Formed filter media

Abstract

Embodiments described herein generally relate to filter assembly, and this filter assembly comprises filter element with cross-channel flow, and filter element has the flat and / or folded arrangement for optimizing function and performance.Filter assembly can use various shapes, angles, configurations and materials to shape (for example, shaping, construction, etc.), to improve the filtration and cross-channel flow of the fluid passing through filter medium.Filter medium can realize various patterns (for example, repeated, origami, rounded, etc.), shapes (for example, tetrahedral, rhombus, square) and structures (for example, pleated, integrated, staggered, etc.).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to filters for use with engine systems. More specifically, the present application relates to filter media, filter media packs, and filter elements for filtering fluids having various shapes, including tetrahedral media.

[0002] background

[0003] In many cases, fluid flow, such as gas and liquid, carries pollutant material located therein. It is usually necessary to filter some or all pollutant materials from the fluid flow. This technology is applicable to, but not limited to, internal combustion engines. For example, internal combustion engines use various fluids during operation. For example, fuel (e.g., diesel, gasoline, natural gas, etc.) is used to run the engine. Air can be mixed with fuel to produce an air-fuel mixture, which undergoes combustion in the engine, thereby running with a variable air-fuel ratio. In addition, one or more lubricants can be provided to the engine to lubricate various parts of the engine (e.g., piston cylinder, crankshaft, bearing, gear, valve, cam, etc.). These fluids may be contaminated by particulate matter (e.g., carbon, dust, metal particles, etc.), which may damage various parts of the engine if not removed from the fluid. In order to remove this particulate matter or other pollutants, the fluid is usually passed through a filter assembly (e.g., a fuel filter, a lubricant filter, an air filter, a water filter assembly, etc.), and the filter assembly includes a filter element, and the filter element is configured to remove particulate matter from the fluid before conveying the fluid. The various mountings or structures in which the filter assemblies are placed may be space-constrained and have unique shapes, and may require complex filter element shapes to accommodate the filter element within such mounting structures.

[0004] Overview

[0005] In a first group of embodiments, a filter element is described that defines an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet that is disposed axially away from the upstream inlet in an axial direction. The downstream outlet extends laterally in a lateral direction substantially parallel to the upstream inlet. The axial direction is substantially perpendicular to the upstream inlet and the downstream outlet. The lateral direction is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. The filter element includes a filter medium layer folded along a plurality of bending lines between the upstream inlet and the downstream outlet. The plurality of bending lines include a first group of bending lines extending axially from the upstream inlet toward the downstream outlet. The first group of bending lines includes a first subset of bending lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in an axial direction toward a first termination point adjacent to the downstream outlet. The second subset of bending lines extends axially from the upstream inlet in an axial direction toward the downstream outlet. As the second subset of bending lines extends axially in the axial direction, the second subset of bending lines tapers in a transverse direction. The transverse direction is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and the lateral direction. The second subset of bending lines provides a lateral cross-flow across the second subset of bending lines in a lateral direction between the axial channels downstream of the upstream inlet. The second group of bending lines extends axially from the downstream outlet toward the upstream inlet. The second group of bending lines includes a third subgroup of bending lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a second termination point adjacent to the upstream inlet. The fourth subgroup of bending lines extends axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the upstream inlet. As the fourth subgroup of bending lines extends axially in the axial direction, the fourth subgroup of bending lines tapers in the transverse direction. The fourth subgroup of bending lines provides a lateral crossflow across the fourth subgroup of bending lines between the channels upstream of the downstream outlet in the lateral direction. A plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bending lines. A plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the plurality of wall segments. A plurality of wall segments define a first serpentine span extending laterally. The first serpentine span includes a plurality of repeated spans. Each span in the plurality of repeated spans includes a first wall segment. The outer surface of the first wall segment defines a portion of the first channel. The second wall segment is adjacent to the first wall segment and the bending lines in the second subgroup of bending lines that meet the first wall segment in the lateral direction. The inner surface of the first wall segment and the inner surface of the second wall segment define the second channel. The second channel is staggered with the first channel. The third wall segment is laterally adjacent to the second wall segment. The outer surface of the third wall segment defines a portion of the third channel. The fourth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the third wall segment and a bend line in a fourth subset of bend lines that meet the third wall segment. The inner surface of the third wall segment and the inner surface of the fourth wall segment define a fourth channel. The fourth channel is staggered with the third channel. Each of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel has a height along the transverse direction and a lateral width along the lateral direction.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction extends toward the first termination point, and wherein the fourth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction extends toward the second termination point.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plurality of bending lines is a first plurality of bending lines, wherein the plurality of wall segments is a first plurality of wall segments, and the filter element further comprises a first downstream outlet disposed downstream of the downstream outlet, wherein the downstream outlet is a repeating axis, and the filter element is folded along a second plurality of bending lines between the repeating axis and the first downstream outlet, the second plurality of bending lines comprising:

[0008] a third set of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis toward the first downstream outlet, the third set of bend lines comprising:

[0009] a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the axis of repetition in the axial direction toward a third termination point adjacent the first downstream outlet; and

[0010] a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis in the axial direction toward the third termination point, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in a transverse direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and the lateral direction, the sixth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the sixth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between axial channels downstream of the repeating axis;

[0011] a fourth set of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet toward the repeating axis, the fourth set of bend lines comprising:

[0012] a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a fourth termination point adjacent the axis of repeating; and

[0013] an eighth subset of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the fourth termination point, the eighth subset of bend lines tapering in the lateral direction as the eighth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the eighth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the eighth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between channels upstream of the first downstream outlet;

[0014] A second plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the second plurality of bend lines, the second plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the second plurality of wall segments, the second plurality of wall segments define a second serpentine span extending laterally, the second serpentine span comprising a second plurality of repeating spans, each span of the second plurality of repeating spans comprising:

[0015] a fifth wall segment, an outer surface of the fifth wall segment defining a portion of a fifth channel;

[0016] a sixth wall segment laterally adjacent the fifth wall segment and a bend line of the sixth subset of bend lines that meet the fifth wall segment, the inner surface of the fifth wall segment and the inner surface of the sixth wall segment defining a portion of a sixth channel, the sixth channel being interlaced with the fifth channel;

[0017] a seventh wall segment laterally adjacent to the sixth wall segment, an outer surface of the seventh wall segment defining a portion of a seventh channel; and

[0018] An eighth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the seventh wall segment and to a bending line in the eighth subset of bending lines that converges onto the seventh wall segment, wherein an inner surface of the seventh wall segment and an inner surface of the eighth wall segment define a portion of an eighth channel, and the eighth channel is staggered with the seventh channel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fifth wall segment is connected to the third wall segment, and the sixth wall segment is connected to the fourth wall segment, and wherein the sixth channel is adjacent to and in fluid communication with the fourth channel.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first termination point is adjacent to a bend line in the fifth subset of bend lines.

[0021] In some embodiments, the third termination point is located axially downstream of the second termination point in the axial direction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the plurality of bending lines is a first plurality of bending lines, wherein the plurality of wall segments is a first plurality of wall segments, the filter element further comprises a first downstream outlet disposed downstream of the downstream outlet, wherein the downstream outlet is a repeating axis, the filter element is folded along a second plurality of bending lines between the repeating axis and the first downstream outlet, the second plurality of bending lines comprising:

[0023] a third set of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis toward the first downstream outlet, the third set of bend lines comprising:

[0024] a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the axis of repetition in the axial direction toward a third termination point adjacent the first downstream outlet; and

[0025] a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis in the axial direction toward the third termination point, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in a transverse direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and the lateral direction, the sixth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the sixth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between axial channels downstream of the repeating axis;

[0026] a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a fourth termination point adjacent the axis of repeating; and

[0027] a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the fourth termination point, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in the lateral direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the sixth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the sixth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between channels upstream of the first downstream outlet;

[0028] a fourth set of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet toward the repeating axis, the fourth set of bend lines comprising:

[0029] a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet along the axial direction toward a fourth termination point adjacent the axis of repeating; and

[0030] an eighth subset of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the fourth termination point, the eighth subset of bend lines tapering in a transverse direction as the eighth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and the lateral direction, the eighth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the eighth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between axial channels downstream of the repeating axis;

[0031] A second plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the second plurality of bend lines, the second plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the second plurality of wall segments, the second plurality of wall segments define a second serpentine span extending laterally, the second serpentine span comprising a second plurality of repeating spans, each span of the second plurality of repeating spans comprising:

[0032] a fifth wall segment, an outer surface of the fifth wall segment defining a portion of a fifth channel;

[0033] a sixth wall segment laterally adjacent the fifth wall segment and a bend line of the sixth subset of bend lines that meet the fifth wall segment, the inner surface of the fifth wall segment and the inner surface of the sixth wall segment defining a portion of a sixth channel, the sixth channel being interlaced with the fifth channel;

[0034] a seventh wall segment laterally adjacent to the sixth wall segment, an outer surface of the seventh wall segment defining a portion of a seventh channel; and

[0035] An eighth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the seventh wall segment and to a bending line in the eighth subset of bending lines that converges onto the seventh wall segment, wherein an inner surface of the seventh wall segment and an inner surface of the eighth wall segment define a portion of an eighth channel, and the eighth channel is staggered with the seventh channel.

[0036] In some embodiments, the seventh wall segment is connected to the third wall segment and the eighth wall segment is connected to the fourth wall segment, and wherein the seventh channel is adjacent to and in fluid communication with the fourth channel.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first termination point is adjacent to the third termination point.

[0038] In some embodiments, the fourth end point is located axially downstream of the second end point in the axial direction.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first wall segment and the second wall segment form a first group of wall segments, and the first group of wall segments are alternately sealed to each other at the upstream inlet along the first serpentine span, so that the first channel has an open upstream end along the first serpentine span, and the second channel has a closed upstream end along the first serpentine span.

[0040] In some embodiments, the filter element further comprises a plurality of relief protrusions along the second subset of bend lines, each of the plurality of relief protrusions extending in the lateral direction from one of the plurality of wall segments to an adjacent wall segment of the plurality of wall segments.

[0041] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of relief portions is a negative relief portion extending downward in the transverse direction.

[0042] In some embodiments, the filter element further comprises a plurality of protrusions along the second subset of bend lines, each of the plurality of protrusions extending in the lateral direction from the first wall segment toward the second wall segment along each of the first plurality of repeating spans of the first serpentine span.

[0043] In some embodiments, the filter element further comprises a plurality of relief protrusions along the fourth subset of bend lines, each of the plurality of relief protrusions extending in the lateral direction from one of the plurality of wall segments to an adjacent wall segment of the plurality of wall segments.

[0044] In some embodiments, the filter element further comprises a plurality of protrusions along the fourth subset of bend lines, each of the plurality of protrusions extending in the lateral direction from the third wall segment toward the fourth wall segment along each of the first plurality of repeating spans of the first serpentine span.

[0045] In some embodiments, the filter element further comprises a plurality of protrusions along the first subset bending line and the third subset bending line, each of the plurality of protrusions extending in the lateral direction from one of the plurality of wall segments to an adjacent wall segment of the plurality of wall segments.

[0046] In some embodiments, the plurality of bending lines is a first plurality of bending lines, wherein the plurality of wall segments is a first plurality of wall segments, the filter element further comprises a first downstream outlet disposed downstream of the downstream outlet, wherein the downstream outlet is a neutral axis, the second subset of bending lines extending axially from the upstream inlet along the axial direction extends toward a third termination point along the neutral axis, the third subset of bending lines extending axially from the upstream inlet along the axial direction extends toward a fourth termination point along the neutral axis, the filter element is folded along a second plurality of bending lines between the neutral axis and the first downstream outlet, the second plurality of bending lines comprising:

[0047] A third set of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet toward the neutral axis, the third set of bend lines comprising:

[0048] a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a fifth termination point along the neutral axis; and

[0049] a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the first termination point, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in a transverse direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and the lateral direction;

[0050] a fourth set of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet toward the neutral axis, the fourth set of bend lines comprising:

[0051] a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the third termination point along the neutral axis; and

[0052] an eighth subset of bend lines extending axially from the first downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the fourth termination point along the neutral axis, the eighth subset of bend lines tapering in a transverse direction as the eighth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction;

[0053] A second plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the second plurality of bend lines, the second plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the second plurality of wall segments, the second plurality of wall segments define a second serpentine span extending laterally, the second serpentine span comprising a second plurality of repeating spans, each span of the second plurality of repeating spans comprising:

[0054] a fifth wall segment, an inner surface of the fifth wall segment defining a portion of a fifth channel;

[0055] a sixth wall segment laterally adjacent the fifth wall segment and a bend line of the sixth subset of bend lines that meet the fifth wall segment, the outer surface of the fifth wall segment and the outer surface of the sixth wall segment defining a portion of a sixth channel, the sixth channel being interlaced with the fifth channel;

[0056] a seventh wall segment laterally adjacent to the sixth wall segment, an inner surface of the seventh wall segment defining a portion of a seventh channel; and

[0057] An eighth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the seventh wall segment and to a bending line in the eighth subset of bending lines that converges onto the seventh wall segment, wherein an inner surface of the seventh wall segment and an inner surface of the eighth wall segment define a portion of an eighth channel, and the eighth channel is staggered with the seventh channel.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first wall segment in each span of the first plurality of repeated spans is connected to the sixth wall segment in each span of the second plurality of repeated spans along the neutral axis, the second wall segment in each span of the first plurality of repeated spans is connected to the seventh wall segment in each span of the second plurality of repeated spans along the neutral axis, and the third wall segment in each span of the first plurality of repeated spans is connected to the eighth wall segment in each span of the second plurality of repeated spans along the neutral axis.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first channel in each span of the first plurality of repeating spans is adjacent to the sixth channel in each span of the second plurality of repeating spans along the neutral axis, the second channel in each span of the first plurality of repeating spans is adjacent to the seventh channel in each span of the second plurality of repeating spans along the neutral axis, and the third channel in each span of the first plurality of repeating spans is adjacent to the eighth channel in each span of the second plurality of repeating spans along the neutral axis.

