WO2012017429A1 - Compact filter valve and methods for fabrication, use and maintenance thereof - Google Patents

Compact filter valve and methods for fabrication, use and maintenance thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012017429A1
WO2012017429A1 PCT/IL2011/000621 IL2011000621W WO2012017429A1 WO 2012017429 A1 WO2012017429 A1 WO 2012017429A1 IL 2011000621 W IL2011000621 W IL 2011000621W WO 2012017429 A1 WO2012017429 A1 WO 2012017429A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
filter
fluid
valve
interior
entry
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2011/000621
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Yair Tamir Meshulam
Original Assignee
Yair Tamir Meshulam
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Yair Tamir Meshulam filed Critical Yair Tamir Meshulam
Publication of WO2012017429A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012017429A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/14—Safety devices specially adapted for filtration; Devices for indicating clogging
    • B01D35/157—Flow control valves: Damping or calibrated passages
    • B01D35/1576—Calibrated passages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/14—Safety devices specially adapted for filtration; Devices for indicating clogging
    • B01D35/157—Flow control valves: Damping or calibrated passages
    • B01D35/1573—Flow control valves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to valves and more particularly to valves having a filtering function.
  • a wide variety of filters are known.
  • a wide variety of valves are known.
  • Filter mesh cylinders are known.
  • Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide valve apparatus having a filter which can be cleaned without shutting off the main water supply.
  • the apparatus typically is configured and operative to replace (retrofit) an existing valve which does not have the above characteristic.
  • Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide improved water supply piping apparatus having a valve and associated filter which can be cleaned without shutting off the main water supply.
  • Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a valve which is not connected to a cover thereof, such that it not necessary to close the main water supply in order to clean a filter operating within the valve. Instead, the valve is in fluid communication with the fluid's exit point and the cover is not associated with the valve hence can be removed without main water supply disconnection, to allow filter cleaning.
  • Certain embodiments of the present invention provide, use and maintain some or all of the following filter apparatus components: a. a fluid receptacle having an interior and defining a fluid entry to its interior, a fluid exit from its interior and a filter maintenance opening;
  • a tubular filter removably disposed within the fluid receptacle and defining a filter interior and a filter exterior, the fluid entry communicating with one of the filter interior and filter exterior, the fluid exit communicating with the other of the filter interior and filter exterior, the filter maintenance opening being configured and positioned to allow the filter to be passed in and out thereof,
  • an apertured tube defining an internal volume in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and disposed interiorly of the filter
  • a valve disposed interiorly of the apertured tube and configured to selectably interrupt flow of fluid from the fluid entry to the fluid exit by selectably blocking the fluid entry;
  • a removable cover covering the filter maintenance opening so as to seal the fluid receptacle during normal operation of the filter assembly.
  • Fig. 1A is a side view illustration of a prior art valve useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. IB is an isometric view illustration of the prior art valve of Fig. 1 A.
  • Fig. 2A is a side view illustration of an apertured tube element useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2B is an isometric view illustration of the apertured tube element of Fig. 2A.
  • Fig. 3 is an isometric view illustration of a prior art filter mesh cylinder valve useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4A is a side view illustration of a cover member useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4B is an isometric view illustration of the cover member of Fig. 4A.
  • Fig. 5A is a side view illustration of a fluid receptacle useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figs. 5B and 5C are isometric view illustrations of the fluid receptacle of Fig. 5 A.
  • Fig. 6 is a side view illustration of the assembled apparatus of Figs. 1 A - 5C.
  • Fig. 7 is a side view illustration of the assembled apparatus of Figs. 1A - 5C minus the cover.
  • Fig. 8A is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, when the valve is in its closed, filter maintenance facilitating or water supply-disconnecting position.
  • Fig. 8B is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, when the valve is in its open, fluid-supplying position.
  • Fig. 9 is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, showing example measurements, which are not intended to be limiting, and are suitable for certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figs. 10A - 10E are various views of a fluid receptacle useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention which may serve as an alternative to the fluid receptacle of Figs. 5 A - 5C.
