Filter Device

Abstract

The filter holder comprises a holder arm having (a) proximal and distal ends, (b) a compression plate proximate the proximal end, (c) a retention plate proximate the distal end, (d) front and rear support bars with a plurality of plate locating grooves distributed along their length, and (e) a locking mechanism movable together along the front and rear support bars and lockable in the plate locating grooves of one or both of the front and rear support bars to lock the retention plate in position on the holder arm. The locking mechanism comprises a left locking assembly and a right locking assembly, and requires two-handed operation to change the locking mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position. The holder arm is tiltable.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter device and a method of using a filter device. [Background technology]

[0002] Stacked disk-type lenticular filters have been used in the treatment of fluids for commercial applications. In a typical filtration system employing such filters, the filters are assembled for operation within a sanitary housing that is sealable from the surrounding environment. The sanitary housing is typically a generally cylindrical pressure vessel with structure for the entry and exit of fluids.

[0003] In normal operation, pressurized fluid to be filtered enters the sanitary housing through a fluid inlet and fills the area surrounding the disk-shaped lenticular filter. The fluid is then filtered through the filter element after which the filtered fluid enters the laminated inner core. The laminated inner core is fluidly connected to a fluid outlet that can route the filtered fluid (filtrate) to downstream piping.

[0004] As described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,242,193 (Bryan et al.), operating the filter holder with the holder arms in the service position allows for easier and more efficient venting of excess gas from the filter capsule stack when the filter capsule stack is filled with liquid prior to filter operation. Venting is easier, since excess gas can escape upwards through existing fluid connection ports positioned at the top of the filter capsule stack. The filter capsules can be disposed of after each use, thereby saving processing time and reducing or eliminating the cost of disinfectants. Furthermore, the filter capsules can be directly connected to each other in the filter capsule stack without the need for bulky bonding plates between the capsules. Thus, the entire filter capsule stack can be more easily assembled with directly interfaced filter capsules that can be disposed of without the need to clean or handle bonding plates. Furthermore, since the service position is typically substantially vertically oriented, the filter holder can occupy much less floor space than units fixed in a horizontal orientation.

[0005] However, filter capsules can still be tedious to load and unload while the holder arms are in the service position, and this difficulty can be amplified during the unloading step because used filter capsules often contain residual fluid, which can make them much heavier.

[0006] For example, if disposable filter capsules need to be loaded and unloaded vertically, an operator may need to bend down to reach the lowest filter capsule in the stack and may need to climb a ladder or stool to reach the highest filter capsule in the stack. Additionally, to access the highest filter capsule in the stack, an operator may need to reach high above their head to load or unload, and then move the filter capsule laterally away from the stack.

[0007] In addition to the above concerns, unloading filter capsules from a vertical stack can result in leakage of residual fluid through ports at the bottom of each stacked filter capsule.

[0008] Fixed horizontal designs are also possible where disposable filter housings can be loaded and unloaded horizontally on a fixed horizontal rack. However, such designs tend to consume a relatively large amount of floor space compared to systems that operate vertically. One way to alleviate the larger floor space requirement is to configure the design to hold multiple horizontal rows of disposable filter housings, one above the other. However, doing so results in at least some of these horizontal rows being located either too high or too low for easy loading and unloading by the operator. Thus, the operator may still need to bend down to load and unload the lowest rows and may need to climb a ladder or stool for the highest rows.

[0009] Additionally, a fixed horizontal design can also make it more difficult to purge or vent excess gas while filling the system with fluid. As gravity causes fluid to pool at the bottom of the filter housing, excess gas collects at the top of the horizontally oriented filter housing. This means that a separate vent plumbing must be provided along the "top" of the filter housing in addition to the typical fluid inlets and outlets located within the center of the housing. Such more complex plumbing can mean, for example, more plumbing connections to be made and more potential places where seals can fail. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of the above, it is recognized that operation of a filter holder with the holder arms in a service position may be advantageous over operation in a fixed horizontal position. Furthermore, a filter holder with holder arms that can tilt into a service position and an ergonomic load position enjoys all of the advantages discussed above with respect to one fixed in a service position, in addition to further advantages.

