Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter cap having a filter chamber defined therein. The filter cap includes a side wall having an opening defined therein. A fluid filter is positioned in the filter chamber. A spring-loaded detent button is movably secured to the filter cap and extends into the filter chamber. When the detent button is depressed by a user, the end of the detent button positioned in the filter chamber contacts the fluid filter thereby releasing the fluid filter from the filter cap. An associated method for replacing a fluid filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filter, especially an oil filter for an internal combustion engine, comprising a filter housing and a central, approximately tubular component which extends into the interior of the filter, said central component engaging in the operating position a projection located on the filter housing and permanently retained in the filter housing, said component being disengageable from said projection and nondestructively removable in said disassembly position from the filter, the component being rotatably mounted around its longitudinal axis within the filter housing, a retaining component (10) being arranged in rotatably restricted fashion within the filter housing, which retaining component in its operating position surrounds and fixes the central component by means of a clamping or locking interference fit, and the central component being rotatable in its disassembly position when the clamping or locking force is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filter, especially an oil filter for an internal combustion engine, comprising a filter housing and a central, approximately tubular component which extends into the interior of the filter, said central component engaging in the operating position a projection located on the filter housing and permanently retained in the filter housing, said component being disengageable from said projection and nondestructively removable in said disassembly position from the filter, the component being rotatably mounted around its longitudinal axis within the filter housing, a retaining component (10) being arranged in rotatably restricted fashion within the filter housing, which retaining component in its operating position surrounds and fixes the central component by means of a clamping or locking interference fit, and the central component being rotatable in its disassembly position when the clamping or locking force is exceeded.

Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a ring secured to a filter cover so as to engage a center tube extending within a filter element to retain the center tube and the filter element. A method of assembling a filter apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-stage, retrofit filter is adapted for use with an electrical discharge machine (EDM) includes nested inner and outer filtering elements that may be placed as a unit in the same tank and over the apertured standpipe used for a one-stage filter, such that the fluid to be filtered now flows through each of the multiple filter elements. The retrofit EDM filter may be configured for flow in either direction, though the usual arrangement is one whereby the fluid being filtered flows up through the bottom of the tank, out the apertured standpipe, and into the inner filter element. Preferably, the filter elements are cylindrical, pleated elements composed of a technical grade filter paper. In the preferred embodiment, a pressure-operated release valve is provided in conjunction with the inner filter, such that when a predetermined pressure is reached due to the entrapment of contaminants by the inner filter, the valve opens to allow the fluid to be filtered to flow through the outer filter.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for use in severe or harsh applications, such as acidic or alkaline environments or hot or cold temperatures. The inventive filter cartridge is constructed of a central, perforated core having reinforcing bands on the ends which is surrounded by a continuous tube of filtration material and bounded by end caps. Rather than using potting compounds or other techniques which are susceptible to severe environments, the end caps are secured to the filter material enrobed core by way of mechanical fasteners, such as blind pop-rivets, screws, or nails.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a cylindrical pleated filter media disposed around a central perforated support core or self-supporting. An outer support sleeve comprising a extruded nylon, diamond-shaped mesh is stretched across the pleated media, and elastically conforms to the pleat peaks to structurally retain the pleats of the pleat peaks in fixed relation to one another. A bead of adhesive is then applied over the sleeve to fix the sleeve to the pleat peaks. End caps are disposed at opposite ends of the fluid filter.

Abstract: A filter bag assembly includes an outer bag having an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a longitudinal axis. The open end of the outer bag is sized and shaped for receiving liquid to be filtered. A filter member is loosely mounted in the outer bag and has a pair of opposed open ends and a plurality of longitudinally extending pleats. Each of the pleats projects generally outwardly in a radial direction.

Abstract: A device for removing petroleum based contaminants from the runoff water that passes into a storm drain. The device is a filter apparatus that can be added to a storm drain. The filter apparatus includes a filter cage that defines an open central conduit and a filter cartridge that wraps around the periphery of the filter cage. During normal rain conditions, water enters the sewer grate near the edges of the sewer grate. This water falls through the filter cartridge and is filtered. Solid debris that is mixed with the water is deflected through the central conduit and falls through the filter apparatus. During flood conditions, excess water is allowed to pass through the center conduit of the filter cage unfiltered in order to preserve the water flow capacity of the storm drain.