  • Figs. 1 A - 5C illustrate components of filter apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figs. 6 - 9 illustrate the assembled components.
  • Fig. 6 is a side view illustration of the assembled apparatus of Figs. 1A - 5C.
  • Fig. 7 is a side view illustration of the assembled apparatus of Figs. 1 A - 5C minus the cover.
  • Fig. 8 A is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, when the valve is in its closed, filter maintenance facilitating or water supply- disconnecting position.
  • Fig. 8B is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, when the valve is in its open, fluid-supplying position.
  • Fig. 9 is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, showing example measurements, which are not intended to be limiting, and are suitable for certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • the components of the filter apparatus typically comprise: a. fluid receptacle 10, e.g. as shown in Figs. 5 A - 5C, having an interior and defining a fluid entry 12 to its interior, a fluid exit 14 from its interior and a filter maintenance opening 16;
  • a tubular filter 20 e.g. a conventional cylindrical wire mesh filter as shown in prior art Fig. 3, removably disposed within the fluid receptacle 10 and defining a filter interior and a filter exterior, the fluid entry 12 communicating with one of the filter interior and filter exterior, the fluid exit 14 communicating with the other of the filter interior and filter exterior, the filter maintenance opening 16 being configured and positioned to allow the filter 20 to be passed in and out thereof,
  • the apertured tube 30 is disposed coaxially with the cylindrical filter 20.
  • valve 40 which may be a conventional valve e.g. as shown in prior art Figs. 1 A - IB, disposed interiorly of the apertured tube 30 and configured to selectably interrupt flow of fluid from the fluid entry 12 to the fluid exit 14 by selectably blocking the fluid entry 12; and
  • a removable cover 50 covering the filter maintenance opening 16 so as to seal the fluid receptacle 10 during normal operation of the filter assembly.
  • the valve 40 includes a controlling mechanism which affords manual control of the valve's selectable interruption of the flow of fluid.
  • the controlling mechanism which may include a handle 42, is configured and arranged to protrude through the removable cover 50 so as to allow manual control of the valve's selectable interruption of the flow of fluid without removing the cover 50.
  • the controlling mechanism typically comprises a valve rod which translates linearly along threading between a first closed position, as shown in Fig. 8A, in which the fluid is blocked from passing through the fluid entry, thereby to facilitate filter cleaning and maintenance, and a second position, as shown in Fig. 8B, in which the open fluid is free to pass through the fluid entry, thereby to facilitate normal water filtering and water supply.
  • the apertured tube 30's internal volume includes first and second ends of which the first end is in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and the second end is in sealing engagement with the valve 40, both when the valve is interrupting flow of fluid from the fluid entry 12 to the fluid exit 14 and when the valve 40 is permitting flow of fluid from the fluid entry 12 to the fluid exit 14, such that fluid in the internal volume always exits via the filter 20.
  • the tubular filter 20 comprises a cylindrical filter and defines an axis and openings at each end of the axis and the filter maintenance opening 16 is disposed opposite one of the openings.
  • the fluid entry 12 communicates with the filter interior and the fluid exit 14 communicates with the filter exterior.
  • a suitable method for fabricating filter apparatus includes the following steps, suitably ordered e.g. as follows:
  • b. providing a tubular filter 20 removably disposed within the fluid receptacle and defining a filter interior and a filter exterior, the fluid entry communicating with one of the filter interior and filter exterior, the fluid exit communicating with the other of the filter interior and filter exterior, the filter maintenance opening being configured and positioned to allow the filter to be passed in and out thereof,
  • valve 40 disposed interiorly of the apertured tube and configured to selectably interrupt flow of fluid from the fluid entry to the fluid exit by selectably blocking the fluid entry;
  • the filter apparatus may be used to filter fluids. Periodically, maintenance and/or cleaning may be carried out by interrupting the flow of fluid using the valve, removing the cover, cleaning the filter, restoring the cover, and restoring the flow of fluid using the valve.
  • a suitable valve for implementing the valve of Figs. 1A -IB is commercially available from Yoam (1990) Ltd., Ha'betichut St., Northern Ind. Area, P.O.B 12005, Ashdod 77520 Israel.