[0011] Briefly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a filter holder comprising a base for supporting a filter holder on a work surface, a tilt mechanism attached to the base, and a holder arm attached to the tilt mechanism at a tilt axis. The holder arm comprises (a) proximal and distal ends, (b) a compression plate proximate the proximal end, (c) a retaining plate proximate the distal end, (d) front and rear support bars extending from the proximal end to the distal end, at least one of the support bars comprising a plurality of plate locating grooves distributed along its length, and (e) a locking mechanism movable together along the front and rear support bars and lockable into the plate locating grooves of one or both of the front and rear support bars to lock the retaining plate in position on the holder arm. The locking mechanism comprises a left locking assembly and a right locking assembly, and requires two-handed operation to change the locking mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position. The holder arm is tiltable about a tilt axis to a service position, where the holder arm is oriented perpendicular to the work surface and an ergonomic load position, where the holder arm is oriented parallel to the work surface.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a filter holder, the method including the steps of (a) tilting a holder arm to an ergonomic loading position in which the holder arm is in a generally horizontal orientation, (b) loading a filter capsule stack onto the holder arm, and (c) tilting the holder arm about a tilt axis to a service position in which the holder arm is in a generally vertical orientation. Loading the filter capsule stack onto the holder arm includes (i) unlocking a retaining plate using a two-handed operation, (ii) placing the filter capsule stack onto the holder arm, (iii) compressing the filter capsule stack between a compression plate and a retaining plate, and (ii) locking the retaining plate from sliding.

[0013] The filter holder and method of the present invention provide improved safety and ergonomics. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] Throughout this specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a filter holder according to the present disclosure with the holder arm in an ergonomic loaded position. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a removable handle useful in a filter holder according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hex hub useful in a filter holder according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of a filter holder according to the present disclosure with the holder arm in an ergonomic loaded position, the holder arm carrying one or more filter capsules in a filter capsule stack. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism useful in a filter holder according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front view of a filter holder according to the present disclosure with the holder arms in a service position. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter capsule according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter capsule according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top view of a filter capsule stack according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter capsule stack according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 12 is a cross-sectional view of a filter capsule stack according to the present disclosure taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary filter holder 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown, the filter holder 100 comprises a base 104 that supports the filter holder 100 on a work surface W. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter holder 100 comprises a tilt mechanism 110 that comprises a tilt axis 112. A holder arm 120 is attached to the tilt mechanism 110 at the tilt axis 112 such that the holder arm 120 is tiltable to a service position and an ergonomic loaded position. As shown in FIG. 1, the holder arm 120 is in the ergonomic loaded position. For example, FIG. 6 depicts the holder arm 120 in the service position.

[0016] As used herein, "service position" refers to a position of the holder arm 120 that corresponds to the actual operation of the filter holder 100 as a filtration system. When in the service position, the holder arm 120 is oriented approximately vertically. However, the service position may include an angular deviation from a vertical orientation, for example, ranging from about 75 degrees to about 105 degrees from horizontal, more typically from about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees from horizontal. In some embodiments, the holder arm 120 is oriented perpendicular to the work surface W when in the service position.

[0017] As used herein, "ergonomic loading position" refers to a position of the holder arm 120 that corresponds to loading or unloading a filter capsule 200 (e.g., as illustrated in Figures 7-10) onto or from the holder arm 120. When in the ergonomic loading position, the holder arm 120 is oriented approximately horizontally. However, the ergonomic loading position includes an angular deviation from parallel, for example, ranging from about -15 degrees to about +15 degrees from horizontal, more typically from about -5 degrees to about +5 degrees from horizontal. The ergonomic loading position differs from the service position. In one embodiment, the holder arm 120 is oriented parallel to the work surface W when in the ergonomic loading position.

[0018] The filter capsules 200 can be much more easily loaded and unloaded from the holder arm 120 since they are all presented to the operator at an ergonomic height without the need for bending or climbing. Tilting the holder arm is easily accomplished by the tilt mechanism 110 which is ergonomically positioned for the operator's convenience. Furthermore, all routine steps such as locking or unlocking the filter capsule stack 250 in place on the holder arm 120, discarding used filter capsules 200, adjusting the compression of the filter capsule stack 250, making or disconnecting plumbing connections, etc. are available at a comfortable and ergonomic height to the operator.

[0019] The base 104 may comprise any form of structure adapted to support the weight of the filter holder 100 above the work surface W. It should be understood that the work surface W does not form a part of the filter holder 100, but is merely described to provide proper context for the features of the filter holder 100. As shown in Figures 1, 4 and 6, the base 104 includes casters 106 that allow the filter holder 100 to be moved around the work surface W or to other rooms in a manufacturing facility.

[0020] 1, the base 104 may include a through side that allows the base end 122 of the holder arm 120 to swing to rest in a service position as close as possible to the work surface W. Such a configuration allows for favorable loading and operating conditions for the filter holder 100.

