Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US8177971?dq=6289460
Timestamp: 2017-09-21 12:35:39
Document Index: 338913449

Matched Legal Cases: ['art.\n9', 'Application No. 07157247', 'application no. 0715269', 'art 6', 'art 8', 'art 6', 'art 8', 'art 6', 'art 80', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 220']

Patent US8177971 - Filter assembly - Google Patents
A filter assembly for removing material entrained in a fluid stream includes a housing having a head part and a body part, and inlet and outlet ports for the fluid that is to be filtered, in which at least one of the ports is provided in the head part, the head part having a chamber port fluidly connected...http://www.google.com/patents/US8177971?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US8177971 - Filter assembly
Publication number US8177971 B2
Application number US 12/691,366
Also published as CN101772370A, CN101772370B, EP2188032A1, EP2188032B1, US20100154371, WO2009019443A1
Publication number 12691366, 691366, US 8177971 B2, US 8177971B2, US-B2-8177971, US8177971 B2, US8177971B2
Inventors Thomas S. Bittle, Brian Lane
Patent Citations (36), Non-Patent Citations (7), Referenced by (7), Classifications (14), Legal Events (2)
US 8177971 B2
A filter assembly for removing material entrained in a fluid stream includes a housing having a head part and a body part, and inlet and outlet ports for the fluid that is to be filtered, in which at least one of the ports is provided in the head part, the head part having a chamber port fluidly connected to the at least one port in the head part, the head and body parts having first formations which enable them to be connected to one another and separated by relative rotation. The assembly includes a filter element for removing material entrained in the fluid stream that can be received in the body part, the filter element and body part having second formations which restrict relative rotation between them, the filter element having a filter port, in which a fluid tight connection can be provided between the filter port and the chamber port by sliding one of them into the other along a first axis. One of the head part and the filter element provides an inclined surface which is inclined relative to the first axis, and the other provides an ejector part which can act against the said inclined surface so as to push the filter element away from the head part as the head part and the body part are separated by relative rotation, so as to free the filter port from the chamber port.
a housing having a head part and a body part, and inlet and outlet ports for the fluid that is to be filtered, in which at least one of the ports is provided in the head part, the head part having a chamber port fluidly connected to the at least one port in the head part, the head and body parts having first formations which enable them to be connected to one another and separated by relative rotation;
a filter element for removing material entrained in the fluid stream that can be received in the body part, the filter element having outwardly extending ribs which are slidingly received in corresponding grooves in the body part when the filter element is assembled into the body part, the engagement between the ribs and the grooves restricting relative rotation between the filter element and the body part and allowing the filter element to be separated from the body part by lifting it out axially, the filter element having a filter port, in which the assembly includes a compressible O-ring which is positioned between the filter port and the chamber port to provide a fluid tight connection between the filter port and the chamber port by sliding one of them into the other along a first axis;
in which one of the head part and the filter element provides an inclined surface which is inclined relative to the first axis, and extends helically at least part way around the axis of the assembly, and the other provides an ejector part which acts against the said inclined surface so as to push the filter element away from the head part as the head part and the body part are separated by relative rotation, so as to free the filter port from the chamber port.
2. A filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the inclined surface is provided by the filter element.
3. A filter assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the filter port is provided by a wall which projects from the filter element, and in which the inclined surface is provided by the free end of the filter port wall.
4. A filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the inclined surface lies in a plane.
5. A filter assembly as claimed in claim 4, in which the filter port, chamber port and the angle of inclination of the inclined surface are configured so that the filter port can be freed from the chamber port by rotating the filter element by not more than 270°.
6. A filter assembly as claimed in claim 4, in which the filter port, chamber port and the angle of inclination of the inclined surface are configured so that the filter port can be freed from the chamber port by rotating the filter element by not more than 180°.
7. A filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the ejector part is provided within a primary chamber at its second end.
8. A filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the ejector part is provided by an internal wall of the head part.
9. A filter assembly for removing material entrained in a fluid stream, comprising:
in which one of the head part and the filter element provides an inclined surface which is inclined relative to the first axis and extends helically at least part way around the axis of the assembly, and the other provides an ejector part which acts against the said inclined surface so as to push the filter element away from the head part as the head part and the body part are separated by relative rotation, so as to free the filter port from the chamber port, in which the ejector part is provided by a surface within the head part which extends helically at least part way around the assembly axis.
