MXPA06005286A - Air filter with a slide mount for filtering element - Google Patents

Abstract

An air cleaner (40) includes a housing (48) and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing (48) can be reached through an opening (70) in a side wall of the housing. A filter element (50) having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner. The housing (48) is constructed and arranged to cam the element (50) into sealing engagement with the housing (48). The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes pushing the filter element against a pivot region in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing.

Description

AIR FILTER WITH SLIDING MOUNTING FOR FILTERING ELEMENT Field of the Invention This description relates to filter constructions for engines and filter methods and filter preparation. In particular, the description refers to Z-filter arrangements and side entry accommodations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gas streams often carry particulate material therein. In many examples, it is desirable to remove some or all of the particulate material or particulate material from a gas flow stream. For example, air intake currents in engines for motor vehicles or power generation equipment, gas streams directed to gas turbines and air currents to several combustion furnaces, often include particulate material in the same. The particulate material, which reaches the internal functions of the different mechanisms involved, can cause substantial damage to them. Therefore, it is preferred for these systems to remove the particulate material from the gas flow upstream of the engine, turbine, furnace or other equipment involved. A variety REP. 172921 air filter or gas filter arrays has been developed for the removal of particulate material. In general, however, continuous improvements are sought.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An air purifier or purifier includes a housing having first and second opposite ends and a side wall between the first and second ends; the side wall defines an access hole. The side wall has a sliding assembly. An access cover is located removably on the access hole. The filter element is installed and sealed operatively in the housing. The filter element has first and second opposed flow faces. The filter element includes means having a plurality of grooves or folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion. The housing is constructed and positioned to accept the filter element through the access hole in the side wall and to slide along the sliding assembly. The air purifier or purifier is characterized by a side wall defining a protrusion outlet region. The protrusion outlet region is a wedge-shaped area of a volume defined by the side wall that expands outwardly until the sliding assembly is reached. The housing is constructed and positioned to accept the filter element through the access hole in the side wall, also to slide along the sliding assembly and to engage with the protrusion exit region. A method of serving an air purifier or purifier, wherein the air cleaner includes: a housing having a first and a second opposing end and a side wall between the first and second ends; the side wall defines a hole of. access; an access cover located removably on the access hole; and a filter element installed and sealed operatively in the housing. The filter element has first and second opposed flow faces and includes means having a plurality of grooves or folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds of them are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion. The housing is constructed and positioned to accept the filter element through the access hole in the side wall. The method includes pushing the filter element against a pivot region in the housing to rotate the filter element around the pivot region and release a seal between the filter element and the housing. A method of installing a filter element in a purifier or air cleaner, in which the air cleaner includes a housing having a. first and a second opposite ends and a side wall between the first and second ends; the side wall defines an access hole; the side wall defines a ramp; an access cover is located removably on the access hole. The filter element includes first and second opposed flow faces, means having a plurality of grooves or folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion. The filter element has a band around the periphery of the first flow face. The housing is constructed and positioned to accept the filter element through the access hole in the side wall. The method includes the clutch of the band against the ramp and the sliding of the filter element along the ramp. The method is characterized by sliding the filter element with the band in a protrusion exit region; contacting a seal member on the filter element against a pivot region on the housing; and applying a force on an exposed portion of the filter element and rotating the element around the pivot region to move the seal member toward a sealing clutch with the housing.

Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a system in which air scrubbers are used in accordance with the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an air cleaner that includes a housing with a removable and replaced filter element that is installed therein; Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the air scrubber shown in Figure 2, with a portion of the housing separate to show the filter element operatively installed therein; Figure 4 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a filter element that can be used with the air scrubber shown in Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 is a top plan view of the filter element shown in Figure 4, the means are represented schematically; Figure 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a portion of the filter element, the cross section is taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the filter means that can be used in the filter element shown in Figures 4 and 5; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the air cleaner housing of Figures 2 and 3 with the service cover removed and with the filter element oriented for installation therein; Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the air cleaner that is depicted in Figures 2 and 3; Figure 10 is a front elevational view showing an inlet end of the air cleaner shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a front elevational view of the air cleaner shown in Figure 9 and showing an outlet end of the air cleaner; Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the housing cover used with the air cleaner of Figures 2, 3 and 9-11; Figure 13 is a front elevation view of the housing cover shown in Figure 12; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the housing cover, - the cross section is taken along line 14-14 of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the housing body for the air cleaner which is shown in Figures 2, 3 and 9-13; Figure 16 is a side elevational view of the interior portion of the housing body shown in Figure 15; Figure 17 is a front elevational view of the housing body shown in Figures 15 and 16; Figure 18 is a top plan view of the housing body shown in Figure 15; Figure 19 is a side elevational view of the inlet construction used for the air cleaner housing which is shown in Figures 2, 3 and 9-13; Figure 20 is a bottom plan view of the housing construction of the housing shown in Figure 19; Figure 21 is a right front elevation view of the input construction shown in Figure 19; Figure 22 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the inlet construction that interconnects with a portion of the body of the air cleaner; Figure 23 is a side elevational view of the outlet construction used with the air cleaner housing of Figures 2, 3 and 9-13; Figure 24 is a rear elevational view of the output construction shown in Figure 23; Figure 25 is a right end view of the output construction shown in Figure 23; Figure 26 is a schematic and fragmentary side elevational view showing the filter element interacting with the housing cover; Figure 27 is a side elevational view of an alternate mode of the air cleaner, the view is analogous to that shown in Figure 3; Figure 28 is a view analogous to the view shown in Figure 26,. although it shows the alternate modality of Figure 27; Figure 29 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a filter element that can be used in the air scrubber of Figures 2, 3 and 8-28; Figure 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an air scrubber constructed in accordance with the principles of this disclosure; Figure 31 is an alternate perspective view of the air scrubber shown in Figure 30; Figure 32 is a top plan view of the air scrubber shown in Figure 30; Figure 33 is a bottom plan view of the air scrubber shown in Figure 30; Figure 34 is a right side elevational view of the air cleaner shown in Figure 30; Figure 35 is a front view of the air scrubber shown in Figure 30; Figure 36 is a front view opposite to that shown in Figure 35; Figure 37 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a step of installing a filter element into the air cleaner housing of Figures 30-36; Figure 38 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 38; Figure 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the step of removing a filter element from the air cleaner of Figures 30-36; Figure 40 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 39; Figure 41 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an additional step of removing the filter element from the air cleaner housing of Figures 30-36; Figure 42 is an elongated portion of Figure 41; and Figure 43 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a portion of the filter element installed, operatively, in the housing.

Detailed Description of the Invention A. Example System and Overview of the Air Scrubber The constructions and filter arrangements described in this document can be used in a variety of systems. A particular type of system is represented schematically in Figure 1, generally 30.