[0021] For example, the larger the second distance B can be, the more filter capsules 200 (not shown in FIG. 1 ) can be placed between the tilt axis 112 and the base end 122. However, at the same time, the tilt axis 112 is preferably positioned at a comfortable height (first distance A) over the work surface W to allow easier loading and unloading of the filter capsules 200 while the holder arm 120 is in the ergonomic loading position. Since the second distance B is substantially the swing radius of the base end 122 of the holder arm 120, it is obvious that if the second distance B is larger than the first distance A, the base end 122 will interfere with the work surface W while the holder arm 120 is tilted to the service position. Therefore, it is desirable to fix the first distance A at a comfortable level above the work surface W and select the second distance B to be as close as possible to the first distance A while preventing interference between the base end 122 and the work surface W. To maximize the second distance B, the through side 105 of the base 104 allows the holder arm 120 to swing through the base without interference. Thus, the through side 105 can help to simultaneously enable (1) ergonomic positioning of the tilt axis 112 across the work surface W and (2) increased ability of the holder arm 120 to hold the filter capsule 200.

[0022] The tilt mechanism 110 is typically mounted on the base 104 as shown in FIG. 1 and functions to tilt the holder arm 120 about the tilt axis 112. Because the holder arm 120 can be quite heavy when loaded with filter capsules 200, especially when the filtration media is saturated with fluid, the tilt mechanism 110 must be capable of generating a substantial torque about the tilt axis 112. This is especially true when the center of gravity of the holder arm 120 is offset from the tilt axis 112 when the holder arm is in the ergonomic loaded position. In such a condition where the load is unbalanced about the tilt axis 112, there can be a substantial moment of force that must be overcome to tilt the holder arm 120 upwardly into the service position.

[0023] In embodiments of the present disclosure, (i) the location of the tilt axis 112 and (ii) the length of the holder arm 120 between the proximal end 122 and the distal end 124 can be optimized (e.g., to maximize the swing radius [second distance B] of the holder arm 120 and also to allow a practical number of filter capsules 200 to be loaded onto the holder arm 120). As a result, when the holder arm 120 is loaded with filter capsules 200, the center of gravity of the holder arm 120 may be substantially offset from the tilt axis 112.

[0024] For example, it may be desirable to effectively fill the space between the base end 122 and the distal end 124 of the holder arm 120 with the filter capsule 200. As seen in FIG. 1 (again shown without the filter capsule 200), such a load may offset the center of gravity to the left of the tilt axis. The desirability of this offset center of gravity configuration is not intuitive, since conventional designs tend to fix the center of gravity of the rotating load as close as possible to the axis of rotation. However, this departure from conventional load balancing techniques allows for the dual benefits of facilitating loading and unloading of the filter holder 100 while maximizing filtration capacity during operation and minimizing the overall system footprint.

[0025] The distance between the tilt axis 112 and the distal end 124 of the holder arm 120 is typically, but not necessarily, greater than the second distance B, as clearly shown in FIG. 6. This is because the base end 122 must clear the work surface W as it swings downward while tilting, while the distal end 124 is not constrained as such. Therefore, it may be desirable to increase the overall length of the holder arm 120 (the distance between the base end 122 and the distal end 124) in order to increase the number of filter capsules 200 that can be loaded simultaneously onto the filter holder, provided that the overhead ceiling does not interfere therewith as the distal end 124 swings into the service position. Of course, the greater the difference between the overall length of the holder arm 120 and the second distance B, and the greater the number of filter capsules 200 loaded onto the holder arm 120, the greater the likelihood that the load carried by the holder arm 120 may become significantly unbalanced around the tilt axis 112.

[0026] However, it will be appreciated that after the holder arm 120, with its load unbalanced about the tilt axis 112, is tilted to the service position, the center of gravity of the holder arm 120 loaded with the filter capsule 200 will come to rest substantially vertically aligned with the tilt axis 112. As used herein, "substantially vertically aligned" includes the condition of near alignment. For example, a vertical line drawn through such center of gravity while the holder arm 120 is in the service position may not intersect exactly with the tilt axis 112, but may be offset to either side of the tilt axis 112 by up to about 6 inches, including about 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, or even 5 inches. With the center of gravity and the tilt axis 112 substantially aligned in this manner, there is substantially no gravity induced moment or torque about the tilt axis 112, or such gravity induced moment or torque is minimized.

[0027] In one embodiment, the tilt mechanism 110 comprises a gearbox (not visible). Typically, a tilt shaft (not shown) at the tilt axis 112 is coupled via a gearbox to a crank handle 114 operable to tilt the holder arm 120 to a service position and an ergonomic loaded position. It is also envisioned that the tilt mechanism 110 may comprise a motor (e.g., a stepper motor) or may be hydraulically actuated. For example, a stepper motor may be utilized along with a lithium ion battery power source.