Abstract: A method of assembling a filter element includes the initial step of forming a plastic filter casing with openings from a flat blank with opposite ends thereof bent towards one another and joining these opposite ends together by a sealing seam. Also, a resilient mat filter is folded into a cylindrical shape and pushed open on a fluid-permeable supporting pipe to surround and engage the surrounding pipe. The cylindrical shape of the mat filter has an exterior diameter prior to introduction into the casing that is larger than an interior diameter of the filter casing along the entire axial length of the mat filter. The mat folder is folded into a conical shape to facilitate its introduction thereof into the filter casing. After the axial end is formed, the mat filter and supporting pipe are introduced into the filter casing to define a filter chamber. Finally, two end caps are joined to the filter casing.

Abstract: The filtration cartridge comprises a filtration element and a heat-resistant extension band having a first and a second longitudinal edge. The first edge of the extension band is attached along an edge of the filtration element. In a first embodiment, a metallic cast end member is formed by immersing the second edge of the extension band into molten metal. The molten metal is then allowed to solidify with the second edge of the extension band embedded therein. In a second embodiment, the extension band is squeezed on a porous inner core and an end plate is welded on the end of the inner core. Providing filtration cartridges with a metallic end member allows increasing their resistance to mechanical shocks and increasing their maximum operating temperatures.

Abstract: A unitary centertube, molded out of a synthetic material and designed for use as part of a fluid filter, includes a tubular body portion arranged with a plurality of annular ribs in alternating sequence with a plurality of annular recessed sections, the tubular body portion defining a plurality of fluid flow apertures and an interior opening. The plurality of fluid flow apertures are arranged in two styles to facilitate the mold design. Included as part of the unitary centertube is a cross-beam section positioned in the interior opening for providing reinforcement to a corresponding filtering element when subjected to a differential pressure.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes housing enclosing a replaceable filter element. A support core is provided in the housing, and includes an extension and locking assembly. The element includes a ring of filtration media with a pair of end caps. The first end cap includes a central opening to receive the support core. The extension and locking assembly prevents the cover of the housing from being attached to the housing body without a proper filter element installed. The extension and locking assembly includes a bypass member and a locking member, which are in locking engagement when an element is absent in the housing. The second end cap includes internal protrusions which engage the locking member when the filter element is installed to disengage the bypass member from the support core, and allow the element to be inserted and the cover to be installed.

Abstract: A filter assembly with a replaceable filter element and a reusable filter housing, which incorporates a locking mechanism to ensure that the filter system will not be operated without a filter element installed.

Abstract: A radial flow septic tank includes: a main body having a wall and a floor defining a cavity; an inlet disposed at approximately a center of the cavity; an outlet having a collection device disposed around an inside perimeter of the wall of the main body; and a column disposed within the cavity at approximately the center of the main body, the column having openings to allow the flow to move from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A liquid filter for removing contaminants from liquids such as lubricating oil, water or fuel, comprising a filter housing (10), a filter element (15), a support body (16) and a slide valve (17), which, when closed, prevents liquid from flowing from an unfiltered liquid area or from a filtered liquid area to a filter outlet (24). When the filter housing is opened, the slide valve moves axially and opens the filter outlet (24) so that the filter housing can empty. The slide valve (17) is detachably snapped together with the support body (16), which in turn is connected to a housing cover (12). This enables the slide valve to be detached from the support body, and reduces the level of maintenance required by the liquid filter.

Abstract: Methods of making a filter element may comprise inserting end portions of a filter and a core into a liquid bonding material of an end cap. The end portions may be inserted into the liquid bonding material at the same time or at different times. Inserting the end portion of the core into the liquid bonding material may include separating some of the liquid bonding material from the end portion of the filter. The end portion of the filter is bonded to the end cap, while the core may or may not be bonded to the end cap. The inner periphery of the end portion of the filter near the bond may be supported by an outer wall of the core.

