NZ541357A - A filtration device for separating leaves and so on from rainwater in down pipe of a guttering system - Google Patents

Abstract

A filtration device, for separating leaves and other debris from rainwater in a down pipe of a guttering system, includes a body having a fluid inlet 3, a fluid outlet 4, and a debris outlet 5 to expel debris filtered from the fluid. A filter 6 is removably mounted within the body between the fluid inlet 3 and the fluid outlet 4 to filter debris from fluid passing between the fluid inlet and outlet. The filter 6 provides a screen inclined towards the debris outlet 5 to expel filtered debris and the screen is substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet 3.

Description

PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Our ref: MK505410NZ NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION A FILTRATION DEVICE We, CONNOVATION LIMITED a New Zealand company of 36B Sir William Avenue East Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand hereby declare the invention, for which We pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 300591090_1 ,DOC:MK:qakld 2 A FILTRATION DEVICE Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a filtration device.

Background to the Invention In rural communities rainwater is often collected for domestic use. It is obviously 10 desirable that rainwater collected for later use is filtered before entering a water tank or reservoir. Filtering removes contaminants and leaf debris which is carried in the collected rainwater as it flows towards the tank or reservoir. A variety of devices have been developed which limit the amount of contaminants and other debris entering tank reservoirs.

A variety of leaf diverters have been developed which fit within downpipe systems to filter rainwater before it enters a tank. Diverters consist of a mesh filter or screen adapted to prevent large particles entering the water tank reservoir.

WO 95/14832 discloses such a leaf diverter or separator device adapted to be mounted in a downpipe to separate leaves from a fluid flow. The device includes a chamber having a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet pipe. Separating the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet is an interior screen which is adapted to block leaves and other debris entering the outlet pipe. The screen is sloped or inclined towards an opening located at the base of 25 the chamber where leaves exit the chamber. In this way the chamber is self-cleaning.

The screen includes a plurality of spaced apart ribs which are oriented in the direction of the opening. Ribs have an oval cross-section to facilitate the flow of fluid through the screen.

The screens for such diverters have a relatively large distance between the holes formed by the ribs (also known as having a "large porosity"). This is to facilitate the flow of water through the screen. However the large porosity of the screen reduces the effectiveness of the diverters at limiting contaminants and leaf debris (e.g. leaf fragments) entering the 35 tank. 300587437 3 The diverters currently on the market, such as those shown in WO 95/14832 have a number of problems. Problems with this device are that only relatively large particles and leaf matter are excluded from the fluid flow. Small fragments of plant debris and other contaminants are not excluded by this type of device.

Tank intake filters have also been developed which connect to the downpipes that enter the tank. Filters down to 50 microns are available. However these filters trap all sediment in the filter until cleaned. Such filters can harbour bacteria and other plant material which leak into the tank and contaminate the water before it is cleaned. The 10 filter needs to be cleaned out regularly and is not effective if it is not.

Guttering screens are also available which are generally made out of a plastic frame covered by filter cloth. The screen is adapted to engage with the guttering on the roof to prevent leaf material from collecting in the gutters around the house. These are 15 expensive to install. In addition, the porosity of the filter cloth is large and does not prevent small particles entering into the downpipe system.

Some recent guttering systems have included an elongated bristled units which include radically directed bristles from a central wire core. The unit sits within the guttering of a 20 house and prevents movement of debris within the guttering. However these units can reduce fluid movement within guttering and cause damage to the guttering.

There is a continuing need to develop improved means of preventing plant and/or leaf debris and other contaminants entering water storage tanks or reservoirs.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a filtration device which is adapted to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages and/or to at least 30 provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of this invention there is provided a filtration device including: - a body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a debris outlet; and 300587437 4 - a filter removably mounted within the body between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet to filter debris from fluid passing between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, the filter providing a screen inclined towards the debris outlet to expel debris filtered from fluid and the screen being substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet.

Preferably the fluid inlet is inclined relative to a vertical plane through the device. Preferably the fluid inlet is inclined at 45° relative to the vertical plane.