[0028] In one embodiment, the crank handle 114 comprises a removable handle 160 with a hex hub 170 below the removable handle 160 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. In one embodiment, the removable handle 160 comprises a hand crank arm 172 and a rotary handle 173. Once the handle is removed, an external drill can be used to tilt the holder arm 120 from the ergonomic load position to the service position and vice versa.

[0029] 1, the holder arm 120 comprises a proximal end 122 and a distal end 124 connected by a front support bar 126 and a rear support bar 128. In some embodiments, at least one cradle bar 127 and optionally a load-bearing bar 125 arranged parallel to the front support bar 126 and the rear support bar 128 may be further employed as shown in FIG 1. In one embodiment, the holder arm 120 is coupled to the tilt mechanism by a holder bracket 115.

[0030] It should be understood that terms such as "front" and "rear" are used herein only to clarify the location of one feature relative to another, and are not intended to limit the location of such features to a particular portion of filter holder 100 or to any particular orientation of filter holder 100. For example, front support bar 126 and rear support bar 128 may be located on opposite sides of filter holder 100.

[0031] In some embodiments, at least one cradle bar 127 can provide support and alignment for the filter capsule 200 to keep the first axis 251 of the filter capsule stack 250 aligned with the holder arm axis 121 while preventing the filter capsule 200 from falling through the space between the front support bar 126 and the rear support bar 128 when the holder arm 120 is in the ergonomic load position. However, in other embodiments, it can be advantageous to use the front support bar 126 and the rear support bar 128 to align the filter capsule 200. For example, each filter capsule 200 can be configured with one or more alignment wings 203 to slidably engage one or more of the front support bar 126 and the rear support bar 128. An exemplary filter capsule 200 with two opposing alignment wings 203 is depicted in FIG. 8. The alignment wing 203 may, for example, include a semicircular bore corresponding to the diameter of the front support bar 126 and / or the rear support bar 128 into which the front support bar 126 and / or the rear support bar 128 may fit. Thus, placing a filter capsule 200 having alignment wings 203 on a holder arm 120 with opposing alignment wings 203 fitted to the front and rear support bars 126, 128 can ensure that the first axis 251 of the filter capsule stack 250 is held in alignment with the holder arm axis 121. In such an embodiment, for example, one or more cradle bars 127 may still be employed to provide improved rigidity to the holder arm 120.

[0032] The front support bar 126 and the rear support bar 128 may each include a plurality of plate locating grooves 129 distributed along their respective lengths. In one embodiment, the plate locating grooves 129 are spaced along the length of the front and rear support bars 126, 128 at intervals that correspond to the heights of different configurations of filter capsule stacks 250 that may be loaded onto the holder arm 120. The plate locating grooves 129 can be clearly seen, for example, in Figures 1, 4 and 6.

[0033] In some embodiments, the holder arm 120 includes a compression plate 130 and a retaining plate 140 disposed opposite the compression plate 130. The compression plate 130 and the retaining plate 140 may be movable along the length of the front and rear support bars 126, 128. In some embodiments, the compression plate 130 may be fixed on the holder arm 120, and the retaining plate 140 is movable. In other embodiments, both the retaining plate 140 and the compression plate 130 are movable. In such embodiments, the retaining plate 140 is typically movable in steps to a position corresponding to the location of the plate positioning groove 129, while the compression plate 130 is continuously adjustable over a smaller range to provide a compressive force to the filter capsule stack when the retaining plate 140 is moved into position. 1 depicts compression plate 130 proximate base end 122 of holder arm 120, it is also envisioned that compression plate 130 and retention plate 140 are flipped over such that retention plate 140 is proximate base end 124. In some embodiments, one or more of retention plate 140 and compression plate 130 are slidably connected to front support bar 126 and rear support bar 128. The slidable connection of retention plate 140 or compression plate 130 to the front and rear support bars 126, 128 may be achieved, for example, by one or more linear bearings.

[0034] The retention plate 140 further comprises a locking mechanism 150 movable together along the front support bar 126 and the rear support bar 128. The locking mechanism 150 may comprise a left locking assembly 151, a right locking assembly 152, and a reinforcing bar 158, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the locking assemblies 151, 152 comprise a left locking handle 153 and a bearing / cam locking assembly 154, and a right locking handle 155 and a bearing / cam locking assembly 156, respectively. In FIG. 5, the left locking handle 151 is shown in the unlocked position, and the right locking handle 152 is shown in the locked position. The locking mechanism 150 requires a two-handed operation to unlock it. This feature provides additional safety by eliminating pinch points and making it impossible to accidentally unlock the locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 150 is spring loaded.

