Abstract: A blood filter having a bubble separating section includes a generally cylindrical chamber for allowing bubbles to separate from blood, an air discharging vent at an upper end of the chamber, and an inlet conduit horizontally extending from the chamber for introducing blood into the chamber. A blood filter section is disposed below the bubble separating section, including an outlet at a lower end for discharging blood and a filter member disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The axis of the inlet conduit extends substantially parallel to a tangent line of the generally circular chamber at the connection between the chamber and the inlet conduit, but is spaced a certain distance from the tangent line in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the chamber.

Abstract: A set for the isolation of cryoprecipitate includes a hollow vessel with a closed first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis, and a nipple extending from and closing the second end, said nipple enclosing a volume of approximately 2 to 5 percent of the volume of the hollow vessel. In one embodiment, the vessel is formed of a semi-rigid material and the first end is closed by a cap containing a micro-porous filter for venting the vessel. In another or further embodiment, the nipple has a tapered tip portion which may be sliced off to permit extrusion of the isolated cryoprecipitate by squeezing the vessel. In a different further embodiment, the nipple has a twist-lockable connector, for attachment to a syringe or to an applicator tip. In yet another embodiment a piston mounts on the cap within the vessel for directly extruding separated cryoprecipitate from the nipple.

Abstract: A set for the isolation of cryoprecipitate includes a hollow vessel with first and second ends and a tapered body extending to a narrow sump closing the second end, said sump enclosing a volume of approximately 2 to 5 percent of the volume of the hollow vessel. A port enters the vessel in the tapered body above the sump. In one embodiment, the vessel is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material and the first end is closed by a cap containing a micro-porous filter for venting the vessel. In another or further embodiment, the sump has a tapered tip portion which may be sliced off to permit extrusion of the isolated cryoprecipitate by squeezing the vessel. In a different embodiment, the vessel contains an inner filter column, or bag with a filter matrix, accessible via an access port. Cellular material placed in the column is frozen, thawed and centrifuged to separate out antigen-free platelet growth factor with the cryoprecipitate.

Abstract: Described is a filter cover for a purification insert (4) in a water treatment device, wherein the filter cover (5) has filter slots (7) on a conical surface portion (6) and at least one vent opening (9) in the middle of a raised connecting portion (8), and can be connected to a hollow tube (10) with a disc (11).So that operation and handling, in particular venting and manipulation by the end consumer, are improved in the case of such a filter cover, it is provided that the filter slots (7) are substantially straight and are arranged in a ring-like configuration on the frustoconical surface portion (6) which occupies about 1/3 to 1/2 of the height of the filter cover (5) and that provided on the upper outer annular surface of the disc (11) are markings (15, 16) with which there is associated an adjustable pointer (17) mounted on an arresting ring (19) which is arranged non-detachably and rotatably on the hollow tube (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cartridge for a liquid filter, in particular for use for tanks for the filtration of water for the production of drinking water, with a generally cylindrical vessel, which contains the filtering material and with a sealing screen mounted on this vessel like a cover. In order to improve the functioning of a filter cartridge, and in particular to make such a filter cartridge, which with comparatively fast liquid throughput has a good filtration action with optimum utilization of the filtering material, it is proposed in conformity with the invention that the sealing screen be covered by a distributor cap 3 essentially closed at the top and open at the side.

Abstract: A pressure filter assembly having a bleed valve assembly for releasing trapped gas from with the filter chamber in a controlled manner. The bleed valve assembly includes a stem secured to the filter assembly having a bore therethrough for communication with the filter chamber and a cap for controlling the release of trapped gas within the filter chamber. The cap has a plunger with a contact surface which mates with a portion of the inside surface of the stem bore and an extension which fits with a narrow portion of the bore.

