System with a filter

Abstract

Systems (10) and methods configured for use with a filter may include a filter container (100) and an interface assembly (200) The filter container (100) may include one or more alignment surfaces that are configured to assist a user in aligning, coupling, and decoupling the filter container (100) to and from the interface assembly (200). Further, the interface assembly (200) may include a base (250), and the base (250) may be configured to hold and align the filter container (100).

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODSFOR USE WITH A FILTER

[0001] The disclosure herein relates to systems, and methods for use with a filter configured to filter fluid for use with, for example, solution generation systems and water filtration systems.BACKGROUND

[0002] In the treatment of patients suffering acute or chronic renal insufficiency, dialysis therapy is employed. The two general categories of dialysis therapy are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In hemodialysis, the patient's blood is cleansed by passage through an artificial kidney in an extracorporeal membrane system. In peritoneal dialysis, dialyzing fluid is infused into the patient’s peritoneal cavity. The cavity is lined by the peritoneal membrane which is highly vascularized. Metabolites are removed from the patient’s blood by diffusion across the peritoneal membrane into the dialyzing fluid. Excess fluid (i.e., water) is also removed by osmosis induced by hypertonic dialyzing fluid.

[0003] Peritoneal dialysis requires the maintenance of aseptic technique for connection because of an elevated risk of peritoneal infection. The risk of infection is particularly high due to the high number of exchanges of dialyzing fluid that the patient is exposed to. In one form of peritoneal dialysis, an automated cycler is used to infuse and drain dialyzing fluid. Peritoneal dialysis generally requires large volumes of dialyzing fluid. Generally, at each application, or exchange, a given patient will infuse 2 liters to 3 liters of dialyzing fluid into the peritoneal cavity. The fluid is allowed to dwell for approximately 1 hour to 3 hours, at which time the fluid is drained out and exchanged for fresh fluid. Generally, four such exchanges are performed daily. Therefore, approximately 8 liters to 20 liters of dialyzing fluid is required per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for each patient.

[0004] Dialyzing fluids have traditionally been provided in sealed, heat-sterilized form, ready for use. Peritoneal dialysis is typically performed using bags with three different concentrations of dextrose. The bags are often being delivered to a patient's home as 1 liter to 6 liter bags with different dextrose concentrations and, as described above, a normal daily consumption is around 8 liters to 20 liters of fluid. Using this system poses challenges, particularly in terms of the space-consuming nature of shipping and storing the sheer volume offluids required. Additionally, the use of multiple prefilled bags produces waste materials in the form of empty containers and packaging.

[0005] In some peritoneal dialysis systems, the dialyzing fluids may be prepared by using a disposable component (i.e., a filter) connected to a source of potable or drinkable water. In these systems, however, several problems may become apparent. The patients may lack the strength, knowledge, or capability to install the disposable component. The disposable component may require multiple contact points connected to the system thereby requiring a more complex installation. The location of the disposable component may be in a location that is difficult to reach or access for a patient. Further, the disposable component may be difficult to support when disconnecting from the system. Still further, the disposable component may become too heavy for the patient to uninstall without spilling fluid therefrom.SUMMARY

[0006] An illustrative system including a disposable component, such as a filter, for use with for example a dialysis system, is described herein that is convenient and easy-to-use. The system includes a filter container and interface assembly that work together to allow a patient to install and deinstall the filter container without assistance by providing various features that facilitate a repeatable and reproducible servicing.

[0007] In one embodiment, the system for filtering fluid includes a filter container and an interface assembly. The filter container extends from a bottom end region to a top end region. The filter container includes a bottom portion including a sidewall extending from the top end region to the bottom end region and defining a filter container cavity configured to receive a filter. The filter container further includes a header positioned proximate to the top end region. The header includes a plurality of filter container ports configured to at least receive an unfiltered fluid to transmit the unfiltered fluid to the filter and to transmit a filtered fluid from the filter. The system further includes an interface assembly configured to receive the filter container and to be selectively operably coupled to the filter container to at least transmit the unfiltered fluid to the filter container and to receive the filtered fluid from the filter container. The interface assembly includes a manifold, an attachment device, and a base. The manifold includes aplurality of manifold ports configured to be operably coupled to the plurality of filter container ports of the header. The attachment device is configured to selectively operably couple the plurality of manifold ports to the plurality of filter container ports. The base defines a base cavity configured to receive at least the bottom end region of the filter container and position the filter container in a decoupled configuration and a coupled configuration. When in the coupled configuration, the filter container is positioned such that the plurality of manifold ports are coupled to the plurality of filter container ports. When in the decoupled configuration, the filter container is positioned such that the plurality of filter container ports are spaced apart from and uncoupled from the plurality of manifold ports and the plurality of filter container ports are aligned to be coupled with the plurality of manifold ports.

[0008] In one embodiment, the system for filtering fluid includes a filter container and an interface assembly. The filter container extends from a bottom end region to a top end region along a filter container axis. The filter container includes a bottom portion and a header. The bottom portion includes a sidewall extending from the top end region to the bottom end region and defines a filter container cavity configured to receive a filter. The sidewall of the bottom portion defines a filter container outer surface that includes at least filter one container alignment surface configured to restrict rotation of the filter container about the filter container axis. The header is positioned proximate to the top end region, the header includes a plurality of filter container ports configured to deliver unfiltered fluid to the filter and to at least receive filtered fluid from the filter. The system for filtering fluids further includes an interface assembly that is configured to receive the filter container and to be selectively operably coupled to the filter container to deliver the unfiltered fluid to the filter container and to at least receive the filtered fluid from the filter container. The interface assembly includes a manifold including a plurality of manifold ports configured to be operably coupled to the plurality of filter container ports of the header. The interface assembly further includes an attachment device configured to selectively operably couple the plurality of manifold ports to the plurality of filter container ports. The interface assembly also includes a base that includes an inner wall that defines a base cavity configured to receive at least the bottom end region of the filter container and position the filter container in a coupled configuration. When in the coupled configuration, the filter container is positioned such that the plurality of manifold ports are coupled to the plurality of filter container ports and the at least filter one container alignment surface of the filter containerouter surface of the bottom portion is configured to contact the inner wall of the base to align the plurality of filter container ports with the plurality of manifold ports to restrict rotation of the filter container about the filter container axis.

[0009] In one embodiment, the system for filtering fluid includes a filter container and an interface assembly. The filter container extends from a bottom end region to a top end region along a filter container axis and includes a bottom portion comprising a sidewall extending from the top end region to the bottom end region and defining a filter container cavity configured to receive a filter. The filter container further includes a header positioned proximately to the top end region. The header includes a plurality of filter container ports configured to at least receive an unfiltered fluid to transmit unfiltered fluid to the filter and to transmit a filtered fluid from the filter. The header further includes a detachment portion. The system for filtering fluid further includes an interface assembly configured to receive the filter container and to be selectively operably coupled to the filter container to deliver the unfiltered fluid to the filter container and to at least receive the filtered fluid from the filter container. The interface assembly includes a manifold, an attachment device, and a base. The manifold includes a plurality of manifold ports configured to be operably coupled to the plurality of filter container ports of the header. The attachment device is configured to selectively operably decouple the plurality of manifold ports from the plurality of filter container ports by contacting the detachment portion of the header of the filter container. The base defines a base cavity configured to receive at least the bottom end region of the filter container.

[0010] All headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of any text that follows the heading, unless so specified.

[0011] As used herein, the term “configured to” used in connection with various components includes functionality that may alternatively be described as, for example, adapted to, designed to, molded to, or constructed to. For example, a component may be configured to perform a function while also being adapted to perform that function (as well as any other function that is reasonable).

[0012] The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. A more complete understanding will become apparentand appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Throughout the specification, reference is made to the appended drawings, where like reference numerals designate like elements, and wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter system.

[0015] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a filter container of the filter system of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 2B is a side view of the filter container of FIG. 2A.

[0017] FIG. 2C is a front view of the filter container of FIG. 2A.

[0018] FIG. 2D is a rear view of the filter container of FIG. 2A.

