Patent Application
20100011532
The invention relates to a filter assembly, and generally to a filter. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a filter assembly designed and adapted for use in a vacuum cleaner.
Filter assemblies for removing dust or debris from the air stream of a vacuum cleaner or other dust retaining appliances are common. Such filter assemblies generally comprise at least one filter located in a filter housing. The filter assembly is arranged such that the filter is placed in the airflow path of the vacuum cleaner. Through use, the filter can become clogged and will require cleaning or replacing. Appliances with replaceable filters are common but the purchase of replacement filters can add to the overall cost of maintenance of the appliance.
Re-useable filters can reduce filter maintenance costs. U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,306, for example, discloses an air filter assembly including electrostatic filter elements and a foam filter that can be cleaned by washing. It is also known to provide a foam filter which is removable from a filter assembly for cleaning. WO 99/12635 discloses an air filter for respiratory apparatus comprising a series of filters; foam, electrostatic and HEPA. The filters are located in two separate housings, a first housing having a washable foam pre-filter and a second housing having both electrostatic and HEPA grade filters. The filters in the second housing cannot be removed for cleaning and will require to be replaced at regular intervals.
Another type of known filter assembly is that used on the Dyson range of vacuum cleaners, for example, on model numbers DC04, DC07, DC12, DC14 and DC15. In these vacuum cleaners, the filter assembly essentially comprises a filter housing or filter cage, a first filter portion and a second filter portion. The filter housing is cylindrical or rectangular in shape and is manufactured from a suitable plastics material. The filter housing has a shape which is adapted to receive the first and second filter portions. The second filter portion may be bonded to the filter housing to prevent misalignment. The first filter portion is washable. The second filter may also be washable and the second filter portion and the filter housing must be washed together if the second filter portion is bonded to the filter housing. After washing and after drying the filter assembly can be returned to the vacuum cleaner for further use.
The principle by which filter assemblies of this type operate is described in GB 2349105 and EP 1239760B.
A disadvantage of this arrangement is that, because the filter assembly comprises at least two portions, both removable for washing, there is the possibility that the filter portions may be fitted incorrectly when the user returns the filter assembly to the vacuum cleaner (or other appliance) after drying. It is desirable that the entire filter assembly is cleaned. In the prior art arrangement the first filter portion may be removed and washed without removing further filter portions. This may result in poor performance of the filter assembly.
The present invention seeks to provide an improved filter assembly which obviates disadvantages of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter assembly in which it is easier to clean the filter assembly by washing, and, after drying, easier to return the filter assembly to the vacuum cleaner for further use. It is a further object of the invention to provide a filter assembly for use in a vacuum cleaner or other appliance in which the motor of the vacuum cleaner is reliably protected and in which the maintenance costs of the vacuum cleaner are reduced. Furthermore it is an object of the present invention to provide a filter assembly which allows the user to remove a filter assembly from a vacuum cleaner and return the filter assembly to the vacuum cleaner more reliably.
The invention provides a cleaning appliance filter assembly comprising a plurality of filter portions delimited by, and held adjacent one another by a deformable rim formed around the edges of the filter portions.
The arrangement provides the advantageous feature that a user has a single piece filter assembly to wash and maintain. The one piece filter assembly does not necessarily require an additional housing or cage to support it within the vacuum cleaner. Advantageously, the arrangement means that maintenance procedures, including disassembly and reassembly of the filter within the vacuum cleaner are easier and simpler for a user. When the filter needs cleaning or replacing, the filter assembly can be grasped by the deformable rim and removed. The deformable rim is provided surrounding the edge of the filter or filter portions, preferably the rim has a small overlap onto the upper and lower surfaces of the filter for securing purposes. Advantageously this provides a large surface area for dirty airflow through the filter and maximizes the effective area of the filter media.
Preferably the first filter portion is formed from a non-woven medium. Alternatively the first filter portion is formed from a foam material. This arrangement is advantageous in that the foam material or non-woven media filter has a large dust retaining capacity and, in use, can become clogged with dust. Preferably, the second filter portion is located downstream of the first filter portion and consists of an open weave or mesh material, such as electrostatic filter medium. Preferably the electrostatic filter is located on the side of the second filter portion facing the first filter portion. Dust or dirt that may escape from the non-woven or foam first filter portion is trapped by the electrostatic filter. This is particularly important when the filter assembly forms the pre-motor filter of a vacuum cleaner. Dirt and dust which might otherwise have been released from the filter assembly, is prevented from passing into the motor and causing damage thereto.
