Importance

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Abstract

An arterial blood filter device for removing foreign particles and undissolved gases from blood flowing through the device, having a cylindrical housing enclosing a cylindrical filter element between a hollow upper cap forming an inlet chamber and a flat lower cap forming an outlet chamber. The upper cap has a vertical gas outlet and has a horizontal tubular inlet with the outermost wall of the tubular inlet extending tangentially from the outermost wall of the base of the upper cap. A principle feature of the invention is a stepped dome having a circular base with a diameter closely matched to the outer diameter of the filter element and attached to the upper end thereof. The stepped dome includes hemispherically shaped upper surface extending into the inlet chamber and having a maximum diameter smaller than the diameter of the circular base. The center of the upper surface of the stepped dome is offset from the central axis in a direction away from the tubular blood inlet so that the dome does not obstruct the path of blood into and around the inlet chamber. The stepped dome further includes a thin elevated ridge that extends from the base in an upward spiraling manner through about one revolution to the top of the upper surface of the dome to facilitate the removal of undissolved gases and to facilitate the flow of blood flow through the inlet chamber of the device.

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First Claim