Air-gap filter

Abstract

Disclosed is an air-gap filter. In certain embodiments, the air gap filter comprises a body having an inner surface, and an outer surface; an upper rim disposed on an end of the body; a lower portion disposed on an end of the body, opposite the upper rim, said lower portion defining a plurality of openings; and an inlet tube cutout defined by the outer surface of the body. The air-gap filter may be composed of metal alloys, plastics, or composite materials. Also disclosed are various embodiments of air-gaps that include an air-gap filter.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An air-gap filter comprising:
 a body having an inner surface, and an outer surface;   an upper rim disposed on an end of the body;   a lower portion disposed on an end of the body, opposite the upper rim, said lower portion defining a plurality of openings; and   an inlet tube cutout defined by the outer surface of the body.   
     
     
         2 . The air-gap filter of  claim 1  wherein the air-gap filter is composed of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of:
 metal alloy 
 plastic; and 
 composite materials. 
 
     
     
         3 . The air-gap filter of  claim 2  wherein the air-gap filter further comprises a positive stop. 
     
     
         4 . The air-gap filter of  claim 3  wherein the positive stop extends outward from the upper rim, into the inlet tube cutout defined by the outer surface of the cylindrical body. 
     
     
         5 . The air-gap filter of  claim 3  wherein the positive stop extends outward from the upper rim circumferentially, not extending into the inlet tube cutout. 
     
     
         6 . An air-gap assembly comprising:
 an inlet tube; and   an air-gap filter comprising:
 a body having an inner surface, and an outer surface; 
 an upper rim disposed on an end of the body; 
 a lower portion disposed on an end of the body, opposite the upper rim, 
 said lower portion defining a plurality of openings; and 
 an inlet tube cutout defined by the outer surface of the body; 
   wherein the inlet tube is situated within the inlet tube cutout defined by the outer surface of the body.   
     
     
         7 . The air-gap assembly of  claim 6  further wherein the air-gap filter is composed of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of:
 metal alloy 
 plastic; and 
 composite materials. 
 
     
     
         8 . The air-gap assembly of  claim 7  further comprising:
 a deflector disposed on a wall of the air gap assembly; and 
 a snap disposed on the deflector. 
 
     
     
         9 . The air-gap assembly of  claim 7  further comprising:
 a deflector having occluded inner threads; and 
 a chamber wall having external threads; 
 wherein the deflector is screwed into the chamber wall.