Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
A filter assembly for connecting intermediate an epidural cannula and a syringe and having a housing and a filter element mounted within said housing, said assembly including: first coupling means at one end of said assembly including a resilient member having a bore therethrough configured to receive an end of the epidural cannula, a clamping head having an aperture therein aligned with said bore through said resilient member, said clamping head defining therein a cavity for receiving said resilient member, said clamping head and said housing having cooperating screw threads for screwing said clamping head onto said housing to compress said resilient member between the housing and the clamping head about said cannula to effect a fluid-tight seal between said cannula and said housing; second coupling means at the opposite end of said housing, said second coupling means having a Luer-tapered portion adapted to receive said syringe, said first coupling means communicating with one side of said filter element and the second coupling means communicating with the other side of said filter element, said first and second coupling means being substantially aligned with one another.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
185 words
A filter assembly for connecting intermediate an epidural cannula and a syringe and having a housing and a filter element mounted within said housing, said assembly including: first coupling means at one end of said assembly including a resilient member having a bore therethrough configured to receive an end of the epidural cannula, a clamping head having an aperture therein aligned with said bore through said resilient member, said clamping head defining therein a cavity for receiving said resilient member, said clamping head and said housing having cooperating screw threads for screwing said clamping head onto said housing to compress said resilient member between the housing and the clamping head about said cannula to effect a fluid-tight seal between said cannula and said housing; second coupling means at the opposite end of said housing, said second coupling means having a Luer-tapered portion adapted to receive said syringe, said first coupling means communicating with one side of said filter element and the second coupling means communicating with the other side of said filter element, said first and second coupling means being substantially aligned with one another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein said filter element extends transversely of the housing and substantially parallel to the direction of fluid-flow through said assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
68 words
A filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein said housing is provided with first and second support means located to support opposite faces of said filter element, said first support means defining an elongate channel extending from one of said coupling means over a face of said filter element, and a means defining a plurality of passages extending from said channel towards an edge of said filter element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
A filter assembly according to claim 3, wherein said housing is a two part moulding, said first support means and said second coupling means being provided by one part, and said second support means and a part of said first coupling means being provided by said other part, and wherein said filter element is mounted between said two parts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein said housing is formed with a nose portion, and wherein said nose portion projects within the clamping member and bears on an end of said resilient member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
71 words
A filter assembly according to claim 5, wherein said housing includes a collar extending about said nose portion, wherein said collar is formed with a screw thread on its inner surface, and wherein said clamping member is formed with a cooperating screw thread on its outer surface that engages the screw thread on said collar such that said clamping member can be screwed onto said housing to compress said resilient member.