media. Moreover, the apparatus has a blower means
for directing air flow through the air filtration media. Further,
the apparatus has an extension receptacle positioned above the air
filtration media.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has an
accommodation portion wherein the accommodation portion holds an
air filter or air filtration media.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a channel
connecting the blower means to the accommodation portion whereby
the blower means directs forced air into the accommodation portion
and through the air filtration media.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has an extension
receptacle wherein the extension receptacle is positioned above the
air filtration media and further wherein the extension receptacle
has a top portion, a bottom portion and two side portions.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has an extension
receptacle wherein the extension receptacle positioned above the
air filtration media has a top portion, a bottom portion and two
side portions whereby a wedge is formed between the two side
portions and further wherein said wedge extends downwards from the
bottom portion of the extension receptacle.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus accommodates an
air filtration media wherein the air filtration media is a vehicle
air filter.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a container
means wherein the container means has at least one transparent
portion whereby a viewer may observe the interior portion of the
container means.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has an extension
receptacle being constructed of white powder coated aluminum to
facilitate observation of any non white particles displaced
thereto.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a container
means wherein the front portion, top portion, and side portions of
the container means are constructed of clear plexi-glass.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has an extension
receptacle wherein the extension receptacle is constructed of a
light colored material whereby any displaced byproducts will be
observable to a viewer.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has an extension
receptacle wherein the extension receptacle has a wedge extending
downwardly away from a bottom portion of the receptacle to be in
closer proximity with the air filtration media whereby if any
particle and/or oil is displaced from the air filtration media, it
will be attracted and adhered to the wedge of the extension
receptacle.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a blower means
wherein the blower means is any device capable of forcing air
through an air filtration media.
[0027] To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a system for determining displacement from a filtration
media is provided. The system has a container means having an
accommodation portion whereby the accommodation portion has an
opening thereon for accommodating an air filtration media.
Additionally, the system has a blower means for directing air
through the air filtration media. Further, the system has an
extension portion positioned above the air filtration media.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the system has an extension
portion wherein the extension portion positioned above the air
filtration media extends above the air filtration media and covers
the entire width and length of the air filtration media.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the system has an extension
portion wherein the extension portion positioned above the air
filtration media is adapted to accept and display any displaced
particulate from the air filtration media.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the system has an extension
portion wherein the extension portion has a wedge shaped portion
extending downwardly from the bottom of the extension portion to be
in close proximity to the air filtration media.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the system has an accommodation
portion wherein the accommodation portion may be constructed to fit
a plurality of different air filtration media.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the system has a blower means
wherein the blower means is a blower capable of forcing air through
the air filtration media at a rate greater than two times the
normal operating air flow of the air filtration media's normal
vehicle operating air velocity.
[0033] To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus and system for measuring oil migration from
an air filter is provided.
[0034] In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus and a system
for measuring and observation of possible oil migration is
provided. The apparatus may be utilized for illustrative
purposes.
[0035] Another exemplary embodiment is an apparatus and system for
measuring and observing oil migration whereby air may be forced
through an air filter in an attempt to displace the specially
formulated oil treatment from the air filter.
[0036] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
to provide an apparatus and a system for observing air flow through
an oil infused filter media.
[0037] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to provide an apparatus and a system for observing air flow and
potential displacement of oil from an air filter media.
[0038] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus and a system for observing air flow through an
oiled filter media whereby the air velocity of the air flow through
a filter does not displace the oil from the air filter media.
[0039] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
to provide an apparatus and a system for observing oil migration or
lack thereof off an air filter whereby the apparatus has a display
means to display the results of any potential oil migration
therefrom.
[0040] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus and a system whereby the apparatus may use a
high pressure blower means whereby the blower means may force
higher than normal air velocities through the air filter in an
attempt to displace the oil contained therein.
[0041] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media whereby the apparatus may have a
blower means whereby the blower means may increase the normal air
velocity through an air filter by at least three times that of the
normal operating conditions found in a typical vehicle.
[0042] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration of an air filter media to the surrounding environment to
determine if oil is displaced from its position on the air filter
media.
[0043] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of possible
oil migration from an air filter media wherein the apparatus may
have a display portion whereby the display portion is positioned
directly within the zone of air flow exiting the air filter
media.