In Figure 1, the equipment 32, such as a vehicle, having a motor 33 with some defined or calculated air flow defined demand, for example, at least 50 cfm and up to 1800 cfm, is shown schematically. The equipment 32 could comprise a bus, a truck on the road, an all-terrain vehicle, a tractor, a light or medium-duty work truck or a marine application such as a motorized boat. The motor 33 provides power to the equipment 32, through the use of a mixture of air and fuel. In Figure 1, the air flow is shown withdrawn to the engine 33 in an intake region 35. An optional turbo 36 is shown in dotted line, which over feeds the air inlet into the engine 33. The air cleaner 40 which has a filter construction 42 is upstream of the motor 33 and the turbo 36. In general, in operation the air is withdrawn at the arrow 44 towards the air cleaner 40 and through the filter construction 42. Here, the particles and pollutants are removed from the air. The purified air flows downstream at the arrow 46 towards the intake 35. From here, the air moves towards the engine 33 to energize the equipment 32. One mode of the air scrubber 40 is now shown in Figures 2 and 3 In general, the air cleaner 40 includes a housing 48 with a filter element capable of being removed and replaced 50. In preferred constructions, the housing 48 has a removable service cover 52. The service cover 52 allows access to the internal volume 54 of the housing 48 to allow maintenance of the air cleaner 40. Maintenance or service of the air cleaner 40 includes removal of the filter element 50 and installation and replacement of a new filter element 50 in the housing 48 The housing 48 includes an entrance construction 56, an exit construction 58 and a body member 60. In the preferred embodiment, the entrance construction 56, the construction d the outlet 58 and the body member 60 comprise a body construction 62. The cover 52 can be removed and replaced from the body construction 62. In the particular preferred embodiment illustrated, the cover 52 can be removed from the body member 60. In application, the inlet construction 56 forms an inlet end 64 in the housing 48, while the outlet construction 58 forms an outlet end for the housing 48. The body member 60 comprises a side wall 68 which is extends between the inlet construction 56 and the outlet construction 58. The cover 52 can be removed from the body member 60 so as to provide an access hole 70 (Figure 8) in the housing 48. The access hole 70 provides a side entrance 72 (Figure 8) to the air cleaner 40. In Figure 3, the cover 52 is partially separated to show the filter element 50 operatively installed within the same The term "operatively installed" or variants thereof, means that the filter element is oriented in the housing 48, so that it may be in normal operation of the air cleaner 40 with air passing through the construction of inlet 56, then, through the filter element 50 and finally, it leaves through the outlet construction 58. When it is operatively assembled within the housing 48, the filter element 50 forms a seal 74 with the housing 48. In the particular embodiment shown, the seal 74 is formed with the exit construction 58. With the view or overview, now we go to the different components of the air purifier. B. Filter Elements 1. Example Filter Element 50 A variety of filter elements may be used in accordance with this description, including elements with depth means, tubular elements with folded means, and so on. A usable filter element 50 includes the types of filter elements described in U.S. Patent No. 6,350,291 to Gieseke et al., Which is incorporated by reference herein. With the exception of an additional band on the filter element 50 in this application, the preferred elements are designated in accordance with the principles described in United States Patent No. 6, 350,291. In the embodiment shown, the filter element 50 is a filter element that allows direct air flow. The particular embodiment illustrated uses the folded or Z-media means 80. Next, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, the filter element 50 shown includes a media packet 51 having first and second opposing ends. , 82. At the first end, a first flow face 84 is defined, while the second end 82 defines a second flow face 86. In the example shown, the first flow face 84 corresponds to an inlet end , while the second flow face 86 corresponds to an outlet end. The filter element 50 also includes a sealing system 88. In the preferred embodiment, the filter means 80 removes particles from the fluid, such as air, which pass through the filter means 80, while the sealing system 88 seals. the element 50 against the housing 48. The term "seal" means that the sealing system 88, in accordance with normal conditions, prevents the fluid from passing through a region between the means 80 and the housing 48, i.e. sealing system 88 forces the fluid to travel through the filter means 80 instead of diverting it. The filter means 80 is configured for a direct pass flow. That is, the fluid to be filtered enters in a direction 90 through the first flow face 84 and exits in the same direction 91 of the second flow face 86. The filter means 80 are also referred to herein as " means-z ". In the particular modality that is illustrated, the first one. flow face 84 and the. second -face, flow 86 are represented as flat and parallel. In other embodiments, the first flow face 84 and the second flow face 86 may be non-planar, for example, they may be frustoconical. In addition, the first flow face 84 and the second flow face 86 can be inclined and not parallel to each other. Generally, the filter element 50 will be of a rolled construction 87. That is, the construction 50 will normally include a layer of filter media that is completely or repeatedly wound around a central point. Commonly, the rolled construction 87 will be a coil, in which a layer of filter media will be wound in a series of turns around a central point. In arrangements where a rolled coil construction is used, the filter element 50 will be a roll of filter media, usually folded filter permeable media. In other implementations, the construction 50 is a stacked configuration. Next, attention is directed to Figure 7.

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view demonstrating the operating principles of certain preferred means that are used in the filter construction in this document. In Figure 7, a corrugated or folded construction is generally designated at 94. Preferably, folded construction 94 includes: a layer 96 of corrugations having a plurality of folds 98 and an orientation sheet 100. The embodiment of the Figure 7 shows two sections of the orientation sheet 100, at 100A (represented in the upper part of the corrugated layer 96) and in 100B (represented below the corrugated layer 96). Normally, the preferred construction of means 102 that is used in the arrangements described in this document will include the corrugated layer 96 that is secured in the lower orientation sheet 100B. When such a media construction 102 is used in a roll construction, it will commonly be wrapped around itself, so that the lower orientation sheet 100B will cover the upper part of the corrugated layer 96. The orientation sheet 100 covering the part The top of the corrugated layer is represented as 100A.

It should be understood that the orientation sheet 100A and 100B are the same sheets 100. When this type of media construction 102 is used, the folding chambers 98 are preferred to form peaks 104 and alternating depressions 106. The depressions 106 and the peaks 104 divide the folds into an upper row and a lower row. In the particular configuration shown in Figure 7, the upper folds form the fold chambers 108 closed at the downstream end, while the fold chambers 110 have their upstream end closed from the lower row of the folds . The crease chambers 110 are closed by a first end boss 112 that fills a portion of the upstream end of the fold between the fold sheet 114 and the second orientation sheet 100B. Similarly, a second end boss 113 closes the downstream end of the alternating folds 108. When means constructed in the form of the media construction 102 are used, during use, the unfiltered fluid, such as air, enters. in the fold chambers 108 as indicated by the shaded arrows 116. The fold chambers 108 have their upstream ends 118 open. The flow of unfiltered fluid is not allowed to pass through the downstream 120 ends of the chambers of fold 108 because its downstream ends 122 are closed by the second end boss 113. Therefore, the fluid is forced to continue through the pleat sheet 114 or the orientation sheets 100. As the unfiltered fluid passes through the pleat sheet 114 or the orientation sheets 100, the fluid is purified or filtered. The purified fluid is indicated by the unshifted arrow 124. Next, the fluid passes through the fold chambers 110 (which have their upstream ends 126 closed) to flow through the downstream open end 128 outside the construction of folds 94. With the configuration shown, the unfiltered fluid can travel through the pleat sheet 114, the upper orientation sheet 100A, or the lower orientation sheet 100B and in the direction of the folds chamber 110. A variety of shapes can be used to wind or wrap the media. In some preferred embodiments, the construction of means 102 is wound around a central mandrel, which could be removed or left to cover in order to act as a core in the center of the filter element 50. It can be seen that non-limb members can be used. rounds of central winding for preparing the shapes of the filtering means, such as the filter means having an oblong, oval, rectangular or racing track profile. The construction of means 102 can also be rolled without a central core or core. A process for making a soulless element 50 is described in U.S. Patent No. 6, 416,605, which is incorporated herein by reference. While the grooves or folds 98 shown are shown as straight folds, in other embodiments, it may be desirable to have conical folds. Examples of conical folds are described in WO 97/40918, published November 06, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference. Also, in some modalities, ... the folds may have deformed ends. Folds with deformed ends are described in WO 97/40918, which is incorporated herein by reference. Next, with reference to Figure 5, a top plan view of the filter element 50 is shown. As can be seen in Figure 5, the filter element 50 is a non-cylindrical construction. In particular, the filter element 50 has a race track configuration with a pair of parallel sides 130, 131 joined by a pair of arcuate or curved ends 132, 133. The flow face 86 is shown in schematic form; it should be understood that the entire flow face 86 will show the end of the media 102.

