Patent ID: 7828869
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: B01D,F01M

Abstract:
1. A filter element for filtering fluid comprising filter media extending axially along an axial direction between and mounted and directly attached to first and second axially distally oppositely spaced end caps defining a planar member in a lateral plane transverse to said axial direction said planar member having a length extending along a first lateral direction along said lateral plane and transverse to said axial direction, said planar member having a width extending along a second lateral direction along said later plane and transverse to said axial direction and transverse to said first lateral direction, said planar member having an axial height extending along said axial direction between said first and second end caps, said length being greater than said width and substantially greater than said axial height said filter media being looped back upon itself to define a close-loop configuration having a hollow interior along which fluid flows axially along said axial direction said filter media having axially extending upstream and downstream faces laterally spaced from each other and between which fluid flows laterally through said filter media; wherein at least one of said first and second end caps provides a frame supporting said filter media such that said one end cap and said filter media form a replaceable filter element unit; wherein said first end cap comprises a border comprising: first and second skirts extending along said first lateral direction and distally oppositely spaced from each other along said second lateral direction by said filter media therebetween; and third and fourth skirts extending along said second lateral direction and distally oppositely spaced from each along said first lateral direction by said filter media therebetween; wherein each of said skirts extends axially between a first axial end and a second axial end; said second axial ends of said skirts face said second end cap across a respective axial gap therebetween along one of said upstream and downstream faces of said filter media; said third skirt has an axial height between its respective first and second axial ends; said fourth skirt has an axial height between its respective said first and second axial ends; said axial height of said fourth skirt is greater than said axial height of said third skirt; said first and second skirts have a tapered axial height extending from a minimum axial height at said third skirt to a maximum axial height at said fourth skirt; said second axial ends of said first and second skirts extend along a diagonal taper relative to said lateral plane; and wherein one of said end caps has a side flange extending laterally therefrom said flange having one or more windows passing fluid axially therethrough and communicating with one of said upstream and downstream faces.