Abstract: A filter for a fluid system includes a housing having an interior cavity. A filter media is disposed in the housing and defines a central opening. A center tube is arranged within the central opening and includes a plurality of helical fins extending radially outwardly from a central portion of the center tube. The helical fins terminate in an outer portion that is adjacent to the filter media. The center tube provides the desired structural integrity while permitting fluid to flow through the center tube. The present invention center tube is produced by a plastic extrusion process.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for use in severe or harsh applications, such as acidic or alkaline environments or hot or cold temperatures. The inventive filter cartridge is constructed of a central, perforated core having reinforcing bands on the ends which is surrounded by a continuous tube of filtration material and bounded by end caps. Rather than using potting compounds or other techniques which are susceptible to severe environments, the end caps are secured to the filter material enrobed core by way of mechanical fasteners, such as blind pop-rivets, screws, or nails.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus including a filter cap with a releasable filter element is disclosed herein. The filter cap defines a filter chamber and includes an upper wall having an opening therein. An oil filter element is positioned in the filter chamber. A snap connection is provided within the filter chamber for releasable connecting the oil filter to the filter cap. Finally, an actuator having a portion extending through the opening into the filter chamber is provided. The actuator is operable is operable to eject the filter element from the filter chamber. The actuator is movably secured to the filter cap and is separable from the oil filter upon ejection of the filter element from the filter chamber.

Abstract: A filter element includes a hollow filter pack, a core disposed in the filter pack, and an end cap. The core has a wall structure and a recess. The end cap is bonded to the filter, and solidified bonding material produced during bonding of the end cap to the filter pack is contained in the recess of the core. The wall structure of the core supports the periphery of the filter pack at the bond.

Abstract: A filter assembly including a filter element retained within the central core of the element with a C-shaped retaining ring. The retaining ring is located in an internal annular groove in one end cap. The other end of the support core is supported against the opposite end cap, or an additional retaining ring can be provided. When the element is spent, the element is removed from the housing, the retaining ring and central support core are removed, and the element is disposed of in an appropriate manner (preferably by crushing and incineration). The support core is then inserted into a replacement/fresh element and held in place by the ring.

Abstract: A fluid treatment element is adapted for cross flow filtration which includes a fluid treatment pack having first and second lengthwise ends, a fluid treatment layer that may be pleated, a first mesh layer disposed on a first side of the fluid treatment layer and a second mesh layer disposed on the second side of the treatment layer, the element defining a flow path for a process fluid to be treated passing in a lengthwise direction of the fluid treatment element inside the first mesh layer and a flow path for permeate passing through the second mesh layer. The first mesh layer may open onto the first lengthwise end with the second mesh layer including sealant at the first lengthwise end such that fluid can flow through the first lengthwise end into the first mesh layer but not into the second mesh layer. The element may include a core having a blind region in which fluid cannot pass therethrough and at least one regions where fluid can pass through the core.

Abstract: A filter element is provided with an ascending pipe and a filter material subject to soiling and is supported by a supporting pipe. The filter material is separable from the ascending pipe such that the multi-component ascending pipe can be reused and to reduce the weight of hazardous waste to be disposed of when the soiled filter material has been changed. The ascending pipe is provided at least on one of its ends with a reception for the filter material in such a manner that the filter material with the supporting pipe as one assembly (22) and with the ascending pipe (10) as another component are detachable coupled, allowing the exchange of the soiled filter material by new filter material while keeping the ascending pipe. The filter element can be assembled during production with less effort, thereby allowing for a reduction of costs.

Abstract: A filter element for a fluid filtration system, particularly for piston cooling jets used in reciprocating piston engines, is formed from a length of filter material arranged helically in a substantially tubular form. By applying a torque the length of filter material is resiliently expandable to a fitting position in which opposing longitudinal edges of the length are spaced apart from each other. The filter element is then fitted over a fluid chamber of the filtration system and allowed to retract to a rest position in which the opposing longitudinal edges are close or in contact. In the rest position the filter element surrounds the fluid chamber and covers a fluid inlet of the fluid chamber. The filter element of the invention can be used to apply local filtration, and can be readily removed for cleaning or replacement by reversing the fitting process.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system, particularly for use in piston cooling jets, includes a fluid chamber with a filter element disposed therein. In one embodiment, the filter element comprises a tubular filter telescopically attached within a coil spring. In a second embodiment, the filter element comprises a coil spring serving as a filter. The filter element is installed within the fluid chamber, so its interior is in communication with one of an inlet and outlet of the chamber, by compressing the filter element and inserting it through an aperture in the fluid chamber which serves as the other of the fluid inlet and outlet. The filter element then expands and is held in place by its resilient bias. The filter element of the invention can be used to apply local filtration, and can be readily removed for cleaning or replacement by reversing the installation process.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a bowl assembly and a head member enclosing a filter cartridge. A filter center tube is permanently fixed to the bowl but allowed to rotate within a pocket in the bottom of the bowl. The top of the center tube is threaded for fastening to a stud on the filter mounting head. The center tube cannot be threaded onto the stud without the filter assembled over the center tube and into the bowl. In order to assemble the bowl to the head, the operator must turn the outside of the bowl. If a filter is not present, the bowl will turn independently of the center tube and no torque is transmitted to the threads. When the filter is properly installed, a series of tabs or features spaced around the inner perimeter of the wall of the bowl interlock with corresponding grooves or features in the outside diameter of the end cap of the filter. Tabs or features on the outer diameter of the center tube also interlock with grooves or features in the inside diameter of the end cap.