Still with reference to Figure 4, the sealing system 88 includes a frame construction 134 and a seal member 136. The frame construction 134 provides a support structure or backing against which the seal member 136 can be formed. compressed against to form seal 74 with housing 48. In the example shown in Figure 6, frame construction 134 includes a rigid projection 138 that protrudes or extends from at least a portion of the second flow face 86. In particular, the protrusion 138 extends in the axial direction from the second flow face 86. The protrusion 138 provides a support or backing to the seal member 136, so that the seal 74 can be formed between and against the protrusion 138 and a sealing surface on the housing 48. When this type of construction is used, the protrusion 138 is a continuous member forming a closed ring 140. The seal member 136, on the outside As shown, it engages an outer portion of the ring 140. When this type of construction is used, the housing 48 circumscribes the projection 138 including the seal member 136 to form the seal 74 between and against the projection 138 and the housing 48. In in particular, seal 74 is a seal directed in radial direction 142 (Figure 3). Still with reference to Figures 4-6, the frame construction 134 includes a frame 144 having a band, skirt or hanging lip -146. Preferably, the inner dimension of the hanging lip 146 is approximately equal to the outer dimension of the rolled filter construction 87. The hanging lip 146 extends in a radial direction around the second flow face 86 of the filter construction 87. In In particular, the lip 146 is secured to the outer periphery or the outer annular portion 148 adjacent to the second flow face 86. The filter element 50 defines an annular recess 150. In the preferred embodiment shown, the '150 recess is defined by one. portion . of the frame construction 134. In particular, the recess 150 is defined by an angled member 152 that extends between the lip 146 and the projection 138. The end surface 154 of the seal member 136 also defines a portion of the recess 150. As explained below, the recess 150 receives a protrusion of the housing 48 to help stabilize the filter element 50 within the housing 48. Preferably, the frame 144 also includes transverse struts 156. The transverse struts 156 support the frame 144 helping to prevent the frame 144 from collapsing in the radial direction in accordance with the forces exerted around the circumference of the frame 144. The transverse struts 156 that are shown form a reinforcement system 158 that includes a plurality of rigid posts or columns 160, preferably, molded as a single piece with remaining portions of frame 144. Attention is directed to Figure 6. Figure 6 e s an enlarged and fragmented view of a particular preferred member of seal 136 in an uncompressed state. In the embodiment shown, the seal member 136 is a stepped cross section configuration of decreasing dimensions toward the outermost part from the first end 161 to a second end 162 to achieve desirable sealing. Preferred specifications for seal member 136 include a polyurethane foam material having a plurality (preferably, at least three) of progressively larger steps that are configured to interconnect with housing 48 to provide a seal fluid tightness In the example shown, the seal member 136 defines three steps 164, 165, 166. The dimension or width in cross section of the steps 164, 165, 166 further increases the step from the second end 162 of the seal member 136. The small dimension at the second end 162 allows for easy insertion into the housing 48. The longer dimension at the first end 161 ensures an airtight seal. With reference once again to Figure 4, the filter element 50 further includes a frame or band 168 circumscribing the rolled filter construction -87. Preferably, the band 168 is secured in the outer annular portion 148 of the element 50. In preferred embodiments, the band 168 is secured at the outer periphery 170 adjacent to the first flow face 84. The band 168 helps to provide a sliding surface 172 for mounting the filter element 50 within the housing 48. In addition, the band 168 helps to provide a structure that stabilizes and it supports the filter element 50 when it is mounted, operatively, in the housing 48. This can be observed, for example, in Figure 26. In Figure 26, it can be seen how the band 168 engages in the cover 52 This is further explained below. 2. Sample Filter Element 500 Next, with reference to Figure 29, another embodiment of the filter element 50 that can be used in the air cleaner 40 is shown at 500. The filter element 500 illustrated, has the same characteristics as filter element 50, described above, including z-means 502, band 504 and seal member 506. Characteristics of z-means 502, band 504 and seal member 506 are analogous to z-means 80, band 168 and seal member 136 described above, and therefore, will not be repeated in this document. There is also a frame construction 508, which is similar although not identical to the frame construction 134 described above. The frame construction 508 in the embodiment illustrated is modified from the frame construction 134 in order to accommodate a handle or handle. The filter element 500 differs from the filter element 50 in that it has a handle 510 secured therein to assist in the service of the air cleaner 40. Many different embodiments of the handle 510 can be used. A particular handle is illustrated with the reference number 512. The handle 512 shown is a flexible non-rigid strip 514. The strip 514 is secured in a part of the element 500. A number of different ways to secure the strip 514 can be used. In the embodiment illustrated, the strip 514 is secured in the frame construction 508. In preferred embodiments, the strip 514 is secured in the lip 516 (analogous to the lip 146). In the manner shown in Figure 29, the lip 516 defines a through slot 518 and a protruding tongue 520. The strip 514 extends through the slot 518 and is held therein by the clutch between a portion 522 of the strip 514 and the tab 520. In particular, the strip portion 522 includes a T-section 524 that is wider than the longest dimension of the slot 518, and thus, can not pass through the slot 518. T-section 524 engages with tongue 520 to be secured in position. The example, illustrating the strip 514 also defines a plurality of apertures 526. The apertures 526 help to allow a good grip of the user on the strip 514. In some embodiments, the strip 514 can be folded to form a closed ring. The term "strip" in this document means single or multiple bands, belts, strips, as well as those that are folded or bent to form closed rings. Materials that can be used for strip 514 include plastic, such as flexible nylon, and other flexible polymeric materials; Obviously, other materials can be used. The strip 514 can be of many different sizes. A usable size includes: the length at least 5 cm, for example, 8-30 cm, including 10-20 cm; and a width of at least 0.5 cm, for example, of 0.75-10 cm, including 1-5 cm. The handle 510 allows a pulling force to be exerted on the element 500 in a direction of approximately 70-110 degrees, usually around 90 degrees, relative to the flow face 530. When the element 500 is installed in the housing 48, the handle 510 allows the pulling force to be exerted on element 500 to assist in releasing seal 142 (Figure 3) between seal member 506 and sealing surface 176 (sealing surface 176 is described below). Once the seal 142 is released, the element 500 can be removed from the housing 48. The element 500 can be used with the air cleaner 40, in the same way that the element 50 is employed, with the exception of the removal of the element. element 50/500 of the air cleaner 40. The difference in the removal process refers to the use of the handle 510 which is present in the element 500 and not in the element 50. Otherwise, in all the examples in this description, when the element 50 is referred to, the element 500 can also be used and it must be understood that it is referred to by the. implication. C. Example Housing 48 As mentioned above, the preferred housings 48 will include the body construction 62 and the removable cover 52. The body construction 62 includes the body member 60, the inlet construction 56 and the outlet construction 58. It can be seen in Figure 3, how the body construction 62 provides a sealing surface 176 against which the seal member 136 is compressed to form the radial seal 142. In the particular embodiment shown, the outlet construction 58 defines the sealing surface 176. Next, with reference to Figures 23-25, the exit construction 58 is shown in detail. The particular embodiment of the output construction 58 shown includes an output construction housing 178. The housing 178 defines an interior volume 180 and an exit port 182. The exit port 182 is surrounded by a conduit 184, the which is normally connected to another conduit assembly. The housing 178 includes an outer ring 186 that connects to the body member 60. In preferred applications, the outlet construction housing 178 is permanently secured to the body member 60 by hot plate welding. The ring 186 also provides the clutch with the service cover 52. The output construction housing 178 defines the sealing surface 176. The sealing surface 176 is an annular surface adjacent to the ring 186. Adjacent to the sealing surface 176 and at an angle thereto (preferably orthogonally to the same) there is a stop surface 188. The stop surface 188 provides an end surface for the seal member 136 to engage when the filter element 50 is seated properly within the housing 48. Extending from the outer wall 190 of the sealing surface 176 is a mounting bracket 192. The mounting bracket 192 includes the mounting openings 193, 194 which accept screws or other mounting fasteners. The mounting bracket 192 can optionally be used to mount the air cleaner 40 on the equipment 32. As described further, there is another mounting bracket on the inlet construction 56, which can also be used to place the scrubber of air 40. The provision of more than one mounting bracket on either the 56 inlet construction or the 58 exit construction provides an air cleaner , ambidextrous 40. That is, the air cleaner 40 can be mounted either in its input construction 56 or in its output construction 58. - - - In Figure 11, a front view of the output construction 58 can be seen. In the preferred embodiments, the output construction 58 includes provisions for a heat sensor 196; there is also an assembly 198 available for a restriction indicator. Next, attention is directed to Figures 3, 10 and 19-21. An embodiment of the input construction 56 is illustrated. The entrance construction 56 shows that includes an inlet construction housing 202 which comprises an inlet conduit 204 defining an inlet port 206. The inlet construction housing 202 further defines an internal volume 208. Circumscribing the internal volume 208 is an outer ring 210 which interacts and engages the body member 60 and the cover 52. In preferred embodiments, the inlet construction housing 202 is permanently secured in the body member 60 through welding along the collar 210 in the body. body member 60. Extending from ring 210 is a mounting bracket 212. In the embodiment shown, the mounting bracket 212 is constructed identically to bracket 192 in the output construction housing 178. Clamp 212 it includes a flange 214 and first and second mounting openings 215, 216. The openings 215, 216 are for receiving fasteners, suitable, such as screws, for securing the clamp 212 and the housing 48 in the desired equipment 32. A mounting plate 219 extends from the ring 210 and is angled relative to the flange 214. Supporting the flange 214 is a reinforcing structure 218 between the pl here 219 and tab 214. Each of the mounting brackets 212 and 192 are constructed and positioned to slide and lock in place with the body member 60, which allows for adaptability in locations and mounting style. The attention is directed to Figure 22. Figure 22 is an enlarged view showing the interaction between the input building housing 202 and the body member 60. The clamp 212 defines a plurality of slots 220. The slots 220 receive the conical flanges 222 (Figure 18) - which extend from the side wall 224 of the body member 60. As can be seen in Figure 18, the flanges 222 become tapered or angled from the narrow section 226 to a wide section 228. The narrow section 226 is oriented closer to the entrance construction 56 than the wide section 228. The tapering of the shoulders 222 allows for easier sliding of the shoulders 222 towards the slots 220, because the narrow section 226 is first received in the slot 220. Next, attention is drawn to Figures 8 and 15-18. Amodality of the body member 60 is illustrated. As mentioned previously, the body member 60 includes the side wall 224. In Figure 17, it can be seen how the side wall 224 is curved in a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the filter element 50. In this case, the side wall 224 is U-shaped. As such, the side wall 224 includes a section of curvature forming a closed end 234 and an open mouth or end 236. The open end 236 is long enough to accommodate the acceptance of the element. 50 filter through it. In this embodiment, the open end 236 also corresponds to the side entry 72. The side wall 224 also defines an entry end 238, which is mounted adjacent to the entry construction 56 and an exit end 240 that is mounted adjacent to the exit construction 58. Edges 252, 254 extend between inlet end 238 and outlet end 240. A pair of mounting flanges 242, 243 extend from the side wall 22. Each of the mounting tabs 242, 243 includes an opening 244, 245 for receiving the fasteners 246, 247 (Figure 3) that removably secure the cover 52 on the body member 60. The side wall 224 also includes a plurality of ridges 250 extending from the edge 252 to the edge 254, preferably continuously along the wall 224. The ridges 250 provide resistance to the body member 60. The edge 252 and the edge 254 define the mouth or open end 236. The edges 252, 254 also interact and engage with the cover 52. The air cleaner 40 includes a system 259 for operative mounting of the filter element 50 within the body construction 62. Generally, the air cleaning system 259 is constructed and positioned to move the filter element 50 towards a sealing clutch with the housing. In one example, the system 259 includes a sliding assembly 260. The sliding assembly 260 allows the filter element 50 to be introduced, conveniently and smoothly, through the mouth or orifice 236 and to be oriented with the seal member 136 compressed against sealing surface 176 to form radial seal 142. A number of different implements are also possible. In the particular implement illustrated in the drawings, the sliding assembly 260 includes a ramp 262. In the preferred embodiment, the ramp 262 defines an angled sliding surface 264, which is angled downward from the open end 236 to the closed end. 234. The term "angled downward" means that the sliding surface 234 is closer to the entrance end 238 at the open end 236 adjacent the edges 252, 254 of which the slippery surface 264 is at the extreme end. inlet 238 in the curvature or closed end section 234 of the side wall 224. This can be seen, for example, in Figure 18. Figure 18 is an exterior view of the ramp 262, although the shape of the ramp 262 can to be observed having the angled sliding surface 264 that slopes from the closed end 234 toward the open end 236. Another way of positioning it is the ramp 262 which is deeper at the closed end 234 which forms the deep ramp section 265, and is narrower at the open end 236 forming the shallow ramp section 266. Between the open end 236 and the closed end 234, the ramp 262 forms a straight and continuous sliding surface 264. The ramp 262 provides a cam surface engaging with the filter element 50 in order to urge or push the filter element 50 into place with the radial seal 142 formed with the housing 48. In particular, the ramp 262 translates the direction of the force applied in the filter element 50 of a force in the direction shown by the arrow 268 (Figure 8) (the lateral direction) directed towards the closed end 234 to the direction shown by the arrow 270 (the axial direction) in a direction toward the exit construction 58. In the preferred embodiment shown, the ramp 262 has a slope of less than 30 degrees, typically 5-25 degrees, and preferably, 10-20 degrees. In the preferred embodiments, the band 168 on the filter element 50 is provided to engage and slide against the sliding surface 264 in order to mount the filter element 50 in the operative assembly in the housing 48. Next, attention is drawn to the directed to Figures 3, 9, 12-14 and 26. The cover 52 is illustrated in several views. As mentioned above, the cover 52 can be removed, selectively, from the body member 60 to selectively expose and cover the access hole 70. In this embodiment, the access hole 70 also corresponds to the mouth or open end 236 of the body member 60. Although functionally the same, the cover 52 in Figures 9 and 26 differs in a certain way from the cover shown in Figures 3 and 12-14 because the cover 52 in Figures 9 and 26 has a portion for the accommodation of the product labeling. '5 - Cover 52 includes a curved side wall 276. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the side wall 276 has a generally C-shaped. The cover includes an inlet end 278, which is adjacent to the , construction of entrance 56; and an opposite end of output 280 which is adjacent to the exit construction 58; and a pair of edges 282, 283 extending between the inlet end 278 and the outlet end 280. Preferably, the side wall 276 is continuous and uninterrupted between the inlet end 278, the outlet end 280. , the edge 282 and the edge 283. Extending from each of the edges 282, 283 are the mounting flanges 286, 288. The flanges 286, 288 are oriented to overlap the flanges 242, 243 in the body member 60 The tabs 286, 288 accommodate the fasteners 246, 247 for securing, removably, the cover 52 on the body member 60. The side wall 276 includes a plurality of reinforcing flanges 290, which extend from the edge 282 continuously to the edge 283.