[0060] In some embodiments, the second passage tapers downward in the lateral direction axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward the neutral axis, and the seventh passage tapers upward in the lateral direction axially from the neutral axis in the axial direction toward the first downstream outlet.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first wall segment and the second wall segment form a first group of wall segments, and the first group of wall segments are alternately sealed to each other at the upstream inlet along the first serpentine span, so that the first channel has an open upstream end along the first serpentine span, and the second channel has a closed upstream end along the first serpentine span.

[0062] In another set of embodiments, a filter element is described that defines an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet that is disposed axially away from the upstream inlet in an axial direction. The downstream outlet extends laterally in a lateral direction substantially parallel to the upstream inlet. The axial direction is substantially perpendicular to the upstream inlet and the downstream outlet. The lateral direction is perpendicular to the axial direction. The filter element includes a filter medium layer folded along a plurality of bending lines between the upstream inlet and the downstream outlet. The plurality of bending lines include a first group of bending lines extending axially from the upstream inlet toward the downstream outlet. The first group of bending lines includes a first subset of bending lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in an axial direction toward a first termination point adjacent to the downstream outlet. The second subset of bending lines extends axially from the upstream inlet in an axial direction toward a first termination point adjacent to the downstream outlet. As the second subset of bending lines extends axially in the axial direction, the second subset of bending lines tapers in a transverse direction. The transverse direction is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and the lateral direction. The third subset of bending lines extends axially from the upstream inlet in an axial direction toward a first termination point adjacent to the downstream outlet. As the third subset of bending lines extends axially in the axial direction, the third subset of bending lines tapers in the transverse direction. The fourth subset of bending lines extends axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward the first termination point adjacent to the downstream outlet. As the fourth subset of bending lines extends axially in the axial direction, the fourth subset of bending lines tapers in the transverse direction. A plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bending lines. A plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the plurality of wall segments. A plurality of wall segments define a serpentine span extending laterally. The serpentine span includes a plurality of repeating spans. Each span in the plurality of repeating spans includes a first wall segment. An outer surface of the first wall segment defines a first portion of the first channel. The first angled wall segment is laterally adjacent to the first wall segment and the bending line in the second subset of bending lines that meet the first wall segment. An outer surface of the first angled wall segment defines a second portion of the first channel. The second angled wall segment is laterally adjacent to the first angled wall segment and the bending line in the third subset of bending lines that meet the first angled wall segment. The second wall segment is laterally adjacent to the second angled wall segment and a bend line in a fourth subset of bend lines that meet the second angled wall segment. The inner surface of the first wall segment, the inner surface of the first angled wall segment, the inner surface of the second wall segment, and the inner surface of the second angled wall segment define a second channel. The second channel is staggered with the first channel.

[0063] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the second angled wall segment and the outer surface of the second wall segment define a third channel.

[0064] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the first angled wall segment and the inner surface of the second angled wall segment form an upper portion of the second channel, and wherein the inner surface of the first wall segment and the inner surface of the second wall segment form a lower portion of the second channel.

[0065] In some embodiments, the filter element further comprises a second set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the upstream inlet, the second set of bend lines comprising:

[0066] a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet; and

[0067] a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction;

[0068] a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet, the seventh subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the seventh subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction; and

[0069] an eighth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet, the eighth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the eighth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction;

[0070] Each of the plurality of repeating spans of the serpentine span further comprises:

[0071] a third wall segment, an outer surface of the third wall segment defining a first portion of a third channel;

[0072] a third angled wall segment laterally adjacent the third wall segment and a bend line of the sixth subset of bend lines that meet the third wall segment, an outer surface of the third angled wall segment defining a second portion of the third channel;

[0073] a fourth angled wall segment laterally adjacent said third angled wall segment and a bend line of said seventh subset of bend lines that meet said third angled wall segment; and

[0074] A fourth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the fourth angled wall segment and the bending line of the eighth subset of bending lines that converges to the fourth angled wall segment, and the inner surface of the third wall segment, the inner surface of the third angled wall segment, the inner surface of the fourth angled wall segment, and the inner surface of the fourth wall segment define a portion of a fourth channel, and the fourth channel is staggered with the third channel.

[0075] In some embodiments, the second subgroup bending lines, the third subgroup bending lines and the fourth subgroup bending lines provide lateral cross-flow across the second subgroup bending lines, the third subgroup bending lines and the fourth subgroup bending lines along the lateral direction between the axial channels downstream of the upstream inlet, and wherein the sixth subgroup bending lines, the seventh subgroup bending lines and the eighth subgroup bending lines provide lateral cross-flow across the sixth subgroup bending lines, the seventh subgroup bending lines and the eighth subgroup bending lines along the lateral direction between the channels upstream of the downstream outlet.

[0076] In some embodiments, the sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet along the axial direction toward the second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet is substantially straight along the axial direction.

[0077] In another set of embodiments, a filter assembly is described. The filter assembly includes a filter element. The filter element includes a filter medium. The filter medium includes a plurality of filter medium layers stacked on top of each other in a transverse direction to form the filter medium. The filter medium has an inlet surface at an inlet portion of the filter medium and an outlet surface at an outlet portion of the filter medium. The outlet portion is arranged axially away from the inlet portion in an axial direction. The axial direction is substantially perpendicular to the inlet surface and the outlet surface. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the axial direction. Each of the plurality of filter medium layers is folded along a plurality of bending lines between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. Each of the plurality of filter medium layers includes a plurality of wall segments extending in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bending lines. The plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the plurality of wall segments. A sealing member is arranged around the inlet portion of the filter medium and adjacent to the inlet surface. The support ribs extend in an axial direction from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion. The support ribs are configured to maintain the structure of the filter element.

[0078] In some embodiments, the sealing member includes a plurality of sealing ribs extending in the transverse direction, the plurality of sealing ribs extending on the outlet surface, the plurality of sealing ribs being configured to prevent movement of the axial passage along the outlet surface.

[0079] In some embodiments, the filter assembly further includes a bushing element extending axially from the sealing member toward the outlet surface, the bushing element being configured to constrain movement of the axial passage.

[0080] In some embodiments, the bushing element defines a first side wall portion, a second side wall portion disposed away from the first side wall portion in a lateral direction, a first wall portion extending from the first side wall portion toward the second side wall portion in the lateral direction, and a second wall portion disposed away from the first wall portion in the transverse direction and extending from the first side wall portion toward the second side wall portion in the lateral direction, the lateral direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, and the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and the lateral direction.

[0081] In some embodiments, the support rib is a first support rib arranged along the first side wall portion, and the filter assembly also includes a second support rib arranged along the first wall portion, the second support rib extends from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion in the axial direction, and the second support rib is configured to maintain the structure of the filter element.

[0082] In some embodiments, the multiple filter media layers stacked on top of each other to form the filter media include a second multiple filter media layers stacked on the first multiple filter media layers, wherein the support ribs are arranged between the first multiple filter media layers and the second multiple filter media layers, the support ribs extend from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion in the axial direction, and the support ribs are configured to maintain the structure of the filter element and constrain the movement of the recesses in the multiple filter media layers.

[0083] In some embodiments, the support rib is disposed between the filter medium and the bushing element, the support rib extends from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion in the axial direction, and the support rib is configured to prevent the filter element from collapsing and restrict channel movement of the plurality of filter medium layers.

[0084] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts discussed in more detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing in this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] The foregoing features and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only several embodiments according to the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which will be described with additional specific description and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Figure 1is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to an embodiment.

[0088] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a filter media pack and sealing member of a filter assembly.

[0089] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a filter media having a sealing member and internal support ribs according to an embodiment.

[0090] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a filter media having a sealing member and external support ribs according to an embodiment.

[0091] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a filter medium defining a plurality of tetrahedral forms according to an embodiment.

[0092] Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a filter medium defining a plurality of tetrahedral forms.

[0093] Figure 7 The entrance shows Figure 2 filter media.

[0094] Figure 8 The exit shows Figure 2 filter media.

[0095] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of a filter medium defining a tetrahedron form according to an embodiment.

[0096] Fig.10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a filter medium defining a tetrahedron form according to an embodiment.

[0097] Fig.11 is from Fig.10 A view looking from the opposite end of the filter media is shown.

[0098] Fig.12 is a perspective view illustrating a circular, coiled media pack configuration including filter media according to an embodiment.

[0099] Fig.13 is a perspective view illustrating an oval-shaped media pack configuration including filter media according to an embodiment.

[0100] Fig.14 is an end view illustrating a layered, stacked media pack configuration including filter media according to an embodiment.

[0101] Fig.15 It further shows Fig.14 A perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0102] Fig.16 It is along Fig.15 A cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12.

[0103] Fig.17 Similar to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 And another embodiment is shown.

[0104] Fig.18 Similar to Fig.11 And from Fig.17 A view from the opposite end of the

[0105] Fig.19 Similar to Fig. 9 It also shows Fig.17 structure.

[0106] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a filter media having a plurality of embossments according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0107] Fig.21 is a front view of a filter medium having a plurality of projections according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0108] Fig.22A is a front perspective view of the inlet side of a five-sided formed filter media according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0109] Fig. 22B yes Fig.22A Front perspective view of the outlet side of a five-sided formed filter media.

[0110] Fig.23A is a front perspective view of the inlet side of a five-sided formed filter media according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0111] Fig. 23B yes Fig.23A Front perspective view of the outlet side of a five-sided formed filter media.

[0112] Fig.24A is a front perspective view of an edge of an inlet side of a straight corrugated filter media with spacer bars according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0113] Fig. 24B yes Fig.24A A top view of a filter medium layer of a straight corrugated filter medium with spacer strips.

[0114] Fig.24C yes Fig. 24B A perspective view of a filter media layer of a straight corrugated filter media with spacers.

[0115] Fig.25Ais a front perspective view of an edge of an inlet side of an angled corrugated filter media according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0116] Fig.25B yes Fig.25A A top view of a filter media layer of an angled corrugated filter media.

[0117] Fig.25C yes Fig.25B A perspective view of a filter media layer of an angled corrugated filter media.

[0118] Fig.26A is a front perspective view of an edge of an inlet side of a v-shaped corrugated filter media according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0119] Fig.26B yes Fig.26A A top view of a filter media layer of a v-shaped corrugated filter media.

[0120] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a filter media layer of a corrugated filter media according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0121] Fig.28 is a perspective view of a filter media layer of a corrugated filter media according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0122] Fig.29 is a perspective view of a multi-form filter media layer according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0123] Figure 30A-Figure 30C It depicts the Fig.29 A view of the formation of a filter media of a multi-form filter media layer.

[0124] Figure 31A-Figure 31B is a perspective view of a multi-form filter media layer according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0125] Fig.32 is a top view of a flat, unformed multi-form filter media layer according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0126] Fig.33 is a top view of a flat, unformed multi-form filter media layer according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0127] Fig.34 is a front view of a triangular shaped multi-form filter media layer according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0128] Fig.35 is a front view of a rounded multi-form filter media layer according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0129] Fig.36is a front view of a flat-triangular multi-form filter media layer according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0130] Fig.37 is a front view of a flat-rectangular multi-form filter media layer according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0131] Fig.38A is a perspective view of a diamond-shaped pyramid repeating filter media layer according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0132] Fig.38B yes Fig.38A Front view of a repeating filter media layer of diamond-shaped pyramids.

