# US 2019/0168134 A1 · Froth coalescing vent > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0168134 A1 - Document ID: US20190168134A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/093,440 - Filed: 2016-07-11 - Published: 2019-06-06 - Earliest claimed: 2016-07-11 - Assignees: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Applicants: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Inventors: Anthony STUDER; Robert WICKWIRE - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190168134A1 ## CPC - B01D 19/0031: {by filtration} - B01D 19/0042: {modifying the liquid flow (B01D19/0021 takes precedence)} - B01D 19/02: Foam dispersion or prevention (during boiling B01B1/02; during fermentation C12) - B01D 63/087: {Single membrane modules} - B01D 69/02: characterised by their properties - B41J 2/175: Ink supply systems {; Circuit parts therefor} - B41J 2/17563: {Ink filters} - B41J 2/19: for removing air bubbles - B01D 2325/36: Hydrophilic membranes - B01D: SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D; by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B; by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges, vortex apparatus B04; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B9/02; treatment of water C02F, e.g. softening by ion-exchange C02F1/42; {arrangements of air intake cleaners in gas turbine plants F02C7/05} ; arrangements or mounting of filters in air-conditioning, air-humidification or ventilation F24F13/28) - B41J: TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS ## Abstract An example device includes a defrothing portion to separate froth into a coalesced fluid and air, an air vent to vent the air from the defrothing portion, and a membrane on an outer surface of the defrothing portion, the membrane sealing the air vent. The membrane is formed of a material to prevent fluid from passing therethrough. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A device, comprising: a defrothing portion to separate froth into a coalesced fluid and air; an air vent to vent the air from the defrothing portion; and a membrane on an outer surface of the defrothing portion, the membrane sealing the air vent, the membrane being formed of a material to prevent fluid from passing therethrough. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the membrane is formed of an oleophobic material. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the air vent includes a vent channel having a cross-sectional shape with at least one corner. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The device of claim 3, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the vent channel includes at least one polygon. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, further comprising: a labyrinth formed on the outer surface of the defrothing portion, the labyrinth being in fluidic communication with the air vent. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The device of claim 4, further comprising: a cover positioned over at least a portion of the labyrinth. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The device of claim 6, wherein the cover is formed of a material having air-barrier properties. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, further comprising: an inlet port extending into the defrothing portion; and an outlet port extending from the defrothing portion to direct the coalesced liquid out of the defrothing portion. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the defrothing portion comprises: a frame having at least one outer opening and at least one inner opening recessed from the outer opening; at least one filter screen mounted on a perimeter of the at least one inner opening to form an inner chamber; and at least one cover layer mounted on a perimeter of the at least one outer opening to form an outer chamber, wherein the filter screen separates the inner chamber from the outer chamber, and wherein the filter screen prevents froth from crossing and allows coalesced fluid to cross into the outer chamber. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The device of claim 9, wherein the defrothing portion further comprises: a series of bubble-breaking features positioned within the inner chamber, the bubble-breaking features being positioned along a depth and a height of the inner chamber. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the defrothing portion comprises: a substantially rectangular housing having an outer rim along at least one open face; at least one recessed rim being recessed from the outer rim and within the housing, the recessed rim having a profile lying within the profile of the outer rim; a filter screen mounted on the at least one recessed rim, the filter screen to prevent froth from passing therethrough and to allow coalesced fluid from passing therethrough; and at least one cover layer mounted on the outer rim. ### Claim 12 A device, comprising: a frame having an inlet port extending into the frame and an outlet port extending out of the frame; a defrothing portion to separate froth entering through the inlet port into a coalesced fluid and air, the coalesced fluid being directed to the outlet port; an air vent extending to an outer surface of the frame to vent the air; a labyrinth formed on the outer surface of the defrothing portion, the labyrinth being in fluidic communication with the air vent. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The device of claim 12, further comprising: a membrane on the outer surface of the frame, the membrane sealing the air vent and being formed of a material to prevent fluid from passing therethrough and to allow the air to pass therethrough. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The device of claim 12, further comprising: a cover positioned over at least a portion of the labyrinth, the cover being formed of a material having air-barrier properties. ### Claim 15 A method, comprising: receiving froth in a defrothing portion, the defrothing portion separating the froth into coalesced fluid and air; directing the coalesced fluid out of the defrothing portion; and venting air through an air vent extending out of the defrothing portion, the air vent including a membrane on an outer surface of the defrothing portion, the membrane sealing the air vent, the membrane being formed of a material to prevent fluid from passing therethrough.