Patent ID: 8800782
Filing Date: 2014-08-12
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
1. A filter element comprising: an annular filtering media defining first and second axial ends and surrounding an interior area having a central axis; a first end cap sealingly attached to said first axial end of said filter media; a second annular end cap sealingly attached to said second axial end of said filter media, said second end cap defining a central opening; and a central tube having a first end portion extending from the opening of the second end cap and a second end portion, wherein the central tube includes an actuator excluding keys, free ends, or projections, and wherein the second end portion includes a radial flange projecting radially inwardly towards a central axis and circumscribing the second end portion to define an aperture, wherein the central tube includes a first segment, a second segment and an intermediate segment, wherein the first segment has a first segment length, wherein the first segment includes a substantially constant thickness along the first segment length, wherein the second segment has a second segment length, wherein the second segment includes a substantially constant thickness along the second segment length, wherein the second segment extends from the first segment, wherein the intermediate segment has an intermediate segment length, wherein the intermediate segment includes a non-constant thickness along the intermediate segment length, wherein the non-constant thickness of the intermediate segment increases from a first thickness to a second thickness as the intermediate segment extends away from the first segment toward the second segment, wherein the substantially constant thickness of the first segment is approximately equal to the first thickness, wherein the substantially constant thickness of the second segment is approximately equal to the second thickness, wherein the central tube includes an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface includes a first surface portion, and a second surface portion, wherein the first and second surface portions are demarcated by a shoulder portion that extends radially inwardly toward the central axis, wherein the radial flange includes a radial surface, wherein the radial surface is adapted to at least partially seal against a standpipe.