[0133] Fig.39A is a front view of a filter media layer of offset diamond pyramid repeating layers according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0134] Fig.39B Is used to create Fig.39A A perspective view of one of the offset diamond-shaped pyramid-forming rolls of repeating filter media layers.

[0135] Fig.40 is a perspective view of a filter media pack having double-sided repeating filter media layers according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0136] Fig.41 is a perspective view of a filter media pack having double-sided repeating filter media layers according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0137] Fig.42A is a perspective view of a pair of rolls for forming a double-sided repeating pattern of filter media layers according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0138] Fig.42B is a perspective view of a pair of rolls for forming a double-sided repeating pattern of filter media layers according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0139] Fig.43A is a perspective view of a filter media pack including filter media having negative and positive adjacent fin wall segments according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0140] Fig.43B yes Fig.43A A perspective view of a filter media layer of a filter media pack.

[0141] Figure 44A-Figure 44C yes Fig.43B A view of a portion of adjacent negative fin wall segments and positive fin wall segments of a filter media layer.

[0142] Fig.45 is a top perspective view of a flat sheet of filter media having a plurality of bend lines marked to form Fig.43B filter medium layer.

[0143] Fig.46A is a perspective view of a filter media layer having negative fin wall segments that are offset from adjacent positive fin wall segments according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0144] Fig.46B yes Fig.46A A rear perspective view of the top of the filter media layer.

[0145] Fig.47 is a perspective view of a filter media layer having open negative fin wall segments that are offset from adjacent open positive fin wall segments according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0146] Fig.48A A filter element according to an exemplary embodiment includes a filter media pack having filter media layers with rounded triangular channels.

[0147] Fig.48B yes Fig.48A The filter element comprises a filter media pack.

[0148] Fig.48C yes Fig.48A The filter element comprises a filter media pack.

[0149] Fig.49 is a graphical representation of flow rates and initial restrictions for a first filter media and a second filter media according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0150] Fig.50 is a top perspective view of the inlet side of a layered filter media pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0151] Fig.51 yes Fig.50 A top perspective view of the outlet side of a layered filter media pack.

[0152] Fig.52 yes Fig.50 A bottom perspective view of a portion of a filter media layer of a layered filter media pack.

[0153] Fig.53A yes Fig.50 A perspective view of the inlet side of a layered filter media pack.

[0154] Fig.53B yes Fig.50 Elevated front view of the inlet side of a layered filter media pack.

[0155] Fig.53C yes Fig.50 Angled plan view of the inlet side of a layered filter media pack.

[0156] Fig.54 yes Fig.50 Rear plan view of the outlet side of a layered filter media pack.

[0157] Fig.55 yes Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of a layered filter media pack at a first position along an axial direction.

[0158] Fig.56 yes Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of a layered filter media pack at a second position along the axial direction.

[0159] Fig.57 yes Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of a layered filter media pack at a third position along the axial direction.

[0160] Fig.58 yes Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of a layered filter media pack at a fourth position along the axial direction.

[0161] Fig.59 yes Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of a layered filter media pack at a fifth position along the axial direction.

[0162] Fig.60 yes Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of a layered filter media pack at a sixth position along the axial direction.

[0163] Fig.61 is a pleated filter media formed without the use of pleat tip spacers according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0164] Fig.62 yes Fig.61 part of the filter medium.

[0165] Fig.63 According to the implementation of the exemplary embodiment Fig.61 A top view of an oval filter medium of a pleated filter medium.

[0166] Fig.64A is the use according to the exemplary embodiment Fig.61 A front view of a racetrack-shaped filter medium formed by a filter medium.

[0167] Fig.64B yes Fig.64A A perspective view of a filter medium.

[0168] Fig.65A is the use according to the exemplary embodiment Fig.61 A front view of the filter media forming a triangle of filter media.

[0169] Fig.65B yes Fig.65A A perspective view of a filter medium.

[0170] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols generally identify similar parts unless the context indicates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without deviating from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It should be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure generally described herein and shown in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated and constitute a part of the present disclosure.

[0171] Detailed Description

[0172] Embodiments described in this article generally relate to filter assembly, and this filter assembly comprises filter element, and these filter elements have flat, folded and / or tetrahedral arrangement for optimizing function and performance.Filter assembly can use various shapes, angles, overlap and material to shape (for example, shaping, structure etc.), to improve filtration, fluid flow, and in some embodiments, improve fluid to pass the flow of the cross channel of filter medium.In certain embodiments, the filter element formed in this article can be formed using pleated filter medium.

[0173] Various filter media packs in which shaped or tetrahedral media are implemented may be space-constrained and have unique shapes, and complex filter element shapes may be required to accommodate the filter element within such a mounting structure. The filter media may implement a variety of patterns (e.g., repeating, origami, rounded, etc.), shapes (e.g., tetrahedral, diamond-shaped, square), and configurations (e.g., pleated, integral, staggered, etc.). In some embodiments, the term "formed" refers to a shape that is imprinted into a media web and that is joined, bonded, sealed, etc. to a flat or shaped second media (e.g., a media web, a media layer, a media pack, etc.). Embodiments of the filter elements and filter assemblies described herein can provide one or more benefits, including, for example: (1) allowing the formation of complex shaped filter elements that can be placed in complex shaped housings; (2) minimizing undesirable filter media contact with the filter media (e.g., blind-off areas); (3) minimizing initial pressure drop along the inlet and / or outlet; and (4) increasing dust carrying capacity and cross flow through the filter media.

[0174] As used herein, the term "media form sheet" refers to a flat sheet of filter media (e.g., a flat sheet) that is formed, folded, or altered into a desired shape to form a "formed sheet." The term "media layer" refers to bonding a formed sheet to a flat sheet of filter media and / or bonding multiple media form sheets together (e.g., pleats). The term "media pack" refers to multiple filter media layers (e.g., a filter assembly). The term "filter media" may be used generally to describe one or more of media form sheets, formed sheets, media layers, and / or media packs throughout this specification. The term "filter element" refers to a filter media pack having a structure, a housing, and / or a seal.

[0175] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rectangular filter element 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The rectangular filter element 100 forms an upstream inlet face 102 (e.g., a first end) and a downstream outlet face 104 (e.g., a second end), and the downstream outlet face 104 is disposed away from the upstream inlet face 102 in the axial direction 28. The rectangular filter element 100 includes a first sealing member 130, a second sealing member 140, an optional bushing 170, and a filter media pack 110. In general, the rectangular filter element 100 is configured to constrain pocket movement of the filter media pack 110, particularly during high pressure applications. As shown in FIG. Figure 1As shown, the upstream inlet face 102 and the downstream outlet face 104 are generally rectangular in shape, wherein the upstream inlet face 102 is configured to receive a fluid flow 180 (e.g., an inlet), and the downstream outlet face 104 is configured to discharge a filtered fluid flow 190 after passing through the filter media pack 110. The filter media pack 110 extends axially from the upstream inlet face 102 toward the downstream outlet face 104. Although the upstream inlet face 102, the downstream outlet face 104 and the filter media pack 110 are shown as having a rectangular shape, various shapes of the filter media pack 110 can be realized. Therefore, the liner 170, the first sealing member 130 and / or the second sealing member 140 can be configured to have a shape of a recessed movement (e.g., a channel) of various shapes that constrain the filter media pack 110. The filter element 100 can be used to filter air, fuel, air / fuel mixture, water, lubricant or other fluids. In some embodiments, the filter element 100 can be used in a vehicle, an equipment or a power generation system.

[0176] The first sealing member 130 is disposed about the upstream inlet face 102 (eg, adjacent to the upstream inlet face 102) and is configured to form a seal with a filter housing, an additional filter element, and / or similar elements of a filter assembly. Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the first sealing member 330 can be disposed around the first media pack 310 and a second filter media (not shown) stacked on top of the first media pack 310. In some embodiments, the first sealing member 130 is an inlet sealing member configured to form a seal with the inlet side of the filter housing.

[0177] The second sealing member 140 is disposed around the downstream outlet face 104 (e.g., adjacent to the downstream outlet face 104) and is configured to form a seal with a filter housing, an additional filter element, or a similar element of a filter assembly. The second sealing member 140 may include a plurality of sealing ribs 150 or flanges extending along the outlet face of the downstream outlet face 104. In some embodiments and as Figure 3 As shown, the second sealing member 340 can be disposed around the first media pack 310 and the second filter media, which is stacked on top of the first media pack 310. In these embodiments, the second sealing member 340 can include a plurality of sealing ribs 250 that are stacked on top of each other with transverse sealing members 252 disposed between the sealing ribs. In some embodiments, the plurality of sealing ribs 250 are configured to provide structure and support to the outlet face along the downstream outlet face 104 to prevent outlet collapse and facilitate discharge of the fluid flow 190. In some embodiments, the second sealing member 140 is an outlet sealing member configured to form a seal with the outlet side of the filter housing.

[0178] The filter media pack 110 is a multi-layer filter media including a plurality of filter media layers 210. In some embodiments, the plurality of filter media layers 210 are sealed on three sides (e.g., sidewalls and top or bottom surfaces) and cut to a width to be stacked to produce the filter media pack 110. In some embodiments, the plurality of filter media layers 210 are on the outlet face 104 and on at least two sides of the filter media pack 110. In other embodiments, the plurality of filter media layers 210 are alternately sealed on the inlet face 102, alternately sealed on the outlet face 104, and filled or sealed along the edges of the filter media pack 110. In these embodiments, a plurality of recesses are formed that facilitate cross-channel flow but may move during high pressure applications. The bushing 170 is configured to constrain the movement of the recesses of the filter media pack 110, particularly during high pressure applications. As Figure 1 As shown, the bushing 170 is disposed between the first sealing member 130 and the second sealing member 140, and extends around the outer surface of the filter media pack 110. In other words, the bushing 170 is configured to take the shape of the filter media pack 110 because it surrounds the outer surface of the filter media pack 110. In this way, a complex shape that can conform to a confined space or a complex installation structure can be formed.

[0179] The liner 170 (e.g., liner element) is formed by a pair of sidewall surfaces 122 (e.g., surfaces in the lateral direction 40 and the axial direction 28) and a pair of wall surfaces 124 (e.g., surfaces in the lateral direction 44 and the axial direction 28). In a particular embodiment, the liner 170 is disposed on all outer surfaces of the filter media pack 110 except on the inlet portion and the outlet portion (e.g., except on the inlet surface and the outlet surface), and the liner 170 is bonded to the plurality of walls 122, 124 of the filter media pack 110. In some embodiments, the liner 170 includes one or more bonding portions to secure the liner 170 to the filter media pack 110 and / or a portion of the liner 170 itself. In other embodiments, the liner 170 is secured to the filter media pack 110 by the first sealing member 130 and / or the second sealing member 140. In some embodiments, the liner 170 may be secured to the filter media pack 110 by one or more support ribs.

[0180] like Figure 2As shown, expanded upon a multi-layer filter media pack 110, the filter media pack 110 includes an inlet portion 202 and an outlet portion 204. Multiple filter media layers 210 are stacked on top of each other and alternately sealed to form the filter media pack 110 (e.g., filter media, pleat packs, etc.) to form a pair of side wall surfaces 222 and a pair of wall surfaces 224. The filter media pack 110 includes a porous material having an average pore size and configured to filter particulate matter from a fluid flowing therethrough to produce a filtered fluid. The filter media pack 110 may include any suitable filter media. In other embodiments, filter media layer grooves may be formed in each filter media layer 210 prior to stacking, and multiple filter media layers 210 may then be stacked such that each filter media layer groove is axially aligned with each other to form filter media grooves. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 An end face of a stack of filter media is included (not shown in its entirety). In some embodiments, filter media pack 110 can include tetrahedral media (e.g., shaped filter media including tetrahedral shapes), as described in detail herein. In other embodiments, filter media pack 110 can include grooved media, origami-like media, or any other suitable filter media.

