Filter device

Abstract

An apparatus having stackable members configured to contain at least one filter device. The apparatus includes a clamping device having a first end wall, a second end wall, and clamping members configured to draw the end walls toward one another. The stackable members have hangers configured to accept the clamping members to help support and locate the stackable members.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for housing at least one filter device comprising:
 at least two stackable members configured to assemble in adjacent, stacking relation, wherein at least one of the members comprises at least one inlet port, and at least one of the members comprises at least one outlet port; and   a clamping device;   wherein the apparatus is configured to contain at least one filter device having a non- permeable casing having an outer surface and containing a filter element, the casing comprising at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port;   wherein each two adjacent stackable members are configured to be held together by the clamping device and to contain the at least one filter device therebetween, wherein each inlet port and outlet port in the at least two stackable members is respectively configured to contain each inlet and outlet port of each filter device casing, wherein each inlet and outlet port in the at least two stackable members is further configured to allow sealing engagement between multiple filter device casings;   wherein the at least one filter device is configured to form a continuous path for a fluid such that the fluid will not contact the at least two stackable members.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each stackable member further comprises a sealing member configured to sealably isolate the at least one filter device between adjacent stackable members. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one filter device is configured to allow series filtration with another at least one filter device. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one filter device is configured to allow parallel filtration with another at least one filter device. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one inlet port of at least one stackable member and at least one outlet port of at least one stackable member each comprise a check valve, wherein each check valve is in fluid communication with the continuous fluid path, and wherein all of the check valves are configured to allow fluid flow in the same direction. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each member further comprises a pressure port configured to deliver at least one of a vacuum or a pressurized fluid to the outer surface of the at least one filter device casing. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for housing at least one filter device comprising:
 a housing configured to substantially enclose at least one filter device, the housing having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port;   a clamping device;   wherein the at least one filter device comprises a non-permeable casing having an outer surface and containing a filter element, the casing comprising at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port;   wherein the at least one filter device is configured to assemble in stacking relation and fluid communication with another at least one filter device;   wherein the clamping device is configured to hold the at least one filter device therein;   wherein each inlet port and the outlet port of the housing are respectively configured to fluidly communicate with each inlet port and outlet port of the at least one filter device;   wherein the at least one filter device is configured to form continuous path for a fluid such that the fluid will not contact the housing.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the substantially enclosed housing sealably isolates the at least one filter device from an ambient environment. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one filter device is configured to allow series filtration with another at least one filter device. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one filter device is configured to allow parallel filtration with another at least one filter device. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein at least one inlet port of the housing and at least one outlet port of at the housing each comprise a check valve, wherein each check valve is in fluid communication with the continuous fluid path, and wherein all of the check valves are configured to allow fluid flow in the same direction. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the housing further comprises at least one pressure port configured to deliver at least one of a vacuum or a pressurized fluid to the outer surface of the at least one filter device casing.