Abstract: An oil filter assembly has an outer canister in which full flow and bypass flow filtration sections are operatively housed in a nested relationship. Oil forced into the canister has imparted thereto a vortex flow pattern which forces contaminant particles in the oil away from the full flow filter section before the oil passes therethrough. The bypass filtration section is disposed within the full flow filtration section and creates a second vortex flow pattern in the oil which induces a small portion thereof to flow through a bypass filter element while at the same time causing the entire balance of the oil to bypass this filter element and be discharged from the canister after having traversed the filtering portion of only the full flow filtration portion of the filter assembly.

Abstract: The filtration cartridge comprises a filtration element and a heat-resistant extension band having a first and a second longitudinal edge. The first edge of the extension band is attached along an edge of the filtration element. In a first embodiment, a metallic cast end member is formed by immersing the second edge of the extension band into molten metal. The molten metal is then allowed to solidify with the second edge of the extension band embedded therein. In a second embodiment, the extension band is squeezed on a porous inner core and an end plate is welded on the end of the inner core. Providing filtration cartridges with a metallic end member allows increasing their resistance to mechanical shocks and increasing their maximum operating temperatures.

Abstract: A filter cartridge comprising an annularly closed filter medium provided with end disks (16). Within the interior of the cartridge there is a support tube (24), which is made in one piece and has a radial sealing ring (25) in its interior. The outside diameter of the support tube is chosen such that the support tube can be inserted into the filter cartridge. This produces a sealing effect between the end disks (16) and the outer circumference of the support tube. The filter cartridge of the invention has the advantage of being cost-effective to produce and simple to assemble.

Abstract: A hemocathartic column and apparatus, in which a column containing an adsorber capable of adsorbing and removing impurity components in blood, and in which the blood of an organism is extracorporeally circulated through the column, to be purified, and further in which if the pressure of blood at 120 minutes after start of blood circulation is P120 and the pressure of blood at 5 minutes after start of blood circulation is P5, then a relation of (P120/P5)≦1.3 is satisfied.

Abstract: A hemocathartic column and apparatus, in which a column containing an adsorber capable of adsorbing and removing impurity components in blood, and in which the blood of an organism is extracorporeally circulated through the column, to be purified, and further in which if the pressure of blood at 120 minutes after start of blood circulation is P120 and the pressure of blood at 5 minutes after start of blood circulation is P5, then a relation of (P120/P5)≦1.3 is satisfied.

Abstract: A filter element with a cylindrical structure having a filter medium 11 mounted to a support element 10. The filter medium 11 is fastened to the support element 10 in such a way that no relative movement between these components is possible. This creates a heavy-duty assembly between filter medium and support element and increases filter life. It is thus possible for the filter to withstand a pulsating load, e.g., caused by backwashing of the filter medium, without risk of destroying the sensitive filter medium due to vibrations or any relative movement between the support element and the filter medium. This assembly may be produced by mounting the filter medium under tension to the support element and by fixing it with a reinforcement strip 12. The use of valves with switching times of less than 0.4 seconds makes it possible to achieve extremely short backwash pulses to clean the filter without risk of failure of the filter medium.

Abstract: A replaceable filter cartridge assembly for a liquid filter and a liquid filter in which such a filter cartridge is installed. The filter cartridge 10 is provided with a support element 15, and a seat 20 for a sealing membrane 19 is provided on the support element 15. The sealing membrane seals the inlet 22 of the housing via a sealing edge 21 that acts as a return flow barrier over the inlet. The sealing membrane 19 also has a radial sealing surface 23 to provide a seal between the support element 15 and the outlet port 24 of the filter. This permits the filter cartridge to be manufactured in a particularly cost-effective manner and assures simple mounting within the housing. Since only the filter cartridge, which can be pushed onto the support element 15, needs to be exchanged, very little material has to be disposed of when the filter is replaced, which further increases the cost-effectiveness of the filter in use.