[0035] The locking mechanism 150 can lock into the plate locating grooves 129 of one or both of the front and rear support bars 126, 128, thereby securely locking the holding plate 140 in a preset position on the holder arm 120. In the locked position, the locking mechanism 150 can simultaneously engage the plate locating grooves 129 of both the front and rear support bars 126, 128. The locking mechanism 150 can automatically lock into the plate locating grooves 129 of one or both of the front and rear support bars 126, 128 when the holder arm 120 tilts about the tilt axis 112 from the ergonomic load position to the service position in case it is accidentally left unlocked.

[0036] FIG. 1 further illustrates a filter compression adjustment device 134 coupled to the compression plate 130. Although shown here at the proximal end 122 of the holder arm 120, the filter compression adjustment device may be located at the distal end 124. The filter compression adjustment device 134 adjusts the compression plate 130 along the front support bar 126 and the rear support bar 128 to apply a compressive force to the filter capsule stack 250. Such application of compression may be necessary, for example, because the fluid to be filtered within the filter capsule stack 250 may be provided at high pressure, and the compressive contact of the retention plate 140 and compression plate 130 against the ends of the filter capsule stack 250 may help prevent deformation, separation, or rupture of the filter capsule 200. The filter compression adjustment device 134 may comprise, for example, a rotatable acme screw or ball screw threadedly coupled to a member fixed to the compression plate 130 at one point and to the holder arm at another point.

[0037] In some embodiments, the filter compression regulator 134 is provided with a torque limiter 138 that serves as a proxy to limit the compression force that can be applied to the filter capsule stack 250. The torque limiter 138 may be, for example, a friction base or a magnetic slip clutch. Providing a torque limiter 138 may be advantageous when the filter capsule 200 has a fluid interconnect 208 and a fluid seal, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,474,992 (Bryan et al.) and 10,918,985 (Marks et al.). Providing such a filter capsule allows much smaller compression forces to be required to safely operate the filter holder 100.

[0038] The illustrated filter holder 100 includes a holder arm 120 that is tiltable to a service position and an ergonomic loading position. As depicted, the filter arm 120 is tilted to the ergonomic loading position. As can be seen, the holder arm 120 is positioned at a comfortable height to allow an operator to load and unload the filter capsule 200. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, a first distance A from the work surface W to the tilt axis 112 corresponds approximately to the operator's waist height. Typically, the first distance A ranges from about 28 inches to about 40 inches, including, for example, each 1-inch increment within that range. Positioning the holder arm 120 at such a comfortable height when in the ergonomic loading position allows an operator to load and unload the filter capsule 200 in an ergonomically efficient manner, for example, without bending over or reaching over their head.

[0039] The front support bar 126 is positioned slightly below the tilt axis 112 and is also positioned below the holder arm axis 121. For example, the front support bar may be positioned within a range of about 1 inch to about 6 inches below the holder arm axis 121, including 1 inch increments within that range. This low position of the front support bar 126 allows filter capsules 200 that are aligned with the holder arm axis 121 to be loaded and unloaded from the holder arm 120 with less lifting, i.e., the lower the front support bar 126 is relative to the holder arm axis 121, the less distance each filter capsule 200 must be lifted to pass over it.

[0040] Additionally, in embodiments in which the filter capsule 200 includes a fulcrum lug 230, the filter capsule 200 can be rotated toward the operator until the fulcrum lug 230 contacts the lowered front support bar 126. See, for example, FIG. 9. As the rotation continues, contact between the fulcrum lug 230 and the front support bar 126 causes the filter capsule 200 to pivot about the front support bar 126, which provides the operator with a larger lever arm and therefore an increased mechanical advantage in installing and removing the filter capsule 200 from the holder arm 120. Because the holder arm 120 is positioned at approximately waist height, the used filter capsule 200 can be conveniently wound off the holder arm 120 directly into a waste container (not shown).

[0041] An additional advantage of unloading the used filter capsule 200 while the holder arm 120 is in the ergonomic loading position is the containment of residual fluid within the used filter capsule 200. During operation, the interior of the filter capsule 200 fills and becomes saturated with fluid. Although efforts are made to minimize the amount of fluid entrained within each filter capsule 200 and also to remove excess fluid after use, typically some amount of residual fluid remains after operation. Thus, when removing each filter capsule 200 from the filter holder 100, there is a risk that residual fluid may leak through the exposed fluid ports of the filter capsule. Removal of the filter capsule 200 while on the side (i.e. while the holder arm is in the ergonomic loading position) is advantageous because residual fluid is contained within the filter capsule 200. In contrast, a filter capsule 200 unloaded in a vertical position may leak residual fluid because the exposed fluid ports are oriented to the bottom of the filter capsule 200.

