Apparatus for removing solid and volatile contaminants

Abstract

A combination filter and evaporator unit for use in small engine applications includes a filter member that is screw threadedly engaged to the evaporator unit to facilitate replacement of filter media as needed. The design of the unit constrains incoming oil to flow first through the filter media and then to an evaporation chamber. A central hub and a bottom wall of the evaporation chamber are directly heated by a heating element, and the evaporation chamber is closed by an imperforate lid so that heat loss is inhibited.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates, generally, to devices for use in automotive and other small engines that remove particles and volatiles from the oil used in such engines.2. Description of the Prior ArtTheoretically, oil used to lubricate engine parts should last forever because the oil itself never breaks down. However, there are two sources of contamination that destroy the effectiveness of oil as a lubricant: abrasive particulate matter and volatiles such as moisture or uncombusted fuel. Accordingly, inventors have developed filter means for removing particulate matter and evaporator means for removing moisture and other volatiles that degrade the effectiveness of the oil.Devices have also been developed that combine those two functions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,351 to Engel shows a combination filter and evaporator unit. Oil to be filtered to remove particulate matter therefrom and to be heated in an evaporation chamber to remov...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

As the oil flows through the metering opening, it is introduced into the evaporation chamber through multiple passageways formed in chimneys of the type shown in both of the above-mentioned patents, and thereafter spread thinly over the floor of the evaporation chamber; said chamber is directly heated in accordance with the teachings of the above-mentioned Menyhert patent. The lid of the present apparatus differs from the lid of the device shown in said patent, however, in that the earlier lid has an opening formed therein to accommodate a central post of the evaporation plate that receives the heating element. The present design includes an imperforate lid to reduce heat loss from the evaporation chamber and the lid does not engage said central post. Thus, both the construction of the device and its efficiency are improved.

Thus it is understood that a primary object of this invention is to advance the art of combination filter and evaporator units by providing a device with an easily replaceable filter means and a more efficient evaporation means.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, when the filter media becomes ineffective to remove further particulate contaminates, the filter housing is simply unscrewed from the adaptor and a new filter is installed; no disassembly of the device is required.

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