[0181] Although Figure 1-Figure 4 The filter media pack 110 is shown as having a generally rectangular shape, but in other embodiments, the filter media pack 110 can have any suitable shape, such as square, polygonal, circular, oval, elliptical, asymmetric, etc. The filter media pack 110 defines an inlet surface and an outlet surface, the inlet surface is located at an inlet portion 202, the inlet portion 202 is configured to receive unfiltered fluid, and the outlet surface is located at an outlet portion 204, the outlet portion is configured to discharge the filtered fluid after passing through the filter media pack 110. In some embodiments, the filter media pack 110 or any other filter media described herein can include a tetrahedral filter media form. For example, in a particular embodiment, the filter media pack 110 can include a tetrahedral filter media defined by a plurality of tetrahedral forms (e.g., tetrahedral channels, tetrahedral volumes, etc.), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,920, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0182] Steering Figure 3 , showing a rectangular filter element 300. The rectangular filter element 300 is similar to Figure 1 The rectangular filter element 100. The difference between the rectangular filter element 300 and the rectangular filter element 100 is that the rectangular filter element 300 includes a plurality of internal ribs 302, an extended first sealing member 330 and an extended second sealing member 340 to include additional Figure 2Filter media layer 210 shown. Accordingly, similar numbering will be used for similar features of the rectangular filter element 300 and the rectangular filter element 100. A plurality of internal ribs 302 are configured to provide support and structure between a second filter media stacked on top of a first media pack 310 (e.g., two filter media packs 110 stacked on top of each other) and the first media pack 310. Embodiments of one or more internal ribs 302 maintain the structure of the filter element 300 and constrain pocket movement of the filter media pack 110 during the application of high pressure. The first sealing member 330 and the second sealing member 340 can extend to accommodate multiple filter media 110 stacked on each other. In some embodiments, the first media pack 310 and the second filter media can be positioned side by side (e.g., along the lateral direction 44) with the plurality of internal ribs 302 disposed between the sidewall surfaces 222 of the filter media. In some embodiments, the first media pack 310 and / or the plurality of filter media packs 110 may include different media depths and / or media types, as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0197165, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0183] like Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of internal ribs 302 include a first internal rib 304 and a second internal rib 306, which extend from the inlet portion 202 toward the outlet portion 204 along the upper surface of the first media pack 310. In some embodiments, a pair of internal ribs are disposed along the bottom surface of the first media pack 310 (e.g., along the two wall surfaces 124). Each of the first internal rib 304 and the second internal rib 306 includes a base portion 312 adjacent to the inlet portion 202 and a beam portion 314 extending from the base portion 312 toward the outlet portion 204. Although the base portion 312 is adjacent to the inlet portion 202 and the beam portion 314 extends from the base portion 312 toward the outlet portion 204, in some embodiments, the base portion 312 is adjacent to the outlet portion 204 and the beam portion 314 extends from the base portion 312 toward the inlet portion 202. In some embodiments, one or more internal ribs 302 are disposed along a pair of side wall surfaces 222 of the filtration media pack 110. In some embodiments, one or more internal ribs 302 are disposed between an outer surface of the filter media pack 110 and an inner surface of the liner 170. In various embodiments, the internal ribs 302 are secured to the filter media pack 110 by an adhesive.

[0184] refer to Figure 4 , showing a rectangular filter element 400. The rectangular filter element 400 is similar to Figure 1Rectangular filter element 100. The difference between rectangular filter element 400 and rectangular filter element 100 is that rectangular filter element 400 includes multiple external ribs outside liner 170. Accordingly, similar numbers will be used for similar features of rectangular filter element 400 and rectangular filter element 100. Multiple external ribs shown as first external rib 404, second external rib 406 and third external rib 408 are configured to provide support and structure for filter media pack 110 during placement and operation of filter media 400. One or more embodiments of external ribs maintain the structure of filter element 400 and constrain the movement of the recess of filter media pack 110 during the application of high pressure. In some embodiments, one or more of the multiple external ribs can be configured to provide guide and / or alignment features. In some embodiments, the first sealing member 130 and the second sealing member 140 can extend to accommodate multiple filter media stacked on each other.

[0185] like Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of external ribs include a first external rib 404 along the wall surface 124, a second external rib 406 along the wall surface 124, and a third external rib 408 along the side wall surface 122. The first external rib 404 and the second external rib 406 extend along the upper surface of the wall surface 124 of the filter media pack 110 from the inlet face 102 toward the outlet face 104. In some embodiments, one or more external ribs are disposed along the lower surface (e.g., bottom) of the wall surface 124 of the filter media pack 110. The third external rib 408 extends along the surface of the side wall surface 122 of the filter media pack 110 from the inlet face 102 toward the outlet face 104. In some embodiments, one or more external ribs are disposed along the opposite surface of the side wall surface 122 of the filter media pack 110.

[0186] Each of the first external rib 404, the second external rib 406, and the third external rib 408 includes a base portion 412 adjacent to the inlet face 102 and a beam portion 414 extending from the base portion 412 toward the outlet face 104. Although the base portion 412 is adjacent to the inlet face 102 and the beam portion 414 extends from the base portion 412 toward the outlet face 104, in some embodiments, the base portion 412 is adjacent to the outlet face 104 and the beam portion 414 extends from the base portion 412 toward the inlet face 102. In some embodiments, one or more internal ribs 302 are disposed between an outer surface of the filter media pack 110 and an inner surface of the liner 170. In various embodiments, the external ribs are secured to the filter media pack 110 by an adhesive.

[0187] In some embodiments, the rectangular filter element 100 is configured to extend filter life and / or be confined to a small space / volume. Compared to conventional pleated filter media, the filter media pack 110 is designed to increase the filter media area by including multiple pockets that are stacked to fit within a rectangular shape and act as an axial flow filter. The implementation of one or more internal ribs 302 and / or external ribs with the bushing 170 maintains the structure of the filter element 100 and constrains the pocket movement of the filter media pack 110 during high pressure applications.

[0188] Steering Figure 5-Figure 8 , shows a filter media form 20 that can be used as a filter media pack 110 of a filter element. The filter media form 20 has an upstream inlet 24 that receives incoming dirty fluid as shown by arrow 23 and has a downstream outlet 22 that discharges clean filtered fluid as shown by arrow 25. In some embodiments, the filter media form 20 is configured to receive flow through the filter media form 20 in opposite directions. In other words, in these embodiments, the downstream outlet 22 receives dirty fluid 23 and the upstream inlet 24 discharges clean filtered fluid 25. The filter media form 20 is folded along a plurality of bend lines 26. The bend lines are arranged along an axial direction 28 ( Figure 5-Figure 8 ) extends axially and includes a first set of bend lines 30 extending axially from the downstream outlet 22 toward the upstream inlet 24 and a second set of bend lines 32 extending axially from the upstream inlet 24 toward the downstream outlet 22. The filter media form 20 has a plurality of filter media wall segments 34 extending in a serpentine manner between the bend lines. The wall segments extend axially and define axial flow channels 36 between the wall segments. As will be understood, the term "flow channel" includes flow volumes, flow passages, and similar flow structures. The channel 36 has a height 38 along a transverse direction 40 that is generally perpendicular to the axial direction 28, such as Figure 6 As shown. The channel 36 has a lateral width 42 along a lateral direction 44, which is generally perpendicular to the axial direction 28 and generally perpendicular to the transverse direction 40. At least some of the mentioned bend lines taper in the mentioned transverse direction as they extend axially in the mentioned axial direction, which will be described. In certain embodiments, the filter media form 20 may include a tetrahedral filter media defined by a plurality of tetrahedral forms, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,920. Other embodiments of the present application may implement shaped filter media and / or tetrahedral filter media defined by a plurality of channels and / or tetrahedral forms, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,920.

[0189] As used herein, the terms "serpentine span" and / or "serpentine manner" refer to a repeating pattern along the direction of the filter media and / or filter media layer. In some embodiments, the serpentine span is a repeating pattern along the lateral direction. In some embodiments, multiple wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between multiple bend lines in the lateral direction to define the serpentine span. In these embodiments, the spans in the serpentine span include: a first wall segment; a second wall segment, which is laterally adjacent to the first wall segment and a bend line in a second subset of bend lines that meet the first wall segment; a third wall segment, which is laterally adjacent to the second wall segment; and a fourth wall segment, which is laterally adjacent to the third wall segment and a bend line in a fourth subset of bend lines that meet the third wall segment. In some embodiments, the "serpentine span" includes a wave shape, corrugation, or similar pattern along the formed sheet.

[0190] like Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the wall segments include a first set of wall segments 46 that are alternately sealed to one another at the downstream outlet 22, such as by adhesive 48 or the like, to define a first set of channels 50 having open downstream ends and a second set of channels 52 that are interlaced with the first set of channels 50 and have closed downstream ends. Figure 7-Figure 8 As shown, the wall segments include a second set of wall segments 54 that are alternately sealed to one another at the upstream inlet 24, such as by adhesive 56 or the like, to define a third set of channels 58 having closed upstream ends and a fourth set of channels 60 that are interleaved with the third set of channels 58 and have open upstream ends ( Figure 8 The first set of bend lines 30 includes a first subset of bend lines 62 defining the first set of channels 50 and a second subset of bend lines 64 defining the second set of channels 52. The second subset of bend lines 64 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the downstream outlet 22 toward the upstream inlet 24 ( Figure 9-11 The second set of bend lines 32 includes a third subset of bend lines 66 defining the third set of channels 58 and a fourth subset of bend lines 68 defining the fourth set of channels 60. The fourth subset of bend lines 68 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 24 toward the downstream outlet 22 ( Figure 9-11 As the second group of channels 52 extend axially in the axial direction 28 toward the upstream inlet 24, the second group of channels 52 have a transverse channel height 38 that decreases in the transverse direction 40. The tapering of the second subset of bend lines 64 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height 38 of the second group of channels 52. As the fourth group of channels 60 extend axially in the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 22, the fourth group of channels 60 have a transverse channel height that decreases in the transverse direction 40. The tapering of the fourth subset of bend lines 68 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height 38 of the fourth group of channels 60.

[0191] The incoming dirty fluid 23 to be filtered flows into the open channels 60 at the upstream inlet 24 in the axial direction 28 and passes through the filter medium wall segments of the filter medium form 20 laterally and / or transversely and then flows axially through the open channels 50 at the downstream outlet 22 in the axial direction 28 as the clean filtered fluid 25. The second subset of bend lines 64 provide lateral cross-flow across the second subset of bend lines 64 in the lateral direction 44 between the individual channels upstream of the downstream outlet 22. The fourth subset of bend lines 68 provide lateral cross-flow across the fourth subset of bend lines 68 in the lateral direction 44 between the individual channels downstream of the upstream inlet 24. The second subset of bend lines 64 and the fourth subset of bend lines 68 have an axial overlap section 70, and the mentioned lateral cross-flow is provided at least at the axial overlap section 70. In some embodiments, the flow through the filter media form 20 is reversed such that the incoming dirty fluid 23 to be filtered flows into the open channel 50 along the axial direction 28 and passes laterally and / or transversely through the filter media wall segments of the filter media form 20 and then flows axially through the open channel 60 along the axial direction 28 as a clean filtered fluid 25.

[0192] like Figure 9-11 1 and 1 . As shown, the second subset of bend lines 64 tapers to respective termination points 72, thereby providing the minimum transverse channel height 38 of the second group of channels 52 at such termination points. The fourth subset of bend lines 68 tapers to respective termination points 74, thereby providing the minimum transverse channel height 38 of the fourth group of channels 60 at such termination points. The termination points 72 of the second subset of bend lines 64 are axially upstream of the termination points 74 of the fourth subset of bend lines 68. This provides the mentioned axial overlap section 70. The termination points 72 of the second subset of bend lines 64 are located at the upstream inlet 24 in one embodiment, and axially downstream of the upstream inlet 24 in other embodiments. The termination points 74 of the fourth subset of bend lines 68 are located at the downstream outlet 22 in one embodiment, and axially upstream of the downstream outlet 22 in other embodiments.

[0193] The first set of wall segments 46 are alternately sealed to one another at adhesive 48 at the downstream outlet 22, defining a first set of tetrahedral forms 50 having open downstream ends and a second set of tetrahedral forms 52 interleaved with the first set of tetrahedral forms 50 and having closed downstream ends. The second set of wall segments 54 are alternately sealed to one another at adhesive 56 at the upstream inlet 24, defining a third set of tetrahedral forms 58 having closed upstream ends and a fourth set of tetrahedral forms 60 interleaved with the third set of tetrahedral forms 58 and having open upstream ends. The first set of bend lines 30 includes a first subset of bend lines 62 defining the first set of tetrahedral forms 50 and a second subset of bend lines 64 defining the second set of tetrahedral forms 52. The second subset of bend lines 64 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the downstream outlet 22 toward the upstream inlet 24. The second set of bend lines 32 includes a third subset of bend lines 66 defining the third set of tetrahedral forms 58 and a fourth subset of bend lines 68 defining the fourth set of tetrahedral forms 60. The fourth subset of bend lines 68 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 24 toward the downstream outlet 22.

[0194] like Figure 7-Figure 11 As shown in , the first group of tetrahedral forms 50 and the second group of tetrahedral forms 52 are opposite to the third group of tetrahedral forms 58 and the fourth group of tetrahedral forms 60. Each of the tetrahedral forms 50, 52, 58, 60 is elongated in the axial direction 28. Each of the tetrahedral forms has a cross-sectional area along a cross-sectional plane defined by the transverse direction 40 and the lateral direction 44. As the first group of tetrahedral forms 50 and the second group of tetrahedral forms 52 extend along the axial direction 28 from the downstream outlet 22 toward the upstream inlet 24, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first group of tetrahedral forms 50 and the second group of tetrahedral forms 52 decreases. As the third group of tetrahedral forms 58 and the fourth group of tetrahedral forms 60 extend along the axial direction 28 from the upstream inlet 24 toward the downstream outlet 22, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third group of tetrahedral forms 58 and the fourth group of tetrahedral forms 60 decreases. In one embodiment, the bend line 26 is bent at a sharp angle, such as Figure 6 Alternatively, the bend line may be rounded along a given radius, such as Figure 6 As shown by the dotted line at 82 in FIG.

