초록 ▼

A reverse flow air filter arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a filter element having first and second end caps, the second end cap having a central drainage aperture. A funnel shape on an interior surface of second end cap is used to direct moisture flow to the drainage aperture. The

A reverse flow air filter arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a filter element having first and second end caps, the second end cap having a central drainage aperture. A funnel shape on an interior surface of second end cap is used to direct moisture flow to the drainage aperture. The arrangement includes a housing in which the filter element is positioned, operatively, during use. Certain features in the housing facilitate moisture withdrawal from the filter element while also inhibiting interference with sealing between the filter element and the housing.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An air filter element comprising: (a) an extension of pleated filter media defining an open filter interior and having first and second ends; (b) a first end cap positioned on said first end of said extension of pleated media; said first end cap defining an air inlet apertur

What is claimed is: 1. An air filter element comprising: (a) an extension of pleated filter media defining an open filter interior and having first and second ends; (b) a first end cap positioned on said first end of said extension of pleated media; said first end cap defining an air inlet aperture in air flow communication with said open filter interior; said air inlet aperture being circular; (i) said first end cap comprising foamed polyurethane; (ii) a portion of said foamed polyurethane of said first end cap being positioned to line said first end cap air inlet aperture; (iii) said portion of foamed polyurethane positioned to line said first end cap air inlet aperture including a sealing portion of foamed polyurethane; said sealing portion being oriented to seal around, and against, an appropriately sized air flow tube, whenever the filter element is operably positioned with the air flow tube projecting through said air inlet aperture; (iv) said portion of foamed polyurethane lining said first end cap air inlet aperture including a stepped portion that is tapered in decreasing diameter toward said open filter interior at least when said filter element is not positioned with an air flow tube extending through said air inlet aperture; (c) a second end cap positioned on said second end of said extension of pleated media; said second end cap comprising foamed polyurethane; (i) said second end cap including a liquid drainage aperture extending therethrough in communication with said open filter interior; (A) said liquid drainage aperture in said second end cap having a smaller inside diameter than an inside diameter of said aperture in said first end cap; (ii) said second end cap being circular and having a second end cap annular portion comprising foamed polyurethane annularly circumscribing a remainder of said second end cap; (A) said second end cap annular portion including a sealing portion defining an outer annular sealing surface positioned to form a seal along and against an inner annular portion of a housing, when the filter element is operably installed in a housing for use; (B) said second end cap annular portion including at least first and second regions of different outside diameters: (1) said first region being positioned at a location between said first end cap and said second region; and (2) said first region having a diameter larger than said second region. 2. A filter element according to claim 1 further including: (a) an inner filter media support liner circumscribed by the extension of pleated media; and (b) an outer filter media support liner circumscribing the extension of pleated media. 3. A filter element according to claim 2 wherein: (a) said inner filter media support liner comprises expanded metal; and (b) said outer filter media support liner comprises expanded metal. 4. A filter element according to claim 2 wherein: (a) said extension of pleated filter media comprises a cylindrical extension of media. 5. A filter element according to claim 4 wherein: (a) said inner filter media liner is cylindrical; (i) said inner filter media liner being embedded in, and extending between, said first end cap and said second end cap. 6. A filter element according to claim 5 wherein: (a) said outer filter media liner is cylindrical; (i) said outer filter media liner being embedded in, and extending between, said first end cap and said second end cap. 7. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein: (a) said second end cap includes an internal surface that funnels liquid toward said liquid drainage aperture. 8. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein: (a) said element has a length of 23-26 inches; and (b) said element is cylindrical and has an outside diameter of 11-13 inches. 9. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein: (a) said pleated media comprises pleated paper media. 10. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein: (a) said stepped portion of foamed polyurethane lining said first end cap air inlet aperture comprises 3 steps. 11. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein: (a) said second end cap annular portion further includes a third region; (i) said third region having an outside diameter larger than said second region; (ii) said third region being located between said first region and said second region; and (iii) said first region outside diameter being larger than said third region outside diameter. 12. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein: (a) said first end cap comprises foamed polyurethane having an as molded density of 14-22 lbs/ft3. 13. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein: (a) said first end cap sealing portion has a total compression of 20%��3% whenever the filter element is operably positioned with the air flow tube projecting through said air inlet aperture. 14. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein: (a) said second end cap comprises foamed polyurethane having an as molded density of 14-22 lbs/ft3. 15. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein: (a) said second end cap internal surface that funnels liquid toward said liquid drainage aperture includes an internal surface that inclines downwardly from an outer region of said second end cap to said liquid drainage aperture. 16. A filter element according to claim 15 wherein: (a) said second end cap includes a single liquid drainage aperture; and (b) said single liquid drainage aperture is centrally located in said second end cap. 17. A filter element according to claim 16 wherein: (a) said second end cap includes a rigid plastic insert. 18. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the second end cap includes only a single aperture extending therethrough. 19. A filter element operationally positionable in and removable from a housing; the filter element comprising: (a) filter media; (i) the filter media including a cylindrical region of pleated media; (A) the cylindrical region of media having first and second opposite ends; (b) a first end cap having an open inlet aperture therein: (i) the first end cap comprising compressible polyurethane and having the first end of the cylindrical region of filter media embedded therein; (ii) the first end cap defining a compressible region oriented to form a radial seal with an inlet tube projecting through the inlet aperture, during use; (c) a second end cap having an open aperture therein and an outer annular portion; (i) the second end cap comprising compressible polyurethane and having the second end of the cylindrical region of media embedded therein, with the second end of the cylindrical region of filter media oriented around the aperture in the second end cap; (ii) the second end cap defining a compressible region of molded, foamed polyurethane oriented to form a radial seal between the outer annular portion and a portion of the housing, when the filter element is installed in the housing for use; and (iii) the second end cap including an interior surface constructed and arranged to funnel moisture to the open aperture. 20. A filter element according to claim 19 further comprising: (a) an inner support embedded in the compressible polyurethane of the first end cap; (i) the inner support being circumscribed by the cylindrical region of media; and (ii) the inner support circumscribing the inlet aperture in the first end cap. 21. A filter element according to claim 20 further comprising: (a) an outer support embedded in the compressible polyurethane of the first end cap; (i) the outer support circumscribing the cylindrical region of media. 22. A filter element according to claim 19 wherein: (a) said second end cap includes a rigid pre-formed plastic insert: (i) said second end cap interior surface including the plastic insert; the plastic insert having a funnel section tapering toward the open aperture of the second end cap. 23. A filter element according to claim 19 wherein: (a) the second end cap comprises molded foamed polyurethane; (i) said open aperture in the second end cap is the only aperture in the second end cap; and (ii) said open aperture is located at an approximate center of the second end cap. 24. A filter element according to claim 19 wherein: (a) the first end cap comprises molded foamed polyurethane; and (b) the compressible region of the first end cap oriented to form a radial seal with an inlet tube has a stepped configuration. 25. A filter element according to claim 19 wherein: (a) the second end cap comprises molded foamed polyurethane; and (b) the compressible region of the second end cap oriented to form a radial seal between the outer annular portion and a portion of the housing has a stepped configuration. 26. An air filter element comprising: (a) an extension of pleated filter media defining an open filter interior and having first and second ends; (b) an inner liner; (c) an outer liner; (d) a first end cap positioned on said first end of said extension of pleated media; said first end cap defining an air inlet aperture in air flow communication with said open filter interior; said air inlet aperture being circular; (i) a portion of said first end cap comprising a sealing portion of foamed polyurethane oriented to seal around, and against, an appropriately sized air flow tube, whenever the filter element is operably positioned with the air flow tube extending through the air inlet aperture; (e) a second end cap positioned on said second end of said extension of pleated media; said second end cap having a composite construction comprising: an insert and a compressible polyurethane material; (i) the insert having: an outer perimeter with radially outwardly projecting feet; a central drainage aperture; and, a plurality of free rise apertures; (ii) the insert being embedded in the compressible polyurethane with: (A) the insert outer perimeter surrounded by the inner liner; (B) the radially outwardly projecting feet projecting across an end of the inner liner; and, (C) portions of urethane projecting through the free-rise apertures and into the open filter interior; (iii) the polyurethane of the second end cap defining an outer annular seal portion positioned to form a seal along and against an annular portion of a housing, when the filter element is operably installed in a housing, for use; and, (iv) the second end cap having an outer surface with a circular trough therein; the circular trough having a diameter larger than the drain aperture and smaller than the inner liner. 