LENGTH-ADJUSTABLE FILTER CARTRIDGE END CAPS, FILTER CARTRIDGES EMPLOYING, AND METHODS OF MAKING, THE SAME

摘要

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