Patent ID: 6113781
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: B01D,F02M

Abstract:
A filter element, comprising:a first end cap, said first end cap having an imperforate annular cap portion and a well area extending radially inward from said annular cap portion, a first projection extending longitudinally from said well area of said annular cap portion, said first projection including a tubular wall forming a portion of a projection recess that opens to an axially outer side of said well area and attachment structure fixing said first projection to said well area, and a centering cylinder extending longitudinally from said well area radially outwardly spaced from said first projection, said centering cylinder including a pair of spaced-apart sidewalls and a lower end wall forming an annular centering cylinder recess separate from said projection recess that opens to the axially outer side of said well area and into which an annular centering wall having an outer diameter that is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the annular centering cylinder recess can be removably received;a continuous ring of filter media, said ring having an interior surface bounding an interior area, said ring being adhesively bonded in fluid-tight relation to said annular cap portion of said first end cap;a second end cap longitudinally disposed from said first end cap and adhesively bonded in fluid-tight relation to said media ring, said second end cap having a central opening therethrough axially aligned with said first projection and through which an external device can be inserted longitudinally into said interior area;wherein said first projection extends longitudinally in said interior area toward said central opening and is radially disposed inwardly from said interior surface, is smaller in transverse cross-section than said central opening and is longer than it is wide, such that said first projection can engage or actuate a valve flow element associated with the external device when the external device is inserted longitudinally through said central opening.