[0044] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus and a system for observation of possible oil
migration from an air filter media wherein the apparatus may have a
display portion whereby the display portion is positioned directly
within the zone of air flow exiting the air filter media and
whereby if oil is projected off of the air filter media, it will be
physically visible on the display portion.
[0045] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus and a system for observation of possible oil
migration from an air filter media wherein the apparatus may have a
display portion whereby the display portion is positioned directly
within the zone of air flow exiting the air filter media whereby
the display portion is constructed of a material that will display
any projected oil leaving the filter.
[0046] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of possible
oil migration from an air filter media wherein the apparatus may
have a display portion whereby the display portion is positioned
directly within the zone of air flow exiting the air filter media
whereby the display portion may be shaped in such a way to capture
oil escaping from the filter.
[0047] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media wherein the apparatus may have a
display portion whereby the display portion is positioned in the
direction of the exiting air flow from the second side of an air
filter media whereby the display portion may be constructed in a
contrasting color to illustrate oil that may be displaced from the
air filter onto the display portion.
[0048] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media whereby the apparatus may have a
top portion whereby the top portion has an opening thereon for
insertion of an air filter.
[0049] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil migration
from an air filter media whereby the apparatus may have a top
portion adapted for insertion of an air filter whereby above the
air filter insertion portion is the display means.
[0050] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media wherein the apparatus may have a
transparent portion for an observer to view the air flow through
the air filter.
[0051] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media wherein the apparatus may be
utilized to observe oil migration through an air filter that may be
utilized in a vehicle such as a car, motorcycle, ATV, truck, boat,
personal watercraft and the like.
[0052] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil migration
through an air filter media which may be utilized to determine if
oil escapes from the air filter at different air velocities.
[0053] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media whereby the apparatus may be
monitored with the use of a wedge that covers the entire length and
width of the air filter media, and will attract and detain any
particulate displaced from the air filter media.
[0054] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media whereby the apparatus may be
monitored with a display portion that covers the entire length and
width of the air filter media.
[0055] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media whereby the apparatus may
discharge much higher air velocities than a normal air filter in a
vehicle is subjected to.
[0056] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media whereby the apparatus may have a
wedge mounted above the air filter in the discharge air stream
wherein the wedge has a bright surface that will show deposits of
oil if exposed thereto.
[0057] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media whereby the apparatus may have a
means for measuring and monitoring the velocity of the air
discharge with a wind velocity meter.
[0058] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil migration
from an air filter media whereby the apparatus may have a means for
measuring and monitoring the velocity of the air discharge from the
air filter in miles per hour.
[0059] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media whereby the apparatus may have a
means for measuring and monitoring the velocity of the air
discharge from the air filter in kilometers per hour.
[0060] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
to provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil
migration from an air filter media whereby the apparatus may have a
means for measuring and monitoring the velocity of the air
discharge from the air filter in knots.
[0061] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus and a system for observation of oil migration
from an air filter whereby the apparatus may illustrate an air
filter media's lack of migration of oil from the media even under
the most severe operating conditions.
[0062] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention,
along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals
represent like components.
[0063] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
are described herein, and will be apparent from the detailed
description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0064] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the apparatus in an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus in an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0066] FIG. 3 is perspective view of the apparatus in an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 4 is a top view of the apparatus in an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0068] FIG. 5 is a back view of the apparatus in an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0069] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the apparatus
illustrating the wedge shaped display means in an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0070] Turning now to the drawings wherein elements are identified
by numbers and like elements are identified by like numbers
throughout the 6 figures, the invention is depicted in FIG. 1 and
illustrates an oil migration apparatus that may be utilized to
illustrate the possibility of oil migration from an air filtration
media.
[0071] Referring first to FIG. 1, an oil migration apparatus 1 is
provided. The oil migration apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as
a device) may have a plurality of different configurations, but for
illustrative purposes is shown in only a single embodiment for ease
of description. Thereby, the device 1 may have a first side 5 and a
second side 7. Additionally, the device 1 may have a front portion
9 and a rear portion 11. Moreover, the device 1 may further have a
top portion 29 and a bottom portion 15. The device may also have
wheels 19 attached to the bottom portion 15 of the device 1 for
movement and relocation of the device 1 when desired for
illustrative purposes. The wheels 19 may allow the device 1 to be
moved from one location to another where the device 1 may be used,
installed and utilized for illustration to a plurality of different
viewers (not shown).