In a preferred embodiment the filter assembly is washable. Advantageously, when the filter assembly becomes less efficient than is desirable, the user is able to wash the filter assembly by removing the filter assembly from the vacuum cleaner housing and placing under a tap. After drying, the first filter portion and filter assembly can be returned to the vacuum cleaner (or other appliance) for further use, avoiding the purchase and cost of replacement filters. The deformable, pliable nature of the rim means that the filter assembly is flexible and capable of being squashed and squeezed by a user. The pliability of the rim and the filter assembly facilitates an effective washing action, including the action of squeezing and wringing out the filter. The deformable rim also assists in squeezing the filter portions and forcing a flow of water through the filter assembly. This means that the user can wash and clean the filter assembly more efficiently and effectively than, up to now, has been possible with prior art filters.
Additionally, the one piece apparatus can be wrung out and squashed to remove water and reduce the drying time of the filter media and the filter assembly. This means that the time between removing the filter assembly from the vacuum cleaner for cleaning, and being able to return the filter assembly to the vacuum cleaner and resume using the appliance is reduced.
In a preferred embodiment the filter assembly further comprises a third filter portion located upstream of the first filter portion and consisting of a mesh material, the first and third filter portions being held directly adjacent one another by means of the deformable rim. Advantageously, the mesh material retains and holds the non-woven or fleece material. The mesh material may be a web or scrim fabric material. Advantageously, the non-woven medium does not shred or lose fibres and is resilient to wear and to washing when retained by the mesh material.
Preferably the deformable rim comprises polyurethane material. Preferably the polyurethane material has a hardness of 20 to 90 Duro measured on the Shore A Rockwell scale, more preferably 25-35 Duro or 65 to 75 Duro. The rim is of a suitable hardness and deformability such that it is flexible and pliable. The polyurethane material may be manufactured by a spincasting process.
Preferably, the filter assembly has a tab located on the surface thereof remote from the first filter portion, the tab is arranged to facilitate handling and washing of the filter assembly. When the filter assembly needs cleaning or replacing, the user can remove the filter assembly by grasping the tab. The filter assembly can be held by the tab and washed. This arrangement is advantageous in that the user does not have to handle the filter directly.
Preferably the deformable rim is arranged to include locating means adapted to prevent incorrect orientation of the filter assembly in a vacuum cleaner housing. The locating means ensures that there can be no misplacement of the filter assembly within the vacuum cleaner. If the filter were inaccurately positioned, airflow paths through the filter assembly could be created in which the air was not forced to pass through the filter media. In such an event, the filter assembly could perform inadequately.
Preferably the deformable rim is arranged to include a portion providing sealing means adapted to seal the filter assembly with a vacuum cleaner housing. Preferably in a vacuum cleaner having an airflow path, at least one filter assembly located in the airflow path and a housing adapted to accommodate the filter assembly, the deformable rim, in use, is arranged to press against the housing and seal the filter assembly with the housing. Providing a seal to the filter assembly ensures that there can be no airflow path created through the filter assembly and through any housing for the filter assembly, in which air is not forced to pass through the filter medium.
In the preferred arrangements mentioned above, describing locating and sealing the filter assembly within the vacuum cleaner or other appliance into which the filter assembly is received, the deformable and flexible rim is provided for the mechanism of sealing and/or location. In this arrangement the structure and form of the filter materials comprising the filter portions may be more rigid than the deformable rim.
