Patent ID: 6521009
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A filter element comprising:(a) an extension of pleated filter media defining an open filter interior and having first and second ends; (b) a first end cap positioned on said first end of said extension of pleated media; said first end cap defining an air inlet aperture in air flow communication with said open filter interior; said air inlet aperture being circular; (i) said first end cap comprising polymeric material; (ii) a portion of said polymeric material of said first end cap being positioned to line said first end cap air inlet aperture; (iii) said portion of polymeric material positioned to line said first end cap air inlet aperture including a sealing portion of polymeric material; said sealing portion being oriented to seal around, and against, an appropriately sized air flow tube, whenever the filter element is operably positioned with the air flow tube projecting through said air inlet aperture; (c) a second end cap positioned on said second end of said extension of pleated media; said second end cap having an aperture extending therethrough in communication with said open filter interior; said aperture in said second end cap having a smaller inside diameter than an inside diameter of said aperture in said first end cap; said second end cap comprising polymeric material; (i) said second end cap being circular and having a second end cap annular portion comprising polymeric material annularly circumscribing a remainder of said second end cap; said second end cap annular portion including a sealing portion defining an outer annular sealing surface positioned to form a seal along and against an inner annular portion of a housing, when the filter element is operably installed in a housing for use; said second end cap annular portion including at least first and second regions of different outside diameters: (1) said first region being positioned at a location between said first end cap and said second region; and (2) said first region having a diameter larger than said second region.