Abstract: There can be obtained an ecological filtration apparatus providing a sufficient function of precise filtration while contributing to saving resources and minimizing refuse. The filtration apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, an outer cylinder fixed to the housing, and a cartridge filter formed mainly of a cylindrical filter, an inner cylinder and end caps. The cartridge filter is detachably attached to the housing, housed in the outer cylinder, blocking a channel extending from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: Length-adjustable end caps and filter cartridges including the same are provided. In preferred embodiments, the length-adjustable end caps include a stationary ring member which unitarily includes an annular lip seal, and a connection member in moveable sealing contact with said lip seal. Most preferably, the lip seal is a segment of a conical surface. The stationary ring member preferably includes a connection flange which defines an annular recess concentric with, but spaced from, the unitary lip seal. An annular spacer ring received within said recess. During thermal bonding of the connection flange to an end of a generally cylindrical filter medium, the spacer ring and the end of the filter medium will both be melded to respective adjacent portion of the connection flange.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vacuum filtration device for aqueous media that includes a hydrophilic tubular filter element in a cylindrical housing and at least one hydrophobic gas-permeable membrane, coupled with a gas bleed-off valve to allow the escape of air entrained in the filtration medium.

Abstract: A unitary centertube, molded out of a synthetic material and designed for use as part of a fluid filter, includes a tubular body portion arranged with a plurality of annular ribs in alternating sequence with a plurality of annular recessed sections, the tubular body portion defining a plurality of fluid flow apertures and an interior opening. The plurality of fluid flow apertures are arranged in two styles to facilitate the mold design. Included as part of the unitary centertube is a cross-beam section positioned in the interior opening for providing reinforcement to a corresponding filtering element when subjected to a differential pressure.

Abstract: A filter cartridge which has an insertable center tube including an upper part (13) and a lower part (14) which can be coupled together in the cartridge by a snap fastener (21). The snap fastener (21) is configured such that it can be made without undercuts by simple injection molding dies. Therefore the filter cartridge with the center tube according to the invention is very economical.

Abstract: A filter support sleeve for use with a filter element to provide structural support for the filter element. The support sleeve encompasses the filter element and includes a metal strip wound in helical turns joined by a continuous spiral weld to form a hollow cylinder. The metal strip has substantially square perforation for passage of fluid flow through the support sleeve oriented such that when the metal strip is helically wound, a line parallel to each side of the square-shaped perforation is skew with the axial axis of the support sleeve. The support sleeve present an open structure while protecting the filter element from forces generated by the fluid flow during normal use or back flow during cleaning. When used with a pleated filter element, the support sleeve will not obstruct the entire length of the pleats.

Abstract: A filter is disclosed that includes a cylindrical filter element having a longitudinal axis, an outer periphery, an inner periphery, and a plurality of longitudinal pleats arranged in a spiral configuration in close proximity to one another. Each of the pleats has a pair of legs, and the legs of each pleat are joined to one another at a root. The roots of adjacent pleats are radially spaced from one another about the inner periphery of the filter element.

Abstract: A liquid filter, especially for oil of an internal combustion engine, with a bypass valve including a valve body 20 and a valve seat 21 integrated in an end plate 32 of the filter insert. A spring 22, which urges the bypass valve closed, is mounted in a support member 24 attached to the housing. Thus, parts of the bypass valve subject to wear and soiling can be replaced each time filter element 18 is replaced, and reliable operation of the bypass valve is assured throughout the life of the filter. The filter insert can be designed free of metal for easy disposability. The filter cartridge can also be used with known filter arrangements in which a permanent valve body is housed in the support member 24. When the filter element of the invention is used, this permanent valve body stays in the support member and functions as an intermediate piece 35, which transmits force between spring 22 and valve body 20. The valve function is assumed by new valve body 20 engaging valve seat 21.