[0195] The filter media form 20 is also provided with a generally flat sheet 84 extending laterally across the bend line. In one embodiment, the sheet is comprised (e.g., formed, manufactured, etc.) of a filter media material, which may be the same filter media material as the pleated filter element including the wall segments 34. The sheet 84 extends axially along the entire axial length in the axial direction 28 between the downstream outlet 22 and the upstream inlet 24, and extends laterally across along the entire lateral width in the lateral direction 44. The adhesive 56 seals the passage to prevent dirty upstream air from bypassing clean downstream air without passing through and being filtered by the wall segments 34. In one embodiment, the sheet 84 is rectiplanar along a plane defined by the axial direction 28 and the lateral direction 44. In another embodiment, the sheet 84 is slightly corrugated, such as Fig. 9 In one embodiment, the sheet 84 is rolled together with the filter media form 20 into a closed loop, and in various embodiments, the closed loop has a shape varying from a circle ( Fig.12 ), racetrack-shaped (two curved ends connected by two straight or substantially straight parts, Fig.13 ), oval, rectangular and other closed loop shapes. In other embodiments, Figure 14-16 As shown, multiple filter media layers 20 and sheets are stacked upon each other in a stacked sheet arrangement. Spacer bars or embossments (eg, 88) may be used for spacing and support between stacked elements as desired.

[0196] In some embodiments, the filter media form 20 includes a generally flat sheet 84 formed using filter media having different properties, materials, and / or construction (e.g., a different grade of media) than the filter media used to form the channels 36 and bend lines 26 (i.e., the shaped layers). In other words, the filter media form 20 includes a specific grade of air filter media in layers that are adapted to the flat sheet 84 and the layer geometry of the channels 36 and bend lines 26 to improve the axial flow filtering function of the filter media form 20. The deflection of the filter media form 20 during loading can be controlled by using an asymmetric quadrangular (e.g., tetrahedral) geometry that utilizes flat surfaces and convex surfaces. Specifically, the layers of the flat sheet 84 are designed to deflect away from the flat surface(s) of the shaped layer and into the concave surface of the adjacent shaped layer. Therefore, the shaped layer of the filter medium form 20 can be formed using such a filter media grade, which includes high stiffness properties, burst strength properties and / or hot melt adhesiveness, and exhibits minimal initial rebound and extended (e.g., twenty-four hours) rebound. The flat sheet 84 (e.g., a flat layer) can be formed using a filter media grade that includes a lower stiffness property, is thinner than the shaped layer and has high hot melt adhesiveness. The media selected for both the flat layer and the shaped layer can include properties that achieve high particle capture efficiency. By forming a filter medium form 20 with a shaped layer of a media grade different from the flat layer (they achieve / include the properties discussed above), the filter medium form 20 will have improved dust capacity and particle removal efficiency, and minimize cleaning restrictions, compared to the filter medium form 20 formed using the same media grade for the shaped layer and the flat layer.

[0197] Figure 17-Figure 19 An alternative embodiment is shown without sheet 84. This alternative embodiment is similar to Figure 9-11 1 and 2. The same reference numerals as above are used where appropriate to facilitate understanding. Figure 17-Figure 19The filter element has an upstream inlet 22 for receiving incoming dirty fluid and a downstream outlet 24 for discharging clean filtered fluid. As described above, the wall segments are alternately sealed to each other at the upstream inlet 22, such as by a segment of adhesive or filter media indicated at 48, to define the mentioned first set of channels 50 having open upstream ends and the mentioned second set of channels 52 interlaced with the first set of channels and having closed upstream ends. The wall segments are alternately sealed to each other at the downstream outlet 24, such as by a segment of adhesive or filter media indicated at 56, to define the mentioned third set of channels 58 having closed downstream outlets and the mentioned fourth set of channels 60 having open downstream outlets. The fold lines include the mentioned first subset of fold lines 62 defining the first set of channels 50, and the mentioned second subset of fold lines 64 defining the mentioned second set of channels 52, and the mentioned third subset of fold lines 66 defining the third set of channels 58, and the mentioned fourth subset of fold lines 68 defining the mentioned fourth set of channels 60.

[0198] Steering Fig. 20 , shows a filter media form 2020 that can be used as a filter media pack 110 of a filter element 100. The filter media form 2020 is similar to Figure 5-Figure 19 20. The difference between filter media form 2020 and filter media form 20 is that filter media form 2020 includes a plurality of embossments 2088 along channel 2036. Accordingly, the same numbers are used to designate the same parts between filter media form 2020 and filter media form 20. In general, the plurality of embossments 2088 are configured to minimize undesirable filter media contact with the filter media (e.g., dead zones), thereby minimizing initial pressure drop and increasing dust loading through filter media form 2020.

[0199] The filter media form 2020 has an upstream inlet 2022 that receives incoming dirty fluid as indicated by arrows 2080 and has a downstream outlet 2024 that discharges clean filtered fluid as indicated by arrows 2090. The filter media form 2020 is formed along a plurality of bend lines 2026. The bend lines extend axially in the axial direction 28 and include a first set of bend lines 2030 extending from the upstream inlet 2022 toward the downstream outlet 2024 and a second set of bend lines 2032 extending axially from the downstream outlet 2024 toward the upstream inlet 2022. The filter media form 2020 has a plurality of filter media wall segments 2034 extending in a serpentine manner between the bend lines. The wall segments extend axially and define axial flow channels 2036 between the wall segments. The channels 2036 have a height along the transverse direction 40 that is generally perpendicular to the axial direction 28. The channel 2036 has a lateral width along a lateral direction 44 that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction 28 and substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction 40. Fig. 20 As shown, channel 2036 is Figure 6 The channels of the filter medium form 20 are wide and short. In some embodiments, the channels 2036 are shorter than Figure 6 The channels of the filter medium form 2020 are narrow and / or long. At least some of the bend lines mentioned taper in the mentioned transverse direction as they extend axially in the mentioned axial direction, which will be described. In a specific embodiment, the filter medium form 2020 may include a tetrahedral filter medium defined by a plurality of tetrahedral channels, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,920.

[0200] The wall segments include a first group of wall segments 2046 that are alternately sealed to one another (e.g., by adhesive or the like) at the upstream inlet 2022 to define a first group of channels 2050 having an open upstream end and a second group of channels 2052 that are interleaved with the first group of channels 2050 and have closed upstream ends. The wall segments include a second group of wall segments 2054 that are alternately sealed to one another (e.g., by adhesive or the like) at the downstream outlet 2024 to define a third group of channels 2058 having a closed downstream outlet and a fourth group of channels 2060 that are interleaved with the third group of channels 2058 and have an open downstream outlet.

[0201] The first set of bend lines 2030 includes a first subset of bend lines 2062 defining the first set of channels 2050 and a second subset of bend lines 2064 defining the second set of channels 2052. The second subset of bend lines 2064 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 2022 toward the downstream outlet 2024. The second set of bend lines 2032 includes a third subset of bend lines 2066 defining the third set of channels 2058 and a fourth subset of bend lines 2068 defining the fourth set of channels 2060. The fourth subset of bend lines 2068 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend from the downstream outlet 2024 toward the axis of the upstream inlet 2022. As the second set of channels 2052 extend axially in the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 2024, the second set of channels 2052 have a transverse channel height that decreases in the transverse direction 40. The tapering of the second subset of bend lines 2064 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height of the second group of channels 2052. As the fourth group of channels 2060 extends axially in the axial direction 28 toward the upstream inlet 2022, the fourth group of channels 2060 has a reduced transverse channel height in the transverse direction 40. The tapering of the fourth subset of bend lines 2068 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height of the fourth group of channels 2060.

[0202] The second subset of bend lines 2064 tapers to respective termination points 2072, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the second set of channels 2052 at such termination points. The fourth subset of bend lines 2068 tapers to respective termination points 2074, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the fourth set of channels 2060 at such termination points. The termination points 2072 of the second subset of bend lines 2064 are axially downstream of the termination points 2074 of the fourth subset of bend lines 2068. The termination points 2072 of the second subset of bend lines 2064 are located at the downstream outlet 2024 in one embodiment, and axially upstream of the downstream outlet 2024 in other embodiments. The termination points 2074 of the fourth subset of bend lines 2068 are located at the upstream inlet 2022 in one embodiment, and axially downstream of the upstream inlet 2022 in other embodiments. Termination points 2072 of the second subset of bend lines 2064 provide an axial overlap section 2070 axially downstream of termination points 2074 of the fourth subset of bend lines 2064. The noted lateral cross flow is provided at least at the axial overlap section 2070. In some embodiments, the axial overlap section 2070 of the filter media form 2020 is longer than the overlap sections of other filter media (e.g., overlap section 70 of the filter media form 20), thereby inducing more cross flow.

[0203] A plurality of embossments 2088 are positioned between the wall segments 2034 in the open channel 2036 to minimize the blind spots (e.g., undesired contact of the filter medium with the filter medium) of the filter medium form 2020. The plurality of embossments 2088 include a first group of embossments 2084 disposed near the upstream inlet 2022 and a second group of embossments disposed near the downstream outlet 2024. The plurality of embossments 2088 can allow the shaped sheet (e.g., the filter medium form 2020) to maintain an appropriate spacing with the flat sheet. For example, the plurality of embossments 2088 can be positioned along a contact line (e.g., a line representing the contact point of the flat sheet with the shaped sheet). The plurality of embossments 2088 are also used to reduce the contact area between the shaped sheet and the flat sheet, thereby reducing the material masking of the filter medium form 2020 and enabling cross flow to pass through the valley. In some embodiments, each of the embossments in the plurality of embossments 2088 has a height between 5 thousandths of an inch and 50 thousandths of an inch. In some arrangements, each of the plurality of protrusions 2088 is positioned at a point along the shaped sheet where the shaped sheet initially does not contact the flat sheet. In some arrangements, each of the plurality of protrusions 2088 is spaced at least 50 thousandths of an inch apart.

[0204] The first set of projections 2084 are disposed in the first set of channels 2050 between adjacent wall segments in the first set of wall segments 2046. Each projection 2080 in the first set of projections 2084 protrudes from the first set of channels 2050 in the lateral direction 44 and the transverse direction 40 to form a raised surface. Each projection 2080 is generally centered on the first subset of bend lines 2062 and extends upwardly along the transverse direction 40 and along the lateral direction 44 to connect the wall segments 2046 along the second subset of bend lines 2064 with the adjacent wall segments 2046 along the second subset of bend lines 2064. The protrusion of the projections 2080 in the transverse direction 40 reduces the contact area between the filter medium form 2020 and a flat sheet medium (e.g., the flat sheet medium 84) or other filter media. The extension of the protrusions 2080 in the lateral direction 44 that connects the wall segments 2046 along the second subset of bend lines 2064 with adjacent wall segments 2046 along the second subset of bend lines 2064 creates additional cross flow due to the additional cross flow pathways. In some embodiments, one or more protrusions 2080 in the first set of protrusions 2084 protrude into the first set of channels 2050 to form a negative protrusion (e.g., a depression, dimple, fragment, etc.).

[0205] The second set of projections 2086 are disposed in the third set of channels 2058 between adjacent wall segments in the second set of wall segments 2054. Each projection 2082 in the second set of projections 2086 protrudes from the third set of channels 2058 in the lateral direction 44 and the transverse direction 40 to form a raised surface. Each projection 2082 is generally centered on the third subset of bend lines 2066 and extends upwardly along the transverse direction 40 and along the lateral direction 44 to connect the wall segments 2054 along the fourth subset of bend lines 2068 with the adjacent wall segments 2054 along the fourth subset of bend lines 2068. The protrusion of the projections 2082 in the transverse direction 40 reduces the contact area between the filter medium form 2020 and a flat sheet medium (e.g., the flat sheet medium 84) or other filter media. The extension of the protrusions 2082 in the lateral direction 44 that connects the wall segments 2054 along the fourth subset bend line 2068 with adjacent wall segments 2054 along the fourth subset bend line 2068 generates additional cross flow due to the additional cross flow path. In some embodiments, one or more protrusions 2082 in the second set of protrusions 2086 protrude into the third set of channels 2058 to form a negative protrusion (e.g., a depression, a fragment, a dimple, etc.).

