Fluid filter assembly
US5348646A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/7536
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A filter assembly (10) includes a hollow housing (12) having a length and first and second ends (14,16). A membrane (22) contained within and extending along the length of the housing (12) separates the housing (12) into first and second chambers (24,26). An inlet (32) is proximate to the first end (14) and is in fluid communication with the first chamber (24). An outlet (34) is proximate to the second end (16) and is in fluid communication with the second chamber (26) for allowing a flow of fluid from the second chamber (26). The membrane (22) is air permeable when dry and air impermeable when wet whereby a wetting fluid entering the first chamber (24) at the first end of the housing (12) forces air from the first and second chambers (24,26) along the length of the membrane (22) and out of the outlet (34) as the fluid wets the membrane (22) thereby de-airing the first and second chambers (24,26) from one end to the other end along the length of the membrane (22) on both sides thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.