10. A filter assembly for removing material entrained in a fluid stream, comprising:
in which one of the head part and the filter element provides an inclined surface which is inclined relative to the first axis, and extends helically at least part way around the axis of the assembly, and the other provides an ejector part which acts against the said inclined surface so as to push the filter element away from the head part as the head part and the body part are separated by relative rotation, so as to free the filter port from the chamber port, in which the inclined surface extends helically at least part way around the assembly axis, and in which the ejector part is provided by a further inclined surface, which extends helically at least part way around the assembly axis.
11. A filler assembly for removing material entrained in a fluid stream, comprising:
in which one of the head part and the filter element provides an inclined surface which is inclined relative to the first axis, and extends helically at least part way around the axis of the assembly, and the other provides an ejector part which acts against the said inclined surface so as to push the filter element away from the head part as the head part and the body part are separated by relative rotation, so as to free the filter port from the chamber port, in which the head part includes an insert, formed separately from the head part, in which the insert is located in the primary chamber, and in which the ejector part is provided by the insert.
12. A filter element locatable within a housing having a head part and body part, for removing material entrained in a fluid stream, the filter element comprising:
a cylindrical filter medium with first and second end caps, and defining an interior space circumscribing a central axis; one of the end caps having radially outwardly extending ribs which can be slidingly received in corresponding grooves in the body part when the filter element is assembled into the body part, the engagement between the ribs and the grooves restricting relative rotation between the filter element and the body part and allowing the filter element to be axially separated from the body part, the one end cap also having a filter port which can be sealingly connected to a chamber port in the body part, and a compressible O-ring, carried by and surrounding the filter port, and circumscribing an axis which is offset from the central axis;
the one end cap of the filter element further having an inclined surface which is inclined relative to the central axis and which extends helically at least part way around the axis of the filter element, and which can cooperate with an ejector part in the head part which acts against the inclined surface so as to push the filter element away from the head part when the head part and the body part are separated by relative rotation, so as to free the filter port from the chamber port.
13. The filter element as in claim 12, wherein the inclined surface circumscribes the filter port.
14. The filter element as in claim 13, wherein the ribs are located in spaced relation around the one end cap, and each rib extends axially along the filter medium and has a rounded leading edge and a tapered trailing edge.
15. A filter element locatable within a housing having a head part and a body part, for removing material entrained in a fluid stream, the filter element comprising:
a cylindrical filter medium with first and second end caps, and defining an interior space circumscribing a central axis; one of the end caps having radially outwardly extending formations which can be slidingly received in corresponding grooves in the body part when the filter element is assembled into the body part, the engagement between the formations restricting relative rotation between the filter element and the body part and allowing the filter element to be axially separated from the body part, the one end cap also having a filter port, which can be sealingly connected to a chamber port in the body part; and a compressible O-ring carried by and surrounding the filter port and which circumscribes an axis which is offset from the central axis;
16. The filter element as in claim 15, wherein the inclined surface circumscribes the filter port.
This application is a continuation of co-pending International Application No. PCT/GB2008/002611 filed Jul. 31, 2008, which application designated the United States, and which application claims priority to Great Britain Application No. 07157247.3, filed Aug. 4, 2007, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
This invention relates to a filter assembly for removing material that is entrained in a fluid stream.
Filtration of a fluid, such as a gas in a compressed gas system is generally required so that the fluid is sufficiently free of contaminants (liquid, solid or gaseous) for a subsequent application or to minimise adverse effects of contaminants on components of the system. For example, removal of compressor oil from a compressed gas stream can be required to minimise chemical contamination and accumulation on valves which might lead to malfunction of the valves. It is known to treat a fluid stream to remove contaminants (liquid, solid or gaseous) by filtering the fluid stream, using a filter element, also known as a coalescing filter. It is also known to treat a fluid stream by imparting a helical flow to fluid entering the filter assembly, using a flow director, so that centrifugal forces causes separation of bulk liquid or solids, such as water, from the stream.
A filter device, such as a filter element or a flow director, used for such filtration or separation can require maintenance and replacement. In particular, filter elements have a limited lifetime and the accumulation of contaminants with prolonged use gives rise to unacceptable pressure drop, which can lead to reentrainment of the contaminants in the fluid stream. It is therefore necessary to replace the filter element from time to time.
The filter element is assembled in the housing by locating the port on the element end cap in the bore in the housing head part. The O-ring seal is compressed as a result of this, so that a seal is formed between the bore in the housing head part and the element. The head and body parts of the housing can then connected together by means of cooperating screw threads.