Preferably, the flanges 290 are uniformly spaced from each other. The cover 52 also includes a system that supports and stabilizes the filter element 50. In a preferred embodiment, the side wall 276 of the cover 52 defines a support 292. The shoulder 292 comprises an annular surface 294 extending from an element cover portion 296 of the side wall 276 to the neck 298. The neck 298 is adjacent the inlet end 278 of the side wall 276, while the element cover portion 296 is adjacent to the side wall. outlet end 280. The shoulder 292 engages with the filter element 50, in particular, the band 168 of the filter element 50. As such, the shoulder 292 engages with the band 168. Figure 26 shows the band 168 engaged against the shoulder 292. It should be noted that the opposite end 302 (Figure 8) of the element 50 is supported by the clutch between the band 168 and the deep ramp section 265 at the closed end 234 of the body member 60. The cover 52 it also helps to support and maintain the filter element 50 oriented in an operative assembly seated with the seal 142 in place in the housing 48. In particular, the cover 52 includes a projection 304 extending or protruding towards the interior volume 54 of the housing 48, when the cover 52 is mounted, operatively, on the body member 60. In the orientation shown in Figure 14, the projection 304 has a hook shape or a J shape. As can be seen in Figure 26, the projection 304 extends in and out of the recess 150 in the filter element 50. The term "in and out" means that the projection 304 has a portion 306 that extends within the recess 150, as well as, a portion 308 that is directed from. the portion 306 to the outside of the recess 150. As can be seen in Figure 26, the portion 308 of the projection 304 is adjacent and below the end surface 154 of the seal member 136. .. _. In use, once the filter element 50 (or 500) is operatively assembled in the body construction 62, the cover 52 is oriented on the exposed portion of the filter element 50 and is mounted on the body member 60. If the filter element 50 is not seated properly within the housing 48 with the radial seal 142 formed, the cover 52 will prevent or prevent proper positioning or mounting on the body member 60. If the filter element 50 were to suitably mounted within the body construction 62, the cover 52 would be guided towards proper mounting by means of the clutch between the band 168 and the shoulder 292. In addition, the projection 304 will be received by the recess 150 in the filter element fifty.