[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the filter container of FIG. 2 A including a filter disposed within the filter container.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an interface assembly of the filter system of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 5A is a top view of a base of the interface assembly of FIG. 4.

[0022] FIG. 5B is a cross-section view A-A of the base of FIG. 5 A.

[0023] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a cross-section view B-B of the base of FIG. 5A.

[0024] FIG. 6A is a side view of the filter system of FIG. 1 including the cross-section view A-A of the base of FIG. 5B where the filter container is in decoupled configuration.

[0025] FIG. 6B is a side view of the filter system of FIG. 1 including the cross-section view A-A of the base of FIG. 5B where the filter container is in transient configuration.

[0026] FIG. 6C is a side view of the filter system of FIG. 1 including the cross-section view A-A of the base of FIG. 5B where the filter container is in coupled configuration.

[0027] FIG. 6D is a top view of the filter system of FIG. 1 where the filter container is in coupled configuration.

[0028] FIG. 7A is a partial side view of the filter system of FIGS. 1 to 6D where the filter container is coupled to the manifold and the attachment device is in an unlocked configuration.

[0029] FIG. 7B is a partial side view of the filter system of FIGS. 1 to 6D where the filter container is coupled to the manifold and the attachment device is in a locked configuration.

[0030] FIG. 7C is a partial side view of the filter system of FIGS. 1 to 6D where the filter container is coupled to the manifold and the attachment device is in a detachment configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments which may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from (e.g., still falling within) the scope of the disclosure presented hereby.

[0032] Illustrative systems, devices, and methods shall be described with reference to FIGS.1-7. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that elements or processes from one embodiment may be used in combination with elements or processes of the other embodiments, and that the possible embodiments of such systems, devices, and methods using combinations of features set forth herein is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the Figures and / or described herein. Further, it will be recognized that the embodiments described herein may include many elements that are not necessarily shown to scale. Still further, it will be recognized that timing of the processes and the size and shape of various elements herein may be modified but still fall within the scope of the present disclosure, although certain timings, one or more shapes and / or sizes, or types of elements, may be advantageous over others.

[0033] In general, the present disclosure relates to a filter system including a filter container and interface assembly that allows a patient to service the filter system without assistance by providing various features that facilitate repeatable and reproducible servicing.

[0034] Some dialysis systems utilize a traditional filter container that uses connections in multiple locations or may often require professional assistance to install and remove. As a result,it can be preferable to have a filter container that has consolidated connection points and is able to be installed by the patient. Further, traditional filter containers may be difficult to install because alignment of the connection points (e.g., ports, etc.) may be challenging and the traditional systems may not provide any alignment surfaces to assist the patient in installation of such filter cannisters. It can, therefore, be preferable to produce a filter container and corresponding filter system that aligns the filter container to assist a patient with connecting the filter container to the filter system. Traditional filter containers can require significant effort or force to remove the filter container when being discarded. It can, therefore, be preferable to produce a filter container to include a detachment feature to aid the patient when removing the filter container from the filter system. Further, traditional filter containers may be heavy when removed from the filter system because the traditional filter containers can be full of fluid. It can be preferable for a filter system to include a base to receive a corresponding filter container when preparing to install to the system or when removing a used filter container to assist a user in the installation and removal of the filter container.

[0035] One or more embodiments of a filter system described herein can provide various advantages over currently available (i.e., traditional) filter systems. For example, in one embodiment, the filter system of the present disclosure may provide a dialysis system with a replaceable filter that a patient can replace the filter without assistance. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the filter system of the present disclosure may provide a simple connections system for filtering fluid such that the patient may only connect the filter at one connection area.Moreover, in one embodiment, the filter system of the present disclosure may provide a base to assist the patient when loading the filter into the filter system (e.g., to align a filter container containing the filter for coupling with a manifold). In one embodiment, the filter system of the present disclosure may provide an attachment device configured to assist with securing the filter container to the filter system and detaching the filter container from the filter system. In one embodiment, the filter system of the present disclosure may provide a base to assist with securing the filter container, when detached from the attachment device, such that the fluid present in the filter container is contained and not spilt.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative filter system 10 for use with, for example, a dialysis system. The filter system 10 can be used for any suitable system configuredto filter fluid. For example, the present subject matter can be used in any suitable dialysis system. In one embodiment, the filter system 10 may be used in a water filtration system (e.g., water purification system) configured for purification of water. The filter system 10 may be a purification mechanism of a water purification system, that may include additional purification mechanisms such as carbon beds, ultrafilters, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light, or a combination of two or more thereof. The illustrative water purification system may be configured to produce purified water with a quality of “water for dialysis.” For example, criteria for “water for dialysis” may be defined in accordance with ANSI / AAMI / ISO 23500-3:2019. In some embodiments, the purified water is mixed with one or more concentrates, typically in a mixing system, to produce a medical fluid such as, for example, a dialysis fluid. The dialysis fluid may be used in dialysis systems such as peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis systems. A cycler or dialysis machine may be provided to use the dialysis fluid in the respective treatment (e.g., peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis). Any or several of a water purification system, a mixing system, a cycler or dialysis machine may be included in a herein mentioned illustrative dialysis system. In one embodiment, the filter system 10 may be used for, or with, peritoneal dialysis systems to filter a source of potable or drinkable water in the preparation of dialyzing fluids. Further, the filter system 10 can additionally be used in other dialysis systems that do not connect to a source of potable or drinkable water (e.g. bags of fluid, containers, etc.). In other embodiment, the filter system 10 may be used in a solution generation device or a mixing device configured for mixing concentrates with water to provide, e.g., a dialysis solution.

[0037] The filter system 10 can utilize any suitable filter type and include any suitable number of filters. In one embodiment, the filter system 10 utilizes or includes a disposable reverse osmosis (DRO) filter configured to filter a potable water source. One example of a suitable filter includes TapTec™ DRO filter available from DuPont de Nemours, Inc. in Wilmington, Delaware. In one embodiment, the filter system 10 utilizes or includes ultrafilters.

[0038] The filter system 10 can be located in any suitable location or locations on any suitable water filtration systems and can include any suitable number of components, housings, bases, ports, or features suitable for filtering fluid for a dialysis system. The filter system 10 can be any suitable orientation, shape, or size such that suitable amounts of fluid flow (e.g., liters per minute, etc.) and volume (e.g., liters, etc.) for filtering fluid in a dialysis system are maintainedfor the present therapy being delivered. In one embodiment, the filter system 10 may provide filtered (e.g., purified) water that can be mixed with concentrates to provide a dialysis fluid that may be used in a dialysis system.

[0039] The filter system 10 can include (e.g., be formed of) any one or more suitable materials. For example, the filter system 10 can include one or more of conductive metals, non-conductive metals, polymers, ceramics, glass, composites, or any combination of two or more of such materials. Examples of polymer materials include thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamide, thermoset elastomers (e.g., silicone) or any combination of two or more of such materials. Further, the filter system 10 can be connected to and integrated with a fluid treatment system using any suitable technique.Examples of suitable techniques can include at least one of mechanical fastening, friction fitting, welding, molding, or adhesively connecting.

[0040] The filter system 10 includes, among other things, a filter container 100 and an interface assembly 200. The filter container 100 includes a bottom portion 120 and a header 160 as will be described further herein with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3. The interface assembly includes, among other things, a manifold 210, an attachment device 230, and a base 250 as will be described further herein with respect to FIGS. 4A through 5B. The base 250 is, for example, arranged to guide the filter container 100 into a pre-aligned, angled resting position.

[0041] The filter container 100 of the filter system 10 of FIG. 1 is further shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. As shown, the filter container 100 extends from a bottom end region 110 to a top end region 150 along a filter container axis 102. In one embodiment, the filter container axis 102 may be defined as an axis that intersects a geometrical center of a majority of cross-sectional planes along the filter container 100 from the bottom end region 110 to the top end region 150. The bottom end region 110 defines a bottom surface 112 that is substantially perpendicular to the filter container axis 102. In at least one embodiment, all or a substantial portion (e.g., a majority, 40% or greater, etc.) of the bottom surface 112 may be substantially flat such that bottom surface 112 of the filter container 100 may rest on a flat surface holding the filter container 100 in an upright position.