The head and body parts of the housing are separated in order to gain access to the filter element when it has to be replaced. The frictional engagement between the O-ring seal and each of the bore in the housing head part and the flow conduit on the element end cap means that the filter element remains attached to the housing head part when the housing body part is removed. This effect in a compressed O-ring seal is sometimes referred to as “stiction”. The element has to be gripped in order to separate it from the housing head part. This can involve gripping the filter media. The media can often be loaded with collected oil and other impurities, which can give rise to cleanliness and contamination or safety issues for the user.
The present invention provides an improved filter assembly in which the filter element is pushed out of the head part as the head and body parts are rotated relative to each other.
Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides a filter assembly for removing material entrained in a fluid stream, comprising:
a housing having a head part and a body part, and inlet and outlet ports for the fluid that is to be filtered, in which at least one of the ports is provided in the head part the head part having a chamber port fluidly connected to the at least one port in the head part, the head and body parts having first formations which enable them to be connected to one another and separated by relative rotation;
a filter element for removing material entrained in the fluid stream that can be received in the body part, the filter element and body part having second formations which restrict relative rotation between them, the filter element having a filter port, in which a fluid tight connection can be provided between the filter port and the chamber port by sliding one of them into the other along a first axis;
in which one of the head part and the filter element provides an inclined surface which is inclined relative to the first axis, and the other provides an ejector part which can act against the said inclined surface can act so as to push the filter element away from the head part as the head part and the body part are separated by relative rotation, so as to free the filter port from the chamber port.
The assembly of the invention has the advantage that the filter element is pushed out of the housing head part when the housing body part is rotated relative to the housing head part. This can overcome any frictional or stictional engagement between the filter element and the housing head part, for example between an O-ring seal, and either or each of the chamber port in the housing head part and the filter port on the filter element between which the O-ring is compressed. Accordingly, the filter element can be removed from the housing head part together with the housing body part, without having to touch the filter element directly. This can mean that an individual who has to disengage a used filter element from the housing can do so without having to touch the filter element.
References herein to the filter port being free from the chamber port means that there is substantially little or no frictional or stictional engagement between them that restricts their separation. Preferably, the filter port is able to drop out of the chamber port under the weight of the filter element alone. Accordingly, it is not necessary for the filter port to be completely removed from the chamber port for it to be free. Indeed, the shape and dimensions of the chamber port and the filter port could be such that one of them can be partially located within the other while still being free.
The fluid tight connection between the filter port and the chamber port can be provided by a sealing element which extends between the filter port and chamber port when assembled. Preferably, the sealing element is an O-ring which is compressed between the filter port and the chamber port when assembled. However, it will be understood that sealing elements other than an O-ring can be used to provide the fluid tight connection. It will also be understood that it is not necessary to provide a sealing element to provide the fluid tight connection. For example, the filter port and the chamber port can be shaped and sized, and the materials of them selected so as to provide a fluid tight interference fit between them when assembled.
Preferably, the sealing element is inclined relative to the first axis. Preferably, the angle of inclination of the sealing element is the same as the angle of inclination of the inclined surface. Inclining the sealing element is advantageous because the sealing element is gradually freed from between the filter port and the chamber port as the filter port is pushed out of the chamber port. Accordingly, the further the filter port is pushed out of the chamber port, the less stiction and friction there is between the sealing element and the chamber port, because less of the sealing element is in contact with the chamber port.
It is not necessary for the filter port to be pushed out of the chamber port so that the sealing element is not compressed between the filter port and the chamber port at any point, for the filter port to be free from the chamber port. This is because, the filter port can be free from the chamber port when only a part of the sealing element no longer extends between the filter and chamber ports. This is particularly the case when the sealing element is inclined relative to the first axis. Preferably, the inclined surface and the ejector part are configured so that, during separative rotation of the head and body parts, the filter port is pushed out of the chamber port so as to reduce the proportion of the sealing element that extends between the filter and chamber ports by at least 25%, more preferably at least 35%, especially preferably at least 50%. Accordingly, when the sealing element is an O-ring, preferably the inclined surface and the ejector part are configured so as to push the filter port out of the chamber port so that at least 25%, more preferably at least 35%, especially preferably at least 50% of the circumference of the O-ring is pushed out from compression between the filter and chamber ports.
The inclined surface can be provided by either the head part or the filter element. Preferably, the inclined surface is provided by the filter element.
The inclined surface can be provided by any part of the filter element that can contact the ejector part.
