Filter device and transparent cover

Claim 1

A filter device comprising, in combination: a filter means; a support means beneath said filter means for supporting said filter means, said filter device having a closed region disposed beneath said filter means and having an outlet, said support means having a ledge forming a surface substantially contiguous and substantially coplanar with said filter means; an inlet located on said ledge remotely from said filter means to direct fluids passing therethrough across said ledge and upwardly therefrom to a location above said filter means, the area of said ledge being of a size sufficient to cause a substantial reduction in velocity of fluids entering through said inlet; a cover means including a transparent portion permitting said filter means to be inspected without disassembling the filter device, said cover means juxtaposed to said support means to form a second closed region between said support means and said cover means, said second closed region being disposed above said filter means and said ledge, with said inlet communicating with said second closed region permitting fluid to enter from said inlet, pass across said ledge, disperse into said second closed region, flow downwardly through said filter into said first mentioned closed region and exit through said outlet.