[0042] The filter container 100 can include any suitable number of components such as headers, sidewalls, or any other component to assist with filtering fluid and can be any suitableshape or size and can be any suitable material or materials. For example, the filter container 100 can include one or more conductive metals, non-conductive metals, polymers, ceramics, glass, composites, or any combination of two or more of such materials. Examples of polymer materials include thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamide, thermoset elastomers (e.g., silicone) or any combination of two or more of such materials.

[0043] The filter container 100 may be described as including the two following coupled portions: a bottom portion 120; and a header 160 positioned proximate the top end region 150. The bottom portion 120 defines, or includes, a sidewall 122 extending from the top end region 150 to the bottom end region 110. The sidewall 122 may define or have any size or shape so as to provide the functionality described herein. Generally, the sidewall 122 extends parallel to the filter container axis 102 and perpendicular to the bottom surface 112. The filter container 100 further defines a filter container cavity (as shown in FIG. 3) formed by at least the header 160 and the bottom portion 120.

[0044] When used herein, the term “parallel” as used in connection with various components, axes, directions of travel, etc. includes both parallel and generally parallel arrangements. For example, two axes (or other components, features, etc.) may be described as “parallel” when the axes (or other components, features, etc.) are both parallel with each other or substantially parallel with each other such that, e.g., the axes (or other components, features, etc.) thereof may form an angle with each other that is greater than 0 degrees but 10 degrees or less.

[0045] The header 160 and the sidewall 122 may be coupled or connected to form the filter container 100 using any suitable technique such that fluid does not leak out of the filter container 100. Suitable techniques include one or more of friction fitting, welding, adhesively connecting, molding, or mechanical fastening. Furthermore, the header 160 and the sidewall 122 may include (e.g., be formed by or of) the same or different materials.

[0046] The sidewall 122 of the bottom portion 120 of the filter container 100 may be any suitable thickness, shape, or size sufficient to couple with the header 160 of the filter container and provide the structural design to contain, or hold, a filter and provide the functionality of filtering fluid. The sidewall 122 may further include any suitable number of surfaces on the inside or outside of the sidewall 122. In one embodiment, the sidewall 122 may be generallydescribed as defining a cylinder with a closed end, e.g., the closed end being the bottom end region 110 and bottom surface 112.

[0047] In one embodiment, the thickness of the sidewall 122 from an inner surface to an outer surface and defined radially from the filter container axis 102 may be between about 5 millimeters (mm) and about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the sidewall 122 defined radially from the filter container axis 102 is 7 mm.

[0048] The filter container 100 may provide, or include, one or more features or structures that are configured to assist a user in the alignment of the filter container 100 for coupling to the interface assembly 200 and for uninstalling or decoupling the filter container 100 from the interface assembly 200. For example, the sidewall 122 can include, or define, at least one filter container alignment surface 124 that aligns the filter container for alignment of the filter container 100 for coupling to the interface assembly 200 and for uninstalling or decoupling the filter container 100 from the interface assembly 200. In one embodiment, for example, the at least one filter container alignment surface 124 may be configured to align the filter container 100 with an attachment device of the interface assembly 200 and assists the patient when placing the filter container into a base of the interface assembly 200 as to be described further herein with respect to FIGS. 6-7.

[0049] As will be described further herein with respect to FIGS. 6A-6D, it may be described that the filter container 100 and any one of the filter container components (e.g., header, ports, etc.) and the interface assembly 200 and any one of the interface assembly components (e.g., manifold, manifold ports, attachment device, etc.) may be aligned to facilitate effective coupling therebetween.

[0050] In one embodiment, the container alignment surface 124 may include a protruding portion 125, as shown in FIG. 2 A, that protrudes or extends from the sidewall 122 in radial direction relative the filter container axis 102. In the present embodiment, the container alignment surface 124 includes a first protruding portion 125a and a second protruding portion 125b, as shown in FIG. 2B-2D. Nonetheless, it is to be understood that the container alignment surface 124 of the sidewall 122 can include any suitable number of protruding portions. Further, the protruding portion 125 may be the same or different material than the sidewall 122. Stillfurther, the protruding portion 125 may be integral to the sidewall 122 or may be formed separately and later connected to the sidewall 122 using any suitable technique.

[0051] The protruding portion 125 may be any suitable shape or size and located on any suitable portion of the sidewall 122 to aid the filter container 100 in alignment. In one embodiment, a height or thickness of the protruding portion 125 defined radially from the filter container axis 102 is about half the height or thickness of the sidewall 122. In one embodiment, the protruding portion 125 is disposed on over half the circumference of the sidewall 122. The protruding portion 125 may be any suitable thickness such that the mechanical integrity of the sidewall 122 is not changed. In one embodiment, the thickness of the protruding portion may be between about 5 mm and 10 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the protruding portion 125 defined radially from the filter container axis 102 is 7 mm.

[0052] The container alignment surface 124 of the sidewall 122 may further include a flat portion 126 as shown in, e.g., FIGS. 2 A and 2D. In one embodiment, the flat portion 126 may be disposed on the protruding portion 125. Further, it may be described that the flat portion 126 extends from the first protruding portion 125a to the second protruding portion 125b or that that the flat portion 126 extends between the first protruding portion 125a and the second protruding portion 125b. In one embodiment, the flat portion 126 may be disposed in any location on the sidewall 122 suitable to aid the filter container 100 in alignment. The flat portion 126 may be any suitable shape or size. The flat portion 126 may include any suitable number of surfaces or feature to aid the filter container 100 in alignment. In one embodiment, the flat portion 126 may be parallel or substantially parallel to the filter container axis 102.

[0053] The filter container 100 further includes a header 160 positioned proximate to the top end region 150. The header 160 of the filter container 100 may be any suitable size or shape such that it connects or couples to the sidewall 122 of the bottom portion 120 to provide or define the filter container cavity 123 to hold or contain a filter as described further herein with respect to FIG. 3. The header 160 may include any suitable number of components such as seals, protrusions, or any other suitable component that facilitates filtering fluid. The header 160 may include (e.g., be formed as or of) a single component or two or more components connected using any suitable technique.

[0054] The header 160 may include a plurality of filter container ports 162 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C that are configured to facilitate fluid flow (i.e., unfiltered fluid or filtered fluid) to and from the filter contained by the filter container 100. In one embodiment, the header 160 includes a concentrated unfiltered fluid (reject fluid) outlet port 162a, a filtered fluid outlet port 162b, and an unfiltered fluid inlet port 162c. The filter container ports 162 on the header 160 may be located in any suitable configuration or location to facilitate fluid flow and subsequent filtration. Furthermore, the filter container ports 162 may be any suitable shape or size suitable for adequate fluid flow in a filter system 10.

[0055] Each of the filter container ports 162 may extend along and define filter container port axes 52, of which is shown and labeled in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3, and 6A-6C. In other words, filter container port axes 52a, 52b, and 52c may be defined by and extend through each of the filter container ports 162a, 162b, and 162c, respectfully. It may be described that each of the filter container port axes 52 may be defined as an axis that intersects a geometrical center of a majority of cross-sectional plane of the respective filter container port 162.

[0056] The header 160 may further include an attachment portion 170 to secure the filter container 100 by contacting the interface assembly 200 as shown in FIG. 1. Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2D include a single attachment portion 170, it is to be understood that the header 160 may include any suitable number of attachment portions 170 so as to restrict movement of the filter container 100 when coupled to the interface assembly 200. The attachment portion 170 may be located in any suitable location on the header 160 and may be any suitable shape or size such that the filter container 100 is secured to the interface assembly 200 as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment and as shown, the attachment portion 170 is disposed on the side of the header 160 opposite the plurality of filter container ports 162.