Preferably, the filter port is provided by a wall that projects from the filter element. Preferably, the inclined surface is provided by the wall of the filter port. This is advantageous as it avoids the need to provide the inclined surface on other parts of the filter element. Accordingly, providing the inclined surface on the wall of the filter port reduces the compactness of the filter element. The inclined surface can be provided by a protrusion that extends radially away from the wall of the filter port, at least part way around the wall of the filter port. The radially extending protrusion can extend annularly around the wall of the filter port. The radially extending protrusion can extend around the inner side of the wall of the filter port. The radially extending protrusion can extend around the outer side of the wall of the filter port.
Preferably, the inclined surface is provided by the free end of the wall of the filter port. The free end of the filter port is the end of the wall of the filter port which is most distal from the centre point of the filter element. This is advantageous because no extra formations need to be made on the wall of the filter port which might otherwise require modification of the chamber port to accommodate the filter port. Accordingly, preferably at least a part of the surface of the free end of the wall of the filter port is inclined relative to the first axis. More preferably, at least 50% of the perimeter of the surface of the free end is inclined relative to the first axis. Especially preferably, the whole of the free end of the wall of the filter port is inclined relative to the first axis.
The angle of inclination of the inclined surface can vary between its lowest and highest points. The lowest point of the inclined surface is that point of the inclined surface which is most proximal the centre point of the filter element, in a direction parallel to the first axis. The highest point of the inclined surface is that point of the inclined surface which is most distal the centre point of the filter element, in a direction parallel to the first axis. Preferably, the angle of inclination of the inclined surface is constant. This ensures that the amount by which the filter element is pushed away from the head part by the ejector part is constant for a given angle of rotation. Preferably, the inclined surface will lie in a plane. The inclined surface can be helical. A helical inclined surface can extend through 360°. It can however extend through less than 360°, for example up to about 270°, or up to about 180°.
When the inclined surface is helical, it can be preferred that the ejector part is provided by a complimentary inclined surface. Preferably, each of the inclined surfaces extends through an angle of at least about 300° around the axis of the assembly. Generally, the two inclined surfaces will extend through 360°. The end walls which mark the ends of the helices can function to limit the relative rotation between the filter element and the head part of the housing. The angular positions of the complimentary inclined surfaces should be matched to ensure that the filter element is properly seated within the housing head part when the head part and the body part of the housing are tightly connected to one another.
An ejector part which is provided by an inclined surface can be formed as a part of the housing head part rather than in a separate piece which is fitted into the housing head part.
Filter assemblies are often installed in confined locations where access is difficult. Accordingly, when replacing a filter element, it is advantageous to reduce the amount of work required to remove the filter element from the housing. Preferably, the wall of the filter port, chamber port and the angle of inclination of the inclined surface are configured so that the filter port can be freed from the chamber port by rotating the filter element by not more than 360°, more preferably by not more than 270°, especially preferably by not more than 180°. This ensures that the maintenance worker can remove the filter element from the housing without having to rotate the housing body through multiple revolutions, or even a whole revolution. As will be understood, the angle of inclination of the inclined surface to achieve this effect will depend on the features of the filter element and housing such as the dimensions of the filter port and the chamber port.
Preferably, the head and body parts of the housing engage one another by means of formations which comprise at least one ramp feature. The ramp feature can be provided by interengaging threads on the head and body parts respectively, in which each of the threads is a ramp. The ramp feature can be provided by a bayonet arrangement, in which a lug is engaged by a ramp.
Preferably, the pitch angle of the ramp (measured between the ramp and a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the assembly) is at least about 1.5°, more preferably at least about 3°, for example at least about 5°. The pitch angle will generally be not more than about 20°, preferably not more than about 15°, more preferably not more than about 10°. This can provide beneficial control over the forces which are imposed in the housing, during assembly and especially disassembly.
Preferably, the angle between the inclined surface which engages the ejector part and the axis of the assembly is approximately the same as the pitch angle of the ramp. Minimising the difference between these angles can help to control the disengagement of the filter element from the housing head part as the head part is separated from the body part.
Preferably, the angle between the inclined surface which engages the ejector part and the axis of the assembly is at least about 10°, more preferably at least about 15°, especially at least about 20°, for example at least about 25°. Preferably, the angle between the inclined surface which engages the ejector part and the axis of the assembly is not more than about 50°, more preferably not more than about 45°, for example not more than about 40°.
The ejector part can be provided by either the head part or the filter element. Preferably, the ejector part is provided by the head part. The ejector part and the internal walls of the head part can be provided as one piece. This can be advantageous because the ejector part can be formed during the manufacture of the head part. For example, if the head part is made by a casting process, the ejector part can be formed during the casting process.
