Stephen K Stark

US Patent:

6517612, Feb 11, 2003

Filed:

Oct 29, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/004526

Inventors:

Steven Crouch - Chapel Hill NC
Steve Wright - Hillsorough NC
Jeffrey Storm - Durham NC
Wai S. Poon - Hockessin DE
Stephen K. Stark - Wilmington DE
Daniel W. Thorpe - Hockessin DE
Glenn R. Voshell - Elkton MD

Assignee:

Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

B01D 33044

US Classification:

95277, 95270, 95282, 55304, 55400, 55521, 55528

Abstract:

This invention is directed to a continuously cleanable, high performance filtration apparatus and a method for using the apparatus. The apparatus is a radial inflow centrifugal filtration device, which includes a filter element located within a chamber and rotatably coupled to a filtered fluid outlet in a bulkhead that abuts the chamber. The filter element is generally tubular, its side-walls encircling and, thus, defining an interior plenum. The filter element side-walls incorporate a filter media, preferably a laminated microporous membrane filter media. The filter element is rotatably coupled at the filtered fluid outlet by a seal which can maintain a seal as filter element rotates. Additionally, the device can include a boundary layer momentum transfer device made up of a plurality of stacked annular disks having central openings, each disk separated from adjacent disks by a desired gap. The central openings define a cavity in which the filter element is mounted.

US Patent:

20060070521, Apr 6, 2006

Filed:

Sep 29, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/955315

Inventors:

Stephen Stark - Wilmington DE, US
Robert Sassa - Newark DE, US

International Classification:

B01D 53/22

US Classification:

095045000, 096004000

Abstract:

The invention relates to liners for air ducts. Specifically, the invention is an article comprising a porous polymeric membrane layer and, optionally, a support layer, in which the article is a duct liner adapted to be removably positioned within a porous air duct. The liner may also be used in conventional metal and plastic ducts to reduce cleaning frequency. In another aspect, the invention is a porous air duct comprising: a liner comprising a porous polymeric membrane and, optionally, a support layer; and an openwork conduit, said liner disposed within the openwork conduit.

US Patent:

55362907, Jul 16, 1996

Filed:

Feb 17, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/390007

Inventors:

Stephen K. Stark - Wilmington DE
Erik H. Wildt - Wilmington DE

Assignee:

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

B01D 4600

US Classification:

55498

Abstract:

The present invention is an improved apparatus for capping the end of a pleated filter cartridge. The apparatus includes a two section assembly having a first end section with at least an inner flange and a flared second section that nests within the first end section and defines an annular space adapted to receive a pleated filter media. The pleated filter media is preferably potted within the annular space to form a tight seal that is not prone to leakage. The filter assembly of the present invention is a distinct improvement over previous filter end cap assemblies, having fewer parts and being easier to manufacture, install, and use.

US Patent:

54783720, Dec 26, 1995

Filed:

Feb 8, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/385869

Inventors:

Stephen K. Stark - Wilmington DE

Assignee:

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

B01D 3908
B01D 3916
B01D 4604
B32B 526

US Classification:

55521

Abstract:

A self-supporting laminate formed from an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane material and a coated metal mesh material is described that is self-supporting and can be formed into a pleated filter member.

US Patent:

60081465, Dec 28, 1999

Filed:

Sep 2, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/921897

Inventors:

Stephen K. Stark - Wilmington DE

Assignee:

Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

D02G 304
B01D 3908
B01D 3920

US Classification:

442199

Abstract:

An improved composite material of high temperature and chemical resistant material and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is provided. The composite material incorporates a coherent strand of commingled filaments of fiberglass and PTFE which is far more resistant to flex, abrasion, and chemical attack than conventional materials. Preferably filaments of expanded PTFE tow yarn and filaments of PTFE are combined through a process of air-jet texturing. Fabrics made from the composite fibers are combined with thermosetting phenolic or epoxy resins to produce pleated cartridge filter elements exhibiting superior performance in high temperature and corrosive environments.

US Patent:

55275699, Jun 18, 1996

Filed:

Aug 22, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/294233

Inventors:

Alex R. Hobson - Elkton MD
David E. Mooney - Elkton MD
Stephen K. Stark - Wilmington DE

Assignee:

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

B01D 2706
B01D 2927
B01D 3916
B01D 4604
B32B 526

US Classification:

428 352

Abstract:

The present invention is an improved electrically conductive filter media particularly suitable for use in applications where static electricity must be dissipated. The filter media of the present invention comprises a microporous filtration layer having electrically conductive particles embedded therein. When attached to support media, this structure provides exceptional filtration efficiency while assuring a consistent and evenly distributed electrical pathway to ground.

US Patent:

59284145, Jul 27, 1999

Filed:

Nov 15, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/749582

Inventors:

Raymond M. Wnenchak - Newark DE
John E. Bacino - Avondale PA
Stephen K. Stark - Wilmington DE
Erik H. Wildt - Wilmington DE

Assignee:

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

B01D 2921
B01D 2966
B01D 4604

US Classification:

95280

Abstract:

A novel filter element is constructed from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane possessing high strength which is sufficient to withstand filtration processing, as well as permitting the use of low energy to flex and clean the filter element. Further, the novel filter element of the present invention is non-linting and non-contaminating due to the ePTFE membrane structure of the filter, thereby providing excellent filtration performance for a variety of industries requiring high efficiency filtration.

US Patent:

53505158, Sep 27, 1994

Filed:

Mar 29, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/038771

Inventors:

Stephen Stark - Wilmington DE
Raymond Wnenchak - Newark DE

Assignee:

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

B01D 2706

US Classification:

2104932

Abstract:

The invention comprises a filter cartridge including a cylindrical filter medium potted into a top cap, and having an internally potted bottom closure molded in place inside the filter medium.