27. An air filter element according to claim 26 wherein: (a) the inner liner comprises an expanded metal liner; (b) the outer liner comprises an expanded metal liner; (c) the media comprises pleated paper; and (d) the insert comprises plastic. 28. An air filter element according to claim 27 wherein: (a) the extension of pleated filter media is cylindrical; (b) the inner liner is cylindrical; (i) the inner liner being embedded in, and extending between, the first end cap and the second end cap; and (c) the outer liner is cylindrical; (i) the outer liner being embedded in, and extending between, the first end cap and the second end cap. 29. An air filter element according to claim 26 wherein: (a) said second end cap includes an inner funnel surface therein. 30. An air filter element according to claim 26 wherein: (a) said sealing portion of said first end cap comprises a region of foamed polyurethane having a stepped funnel configuration. 31. An air filter element according to claim 26 wherein: (a) said second end cap outer annular seal portion includes a stepped configuration. 32. An air filter element according to claim 31 wherein: (a) said stepped configuration includes first, second, and third regions of different outside diameters; (i) said third region having an outside diameter larger than said second region; (ii) said third region being located between said first region and said second region; and (iii) said first region outside diameter being larger than said third region outside diameter. 33. An air filter element according to claim 26 wherein: (a) said sealing portion of said first end cap is configured to compress 1.35 mm in thickness, when said element is operably positioned with the air flow tube extending through the air inlet aperture. 34. An air filter element according to claim 26 wherein: (a) said element has a length of at least 23 inches. 35. An air filter element according to claim 26 wherein: (a) said element has an outside diameter within the range of 11-13 inches. 36. An air filter element comprising: (a) an extension of filter media defining an open filter interior and having first and second ends; (b) a first end cap positioned on said first end of said extension of media; said first end cap defining an air inlet aperture in air flow communication with said open filter interior; (i) a portion of said first end cap comprising a sealing portion oriented to seal around, and against, an appropriately sized air flow tube, whenever the filter element is operably positioned with the air flow tube extending through the air inlet aperture; (c) a second end cap with an open central aperture; the second end cap positioned on said second end of said extension of media; said second end cap having a composite construction comprising: a preformed insert and a molded polymeric material; (i) the preformed insert having a central drainage aperture; and, a plurality of free rise apertures; (ii) the preformed insert being embedded in the molded polymeric material with portions of the polymeric material projecting through the free-rise apertures and into the open filter interior; (iii) the second end cap defining an outer annular seal portion positioned to form a seal along and against an annular portion of a housing, when the filter element is operably installed in a housing, for use. 37. An air filter element according to claim 36 wherein: (a) the filter media comprises pleated paper media. 38. An air filter element according to claim 36 further comprising: (a) an inner liner of expanded metal. 39. An air filter element according to claim 36 further comprising: (a) an outer liner of expanded metal. 40. An air filter element according to claim 36 wherein: (a) the preformed insert includes an outer perimeter with radially outwardly projecting feet. 41. An air filter element according to claim 36 wherein: (a) said sealing portion of said first end cap comprises a region of foamed polyurethane having a stepped configuration. 42. An air filter element according to claim 36 wherein: (a) said molded polymeric material of said second end cap comprises foamed polyurethane. 43. An air filter element according to claim 36 wherein: (a) said preformed insert comprises plastic. 44. An air filter element according to claim 36 wherein: (a) said extension of filter media is cylindrical. 45. An air filter element according to claim 36 wherein: (a) said second end cap outer annular seal portion includes a stepped configuration. 46. An air filter element according to claim 36 wherein: (a) the second end cap has an outer surface with a circular trough therein; the circular trough having a diameter larger than the second end cap central aperture. 47. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein: (a) said second end cap sealing portion has a stepped configuration. 48. A filter element according to claim 19 wherein: (a) the compressible region of said first end cap oriented to form a radial seal with an inlet tube has a tapered configuration. 49. An air filter element according to claim 26 wherein: (a) said sealing portion of said first end cap is tapered in configuration. 50. An air filter element according to claim 26 wherein: (a) said outer annular seal portion of said second end cap comprises foamed polyurethane. 51. An air filter element according to claim 36 wherein: (a) said sealing portion of said first end cap is tapered in configuration. 