Further advantageous features are set out in the detailed description. Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;
a is a plan view of a filter assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;
b is a sectional view taken along line b-b of
c is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner incorporating at least one filter assembly embodying the invention;
a, 2b and 2c are plan, side and perspective views respectively of a first filter portion forming part of the filter assembly shown in
a and 3b are plan and side views respectively of a second filter portion forming part of the filter assembly shown in
a and 4b are plan and side views respectively of a third filter portion forming part of the filter assembly shown in
a is a plan view of a filter assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;
b is a sectional view taken along line d-d of
c is a sectional view taken along line d-d of
d is a sectional view of a detail of the rim of the filter assembly of
a is a plan view of a filter assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention;
b is a sectional view taken along line e-e of
a is a plan view of the front face of a filter assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;
b is a plan view of the rear face of a filter assembly of
c is a sectional view taken along line f-f of
d is a sectional view taken along line g-g of
A first embodiment of a filter assembly according to the present invention is shown in
The first 14, second 16 and third 18 filter portions are bounded by the rim 12. The rim 12 is manufactured by known moulding and forming techniques suitable for plastics and polyurethane, such as by spincasting, potting or overmoulding. In the embodiment shown in
The rim 12 comprises an annular ring 20 having a cylindrical outer wall 21. The ring 20 has a lower edge 22 lying adjacent the second filter portion 16 and an upper edge 24 lying adjacent the third filter portion 18. The edge 22 is arranged to overlap an area of the end face of the second filter portion 16 and the edge 24 is arranged to overlap an area of the end face of the third filter portion 18. The manufacture of the polyurethane rim by a moulding or casting process generates the overlap edges 22 and 24. It is important that the rim edge 22 and the rim edge 24 are arranged and configured so that a relatively small proportion of the area of the end face of the filter portions on which the edges 22, 24 lie is obstructed by them. The overlapped areas of the filter portions 16 and 18 provide additional points at which the filter materials are secured to the rim 12, and help to increase the resilience, strength and reliability of the filter assembly 10. By this strengthened arrangement the filter assembly 10 and the rim 12 are capable of withstanding manipulation and handling by a user, particularly during washing.
It is desirable to eliminate or reduce stray airflow paths and leaks into the appliance housing through inefficient seals at the edges of the aperture, recess or other shaping into which the filter assembly 10 is received. It is desirable to seal gaps between a closing lid or upper housing secured over the recess and the edges around the recess or opening. In the embodiment shown in
The first, second and third filter portions will now be described with reference to
The second filter portion 16 is illustrated in
The dimensions of the second filter portion 16 are chosen so that the second filter portion 16 covers the lower end face of the first filter portion 14. The second filter portion 16 is located directly adjacent the first filter portion 14. The second filter portion 16 is bonded to the rim 12 immediately adjacent the filter portion 16. In this manner, the second filter portion 16 is held in position in the filter assembly 10 with respect to the rim 12. In the preferred embodiment the rim 12 comprises polyurethane and the second filter portion 16 is bonded to the polyurethane rim 12 during manufacture of the filter assembly 10 by the process of spincasting the rim 12 around the filter portions. For a second filter portion comprising an electrostatic filter medium covered on both sides by a protective fabric, it is preferred that all of the layers of the second filter portion 16 are bonded to the rim 12 so that the risk of delamination of the second filter portion 16 during washing is reduced.
The third filter portion 18 is illustrated in
A tab 28 is provided on the third filter portion 18 in order to assist with the removal of the filter assembly 10 from the recess or other shaping into which the filter assembly 10 is to be received in a vacuum cleaner. In the embodiment shown, the tab 28 is located at the upstream end of the filter assembly 10. The tab 28 consists of a flexible strand or flap having a securing portion 28b at one end and a gripping portion 28c at the other end. The tab may comprise a fabric or plastics material, or may comprise the same material as the third filter portion 18. The securing portion 28b is fixed or attached to the filter assembly 10 by attachment to a filter portion or by sealing within the rim 12 during manufacture of the assembly. Suitable bonding and securing methods include spincasting, heat welding and adhesive. The tab may be pushed through a slit cut in the material of a filter portion. The tab 28 is made sufficiently long to ensure that the gripping portion 28c is accessible to the user in order to remove easily the filter assembly 10 from the recess or other shaping of the vacuum cleaner.
As can be seen from
In use, the filter assembly 10 is placed in the airflow path of the vacuum cleaner or other appliance in which the filter assembly 10 is to be used.