[0206] A plurality of buoyancy protrusions 2088 reduce the contact area between tetrahedron medium and flat sheet medium, and allow crossflow between adjacent channels. In an embodiment of the air filter, this crossflow allows a more uniform dust load on the upstream side of the medium. In addition, because a plurality of buoyancy protrusions 2088 make the filter medium have more open areas and are convenient for larger lateral crossflow, there is a lower pressure drop (for example, there is less restriction on the downstream side) on the upstream side. In certain embodiments, a plurality of buoyancy protrusions 2088 provide additional structural support between the filter medium layer and the flat sheet, thereby realizing less deformation and the possibility of collapse. Various fluids can be filtered, including air, air / fuel mixture or other gases, and including liquids such as fuel, lubricant or water.

[0207] refer to Fig.21 , shows a front view (e.g., inlet side) of a filter medium 2120 that can be used as a filter media pack 110 of a filter element 100. The filter media 2120 is similar to Fig. 20 The filter medium form 2020 of FIG. 21 is different from the filter medium form 2020 in that the filter medium 2120 includes a plurality of embossments 2188 along the first subset of bending lines 2062 and the second subset of bending lines 2064, and includes dimple-shaped embossments. Accordingly, the same numbers are used to designate the same parts between the filter medium 2120 and the filter medium form 2020.

[0208] A plurality of projections 2188 are positioned between the wall segments 2034 in the open channels 2036 to minimize blind spots (e.g., undesired filter media to filter media contact) of the filter media 2120. The plurality of projections 2188 include a first group of projections 2184 disposed at the valley of the first group of channels 2050 near the upstream inlet 2022 and a second group of projections disposed near the top of the second group of channels 2052. The first group of projections 2184 are disposed in the first group of channels 2050 between adjacent wall segments in the first group of wall segments 2046. Each projection 2180 in the first group of projections 2184 protrudes from the first group of channels 2050 in the lateral direction 44 and the transverse direction 40 to create a raised surface. Each embossment 2180 is generally centered about the first subset bend line 2062 and extends upwardly in the transverse direction 40 and in the lateral direction 44 to connect the wall segments 2046 along the second subset bend line 2064 with the adjacent wall segments 2046 along the second subset bend line 2064. The protrusion of the embossment 2180 in the transverse direction 40 reduces the contact area between the filter media 2120 and the flat sheet media (e.g., the flat sheet media 84) or other filter media. The extension of the embossment 2180 in the lateral direction 44 to connect the wall segments 2046 along the second subset bend line 2064 with the adjacent wall segments 2046 along the second subset bend line 2064 creates additional cross flow due to the additional cross flow path. In some embodiments, one or more of the protrusions 2180 in the first set of protrusions 2184 protrude into the first set of channels 2050 to form a negative relief (eg, a depression, a snip, etc.).

[0209] The second set of protrusions 2186 are disposed at peaks along the second subset of bend lines 2064. Each protrusion 2182 in the second set of protrusions 2186 protrudes downward in the transverse direction 40 (e.g., into the page) to create a concave surface. Fig.21, the embossments 2182 can take the form of dimples and can be generally circular in shape, however the embossments 2182 can also have non-circular shapes. Each embossment 2182 is generally centered at a peak of the second subset bend line 2064 and extends downwardly from the peak in the transverse direction 40 and in the lateral direction 44 to connect a wall segment 2046 along the second subset bend line 2064 with an adjacent wall segment 2046 along the second subset bend line 2064. The protrusions 2182 in the transverse direction 40 reduce the contact area between the filter medium 2120 and a flat sheet medium (e.g., the flat sheet medium 84) or other filter media. The extension of the projections 2182 in the lateral direction 44 that connects the wall segments 2046 along the second subset of bend lines 2064 with adjacent wall segments 2046 along the second subset of bend lines 2064 creates additional cross flow due to the additional cross flow path. In some embodiments, the second set of projections 2186 located along the top protrude in the same direction of the top.

[0210] In general, a plurality of embossments 2188 are configured to minimize the contact (e.g., blind spot) of undesirable filter media with the filter media, thereby minimizing the initial pressure drop and increasing the dust load through the filter media 2120. In addition, a plurality of embossments 2188 are used to provide additional structural strength during uneven load conditions. A plurality of embossments 2188 can allow the shaped sheet (e.g., filter media 2120) to maintain an appropriate interval with the flat sheet. For example, a plurality of embossments 2188 can be positioned along a contact line (e.g., a line representing the contact point of the flat sheet with the shaped sheet). A plurality of embossments 2188 are also used to reduce the contact area between the shaped sheet and the flat sheet, thereby reducing the material shielding of the filter media 2120 and enabling cross flow to pass through the valley. In some embodiments, each embossment in a plurality of embossments 2188 has a height between 5 thousandths of an inch and 50 thousandths of an inch. In some arrangements, each of the plurality of protrusions 2188 is positioned at a point along the formed sheet where the formed sheet initially does not contact the flat sheet. In some arrangements, each of the plurality of protrusions 2188 is spaced at least 50 thousandths of an inch apart.

[0211] Steering Fig.22A and Fig. 22B , shows a filter medium 2220 that can be used as a filter medium pack 110 of a filter element 100. The filter medium 2220 is similar to Figure 5-Figure 19Filter medium form 20. The difference between filter medium 2220 and filter medium form 20 is that filter medium 2220 implements five-sided channels 2236 instead of three-sided channels 36. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same parts between filter medium 2220 and filter medium form 20. In general, compared with three-sided channels 36, the implementation of five-sided channels 2236 or similar curved cross-sections reduces the blind area by reducing the contact area between the shaped sheet (e.g., wall segment 2234) and the flat sheet medium 2284, thereby reducing the initial pressure drop at the upstream inlet 2222 and increasing the dust load of the filter medium 2220. Filter medium 2220 is configured to achieve volume asymmetry. In some embodiments, filter medium 2220 implements seven-sided channels, nine-sided channels, and channels of other numbers of faces.

[0212] The filter medium 2220 has an upstream inlet 2222 that receives incoming dirty fluid as indicated by arrows 2280 and has a downstream outlet 2224 that discharges clean filtered fluid as indicated by arrows 2290. The filter medium 2220 is formed along a plurality of bend lines 2226. The bend lines extend axially in the axial direction 28 and include a first set of bend lines 2230 extending from the upstream inlet 2222 toward the downstream outlet 2224 and a second set of bend lines 2232 extending axially from the downstream outlet 2224 toward the upstream inlet 2222. The filter medium 2220 has a plurality of filter medium wall segments 2234 extending in a serpentine manner between the bend lines. The wall segments 2234 extend axially and define axial flow channels 2236 between the wall segments. The channels 2236 have a height along the transverse direction 40 that is generally perpendicular to the axial direction 28. The channel 2236 has a lateral width along a lateral direction 44 that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction 28 and substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction 40. Fig.22A As shown, channel 2236 is Figure 6 The channel width of the filter medium form 20. At least some of the mentioned bending lines taper in the mentioned transverse direction 40 as they extend axially in the mentioned axial direction, which will be described.

[0213] The wall segments 2234 include a first group of wall segments 2246 that are alternately sealed to each other (e.g., by adhesive or the like) at the upstream inlet 2222 to define a first group of channels 2250 having an open upstream end and a second group of channels 2252 that are staggered with the first group of channels 2250 and have closed upstream ends. The wall segments 2234 also include a second group of wall segments 2254 that are alternately sealed to each other (e.g., by adhesive or the like) at the downstream outlet 2224 to define a third group of channels 2258 having a closed downstream outlet and a fourth group of channels 2260 that are staggered with the third group of channels 2258 and have an open downstream outlet. In other words, the first group of channels 2250 and the second group of channels 2252 are opposite to the third group of channels 2258 and the fourth group of channels 2260, respectively. Each channel is elongated in the axial direction 28 and has a cross-sectional area along a cross-sectional plane defined by the transverse direction 40 and the lateral direction 44. As the first set of channels 2250 and the second set of channels 2252 extend from the upstream inlet 2222 toward the downstream outlet 2224 along the axial direction 28, the cross-sectional areas of the first set of channels 2250 and the second set of channels 2252 decrease. In one embodiment, the bend line 2226 is bent at a sharp angle, such as Fig.22A 2230. In other embodiments, the bend lines are more rounded along a given radius, such as Fig. 22B As shown in the figure, the second set of bending lines 2232 is shown.

[0214] The first group of bend lines 2230 includes a first subset of bend lines 2262, a second subset of bend lines 2264, a third subset of bend lines 2266, and a fourth subset of bend lines 2268. The first subset of bend lines 2262, the second subset of bend lines 2264, and the third subset of bend lines 2266 define a first group of channels 2250. Fig.22A As shown, the first group of channels 2250 includes a first angled surface 2202 formed by a first subset of bend lines 2262 and a second subset of bend lines 2264 and a second angled surface 2204 formed by a second subset of bend lines 2264 and a third subset of bend lines 2266. In some embodiments and as Fig.23A and Fig. 23B As shown, the second angled surface 2204 is steeper (eg, at a greater angle) than the first angled surface 2202. In other embodiments, the first angled surface 2202 is steeper (eg, at a greater angle) than the second angled surface 2204.

[0215] The second subset of bend lines 2264, the third subset of bend lines 2266, and the fourth subset of bend lines 2268 define the second set of channels 2252. Fig.22AAs shown, the second group of channels 2252 includes a first angled surface 2202 and a second angled surface 2204 that are mirrored about a central axis (e.g., in the transverse direction 40) of the channels in the second group of channels 2252. The third subset of bend lines 2266 defines an upper channel 2256 in the second group of channels 2252. In some embodiments and as Fig.23A and Fig. 23B As shown, the second angled surface 2204 is steeper (eg, at a greater angle) than the first angled surface 2202. In other embodiments, the first angled surface 2202 is steeper (eg, at a greater angle) than the second angled surface 2204.

[0216] The second subset bend lines 2264, the third subset bend lines 2266, and the fourth subset bend lines 2268 taper in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 2222 toward the downstream outlet 2224. As the second group of channels 2252 extend axially along the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 2224, the second group of channels 2252 have a transverse channel height that decreases along the transverse direction 40. The taper of the second subset bend lines 2264 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height of the second group of channels 2252. The second subset bend lines 2264, the third subset bend lines 2266, and the fourth subset bend lines 2268 taper to respective termination points 2272, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the second group of channels 2252 at such termination points. Fig.22A As shown, the third subset of bend lines 2266 tapers more (e.g., slopes downward at a steeper angle) than the second subset of bend lines 2264 and the fourth subset of bend lines 2268, which include similar tapers. The termination point 2272 is located axially downstream of the termination point 2274. The termination point 2272 is located at the downstream outlet 2224 in one embodiment and is located axially upstream of the downstream outlet 2224 in other embodiments.

[0217] The second group of bending lines 2232 includes a fifth subset of bending lines 2292, a sixth subset of bending lines 2294, a seventh subset of bending lines 2296, and an eighth subset of bending lines 2298. The fifth subset of bending lines 2292, the sixth subset of bending lines 2294, and the seventh subset of bending lines 2296 define a third group of channels 2258. Fig. 22B As shown, the third group of channels 2258 includes a third angled surface 2206 formed by the fifth subset of bend lines 2292 and the sixth subset of bend lines 2294 and a fourth angled surface 2208 formed by the sixth subset of bend lines 2294 and the seventh subset of bend lines 2296. In some embodiments and as Fig.23A and Fig. 23BAs shown, the third angled surface 2206 is steeper (e.g., at a greater angle) than the fourth angled surface 2208. In other embodiments, the fourth angled surface 2208 is steeper (e.g., at a greater angle) than the third angled surface 2206.

[0218] The sixth subset of bend lines 2294, the seventh subset of bend lines 2296, and the eighth subset of bend lines 2298 define a fourth set of channels 2260. Fig. 22B As shown, the fourth group of channels 2260 includes a third angled surface 2206 and a fourth angled surface 2208 that are mirrored about the central axis (e.g., in the transverse direction 40) of the channels in the fourth group of channels 2260. Fig.23A and Fig. 23B As shown, the third angled surface 2206 is steeper (e.g., at a greater angle) than the fourth angled surface 2208. In other embodiments, the fourth angled surface 2208 is steeper (e.g., at a greater angle) than the third angled surface 2206.