[0057] The header 160 further includes at least one detachment portion 180 to assist the patient with removal of the filter container 100 when replacing the filter container 100. Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2D includes two detachment portions 180, it is to be understood that the header 160 may include any suitable number of detachment portions 180 so as to assist the patient with removal of the filter container 100. The detachment portion 180 may be located in any suitable location on the header 160 and may be any suitable shape or size to contact the attachment device 230 to detach the filter container 100 from the interface assembly200 as shown in and as will be further described with respect to FIGS. 7A-7C. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2D, it may be described that the header 160 includes two detachment portions 180 located on opposite sides of the plurality of filter container ports 162. Further, as shown, each detachment portion 180 may define a “D-shaped” protrusion. The “D-shaped” protrusion may be described as extending away from a surface of the header 160 and is configured to contact the attachment device 230 to detach the filter container 100 from the interface assembly 200 as shown in and will be further described herein with respect to FIGS. 7A-7C.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the filter container 100 of FIGS. 1-2 including a filter 20 disposed within the filter container 100. The filter container 100 has a filter container cavity 123 defined by the sidewall 122 of the bottom portion 120 that is configured to receive a filter 20. The filter container 100 further includes a header adapter 21 configured to convey fluid from the filter container cavity 123 and filter 20 to the header 160 and filter container ports 162. The filter container cavity 123 extends along the filter container axis 102 from the bottom end region 110 to the header 160 and is configured to receive any suitable filter 20. The filter container cavity 123 may be any suitable shape or size. The filter 20 may be any suitable filter for filtering fluid as described in FIG. 1 with respect to the filter system 10.

[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the interface assembly 200. The interface assembly 200 may be configured to be coupled or attached to any suitable filter container 100 or similar apparatus such that fluid flow and subsequent filtration is facilitated. In one embodiment, the interface assembly 200 may be connected to a dialysis system. In one embodiment, the interface assembly 200 is connected to a suitable potable water supply.

[0060] The interface assembly 200 may be positioned or located in any suitable location on the filter system 10 and may be oriented in any suitable orientation such that the filter system 10 achieves the desired filtering result. The interface assembly 200 may be connected to any suitable filter system using any suitable technique.

[0061] The interface assembly 200 can include any one or more suitable materials. For example, the interface assembly 200 can include one or more conductive metals, non-conductive metals, polymers, ceramics, glass, composites, or any combination of two or more of such materials. Examples of polymer materials may include thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplasticpolyurethane, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamide, thermoset elastomers (e.g., silicone) or any combination of two or more of such materials. The interface assembly 200 may include any suitable components such as manifolds, bases, attachment devices, or any other suitable component configured to receive a suitable filter component. Further, the interface assembly 200 can include any suitable number of components (e.g., two or more bases, etc.).

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the interface assembly 200 includes, among other things, a manifold 210, an attachment device 230, and a base 250. The manifold 210 facilitates fluid flow through the filter system 10 and may include any suitable materials as mentioned herein with respect to the interface assembly 200. The manifold 210 can include a plurality of manifold ports 212 configured to provide unfiltered and filtered fluid flow between the filter system 10 and the filter container 100. In the embodiment depicted, the manifold 210 includes the following three manifold ports 212: one port for incoming filtered fluid; a second port for concentrated incoming unfiltered fluid (reject fluid); and a third port for outgoing unfiltered fluid. The plurality of manifold ports 212 may be any suitable shape or size such that fluid flow is achieved and are configured to interface with the plurality of filter container ports 162 of the filter container 100 as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the manifold ports 212 may extend along a manifold port axes 54, one of which is shown and labeled in FIGS. 6A-6B. In other words, a manifold port axes 54 may be defined by and extend through each of the manifold ports 212. It may be described that the manifold port axes 54 extend along a center of the lumen of the respective manifold port 212. The manifold ports 212 and manifold port axes 54 will be described further herein with respect alignment of the manifold ports 212 and filter container ports 162, for example, as shown in FIG.6D.

[0063] The manifold 210 may be operably coupled, or operably connected, to an attachment device 230 configured to contact the header 160 of the filter container 100 to couple (e.g., attach) or decouple (e.g., detach) the filter container ports 162 to the manifold ports 212. Further, the attachment device 230 is configured to be moveable such that it selectively operably couples or decouples the filter container ports 162 to the manifold ports 212. The attachment device 230 can also be connected in any suitable location on the interface assembly 200. The attachment device 230 may be any suitable lever, arm, extension, or device. Moreover, the attachment device 230 may be any suitable shape or size such that the force required to secure the filter container 100 tothe interface assembly 200 is minimized as will be described further herein with respect to FIG.7. In one embodiment such as shown, the attachment device 230 may be described as an arm that pivots relative to the manifold 210 to selectively secure the filter container 100 to the manifold 210. In one embodiment, the attachment device 230 may be any suitable attachment device configured to selectively operably couple the plurality of manifold ports 212 to the plurality of filter container ports 162 and will be described further herein with respect to FIGS. 6-7.

[0064] The base 250 of the interface assembly 200 can be spaced apart from the manifold 210 and the attachment device 230 and configured to contact at least a portion of the filter container 100 to align the filter container ports 162 with the manifold ports 212. The base 250 may be any suitable shape or size and configured in any suitable position to provide alignment of the filter container 100 for coupling to the interface assembly 200, and in particular, to provide alignment of the filter container ports 162 with the manifold ports 212 for coupling therebetween. The inner wall 280 of the base 250 defines a base cavity 260 that is configured to receive at least a portion of a filter container 100 as shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., to receive at least a portion of bottom end region 110). Further, the inner wall 280 of the base 250 includes at least one ramped alignment surface 270 and at least one base alignment surface 281 that are configured to contact the at least one filter container alignment surface 124 and other features of the filter container 100 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D to provide at least some of the alignment functionality described herein.

[0065] The base cavity 260 is defined by an inner wall 280 that may be any suitable shape or size and any suitable number of surfaces manifold 210. The base cavity 260 may be defined by any suitable number of surfaces or portions. For example, the base cavity includes at least one ramped alignment surface 270. The base cavity 260 may include any suitable number of ramped alignment surfaces 270. The ramped alignment surface 270 is configured to contact a filter container 100 and align the filter container 100 with the interface assembly 200, and in particular, align the plurality of filter container ports 162 with the plurality of manifold ports 212 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D and will be described in further detail below.

[0066] In this embodiment, the ramped alignment surface 270 includes a first ramped alignment surface 272, a second ramped alignment surface 274, and a ramped flat surface 276. These surfaces may be any suitable shape or size. The cross-section B-B as illustrated by FIG.5C, further emphasizes the curved shape of the first ramped alignment surface 272, the second ramped alignment surface 274, and the ramped flat surface 276 of the base 250. As shown in FIG. 5C, the first ramped alignment surface 272 and the second ramped alignment surface 274 are configured to rotate (e.g., move, funnel, etc.) the filter container 100 toward the ramped flat surface 276. Further, the flat portion 126 of the filter container 100 may be configured to contact the ramped flat surface 276 of the base 250 to restrict movement of the filter container 100 and align the filter container ports 162 with the manifold ports 212 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C.

[0067] Further, as described herein, the inner wall 280 of the base 250 defines at least one base alignment surface 281 including a bottom surface 282, a first shoulder 284, and a second shoulder 286. The bottom surface 282 may be any suitable shape or size configured to receive at least the bottom end region 110 of the filter container 100 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D.Furthermore, the bottom surface 282 can be substantially flat such that when in contact with the bottom surface 112 of the filter container 100, the bottom surface 282 restricts movement of the filter container 100 as shown in FIG. 6C.

[0068] The at least one base alignment surface 281 may include any suitable number of shoulders and any suitable shape or size to contact the protruding portion 125 of the filter container 100 to restrict movement about the filter container axis 102 as shown further in FIG.6D. In one embodiment, the at least one base alignment surface 281 is configured to contact the container alignment surface 124 to align the filter container ports 162 with the manifold ports 212 and restrict rotation of the filter container 100 about the filter container axis 102 as described further herein in FIG. 6D. In one embodiment, the first shoulder 284 and the second shoulder 286 are configured to contact the first protruding portion 125a and second protruding portion 125b to align the plurality of filter container ports 162 with the plurality of manifold ports 212 and restrict rotation of the filter container 100 about the filter container axis 102 as described in FIG. 6D when the plurality of filter container ports 162 are coupled to plurality of manifold ports 212.