  • the valve is typically in threaded engagement to the apertured tube 30 of Figs. 2A - 2B.
  • the apertured tube of Figs. 2A - 2B is symmetric about its own waistline such that a user thereof need not take pains to avoid reversing it during installation or maintenance.
  • the apertured tube is typically in threaded engagement with the fluid receptacle 10 and with the valve 40.
  • the filter of Fig. 3 may comprise a conventional filter mesh cylinder, typically including along its azimuth wide filter panels alternating with narrow support rods lacking a filter function (not shown).
  • the cover 50 of Figs. 4 A - 4B is typically apertured as shown, to allow valve 40' s controlling mechanism to protrude through cover 50 so as to allow manual control of the valve's selectable interruption of the flow of fluid without removing the cover.
  • an O-ring 52 provides tight engagement between the filter 30 and the cover 50 when the apparatus is assembled.
  • the fluid receptacle 10 of Fig. 5 A - 5C typically includes first threading 210 to the fluid source, second threading 220 of the fluid's exit, third threading 230 to the apertured tube and fourth threading 240 to the cover 50.
  • the fluid receptacle 10 may include a single aperture or may include several apertures, such as 4 apertures as shown, of which all but one are typically blocked with a thin layer of material that can easily be mechanically removed if it desired to provide a differently oriented or additional fluid exit point.
  • the fluid receptacle is typically peripheral to the filter which in turn is typically peripheral to the apertured tube and fluid flows from the apertured tube, peripherally out through the tube's aperture/s to the interior of the filter, and from there peripherally outward through the mesh of the filter to the interior of the fluid receptacle, continuing out through the receptacle's fluid exit.
  • fluid e.g. water may flow from the interior of the fluid receptacle to the internal volume of the apertured tube.
  • the fluid receptacle and apertured tube; as well as the valve and apertured tube are secured to one another e.g. are threaded together or are integrally formed, and do not henceforth disengage from one another either in normal operation or when the filter is being cleaned.
  • the apertured tube 30 of Figs. 2A - 2B is threaded onto the fluid receptacle 10 of Figs. 5 A - 5C and the valve 40 of Figs. 1 A - IB is threaded onto the apertured tube 30 of Figs.
  • the filter 30 of Fig. 3 is slipped into position as shown in Fig. 7, and the cover 50 of Figs. 4A - 4B is threaded onto the fluid receptable 10 of Figs. 5 A - 5C.
  • the apparatus is then ready to be connected to the water supply and to the fluid exit point (fluid supply location of a household appliance e.g.).
  • valve 40 is closed manually, e.g. using a handle thereof which protrudes through cover 50 as shown.
  • the cover 50 is then screwed open.
  • the valve is then opened to flush the filter and/or the filter is removed for thorough cleaning in another location e.g. under a faucet, and then put back in place.
  • the cover is then closed and the valve re-opened for normal use of the apparatus for water supply.
  • fluid receptacle tubular filter, apertured tube, valve and cover
  • tubular filter may be integrally formed.
  • apertured tube may be integrally formed.
  • a particular advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that since the valve is fixed to the receptacle and not to the cover, the cover can be removed and the filter extricated.
  • Another particular advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that, in prior art, space utilization is not optimal in that the filtering area e.g. internal volume of the tubular filter, and the valve operational area, e.g. tubular volume along which the valve's controlling mechanism translates, are not co-located, whereas the filtering area and the valve operational area are co-located according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • the filter is disposed intermediate the fluid entry and the fluid exit.
  • Figs. 10A - 10E are various views of a fluid receptacle useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention which may serve as an alternative to the fluid receptacle 10 of Figs. 5 A - 5C.
  • the fluid receptacle of the present invention may include a fluid entry and fluid exit located generally perpendicularly to one another and a filter maintenance opening opposite the fluid entry.
  • any other mutual orientation of the fluid entry and exit may be provided, for example, the two may be one opposite the other, e.g. at either end of a length of pipe forming the fluid receptacle.