Preferably the screen is inclined relative to the vertical plane through the device.

Preferably the screen is inclined at 55° relative to the vertical plane through the device. Preferably the fluid outlet aligns with the vertical plane.

Preferably the screen has a first side adjacent to the debris outlet and a second opposite side at a higher vertical position than the first side whereby the screen is inclined towards the debris outlet and debris collecting on the screen in use tends to move downwardly across the screen to the debris outlet.

Preferably the screen is adapted to exclude particles of 92 microns and greater in size. Preferably the screen is adapted to exclude particles of 81 microns or greater in size. 25 Preferably the screen includes a grid covered by a mesh.

Preferably the grid includes a plurality of longitudinal and/or lateral members.

Preferably the body is provided as a housing.

Preferably the inlet includes a channel adapted to direct fluid in low flow rates.

Preferably the housing includes projections which direct large material away from the screen. 300587437 According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a kit of parts for a filtration device including a body and a filter as described in the first statement of invention.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a filter device substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for a filter device substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.

Description of the Drawings The preferred invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a filtration device of one preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a front plan view of a debris outlet of the filtration device of 20 Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a cross-section view of the filtration device of Figure 1 in which the filter is partially removed; Figure 4 illustrates a plan perspective view of the filter; and Figure 5 illustrates a plan perspective view of an inlet of the filtration device of Figure 1.

Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention Referring to Figure 1, the present invention relates to a filtration device 1 adapted to filter debris and/or contaminants from fluid, for example collected rainwater, passing through the device 1. The filtration device 1 is adapted to filter larger plant material such as 35 leaves and twigs as well as smaller plant debris (e.g. leaf fragments), or other debris, from the fluid (e.g. rainwater). Preferably the filtration device 1 is adapted to filter particles of at least 92 microns in size and greater from the fluid. 300587437 6 The filtration device 1 includes a housing 2, an inlet 3 to permit fluid to enter the housing 2, a fluid outlet 4 for receiving filtered fluid and a debris outlet or chute 5 where debris collected is expelled from the housing 2. A filter, provided as a screen 6, is mounted within the housing 2.

The housing 2 is provided as a chamber formed from sides 7a, 7b (invisible in Figure 1), 7c, 7d, a top panel 11a and a bottom panel 11. In the Figures the housing 2 is illustrated as a semi-rectangular partially open container, although it will be appreciated that the housing 2 could be of a variety of shapes and sizes depending on its use and the users 10 preference.

The housing 2 provides a linear portion in one side (side 7c in Figure 1) which allows the filtration device 1 to be engaged with a support structure, such as a vertical wall, side of a tank or other surface. The housing 2 may however be profiled or include hooks, holes 15 etc adapted to assist in linking the housing 2 to a surface. In a further alternative embodiment a side of the housing 2 could be engageable with a stand which allows the device 1 to be connected directly to a tank.

Typically the size of housing 2 is in the order of about 200 to 350 mm in width, 200 to 20 450 mm in height and 300 to 500 mm in length. These are the preferred dimensions for a device for domestic use, but are obviously not essential. As mentioned the housing 2 could be of any particular size depending on the particular use or application of the filtration device 1. A filtration device 1 for industrial use may be considerably larger. It will be appreciated that the housing 2 could be provided by a simple square or 25 rectangular body.

The top panel 11a includes projections or prongs 15 extending towards the screen 6. The projections 15 are adapted to aid removal of larger leaf debris from the fluid flow which exits the inlet 3. The projections 15 are adapted to catch larger leaf debris before 30 it hits the screen 6 and direct such debris towards the outlet 5. The projections 15 further assist the operation of the invention by maintaining the majority of the screen 6 surface clear. The projections 15 may be attached to the inlet 3 rather than the top panel 11a as shown, to extend across in front of the fluid inlet 3 opening. 300587437 7 • 25 The bottom panel 11 is generally sloped to direct filtered fluid towards the fluid outlet 4. Where the bottom panel 11 is sloped, the device 1 may include an adjustable stand beneath the bottom panel 11 to allow attachment of the device 1 to the top of a tank. Of course the bottom panel 11 may be flat and unprofiled. A bottom panel 11 which is flat has the advantage of allowing the device 1 to be readily attached to the top of a tank or roof for example.