[0042] The crank handle 114 of the tilt mechanism 110 is also located at a convenient height for the operator, as are the retaining plate 140, locking assembly 150, compression plate 130, and filter compression adjustment device 134. Thus, when the holder arm 120 is in the ergonomic loaded position, all of the features which must be routinely accessed by the operator are located at a convenient ergonomic height.

[0043] 4 depicts the filter holder 100 in an ergonomic loading position, with the holder arm 120 loaded with a filter capsule stack 250 comprising two filter capsules 200 sandwiched between two manifold members 280. As shown, the manifold members may optionally comprise one or more of a feed fluid inlet 210 or a filtrate outlet 214. As can be seen, the filter capsule stack 250 is compressed between the compression plate 130 and the retention plate 140. An exemplary filter capsule stack 250 can be seen, for example, in FIGS. 4 and 10. It can also be clearly seen that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the front support bar 126 is positioned below the holder arm axis 121 to facilitate easier loading and unloading of the filter capsules 200, as described above.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the retaining plate 140 is positioned along the front and rear support bars 126, 128 so as to contact the filter capsule stack 250, and the illustrated locking mechanism 150 engages with a plate positioning groove 129 in the front support bar 126 to lock the retaining plate 140 in place on the holder arm 120.

[0045] FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of a filter capsule stack 250 according to the present disclosure. The filter capsule stack 250 depicted in FIG. 10 comprises three filter capsules 200 connected to one another by a fluid interconnect 208. Although FIG. 10 depicts a fluid interconnect 208 that may advantageously use a piston seal, it is also envisioned that adjacent filter capsules 200 may be fluidly connected to one another by a simple face seal, or a combination of piston and face seals. In embodiments in which face seals are employed, compression of the filter capsule stack 250 acts to engage and compress the face seal members between the filter capsules 200, thereby fluidly sealing each filter capsule 200 to the adjacent filter capsule 200.

[0046] Each filter capsule 200 can include one or more filter elements 202 disposed therein. In some embodiments, each filter capsule 200 includes different types of filter elements 202. For example, each filter capsule 200 may include filter elements 202 for, for example, depth filtration, scale reduction, antibacterial treatment, antiviral treatment, flavor enhancement, or one of the others. Such filter elements 202 may be used alone or in combination with other filter elements 202. In this manner, filter capsule stacks 250 can be customized to provide application-specific filtration.

[0047] In some applications, it may be desirable to provide a filter capsule stack 250 with either (i) both the feed fluid inlet 210 and the filtrate outlet 214 located at one end of the filter capsule stack 250, or (ii) the feed fluid inlet 210 at one end and the filtrate outlet 214 at the opposite end. Locating the feed fluid inlet 210 and the filtrate outlet 214 at one end allows the associated piping to be located in a single area rather than being separated by the length of the filter capsule stack 250. This results in a more compact assembly. In some embodiments, the filter capsule stack 250 may include one or more manifold members 280, as depicted in FIG. 12. As depicted in FIG. 12, "D" depicts the flow of dirty or unfiltered fluid into the feed fluid inlet 210 and "C" depicts the flow of clean or filtered fluid from the filtrate outlet 214. The purpose of the manifold member 280, if employed, is to direct the flow of fluid to the end of the filter capsule stack 250. The manifold member 280 can act as a dead end for the filtrate, allowing it to reverse direction and return towards the filtrate outlet 214 to exit the filter capsule stack 250. The manifold member 280 may also provide both the fluid inlet 210 and the filtrate outlet 214 on a single end of the filter capsule stack 250. The manifold member 280 may more simply provide only the feed fluid inlet 210 or only the filtrate outlet 214. Combinations of these embodiments are also envisioned. For example, flow configurations as described above can be utilized to achieve series or parallel filtration - e.g., one filter capsule 200 either in series or parallel with an adjacent filter capsule 200. Such flow configurations may also be combined within a single filter capsule stack 250 such that certain filter capsules 200 are operated in parallel and others in series. The manifold member 280 may be constructed from, for example, polycarbonate or polypropylene.

[0048] As shown, Figure 11 depicts a filter capsule stack 250 arranged such that dirty fluid "D" enters through the top of the filter capsule stack and clean fluid "C" exits through the bottom. However, it should be understood that such inlet and outlet flows may be configured in a number of ways. For example, in one embodiment, both the feed fluid inlet 210 and the filtrate outlet 214 occur within a single manifold member 280 positioned at the bottom of the filter capsule stack 250, while only the exhaust of excess gas occurs via a manifold member 280 positioned at the top of the filter capsule stack 250.