Abstract: A filtering device for fluids which includes a barrel with an open end and a flow discharge end. A plunger is slidably disposed in the barrel through the open end toward the discharge end and an exhaust nipple projects from the discharge end. The nipple is in communication with the interior of the barrel. A filter is disposed adjacent the barrel inwardly of and adjacent to the discharge nipple, and an annular, integral support stand is disposed at the discharge end of the barrel and surrounds the nipple. The nipple terminates at a point spaced from a planar surface defined by the support stand, which surface is normal to the axis of the barrel and the direction of movement of the plunger whereby the device will stand on a surface with the exhaust nipple spaced from the surface.

Abstract: A self contained water treatment system and enclosure for a water treatment system. The water treatment includes an enclosure having a removable lid and a base. The base includes a bottom and side walls forming an upper opening structured to sealably receive the lid. The base also includes a partition which sealably engages along its upper margin against the lid. The partition forms a first and second compartment, the first compartment being water tight for receiving water. The second compartment, having a removable side wall panel, houses the water treatment system operably connected therein. A well water source is connectable to and received through an inlet in one side wall into the water treatment system and aeration-sprayed into the first compartment to remove gases from the well water. Purified and degasified water is removed from the first compartment by the water treatment system and delivered out an outlet tube in one side wall connectable to a dwelling water inlet line.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus includes a sterile filter whose outlet, which is usually closed, is connected to a line leading to a discharge outlet in wherein a bypass valve is employed which can be opened at predetermined intervals both during treatment and during flushing operations. The sterile filter has a primary chamber and a secondary chamber. When the bypass valve is opened during treatment, dialysis solution flows out of the primary chamber of the sterile filter and flushes the pyrogens and particles disposed on the membranes of the filter into the discharge. No sterilizating filtration of the dialysis solution takes place through the pores of the membrane because the flow resistance present in the adjoining dialyzer, in conjunction with a degree of clogging of the pores, prevents such a flow. A ventilation means may be provided whereby the bypass circuit of the sterile filter can be ventilated. The bypass circuit may also be employed for a pressure retaining test.

Abstract: Water purification is performed in a simplified manner within a vessel having at least the lower porton thereof filled with a filtration media such as activated carbon. A spout is provided near the upper end. A filter media placed in the spout. The top of the vessel is closed with a cap which is vented to permit the escape of matter which is vaporized during the heating phase. The vessel preferably has a handle to aid in the dispensing of the purified water. The vessel is preferably formed of a material which is safe for use in microwave heating devices. A valve may be provided at the bottom of the vessel for dispensing purified water directly into a container such as a cooking vessel or beverage maker. In another embodiment the liquid is purified as it rises through the carbon in the container.

Abstract: Polymer filtration apparatus comprising a body having a pair of upstream passages each terminating at a slide channel and a pair of downstream passages respectively opposing the upstream passages, and a slide member in the channel having apertures for a pair of replaceable filters each normally communicating between an upstream passage and a downstream passage. The extents of the channel surfaces between the pairs of passages and between each passage and the exterior of the body, and the extents of the filter apertures on the slide member are related so that one filter remains active when the slide member is in position for replacing the other filter. After a filter has been replaced the new filter may be prefiled without pressure loss in the polymer or excessive leakage thereof.

Abstract: A simplified portable water purification system provides an unfiltered water receiving compartment, a disposable filter cartridge, and a filtered water reservoir all in a single container. The container has a removable lid and is a vertically positioned, wide-mouth, tubular structure. The disposable filter cartridge is horizontally positioned centrally and divides the container into the two compartments. Contaminated and unfiltered water poured into the top receiving compartment of the container gravitates through filtering materials in the disposable filter cartridge. Filtering materials comprising a top macro fabric filter, a core of silver impregnated granular activated carbon, and a bottom micro fabric filter remove contaminants and sediments from the water percolated through the disposable filter cartridge. The taste of the water is improved and possible odors are removed.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus having one or more upright tubular filter elements having a surface coated with a pre-coat layer of a filter aid through which a liquid is filtered. Different from conventional apparatuses, the filter element of the present invention is provided with a gas exhaust tube or liquid drain tube connected to the upper or lower part of the filter element, respectively. By virtue of this means, the liquid used for forming the pre-coat layer as the suspension medium can be completely discharged out of the apparatus prior to introduction of the liquid to be filtered so that the liquid in the apparatus can be switched from the pre-coat forming liquid to the filtered liquid without producing a mixture thereof, and without causing defects in the pre-coat layer.