The housing 2 includes a debris outlet 5 which is formed in the side 7a of the housing 2. The debris outlet 5 is relatively open and the screen 6 slopes or inclines towards the debris outlet 5. The debris outlet 5 releases contaminants and/or filtered debris from the housing 2. The debris outlet 5 will be described in greater detail below with reference to Figure 2.

The housing 2 optionally includes apertures 22 which are located in the side 7c of the housing 2. The apertures 22 allow air to circulate within the housing 2. The circulation of air within the housing 2 may assist in the migration of debris down the screen 6 towards the debris outlet 5. Alternatively, the apertures 22 could be adapted to receive or connect to a tap or hose pipe to allow the screen 6 to be periodically rinsed in situ to assist in removal of debris collecting on the screen 6.

The inlet 3 enters the housing 2 from above the filtration device 1, as shown in Figure 1, at an inclined angle relative to a vertical plane Z. The inlet 3 enters the housing 2 at about a 45° angle relative to the vertical plane Z. Of course the incline could be greater or less than 45°. The inlet 3 has a preferred incline angle of between about 15 to 90° and more preferably between about 30 to 70° relative to the vertical plane Z.

If the fluid inlet 3 entered the housing vertically (i.e. aligned with the vertical axis Z) and the screen 6 is located at an optimal angle of 35 to 65°, there is greater water loss brought about by the angle of the screen 6 and the porosity of the screen 6 (generally less than 92 microns). Water tends to run across the face of the screen 6 and is lost from the debris outlet 5. It is therefore desirable that the inlet 3 enters the housing at an angle (preferably 45°) to maintain a substantially orthogonal relationship between the inlet 3 and inclined screen 6, and thereby maximising the saving of water.

Intellectual Property of N.Z. i 300843989 l.DOC Intellectual Property Office at ,Sl I- 2 2 JAN 2008 8 The fluid inlet 3 is tailored to remain substantially orthogonal to the screen 6. Reference is made throughout the disclosure to a substantial orthogonal relationship between the fluid inlet 3 and filter (or screen 6). Substantial orthogonal should be understood to refer to the substantially perpendicular, normal or right angled relationship between the fluid 5 inlet 3 and the surface of the screen 6.

The fluid inlet 3 is provided as a pipe of about 80 to 250 mm and more preferably 100 mm in diameter. At one end, the pipe connects to the housing 2 to provide the inlet 3, while at the other end the pipe may be connected to subsidiary pipes (not shown) which 10 stem from spouting or guttering (not shown).

In the preferred form a single pipe provides the fluid inlet 3. This improves ease of manufacture of the device 1. However, it will be appreciated that more than one pipe could provide the fluid inlet 3 in certain embodiments of the invention.

Furthermore the fluid inlet could simply include an opening and a profiled external edge, formed in the housing 2, which is capable of connecting to a pipe. Obviously the opening and profiled edge would be adapted to connect with a pipe such that the pipe when engaged would be maintained at a substantially orthogonal angle relative to the 20 screen 6.

The fluid outlet 4 provides a pipe which extends from the housing 2. The fluid outlet 4 aligns with the vertical plane Z through the device 1 in the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures. However, it will be appreciated that it is not essential for the fluid outlet 4 25 to be located in substantial alignment with the vertical plane Z. The fluid outlet 4 could, for example, be provided in the side 7c. However, it is important that the fluid outlet 4 is separated from the fluid inlet 2 by the screen 6.