Also, the mounting tabs 286, 288 will be coupled with the tabs 242, 243, so that the fasteners 246, 247 can be mounted thereon. Figures 27 and 28 show an alternate embodiment of the cover 52, represented as 52 '. A method of visual identification of the presence of the filter element 50 within the housing 48 without removal of the cover is provided by the inclusion of a window 320 in the housing 48. The window 320 is oriented, so that the filter element 50 can be observed through the window 320, when the filter element is installed inside the housing 48. While the window 320 can be placed in many positions, in the particular mode illustrated, the window 320 is located in the cover 52 '. In the embodiment illustrated, the window 320 includes a transparent lens 320 pressurized within an opening 324 in the side wall 276 'of the cover 52'. The lens 322 can be made from durable transparent materials, such as polycarbonates. In preferred applications, the exterior of the filter element 50 is a bright color, so that the element 50 is highly visible through the window 320. For the Donalson Company, the attorney of this invention, the color is also preferred to be a indicative of origin, so that the user knows whether the element 50 used is a Donalson filter element. The blue color Donalson would be preferred by Donalson. The window 320 shown has a round shape (a circle), although in other embodiments, the window 320 may have other shapes such as irregular, polygon, rectangular, starburst, whirlwind, and so on. D. Methods of Use, Installation and Service To install the filter element 50 in the housing 48, the cover 52 is removed from the body construction 62 to expose the access hole 70. The filter element 50 is oriented in a manner that the second end 82 of the element 50 is adjacent to the output construction 58, while the first end 81 is oriented adjacent the input construction 56. The band 168 is oriented, so that it engages the ramp 262. filter element 50 is slid through the side entry 72 along the slide assembly 260 in the direction of the arrow 268. The clutch of the sliding surface 264 against the web 168 moves the filter element in a direction towards the construction outlet 58 for pushing seal member 136 against seal surface 176 of exit construction 58. Optionally, filter element 50 reaches closed end 234 and section d e deep ramp 265. At this point, the seal member 136 should be in place forming the radial seal 142 between and against the sealing surface 176 of the housing 48 and the rigid projection 138 in the frame construction 134 of the filter element 50. The cover 52 is then oriented on the exposed portion of the filter element 50. The shoulder 292 engages the web 168 to support the filter element 50, while the projection 304 extends and is received by the recess 150 in the filter element 50. The fasteners 246, 247 are inserted to connect the cover 52 to the body member 60. Then, the air cleaner 40 is ready for the filtering operation. To use the air cleaner 40, dirty air passes through the intake region 35 (Figure 1), into the ducts, and eventually through the inlet duct 204 of the inlet construction 56. Next, the air flows into the filter element 50 and passes through the first flow face 84. Then, the "dirty air is forced to flow through the filter means 80, where the air is purged, at least Partially, the particulate material The clean air leaves the filter element 50 moving from the second flow face 86. From there, the clean air flows through the outlet construction 58 and through the outlet conduit 184. So, clean air is used by the equipment 32, such as in an internal combustion engine 33. After a period of operation, the filter element 50 will be clogged or obstructed with an unacceptably high level of restriction. Maintenance or service of air cleaner 40 will be necessary. The term "service" means removal of the filter element 50 and replacement with a new filter element 50. In order to maintain the air cleaner 40, the cover 52 is removed from the housing 48 by removing the fasteners 246, 247. cover 52 is removed to expose the access hole 70 defined by the mouth or open end 236 of the body member 60. The above filter element 50/500 is then removed from the housing 48 through the access hole 70. This is effected first, by releasing or breaking the seal 142 between the filter element 50/500 and the housing 48. For the element 50, the seal 142 is released by holding the exposed edge of the filter element 50 and applying a force in the direction of the input construction 56. For the element 500, the strip 514 is held by the user's hand, and a pulling force is exerted about 90 degrees relative to the flow face 530 (for example, in one direction). towards the construction of entry 56). For element 50 or 500, when a force is applied in this direction, the band 168 engages against the deep section 265 of the ramp 262. This allows the filter element 50/500 to tilt around the pivot region created by the clutch between the band 168 and the deep section 265 of the ramp 262. This tilting action pulls the filter element 50/500 from the sealing surface 176 to release the radial seal 142. The filter element 50/500 can be then removed through the side inlet 72 out of the air cleaner 40. The above filter element 50/500 is then discarded. A second new filter element 50/500 is provided. The new filter element 50/500 is installed in the air cleaner 40 by placing it through the side inlet 72 and sliding the element 50/500 in the operative assembly within the housing 48. Then, the cover 52 is placed over the the exposed portion of the filter element 50/500 and is secured in the body member 60. E. General Principles and Examples In general, a method is provided. maintenance of an air cleaner, the air cleaner includes a filter element installed in a housing; the method comprises: tilting the filter element against a tilting surface in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing; the filter element has first and second opposed flow faces; the filter element includes means having a plurality of grooves or folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion. The step of tilting the filter element against a tilt surface in the housing for releasing a seal includes the release of a radial seal between the filter element and the -location. - - After the inclination step, there is a step of removing the filter element through a hole in one side of the housing. After the removal step, a second filter element is supplied and the second filter element is installed in the housing; the second filter element has first and second opposed flow faces; the second filter element includes means having a plurality of grooves or folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion. The accommodation includes a ramp; the ramp forms a portion of the inclination surface; and the installation step includes sliding a portion of the second filter element against the ramp in the housing to form a seal between the seal member in the second filter element and the sealing surface in the housing. Before the inclination stage, there is a stage - of removal of the roof from. one side in the housing to expose a hole in the side of the housing. After the installation step, there is a step of placing a cover over the hole in the housing. After the step of placing the cover, the filter element in the housing is observed through a window in one of the housing cover. The step of inclining the filter element against the inclination surface includes exerting a pulling force on the element in a direction of approximately 70-110 degrees relative to the second flow face. In one example, the element is pulled in a direction approximately 90 degrees relative to the second flow face. The step of exerting a pulling force includes pulling a handle secured to the filter element. The step of pulling the handle includes pulling a flexible strip secured in the filter element. The filter element includes a frame construction mounted thereon; and the step of pulling a flexible strip includes pulling a flexible strip secured in the frame construction. A filter element is provided. A usable filter element includes a media pack having first and second opposed flow faces; the media pack comprises means having a plurality of folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion; a stamp member is insured in the media package; and a flexible strip is secured in a portion of the filter element. A frame construction is mounted on the media pack; the frame construction supports the seal member; The flexible strip is secured in the frame construction. The frame construction has a lip mounted at one end thereof and an extension projecting in the axial direction from the second flow face; the seal member is supported by the extension of the frame construction; The flexible strip is secured on the lip of the frame construction. The lip defines a passage slot; and the flexible strip extends through the passage slot. An air scrubber is provided, which comprises: a housing having a first and a second opposite ends and a side wall between the first and second ends; in some embodiments, the first end comprises an air inlet end and the second end includes an air outlet end; the side wall defines an access hole; an access cover is located removably on the access hole; and a filter element is operatively installed in the housing; the filter element has first and second opposed flow faces; the filter element includes means having a plurality of folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion; the housing is constructed and positioned to accept the filter element through the access hole in the side wall and to move the filter element towards a sealing clutch with the housing. In one embodiment, the side wall of the housing includes a sliding assembly that moves the filter element toward a sealing clutch with the housing. In some embodiments, the sliding assembly is in the form of a ramp in the side wall. The access cover includes a projection extending within a recess defined by the filter element. The filter element includes a seal member and a frame construction; the frame construction has an extension projecting in the axial direction from the second flow face; the seal member is supported by the extension of the frame construction; the seal member is compressed between and against the extension of the frame construction and the housing to form a radial seal. The recess in the filter element is adjacent to the seal member. The filter element includes a band around the periphery of the first flow face; and the access cover includes a shoulder that engages with the band to support the filter element. The access cover includes a shoulder that extends into the internal volume in the housing; and the filter element is supported on the first flow face by the ramp and by the shoulder on the access cover. The filter element includes a band around the periphery of the first flow face; the band engages with the ramp and the shoulder. The access cover includes a window that provides visual access to the internal volume of the housing. An air scrubber is provided, which comprises a housing having first and second opposite ends and a side wall between the first and second ends; and a filter element operatively installed in the housing; the filter element has first and second opposed flow faces; the filter element includes means having a plurality of folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion; the filter element includes a sealing gasket adjacent to the second flow face; the filter element defines a peripheral recess adjacent to the sealing gasket; the housing includes a projection extending in and out of the peripheral recess. The filter element includes a frame construction; the frame construction has a lip mounted on one end thereof and an extension projecting in the axial direction from the second flow face; the sealing gasket is supported by the extension of the frame construction; the sealing gasket is compressed between and against the extension of the frame construction and the housing to form a radial seal; The peripheral recess is defined by the frame construction and is between the lip and the extension. The filter element includes a band around the periphery of the first flow face; and the housing includes a shoulder that engages with the band to support the filter element. A method of installing a filter element within an air cleaner housing is provided; the method includes: orienting the filter element in the housing body; the filter element has first and second opposed flow faces; the filter element includes means having a plurality of folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion; the filter element defines a recess in an outer annular portion of the filter element; forming a seal between the filter element and the housing body; and orienting a cover member on the housing body; the cover member includes a projection; the orientation step of a cover member includes the positioning of the projection extending in and out of the recess in the filter element. A housing construction is provided, which comprises: a housing wall; the housing wall includes a conduit defining a fluid port; the housing wall has a ring; a mounting bracket extends from the ring of the wall; the clamp includes a flange defining a fastener receiving opening arrangement; a mounting plate extends between the flange and the ring; the tab is at an angle to the tab; the mounting plate defines a plurality of flange receiving grooves; and a reinforcement arrangement between the mounting plate and the flange to support it. The wall further defines an annular sealing surface adjacent to the ring, and an angled end stop surface adjacent thereto. An engine has a calculated air flow of at least 50 cfm and an air intake; and an assembled air cleaner construction - in air flow communication with the air inlets provided; the construction of the air cleaner includes a housing having first and second opposite ends and a side wall between the first and second ends; the side wall defines an access hole and a ramp extending from the hole towards the closed portion of the housing; an access cover located removably on the access hole; and a filter element operatively installed in the housing; the filter element has first and second opposed flow faces; the filter element includes means having a plurality of folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion. A method for detecting the presence of a filter element within an air cleaner is provided; the method comprises: visually inspecting the air cleaner housing with a cover mounted thereon; and observe through a window either on the cover, or the housing to determine if the filter element is visible through the window in the housing. F. The Modality of Figures 30-43 In Figures 30-43, another embodiment of an air cleaner is shown at 600. The air cleaner 600 includes a housing 602 operatively holding a filter element susceptible to air. be removed and replaced 604 (Figures 37-43). The filter element 604 may be of a variety of filter elements. Usable filter elements include the examples described above, such as filter element 50 and filter element 500. Descriptions of these filter elements of the exemplary embodiment are incorporated by reference herein, and it should be understood that they can be used with the air scrubber 600 described in connection with Figures 30-43. The element 604 will use the same reference numbers as the filter element 50, described above. The housing 602 in the embodiment of Figures 30-43 includes a body construction 606 and a removable cover 608. Preferably, the removable cover 608 is identical or very similar to the cover 52 described above. The removable cover 608 will use the same reference numbers as the cover 52, because these parts are identical or very similar. The body construction 606 includes a body member 610, an inlet construction 612 and an outlet construction 614. In Figures 37-43, it can be seen how the body construction 606 provides a sealing surface 616 against which the member of seal 136 is compressed to form a radial seal 618. In the particular embodiment shown, outlet construction 614 defines sealing surface 616. Exit construction 614 includes an exit port 620 (Figures 31 and 36) surrounded by a conduit 622. The outlet construction 614 includes an outer ring 624 that connects to the body member 610. In preferred applications, the outlet construction 614 is secured in a permanent manner with the body member 610. The ring 624 it also provides the clutch with the service cover 52. The sealing surface 616 is adjacent to the ring 624. Adjacent to the sealing surface 616 and angled therewith (preferred there is an abutment surface 626. The abutment surface 626 provides an end surface for the seal member 136 which engages when the filter element 50 is seated, suitably within the housing 602. Exit construction 614 also includes a cam or tilt or pivot region .630 (Figures 37 and 38). The pivot region 630 allows for proper installation and removal of the filter element 50 of the housing 602. This is described below. Extending from the construction of exit 614 are assemblies 632, 633. The mounts 632, 633 include the openings 634, 635 that accept the screws or other mounting fasteners. The mounts 632, 633 may be used to place the air cleaner 600 on the equipment 32. Additional mounts 636, 637 exist on the inlet construction 612. The inlet construction 612 illustrated, includes an inlet conduit 640 that defines an inlet port 642. The inlet construction 612 has an outer ring 644 (Figure 37) that interacts and engages the body member 610 and the service cover 52. In preferred embodiments, the inlet construction 612 is secured in a permanent mode in body member 610. Attention is directed to Figures 30-32 and 37-43.