[0069] The ramped alignment surface 270 is shown in more detail in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5B and 5C. As shown, the flat surface 276 is at a slope relative to the bottom surface 282 of the base alignment surface 281 of the base cavity 260 (e.g., relative to horizontal, relative to a ground surface, etc.). The ramped flat surface 276 is further described herein withrespect to FIG. 6C when the ramped flat surface 276 is in contact with the flat portion 126 of the filter container alignment surface 124 of the filter container 100.

[0070] The filter system 10 may be illustrated in various configurations depending on whether the filter container 100 is coupled, decoupled, or otherwise detached as shown in FIG.6B from the interface assembly 200, and as will be described herein, the various alignment surfaces and other features of the filter container 100 and the interface assembly 200 provide alignment functionality and ease of installation and removal of the filter container 100 during each of such configurations.

[0071] When the filter system 10 is in the decoupled configuration as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the filter container 100 is positioned such that the filter container ports 162 of the header 160 are spaced apart from and decoupled to the manifold ports 212 and the attachment device 230 is not in contact with the filter container 100. Furthermore, in the decoupled configuration, the container alignment surface 124 of the sidewall 122 of the bottom portion 120 of the filter container 100 is in contact with the ramped alignment surface 270 such that the filter container ports 162 are aligned to be coupled with the manifold ports 212 of the manifold 210. The flat portion 126 of the filter container 100 is perpendicular to the filter container port axes 52 defined by the filter container ports 162 so, when the flat portion 126 is in contact the with ramped flat surface 276 of the base 250, the manifold port axes 54 of the manifold ports 212 are aligned with the filter container port axes 52 of the filter container ports 162 along arc 56 as will be described further herein. Further, the first ramped alignment surface 272 and the second ramped alignment surface 274 may be described as being configured to “funnel” (e.g., move, rotate, position, etc.) the filter container 100 in the base 250 such that the flat portion 126 and the ramped flat surface 276 are in contact. In the decoupled configuration, the filter container 100 is restricted from rotating about the filter container axis 102 by the contact between the container alignment surface 124 and the ramped alignment surface 270. Thus, a user may place or slide a filter container 100 along the ramped alignment surface 270 and the filter container 100 may “selfadjust” (e.g., rotate about the axis 102) such that the filter container 100 rests with the flat portion 126 against the ramped flat surface 276. When the filter container 100 is stationary with the flat portion 126 adjacent the ramped flat surface 276, each of the manifold ports 212 and the filter container ports 162 may be aligned as will be described in more detail.

[0072] The manifold ports 212 and the filter container ports 162 may be aligned in any one of the coupled, decoupled, and transient configurations, and the alignment surfaces (e.g., the filter container alignment surface 124, ramped alignment surface 270, etc.) provide such alignment. When in alignment, the manifold port axes 54 of each of the plurality of manifold ports 212 is in the same plane 50 as a filter container port axes 52 of a respective filter container port of the plurality of filter container ports 162 as shown in FIG. 6D. Further, when in alignment in the transient configuration and decoupled configurations of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the manifold port axes 54 of the manifold ports 212 and the filter container port axes 52 of the filter container ports 162 are in the same arc 56 such that the patient merely has to move the filter container 100 along the arc 56 to couple the manifold ports 212 and the filter container ports 162. Further, for example, in the coupled configuration, the manifold port axes 54 of the manifold ports 212 and the filter container port axes 52 of the filter container ports 162 remain in the same plane 50 and will overlap as described herein with respect to FIG. 6D. As described herein, the container alignment surface 124 of the filter container 100 includes the protruding portion 125 is in contact (e.g., engages, mates with, etc.) with the ramped flat surface 276 of the base 250 such that the plurality of filter container ports 162 are aligned to be coupled with the plurality of manifold ports 212. In this configuration, the filter container 100 is restricted from rotating about the filter container axis 102 by the contact between the protruding portion 125 and the ramped flat surface 276.

[0073] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 A, the container alignment surface 124 of the filter container 100 includes the flat portion 126 that is parallel to the filter container axis 102 and that is in contact (e.g., engages, mates with, etc.) with the ramped flat surface 276 such that the plurality of filter container ports 162 are aligned to be coupled with the plurality of manifold ports 212 along arc 56. In this configuration, the filter container 100 is restricted from rotating about the filter container axis 102 by the contact between the flat portion 126 and the ramped flat surface 276. In the embodiment shown, the container ports 162 and the manifold ports 212 are aligned such that movement along the arc 56 would bring the container ports 162 in contact with the manifold ports 212 for coupling thereto.

[0074] When the patient loads the filter container 100 into the interface assembly 200, the container alignment surface 124 of the sidewall 122 contacts the base 250. Specifically, thecontainer alignment surface 124 contacts one of the ramped alignment surfaces 270 of the base 250 to help the patient load and align the filter container 100. In one embodiment, the ramped alignment surfaces 270 are configured to rotate (e.g., move, funnel, etc.) the filter container 100 toward the ramped flat surface 276. Specifically, the flat portion 126 of the filter container 100 contacts the ramped flat surface 276 of the base 250 to restrict movement of the filter container 100 and align the filter container ports 162 with the manifold ports 212.

[0075] In general, in the decoupled configuration, the filter container 100 is oriented such that the filter container axis 102 is not perpendicular to horizontal. In one embodiment, the decoupled configuration of the filter container 100 and filter container axis 102 defines a decoupled angle a relative to horizontal when the container alignment surface 124 contacts at least one of the ramped alignment surfaces 270. The decoupled angle a may be any suitable angle such that the manifold ports 212 and the container ports 162 are spaced apart.

[0076] In one embodiment, the decoupled angle a may be greater than or equal to 30 degrees, greater than or equal to 35 degrees, greater than or equal to 40 degrees, greater than or equal to 45 degrees, or greater than or equal to 50 degrees. In one embodiment, the decoupled angle a may be less than or equal to 51 degrees, less than or equal to 46 degrees, less than or equal to 41 degrees, less than or equal to 36 degrees, or less than or equal to 31 degrees. In one embodiment, the decoupled angle a may be between 30 degrees and 50 degrees.

[0077] As the patient moves the filter container 100 toward the interface assembly 200, as illustrated in the system 10 of FIG. 6B, the filter container ports 162 remain aligned to the manifold ports 212. The decoupled angle a of the filter container axis 102 transitions to an intermediary angle p. The filter container 100 may still be in contact with the base 250, but may not be restricted by the contact.

[0078] In one embodiment, the intermediary angle P may be greater than or equal to 50 degrees, greater than or equal to 55 degrees, greater than or equal to 60 degrees, greater than or equal to 65 degrees, greater than or equal to 70 degrees, greater than or equal to 75 degrees, or greater than or equal to 80 degrees. In one embodiment, the intermediary angle P may be less than or equal to 81 degrees, less than or equal to 76 degrees, less than or equal to 71 degrees, less than or equal to 66 degrees, or less than or equal to 61 degrees. In one embodiment, the intermediary angle P may be between 60 degrees and 80 degrees.

[0079] In the coupled configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, the filter container 100 is positioned such that the manifold ports 212 are coupled to the filter container ports 162 and the container alignment surface 124 of the filter container sidewall 122 of the bottom portion 120 is configured to contact the inner wall 280 of the base 250 to align the filter container ports 162 with the manifold ports 212 and restrict rotation of the filter container 100 about the filter container axis 102.

[0080] In one embodiment, the container alignment surface 124 is a protruding portion 125 that contacts the inner wall 280 of the base 250 to align the filter container ports 162 with the manifold ports 212 and restrict rotation of the filter container 100 about the filter container axis 102.

[0081] In one embodiment, the container alignment surface 124 is the protruding portion 125 that contacts the base alignment surface 281 of the base 250 to align the filter container ports 162 with the manifold ports 212 and restrict rotation of the filter container 100 about the filter container axis 102.