Abstract

Filter apparatus comprising a fluid receptacle having an interior and defining a fluid entry to its interior, a fluid exit from its interior and a filter maintenance opening; a tubular filter removably disposed within the fluid receptacle and defining a filter interior and a filter exterior, the fluid entry communicating with the filter interior, the fluid exit communicating with the filter exterior, the filter maintenance opening being configured and positioned to allow the filter to be passed in and out thereof, an apertured tube defining an internal volume in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and disposed interiorly of the filter; a valve disposed interiorly of the apertured tube and configured to selectably interrupt flow of fluid from the fluid entry to the fluid exit; and a removable cover covering the filter maintenance opening so as to seal the fluid receptacle during normal operation of the filter assembly.

Description

COMPACT FILTER VALVE AND METHODS FOR FABRICATION, USE AND
MAINTENANCE THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to valves and more particularly to valves having a filtering function.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A wide variety of filters are known. A wide variety of valves are known.
"Filter valves", which presumably combine the functionalities of valves and filters, are commercially available.
Filter mesh cylinders are known.
The disclosures of any publications and patent documents mentioned in the specification, and of the publications and patent documents cited therein directly or indirectly, are hereby incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide valve apparatus having a filter which can be cleaned without shutting off the main water supply. The apparatus typically is configured and operative to replace (retrofit) an existing valve which does not have the above characteristic.
Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide improved water supply piping apparatus having a valve and associated filter which can be cleaned without shutting off the main water supply.
Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a valve which is not connected to a cover thereof, such that it not necessary to close the main water supply in order to clean a filter operating within the valve. Instead, the valve is in fluid communication with the fluid's exit point and the cover is not associated with the valve hence can be removed without main water supply disconnection, to allow filter cleaning.
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide, use and maintain some or all of the following filter apparatus components: a. a fluid receptacle having an interior and defining a fluid entry to its interior, a fluid exit from its interior and a filter maintenance opening;
b. a tubular filter removably disposed within the fluid receptacle and defining a filter interior and a filter exterior, the fluid entry communicating with one of the filter interior and filter exterior, the fluid exit communicating with the other of the filter interior and filter exterior, the filter maintenance opening being configured and positioned to allow the filter to be passed in and out thereof,
c. an apertured tube defining an internal volume in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and disposed interiorly of the filter;
d. a valve disposed interiorly of the apertured tube and configured to selectably interrupt flow of fluid from the fluid entry to the fluid exit by selectably blocking the fluid entry; and
e. a removable cover covering the filter maintenance opening so as to seal the fluid receptacle during normal operation of the filter assembly.
The embodiments referred to above, and other embodiments, are described in detail in the next section.
Any trademark occurring in the text or drawings is the property of its owner and occurs herein merely to explain or illustrate one example of how an embodiment of the invention may be implemented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the following drawings:
Fig. 1A is a side view illustration of a prior art valve useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
Fig. IB is an isometric view illustration of the prior art valve of Fig. 1 A.
Fig. 2A is a side view illustration of an apertured tube element useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
Fig. 2B is an isometric view illustration of the apertured tube element of Fig. 2A.
Fig. 3 is an isometric view illustration of a prior art filter mesh cylinder valve useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 4A is a side view illustration of a cover member useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
Fig. 4B is an isometric view illustration of the cover member of Fig. 4A.
Fig. 5A is a side view illustration of a fluid receptacle useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
Figs. 5B and 5C are isometric view illustrations of the fluid receptacle of Fig. 5 A.
Fig. 6 is a side view illustration of the assembled apparatus of Figs. 1 A - 5C.
Fig. 7 is a side view illustration of the assembled apparatus of Figs. 1A - 5C minus the cover.
Fig. 8A is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, when the valve is in its closed, filter maintenance facilitating or water supply-disconnecting position.
Fig. 8B is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, when the valve is in its open, fluid-supplying position.
Fig. 9 is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, showing example measurements, which are not intended to be limiting, and are suitable for certain embodiments of the present invention.