Abstract: Water contaminated by small amounts of bacteria, pyrogens and low molecular weight organic compounds is treated by passing said contaminated water through a microporous polyolefin membrane having a multitude of rectangularly shaped nodule areas, each nodule area containing a plurality of strip-like microfibrils arranged in a longitudinal direction from one surface of a nodule to the side opposite said surface thereby forming a plurality of strip-like micropores in each nodule, said micropores being contiguous with each other from one surface to the other surface of the membrane thereby forming a micro-stacked structure, the mean pore diameter of said micropores ranging from 0.03 to 0.8 .mu..

Abstract: An improved fluid dispensing system for use in dispensing beverages including unitary fluid filter cartridge adapted to be immersed in fluid to be dispensed, the fluid filter cartridge including a cannister having inlet and outlet openings in the lower end thereof, a filter septum in the filter cartridge connected to the outlet, adsorptive material disposed in the cartridge, a check valve controlled vent opening in the upper end of the cannister, and a riser stack connected to the check valve controlled vent opening.

Abstract: An oil reconditioning device includes a housing with a tightenable lid, a smooth walled chamber in the housing containing a compressible filter, a hollow, convex frustoconical element in the upper portion of the chamber having a plurality of upstanding columns for engagement by the lid when it is being tightened and firmly secured to the housing to cause increasingly a compressive force to uniformly compact the filter. The compacted filter rests on a horizontal conduit having a centrally located termination in the form of a vertical nozzle with laterally directed passages to direct oil laterally into a cavity formed in the lower surface of the filter. A small space below the filter and the bottom of the housing is connected to an outlet from which water may be drained.

Abstract: In a filter for filtering human blood, especially in an extracorporeal circulatory system, with a blood inlet, a blood outlet and a vertically directed, hollow, cylindrical filter element located between them and consisting of a filter, and in which the hollow, cylindrical filter element seals housing chambers located in the filter housing between the blood inlet and the blood outlet in such a manner from each other by means of its front surfaces that the blood can only flow through the filter element, whereby the blood inlet is located in the center of the housing and of the hollow, cylindrical filter element and a gas outlet is located at the highest point of the housing, the blood inlet runs axially through the hollow cylinder of the filter element as a central ascending tube and divides it cross section into a smaller ascending pipe section and into a settling chamber section for the blood which is several times larger.

Abstract: A water filter apparatus is provided, which is especially useful in filtering out chemicals from tap water. The filter includes upper and lower vessels and a filter assembly between them which includes activated charcoal for adsorbing chemicals. The filter assembly includes a filter housing with inlet holes near the bottom of the upper vessel and a filter vent near the top of the upper vessel for releasing gas produced during filtering through the activated charcoal. A ring-shaped preliminary filter lies around the inlet holes, to avoid blocking the upward passage of gas through the vent. The filter extends partially through the holes, to lie closely along the path of upwardly-flowing gas bubbles, so the bubbles tend to drag along gas forming at the inside of the preliminary filter. A cap assembly on the upper vessel permits the escape of vented gas while avoiding splashing. The container is preferably placed in a refrigerator during filtering, to aid in adsorption of chemicals.

Abstract: A filtering system for water treatment including a head member having fluid inlet and outlet ports, a bracket member adapted to be secured to stationary support means, the head member being secured to the bracket member, a disposable filter cartridge closed at one end and being equipped at its other end with a closure member, the closure member having inlet and outlet passages formed therein to communicate with the interior of said filter cartridge, the closure member portion of the filter cartridge being insertable into the head member, its inlet and outlet passages formed so as to communicate with the inlet and outlet ports in the head member, the closure member being adapted for easy insertion into and withdrawal from the head member.