One embodiment of the body member 610 is illustrated. The body member 610 includes a side wall 646. The side wall 646 has a curved shape that corresponds, generally, with the shape of the filter element 50. In this case, the side wall 646 has a U-shape. As such, the side wall 646 includes a section of curvature forming a closed end 648 (Figure 37) and an open mouth or end 650 (Figures 39 and 41). The open end 650 is large enough to accommodate acceptance of the filter element 50 therethrough. In this embodiment, the open end 650 also corresponds to a side entrance 652 (Figures 39 and 41). The side wall 646 also defines an end of inlets 654 that is mounted adjacent the inlet construction 612, and an outlet end 656 that is mounted adjacent to the outlet construction 614. The edges 658, 660 extend between the end of the inlet construction 614. inlet 654 and outlet end 656. It is noted that edge 658 and edge 660 define mouth or open end 650. Edges 658, 660 also interact and engage with cover 52. Mounting flanges 661, 662, 663 , 664 extend from the side wall 646. Each of the mounting tabs 661, 662, 663, 664 includes a fastening arrangement that removably secures the cover 52 on the body member 610. In the same way as with the modalities of Figures 1-29, the air cleaner 606 also includes the system 259 (Figure 37) for operative mounting of the filter element 50 within the body construction 606. As described above, the air cleaner system 259 is constructed and positioned to move, tilt or rotate the filter element 50 towards a sealing clutch with the housing 602. In this embodiment, the system 259 includes a pivot region 630. The pivot region 630 accepts the force of the filter element 50 to be pushed against it and rotated so that the radial seal 618 is formed in place by compression of the seal member 136 against the sealing surface 616. Furthermore, to aid in the installation of the sealing element filter 50, system 259 includes a sliding assembly 670 and a protrusion exit region 678. Sliding assembly 670 allows the filter element 50 to be introduced, conveniently and smoothly, through the mouth or hole 650 and which is oriented to engage the pivot region 630, as shown in Figure 38. A number of different implementations is possible.