Figs. 10A - 10E are various views of a fluid receptacle useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention which may serve as an alternative to the fluid receptacle of Figs. 5 A - 5C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
Figs. 1 A - 5C illustrate components of filter apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. Figs. 6 - 9 illustrate the assembled components. Specifically, Fig. 6 is a side view illustration of the assembled apparatus of Figs. 1A - 5C. Fig. 7 is a side view illustration of the assembled apparatus of Figs. 1 A - 5C minus the cover. Fig. 8 A is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, when the valve is in its closed, filter maintenance facilitating or water supply- disconnecting position. Fig. 8B is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, when the valve is in its open, fluid-supplying position. Fig. 9 is a cut-open view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, showing example measurements, which are not intended to be limiting, and are suitable for certain embodiments of the present invention.
Referring now in detail to Figs. 1A - 5C, the components of the filter apparatus typically comprise: a. fluid receptacle 10, e.g. as shown in Figs. 5 A - 5C, having an interior and defining a fluid entry 12 to its interior, a fluid exit 14 from its interior and a filter maintenance opening 16;
b. a tubular filter 20, e.g. a conventional cylindrical wire mesh filter as shown in prior art Fig. 3, removably disposed within the fluid receptacle 10 and defining a filter interior and a filter exterior, the fluid entry 12 communicating with one of the filter interior and filter exterior, the fluid exit 14 communicating with the other of the filter interior and filter exterior, the filter maintenance opening 16 being configured and positioned to allow the filter 20 to be passed in and out thereof,
c. an apertured typically cylindrical tube 30, e.g. as shown in Figs. 2A - 2B, defining an internal volume in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle 10 and disposed interiorly of the filter. Typically, the apertured tube 30 is disposed coaxially with the cylindrical filter 20.
d. a valve 40, which may be a conventional valve e.g. as shown in prior art Figs. 1 A - IB, disposed interiorly of the apertured tube 30 and configured to selectably interrupt flow of fluid from the fluid entry 12 to the fluid exit 14 by selectably blocking the fluid entry 12; and
e. a removable cover 50 covering the filter maintenance opening 16 so as to seal the fluid receptacle 10 during normal operation of the filter assembly.
Typically, the valve 40 includes a controlling mechanism which affords manual control of the valve's selectable interruption of the flow of fluid. The controlling mechanism, which may include a handle 42, is configured and arranged to protrude through the removable cover 50 so as to allow manual control of the valve's selectable interruption of the flow of fluid without removing the cover 50. The controlling mechanism typically comprises a valve rod which translates linearly along threading between a first closed position, as shown in Fig. 8A, in which the fluid is blocked from passing through the fluid entry, thereby to facilitate filter cleaning and maintenance, and a second position, as shown in Fig. 8B, in which the open fluid is free to pass through the fluid entry, thereby to facilitate normal water filtering and water supply.
Typically, the apertured tube 30's internal volume includes first and second ends of which the first end is in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and the second end is in sealing engagement with the valve 40, both when the valve is interrupting flow of fluid from the fluid entry 12 to the fluid exit 14 and when the valve 40 is permitting flow of fluid from the fluid entry 12 to the fluid exit 14, such that fluid in the internal volume always exits via the filter 20.
Typically, the tubular filter 20 comprises a cylindrical filter and defines an axis and openings at each end of the axis and the filter maintenance opening 16 is disposed opposite one of the openings.
Typically, the fluid entry 12 communicates with the filter interior and the fluid exit 14 communicates with the filter exterior.
A suitable method for fabricating filter apparatus according to certain embodiments, includes the following steps, suitably ordered e.g. as follows:
a. providing a fluid receptacle 10 having an interior and defining a fluid entry to its interior, a fluid exit from its interior and a filter maintenance opening;
b. providing a tubular filter 20 removably disposed within the fluid receptacle and defining a filter interior and a filter exterior, the fluid entry communicating with one of the filter interior and filter exterior, the fluid exit communicating with the other of the filter interior and filter exterior, the filter maintenance opening being configured and positioned to allow the filter to be passed in and out thereof,
c. providing an apertured tube 30 defining an internal volume in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and disposed interiorly of the filter;
d. providing a valve 40 disposed interiorly of the apertured tube and configured to selectably interrupt flow of fluid from the fluid entry to the fluid exit by selectably blocking the fluid entry; and
e. providing a removable cover 50 covering the filter maintenance opening so as to seal the fluid receptacle during normal operation of the filter assembly.
