Automated, self-cleaning filter
AssigneeSw Filter Solutions LLC
InventorsJeffrey Stalnaker, Roger Withrow, Denver Kimberlin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A self-cleaning, automated apparatus with a filter for fluids includes a nozzle unit assembly that has a first tube inside a second tube. Each of the tubes has a different pattern of one or more slots or holes. One tube rotates while the other is fixed, so that part of the pattern of one coincides with the other at times, resulting in a jet of cleaning fluid that removes debris from a filter. The filter is rotated so the jet can reach all parts to be cleaned. The pattern of the rotating tube may approximate a helix and the pattern of the fixed tube may approximate a line.
Claims11
An apparatus, comprising:
- a first structure, a second structure, a third structure, a housing, a motive power source;
- the first structure having a first outer surface, a first inner surface, and a first wall between the first inner surface and the first outer surface;
- the first structure having a first inner space, defined by the first inner surface;
- the first inner space having a first cylindrical chamber;
- the first cylindrical chamber having a first longitudinal axis;
- the first structure having a first outer diameter extending from the first outer surface and across the first cylindrical chamber in a first direction normal to the first longitudinal axis;
- the first wall having a first part with one or more first openings, communicating between the first outer surface and the first cylindrical chamber, arranged in a first pattern, the first pattern approximating a helix about the first longitudinal axis;
- the first structure having a first drive attachment transferring a first rotational force to the first structure;
- the second structure having a second outer surface, a second inner surface, and a second wall between the second inner surface and the second outer surface;
- the second structure having a second inner space, defined by the second inner surface;
- the second inner space having a second cylindrical chamber;
- the second cylindrical chamber having a second longitudinal axis;
- the second structure having a second inner diameter extending from the second inner surface and across the second cylindrical chamber in a second direction normal to the second longitudinal axis;
- the second wall having a second part with one or more second openings, communicating between the second outer surface and the second cylindrical chamber, arranged in a second pattern;
- the second pattern being different from the first pattern and approximating a line parallel to the second longitudinal axis;
- the second inner diameter accommodating the first outer diameter;
- the first cylindrical chamber being disposed within the second cylindrical chamber;
- the first pattern of the one or more first openings and the second pattern of the one or more second openings being positioned so that, when the first rotational force is applied to the first structure and fluid under pressure is introduced within the first structure, a jet of the fluid under pressure can escape through both the first structure and the second structure where the first openings align with the second openings;
- the third structure having a third longitudinal axis parallel to the second longitudinal axis;
- the third structure including a third part with third openings sized to filter particles from fluid passing through the third openings;
- the third structure having a third drive attachment transferring a third rotational force to the third structure;
- the housing having a bottom side and a top side, the bottom side of the housing including a base portion, the base portion of the housing having a plurality of fluid ports to allow fluid to flow into or out of the housing;
- the housing enclosing at least:
- the first part of the first wall of the first structure;
- the second part of the second wall of the second structure;
- and
- the third part of the third structure;
- the motive power source operable to apply the first rotational force and the third rotational force;
- the first structure being coupled to a first fluid port of the plurality of fluid ports;
- the housing being coupled to a second fluid port of the plurality of fluid ports;
- the third structure being coupled to a third fluid port of the plurality of fluid ports;
- the housing being coupled to a fourth fluid port of the plurality of fluid ports;
- the housing being coupled to a filter vent port;
- the first part of the first structure comprising polyoxymethylene;
- the polyoxymethylene providing a snug and slidable engagement between the first structure and the second structure and accommodating a film of fluid therebetween which acts as a lubricant between the first structure and the second structure;
- and
- the motive power source comprising a first motor, at the top side of the housing, configured to apply the first rotational force, and a second motor different from the first motor, at the top side of the housing, configured to apply the third rotational force
- wherein, within the housing, only one said jet is emitted at a time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.