Abstract: An oil filter apparatus comprises a housing formed to include an interior region and an aperture, a drainage valve positioned in the interior region for movement relative to the housing between an opened position allowing oil to drain out of the interior region through the aperture and a closed position blocking drainage of oil out of the interior region through the aperture, a filter module positioned in the interior region to filter oil, a valve actuator coupled to the filter module, and an anti-rotation device positioned to block rotation of the filter module relative to the housing to guide the valve actuator into communication with the drainage valve to move the drainage valve to the closed position when the filter module is installed in the interior region.

Abstract: A cover encloses a filter cartridge in an outer housing. The cover has an unfiltered fluid inlet channel and a concentric filtered fluid outlet channel. The filter cartridge includes a filter media with a central passage. An upper endplate is provided on the upper end of the filter media, and the upper endplate has oblong openings defined therein. A separate seal retainer is attached to the upper endplate. The retainer has an outer body portion and a concentric inner body portion extending from the outer body portion. The outer body portion has a lower outwardly opening channel, and the inner body portion has an upper outwardly opening channel. An outer seal is provided in the lower channel to seal the filter cartridge with the housing. An inner seal is provided in upper channel to seal the inlet channel from the outlet channel in the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filter, such as an oil filter for an internal combustion engine, comprising a filter housing which can be closed by a screw lid, a filter element and a central, approximately tubular component which projects into the interior of the filter, whereby the central component has bearing surfaces which are used to fix said component into the filter, so that it cannot rotate. The central component and the filter housing have projections and corresponding undercuts which interact with the projections, in order to fix the central component using a detent or snap-fit connection.

Abstract: A liquid filter, especially including an oil filter cartridge (12) which is contained in a pot-shaped or cylindrical housing (10) with threaded cover (11), into which a cooler (13) is preferably installed. An outlet opening (37a) is contained in the oil cooler (13) which facilitates complete emptying of the cooler when the filter is changed. In this way, a complete replacement of the oil can be performed, so that the replaced oil is not contaminated from the outset by residues of the old oil. Thus, service intervals can be lengthened. To prevent a short circuit of the outlet opening (37a) during operation, the opening is closed by a valve stem (33) coupled to the threaded cover (11) and opened by unscrewing the cover.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes housing enclosing a replaceable filter element. A support core is provided in the housing, and includes an extension and locking assembly. The element includes a ring of filtration media with a pair of end caps. The first end cap includes a central opening to receive the support core. The extension and locking assembly prevents the cover of the housing from being attached to the housing body without a proper filter element installed. The extension and locking assembly includes a bypass member and a locking member, which are in locking engagement when an element is absent in the housing. The second end cap includes internal protrusions which engage the locking member when the filter element is installed to disengage the bypass member from the support core, and allow the element to be inserted and the cover to be installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device for microfiltration of oil, in particular for use in engines, automatic transmissions and hydraulic applications. The filter device comprises a tubular microfilter cartridge through which medium can flow in the transverse direction and which has open ends. This filter cartridge is accommodated in a filter chamber which is enclosed by a filter housing and is accommodated between two end closure elements, between which the filter cartridge is clamped under prestress. On their surface facing towards the filter cartridge the end closure elements are provided with at least one rib which extends in the transverse circumferential direction of the filter cartridge. The holding means comprise a spring which acts with prestress on one of the end closure elements, in such a manner that his closure element follows the end wall which it adjoins in the event of longitudinal expansion and also in the event of longitudinal contraction.

Abstract: A filter element for hydrocarbon emissions in, e.g., marine diesel engine applications, comprises a wound mat received within a filter bag. An annular end cap is bonded to one end of the wound mat, and is sealed around its periphery to a bag ring at the open end of the bag. The bag ring is then received and retained in a seat ring in the housing. The exhaust gas stream from the engine is directed through an opening in the end cap and through the wound mat and bag for removal of hydrocarbons and contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel filter element having a septum with a staged pleating that repeats a pleating sequence having a major (longest) pleat, a minor (shortest) pleat and at least one intermediate pleat therebetween. The intermediate pleat(s) have pleat heights that are evenly distributed within the range of pleat heights bounded by the pleat height of the minor pleat and the pleat height of the major pleat. In two particular embodiments of the invention, the pleat height ratios of the major, intermediate and minor pleats are 3:2:1 and 4:3:2:1. In an filter element, the pleated septum may be held between an inner core and an outer guard. The tip of the major pleat in each pleating sequence may be in contact with the inner core of the filter element. The septum may also include drainage layers on upstream and downstream of the filter material layer.