Abstract: A drain assembly uses a valve body with a drain passage and a vent passage in order to provide self-venting drainage of a collection bowl mounted to a filter unit. The valve body cooperates with a seal such that the drain passage is opened before the vent passage, thereby insuring proper operation of the passages. Additionally, the valve body draws air into a cavity within the seal, thereby inherently clearing an upper vent port of fluid prior to opening of a vent port disposed at the upper end of the vent passage.

Abstract: In a method and device for filtering a suspension of particles in a liquid the liquid is passed continuously through a porous membrane, particles from the suspenion gradually accumulating on the membrane and clogging its pores. The filtered liquid is caused to flow momentarily in the reverse direction to return the accumulated particles to the suspension and so unclog the membrane. To achieve this the filtered liquid is fed into one end of a conduit wound around an axis and recovered from its other end, and the conduit is rotated about its axis, the speed of rotation gradually increasing, and then suddenly stopped.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing bubbles from a liquid such as blood, includes a conically shaped filtration member disposed in a cylindrical vessel and coaxial therewith. The filtration member divides the space in the vessel into an upper space and a lower space. The vessel has a liquid inlet port positioned at the same level as the upper end of the filtration member and a liquid outlet port through which the treated liquid is discharged. A gas outlet port is provided in the wall of the vessel in communication with the upper space.

Abstract: A filter device and apparatus for filtering liquid from a collection vessel into a receptacle vessel, including a conduit, a filter in the conduit, and a rim spaced from the filter and forming an interference fit with the interior surface of the collection vessel. The rim has a plurality of openings spaced about its periphery. The device and apparatus further include means for removably securing the conduit to the receptacle vessel and a plurality of gas return passages, arranged about the exterior of the conduit, which connect the receptacle vessel to the openings in the rim.

Abstract: Described is a water purifier comprising a collecting container (1) with pouring spout (2) and handle (3), a funnel and a cover (5) which can close the funnel, wherein provided at the bottom of the funnel is an opening for receiving a filter cartridge containing a purifying agent.

Abstract: A blood filter such as may be used in a cordiopulmonary bypass system includes a housing having upper and lower chambers with a cylindrical filter element disposed in the lower chamber. The inlet to the housing is in the upper chamber, which is upstream of the lower chamber, and the outlet is through the lower chamber and communicates with the interior of the filter element. Thus, blood enters the upper chamber and flows to the lower chamber where it passes through the filter element from the outer side to the interior to remove microemboli such as gas bubbles, fat emboli and agglomerates, the filtered blood exiting through the outlet. In order to remove a substantial amount of the gas in the blood, and particularly gross bubbles, upstream of the filter element, the upper chamber is cylindrical and the inlet directs the blood tangentially to flow around the periphery of the chamber.

Abstract: Circulating water for a power plant contains clams and other particles that would clog condensor tubes. Four filter units have inlets and outlets connected in parallel to a lake and the power plant, respectively. The parallel connection permits isolation of one unit for servicing while the remaining units filter the circulating water. A selected unit is isolated by blocking the inlet and outlet. A drain is opened, and backwash water is pumped to sprayers in the selected unit. Nozzles on the sprayers direct water at filter screens in the unit to wash clams and other particles collected on the screens to the drain for disposal. While the unit is thus isolated, workmen may open manholes and enter the unit interior for maintenance. The selected unit is placed online by partially opening the unit inlet to fill the unit and purge air through the open vent. When the unit is full, the vent is closed, and the inlet and outlet are fully opened.

Abstract: A pouring spout for a container, particularly for decantation by pouring, of a liquid phase from the container and formed with a fluid passageway having a screen angularly disposed therein for the removal of solids from the liquid being poured from the container. A vent is provided in the pouring spout to facilitate pressure equalization to minimize or eliminate ebullition.

