Patent ID: 8092690

Claim:
A method for forming a filter element, comprising the steps of: forming filter media to include a first axial end and a second axial end; forming a first end cap to include an inner support surface and an opening; disposing the inner support surface of the first end cap substantially adjacent the first axial end of the filter media; and forming a second end cap to include an inner support surface and a center tube extending axially away from the inner support surface of the second end cap and axially through the opening formed by the first end cap, wherein said center tube includes a first axial end defining at least one fluid inlet opening, and a second axial end defining a standpipe opening; disposing the inner support surface of the second end can substantially adjacent the second axial end of the filter media; and providing an actuator pin that is connected to and extends axially away from an inner surface of the first axial end of the center tube and toward the second axial end of the center tube, wherein an outer axial surface of said first axial end of the center tube is provided with an axial recess that projects axially into the actuator pin, wherein the at least one fluid inlet opening is radially offset from said axial recess.