Patent ID: 7641803

Claim:
A filter cartridge for use in a fluid intake system, the filter cartridge comprising: a frame that is formed of one or more fluid conductive members and has a fluid outlet and a plurality of spaced inlets; a flexible fabric material that allows a flow of fluid therethrough, the flexible fabric material being connected to the frame in a manner defining an internal zone, whereby substantially all fluid entering the internal zone from an opposite side of the flexible fabric material passes therethrough; wherein the plurality of spaced inlets are located in the internal zone, and are positioned to allow the fluid to be drawn substantially uniformly through the flexible fabric material; and wherein, upon connection of the fluid outlet to the fluid intake system, fluid is drawn through the flexible fabric material into the internal zone, thereby filtering the fluid, and filtered fluid is drawn through the plurality of spaced inlets and the one or more fluid conductive members before passing to the fluid outlet for delivery into the fluid intake system.