Preferably, the ejector part is provided toward the second end of the primary chamber. More preferably, the ejector part is provided within the primary chamber. Providing the ejector part in the primary chamber ensures that the ejector part will not interfere with the flow of fluid through the filter assembly once it has passed through the primary chamber.
The ejector part can be provided as a separate piece to the internal walls of the head part. Preferably, the ejector part is provided by an insert that is separate to the internal walls of the head part. Preferably, at least a portion of the insert is located in the primary chamber. Optionally, the insert can be removed from the primary chamber. This is advantageous because it can be easier to form the ejector part separately from the head part. It also enables different shaped and sized ejector parts to be inserted into a given head part. This can be advantageous when the head part can be used with different types of filter element having different dimensions, providing different inclined surfaces. The insert can include sealing surfaces by which it can be sealed to the head part, for example at or in the region of the port in the head part.
The ejector part can be provided by a protrusion which engages the inclined surface. The ejector part can be provided by an inclined surface so that the action of pushing the filter element away from the head part involves action of one inclined surface against another.
The primary chamber defines a flow conduit which fluid flows through between the at least one port in the head and the chamber port.
Preferably, the insert and primary chamber together define the flow conduit.
For example, the primary chamber can define a turn in the flow conduit between its first and second ends. In this case, optionally the insert to be can be inserted into the flow conduit at the turn so that the outer corner of the turn, distal the point about which the flow conduit turns, is defined by the internal walls of the head part and the inner corner of the turn, proximal the point about which the flow conduit turns, is defined by the insert.
Preferably, the insert comprises a tubular wall, at least a portion of the length of which can be inserted into the primary chamber, so that the primary chamber and the hollow space defined by the tubular wall together define the flow conduit for fluid to flow from the at least one port in the head and the filter port. Preferably, the ejector part is located between the tubular wall of the insert and the internal walls which define the primary chamber. This is advantageous because the ejector part will not be located in the flow conduit and so will not interfere with the flow of fluid through the flow conduit. Preferably, the ejector part is provided by the outer side of the tubular wall of the insert. The outer side is the side of the tubular that faces the internal walls which define the primary chamber when assembled.
Preferably, the wall of the filter port can extend into the space between the tubular wall of the insert and the internal wall of the head part so that the free end of the wall of the filter port which provides the inclined surface can engage the ejector part.
Preferably, the head part and the filter port have complementary keying formations, in the form of at least one recess and at least one projection, arranged so that the at least one projection can be received in the at least one recess, and so that the filter element can only be fully received in the head part when the at least one projection and the at least one recess are aligned. This is advantageous because the orientation of the filter element in the housing relative to the head part, is determined by the arrangement of the keying formations. Preferably, the complementary keying formations are configured so that the filter port can only be slid into the chamber port (or so that the chamber port can only be slid into the filter port) when the filter element and head part are orientated such that the ejector part will engage the highest point of the inclined surface. The complementary keying formations are configured so that once they can extend beyond each other when the filter port is received in the chamber port, the filter port and the chamber port can rotate relative to each other. Accordingly, the filter element can rotate relative to the head part, and because the ejector part initially engages the highest point of the inclined surface, the relative rotation will not cause the ejector part to act against the inclined surface and the bringing together of the head part and body part is allowed. Details of such a filter assembly are disclosed in the international application which claims priority from UK patent application no. 0715269.7 entitled Filter Assembly.
When the head part and the filter port have complementary keying formations, the inclined surface can be provided by the keying formations.
Preferably, the part of the filter assembly that provides the inclined surface is formed from a polymeric material. Preferably the ejector part is formed from a polymeric material. This is advantageous because the friction between the inclined surface and the ejector part can be less when at least one of them is formed from a polymeric material, when compared to other materials, such as certain metallic materials. The polymeric material can be reinforced by means of particulate or fibre materials, for example of glass or other mineral materials. Suitable polymeric materials include polyolefins, polyesters and polycarbonates. Particularly preferred materials include polyamides, especially filled with glass fibres.
The filter element can be used for removing compressor oil from a gas stream. Such filter elements are also known as coalescing filters. Coalescing filters are used to collect oil that is entrained in a gas stream by causing aerosol droplets of the oil to coalesce and collect as drops, which can flow as a liquid. They generally comprise several layers of filter media. For example, filter elements generally comprise a cylindrical filtration layer and a cylindrical anti-reentrainment barrier or a “drainage layer” surrounding the filtration layer on the outside of the filter element. The density and thickness of the media layers are selected according to, amongst other factors, the flow rate of the fluid stream, the level and nature of the impurities in the fluid stream, the level of impurity that is sought in the fluid stream after filtration.
