Press Release Details

Donaldson Company Leads Industry in Applying Patented Nanotechnology to Filtration Applications

May 18, 2004

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 18, 2004--Donaldson Company Inc. (NYSE:DCI), a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems and replacement parts, has recently been issued two patents by the U.S. Patent office related to its proprietary Ultra-Web(R) nanofiber filtration products.

"The nanotechnology in these patents represents major breakthroughs made by Donaldson's Research & Development team," said Tim Grafe, Director of Nanofiber Media Products for Donaldson. "Our 'new and improved' Ultra-Web(R) media increases the durability and useful filter life of Donaldson's previous generations of filters and has improved performance in high temperature and high humidity environments, thus extending our product application range and the filtration protection we can offer our customers."

The new Ultra-Web(R) nanofibers are the smallest polymer fibers in the filtration market. They are currently used by Donaldson in the extended service life Donaldson Endurance(TM) filters for medium- and heavy-duty engines, Donaldson Torit(R) brand dust collectors, and in self-cleaning filter systems used in the U.S. Army's Abrams M1 main battle tank.

Specifically, the company's two new patents are:

  • US Patent 6,716,274, issued on April 6, 2004. Titled Air filter assembly for filtering an air stream to remove particulate matter entrained in the stream, this patent covers Donaldson's latest innovations in Ultra-Web(R) nanofiber filter media technology on a wide range of self-cleaning pulse jet filtration systems.
  • US Patent 6,673,136, titled Air filtration arrangements having fluted media constructions and methods, was issued on January 6, 2004. This patent covers the company's latest innovations in Ultra-Web(R) nanofiber filter media when used in conjunction with the Donaldson space saving PowerCore(TM) Filtration Technology. PowerCore(TM) provides engine Original Equipment customers with added value and design flexibility by reducing the filter and air cleaner package size by up to 60%.

"We have now upgraded all of our electrospinning production lines and nanofiber products to include the latest patented nanotechnology," Grafe said. "We are extremely pleased with our field results to date. With these recently issued patents, and several more pending U.S. and international patents covering additional nanofiber innovations, configurations and uses, Donaldson can continue to offer the latest filtration technology to our customers."

About Donaldson Company, Inc.

Donaldson Company, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems and replacement parts. Founded in 1915, Donaldson is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development. Donaldson serves customers in the industrial and engine markets including dust collection, power generation, specialty filtration, compressed air purification, off-road equipment, industrial compressors, and trucks. Our 10,000 employees contribute to the company's success at over 30 manufacturing locations around the world. In fiscal year 2003, Donaldson reported sales of more than $1.2 billion and achieved its 14th consecutive year of double-digit earnings growth. Donaldson is a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Donaldson shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DCI. Additional company information is available at www.donaldson.com.

CONTACT: The Carideo Group Inc., Minneapolis
Tony Carideo, 612-317-2880
E-mail: tony@carideogroup.com
or
Donaldson Company, Inc., Minneapolis
Rich Sheffer, 952-887-3753
E-mail: rsheffer@mail.donaldson.com

SOURCE: Donaldson Company, Inc.

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