US3757955A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-layer membrane type mass transfer device and process
Assignee: OMNIS SURGICAL Inc A DE CORP
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Filing: 1971-08-09
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Granted: 1973-09-11
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Expires: 1991-08-09
Abstract
Abstract A foldable cardboard backing is secured to one surface of a flexible mass transfer membrane to enable rapid formation of a folded multi-layered device by compressing the backing and membrane connected thereto into folds and then fixing the folds by sealing their ends.
Inventors
- 👤 R Leonard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 09:24
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D63/00; B01D63/14; B01D71/00; B01D71/06; B01D71/30; B01D71/32; B01D2313/00; B01D2313/14; B01D2313/146
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
In a mass transfer device having as mass transfer means a flexible semipermeable membrane folded to provide a plurality of membrane layers arranged for flow of a fluid in a plurality of parallel first flow paths and for flow of another fluid in a plurality of parallel second flow paths positioned between and separated from said first flow paths by said membrane, the improvement comprising a stiff, integral backing having transversely extending, generally parallel score lines, and folded on said score lines into sections and arranged on one side of said membrane, said sections being disposed between adjoining membrane layers for support of said layers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
In a mass transfer device having as mass transfer means a flexible semipermeable membrane folded to provide a plurality of membrane layers arranged for flow of a fluid in a plurality of parallel first flow paths and for flow of another fluid in a plurality of parallel second flow paths positioned between and separated from said first flow paths by said membrane, the improvement comprising a stiff, integral backing having transversely extending, generally parallel score lines, and folded on said score lines into sections and arranged on one side of said membrane, said sections being disposed between adjoining membrane layers for support of said layers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination of claim 1 in which said membrane and backing are folded to define a set of outwardly opening first pockets on one side thereof and a set of second pockets on the other side thereof opening outwardly in an opposite direction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A combination according to claim 2 in which spacer means for defining flow channels along said membrane layers are disposed between each adjoining segment of said backing and membrane layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The combination according to claim 3 in which said spacer means comprises a folded strip of unitary, flexible screen of woven strands placed between said folded backing and membrane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
A blood oxygenator according to claim 4 for flow of blood and oxygen gas along respective membrane sides, in which the backing is fabricated from paperboard, said backing being disposed on the membrane side intended for contact with oxygen gas.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 4 in which said folded backing has port means defined therein to permit the passage of fluid therethrough.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination according to claim 6 in which the openings of each set of oppositely opening pockets are connected to a separate manifold for controlling fluid flow therethrough.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination of claim 7 in which the set of pockets defined on the membrane side opposite the folded backing has a flow divider disposed in each of said pockets.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination of claim 6 in which said membrane is a porous hydrophobic film having a pore size of less than one micron.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination of claim 9 in which said port means comprises longitudinally extending cutaway portions adjacent the longitudinal edges of said backing to facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from the convoluted space between said membrane and said backing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
71 words
The mass transfer device of claim 10 in which the longitudinally extending cutaway portions extend across only a portion of said sections, and the pattern of said cutaway portions in adjacent sections of said backing is different whereby, on folding of said backing along said score lines, continuous flow channels extending across the entire longitudinal dimensions of said folded sections are cooperatively defined by the cutaway portions of adjacent folded portions.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination according to claim 3 in which said spacer means comprises a mesh screen of crossed strands.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
A blood oxygenator according to claim 12 for flow of blood and oxygen gas along respective membrane sides, in which the backing is fabricated from paperboard, said backing being disposed on the membrane side intended for contact with oxygen gas.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination according to claim 12 in which said folded backIng has port means defined therein to permit the passage of fluid therethrough.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination according to claim 14 in which the openings of each set of oppositely opening pockets are connected to a separate manifold for controlling fluid flow therethrough.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination of claim 15 in which the set of pockets defined on the membrane side opposite the folded backing has a flow divider disposed in each of said pockets, said flow divider comprising a mesh screen of crossed strands.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
135 words
In a process for making a mass transfer device of the type having a folded flexible semipermeable membrane defining two sets of oppositely opening pockets forming plural liquid flow paths on each side of said membrane for flow of two separate fluids without intermingling thereof, the improvement comprising the steps of prefolding a transversely scored, flat, stiff backing to define a plurality of pleats having oppositely opening pockets; at least partially extending said backing again to receive an overlying flexible, semipermeable membrane thereon; securing the membrane to said stiff backing in overlying relationship; refolding the backing and membrane to define said plurality of pleats and oppositely opening pockets; sealing the sides of said pockets; and connecting the mouths of each set of pockets to separate inlet and outlet means for flow of the respective fluids.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
135 words
