A filter support system is provided for reducing damage to filter elements. The filter support system includes an upper support system and a lower support system for supporting at least one filter element in a vertical orientation by engaging the top and bottom of the at least one filter element. The upper support system includes a sleeve for engaging the top of the at least one filter element and the lower support system includes a compression spring that supports the at least one filter element against the upper support system.

A filter support system is provided for reducing damage to filter elements. The filter support system includes an upper support system and a lower support system for supporting at least one filter element in a vertical orientation by engaging the top and bottom of the at least one filter element. The upper support system includes a sleeve for engaging the top of the at least one filter element and the lower support system includes a compression spring that supports the at least one filter element against the upper support system.

A method for separating microcarriers from a medium includes transferring a suspension that includes medium, microcarriers and cells into a compartment of a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes: a container having an interior surface bounding the compartment; and a filter having a tubular stem with an encircling sidewall extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being secured to the interior surface of the container and the second end projecting into the compartment of the container, a plurality of openings extend through the sidewall of the stem that are large enough to allow the medium and cells to pass therethrough while preventing the microcarriers from passing therethrough. The medium and cells within the compartment are allowed to pass through the plurality of openings of the filter while the microcarriers are retained within the compartment of the container.

A method for separating microcarriers from a medium includes transferring a suspension that includes medium, microcarriers and cells into a compartment of a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes: a container having an interior surface bounding the compartment; and a filter having a tubular stem with an encircling sidewall extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being secured to the interior surface of the container and the second end projecting into the compartment of the container, a plurality of openings extend through the sidewall of the stem that are large enough to allow the medium and cells to pass therethrough while preventing the microcarriers from passing therethrough. The medium and cells within the compartment are allowed to pass through the plurality of openings of the filter while the microcarriers are retained within the compartment of the container.

A variable efficiency filter media. The variable efficiency filter media is a composite media formed of at least two different types of filter media, such as standard efficiency media and high efficiency media. The variable efficiency filter media has at least two different efficiency levels. The different efficiency levels can be spread across different zones. The filter media types for both the standard and high efficiency media can be spun media, melt blown media, nanofiber media, micro-glass media, cellulose media, carded staple fiber media, and the like. The variable efficiency filter media may be produced by any of an air laid or wet laid process.

A variable efficiency filter media. The variable efficiency filter media is a composite media formed of at least two different types of filter media, such as standard efficiency media and high efficiency media. The variable efficiency filter media has at least two different efficiency levels. The different efficiency levels can be spread across different zones. The filter media types for both the standard and high efficiency media can be spun media, melt blown media, nanofiber media, micro-glass media, cellulose media, carded staple fiber media, and the like. The variable efficiency filter media may be produced by any of an air laid or wet laid process.

An end cap assembly comprises a first connector element comprising at least two snap arches, each snap arch including a snap tooth lock; and at least two snap arms each including a snap tooth; the first connector element having a central cavity closed off with a wall, or having a central opening with side walls having an internal thread; a second connector element comprising at least two snap arches, each connector snap arches including a snap tooth lock; and at least two snap arms, each of the at least two snap arms including a snap tooth; the second connector element having a central opening, and an annular channel for receiving an end of a hollow cylindrical filter element; and, a gasket arranged between the first connector element and the second connector element, the gasket having a central opening; wherein the connector elements are lockably engageable with each other when placed in contact with each other and axial force is applied such that each first connector snap tooth is retained in each respective second connector snap tooth lock, and each second connector snap tooth is retained in each respective first connector snap tooth lock.

An end cap assembly comprises a first connector element comprising at least two snap arches, each snap arch including a snap tooth lock; and at least two snap arms each including a snap tooth; the first connector element having a central cavity closed off with a wall, or having a central opening with side walls having an internal thread; a second connector element comprising at least two snap arches, each connector snap arches including a snap tooth lock; and at least two snap arms, each of the at least two snap arms including a snap tooth; the second connector element having a central opening, and an annular channel for receiving an end of a hollow cylindrical filter element; and, a gasket arranged between the first connector element and the second connector element, the gasket having a central opening; wherein the connector elements are lockably engageable with each other when placed in contact with each other and axial force is applied such that each first connector snap tooth is retained in each respective second connector snap tooth lock, and each second connector snap tooth is retained in each respective first connector snap tooth lock.

Disclosed is a filter attachment that removably couples with a faucet or other vessel. The attachment includes a flexible cover holding the filter on the vessel and that acts as a pressure relief mechanism if the water pressure of the faucet is above a predetermined threshold. Another flexible cover may be located on the opposite side of the attachment to allow reversible use and cleaning by backwashing. The attachment may further include a removable cap on one side that includes a flexible cover and that couples to the remainder of the attachment in a removable manner so as to allow other fitments to couple to the attachment.

Disclosed is a filter attachment that removably couples with a faucet or other vessel. The attachment includes a flexible cover holding the filter on the vessel and that acts as a pressure relief mechanism if the water pressure of the faucet is above a predetermined threshold. Another flexible cover may be located on the opposite side of the attachment to allow reversible use and cleaning by backwashing. The attachment may further include a removable cap on one side that includes a flexible cover and that couples to the remainder of the attachment in a removable manner so as to allow other fitments to couple to the attachment.