Alternatively, the filter element can be a flow director positioned so that fluid flowing into the housing flows over the flow director so that the incoming fluid is made to follow a generally helical path within the housing. In this case, the filter assembly utilises centrifugal forces caused by a helically flowing fluid stream to separate contaminants, for example separating liquid droplets from a gas stream.
FIG. 8 is a sectional elevation of another embodiment of the filter assembly, showing the head part of the housing and the filter element separated from each other;
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a filter assembly 2 which comprises a housing 4, having a head part 6 and a body part 8, a filter element 10, and a flow controller 12. The head 6 and body 8 parts each have engagement formations in the form of co-operating screw threads 24, 26 which allow the head 6 and body 8 parts to be connected to one another and separated by relative rotation about axis A. The head part 6 has a head axis and the body part 8 has a body axis, each of which are co-axial with the axis A.
The top end cap 16 has a filter port 22 by which fluid which is to be filtered can enter the hollow space 20 in the filter element 10. The filter port 22 projects from the top end cap 16 of the filter element 10, as is best shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. The angle between the free end 58 of the filter port 22 and the axis A is about 15°. Accordingly, the free end 58 provides an included surface 94 that is inclined relative to axis A. An annular recess 60 extends around the filter port 22. The annular recess 60 is inclined relative to the axis A by 15°. An O-ring 62 (shown in FIG. 1 only) is located in the annular recess 60.
The angle of inclination of the inclined surface 94, and the dimensions of the filter port 22, head part 6 and ejector part are such that when the filter port 22 has been rotated by 180° relative to the ejector part 80, the filter port 22 has been pushed away from the ejector part by an amount sufficient to push 50% of the circumferential length of the O-ring 62 out of the chamber port 56 so that the lower portion of the inclined O-ring is no longer compressed between the internal walls 54 of the head part 6 and the filter port 22. Accordingly, there will then be sufficiently small frictional engagement between the filter port 22 and the internal walls 54 of the head part 6 for the filter port 22 to be able to drop out of the chamber port 56 under the weight of the filter element 10 alone. Accordingly, the filter port 22 will be free from the chamber port 56.
The free end 214 of the port extends helically, inclined to the axis of the device. The angle between the free end of the port and the axis of the device is about 20°.
The head part 220 of the housing has an inlet port 222 which communicates with a chamber port 224 which is aligned with the axis of the assembly. A helical ejector surface 225 is provided within the chamber port, extending 360° around the assembly axis.
As shown in FIG. 9, the top end cap of the filter element has four ribs 226, 228, 230, 232 spaced apart around its periphery, spaced apart approximately equally. One of the ribs 226 is provided in the form of a pair of spaced apart riblets.
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1 Corresponding Priority Application No. GB0715247.3 Search Report under Section 17 dated Dec. 3, 2007 from the Great Britain Patent Office.
2 * Machine translation of DE 10052524, published Apr. 25, 2002.
3 Notifcaton of Tansmital of The Internatonal Preliminar Report on Patentability, dated Nov. 11, 2009, in related International Application No. PCT/GB2008/002608 (WO2009/019442A1).
4 Notification of Transmittal of The International Preliminary Report on Patentability, dated Nov. 5, 2009. in corresponding priority International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2008/002611 (WO 2009/018443A1).
5 Notification of Transmittal of The International Search Report and Written Opinion, dated Nov. 20, 2008, in corresponding priority International Application No. PCT/GB2008/002611 (WO 2009/018443A1).
6 Notification of Transmittal of The International Search Report and Written Opinion, dated Nov. 25, 2008, in related International Application No. PCT/GB2008/002608 (WO2009/019442A1).
7 Search Report under Section 17, dated Dec. 4, 2007 from the Great Britain Patent Office in related Great Britain Patent Application No. GB0715259.7.
U.S. Classification 210/232, 55/502, 210/497.01, 55/498, 210/444, 55/504, 210/443, 55/478
International Classification B01D35/30, B01D46/00
Cooperative Classification B01D46/2411, B01D2265/021, B01D2265/025
European Classification B01D46/24F4
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LANE, BRIAN, MR.;BITTLE, THOMAS S., MR.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20100129 TO 20100226;REEL/FRAME:024026/0862