[0082] In one embodiment, the bottom surface 112 of the bottom end region 110 of the filter container 100 is in contact with the bottom surface 282 of inner wall 280 of the base 250 in the coupled configuration such that the filter container ports 162 are coupled to the manifold ports 212 and the bottom surface 282 when in contact with the bottom surface 112 of the bottom end region 110 of the filter container 100 restrict rotation of the filter container 100 about the filter container axis 102. In the coupled configuration, the attachment device 230 may contact the header 160 of the filter container 100 to lock or restrict decoupling of the filter container 100 from the interface assembly 200.

[0083] In general, in the coupled configuration, the filter container 100 is oriented such that the filter container axis 102 is perpendicular to horizontal. In one embodiment, the coupled configuration of the filter container 100 and filter container axis 102 defines a coupled angle y relative to horizontal when the filter container ports 162 are coupled to the manifold ports 212. The coupled angle y may be any suitable angle such that the manifold ports 212 and the container ports 162 are in contact.

[0084] In one embodiment, the coupled angle y may be greater than or equal to 85 degrees, greater than or equal to 90 degrees, or greater than or equal to 95 degrees. In one embodiment, the coupled angle y may be less than or equal to 96 degrees, less than or equal to 91 degrees, or less than or equal to 86 degrees. In one embodiment, the coupled angle y may be between 85 degrees and 95 degrees.

[0085] FIG. 6D illustrates a top view of the system 10 in a coupled configuration where the manifold ports 212 of the manifold 210 of the interface assembly 200 are coupled to the filter container ports 162 of the filter container 100. When in the coupled configuration, the manifold port axes 54 of the manifold ports 212 and the filter container port axes 52 of the filter container ports 162 are in the same plane 50 and the manifold port axes 54 and the filter container port axes 52 overlap.

[0086] The at least one base alignment surface 281 is configured to contact the container alignment surface 124 of the filter container 100 to restrict rotation or movement when in either the coupled or decoupled configurations. The base alignment surface 281 may include any suitable number of surfaces. For example, the base alignment surface 281 may include a first shoulder 284 and a second shoulder 286 configured to contact the container alignment surface 124 of the filter container 100 when in the coupled configuration to restrict movement of the filter container 100 about the filter container axis 102. In one embodiment, the first shoulder 284 is configured to contact the first protruding portion 125a and the second shoulder 286 is configured to contact the second protruding portion 125b of the container alignment surface 124 of the filter container 100 when in the coupled configuration to restrict rotation or movement when in the coupled configuration.

[0087] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the attachment device 230 of the interface assembly 200 when interacting with the header 160 of the filter container 100 to lock, or attach, and unlock, or detach, the filter container 100 to and from the interface assembly 200. In these illustrative embodiments, the filter container ports 162 are coupled to the manifold ports 212 as presented herein with respect to FIGS. 6C and 6D.

[0088] FIG. 7 A illustrates the filter container 100 with filter container ports 162 of the header 160 coupled to the manifold ports 212 (i.e., the coupled configuration) and the attachment device 230 in an unlocked configuration. As shown in FIG. 7A, the attachment device 230 is notcontacting the header 160 of the filter container 100 to lock or unlock the filter container 100. In other words, the attachment device 230, in the unlocked configuration, does not contact the attachment portion 170 or the detachment portion 180 of the header 160. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7A, the weight of the filter container 100 is primarily supported by the base 250 (See e.g., FIG. 1).

[0089] To lock or securely attached the filter container 100 to the interface assembly 200, the attachment device 230 may be pivoted about the manifold 210 and moved downward to contact the header 160 of the filter container 100 to secure the filter container 100 to the manifold 210 when in the coupled configuration (i.e., the manifold ports 212 are coupled to the container ports 162). FIG. 7B illustrates the attachment device 230 in a locked configuration where the filter container 100 movement is restricted by the contact between the attachment device 230 and the header 160. In one embodiment, the attachment device 230 contacts the attachment portion 170 of the header 160 of the filter container 100 to secure the filter container ports 162 further onto the manifold ports 212 such that a suitable seal is formed therebetween and fluid does not leak from the connection therebetween. Further, in one embodiment, when in the locked configuration, the weight of the filter container 100 is supported by the manifold 210 and the movement is restricted by the combination of the manifold 210, the attachment device 230 and the base 250. Still further, in one embodiment, when in the locked configuration, the weight of the filter container 100 is supported by the manifold 210 and the bottom surface 282 of the base 250 and the movement is restricted by the combination of the manifold 210, the attachment device 230 and the base 250.

[0090] When replacing the filter, it may be difficult for a patient to remove a filter container 100 that is full of fluid due to the total weight of the filter container 100. Further, it may be difficult for a patient to decouple the filter container ports 162 from the manifold ports 212 as the filter container ports 162 and the manifold ports 212 may be tightly coupled to form a seal.

[0091] As shown FIG. 7C, the attachment device 230 may be pivoted upward about the manifold 210 thereby contacting the detachment portion 180 of the header 160 of the filter container 100 to assist with moving the filter container ports 162 off of and away from the manifold ports 212 (i.e., decoupling) as shown by arrow 90. In particular, for example, the attachment device 230 pushes the detachment portion 180 of the header 160 moving the header160 and filter container ports 162 away from and off of the manifold ports 212. Further, when decoupled, the base 250 may then receive the filter container 100 such that the patient need not catch or support the weight of the filter container 100. In other words, the attachment device 230 is configured to selectively operably decouple the plurality of manifold ports 212 from the plurality of filter container ports 162 by contacting the detachment portion 180 of the header 160 of the filter container 100. The attachment device 230, when in contact with the detachment portion 180 of the header 160 of the filter container 100, moves the filter container ports 162 away from the manifold ports 212 such that there is a gap defined between the filter container ports 162 and the manifold ports 212. Even further, when there is a gap after decoupling the filter container 100 from the manifold 210, the filter container ports 162 move away from the manifold ports 212 in the same plane (e.g., plane 50 of FIG. 6D) at first, and then the filter container ports 162 move away from the manifold ports 212 in an arc 56 as illustrated by FIG. 6B.

[0092] While not wanting to be bound to any specific embodiment, the detachment portion 180 may contact and interact with the attachment device 230 in any suitable manner to assist with moving the filter container ports 162 off of the manifold ports 212 (i.e., decoupling).Further, the detachment portion 180 may be moveable article that contacts the attachment device 230.ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES

[0093] While the present disclosure is not so limited, an appreciation of various aspects of the disclosure will be gained through a discussion of the specific illustrative examples provided below. Various modifications of the illustrative examples, as well as additional examples of the disclosure, will become apparent herein.

[0094] Example Exl : A system (10) for filtering a fluid, comprising: a filter container (100) extending from a bottom end region (110) to a top end region (150), the filter container comprising: a bottom portion (120) comprising a sidewall (122) extending from the top end region (150) to the bottom end region (110) and defining a filter container cavity (123) configured to receive a filter (20); and a header (160) positioned proximate the top end region, the header comprising a plurality of filter container ports (162) configured to at least receive an unfiltered fluid to transmit the unfiltered fluid to the filter and to transmit a filtered fluid from the filter; and an interface assembly (200) configured to receive the filter container (100) and to beselectively operably coupled to the filter container (100) to at least transmit the unfiltered fluid to the filter container (100) and to receive the filtered fluid from the filter container (100), the interface assembly (200) comprising: a manifold (210) comprising a plurality of manifold ports (212) configured to be operably coupled to the plurality of filter container ports (162) of the header (160); an attachment device (230) configured to selectively operably couple the plurality of manifold ports (212) to the plurality of filter container ports (162); and a base (250) defining a base cavity (260) configured to receive at least the bottom end region (110) of the filter container (100) and position the filter container (100) in a decoupled configuration and a coupled configuration, wherein, when in the coupled configuration, the filter container (100) is positioned such that the plurality of manifold ports (212) are coupled to the plurality of filter container ports (162), wherein, when in the decoupled configuration, the filter container (100) is positioned such that the plurality of filter container ports (162) are spaced apart from and decoupled from the plurality of manifold ports (212) and the plurality of filter container ports (162) are aligned to be coupled with the plurality of manifold ports (212).