In the particular implementation illustrated, the sliding assembly 670 includes a ramp 672. The ramp 672 defines an angled sliding surface 674. In the embodiment shown, the sliding surface 674 is angled in an open end direction 650 to the extreme closed 648. The angle is in one direction, so that when the filter element 50 is introduced through the side entry 652, the element is pushed in a direction toward the sealing surface 616. In Figure 37, it can be It should be noted that the ramp 672 is the highest or deepest at the closed end 648 that at the open end 650. In the embodiment shown, the ramp 672 forms a straight and continuous sliding surface 674. As can be seen by comparing Figures 30, 31 , 32 and 33, the ramp 672 is continuous around the side wall 646 from a short position of the edge 658 to a short position of the edge 660. The ramp 672 provides the surface 674 that engages with the filter element 50 in order to urge or push the filter element 50 in a direction towards the sealing surface 616. In the preferred embodiment shown, the ramp 672 has a slope of less than 30 °, normally of 2nd to 10th and preferably, 4th to 6th, nominally 5th. In preferred embodiments, the band 168 on the filter element 50 is provided to engage and slide against the sliding surface 674 in order to push the filter element 50 toward the sealing surface 616. Attention is drawn to Figures 37 and 41. In the particular modality illustrated, the ramp 672 includes a release region 676. The release region is a region of the ramp 672 that is angled outwardly of the sliding surface 674. The release region 676 aids in the removal of the filter element 50 from the body construction 606 during service or maintenance. In particular, the release region 676 provides a clearance area, so that the element 50 can be dislodged from the body construction 606. The term "dislodging" means that the radial seal 618 is released. Figure 41 shows the element 50 once the radial seal 618 has been released. The band 168 on the filter element 50 is engaged against the release region 676. The service methods of the air cleaner 600 are discussed below. In the embodiment shown, the release region 676 has an angle no greater than 50 °, normally, from 5 ° to 15 °, preferably from 8 ° to 12 ° and nominally from 10 °. In the embodiment shown, the side wall 646 further includes a protrusion exit region 678. The protrusion exit region 678 is an area of the side wall 646 having an increase in volume. The protrusion outlet region 678 can be seen in Figures 30 and 31 as an area 679 of the side wall that is angled outwardly of the remaining portion of the side wall 646. In particular, the protrusion exit region. 678 can be observed in Figure 31 which is wedge-shaped starting at the area 680 next to the midpoint of the side wall 646 and expanding outward until it reaches the ramp 672. The protrusion exit region 678 allows that the seal member 138 of the filter element 50 contacts the sealing surface 616 and the abutment surface 626 in order to then rotate the element 50 in a sealing clutch operative with the housing 602 (see Figure 43) . In the same way as with the previous embodiments, the cover 608 (52) helps support and maintain the filter element 50 oriented in an operative assembly seated with the radial seal 616 in place in the housing 602. As described above, the cover 52 includes the projection 304 extending or protruding into the housing 602, when the cover 52 is mounted, operatively, on the body member 610. In use, the cover 52 interacts with the element 50 as described in FIG. connection with the previous embodiment, Figure 26. In particular, the projection 304 extends in and out of the recess 150 in the filter element 50. Once the filter element 50 is assembled within the body construction 606, the cover 52 is oriented on the exposed portion of the filter element 50 and is mounted on the body member 610. If the filter element 50 is not seated properly within the housing 602 with the radial seal 618 shaped, cover , 52 will prevent or prevent proper installation or assembly in the body member 610. If the filter element 50 were properly mounted within the body construction 606, the cover 52 would be guided towards proper mounting by means of the clutch between the band 168 and the shoulder 292. In addition, the outgoing 304 will be received by recess 150 in the filter element 50. Also, the mounting tabs 661, 662, 663, 664 will be engaged so that the fasteners can be mounted thereon. G. Methods of Use, Installation and Service To install the filter element 50 within the housing 602, the cover 52 is removed from the body construction 606 to expose the open end 650. The filter element 50 is oriented, so that the second end 82 of the element 50 is adjacent to the outlet construction 614, while the first end 81 is oriented adjacent to the inlet construction 612.

