Filter device

Abstract

A filter device is disclosed. The device includes at least one substantially flat filter media that may be encapsulated between non-permeable films. Some embodiments comprise ports for introducing a fluid to be filtered and for evacuating the filtered fluid. Various substrates may be employed therein in cooperation with the at least one filter media to enhance device performance. Also disclosed are various apparatuses configured to contain at least one filter device.

1 - 59 . (canceled) 
     
     
         60 . A filter device comprising:
 a first non-permeable film;   a second non-permeable film;   a filter element planarly encapsulated by the first and second non-permeable films, the filter element comprising a filter media having a plurality of planarly disposed pleats.   
     
     
         61 . The filter device of  claim 60  wherein the filter media comprises a first surface, a second surface, a first end, and a second end;
 wherein the first surface of the first end is attached to the first non-permeable film, and the second surface of the second end is attached to the second non-permeable film. 
 
     
     
         62 . The filter device of  claim 60  wherein the filter media comprises a width defined by two substantially parallel edges, the first end and second end being substantially perpendicular to the two parallel edges;
 wherein the first and second non-permeable films and the filter element are further attached together along the two parallel edges. 
 
     
     
         63 . The filter device of  claim 62 , wherein at least one of the two parallel edges is further attached to at least one substrate. 
     
     
         64 . The filter device of  claim 62 , wherein the two parallel edges and the first and second ends of the filter media define a rectangular periphery, wherein the interior of the rectangular periphery defines an operative filtration area. 
     
     
         65 . The filter device of  claim 64 , wherein the filter element is further attached to a framing substrate, the framing substrate being attached along the rectangular periphery and having one or more apertures permitting fluid communication with the operative filtration area. 
     
     
         66 . The filter device of  claim 60 , wherein at least one of the first and second non-permeable films comprise a fluid communication port. 
     
     
         67 . The filter device of  claim 66 , wherein at least one of the first non-permeable film or second non-permeable film comprises multiple fluid communication ports. 
     
     
         68 . The filter device of  claim 66 , wherein the first non-permeable film comprises a first fluid communication port to create a fluid connection to a first chamber. 
     
     
         69 . The filter device of  claim 66 , wherein the second non-permeable film comprises a second fluid communication port to create a fluid connection to a second chamber. 
     
     
         70 . The filter device of  claim 69 , wherein the first non-permeable film further comprises a fluid communication port to create a fluid connection to the second chamber. 
     
     
         71 . The filter device of  claim 70 , wherein the second non-permeable film further comprises a fluid communication port to create a fluid connection to the first chamber. 
     
     
         72 . The filter device of  claim 60 , wherein the first and second non-permeable films each have a first end and a second end, and wherein the first ends and the second ends of the first and second non-permeable films are attached together. 
     
     
         73 . The filter device of  claim 60 , wherein at least one of the first end or second end of the filter media is further attached to at least one substrate. 
     
     
         74 . The filter device of  claim 61  further comprising a drainage substrate in contact with at least a portion of one of the first surface or the second surface. 
     
     
         75 . A filter device comprising:
 a first non-permeable film;   a second non-permeable film;   a filter element planarly encapsulated by the first and second non-permeable films, the filter element comprising a filter media having a plurality of planarly disposed pleats, a first surface, and a second surface; and   a drainage substrate in contact with at least a portion of one of the first surface or the second surface.   
     
     
         76 . The filter device of  claim 75  wherein at least one of the first and second non-permeable films comprise a fluid communication port. 
     
     
         77 . The filter device of  claim 76 , wherein the first non-permeable film comprises a first fluid communication port to create a fluid connection to a first chamber. 
     
     
         78 . The filter device of  claim 77 , wherein the second non-permeable film comprises a second fluid communication port to create a fluid connection to a second chamber. 
     
     
         79 . The filter device of  claim 78 , wherein the first non-permeable film further comprises a fluid communication port to create a fluid connection to the second chamber.