The filter apparatus may be used to filter fluids. Periodically, maintenance and/or cleaning may be carried out by interrupting the flow of fluid using the valve, removing the cover, cleaning the filter, restoring the cover, and restoring the flow of fluid using the valve.
A suitable valve for implementing the valve of Figs. 1A -IB is commercially available from Yoam (1990) Ltd., Ha'betichut St., Northern Ind. Area, P.O.B 12005, Ashdod 77520 Israel. The valve is typically in threaded engagement to the apertured tube 30 of Figs. 2A - 2B.
Typically, the apertured tube of Figs. 2A - 2B is symmetric about its own waistline such that a user thereof need not take pains to avoid reversing it during installation or maintenance. The apertured tube is typically in threaded engagement with the fluid receptacle 10 and with the valve 40.
The filter of Fig. 3 may comprise a conventional filter mesh cylinder, typically including along its azimuth wide filter panels alternating with narrow support rods lacking a filter function (not shown).
The cover 50 of Figs. 4 A - 4B is typically apertured as shown, to allow valve 40' s controlling mechanism to protrude through cover 50 so as to allow manual control of the valve's selectable interruption of the flow of fluid without removing the cover. Typically, an O-ring 52 provides tight engagement between the filter 30 and the cover 50 when the apparatus is assembled.
The fluid receptacle 10 of Fig. 5 A - 5C typically includes first threading 210 to the fluid source, second threading 220 of the fluid's exit, third threading 230 to the apertured tube and fourth threading 240 to the cover 50. The fluid receptacle 10 may include a single aperture or may include several apertures, such as 4 apertures as shown, of which all but one are typically blocked with a thin layer of material that can easily be mechanically removed if it desired to provide a differently oriented or additional fluid exit point.
As shown in Fig. 6, the fluid receptacle is typically peripheral to the filter which in turn is typically peripheral to the apertured tube and fluid flows from the apertured tube, peripherally out through the tube's aperture/s to the interior of the filter, and from there peripherally outward through the mesh of the filter to the interior of the fluid receptacle, continuing out through the receptacle's fluid exit.
In operation, fluid e.g. water may flow from the interior of the fluid receptacle to the internal volume of the apertured tube.
Typically, the fluid receptacle and apertured tube; as well as the valve and apertured tube, are secured to one another e.g. are threaded together or are integrally formed, and do not henceforth disengage from one another either in normal operation or when the filter is being cleaned. To assemble the apparatus of Figs. 1A - 5C, the apertured tube 30 of Figs. 2A - 2B is threaded onto the fluid receptacle 10 of Figs. 5 A - 5C and the valve 40 of Figs. 1 A - IB is threaded onto the apertured tube 30 of Figs. 2A - 2B; as a result the other end of the apertured tube's internal volume (that opposite the end which is in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle) is in sealing engagement with the valve during operation, whether or not valve is interrupting flow of fluid from the fluid entry to the fluid exit, such that fluid in the internal volume always exits via the filter.
The filter 30 of Fig. 3 is slipped into position as shown in Fig. 7, and the cover 50 of Figs. 4A - 4B is threaded onto the fluid receptable 10 of Figs. 5 A - 5C. The apparatus is then ready to be connected to the water supply and to the fluid exit point (fluid supply location of a household appliance e.g.).
To clean or otherwise maintain the filter, the valve 40 is closed manually, e.g. using a handle thereof which protrudes through cover 50 as shown. The cover 50 is then screwed open. The valve is then opened to flush the filter and/or the filter is removed for thorough cleaning in another location e.g. under a faucet, and then put back in place. The cover is then closed and the valve re-opened for normal use of the apparatus for water supply.
It is appreciated that certain ones of the fluid receptacle, tubular filter, apertured tube, valve and cover may be integrally formed. For example, the tubular filter, apertured tube and valve may be integrally formed.
