Filter device

Abstract

A filter device having two flow paths. The first flow path having at least one cap and fluid port. The second flow path surrounding the first fluid flow path and having at least one cap that overlaps the cap of the first fluid flow path. The second flow path also having at least one fluid port. The filter device providing a simple arrangement that is easily disinfected or sterilized.

1 - 39  (canceled).  
     
     
         40 . A filter device comprising: 
 first and second flow chambers, the first chamber being defined by a plurality of capillary tube passages of a hollow fiber bundle having its ends molded into a molding compound, the second chamber being defined by a housing enclosing the hollow fiber bundle and being sealed by the molding compound from the entries and exits of the capillary tube passages of the hollow fiber bundle; and    first and second connection pieces, the first connection piece being adapted to at least one of feed fluids into and feed fluids out of the first flow chamber, the second connection piece being adapted to at least one of feed fluids into and feed fluids out of the second flow chamber, the second connection piece being in fluid communication with an annular space between the housing and the end portion of the hollow fiber bundle;    wherein the housing comprises a material which does not form a tight adhesive bond with the molding compound, and the housing includes a plurality of projections which are enclosed by the molding compound, and a plurality of notches wherein each notch is formed between a pair of projections of the plurality of projections, wherein the plurality of notches connects the annular space to the second flow chamber.    
     
     
         41 . The filter device of  claim 40 , wherein during normal use the annular space is located at the top of the filter device, and the second connection piece is in fluid communication with the upper end of the annular space so that there is no dead space in the annular space and in the second flow chamber in which air bubbles can collect.  
     
     
         42 . The filter device of  claim 40 , further comprising a seal adjacent to the molding compound which seals off the first flow chamber from the second flow chamber.  
     
     
         43 . The filter device of  claim 40 , wherein the cross-sectional area of each notch of the plurality of notches in the housing increases with increasing distance of each notch from the second connection piece so that essentially equal partial quantities of fluid can enter or leave through the plurality of notches.  
     
     
         44 . The filter device of  claim 40 , wherein the first flow chamber is a permeate flow chamber.  
     
     
         45 . The filter device of  claim 40 , wherein the second flow chamber is a filtrate flow chamber.  
     
     
         46 . The filter device of  claim 40 , wherein the plurality of projections comprise an elastic material.  
     
     
         47 . The filter device of  claim 40 , wherein the plurality of projections comprise a plastic material.  
     
     
         48 . The filter device of  claim 40 , wherein the housing comprises polypropylene.