Patent ID: 8128819
Filing Date: 2012-03-06
Classification: B01D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A filter element comprising: a tubular ring of filter media; an end cap having an inner face sealingly secured to an end of the tubular ring of filter media and an outer face facing away from the tubular ring of filter media, the end cap including a fluid flow port passing through the end cap fluidly communicating the inner face with the outer face; a valve member extending across the fluid flow port and sealingly closing the fluid flow port by sealingly interacting with one of the faces of the end cap in a relaxed condition and opening the flow port in a deformed condition, the deformed condition being different than the relaxed condition; wherein the valve member has a sealing contact portion in sealing engagement with the outer face of the end cap at a first position in the relaxed condition, and wherein the sealing contact portion is at a second position different than the first position in the deformed condition; wherein the flow port has a circular outer peripheral edge and the valve member has a circular outer peripheral edge, the circular outer peripheral edge of the valve member extending radially beyond the circular outer peripheral edge of the flow port in the relaxed condition; wherein the circular outer peripheral edge of the valve member is radially inward of the circular outer peripheral edge of the flow port and is seated against a top surface of the end cap in the deformed condition.