[0095] Example Ex2: The system of Example Exl, wherein the filter container (100) extends from the bottom end region (110) to the top end region (150) along a filter container axis (102), wherein the sidewall (122) of the bottom portion (120) of the filter container (100) defines at least one filter container alignment surface (124) configured to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the decoupled configuration.

[0096] Example Ex3 : The system of Example Ex2, wherein the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) comprises a flat portion (126) parallel to the filter container axis (102), wherein the flat portion is configured to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the decoupled configuration.

[0097] Example Ex4: The system of Example Ex2, wherein the base (250) comprises at least one ramped alignment surface (270) defined by at least portion of the base cavity (260) and configured to contact the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrictrotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the decoupled configuration.

[0098] Example Ex5: The system of Example Ex4, wherein the at least one ramped alignment surface (270) defines a ramped flat surface (276) configured to contact the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the decoupled configuration.

[0099] Example Ex6: The system of Example Ex4, wherein the at least one ramped alignment surface (270) of the base cavity (260) is configured to rotate the filter container (100) in the base cavity (260) until the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) contacts the ramped flat surface (276) such that the plurality of filter container ports (162) are aligned with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the decoupled configuration.

[0100] Example Ex7: The system of Example Exl, wherein the filter container (100) extends from the bottom end region (110) to the top end region (150) along a filter container axis (102), wherein the filter container (100), when in the decoupled configuration, is oriented such that the filter container axis (102) is not perpendicular to a horizontal axis.

[0101] Example Ex8: The system of Example Exl, wherein each of the plurality of manifold ports (212) lies in a same plane (50) as a different one of the plurality of filter container ports (162) when the plurality of manifold ports (212) are aligned with the plurality of filter container ports (162).

[0102] Example Ex9: The system of Example Exl, wherein the filter container (100) extends from the bottom end region (110) to the top end region (150) along a filter container axis (102), wherein a decoupled angle (a) is defined between the filter container axis (102) and a horizontal axis when in the decoupled configuration, wherein the decoupled angle is greater than or equal to 30 degrees.

[0103] Example ExlO: A system (10) for filtering a fluid, comprising: a filter container (100) extending from a bottom end region (110) to a top end region (150) along a filter container axis (102), the filter container (100) comprising: a bottom portion (120) comprising a sidewall (122)extending from the top end region (150) to the bottom end region (110) and defining a filter container cavity (123) configured to receive a filter (20), wherein the sidewall (122) defines at least one filter container alignment surface (124) configured to restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102); and a header (160) positioned proximate the top end region (150), the header (160) comprising a plurality of filter container ports (162) configured to deliver unfiltered fluid to the filter (20) and to at least receive filtered fluid from the filter (20), and an interface assembly (200) configured to receive the filter container (100) and to be selectively operably coupled to the filter container (100) to deliver the unfiltered fluid to the filter container (100) and to at least receive the filtered fluid from the filter container (100), the interface assembly (200) comprising: a manifold (210) comprising a plurality of manifold ports (212) configured to be operably coupled to the plurality of filter container ports (162) of the header (160); an attachment device (230) configured to selectively operably couple the plurality of manifold ports (212) to the plurality of filter container ports (162); and a base (250) comprising an inner wall (280) defining a base cavity configured to receive at least the bottom end region (110) of the filter container (100) and position the filter container (100) in a coupled configuration, wherein, when in the coupled configuration, the filter container (100) is positioned such that the plurality of manifold ports (212) are coupled to the plurality of filter container ports (162) and the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) of the sidewall (122) of the bottom portion is configured to contact the inner wall (280) of the base (250) to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the coupled configuration.

[0104] Example Ex 10 A: The system as in any of Example Exl to Ex9, wherein the sidewall (122) of the filter container (100) defines at least one filter container alignment surface (124) configured to restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about a filter container axis (102), wherein the base (250) comprises an inner wall (280) defining the base cavity (260) wherein, when in the coupled configuration, the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) of the sidewall (122) of the bottom portion is configured to contact the inner wall (280) of the base (250) to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102).

[0105] Example Exl 1 : The system of Example ExlO or ExlOA, wherein the inner wall (280) of the base (250) comprises at least one base alignment surface (281) configured to restrict movement of the filter container (100).

[0106] Example Exl2: The system of Example Exl 1, wherein the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) comprises a protruding portion (125) configured to contact the at least one base alignment surface (281) to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the coupled configuration.

[0107] Example Exl3: The system of Example Exl2, wherein the at least one base alignment surface (281) is a shoulder (284, 286) configured to contact the protruding portion (125) of the filter container alignment surface (124) in at least one location when in the coupled configuration.

[0108] Example Exl4: The system of Example ExlO or ExlOA, wherein the filter container (100) extends from the bottom end region (110) to the top end region (150) along the filter container axis (102), wherein a coupled angle (y) is defined between the filter container axis (102) and a horizontal axis when in the coupled configuration, wherein the coupled angle is greater than or equal to 85 degrees and less than or equal to 95 degrees.

[0109] Example Exl5: A system (10) for filtering a fluid, comprising: a filter container (100) extending from a bottom end region (110) to a top end region (150) along a filter container axis (102), the filter container (100) comprising: a bottom portion (120) comprising a sidewall (122) extending from the top end region (150) to the bottom end region (110) and defining a filter container cavity (123) configured to receive a filter (20); and a header (160) positioned proximate the top end region (150), the header (160) comprising: a plurality of filter container ports (162) configured to at least receive an unfiltered fluid to transmit the unfiltered fluid to the filter and to transmit a filtered fluid from the filter; and a detachment portion (180); and an interface assembly (200) configured to receive the filter container (100) and to be selectively operably coupled to the filter container (100) to deliver the unfiltered fluid to the filter container (100) and to at least receive the filtered fluid from the filter container (100), the interface assembly (200) comprising: a manifold (210) comprising a plurality of manifold ports (212) configured to be operably coupled to the plurality of filter container ports (162) of the header(160); an attachment device (230) configured to selectively operably decouple the plurality of manifold ports (212) from the plurality of filter container ports (162) by contacting the detachment portion (180) of the header (160) of the filter container (100); and a base (250) defining a base cavity (260) configured to receive at least the bottom end region (110) of the filter container (100).

[0110] Example Ex 15 A: The system as in any of Example Exl to Ex9, or Ex 10 A, wherein the header (160) further comprises a detachment portion (180) and the attachment device (230) is configured to selectively operably decouple the plurality of manifold ports (212) from the plurality of filter container ports (162) by contacting the detachment portion (180) of the header (160) of the filter container (100).

[0111] Example Ex 16 : The system of Example Ex 15 or Ex 15 A, wherein the detachment portion (180) of the header (160) is defined by at least one protrusion proximate the plurality of filter container ports (162) configured to contact the attachment device (230) to selectively operably decouple the plurality of filter container ports (162) from the plurality of manifold ports (212).

[0112] Example Exl7: The system of Example Exl5 or Exl5A or Exl6, wherein the attachment device (230) is configured to selectively operably couple the plurality of manifold ports (212) to the plurality of filter container ports (162), wherein the attachment device (230) secures the filter container (100) to the interface assembly (200) to operably couple the plurality of manifold ports (212) to the plurality of filter container ports (162) when in a locked configuration.

[0113] Example Exl 8: The system as in any one of Example Ex 15 or Exl 5 A or Ex 16 or Ex 17, wherein the attachment device (230) is configured to selectively operably couple the plurality of manifold ports (212) to the plurality of filter container ports (162), wherein the filter container (100) is unrestricted by the interface assembly (200) when in an unlocked configuration.

[0114] Example Exl9: The system of Example Exl5 or EX15A, wherein the attachment device (230), when in contact with the detachment portion (180) of the header (160) of the filter container (100), moves the plurality of filter container ports (162) away from the plurality ofmanifold ports (212) such that there is a gap defined between the plurality of filter container ports (162) and the plurality of manifold ports (212).

[0115] Example Ex20: The system of any one of Example Exl5 or Exl5A or Exl9, wherein, after the plurality of filter container ports (162) detach from the plurality of manifold ports (212), the filter container (100) moves away from the interface assembly (200) in an arc (56).