[0049] The filter capsule stack 250 is typically positioned in the holder arm 120 of the filter holder 100 during operation. The holder arm 120 with the compression plate 130 and the opposing retainer plate 140 may be required, for example, to hold the end wall of the outermost filter capsule 200 in the filter capsule stack 250. Since such outermost end wall is not supported against the adjacent filter capsule 200, contact with the compression plate 130 or the retainer plate 140 may help prevent deflection of the wall under internal fluid pressure. The filter holder 100 may apply a force to the compression plate 130 and the retainer plate 140 along the direction of the first axis 251 of the filter capsule stack 250 (typically aligned with the holder arm axis 121).

[0050] Typically, the compression plate 130 and the retention plate 140 abut the filter capsules 200 at one or the other end of the filter capsule stack 250. Typically, each filter capsule 200 in the filter capsule stack 250 contacts an adjacent filter capsule 200 at a bearing point, providing a known rigidity reference against which to apply force. In some embodiments, the filter holder 100 may further provide provisions for a feed fluid inlet 210 and a filtrate outlet 214. In some embodiments, the components of the filter holder 100 may be constructed from, for example, stainless steel.

[0051] In a method of use, a filter holder 100 according to the present disclosure is typically loaded with one or more filter capsules 200, optionally including one or more manifold members 280, to form a filter capsule stack 250 on the holder arms 120. The filter capsule stack 250 is compressed between the retention plate 140 and the compression plate 130. The filter holder is then operated as a filtration system in a service position.

[0052] In some embodiments, loading the filter capsule 200 onto the holder arm 120 includes engaging the alignment wing 203 of the filter capsule onto one of the front or rear support bars 126, 128 to align the first axis 251 of the filter capsule stack 250 with the holder arm axis 121.

[0053] The holder arm 120 is typically tilted into an ergonomic load position and one or more filter capsules 200, optionally including one or more manifold members 280, are loaded to form a filter capsule stack 250 on the holder arm 120. The holder arm 120 is then tilted into a service position where the filter holder can be operated as a filtration system.

[0054] Loading the filter capsule stack 250 onto the holder arm 120 involves using a two-handed operation to unlock the retaining plate 140. In some embodiments, the locking handles 151, 152 are rotated to an unlocked position. The retaining plate 140 can be slid to the distal end of the holder arm 120. The capsule stack 250 may be loaded into the holder arm 120 capsule at a time. Once the last capsule of the capsule stack 250 is installed, the retaining plate 140 can be slid toward the proximal end until the locking mechanism xx engages the plate positioning groove 129 closest to the capsule stack and the locking handles 151, 152 are in the locked position.

[0055] Typically, operating the filter holder as a filtration system includes one or more of filling the filter capsule stack 250 with fluid, purging excess gas from the filter capsule stack 250, filtering fluid through the filter capsule 200, and draining residual fluid from the filter capsule stack 250.

[0056] In some embodiments, the filter arm 120 can be tilted by an operator turning a crank handle 114 that is coupled to the tilt shaft via a gearbox at the tilt axis 112. In some embodiments, the crank handle may be removed and a hand drill may be connected via a standard hex hub to assist in turning the crank.

[0057] The method of operating the filter holder 100 further includes compressing the filter capsule stack 250 between the retention plate 140 and the compression plate 130. The retention plate is locked in place to prevent it from sliding. In one embodiment, the locking is accomplished by a locking mechanism xx that engages with a plate positioning groove 129 on one or more of the front support bar 126 and the rear support bar 128.

[0058] In one embodiment, the method further includes adjusting the compression of the filter capsule stack 250 between the retention plate 140 and the compression plate 130. In some embodiments, this is done by an operator adjusting the filter compression adjustment device 134. In one embodiment, the operator adjusts the filter compression adjustment device 134 by increasing the compression of the filter capsule stack 250 until the torque limiter 138 activates and limits further compression. As discussed above, depending on the type and amount of filter capsules 200 used in the filter capsule stack 250, the torque limit of the torque limiter 138 may be set to any suitable torque.

[0059] In one embodiment, the method further includes tilting the holder arm 120 from the service position back to the ergonomic loaded position. Typically, tilting the holder arm 120 from the service position to the ergonomic loaded position is performed by reversing the steps described above for tilting the holder arm 120 to the service position.

[0060] The method may further include unlocking the retaining plate 140 using a two-handed operation and then unloading the filter capsule stack 250 from the holder arm 120. Unlocking the retaining plate 140 may include rotating the left and right locking handles 153, 155 to an unlocked position. The retaining plate 140 may then be slid to the distal end of the holder arm 120.

[0061] In some embodiments, each filter capsule 200 is disengaged from an adjacent filter capsule 200 by holding the adjacent filter capsule 200 while rotating the filter capsule 200 to be removed toward the operator. Little to no lateral movement of the operator is required in performing this step. Rather, the operator need only rotate the filter capsule 200 toward the operator's body and gently lift the filter capsule 200 off the holder arms.

