Patent ID: 7824460

Claim:
A filter assembly, comprising: a plurality of stackable elements each comprising a frame defining a perimeter completely surrounding a filter media disposed within the frame, the filter media being configured for use as a diesel particulate filter and capable of being regenerated at a temperature greater than 350 degrees Celsius, the frame having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a first feature and the second surface having a second feature, the first feature being configured to mate with the second feature of another one of the plurality of filter elements and the first feature of each of the plurality of stackable elements is received in the second feature of an adjacent one of the plurality of stackable elements; a first outer stackable element positioned on one end of the plurality of stackable elements, the first outer stackable element having a frame defining a perimeter completely surrounding a filter media disposed within the frame, the frame of the first outer stackable element having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface having a feature configured to mate with the first feature of one of the plurality of stackable elements adjacent to the first outer stackable element; and a second outer stackable element positioned on another end of the plurality of stackable elements, the second outer stackable element having a frame defining a perimeter completely surrounding a filter media disposed within the frame, the frame of the second outer stackable element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a feature configured to mate with the second feature of one of the plurality of stackable elements adjacent to the second outer stackable element, wherein the first surface of each of the plurality of stackable elements and the second outer stackable element further comprises an inlet opening on one end of the frame and the second surface of each of the plurality of stackable elements and the first outer stackable element further comprises an inlet opening on one end of the frame such that a plurality of openings are defined on one side of the filter assembly, the plurality of openings providing fluid communication to the filter media.