The fluid outlet 4 is adapted to convey filtered fluid from the housing 2 and into a tank or 30 reservoir for example. In some embodiments, the fluid outlet 4 may be directly connected or form part of the top of a reservoir tank. In the preferred form shown in the Figures the fluid outlet 4 is about 80 to 250 mm and more preferably about 100 to 200 mm in diameter. Of course it will be appreciated that the fluid inlet 3 and fluid outlet 4 may be increased in size and dimensions for commercial use. 300587437 9 The screen 6 (which provides the filter) separates the fluid inlet 3 from the fluid outlet 4. The screen 6 includes a grid 8 covered by a mesh 9 and forms a linear surface which will be described in further detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The screen 6 is removably mounted within the housing 2 so that the screen 6 can be removed and 5 cleaned or replaced as is illustrated in Figure 3.

The screen 6 is inclined or sloped within the housing 2 towards the debris outlet 5 so that filtered debris migrates or slides down the face of the screen 6 towards the debris outlet 5. The screen 6 has a first side adjacent 20 to the debris outlet 5 and a second opposite 10 side 21 at a higher vertical position than the first side 20 so that the screen 6 is inclined towards the debris outlet 5.

The screen 6 is mounted in the housing 2 so as to be substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet 3 and to the flow of fluid exiting the fluid inlet 3, but is inclined towards the debris 15 outlet 5.

The screen 6 is preferably mounted at about a 55° angle relative to the vertical plane Z. However it will be appreciated that the screen 6 may be mounted at a greater or lesser angle provided that the screen 6 remains at a substantially or more or less orthogonal 20 orientation relative to the fluid inlet 3. In the preferred embodiment the screen is angled at between about 30 to 80° and more preferably 40 to 65° relative to the vertical plane Z. However as the angle gets steeper more water may be lost. As the screen 6 gets more horizontal, more water is retained, however there is a greater build up of leaves which quickly block the screen 6.

The inventors have found that the angle of about 55° particularly improves the movement or migration of debris down the screen 6 towards the debris outlet 5. The slope or incline of the screen 6 relative to the vertical plane Z is particularly adapted to allow or encourage leaves to wash directly off the screen 6 and out of the device 1. This 30 prevents a build up of leaf material on the screen 6.

In this way, the filtration device 1 provides an inbuilt self-cleaning mechanism. For example damp leaf debris and other plant material, which collect on the screen 6, slide down the face of the inclined screen 6 and are expelled from the housing 2 via the debris 35 outlet 5. 300587437 The position of the fluid inlet 3 relative to the screen 6 facilitates penetration of fluid through the screen 6 rather than fluid simply running down the face of the inclined screen 6 and exiting the housing 2 via the debris outlet 5. This will be described in detail below.

The screen 6 is adapted to exclude particles of about 92 microns in size or greater. In a more preferred embodiment the screen 6 is adapted to exclude particles of 81 microns or greater. The ability to exclude particles of certain sizes arises from the porosity of the mesh 9 used. The mesh 9 is preferably provided of a material which does not rust, for 10 example cloth or a stainless steel porous metal screen 6.

The inventors have found that mesh 9 for the screen 6 may be obtained from Mount Wire Industries Limited. Mesh adapted to exclude particles of 92 microns and greater is a stainless steel woven wire mesh referred to as "180 mesh", while mesh which excludes 15 particle of 81 microns is also a stainless steel woven mesh referred to as "200 mesh". The structure of the screen 6 is described in more detail below with reference to Figure 4.

A collection vessel (not shown) may be positioned beneath the debris outlet 5 to collect 20 debris and other contaminants which are expelled from the housing 2. The collection vessel could include a bucket or the like.

Referring to Figure 2, the debris outlet 5 is illustrated in the side 7a of the housing 2. The debris outlet 5 extends across the side 7a of the housing 2. The size and/or shape 25 of the debris outlet 5 in side 7a may be adapted to cover or shade the end of the screen 6. As mentioned the filtered debris slides down the face of the screen 6 and exits the housing 2 from the debris outlet 5.

The debris outlet 5 is also adapted to allow the screen 6 to be removed for cleaning 30 and/or replacement as is shown in Figure 3. The opening created by the debris outlet 5 of the device 1 also allows air circulation over the screen 6 which may also encourage debris migration towards the debris outlet 5. Any excess debris particles on the screen may be blown off by wind.