Abstract: A pouring spout for a container, particularly for decantation by pouring, of a liquid phase from the container and formed with a fluid passageway having a screen disposed therein for the removal of solids from the liquid being poured from the container. This screen includes diverging grate members defining increasing open areas at increasing pouring angles of the spout. A vent is provided in the pouring spout to facilitate pressure equalization to minimize or eliminate ebullition.

Abstract: The inventive liquid separator of laboratory use can overcome the problems in the conventional separatory funnels used for liquid-liquid phase separation. The inventive apparatus comprises (a) a first bottle-like vessel with a mouth, (b) a second bottle-like vessel with a mouth connected with the first vessel at the mouths with air-tightness but disconnectable therefrom, (c) a porous membrane partitioning the first and the second vessels and made, preferably, of a sintered body of a water-repellent plastic resin such as a fluorocarbon polymer, and (d) an air-passage tubing opening at the ends in the first and the second vessels. When a two-phase mixture of an aqueous liquid and an organic liquid is taken in the first vessel positioned above the second vessel, the organic liquid can pass through the porous membrane to be transferred into the second vessel but the aqueous liquid is retained in the first vessel by virtue of the water-repellency of the fluorocarbon polymer.

Abstract: In a filtration apparatus for fluids and liquids having an external vessel, in particular a centrifuge tube and a filter unit disposed in the liquid, the medium to be filtered is under excess pressure and in contact with the filter element of the filter unit and for the static membrane filtration on the outer side of the filtration unit facing the vessel bottom a filter membrane is arranged with the filtration-active layer towards the outside.

Abstract: An integral spacer formed as part of a filtration column frictionally engages a sample container and permits air to escape from the container as it is filled. One embodiment of the filtration column has a series of spaced-apart projecting wedges around its lower edge which frictionally engage the rim of a sample cup or container, such as a test tube, to provide air passages for the air to escape. Another embodiment of the filtration column has an integral, downwardly depending cap which is spaced away from the rim portion of the sample cup by a series of internal projections which contact the rim of the sample cup and provide air passages between the sample cup rim and the depending cap.

Abstract: An improved sand shield is provided for use on the end of a string of tubing suspended in a casing in a borehole in an oil well to reduce the entrance of sand into a bottom hole pump, the sand shield being in the form of a length of tubular material surrounding a perforated mud anchor in which the bottom hole pump is situated, the produced fluid being forced to flow upwardly in the annular area between the mud anchor and sand shield to enter the pump, and including vents communicating with the upper portion of the annular area to provide for the escape of gas trapped within the sand shield.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for filtration of lubricating oil which lubricates an internal combustion engine as used in an automobile, a ship, etc. A filter element which is made of filter paper accumulated in layers and a pressure-receiving plate which receives pressure loaded on the lubricating oil during the operation of the internal combustion engine are provided in the filtration apparatus wherein the pressure-receiving plate compresses the filter element in compliance with pressure variations so as to prevent a leak passage from being formed by partial transformation of the filter element.

Abstract: A filter device for a fuel tank comprises an upper wall for supporting in position a tubular member such as a fuel line or a pump casing, a bottom wall disposed at a distance from the upper wall, and a cylindrical wall supporting in position a mesh encircling the space intervening between the upper wall and the bottom wall. The cylindrical wall and either the upper wall or the bottom wall are integrally molded of a plastic material in one integral part, the bottom wall or the upper wall is molded separately of a plastic material in a separate part to be fitted to the free end of the cylindrical wall in the one integral part, one of the two parts which has an outer fitting peripheral wall surface is formed of a plastic material having a smaller rate of dimensional change, and the other part which has an inner fitting peripheral wall surface is formed of a plastic material having a larger rate of dimensional change.

Abstract: A gravity fed water treatment apparatus for drinking water removes chlorine, chlorides and other organic compounds by gravity feeding the water from one container to another at a controlled flow rate through activated carbon particles.