In a process for making a mass transfer device of the type having a folded flexible semipermeable membrane defining two sets of oppositely opening pockets forming plural liquid flow paths on each side of said membrane for flow of two separate fluids without intermingling thereof, the improvement comprising the steps of prefolding a transversely scored, flat, stiff backing to define a plurality of pleats having oppositely opening pockets; at least partially extending said backing again to receive an overlying flexible, semipermeable membrane thereon; securing the membrane to said stiff backing in overlying relationship; refolding the backing and membrane to define said plurality of pleats and oppositely opening pockets; sealing the sides of said pockets; and connecting the mouths of each set of pockets to separate inlet and outlet means for flow of the respective fluids.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 17 characterized by the step of providing apertures in said backing to permit fluid communication therethrough.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process according to claim 18 characterized by the further step of placing a flexible spacer between said backing and membrane to define flow channels between said membrane and backing.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 19 which comprises inserting flow dividers into said set of pockets which is separated from said flexible spacer by the membrane.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
132 words
An oxygenator and the like of the type comprised of a folded semipermeable membrane for separating a liquid and a gas, respectively, flowing along opposed liquid and gas engaging surfaces thereof with opposite sides sealed together and forming a plurality of interconnected, outwardly opening first pockets and a plurality of interconnected, outwardly opening second pockets defined in said liquid and gas engaging surfaces respectively, a stiff, integral backing having transversely extending, generally parallel, score lines, said backing being secured along one surface of said membrane and arranged for separating said gas engaging surface from a gas, said backing having port means for passing gas to and away from said gas engaging surface, and spacer means for permitting the flow of gas, along said gas engaging surface between said surface and said backing.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
132 words
An oxygenator and the like of the type comprised of a folded semipermeable membrane for separating a liquid and a gas, respectively, flowing along opposed liquid and gas engaging surfaces thereof with opposite sides sealed together and forming a plurality of interconnected, outwardly opening first pockets and a plurality of interconnected, outwardly opening second pockets defined in said liquid and gas engaging surfaces respectively, a stiff, integral backing having transversely extending, generally parallel, score lines, said backing being secured along one surface of said membrane and arranged for separating said gas engaging surface from a gas, said backing having port means for passing gas to and away from said gas engaging surface, and spacer means for permitting the flow of gas, along said gas engaging surface between said surface and said backing.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
A combination according to claim 21 in which said backing is folded with said membrane to form overlaying membrane and backing parts.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
A combination according to claim 22 wherein said port means are disposed at the openings into the second pockets.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
A combination according to claim 23 in which the openings to the second pockets are partially sealed between said port means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
39 words
A combination according to claim 23 characterized by a gas manifold secured over the opening to said second pockets and having gas inlet and gas outlet means arranged adjacent said port means to enable gas flow through said oxygenator.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
A combination according to claim 25 characterized by flow divider disposed in each of said first pockets.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
A combination according to claim 26 characterized by a liquid manifold partially sealing said first pockets and having inlet and outlet means arranged for enabling fluid flow through said oxygenator.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
53 words
A combination according to claim 25 characterized by a liquid manifold partially sealing said first pockets and having inlet and outlet means arranged for enabling fluid flow through said oxygenator, in which means are provided to retard gas flow from the inlet to the outlet means without first passing througH said port means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
69 words
In a mass transfer device comprising a semipermeable membrane and impermeable backing folded to define two sets of oppositely opening pockets, said folded backing defining a plurality of panels connected by transverse fold lines, the improvement comprising longitudinally extending cutaway portions in said panels adjacent the longitudinal edges of said panels to facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from the convoluted space between said membrane and said backing.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
69 words
In a mass transfer device comprising a semipermeable membrane and impermeable backing folded to define two sets of oppositely opening pockets, said folded backing defining a plurality of panels connected by transverse fold lines, the improvement comprising longitudinally extending cutaway portions in said panels adjacent the longitudinal edges of said panels to facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from the convoluted space between said membrane and said backing.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 29 in which a strip of screening made of crossing strands is interposed between said backing and membrane, said strip of screening being proportioned and positioned so that the screening does not overlie said longitudinally extending cutaway portions.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 29 in which adjoining panels each define a longitudinally extending cutaway portion adjacent opposite longitudinal edges of said adjoining panels.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 31 in which a central transversely extending cutaway portion spaced from the longitudinal edges of said panels is defined at alternate transverse fold lines to permit sealing of paths of low resistance adjacent said fold lines.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device of claim 31 in which each panel defines a pair of said cutaway portions communicating with a pair of cutaway portions in one adjacent panel, said cutaway portions being spaced from the fold line connecting each said panel with the other adjacent panel.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 29 in which cutaway portions extend inwardly from the longitudinal edges of said backing at alternate fold lines to relieve stress on said membrane when folded with said backing.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 29 in which alternate panels define a pair of longitudinally extending cutaway portions, each cutaway portion being positioned adjacent a separate longitudinal edge of said backing.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