In the preferred embodiment, the filter assembly 10 is placed upstream of the motor and fan assembly of a vacuum cleaner. The airflow path of the vacuum cleaner is designed and arranged so that air exiting the main dirt and dust collecting apparatus, preferably a cyclonic separating apparatus, enters the filter assembly 10. Specifically, the filter assembly 10 is arranged so that the open mesh of the third filter portion 18 of the filter assembly is upstream of the first 14 and second 16 filter portions. Air to be filtered therefore enters the third filter portion 18 initially. The airflow then passes through the non-woven filter medium of first filter portion 14 and subsequently through the second filter portion 16, before exiting the filter assembly 10.
In the embodiment illustrated in
Through use, the first filter portion 14 will become clogged with dust or dirt. Continued use would lead to a restriction in the airflow through the filter assembly 10. This causes a reduction in the filtration efficiency. In order to alleviate this, the filter assembly 10 must be replaced or washed. In the preferred embodiment all three filter portions and the assembly 10 are capable of being cleaned by washing. The filter assembly 10 is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing by the user gripping the gripping portion 28c and pulling the tab 28 outwardly from the housing. In this way, the user does not have to handle the clogged filter assembly 10 directly. This makes replacing or cleaning the filter assembly 10 a more hygienic task. The filter assembly 10 is washed by rinsing under a household tap in a known manner and allowed to dry. The filter assembly 10 is then re-inserted into the interior or housing of the appliance or vacuum cleaner, and operation can continue.
The deformable rim 12 is resilient and malleable. The filter portions and filter media comprising, for example, types of foam or fabric are also deformable. This means the entire filter assembly is capable of being bent and squashed. Therefore, a user can squeeze and manipulate the filter assembly during the washing procedure, wringing it out and forcing water through the filter assembly to flush out dirt and dust trapped in the filter portions.
It will be appreciated that the filter assembly described above can be manufactured with any appropriate dimensions. Purely for the purposes of illustration and without any intent to limit the disclosure herein, the dimensions of the filter assembly 10 illustrated above are in the region of 160 mm diameter and 25 mm depth.
A second embodiment of the filter assembly according to the invention is illustrated in
The rim 112 comprises an annular ring 120 having a cylindrical outer wall 121. The rim 112 is formed from polyurethane. The rim 112 comprises a lower edge portion 140 adjacent the second filter portion 116 and an upper edge portion 142 adjacent the third filter portion 118.
As in the first embodiment, the rim 112 is manufactured by a spincasting process or moulding the rim 112 around the filter portions. In this way the filter portions are encapsulated by the rim material during the manufacturing process.
In the embodiment shown in
The ridge feature can be used in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner in order to prevent the user from inadvertently positioning the filter assembly 100 in the relevant appliance in an incorrect position. The ridge 144 and the ridge 146 are dimensioned and arranged such that they are able to co operate with a portion of an appliance.
More specifically, the vacuum cleaner will include an aperture, recess or other shaping into which the filter assembly 100 is to be received, and a closing lid or upper housing which will be mounted and secured over the recess into which the filter assembly is to be received. The recess or aperture will be designed to accommodate snugly the filter assembly 100 without including any significant play. The recess will include accommodation with a depth and mounting space sufficient to accommodate the ridge 144. This ensures that the user will be unable to seat the filter assembly 100 in the recess in the vacuum cleaner if the filter assembly 100 is turned the wrong way up. The user will be alerted to this and will be able to correct the orientation of the filter assembly 100. As a further, or alternative, feature if the user forcibly seats the filter assembly 100 in the recess or aperture provided, the user will be unable to close the recess or housing with the portion of the housing or lid supplied for that purpose.
It is desirable to eliminate or reduce stray airflow paths and leaks into the appliance housing through inefficient seals at the edges of the aperture, recess or other shaping into which the filter assembly 10, 100 is received. A loose fit between the edges of the recess or edges of the opening in the housing could lead to a reduction in performance due to air being bled into the appliance through inefficient seals. Therefore, it is desirable to seal gaps between a closing lid or upper housing secured over the recess and the edges around the recess or opening. In the embodiments shown in
In the embodiment shown in
In use, the filter assembly 100 is placed in the airflow path of the vacuum cleaner or other appliance in which the filter assembly 100 is to be used. The upper ridge 146 and lower ridge 144 are used to ensure that the filter assembly is correctly orientated. Furthermore the deformable rim 112 will be squashed and compacted by closing the lid or upper housing provided on the appliance. When the filter is used in operation with a vacuum cleaner, the rim 112 will be deformed within the housing under the force of suction. The deformation of the rim 112 will contribute to the seal. In the above manner the filter assembly 100 is held in a fixed position with respect to the vacuum cleaner housing and the deformable rim is held in a sealing manner with respect to the vacuum cleaner housing.
In this preferred embodiment, the filter assembly 100 is placed upstream of the motor and fan assembly of a vacuum cleaner. The airflow path of the vacuum cleaner is designed and arranged so that air exiting the main dirt and dust collecting apparatus, preferably a cyclonic separating apparatus, enters the filter assembly 100. Specifically, the filter assembly 100 is arranged so that the third filter portion 18 of the filter assembly is upstream of the first 14 and second 16 filter portions. Air to be filtered therefore enters the third filter portion 18 initially. The airflow then passes through the non-woven filter medium of first filter portion 14 and subsequently through the electrostatic grade filter portion 16, before exiting the filter assembly 100.
c and 5d illustrate an alternative embodiment of the filter assembly and rim shown in
The lip 26 is also deformable and flexible in a similar manner to the rim 112. A suitable material from which the lip 26 can be manufactured is polyurethane with a hardness of shore A (Rockwell scale) of between 20 and 90 Duro. In the preferred embodiments shown in
The lip feature can be used in conjunction with the vacuum cleaner (or other appliance) in order to prevent the user from inadvertently positioning the filter assembly 100 in the appliance in an incorrect orientation. More specifically, the vacuum cleaner will include an aperture, recess or other shaping into which the filter assembly 100 is to be received, but the recess will not include any accommodation for the lip 26. This ensures that the user will be unable to seat the filter assembly 100 in the recess in the vacuum cleaner if the filter assembly 100 is turned the wrong way up. The user will be alerted to this and will be able to correct the orientation of the filter assembly 100.
As discussed in relation to the embodiment of
d illustrates a sectional view of the embodiment shown in
d shows an exemplary embodiment of the sealing portion 27 and the manner of sealing provided by the resilient, deformable lip 26 and seal 27. The vacuum cleaner housing illustrated in
A skilled reader will appreciate that the closure can be formed by a catch or a clip, by snap-fitting fasteners or by other equivalent means. The seal shown in
Alternatively, the deformable rim and seal portion 27 may be resilient and deformable to be a push-fit with the housing.
A further alternative embodiment of the filter assembly according to the invention is shown in
The filter portions are bounded by a rim 312. The rim 312 comprises an annular ring 320 having a cylindrical outer wall 321. The rim 312 is formed from polyurethane material. The rim 312 comprises a lower edge portion 340 adjacent the second filter portion 16 and an upper edge portion 342 adjacent the third filter portion 18.
In the embodiment shown in
The sleeve 350 and lug 360 allow the filter assembly 300 to be inserted into and connected to a corresponding part of the appliance in which the filter assembly is to be used. The embodiment shown in
The embodiment shown in
As in the previous embodiments, the rim 312 is manufactured by known moulding and forming techniques suitable for plastics and polyurethane, such as spincasting, potting or overmoulding. The manufacturing technique used for the filter assembly 300 includes casting or moulding the rim 312 around the filter portions. In this way the filter portions are encapsulated by the rim material during the manufacturing process. The sleeve 350 is manufactured in a similar manner to the rim 312. The manufacturing technique used for the filter assembly 300 may include casting or potting the sleeve into the assembly 300 while clamping the filter portions together.
In the embodiment shown in
In use, the filter assembly 300 is placed in the airflow path of the vacuum cleaner or other appliance in which the filter assembly 300 is to be used. The use and operation of the filter assembly 300 is substantially the same as described previously for the first and second embodiments. The advantageous features of the deformable, pliable rim 312 and the squashable and washable nature of the filter apply to this embodiment as described above for the previous embodiments.