52. An air filter element comprising: (a) an extension of pleated filter media defining an open filter interior and having first and second ends; (b) a first end cap positioned on said first end of said extension of pleated media; said first end cap defining an air inlet aperture being circular; (i) a portion of said first end cap comprising a sealing portion of polymeric material oriented to seal around, and against, an appropriately sized air flow tube, whenever the filter element is operably positioned with the air flow tube extending through the air inlet aperture; (c) a second end cap positioned on said second end of said extension of pleated media; said second end cap having a composite constructing comprising: an insert and a polymeric material; (i) the insert defining a drainage aperture; (A) the drainage aperture being smaller than the air inlet aperture; (ii) the insert being embedded in the polymeric material; (iii) the polymeric material of the second end cap defining outer annular sealing portion positioned to form a seal along and against an annular portion of a housing, when the filter element is operably installed in a housing, for use; (iv) the second end cap outer annular sealing portion being adjacent to said outer support liner. 53. An air filter element according to claim 52 further comprising: (a) an outer support liner extending between said first and second end caps; (i) said second end cap outer annular sealing portion being adjacent to said outer support liner. 54. An air filter element according to claim 52 further comprising: (a) an inner support liner extending between said first and second end caps; (i) said first end cap sealing portion being adjacent to said inner support liner. 55. An air filter element according to claim 52, wherein: (a) the first end cap sealing portion comprises foamed polyurethane; and (b) the second end cap outer annular sealing portion comprises foamed polyurethane. 56. An air filter element according to claim 52 wherein: (a) the extension of pleated filter media is cylindrical; and (b) the second end cap has an outer surface with a circular sealing trough in the outer surface; the circular sealing through having a diameter smaller than an inside diameter of the extension of pleated filter media. 57. An air filter element according to claim 52, wherein: (a) the first end cap sealing portion includes a stepped portion that is tapered in decreasing diameter toward said open filter interior at least when said filter element is not positioned with an air flow tube extending through said air inlet aperture. 58. An air filter element according to claim 52, wherein: (a) the second end cap outer annular sealing portion includes at least first and second regions of different outside diameters: (i) said first region being positioned at a location between sadi first end cap and said second region; and (ii) said first region having a diameter larger than said second region. 59. An air filter element according to claim 52 wherein: (a) the insert comprises plastic and includes an outer perimeter with radially outwardly projecting feet. 60. An air filter element according to claim 52 wherein: (a) the insert includes a plurality of free rise apertures; (i) portions of the second end cap polymeric material projecting through the free-rise apertures and into the open filter interior. 61. An air filter element comprising: (a) an extension of pleated filter media defining an open filter interior and having first and second ends; (b) a first end cap positioned on said first end of said extension of pleated media; said first end cap defining an air inlet aperture in air flow communication with said open filter interior; said air inlet aperture in air flow communication with said open filter interior; said air inlet aperture being circular; (i) a portion of said first end cap comprising a sealing portion of polymeric material oriented to seal around, and against, an appropriately sized air flow tube, whenever the filter element is operably positioned with the air flow tube extending through the air inlet aperture; (c) a second end cap positioned on said second end of said extension of pleated media; the second end cap comprising a polymeric material; (i) the second end cap defining a drainage aperture; (A) the drainage aperture being smaller than the air inlet aperture; the polymeric material of the second end cap defining an outer annular sealing portion positioned to form a seal along and against an annular portion of a housing, when the filter element is operably installed in a housing, for use. 62. An air filter element according to claim 61 further comprising: (a) an outer support liner extending between said first and second end caps; (i) said second end cap outer annular sealing portion being adjacent to said outer support liner. 63. An air filter element according to claim 61 further comprising: (a) an inner support liner extending between said first and second end caps; (i) said first end cap sealing portion being adjacent to said inner support liner. 64. An air filter element according to claim 61 wherein: (a) the first end cap sealing portion comprises foamed polyurethane; and (b) the second end cap outer annular sealing portion comprises foamed polyurethane. 65. An air filter element according to claim 61 wherein: (a) the second end cap includes an interior surface that funnels liquid toward the drainage aperture. 66. An air filter element according to claim 61 wherein: (a) the first end cap sealing portion includes a stepped portion that is tapered in decreasing diameter toward said open filter interior at least when said filter element is not positioned with an air flow tube extending through said air inlet aperture; and (b) the second end cap outer annular sealing portion includes at least first and second regions of different outside diameters: (i) said first region being positioned at a location between said first end cap and said second region; and (ii) said first region having a diamter larger than said second region. 67. An air filter element according to claim 61 wherein: (a) the extension of pleated filter media is cylindrical; and (b) the second end cap has an outer surface with a circular sealing trough in the outer surface; the circular sealing trough having a diameter smaller than an inside diameter of the extension of pleated filter media.