Abstract: The invention provides an artificial kidney extracorporeal circuit assembly including an artificial kidney having detachably attached multifunctional subassembly means for automatically venting gas bubbles from liquid flowing therethrough, for continuously sensing the liquid pressure of and for filtering said liquid, together with blood tubes for connecting a patient's artery to the kidney and the subassembly outlet port to a patient's vein.The subassembly includes means associated with a hydrophobic gas bubble vent which prevent clogging, minimize blood clotting and insure against ambient gas entry through the vent.

Abstract: A novel liquid filter of the "outside-in" type is disclosed, comprising a hollow tubular housing, a concentrically disposed perforated tubular core surrounded by a cylindrical filter element and communicating with a liquid outlet in the bottom wall of the housing, and a filter element cap covering the upper ends of the perforated core and filter element. A gas vent is located at the highest point in the top wall of the housing, which is at the center of the top wall. The liquid inlet and filter element cap are designed to provide for establishment of a stable swirling flow outside the filter element and above the filter element cap. An improved means of bonding upper and lower cup-like portions together to form a hollow tubular housing with high resistance to rupture under pressure is also disclosed. The filter of the invention is particularly suited for use in extracorporeal blood flow circuits, most particularly as an arterial blood filter located downstream from a blood oxygenator.

Abstract: Filtration apparatus utilizing gas pressure to drive a liquid to be filtered having a housing, a two-chambered filter cannister and a cannister sealing assembly mounted in the housing and connected with a source of gas under pressure in such manner that both filtration and sealing operations are carried out under a substantially equal head of pressure.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device comprising a housing having an axis and defining an interior chamber. In one preferred embodiment a fluid inlet port is formed at one end of the housing which is open to the chamber while a fluid outlet port is formed on one side and is also open to the chamber. A filter element is positioned within the chamber between the inlet port and the outlet port. A first air bleed conduit within the housing has one end positioned within the outlet port and its other end positioned at the upper portion of the chamber when the housing is substantially vertically oriented. A second air bleed conduit within the housing also has one end within the outlet port and three openings at its other end. One of these three openings is at the uppermost portion of the chamber when the housing is in a corresponding one of three substantially horizontal positions.

Abstract: A disposable filtration unit wherein the body of the unit is a unitary, one-piece molded structure having an internal flange for dividing the unit into an upper and lower chambers, the flange also providing means for supporting the filter medium.

Abstract: An improved method for attaching a hydrophobic vent directly to a urinary drainage container without requiring special supplemental donut-shaped sandwich structures for retaining the filter. The substantially improved fusion bond is obtained by a special seal structure formed by a die having two protruding fusion ribs separated by a relief groove. The seal structure formed by such a die permits direct sealing of a silicone treated hydrophobic vent to a thermoplastic bag wall with a firm viable seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for continuously filtering liquids whereby two candle filters are arranged closely adjacent to one another and are connected by a first three-way cock at the liquid inlet ends, a second three-way cock at the liquid outlet ends of the candle filters and a bypass cock for a partial stream and enabling the candle filters to be emptied in such a manner that the candle filters are filled and vented before they are put into operation and one of the two candle filters always is ready for operation with degassed and filtered liquid if one of the candle filters is to be cleaned.

Abstract: A vented filter spigot for gravity feed intravenous liquid administration is provided having a filter spigot housing; a filter chamber in the housing; an inlet and an outlet in the housing, the housing being arranged to have the inlet oriented up and the outlet oriented down when installed for liquid feed from a liquid supply for intravenous administration; the inlet being shaped for attachment to a supply of liquid in a container for intravenous administration, and the outlet being shaped for attachment to an intravenous liquid administration apparatus; a liquid-permeable filter that is gas-impermeable when wet disposed in the filter chamber in a manner so as to extend generally vertically when the inlet is oriented up, and across the line of fluid flow through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet so that all through flow must pass through the filter; and dividing the chamber into two generally vertically-extending portions, one upstream and one downstream of the filter; a vent in an uppermost portion of

Abstract: The filter device of this invention comprises a housing with an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber separated by a deformable microporous membrane, the outlet chamber containing a perforated membrane support surface of concave compound curvature which is spaced from the wall of the outlet chamber, the deformable membrane being in contact with and conforming to the compound curvature of the support surface when fluid flows through the membrane from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber.

