Patent ID: 6322602
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A filter element operationally positionable in and removable from a housing; the filter element comprising:(a) filter media;(i) the filter media including a cylindrical region of media;(A) the cylindrical region of media having fibers selected from synthetic fibers;(B) the cylindrical region of media defining an internal region and having a central longitudinal axis;(b) a first end cap having an open inlet aperture therein:(i) the first end cap comprising molded, compressible, foamed polyurethane and having a first end of the cylindrical region of filter media embedded therein with the first end of the cylindrical region of filter media oriented around the inlet aperture and with the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical region of media oriented in alignment with the inlet aperture;(ii) the first end cap defining a compressible region of molded, foamed, polyurethane oriented to form a radial seal with an inlet tube projecting through the inlet aperture, during use;(c) a second end cap having an open aperture therein;(i) the second end cap comprising compressible, free-rise molded, foamed polyurethane and having a second end of the cylindrical region of media embedded therein, with the second end of the cylindrical region of filter media oriented around the aperture in the second end cap and with the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical region of filter media oriented in alignment with the second end cap aperture;(d) a rigid pre-formed plastic insert:(i) positioned within the internal region defined by the cylindrical extension of media;(ii) having a central aperture aligned with the central aperture in the foamed polyurethane of the second end cap; and,(iii) the plastic insert having an internal surface with a funnel section tapering radially inwardly in axial extension toward the central aperture of the second end cap; and,(e) a seal region positioned to form an end cap seal between a portion of an outer surface of the second end cap and a portion of the housing, when the filter element is installed in the housing for use.