[0219] The sixth subset bend lines 2294, the seventh subset bend lines 2296, and the eighth subset bend lines 2298 taper in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the downstream outlet 2224 toward the upstream inlet 2222. As the fourth group of channels 2260 extends axially along the axial direction 28 toward the upstream inlet 2222, the fourth group of channels 2260 has a transverse channel height that decreases along the transverse direction 40. The taper of the sixth subset bend lines 2294 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height of the fourth group of channels 2260. The sixth subset bend lines 2294, the seventh subset bend lines 2296, and the eighth subset bend lines 2298 taper to respective termination points 2274, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the fourth group of channels 2260 at such termination points. Fig. 22B As shown, the seventh subgroup bend line 2296 has a greater taper (e.g., slopes downward at a steeper angle) than the tapers of the sixth subgroup bend line 2294 and the eighth subgroup bend line 2298, which include similar tapers. The termination point 2274 is located axially upstream of the termination point 2272. The termination point 2272 is located at the downstream outlet 2224 in one embodiment and is located axially upstream of the downstream outlet 2224 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the termination point 2272 is located axially downstream of the termination point 2274 to provide an axial overlap section. In these embodiments, lateral cross flow is provided at least at the axial overlap section. In some embodiments, the axial overlap section of the filter medium 2220 is longer than the overlap section of other filter media (e.g., the overlap section 70 of the filter medium form 20), thereby causing more cross flow.

[0220] The incoming dirty fluid 2280 to be filtered flows into the open channels 2250 at the upstream inlet 2222 in the axial direction 28 and passes laterally and / or transversely through the filter media wall segments of the formed filter media 2220 and then flows axially in the axial direction 28 as a clean filtered fluid 2290 through the open channels 2260 at the downstream outlet 2224. The third subset of bend lines 2266 provide lateral cross flow across the third subset of bend lines 2266 between the individual channels downstream of the upstream inlet 2222 in the lateral direction 44. In some embodiments, the second subset of bend lines 2264 and / or the fourth subset of bend lines 2268 provide lateral cross flow across the third subset of bend lines 2266 between the individual channels downstream of the upstream inlet 2222 in the lateral direction 44.

[0221] The seventh subset of bend lines 2296 provides lateral cross flow across the seventh subset of bend lines 2296 between the various channels upstream of the downstream outlet 2224 along the lateral direction 44. In some embodiments, the sixth subset of bend lines 2294 and / or the eighth subset of bend lines 2298 provide lateral cross flow across the seventh subset of bend lines 2296 between the various channels upstream of the downstream outlet 2224 along the lateral direction 44. The third subset of bend lines 2266 and the seventh subset of bend lines 2296 may have an axially overlapping section, and the mentioned lateral cross flow is provided at least at the axially overlapping section. In some embodiments, the flow through the filter medium 2220 is reversed so that the incoming dirty fluid 2280 to be filtered flows into the open channel 2260 along the axial direction 28 and passes laterally and / or transversely through the filter medium wall segments of the formed filter medium 2220 and then flows axially through the open channel 2250 along the axial direction 28 as a clean filtered fluid 2290.

[0222] In some embodiments, the first group of wall segments 2246 are alternately sealed to each other with an adhesive at the upstream inlet 2222, defining a first group of polyhedral channels 2250 having an open upstream end and a second group of polyhedral channels 2252 interlaced with the first group of polyhedral channels 2250 and having a closed upstream end. The second group of wall segments 2254 are alternately sealed to each other with an adhesive at the downstream outlet 2224, defining a third group of polyhedral channels 2258 having a closed downstream outlet and a fourth group of polyhedral channels 2260 interlaced with the third group of polyhedral channels 2258 and having an open downstream outlet. The first group of bending lines 2230 includes a first subset of bending lines 2262, a second subset of bending lines 2264, a third subset of bending lines 2266, and a fourth subset of bending lines 2268. The first subset of bending lines 2262, the second subset of bending lines 2264, and the third subset of bending lines 2266 define the first group of channels 2250. The second subset of bend lines 2264, the third subset of bend lines 2266, and the fourth subset of bend lines 2268 taper in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 2222 toward the downstream outlet 2224. As the second group of channels 2252 extend axially along the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 2224, the second group of channels 2252 have a transverse channel height that decreases along the transverse direction 40.

[0223] The filter medium 2220 is also provided with a generally flat sheet 2284 extending laterally across the bend line. In one embodiment, the sheet is formed of a filter media material, which can be the same filter media material as the filter element formed including the wall segment 2234. The sheet 2284 extends axially along the entire axial length in the axial direction 28 between the upstream inlet and the downstream outlet 2224, and extends laterally across and seals the channel along the entire lateral width in the lateral direction 44 to prevent dirty upstream air from bypassing into clean downstream air without passing through the wall segment 2234 and being filtered by the wall segment 2234. In one embodiment, the sheet 2284 is a rectangular planar surface along a plane defined by the axial direction 28 and the lateral direction 44. In another embodiment, the sheet 2284 is slightly corrugated. In one embodiment, the sheet 2284 is rolled into a closed loop with the filter medium 2220, and in various embodiments, the closed loop has a shape varying from a circle (e.g., in Fig.12 ), racetrack (two curved ends connected by two straight or substantially straight portions, such as in Fig.13 In other embodiments, for example, in Figure 14-16 In the embodiment of the present invention, multiple shaped filter media layers and sheets are stacked on top of each other in a stacked plate arrangement. Spacer bars or embossments (such as 88) can be used for spacing and support between stacked elements as needed.

[0224] Steering Fig.23A and Fig. 23B , shows a filter medium 2320 that can be used as a filter medium pack 110 of a filter element 100. The filter medium 2320 is similar to Fig.22A and Fig. 22B 2220. The difference between the filter medium 2320 and the filter medium 2220 is that the filter medium 2320 is more compact and extends along the axial direction 28 at a distance less than the filter medium 2220. Accordingly, the same number is used to designate the same part between the filter medium 2320 and the filter medium 2220. In general, the five-sided channel 2236 or similarly approximately curved cross-section implementation reduces the blind area compared to the three-sided channel 36. In some embodiments, the reduction in blind-off is the result of reducing the contact area between the shaped sheet (e.g., the wall segment 2234) and the flat sheet medium 2284, thereby reducing the initial pressure drop at the upstream inlet 2222 and increasing the dust load of the filter medium 2220. In some embodiments, the reduced initial pressure drop is the result of the larger flow area of ​​the polyhedral channel (e.g., the fourth group of polyhedral channels 2260) compared to the sealed polyhedral channel (e.g., the second group of polyhedral channels 2252). Filter media 2220 is configured to achieve volume asymmetry.

[0225] In some embodiments, the filter media may include two corrugated layers, instead of having a shaped layer and a flat layer of filter media. Stacking the first set of wall segments on the second set of wall segments allows the filter media to be packed more efficiently within a given volume, reduces the amount of media masking, and is more compatible with filter media that have shaped layers and flat layers (e.g., Figure 6 The filter media form 20) allows improved air flow within the filter media pack compared to the filter media form 20).

[0226] Steering Figure 24A-24C , shows a filter media pack 2400 including a plurality of straight corrugated filter media layers 2420. The filter media 2400 is similar to Figure 5-Figure 19 The filter media form 20 of FIG. 24 is different from the filter media form 20 in that the filter media 2400 includes a plurality of straight corrugated filter media layers and does not include a flat filter media layer, such as a generally flat sheet 84 extending laterally across the bend line of the filter media form 20. Accordingly, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts between the filter media package 2400 and the filter media form 20.

[0227] Reference Fig.24A, the filter media pack 2400 includes a pair of straight corrugated filter media layers positioned on top of each other. Specifically, the filter media pack 2400 includes a first straight corrugated filter media layer 2420, which is positioned above and aligned with a second straight corrugated filter media layer 2421. Although the first straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 is shown as being the same as the second straight corrugated filter media layer 2421, in some embodiments, the first straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 is different from the second straight corrugated filter media layer 2421. In some embodiments, the first straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 is offset from (e.g., not aligned with) the second straight corrugated filter media layer 2421. A first spacer 2492 is positioned between the first straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 and the second straight corrugated filter media layer 2421 near the upstream inlet 2422. In some embodiments, the third spacer is positioned between the first straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 and the second straight corrugated filter media layer 2421 near the downstream outlet 2424. In one embodiment, the first spacer 2492 is formed of a filter media material, which can be the same filter media material as the filter element formed including the wall segment. The first spacer 2492 can extend laterally along the entire lateral length along the lateral direction 44. The first spacer 2492 is configured to prevent nesting of the filter media pack 2400 and / or the first straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 and the second straight corrugated filter media layer 2421.

[0228] like Fig. 24B and Fig.24CAs shown, the straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 has an upstream inlet 2422 that receives incoming dirty fluid as indicated by arrow 2480 and has a downstream outlet 2424 that discharges clean filtered fluid as indicated by arrow 2490. The filter media layer 2420 is formed along a plurality of bend lines 2426. The bend lines extend axially along the axial direction 28 and include a first set of bend lines 2430 that extend axially from the upstream inlet 2422 toward the downstream outlet 2424 and a second set of bend lines 2432 that are disposed below the first set of bend lines 2430 and extend axially from the upstream inlet 2422 toward the downstream outlet 2424. A second spacer 2494 is disposed between the first set of bend lines 2430 and the second set of bend lines 2432 near the upstream inlet 2422. In some embodiments, a fourth spacer is disposed between the first set of bend lines 2430 and the second set of bend lines 2432 near the downstream outlet 2424. In one embodiment, the second spacer 2494 is formed of a filter media material, which can be the same filter media material as the filter element formed including the wall segments. The second spacer 2494 can extend laterally along the entire lateral length along the lateral direction 44. The second spacer 2494 is configured to prevent nesting of the filter media pack 2400 and / or the first set of wall segments 2446 and the second set of wall segments 2454. In some embodiments, the second spacer 2494 is secured to the peaks of the first subset of bend lines 2462 and the third subset of bend lines 2466.

[0229] The filter media layer 2420 has a plurality of filter media wall segments extending in a generally straight manner between bend lines 2426. The wall segments extend axially and define axial flow channels 2436 between the wall segments. The channels 2436 have a height along a transverse direction 40 that is generally perpendicular to the axial direction 28. The channels 2436 have a lateral width along a lateral direction 44 that is generally perpendicular to the axial direction 28 and generally perpendicular to the transverse direction 40. At least some of the mentioned bend lines taper in the mentioned transverse direction as they extend axially in the mentioned axial direction, which will be described. In certain embodiments, the filter media layer 2420 may include a tetrahedral filter media defined by a plurality of tetrahedral channels or a similar filter media defined by a plurality of channels, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,920.

[0230] The wall segments include a first group of wall segments 2446 that can be alternately sealed to each other (e.g., by adhesive or the like) at the upstream inlet 2422 to define a first group of channels 2450 having an open upstream end and a second group of channels 2452 that are interleaved with the first group of channels 2450 and have closed upstream ends. The wall segments include a second group of wall segments 2454 that are alternately sealed to each other (e.g., by adhesive or the like) at the downstream outlet 2424 to define a third group of channels 2458 having a closed downstream outlet and a fourth group of channels 2460 that are interleaved with the third group of channels 2458 and have an open downstream outlet. Fig.24A As shown, the third group of channels 2458 of the second group of wall segments 2454 are disposed below and aligned with the first group of channels 2450 of the first group of wall segments 2446. In addition, the fourth group of channels 2460 of the second group of wall segments 2454 are disposed below and aligned with the second group of channels 2452 of the first group of wall segments 2446. Fig.24C As shown, the fourth set of channels 2460 and the second set of channels 2452 form a generally square-shaped combined channel.

[0231] The first set of bend lines 2430 includes a first subset of bend lines 2462 defining the first set of channels 2450 and a second subset of bend lines 2464 defining the second set of channels 2452. The second subset of bend lines 2464 do not taper in the transverse direction 40 and are generally straight as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 2422 toward the downstream outlet 2424. The second set of bend lines 2432 includes a third subset of bend lines 2466 defining the third set of channels 2458 and a fourth subset of bend lines 2468 defining the fourth set of channels 2460. The fourth subset of bend lines 2468 do not taper in the transverse direction 40 and are generally straight in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 2422 toward the downstream outlet 2424. As the second set of channels 2452 extend axially along the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 2424, the second set of channels 2452 have a generally uniform transverse channel height along the transverse direction 40. As the fourth group of channels 2460 extend axially in the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 2424 , the fourth group of channels 2460 has a substantially uniform transverse channel height in the transverse direction 40 .

[0232] In some embodiments, the first set of wall segments 2446 are alternately sealed to each other with an adhesive at the upstream inlet 2422 and the downstream outlet 2424 to define a first set of tetrahedral channels 2450 having open ends and a second set of tetrahedral channels 2452 having closed ends that are interleaved with the first set of tetrahedral channels 2450. The second set of wall segments 2454 are alternately sealed to each other with an adhesive at the upstream inlet 2422 and the downstream outlet 2424 to define a third set of tetrahedral channels 2458 having closed ends and a fourth set of tetrahedral channels 2460 that are interleaved with the third set of tetrahedral channels 2458 and have open ends.