Abstract: A device for filtering a liquid, provided with a chamber for the circulation of liquid, divided into at least two compartments by a filtering-unit mounted across the liquid path. That device comprises, in an area where the air present in the liquid or separated therefrom has accumulated, a one-way valve for exhausting air, should any overpressure take place in that area. The valve is provided with an obturator integral with a float driven by the free level of the liquid. That obturator cooperates with two opposed valve-seats for closing a passage made in the wall of the filtration chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water, comprising a funnel-shaped member, a sleeve formed integrally with said member, a cup-shaped insert having a cylindrical wall arranged within the sleeve, screen-like closure members at upper and lower ends of the cylindrical wall of the insert, defining an accommodation chamber containing a granular purifying agent which is insoluble in water, the apertures in the screen-like closure members being smaller than the granules of the purifying agent, and a ventilation tube projecting upward and extending above the vertical height of the funnel-shaped member, provided at the top with openings, attached to the screen-like closure member at the upper end of the insert, said ventilation tube serving as a handle for said insert.

Abstract: A vented filtration device comprising a closed, flexible and compressible housing having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The housing includes an internal passage connecting the inlet and the outlet. A liquid filter assembly is disposed within the passage between the inlet and outlet thereby defining an upstream pressure section between the inlet and the filter and a downstream pressure section between the filter and the outlet. This assembly includes a flexible, porous bacteria retentive filter membrane, a flexible, porous support material overlying one surface of the filter membrane and a frame having at least one large central opening overlying the opposite surface of the filter membrane. A gas vent located in the housing communicating with the upstream pressure section of the passage is adapted to allow gas but not liquid to pass from the upstream section out of the housing.

Abstract: A filter assembly (10) for use in the filtration of medical treatment liquids is disclosed. The filter assembly (10) includes a strip of porous filter media (12), first enclosure means (14), and a second enclosure means (16). An inlet connector (18) is connected to inlet end (20) of the filter assembly (10) and an outlet connector member (22) is connected to an outlet end of the filter assembly (10). The first and second enclosure means (14), (16) are formed of strips of flexible plastic material having longitudinal edges (30), (40) which are ultrasonically welded to the filter media (12). Dimples (36), (42) are formed in the first and second enclosure means (14), (16), respectively, and are ultrasonically welded to the filter media (12).

Abstract: A haemofiltration apparatus includes a combined blood pump (1a) and filtrate pump (1b). The pressure on the inlet side of the filtrate pump may be adjusted by a cone valve (14) mounted on a diaphragm (12) which opens to admit air when the inlet pressure falls below a predetermined value which is set by a valve spring (16) provided with an adjustment screw (15). The other side of the diaphragm may be connected to the atmosphere or to an air trap (6) in the blood pump circuit.

Abstract: A novel liquid filter of the "outside-in" type is disclosed, comprising a hollow tubular housing, a concentrically disposed perforated tubular core surrounded by a cylindrical filter element and communicating with a liquid outlet in the bottom wall of the housing, and a filter element cap covering the upper ends of the perforated core and filter element. A gas vent is located at the highest point in the top wall of the housing, which is at the center of the top wall. The liquid inlet and filter element cap are designed to provide for establishment of a stable swirling flow outside the filter element and above the filter element cap. An improved .[.means.]. .Iadd.way .Iaddend.of bonding upper and lower cup-like portions together to form a hollow tubular housing with high resistance to rupture under pressure is also disclosed. The filter of the invention is particularly suited for use in extracorporeal blood flow circuits, most particularly as an arterial blood filter located downstream from a blood oxygenator.