A particular advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that since the valve is fixed to the receptacle and not to the cover, the cover can be removed and the filter extricated.
Another particular advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that, in prior art, space utilization is not optimal in that the filtering area e.g. internal volume of the tubular filter, and the valve operational area, e.g. tubular volume along which the valve's controlling mechanism translates, are not co-located, whereas the filtering area and the valve operational area are co-located according to certain embodiments of the present invention. According to certain embodiments, the filter is disposed intermediate the fluid entry and the fluid exit.
Figs. 10A - 10E are various views of a fluid receptacle useful in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention which may serve as an alternative to the fluid receptacle 10 of Figs. 5 A - 5C. Generally, the fluid receptacle of the present invention may include a fluid entry and fluid exit located generally perpendicularly to one another and a filter maintenance opening opposite the fluid entry. Alternatively, any other mutual orientation of the fluid entry and exit may be provided, for example, the two may be one opposite the other, e.g. at either end of a length of pipe forming the fluid receptacle.
It is appreciated that terminology such as "mandatory", "required", "need" and "must" refer to implementation choices made within the context of a particular implementation or application described herewithin for clarity and are not intended to be limiting since in an alternative implementation, the same elements might be defined as not mandatory and not required or might even be eliminated altogether.
Features of the present invention which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, features of the invention, including method steps, which are described for brevity in the context of a single embodiment or in a certain order may be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or in a different order, "e.g." is used herein in the sense of a specific example which is not intended to be limiting. . It is appreciated that in the description and drawings shown and described herein, functionalities described or illustrated as systems and sub-units thereof can also be provided as methods and steps therewithin, and functionalities described or illustrated as methods and steps therewithin can also be provided as systems and sub-units thereof. The scale used to illustrate various elements in the drawings is merely exemplary and/or appropriate for clarity of presentation and is not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. Filter apparatus comprising:
a. a fluid receptacle having an interior and defining a fluid entry to its interior, a fluid exit from its interior and a filter maintenance opening;
b. a tubular filter removably disposed within the fluid receptacle and defining a filter interior communicating with the filter entry and a filter exterior communicating with the fluid exit, the filter maintenance opening being configured and positioned to allow the filter to be passed in and out thereof,
c. an apertured tube defining an internal volume in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and disposed interiorly of the filter;
d. a valve disposed interiorly of the apertured tube and configured to selectably interrupt flow of fluid from the fluid entry to the fluid exit by selectably blocking said fluid entry; and
e. a removable cover covering the filter maintenance opening so as to seal the fluid receptacle during normal operation of the filter assembly.
2. Filter apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said valve includes a controlling mechanism which affords manual control of the valve's selectable interruption of said flow of fluid and wherein said controlling mechanism is configured and arranged to protrude through said removable cover so as to allow manual control of the valve's selectable interruption of said flow of fluid without removing said cover.
3. Filter apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said controlling mechanism comprises a valve rod which translates linearly along threading between a first closed position in which said fluid is blocked from passing through the fluid entry, thereby to facilitate filter cleaning and maintenance, and a second position in which said open fluid is free to pass through the fluid entry, thereby to facilitate normal water filtering and water supply.
4. Filter apparatus according to claim wherein said apertured tube's internal volume includes first and second ends of which said first end is in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and said second end is in sealing engagement with said valve, both when said valve is interrupting flow of fluid from the fluid entry to the fluid exit and when said valve is permitting flow of fluid from the fluid entry to the fluid exit, such that fluid in said internal volume always exits via said filter.
5. Filter apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said tubular filter defines an axis and openings at each end of the axis and said filter maintenance opening is disposed opposite one of said openings.
6. Filter apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said tubular filter comprises a cylindrical filter.
7. Filter apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apertured tube has a cylindrical configuration.
8. Filter apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apertured tube is disposed coaxially with the cylindrical filter.