The association between the screen 6 and debris outlet 5 in effect form a chute to expel filtered debris from the housing 2. 300587437 11 • 25 The screen 6 is retained within the housing 2 by portions of the grid 8 which abut bracket members 10 of sides 7d, 7b (invisible in Figure 3) of the housing as well as an end panel 10a on the screen 6 which in use abuts a lower internal surface of the side 7a as is best seen in Figure 3. The bracket members 10 also keep the screen 6 level at the predetermined angle.

Referring specifically to Figures 3 and 4, the screen 6 provides the grid 8 covered by the mesh 9. The screen 6 is provided as a substantially square or rectangular grid 8, which mesh 9 is stretched across. Of course the screen 6 could be of any shape but preferably the screen 6 shape matches a horizontal cross-section of the housing 2 so that water which enters the fluid outlet 4 has passed through the screen 6. The grid 8 provides or forms a frame and includes a plurality of interconnected longitudinal and/or lateral members, although it is not essential that the screen 6 includes lateral or longitudinal members 8. In the preferred embodiment, the lateral members 8 are incorporated to facilitate water flow through the mesh 9 in low rainfall.

In the preferred embodiment, shown in the Figures, the mesh 9 is stretched across the grid 8. The mesh 9 may be stretched loosely or tightly across the grid 8. In the preferred embodiment the mesh 9 is stretched tightly across the grid 8. Stretching the mesh 9 tightly across the grid 8 ensures an even surface across the screen 6. This ensures minimal water loss. If the mesh 9 is too loose the holes in the mesh may not be linear and therefore the surface at the screen 6 will not necessarily be in a substantially orthogonal relationship to the inlet (so the screen 6 is less effective in high rainfall).

The mesh 9 may be loosely stretched across the grid 8 in a less preferred embodiment. However if the mesh 9 is too loose it could also form channels across its surface which water may funnel down the face of the screen 6 and be lost from the housing 2 at the debris outlet 5. This is not desirable. It is therefore most preferred that the mesh 9 is tightly stretched across the grid 8 so that the mesh comes into contact with the lateral members (baffles) of the grid 8 at all points as these help to facilitate water flow through the mesh.

Referring to Figure 5, the fluid inlet 3 provides a channel 23 formed in the base of the fluid inlet 3. The channel 23 is shaped to provide directional flow of fluid. When fluid flow is low the fluid collected will dribble down the channel 23 of the fluid inlet 3 before exiting the fluid inlet onto the screen. The channel 23 is adapted to permit fluid to strike the screen 6 in the same place to encourage flow through the mesh. The channel 23 300843989 l.DOC Intellectual Property Office ot <* 2. 2 2 JAN 2008 _ a i- i u r n Intellectual Property fice of N.Z. 2 1 JAN 2008 R P r P IV F D 12 encourages fluid to strike the surface of the screen 6 at a substantially orthogonal angle when fluid flow is low.

In use, fluid such as rainwater collected by spouting is channelled towards the fluid inlet 5 3. The fluid inlet 3 terminates within the housing 2. The housing 2 encloses the screen 6 (or filter).

The fluid inlet 3 is in a substantially orthogonal relationship to the screen 6. The fluid flow exits the fluid inlet 3 substantially orthogonally relative to the screen 6 and in 10 sufficiently close proximity to the screen 6 so that the fluid flow hits the screen 6 at a substantially orthogonal angle relative to the surface of the screen 6.

The angle of both the screen and the fluid inlet may be varied as long as they remain in a substantially orthogonal relationship to each other. If the screen is too horizontal the 15 debris will remain on the screen which is not preferable. If the screen is too steep there will be substantial water loss which is also not the preferable outcome. Preferably the inlet 3 is angled at 45° to the vertical plane Z and the screen 6 is angled at a 55° relative to the vertical plane Z.