[0072] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the oil migration
apparatus 1 may a viewable portion 21 in the front portion 9 of the
device 1. In an exemplary embodiment, this viewable portion 21 may
be constructed of plexi-glass 20. However, it should be understood
that the viewable portion 21 may be constructed of any suitable
transparent material that would allow the viewer to view the
interior portion 23 of the container 25. Therefore, the viewable
portion 21 may be constructed of glass, plastic, or any other
transparent material. The preferred embodiment contemplates having
this viewable portion 21 located at the top 29 of the front portion
9. However, the viewable portion 21 may encompass the entirety of
the front portion 9. It should also be understood that the viewable
portion 21 may be contained on the first side 5 and on the second
side 7, and/or may be positioned on the back portion 11 of the
device 1 for illustration of the interior portion 23 of the oil
migration apparatus 1 to the viewer.
[0073] FIG. 1 further illustrates the top portion 29 of the oil
migration device 1 whereby the top portion 29 has a wedge 31 and
the wedge 31 is attached to an extension portion 33. The extension
portion 33 extends away from the top portion 29 of the device 1 and
is situated above the top portion 29. The wedge 31 may be
configured to attach to a first side 5 of the extension portion 33
and a second side 7 of the extension portion 33. The wedge 31 may
extend down from the bottom side 39 of the extension portion 33
whereby the apex 41 of the wedge 31 is closer in proximity to an
air filtration media 40. A first edge 43 of the wedge 31 extends
away from the apex 41 and towards the bottom side 39 of the
extension portion 33. Similarly, the second edge 45 of the wedge 31
extends away from the apex 41 towards the bottom side 39 of the
extension portion 33. The first and second edges 43, 45 of the
wedge 31 form linear planes that are in an exemplary embodiment
painted a bright color to illustrate if any particulates are
displaced onto the linear edges 43, 45 for illustration to a user
and/or observer.
[0074] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the extension
portion 33 may have a first arm 47 and a second arm 49 that
attaches the extension portion to the top portion 29 of the oil
migration device 1. The first and second arms 47, 49 of the
extension portion 33 allow for attached and removal of the
extension portion 33 and allow for placement of the wedge 31 into
closer proximity to the air filtration media located on the top
portion 29 of the device 1.
[0075] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 1 may have an
air filtration media 40 contained on the top portion 29 of the oil
migration device 1. Although in an exemplary embodiment, the
present invention illustrates the use of one filtration media 40
and an accommodation position 51 for the singular air filtration
media 40, it should be understood that the device 1 is not limited
to a singular air position 51 for the media 40. The invention may
be utilized for any number of air filters and can have
substantially more than the illustrated accommodation position
51.
[0076] Additionally, FIG. 1 illustrates the blower 71 utilized to
create air velocity through the air filter 40 and to attempt to
displace oil dispensed onto the air filter 40. In an exemplary
embodiment, the air filtration media 40 may have a specially
formulated oil 61 dispersed thereto as utilized in a plurality of
different aftermarket air filtration media 40. After the oil 61 is
dispensed onto the air filter 40, the air filter 40 may be placed
on the top portion 29 of the device 1 whereby the air filter 40 may
be subjected to a high level of air velocity and/or pressure. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, the blower 71 may be positioned at the
bottom section 52 of the device 1 and may direct air velocity
through the air filter 40 positioned on the top portion 29 of the
device 1. It is contemplated that the blower 71 may provide
substantially higher air velocity than the normal air velocity
experienced by a typical vehicle (not shown).
[0077] FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross section view of the oil
migration device 1. As can be seen, the blower 71 may be located in
the bottom portion 52 of the interior 23 of the oil migration
device 1. The blower 71 air velocity may be directed towards the
air filter media 40 positioned at the top portion 29 of the device
1. Additionally, FIG. 2 illustrates a channel 73 that is positioned
within the interior portion 23 of the device 1 to channel the air
from the blower 71 toward the air filter media 40 thereby ensuring
that a sufficiently high air velocity is directed at the air filter
media 40 in an attempt to force the migration and release of oil 61
from the air filter media 40.