9. A method of making filter apparatus, the method comprising:
a. providing a fluid receptacle having an interior and defining a fluid entry to its interior, a fluid exit from its interior and a filter maintenance opening;
b. providing a tubular filter removably disposed within the fluid receptacle and defining a filter interior and a filter exterior, the fluid entry communicating with one of said filter interior and filter exterior, the fluid exit communicating with the other of said filter interior and filter exterior, the filter maintenance opening being configured and positioned to allow the filter to be passed in and out thereof,
c. providing an apertured tube defining an internal volume in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and disposed interiorly of the filter;
d. providing a valve disposed interiorly of the apertured tube and configured to selectably interrupt flow of fluid from the fluid entry to the fluid exit by selectably blocking said fluid entry; and
e. providing a removable cover covering the filter maintenance opening so as to seal the fluid receptacle during normal operation of the filter assembly.
10. A method according to claim 9 and also comprising using said filter apparatus to filter fluids.
11. A method according to claim 9 and also comprising interrupting said flow of fluid using said valve, removing said cover, cleaning said filter, restoring said cover, and restoring said flow of fluid using said valve.
12. Filter apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the fluid entry and fluid exit are disposed generally perpendicularly to one another.
13. Filter apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 12 and wherein the filter maintenance opening is disposed opposite the fluid entry.
14. Filter apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the fluid entry and fluid exit are disposed one opposite the other.
15. A method according to claim 9 and also comprising replacing an existing valve in an existing water supply system, with said filter apparatus.
PCT/IL2011/000621 2010-08-02 2011-08-01 Compact filter valve and methods for fabrication, use and maintenance thereof WO2012017429A1 (en)

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IL207344A IL207344A (en) 2010-08-02 2010-08-02 Compact filter valve and methods for fabrication, use and maintenance thereof
IL207344 2010-08-02

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US3356220A (en) * 1964-07-21 1967-12-05 Industrial Filter Pump Mfg Co Filtering apparatus
US4222875A (en) * 1978-04-18 1980-09-16 Deere & Company Filter element shutoff valve
US4637875A (en) * 1979-02-28 1987-01-20 Semler Industries Inc. Fluid filtering apparatus and tubular filter therefor
US4869820A (en) * 1987-11-13 1989-09-26 Gary Karlin Filter apparatus for fluids with co-axially stacked filter elements
US5020610A (en) * 1990-02-28 1991-06-04 Ingersoll-Rand Company Removable filter fluid flow shutoff apparatus
US5390701A (en) * 1994-04-06 1995-02-21 Lessley; Michael R. Filter valve assembly
US7182863B2 (en) * 2000-05-08 2007-02-27 Honeywell International, Inc. Additive dispersing filter and method of making
US20080045135A1 (en) * 2006-07-13 2008-02-21 Andreas Pfannenberg Air passage device
US20090230341A1 (en) * 2008-03-12 2009-09-17 R.E. Prescott Co., Inc. Pivotable control valve assembly for water treatment device

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2159624A (en) * 1934-11-19 1939-05-23 Honeywell Regulator Co Valve system
US3244282A (en) * 1963-03-04 1966-04-05 Rosaen Filter Co Fluid filter devices
US3291307A (en) * 1963-09-24 1966-12-13 Rosaen Filter Co Removable tubular filter and baffle construction
US3356220A (en) * 1964-07-21 1967-12-05 Industrial Filter Pump Mfg Co Filtering apparatus
US4222875A (en) * 1978-04-18 1980-09-16 Deere & Company Filter element shutoff valve
US4637875A (en) * 1979-02-28 1987-01-20 Semler Industries Inc. Fluid filtering apparatus and tubular filter therefor
US4869820A (en) * 1987-11-13 1989-09-26 Gary Karlin Filter apparatus for fluids with co-axially stacked filter elements
US5020610A (en) * 1990-02-28 1991-06-04 Ingersoll-Rand Company Removable filter fluid flow shutoff apparatus
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US7182863B2 (en) * 2000-05-08 2007-02-27 Honeywell International, Inc. Additive dispersing filter and method of making
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US20090230341A1 (en) * 2008-03-12 2009-09-17 R.E. Prescott Co., Inc. Pivotable control valve assembly for water treatment device

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