# US 9,038,830 B2 · Filter device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,038,830 B2 - Document ID: US9038830B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/734,557 - Filed: 2013-01-04 - Published: 2013-08-08 - Granted: 2015-05-26 - Earliest claimed: 2007-12-21 - Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company - Applicants: 3M Innovative Properties Company - Inventors: Jeffrey A. Lucas - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9038830B2 ## CPC - B01D 29/05: supported - B01D 25/26: Cell-type stack filters - B01D 29/016: {with corrugated, folded or wound filtering elements} - B01D 29/031: {with corrugated, folded filtering elements} - B01D 29/213: {having a concertina shape} - B01D 29/50: with multiple filtering elements, characterised by their mutual disposition (B01D29/39 takes precedence) - B01D 35/1573: {Flow control valves} - B01D 29/52: in parallel connection - B01D 2201/02: Filtering elements having a conical form - 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) ## 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. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A filter device comprising: a first non-permeable film comprising a first fluid communication port to create an inlet fluid connection therethrough to an inlet chamber; a second non-permeable film comprising a second fluid communication port to create an outlet fluid connection therethrough to an outlet chamber; a filter element planarly encapsulated by the first and second non-permeable films, the filter element comprising a filter media comprising a first surface facing the outlet chamber, a second surface facing the inlet chamber, a first end, a second end, and a plurality of planarly disposed pleats; and a framing substrate attached to the filter element, the first non-permeable film, and the second non-permeable film; wherein at least one of the first non-permeable film or second non-permeable film comprises multiple fluid communication ports; and wherein the first surface of the first end is attached to the framing substrate which is attached to the first non-permeable film, thereby putting the second surface of the first end in contact with the first non-permeable film, and wherein the first surface of the second end is attached to the framing substrate which is attached to the second non-permeable film thereby putting the second surface of the second end of the filter media in a compressible state against the framing substrate upon flow of fluid into the inlet chamber. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The filter device of claim 1 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, the framing substrate, and the filter element are further attached together along the two parallel edges. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The filter device of claim 1, wherein the framing substrate comprises a single, continuous member. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The filter device of claim 2, 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. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The filter device of claim 4, wherein the framing substrate is attached along the rectangular periphery and having one or more apertures permitting fluid communication with the operative filtration area. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The filter device of claim 1, 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. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The filter device of claim 1 further comprising a flat drainage substrate in contact with at least a portion of one of the first surface or the second surface. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The filter device of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the first end of the filter media is attached to a first face of the framing substrate and the first face of the framing substrate is also attached to the first non-permeable film. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The filter device of claim 1, wherein the second non-permeable film further comprises a third fluid communication port that is in fluid communication with the inlet chamber. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A filter system comprising a plurality of filter devices according to claim 1 that are in fluid communication. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The filter system of claim 10, wherein the filter devices are configured for parallel flow. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The filter system of claim 10, wherein the filter devices are configured for series flow.