[0116] Example Ex21 : The system as in any one of Example Exl to Ex20, wherein the attachment device (230) comprises an arm that is arranged to pivot relative to the manifold (210) to selectively secure the filter container (100) to the manifold (210).

[0117] All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes, except to the extent any aspect directly contradicts this disclosure.

[0118] All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0119] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims may be understood as being modified either by the term “exactly” or “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein or, for example, within typical ranges of experimental error.

[0120] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range. Herein, the terms “up to” or “no greater than” a number (e.g., up to 50) includes the number (e.g., 50), and the term “no less than” a number (e.g., no less than 5) includes the number (e g., 5).

[0121] The terms “coupled” or “connected” refer to elements being attached to each other either directly (in direct contact with each other) or indirectly (having one or more elements between and attaching the two elements). Either term may be modified by “operatively” and “operably,” which may be used interchangeably, to describe that the coupling or connection is configured to allow the components to interact to carry out at least some functionality (for example, a mobile user device may be operatively coupled to a cellular network transmit data to or receive data therefrom).

[0122] Reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” or “some embodiments,” etc., means that a particular feature, configuration, composition, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, configurations, compositions, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0123] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0124] As used herein, “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” “comprise,” “comprising” or the like are used in their open-ended sense, and generally mean “including, but not limited to.” It will be understood that “consisting essentially of,” “consisting of,” and the like are subsumed in “comprising,” and the like.

[0125] The term “and / or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of at least two of the listed elements.

[0126] The phrases “at least one of,” “comprises at least one of,” and “one or more of’ followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system (10) for filtering a fluid, comprising:a filter container (100) extending from a bottom end region (110) to a top end region (150), the filter container comprising:a bottom portion (120) comprising a sidewall (122) extending from the top end region (150) to the bottom end region (110) and defining a filter container cavity (123) configured to receive a filter (20); anda header (160) positioned proximate the top end region, the header comprising a plurality of filter container ports (162) configured to at least receive an unfiltered fluid to transmit the unfiltered fluid to the filter and to transmit a filtered fluid from the filter; and an interface assembly (200) configured to receive the filter container (100) and to be selectively operably coupled to the filter container (100) to at least transmit the unfiltered fluid to the filter container (100) and to receive the filtered fluid from the filter container (100), the interface assembly (200) comprising:a manifold (210) comprising a plurality of manifold ports (212) configured to be operably coupled to the plurality of filter container ports (162) of the header (160);an attachment device (230) configured to selectively operably couple the plurality of manifold ports (212) to the plurality of filter container ports (162); anda base (250) defining a base cavity (260) configured to receive at least the bottom end region (110) of the filter container (100) and position the filter container (100) in a decoupled configuration and a coupled configuration, wherein, when in the coupled configuration, the filter container (100) is positioned such that the plurality of manifold ports (212) are coupled to the plurality of filter container ports (162), wherein, when in the decoupled configuration, the filter container (100) is positioned such that the plurality of filter container ports (162) are spaced apart from and decoupled from the plurality of manifold ports (212) and the plurality of filter container ports (162) are aligned to be coupled with the plurality of manifold ports (212).

2. The system as in claim 1, wherein the filter container (100) extends from the bottom end region (110) to the top end region (150) along a filter container axis (102), wherein the sidewall (122) of the bottom portion (120) of the filter container (100) defines at least one filter container alignment surface (124) configured to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the decoupled configuration.

3. The system as in claim 2, wherein the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) comprises a flat portion (126) parallel to the filter container axis (102), wherein the flat portion is configured to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the decoupled configuration.

4. The system as in any one of claims 2-3, wherein the base (250) comprises at least one ramped alignment surface (270) defined by at least portion of the base cavity (260) and configured to contact the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the decoupled configuration.

5. The system as in claim 4, wherein the at least one ramped alignment surface (270) defines a ramped flat surface (276) configured to contact the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the decoupled configuration.

6. The system as in any one of claims 4-5, wherein the at least one ramped alignment surface (270) of the base cavity (260) is configured to rotate the filter container (100) in the base cavity (260) until the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) contacts a ramped flat surface (276) such that the plurality of filter container ports (162) are aligned with the plurality33of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the decoupled configuration.

7. The system as in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the filter container (100) extends from the bottom end region (110) to the top end region (150) along a filter container axis (102), wherein the filter container (100), when in the decoupled configuration, is oriented such that the filter container axis (102) is not perpendicular to a horizontal axis.

8. The system as in any one of claims 1-7, wherein each of the plurality of manifold ports (212) lies in a same axis (50) as a different one of the plurality of filter container ports (162) when the plurality of manifold ports (212) are aligned with the plurality of filter container ports (162).

9. The system as in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the filter container (100) extends from the bottom end region (110) to the top end region (150) along a filter container axis (102), wherein a decoupled angle (a) is defined between the filter container axis (102) and a horizontal axis when in the decoupled configuration, wherein the decoupled angle (a) is greater than or equal to 30 degrees.

10. The system as in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the sidewall (122) of the filter container (100) defines at least one filter container alignment surface (124) configured to restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about a filter container axis (102),wherein the base (250) comprises an inner wall (280) defining the base cavity (260) wherein, when in the coupled configuration, the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) of the sidewall (122) of the bottom portion is configured to contact the inner wall (280) of the base (250) to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102).

11. The system as in claim 10, wherein the inner wall (280) of the base (250) comprises at least one base alignment surface (281) configured to restrict movement of the filter container (100).

12. The system as in claim 11, wherein the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) comprises a protruding portion (125) configured to contact the at least one base alignment surface (281) to align the plurality of filter container ports (162) with the plurality of manifold ports (212) and restrict rotation of the filter container (100) about the filter container axis (102) when in the coupled configuration.

13. The system as in claim 12, wherein the at least one base alignment surface (281) is a shoulder (284, 286) configured to contact the protruding portion (125) of the at least one filter container alignment surface (124) in at least one location when in the coupled configuration.

14. The system as in claim 10, wherein the filter container (100) extends from the bottom end region (110) to the top end region (150) along the filter container axis (102), wherein a coupled angle (y) is defined between the filter container axis (102) and a horizontal axis when in the coupled configuration, wherein the coupled angle (y) is greater than or equal to 85 degrees and less than or equal to 95 degrees.

15. The system as in any one of claims 1-14, wherein the header (160) further comprises a detachment portion (180) and the attachment device (230) is configured to selectively operably decouple the plurality of manifold ports (212) from the plurality of filter container ports (162) by contacting the detachment portion (180) of the header (160) of the filter container (100).

16. The system as in claim 15, wherein the detachment portion (180) of the header (160) is defined by at least one protrusion proximate the plurality of filter container ports (162) configured to contact the attachment device (230) to selectively operably decouple the plurality of filter container ports (162) from the plurality of manifold ports (212).

17. The system as in any one of claims 15 or claim 16, wherein the attachment device (230) is configured to selectively operably couple the plurality of manifold ports (212) to the plurality of filter container ports (162), wherein the attachment device (230) secures the filter container(100) to the interface assembly (200) to operably couple the plurality of manifold ports (212) to the plurality of filter container ports (162) when in a locked configuration.

18. The system as in any one of claims 15-17, wherein the attachment device (230) is configured to selectively operably couple the plurality of manifold ports (212) to the plurality of filter container ports (162), wherein the filter container (100) is unrestricted by the interface assembly (200) when in an unlocked configuration.

19. The system as in claim 15, wherein the attachment device (230), when in contact with the detachment portion (180) of the header (160) of the filter container (100), moves the plurality of filter container ports (162) away from the plurality of manifold ports (212) such that there is a gap defined between the plurality of filter container ports (162) and the plurality of manifold ports (212).

20. The system as in any one of claim 15 or claim 19, wherein, after the plurality of filter container ports (162) detach from the plurality of manifold ports (212), the filter container (100) moves away from the interface assembly (200) in an arc (56).

21. The system as in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the attachment device (230) comprises an arm that is arranged to pivot relative to the manifold (210) to selectively secure the filter container (100) to the manifold (210).36

Images