Patent ID: 7357867
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: B01D,F02M

Abstract:
1. A filter element having a ring of filter media defining a central cavity and circumscribing a central axis, said ring of filter media having a first end and a second end; first and second end caps fixed to said first and second ends, respectively, of said filter media, the second end cap having an annular end cap portion sealingly bonded to the second end of said filter media, wherein the second end cap has a valve-actuating portion, including an axially-extending cylindrical portion connected to the annular end cap portion and circumscribing the inner diameter of said annular end cap portion and an annular base connected to the cylindrical portion and extending radially inward from said cylindrical portion to define a first central opening, the base having a surface facing inwardly toward the first end, and a plurality of keys supported by and extending away from said valve-actuating portion in an axially inward direction from said base toward said first end cap, each of said keys having a free engaging portion positioned radially inward to an inner surface of said cylindrical portion and axially spaced away from said annular base, and terminating at a distal end closer to said second end cap than said first end cap.