98 words
A mass transfer device which comprises a folded semipermeable membrane for separating two fluids on opposite sides thereof, said membrane defining a first set of pockets on one side thereof and a second set of pockets on the other side of said membrane to define flow channels for said fluids, and an impermeable backing positioned adjacent one side of said membrane for support thereof, said backing having port means for passing one of said two fluids to and from said membrane for mass transfer, and spacer means positioned between said backing and membrane for permitting fluid flow therebetween.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
98 words
A mass transfer device which comprises a folded semipermeable membrane for separating two fluids on opposite sides thereof, said membrane defining a first set of pockets on one side thereof and a second set of pockets on the other side of said membrane to define flow channels for said fluids, and an impermeable backing positioned adjacent one side of said membrane for support thereof, said backing having port means for passing one of said two fluids to and from said membrane for mass transfer, and spacer means positioned between said backing and membrane for permitting fluid flow therebetween.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mass transfer device of claim 36 which is a blood dialyzer utilizing liquid dialyzate.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
43 words
The device of claim 37 in which said spacer means is a strip of nonwoven netting comprising a first set and a second set of parallel strands, each set lying against the other set in a different plane and defining an angle thereto.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
43 words
The mass transfer device of claim 36 in which said port means comprises longitudinally extending cutaway portions in said backing adjacent the longitudinal edges thereof to facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from the convoluted space between said membrane and said backing.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
25 words
The mass transfer device of claim 36 in which said membrane is a porous, hydrophobic film having a pore size of less than one micron.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
123 words
In a mass transfer device comprising a semipermeable membrane and an impermeable backing to said membrane folded to define two sets of oppositely opening pockets, said folded backing defining a plurality of panels connected by transverse fold lines, the improvement comprising longitudinally extending cutaway portions in said panels adjacent the longitudinal edges of said panels to facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from the convoluted space defined between said membrane and said backing, each cutaway portion extending across only a portion of each panel, the pattern of cutaway portions in adjacent panels being different, whereby, on folding of said panels, continuous flow channels extending across the entire longitudinal dimension of said pAnels are cooperatively defined by the cutaway portions of adjacent panels.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
123 words
In a mass transfer device comprising a semipermeable membrane and an impermeable backing to said membrane folded to define two sets of oppositely opening pockets, said folded backing defining a plurality of panels connected by transverse fold lines, the improvement comprising longitudinally extending cutaway portions in said panels adjacent the longitudinal edges of said panels to facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from the convoluted space defined between said membrane and said backing, each cutaway portion extending across only a portion of each panel, the pattern of cutaway portions in adjacent panels being different, whereby, on folding of said panels, continuous flow channels extending across the entire longitudinal dimension of said pAnels are cooperatively defined by the cutaway portions of adjacent panels.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
55 words
The device of claim 41 in which a strip of screening made of crossing strands is interposed between said backing and membrane, said strip of screening being proportioned and positioned to overlie said longitudinally extending cutaway portions, said cutaway portions being sufficiently narrow to prevent the membrane and screening from settling into said cutaway portions.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 42 in which said membrane is a porous film of polytetrafluoroethylene having a pore size of less than one micron.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
109 words
A mass transfer device which comprises a folded, semipermeable membrane for separating two fluids on opposite sides thereof, said membrane being folded to define a first set of pockets on one side thereof, and a second set of pockets on the other side of said membrane, to define flow channels for said fluids, an impermeable backing positioned adjacent one side of said membrane for support thereof, said backing having port means for passing one of said two fluids to and from said membrane for mass transfer, and means preventing said one of said two fluids from flowing along said backing adjacent fold apexes without passing through said port means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
109 words
A mass transfer device which comprises a folded, semipermeable membrane for separating two fluids on opposite sides thereof, said membrane being folded to define a first set of pockets on one side thereof, and a second set of pockets on the other side of said membrane, to define flow channels for said fluids, an impermeable backing positioned adjacent one side of said membrane for support thereof, said backing having port means for passing one of said two fluids to and from said membrane for mass transfer, and means preventing said one of said two fluids from flowing along said backing adjacent fold apexes without passing through said port means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
43 words
The mass transfer device of claim 44 in which said port means comprises longitudinally extending cutaway portions in said backing adjacent the longitudinal edges thereof to facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from the convoluted space between said membrane and said backing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-10 | 1977-03-12 | 1977-09-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-10 | 1981-03-12 | 1981-09-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-03-12 | 1985-09-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |