20120006734 | FILTER WITH EXPANDABLE END CAP FACILITATING EASIER CHANGE-OUT - An improved filter arrangement solves problems associated with dislodging the filter from a support basket at change-out when intimate contact between the filter and basket is no longer desirable. An elastomeric end cap is bonded to the distal end of the filtering medium. The end cap has a circular, outer perimeter defining a diameter less than the inner diameter of the filter basket. The end cap is dome shaped, such that when the filtering element is inserted into the filter basket with the end cap positioned adjacent the bottom of the filter basket, the end cap assumes a pressurized state when a fluid entering the filtering element applies pressure to the end cap, causing the outer perimeter of the end cap to expand radially outwardly, and a non-pressurized state wherein the outer perimeter of the end cap contracts, facilitating an easier removal of the element from the basket. | 01-12-2012 |