Fluid filter assembly

A filter assembly (10) comprising:

• a hollow housing (12) having a length and first and second ends (14, 16);
• membrane means (22) contained within and extending along said length of said housing (12) and separating said housing (12) into first and second chambers (24,26);
• inlet means (32) proximate to said first end (14) and in fluid communication with said first chamber (24) for allowing a flow of fluid into said first chamber (24);
• and
• outlet means (34) proximate to said second end (16) and in fluid communication with said second chamber (26) for allowing a flow of fluid from said second chamber, (26) said membrane means (22) being air permeable when dry and air impermeable when wet, whereby a wetting fluid entering said first chamber (24) at said first end of said housing (12) forces air from said first and second chambers (24, 26) along said length of said membrane means (22) and out said outlet means (34) as the fluid wets said membrane means (22) thereby de-airing said first and second chambers (24, 26) from one end to the other end along the length of said membrane means (22) on both sides thereof, said inlet and outlet means (32, 34) each including an L-shaped passageway including a first portion (52, 54) extending perpendicular to the length of said membrane means and a second portion (56, 58) extending along said length of said housing (12), said second portion (56) of said inlet means 32 opening towards said opening of said second portion (58) of said outlet means (34), each of said second portions (56, 58) defining a line (60, 62) extending along the length thereof and each of said lines (60, 62) being spaced from and parallel to the other of said lines (60, 62).