US 11,707,703 B2
Filter element integrated seal profile
Jon T. Immel, Chillicothe, IL (US); Stephen Ellis Oedewaldt, Mapleton, IL (US); Jeffrey R. Ries, Metamora, IL (US); Gregory Owen Potts, Washington, IL (US); Jay Hamilton Cline, Peoria, IL (US); Joseph J. Every, Peoria, IL (US); and Darrell Lee Morehouse, III, Bedford, TX (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed on Apr. 27, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/859,137.
Prior Publication US 2021/0331097 A1, Oct. 28, 2021
Int. Cl. B01D 29/15 (2006.01); F16J 15/10 (2006.01)
CPC B01D 29/15 (2013.01) [F16J 15/104 (2013.01); B01D 2201/291 (2013.01); B01D 2201/342 (2013.01); B01D 2201/347 (2013.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A filter element that includes at least a partially annular configuration and that defines a longitudinal axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, the filter element comprising:
an annular filter media defining a central passage;
a center tube that is disposed in the central passage of the annular filter media that defines a central reservoir, and the annular filter media surrounds the center tube and the central reservoir;
a top open end of the filter element joined to the center tube disposed along the longitudinal axis, the top open end including an opening allowing fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of the filter element;
a bottom end of the filter element joined to the center tube opposite the top open end disposed along the longitudinal axis; and
an integrated seal member that includes a top mounting ring attached to the top open end and a sealing portion that is disposed radially away from the annular filter media, and axially between the top open end and the bottom end, and completely axially below a top portion of the annular filter media, wherein the integrated seal member further comprises a connecting portion that extends radially outwardly and axially downwardly from the mounting ring, wherein the connecting portion of the integrated seal member is apertured, and wherein the connecting portion includes a series of downwardly extending angled members, the series of downwardly extending angled members is at least partially apertured.