A further alternative embodiment of the filter assembly according to the invention is shown in
The rim 412 is substantially rectangular in shape and is delimited by side walls 402, 404 and end walls 406 and 408. The filter assembly comprises first 14, second 16 and third 18 filter portions, as described previously. The filter portions 14, 16 and 18 are bounded by the walls 402, 404, 406 and 408. The rim 412 is formed from polyurethane material. The shape of the rim 412 is adapted to be inserted into and connected to a corresponding part of the appliance in which it is to be used. The rim 412, the walls 402, 404, 406 and 408 and a supporting rib 470 comprise a structure having a suitable shape to provide a housing and support for the filter portions. In this way the use of a corresponding cage or filter housing can be avoided.
In the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
As in the previous embodiments, the rim 412 is manufactured by known moulding and forming techniques suitable for plastics and polyurethane, such as spincasting, potting or overmoulding. The manufacturing technique used for the filter assembly 300 can include potting or moulding the rim 412 around the filter portions. In this way the filter portions are encapsulated by the rim material during the manufacturing process.
In a similar manner to the embodiments described above, the recess 450 can be used in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner in order to highlight to the user the correct location and orientation of the filter within the relevant appliance and to prevent the user from inadvertently positioning the filter assembly 400 in the appliance in an incorrect position.
In use, the filter assembly 400 is placed in the airflow path of the vacuum cleaner or other appliance in which the filter assembly 400 is to be used. The use and operation of the filter assembly 400 is substantially the same as described for the previous embodiments. In use, the filter assembly and the rim 412 will be deformed within the housing under the force of suction. The deformation of the rim 412 and the side walls 402, 404 and end walls 406, 408 will contribute to the seal.
It will be appreciated from the embodiments of the invention described above that the rim can carry means for fixedly connecting the filter assembly 10 to the relevant appliance. The manner in which the filter assembly is connected to the appliance is immaterial to this invention and a skilled reader will appreciate that the connection can be formed by the mating of camming surfaces, by screw-threaded portions, by snap-fitting/quick-release fasteners or other equivalent means. Also the manner in which the filter assembly is received and located within the appliance is immaterial to this invention and a skilled reader will appreciate that the location can be formed by the mating of corresponding surfaces, push or snap fittings or other equivalent means.
Modifications and variations of the embodiments of a filter assembly described above will be apparent to a skilled reader. For example the shape and size of the filter assembly, the shape and size of the rim of the filter assembly and of the filter portions within the assembly may be altered without departing from the scope of the invention.
The rim may be formed around part of the filter portions or surround the entire circumference or boundary of the filter portions.
The rim may be manufactured by other manufacturing methods. The rim may be bonded to the filter portions by other techniques and manufacturing methods. For example the rim and assembly may be manufactured by heat welding, ultra sonic welding, casting, and adhesive. A skilled reader will appreciate that the manufacture and formation of a lip or other sealing structure may be by potting or by overmoulding or by other equivalent manufacturing processes used for polyurethane.
The deformable rim may comprise other material such as types of plastics or rubber of appropriate hardness, deformability and pliability.
It will be appreciated that other filter media having different density and thickness, such as foam materials, paper, HEPA filter media, fabric or open cell polyurethane foam could be used in any combination within the filter portions and within the assembly. The number of filter portions or layers may be varied. The order of the filter layers may be varied. The filter assembly may form the pre-motor filter of a vacuum cleaner or may form the post-motor filter of a vacuum cleaner.
The filter portions may or may not be washable. The filter assembly may be housed in a housing or cage, the housing or cage may be capable of being cleaned by washing. It will also be appreciated that the shape of the filter and any filter housing need not be cylindrical and other shapes will be equally suitable.
It will be appreciated that the tab can be any suitable material or shape to facilitate removal of the filter from the appliance or filter housing, for example, the tab may be hook shaped or the type of tab commonly used for textile materials. Other variations will be apparent to a skilled reader.
A skilled reader will appreciate that the filter assembly may be used in other filtration systems than those described above and in other types of appliance, for example, in air conditioning systems.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0615217.7 | Aug 2006 | GB | national |
This is a national stage application under 35 USC 371 of International Application No. PCT/GB2007/002673, filed Jul. 16, 2007, which claims the priority of United Kingdom Application No. 0615217.7, filed Aug. 1, 2006, the contents of which prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2007/002673 | 7/16/2007 | WO | 00 | 7/17/2009 |