[0062] In some embodiments, unloading the filter capsule stack 250 from the holder arm 120 includes rotating the filter capsule 200 over the front support bar 126. If a fulcrum lug 230 is further provided on the filter capsule, rotating the filter capsule 200 over the front support bar 126 can include engaging the fulcrum lug 230 with the front support bar 126 and rotating the filter capsule 200 about the fulcrum lug 230 to roll the filter capsule 200 over the front support bar 126.

[0063] If the filter capsule 200 further comprises a handle 204, the handle may be grasped by the operator to assist in rotating the filter capsule towards the operator and also in holding adjacent filter capsules 200 from rotating when disengaging one filter capsule 200 from the other. The handle 204 is clearly shown, for example, in Figures 9 and 10. Similarly, the method may include grasping the handle 204 of the filter capsule 200 to lift the filter capsule 200 onto or off of the holder arm 120.

[0064] In one embodiment, the method includes tilting the holder arm 120 from a position where the center of gravity of the holder arm 120 is vertically offset from the tilt axis 112 to a position where the center of gravity of the holder arm 120 is substantially vertically aligned with the tilt axis 112.

[0065] The complete disclosures of the publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated. Various modifications and alterations to the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that the present invention is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments and examples described herein, which are presented by way of example only, and that the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the claims, as defined herein below.

Claims

1. A filter holder, a base for supporting the filter holder on a work surface; a tilt mechanism attached to the base; a holder arm attached to the tilt mechanism at a tilt axis, (a) a proximal end and a distal end; (b) a compression plate adjacent the base end; (c) a retaining plate adjacent the distal end; (d) front and rear support bars extending from the proximal end to the distal end, at least one of the support bars including a plurality of plate locating grooves distributed along its length; (e) a locking mechanism movable along the front and rear support bars and lockable in plate positioning grooves of one or both of the front and rear support bars to lock the holding plate in place on the holder arm, the locking mechanism comprising a left locking assembly and a right locking assembly, the locking mechanism requiring two-handed operation to change the locking mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position; A filter holder, wherein the holder arm is tiltable about the tilt axis to a service position, the holder arm being oriented perpendicular to the work surface and an ergonomic loading position, the holder arm being oriented parallel to the work surface.

2. The filter holder of claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism is spring loaded.

3. 3. The filter holder of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is an automatic locking mechanism, and when the holder arm is tilted about the tilt axis from the ergonomic load position to the service position, the retaining plate is automatically locked into the plate positioning groove of one or both of the front and rear support bars.

4. 3. The filter holder of claim 1 or 2, wherein the left and right locking assemblies both comprise a handle and a bearing / cam locking assembly.

5. 3. The filter holder of claim 1, further comprising a tilting mechanism for tilting the holder arm around the tilting axis, the tilting mechanism comprising a crank with a removable crank handle and a hexagonal hub below the removable crank handle.

6. 3. The filter holder of claim 1, further comprising a tilt mechanism for tilting the holder arm about the tilt axis, the tilt mechanism comprising a stepper motor.

7. 7. The filter holder of claim 6, wherein the stepper motor has a lithium ion battery power source.

8. 3. The filter holder of claim 1, wherein the compression plate is continuously adjustable by a filter compression adjustment device.

9. 3. The filter holder of claim 1, wherein the filter holder is movable.

10. A filter system comprising the filter holder of claim 1 or 2 and a filter capsule stack loaded on the holder arm.

11. 1. A method of operating a filter holder, comprising: tilting the holder arm to an ergonomic loading position, the holder arm being in a substantially horizontal orientation; loading a filter capsule stack onto the holder arm; tilting the holder arm about a tilt axis to a service position, wherein the holder arm is in a substantially vertical orientation; The method, wherein loading a filter capsule stack onto the holder arm includes (i) unlocking a holding plate using a two-handed operation; (ii) placing the filter capsule stack onto the holder arm; (iii) compressing the filter capsule stack between a compression plate and the holding plate; and (ii) locking the holding plate to prevent sliding.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein locking the holding plate includes locking the holding plate into a plate positioning groove on a support bar of the holder arm.

13. 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein using a two-handed operation to unlock the retaining plate comprises rotating two locking handles to an unlocked position.

14. 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, further comprising tilting the holder arm from the service position back to the ergonomic loading position, unlocking the retaining plate using a two-handed operation, and unloading the filter capsule stack from the holder arm.

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein using a two-handed operation to unlock the retaining plate includes rotating two locking handles to an unlocked position.

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