The band 168 is oriented, so that it engages with the ramp 672. The filter element 50 is slid along the slide assembly 670. The clutch of the sliding surface 674 against the band 168 moves the filter element 50 into a direction towards the exit construction 614. Eventually, and with the attention directed to Figure 37, the band 168 slides towards the protrusion exit region 678 and engages the corner 682. The corner 682 is the intersection of the highlight outlet region 678 and ramp 672. At the same time, seal member 136 contacts sealing surface 616 and stop surface 626. Figure 38 shows an enlarged view of element 50 relative to construction of body 606 during the insertion process. The pivot region 630 can be observed along the sealing surface 616. At this point in the insertion process, the exposed end of the filter element 50 has a force applied on it by the user. The user moves, tilts, moves or rotates the element 50 about the pivot region 630 in order to move the element 50 towards a sealing clutch operative with the housing 602. This can be seen in Figure 43. As part of In this process, the filter element 50 is moved so that no portion of the element 50 is protruding towards the protrusion outlet region 678. At this point, the seal member 136 must be in place forming the radial seal 618 against the sealing surface 616 (Figure 43). Then, the cover 52 is oriented on the exposed portion of the filter element 50, so that the projection 292 engages with the band 168 to support the filter element 50, while the projection 304 extends toward and is received by the recess. 150 in the filter element 50. Then, the cover 52 is connected to the body member 610 in the interconnection between the mounting flanges 661, 662, 663, 664. Then, the air cleaner 600 is ready for filtering operation. _. .. To use the air cleaner 600, the dirty air passes through the intake region 35 (Figure 1) in the direction of the ducts, and eventually through the inlet duct 640 of the inlet construction 612. Then, the air flows to the filter element 50 and passes through the first flow face 84. The dirty air is then forced to travel through the filter means 80, where the air is cleaned, so less partially, of particulate material. The clean air leaves the filter element 50 moving from the second flow face 86. From there, the clean air "flows through the outlet construction 614 and through the outlet conduit 622. Then, the clean air it is used by the equipment 32 such as the internal combustion engine 33. After a period of operation, the filter element 50 will be blocked or obstructed with an unacceptably high level of restriction.Service or maintenance of the air cleaner 600 will be necessary The term "service" means the removal of the filter element 50 and its replacement with a new filter element 50. To provide maintenance or service to the air cleaner 600, the cover 52 is removed from the housing 602 by removing the fasteners between the mounting flanges 661, 662, 663, 664. The cover 52 is removed to expose the open end 650. The above filter element 50 is then removed from the housing 602 a through the open end 650. This is effected first, by releasing or breaking the radial seal 618 between the filter element 50 and the housing 602. The seal 618 is released by holding the exposed edge of the filter element 50 and moving, tilting or displacing the filter element 50 in one direction so that the inlet end 84 of the filter element 50 makes contact with the release region 676 of the ramp 672. A portion of the element 50 is also projecting into the exit region of the filter element 50. protrude 678. This is shown in Figure 39. This movement releases radial seal 618 from seal surface 616. See Figure 39, in which a portion of seal member 136 it is completely removed and separated from seal surface 616. Figure 41 shows an additional step in the removal process. The element 50 is further rotated about the release region 676 to move the element 50 of the corner 682 towards the protrusion exit region 678. The remaining portion of the seal member 136 is removed from the sealing surface 616. This exposes the face 86 downstream of the filter element 50 and allows the user's hand to be inserted between the face 86 downstream of the element 50 and the outlet construction 614. The operator can then pull the element 50 of the housing 602. The The previous filter 50 is then discarded. Next, a second new filter element 50 is provided. The new filter element 50 is installed in the air cleaner 600 through its assembly via the side entrance 652 and sliding the element 50 along the slide assembly 670, and subsequently, rotating the element 50 about the pivot region 630 until the element is in operative mounting within the housing 602. Then, the cover 52 is placed on the exposed portion of the filter element 50 and is secured in the member. of body 610. It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (22)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. An air cleaner includes a housing having first and second opposite ends and a side wall between the first and second ends; the side wall defines an access hole; the side wall has a sliding assembly; an access cover is located removably on the access hole; and a filter element is installed and sealed operatively in the housing; the filter element has first and second opposed flow faces; the filter element includes means having a plurality of grooves or folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion; the housing is constructed and positioned to accept the filter element through the access hole in the side wall and to slide along the sliding assembly, characterized in that: (a) a side wall defines a shoulder exit region; the protrusion outlet region is a wedge-shaped area of a volume defined by the side wall that expands outwards until reaching the sliding assembly; (i) the housing is constructed and positioned to accept the filter element through the access hole in the side wall, also to slide along the sliding assembly and to engage with the protrusion exit region. The air cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that: (a) the protrusion outlet region is defined by a region of the side wall that begins at the midpoint of the side wall and expands outwardly until which reaches the sliding assembly. 3. The air cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that: (a) the sliding assembly includes a ramp that extends from the hole toward a closed portion of the housing. 4. The air cleaner according to claim 3, characterized in that: (a) the ramp has a slope less than 30 °. 5. The air cleaner according to claim 3, characterized in that: (a) the ramp has an inclination of 2o to 10 °. 6. The air cleaner according to any of claims 3-5, characterized in that: (a) the ramp includes a sliding surface and a release region; the release region is angled out from the sliding surface. The air cleaner according to any of claims 1-6, characterized in that: (a) the filter element includes a seal member and a frame construction; the frame construction has an extension projecting in the axial direction from the second flow face; the seal member is supported by the extension of the frame construction; The seal member forms a radial seal with the housing when the filter element is moved towards a sealing clutch. The air cleaner according to any of claims 1-7, characterized in that: (a) the filter element includes a band around the periphery of the first flow face; and (b) the access cover includes a shoulder that engages with the band to support the filter element. 9. The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: (a) the side wall is curved in a shape that corresponds, generally, with the shape of the filter element. The air cleaner according to any of claims 1-8, characterized in that: (a) the side wall is curved in a U-shape including a section of curvature forming a closed end and a long enough mouth to accommodate the acceptance of the filter element through it. 11. A service method of an air cleaner; the air cleaner includes: a housing having a first and a second opposite ends and a side wall between the first and second ends; the side wall defines an access hole; an access cover located removably on the access hole; and a filter element installed and sealed operatively in the housing; the filter element has first and second opposing flow faces; the filter element includes means having a plurality of grooves or folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion; the housing is constructed and positioned to accept the filter element through the access hole in the side wall, characterized in that it comprises: (a) pushing the filter element against a pivot region in the housing to rotate the filter element around of the pivot region and release the seal between the filter element and the housing. 12. The method in accordance with the claim 11, characterized in that: (a) the step of pushing the filter element against a pivot region in the housing for releasing a seal includes the release of a radial seal between the filter element and the housing. The method according to any of claims 11 and 12, further characterized by including: (a) after the pushing step, removing the filter element through a hole in one side of the housing, and moving a portion of the filter element towards the protrusion outlet region on the side wall. The method according to claim 13, further characterized by including: (a) after the removal step, providing a second filter element and installing the second filter element in the housing; (i) the second filter element has first and second opposed flow faces; the second filter element includes means having a plurality of folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that: (a) the housing includes a ramp; and (b) the installation step includes sliding a portion of the second filter element against the ramp. 16. The method of compliance with the claim 11, further characterized in that it includes: (a) before the pushing step, the removal of the access cover of the housing to expose the access hole on the side of the housing. The method according to claim 16, further characterized in that it includes: (a) after the installation step, the placement of a cover over the hole in the housing. 18. A method of installing a filter element in an air cleaner; the air cleaner includes: a housing having a first and a second opposite ends and a side wall between the first and second ends; the side wall defines an access hole; the side wall defines a ramp; an access cover is located removably on the access hole; the element . filter includes first and second opposed flow faces, means having a plurality of grooves or folds; each of the folds has an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; the selected folds thereof are open in the upstream portion and closed in the downstream portion; and the selected folds thereof are closed in the upstream portion and open in the downstream portion; the filter element has a band around the periphery of the first flow face; the housing is constructed and positioned to accept the filter element through the access hole in the side wall, the method further includes the clutch of the band against the ramp and the sliding of the filter element along the ramp, characterized because it comprises: (a) sliding the filter element with the band in a protrusion exit region; (b) contacting a seal member on the filter element against a pivot region on the housing; and (c) applying a force on an exposed portion of the filter element and rotating the element around the pivot region to move the seal member toward a sealing clutch with the housing. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that: (a) the step of sliding the filter element with the band towards the protrusion exit region includes the sliding of the filter element with the band until the clutch band with a corner of the accommodation. 20. The method according to any of claims 18 and 19, characterized in that: (a) the step of applying force and rotation includes the rotation of the element around the pivot region to form a radial seal with the housing. The method according to any of claims 18-20, characterized in that: (a) the force application and rotation step includes the rotation of the element around the pivot region to move the filter element, so that no portion of the filter element is projecting into the protrusion outlet region. The method according to any of claims 18-21, further characterized in that it comprises: (a) after the step of applying force and rotation, the access cover is oriented on the filter element to engage with a shoulder on the cover with the band on the filter element.