Abstract: The present invention relates to an inlet blood filter assembly. The inlet blood filter assembly includes a drip chamber, filter chamber and pump chamber. The assembly is constructed so that blood flows through the drip chamber, into the filter chamber and into the pump chamber. The inlet blood filter assembly is blow molded so that the thickness of the walls of the chambers may be varied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for making sealed filter units which include a plurality of filter elements. The apparatus includes a lower mold half for supporting a filter element support and a retractable locater member. The retractable locater member includes a reduced cross-sectional notched portion which projects above the lower mold half. When retracted into the lower mold half, the notched portion in conjunction with the upper and lower mold halves forms a cavity along the outer and upper peripheral edges of the filter elements and support. A thermoplastic material is injected into this cavity to capture the filter elements to the filter element support.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of intravenous solution filter units includes injection molding a sealing member onto the periphery of the assembled filter components to hermetically seal the components into an integral assembly. The filter unit itself includes a housing and a filter element disposed internally thereof. The filter element is supported by a grid having a design and placement within the housing to assure, in conjunction with other structural features of the filter, the complete purging of gases from the filtrate. Also disclosed is a method for hermetically sealing the filter element to its thermoplastic support which provides an improved seal which will not leak. This method comprises the molding of the support, the alignment of the filter element on the support, the application of pressure to hold the element on the support and the overmolding of the periphery of the element to seal the edge of the element to the support.