Liquid filtration device

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid filtration device with internal flow paths that facilitate the purging of air bubbles from the device. The device includes internal channels that collect bubbles from fluid entering the filtration device and more efficiently direct fluid to sweep bubbles from the device during operation. The present invention also provides for an automatic means to minimize fluid loss during a vent process.

1 . A method of removing bubbles from a fluid passing through a filter device, comprising: 
 providing a filter device comprising a bowl, a cap, and a cover, the bowl defining an opening that receives a filter medium, the cover being fitted to the cap and the bowl, the cover including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a vent;    directing the fluid toward the bottom of the bowl through a first fluid channel defined outside the filter medium and inside the exterior of the bowl, the first fluid channel enabling the fluid to sweep the bottom of the bowl; and    further directing the fluid from the bottom of the bowl toward the vent for removal of bubbles in the fluid.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 automatically opening the vent to enable the bubbles that accumulate near the vent to be expelled.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the housing cover has an interior surface being angled toward the vent to enable bubbles removed from the fluid to rise to the vent.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein an interior wall of the bowl is fitted to the exterior wall of the filter medium, such that the first fluid channel is defined therebetween for directing the fluid from the inlet of the filter device toward the bottom of the bowl.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one flow channel is defined between the interior bottom of the bowl and the exterior bottom of the filter medium, such that at least one fluid channel is defined therebetween for sweeping the interior bottom of the bowl.