[0078] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the oil migration
device 1. As can be seen from the illustration, the first 47 and
second arms 49 extend away from the top portion 29 of the device 1
and provide for an extension portion 33 housing the wedge 31.
Additionally, FIG. 3 illustrates the accommodation portion 53 on
the top portion 29 of the device 1 whereby the accommodation
portion 53 may accommodate the insertion and removal of an air
filter 40. The accommodation portion 53 may be of adequate size to
accommodate a specific air filter 40 and/or may utilize an adaptor
(not shown) that may allow for utilization of a plurality of
different air filter media 40 having different sizes, dimensions
and weights.
[0079] It should also be noted, that the air filter media 40 may be
inserted and extracted from the accommodation portion 53 and
another sized, dimensioned or weighted air filter having the oil 61
dispensed thereon be placed in the accommodation portion 53 to
illustrate that each of a plurality of different air filter media
40 will have substantially similar results from oil migration
testing.
[0080] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the device 1 whereby the
extension portion 33 may be viewed along with the accommodation
portion 53 whereby the accommodation portion 53 may be sized and
dimensioned to accommodate a variety of different air filter media
40. In an exemplary embodiment, the extension portion 33 with its
extended wedge 31 may be sized to entirely overlap with the
accommodation portion 53 whereby if any oil 61 escapes from the air
filter media 40 positioned within the accommodation portion 53, the
wedge 31 and extension portion 33 are in a position to accept any
transfer or displacement of oil and/or any other particulates.
[0081] Additionally, the extension portion 33 and the accommodation
portion 53 may be positioned at the front portion 9 of the device 1
for ease of illustration to a user. However, it should be
understood that the extension portion 33 and accommodation portion
53 may be positioned at any part of the device 1 for illustration
to a viewer. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a
wind meter 55 may be utilized within the extension portion 33 to
determine the wind velocity through the air filter media 40 to
allow the viewer to determine that the pressure and velocity
through the air filter media 40 is greater than normal air velocity
through an air filter media 40 in a normal vehicle.
[0082] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the device 1 whereby a
plexi-glass 20 and/or transparent covering is illustrated on the
front portion 9 of the device 1. The transparent covering allows
the viewer to visually observe the interior area 23 of the device,
including the blower 71 and the directional channel 73 that directs
air flow through the air filter media 40 on the top portion 29 of
the device 1. Additionally, FIG. 5 illustrates the extension
portion 33 along with the wedge 31 that encompasses a large
percentage of the top area 57 of the device 1, thereby capturing
any oil or particulate displacement off the air filter media 40
contained within the accommodation portion 53 of the device 1.
[0083] FIG. 6 illustrates the extension portion 33 of the device 1.
As can be seen in FIG. 6, the extension portion 33 may have a first
arm 47 and a second arm 49 that may be removably secured to the top
portion 29 of the device 1. In an exemplary embodiment a wedge 31
may be placed thereon whereby the wedge 31 may extend in a
direction away from the bottom portion 39 of the extension portion
33 and in a direction in close proximity to the air filtration
media 40 positioned on the top portion 29 of the device 1, whereby
if oil 61 or other particulate is displaced from the air filter
media 40 as a result of high air velocity being passed through the
filter 40, the wedge 31 would be in close proximity to the air
filter media 40 and may capture any discharged oil 61 therefrom. In
another exemplary embodiment, the wedge 31 may be substituted with
a flat plane or semi-circular portion and/or any other embodiment
that would allow for close proximity and accommodation of any
discharged and/or displaced oil 61 from the air filter media 40
contained on the device 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the wedge 31
may be painted in a bright color to illustrate to a viewer the
contrast between the paint and any oil 61 discharged from the air
filter media 40.
[0084] Thus, specific embodiments and applications of a safety
device system have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however,
to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides
those already described are possible without departing from the
inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore,
is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended
claims. The terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be
interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a
non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with
other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly
referenced.
* * * * *