Water enters the housing 2 at pressure (under mid-high rainfall) it hits the screen at a substantially orthogonal angle (in line with the holes in the mesh of the screen 6). Water is thereby directed through the screen. The porosity of the screen 6 in the present invention is lower than current devices on the market, because the substantially orthogonal relationship between the inlet 3 and screen 6 improves filtration and water 25 penetration through the screen 6. This means smaller particles can be excluded from the filtered fluid.

In the preferred embodiment the screen 6 will be at a greater angle to the vertical plane Z than the fluid inlet 3. This is to take into account the effect of gravity. Water at mid-30 high rainfall will be projected onto the screen 6 through the fluid inlet 3. Gravity will also exert a force on the water flow as it leaves the fluid inlet 3. The screen 6 is at a slightly greater angle to account for the gravitational force and will ensure the screen is substantially orthogonal to the water flow. 300587437 13 • 25 Leaf debris which collects on the screen 6 slides or migrates towards the debris outlet 5 of the housing 2 by both the incline of the screen 6 and the projections 18 mounted within the housing 2. Debris filtered from the fluid flow exits the housing 2 via the debris outlet 5. The debris, expelled from the housing 2, may be collected in a vessel (not shown) or the like for disposal.

The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art devices which allow small particles of plant material and bacteria to pass through the screen as well as overcoming disadvantages with horizontal screens.

Fluid which penetrates the mesh 9 enters the fluid outlet 4 where it is channelled to a tank or reservoir for later use.

The present invention provides an improved method of filtering small as well as large leaf debris, contaminants and particles of at least 92 microns and greater. The size of particles excluded by the screen 6 is smaller than currently available filters for similar devices because of the improved penetration of the screen 6. The screen 6 penetration has been improved by the angle at which fluid hits the screen 6 and the construction of the screen 6.

The present invention also envisages that the screen 6 may be made and sold separately for mounting with the housing 2. In this way the invention provides a kit of parts including a housing 2 and a screen 6.

The present invention provides a more effective filtration device because the angle of the screen encourages leaf debris to slide from the diverter quickly and easily and the fine mesh prevents small particles down to at least 92 microns getting through the diverter into the tank. The present invention also is adapted to result in only minimal water loss.

Although the invention has been described by example with reference to a preferred embodiment it will be understood that the invention may be modified or altered without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in New Zealand. 300843989 l.DOC Intellectual Property Office ot -V / 2 2 JAN 2008

Claims (17)

14 What we claim is:

1. A filtration device including: 5 - a body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a debris outlet to expel debris filtered from the fluid; and a filter removably mounted within the body between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet to filter debris from fluid passing between the fluid inlet and 10 fluid outlet, the filter providing a screen inclined towards the debris outlet to expel filtered debris and the screen being substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet.

2. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet is inclined relative to 15 a vertical plane through the device.

3. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet is inclined at 45° relative to the vertical plane. 20

4. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the screen is inclined relative to a vertical plane through the device.

5. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the screen is inclined at 55° relative to a vertical plane through the device. 25

6. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid outlet aligns with the vertical plane.

7. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the screen has a first side 30 adjacent to the debris outlet and a second opposite side at a higher vertical position than the first side whereby the screen is inclined towards the debris outlet and debris collecting on the screen in use tends to move downwardly across the filter to the debris outlet. 35

8. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the screen is adapted to exclude particles of 92 microns and greater in size. 300587437 15

9. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the screen is adapted to exclude particles of 81 microns or greater in size.

10. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the screen includes a grid 5 covered by a mesh.

11. A filtration device according to claim 10, wherein the grid includes a plurality of longitudinal and/or lateral members. 10

12. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the body is provided as a housing.

13. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the inlet includes a channel adapted to direct fluid in low flow rates. 15

14. A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes projections which direct large material away from the screen. 20

15. A kit of parts for a filtration device including a body and a filter as described in claim 1.

16. A filter device substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.

17. A kit of parts for a filter device substantially as herein described with reference to 25 the Figures. 30 CONNOVATION LIMITED By Their Attorneys BALDWINS 35 300843989 l.DOC Intellectual Property Office of KiZ. 2 2 JAN 2008 RECEIVED