[0233] Steering Figure 25A-Figure 25C , shows a filter media pack 2500 including an angled corrugated filter media layer 2520. The filter media 2500 is similar to Figure 24A-24C The filter medium 2400 of FIG. 2500 is different from the filter medium 2400 in that the filter medium 2500 includes an angled corrugated filter medium layer. Accordingly, the same number is used to designate the same parts between the filter medium package 2500 and the filter medium 2400.

[0234] Reference Fig.25A , filter media pack 2500 includes a pair of angled corrugated filter media layers positioned on top of each other. Specifically, filter media pack 2500 includes a first angled corrugated filter media layer 2520 that is positioned above and aligned at an edge with a second angled corrugated filter media layer 2521. Although first angled corrugated filter media layer 2520 is shown aligned with second angled corrugated filter media layer 2521, in some embodiments, first angled corrugated filter media layer 2520 is offset from (e.g., not aligned with) second angled corrugated filter media layer 2521.

[0235] like Fig.25B and Fig.25C As shown, the angled corrugated filter media layer 2520 has an upstream inlet 2522 that receives incoming dirty fluid as indicated by arrow 2580 and has a downstream outlet 2524 that discharges clean filtered fluid as indicated by arrow 2590. The filter media layer 2520 is formed along a plurality of bend lines 2526. The bend lines extend axially in the axial direction 28 and include a first set of bend lines 2530 that extend axially from the upstream inlet 2522 toward the downstream outlet 2524 and a second set of bend lines 2532 that are disposed below the first set of bend lines 2530 and extend axially from the upstream inlet 2522 toward the downstream outlet 2524.

[0236] The filter media layer 2520 has a plurality of filter media wall segments extending at a generally angle between bend lines 2526. The wall segments extend generally axially and define axial flow channels 2536 between the wall segments. The channels 2536 have a height along a transverse direction 40 that is generally perpendicular to the axial direction 28. The channels 2536 have a lateral width along a lateral direction 44 that is generally perpendicular to the axial direction 28 and generally perpendicular to the transverse direction 40. The channels 2536 are angled along a first diagonal direction 2570. In certain embodiments, the filter media layer 2520 may include a tetrahedral filter media defined by a plurality of tetrahedral channels or a similar filter media defined by a plurality of channels, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,920.

[0237] The wall segments include a first set of wall segments 2546 that are angled with respect to the axial direction 28. In some embodiments, the first wall segments 2546 are angled relative to and opposite to the second set of wall segments 2554, and the second set of wall segments 2554 are disposed below the first set of wall segments 2546 in the transverse direction 40. Fig.25B As shown, the first group of wall segments 2546 are angled along the second diagonal direction 2572. The first group of wall segments 2546 can be alternately sealed to each other (e.g., by an adhesive or the like) at the upstream inlet 2522 to define a first group of channels 2550 having an open upstream end and a second group of channels 2552 that are staggered with the first group of channels 2550 and have a closed upstream end. The wall segments include a second group of wall segments 2554 that are angled about the first diagonal direction 2570. In some embodiments, the second group of wall segments 2554 are angled relative to the first group of wall segments 2546, and the first group of wall segments 2546 are generally straight and are disposed above the second group of wall segments 2554 in the lateral direction 40. The second group of wall segments 2554 can be alternately sealed to each other (e.g., by an adhesive or the like) at the downstream outlet 2524 to define a third group of channels 2558 having a closed downstream outlet and a fourth group of channels 2560 that are staggered with the third group of channels 2558 and have an open downstream outlet. As shown Fig.25A As shown, the third group of channels 2558 of the second group of wall segments 2554 are disposed below and aligned with the first group of channels 2550 of the first group of wall segments 2546. In addition, the fourth group of channels 2560 of the second group of wall segments 2554 are disposed below and aligned with the second group of channels 2552 of the first group of wall segments 2546. Fig.25C As shown, the fourth set of channels 2560 and the second set of channels 2552 form a generally square-shaped combined channel.

[0238] The first set of bend lines 2530 includes a first subset of bend lines 2562 defining the first set of channels 2550 and a second subset of bend lines 2564 defining the second set of channels 2552. Fig.25B As shown, the second subset of bend lines 2564 do not taper in the transverse direction 40 and are angled along a second diagonal direction 2572 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 2522 toward the downstream outlet 2524. The second set of bend lines 2532 includes a third subset of bend lines 2566 defining a third set of channels 2558 and a fourth subset of bend lines 2568 defining a fourth set of channels 2560. Fig.25B As shown, the fourth subset of bend lines 2568 do not taper in the transverse direction 40 and are angled in the transverse direction 40 along a first diagonal direction 2570 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 2522 toward the downstream outlet 2524. As the second set of channels 2552 extend axially in the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 2524, the second set of channels 2552 have a substantially uniform transverse channel height in the transverse direction 40. As the fourth set of channels 2560 extend axially in the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 2524, the fourth set of channels 2560 have a substantially uniform transverse channel height in the transverse direction 40.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first set of wall segments 2546 are alternately sealed to each other with an adhesive at the upstream inlet 2522 and the downstream outlet 2524 to define a first set of tetrahedral channels 2550 having open ends and a second set of tetrahedral channels 2552 having closed ends that are interleaved with the first set of tetrahedral channels 2550. The second set of wall segments 2554 are alternately sealed to each other with an adhesive at the upstream inlet 2522 and the downstream outlet 2524 to define a third set of tetrahedral channels 2558 having closed ends and a fourth set of tetrahedral channels 2560 that are interleaved with the third set of tetrahedral channels 2558 and have open ends.

[0240] Steering Figure 26A-26B , shows a filter media pack 2600 including a v-shaped corrugated filter media layer 2620. The filter media 2600 is similar to Figure 25A-Figure 25C The filter medium 2500 of FIG. 2600 is different from the filter medium 2500 in that the filter medium 2600 includes a V-shaped corrugated filter medium layer. Accordingly, the same number is used to designate the same parts between the filter medium package 2600 and the filter medium 2500.

[0241] refer to Fig.26A, the filter media pack 2600 includes a pair of v-shaped corrugated filter media layers positioned on top of each other. Specifically, the filter media pack 2600 includes a first v-shaped corrugated filter media layer 2620, which is positioned above and aligned at the edge with a second v-shaped corrugated filter media layer 2621. Although the first v-shaped corrugated filter media layer 2620 is shown as being aligned with the second v-shaped corrugated filter media layer 2621, in some embodiments, the first v-shaped corrugated filter media layer 2620 is offset from (e.g., not aligned with) the second v-shaped corrugated filter media layer 2621. The term "v-shaped" refers to the "v" shape formed by the angled bend lines when the bend lines are pivoted along the neutral axis 2602 to be angled in opposite directions to form a "v" (where the base of the "v" is positioned along the neutral axis).

[0242] like Fig.26B As shown, the V-shaped corrugated filter medium layer 2620 has an upstream inlet 2622 that receives incoming dirty fluid as shown by arrow 2680, and has a downstream outlet 2624 that discharges clean filtered fluid as shown by arrow 2690. The filter medium layer 2620 is formed along a plurality of bending lines. The plurality of bending lines extend from the upstream inlet 2622 along a first diagonal direction 2670 or a second diagonal direction 2672 toward the neutral axis 2602, and then extend from the neutral axis 2602 along the second diagonal direction 2672 or the first diagonal direction 2670 toward the downstream outlet 2624. The plurality of bending lines include a first group of bending lines 2630 that extend axially from the upstream inlet 2622 toward the downstream outlet 2624, and a second group of bending lines 2632 that are disposed below the first group of bending lines 2630 and extend axially from the upstream inlet 2622 toward the downstream outlet 2624. As shown Fig.26B As shown, the first set of bend lines 2630 extend from the upstream inlet 2622 toward the neutral axis 2602 along the second diagonal direction 2672 in the axial direction 28, and extend from the neutral axis 2602 toward the downstream outlet 2624 along the first diagonal direction 2670 in the axial direction 28. Conversely, the second set of bend lines 2632 extend from the upstream inlet 2622 toward the neutral axis 2602 along the first diagonal direction 2670 in the axial direction 28, and extend from the neutral axis 2602 toward the downstream outlet 2624 along the second diagonal direction 2672 in the axial direction 28.

[0243] The filter media layer 2620 has a plurality of filter media wall segments that extend between the bend lines in a first diagonal direction 2670 or a second diagonal direction 2672 between the upstream inlet 2622 toward the neutral axis 2602 in a generally angled manner, and then extend between the neutral axis 2602 and the downstream outlet 2624 in a generally angled manner in the second diagonal direction 2672 or the first diagonal direction 2670, respectively. The wall segments define an axial flow channel 2636 therebetween. The channel 2636 has a height along a transverse direction 40 that is generally perpendicular to the axial direction 28. The channel 2636 has a lateral width along a lateral direction 44 that is generally perpendicular to the axial direction 28 and generally perpendicular to the transverse direction 40. The channels 2636 are angled toward the neutral axis 2602 between the upstream inlet 2622 in a first diagonal direction 2670 or a second diagonal direction 2672, respectively, and then angled between the neutral axis 2602 and the downstream outlet 2624 in the second diagonal direction 2672 or the first diagonal direction 2670. In certain embodiments, the filter media layer 2620 may include a tetrahedral filter media defined by a plurality of tetrahedral channels or a similar filter media defined by a plurality of channels, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,920.

[0244] The wall segments include a first set of wall segments 2646 extending from the upstream inlet 2622 toward the neutral axis 2602 in the axial direction 28 along a second diagonal direction 2672 and extending from the neutral axis 2602 toward the downstream outlet 2624 in the axial direction 28 along a first diagonal direction 2670. In some embodiments, the first wall segments 2646 are angled relative to and opposite the second set of wall segments 2654, which are disposed below the first set of wall segments 2646 in the transverse direction 40. The first set of wall segments 2646 may be alternately sealed to one another (e.g., by an adhesive or the like) at the upstream inlet 2622 to define a first set of channels 2650 having an open upstream end and a second set of channels 2652 interleaved with the first set of channels 2650 and having a closed upstream end. The wall segments include a second set of wall segments 2654 extending in the axial direction 28 along a first diagonal direction 2670 from the upstream inlet 2622 toward the neutral axis 2602, and extending in the axial direction 28 along a second diagonal direction 2672 from the neutral axis 2602 toward the downstream outlet 2624. In some embodiments, the second set of wall segments 2654 are angled relative to the first set of wall segments 2646, which are generally straight and are disposed above the second set of wall segments 2654 in the transverse direction 40. The second set of wall segments 2654 can be alternately sealed to each other at the downstream outlet 2624 (e.g., by an adhesive or the like) to define a third set of channels 2658 having a closed downstream outlet and a fourth set of channels 2660 interleaved with the third set of channels 2658 and having an open downstream outlet. Fig.26A As shown, the third group of channels 2658 of the second group of wall segments 2654 are disposed below and aligned with the first group of channels 2650 of the first group of wall segments 2646. In addition, the fourth group of channels 2660 of the second group of wall segments 2654 are disposed below and aligned with the second group of channels 2652 of the first group of wall segments 2646. Fig.26A As shown, the fourth set of channels 2660 and the second set of channels 2652 form a generally square-shaped combined channel.

[0245] The first set of bend lines 2630 includes a first subset of bend lines 2662 that define the first set of channels 2650 and a second subset of bend lines 2664 that define the second set of channels 2652. The first subset of bend lines 2662 extends from the upstream inlet 2622 toward the neutral axis 2602 along a second diagonal direction 2672 in the axial direction 28, and extends from the neutral axis 2602 toward the downstream outlet 2624 along the first diagonal direction 2670 in the axial direction 28. Similarly, the second subset of bend lines 2664 does not taper in the transverse direction 40, and extends from the upstream inlet 2622 toward the neutral axis 2602 along a second diagonal direction 2672 in the axial direction 28, and extends from the neutral axis 2602 toward the downstream outlet 2624 along the first diagonal direction 2670 in the axial direction 28.

[0246] The second set of bend lines 2632 includes a third subset of bend lines 2666 defining a third set of channels 2658 and a fourth subset of bend lines 2668 defining a fourth set of channels 2660. The third subset of bend lines 2666 extend from the upstream inlet 2622 toward the neutral axis 2602 along a first diagonal direction 2670 in the axial direction 28, and extend from the neutral axis 2602 toward the downstream outlet 2624 along a second diagonal direction 2672 in the axial direction 28. The fourth subset of bend lines 2668 does not taper in the transverse direction 40, and extends from the upstream inlet 2622 toward the neutral axis 2602 along a first diagonal direction 2670 in the axial direction 28, and extends from the neutral axis 2602 toward the downstream outlet 2624 along a second diagonal direction 2672 in the axial direction 28. As the second group of channels 2652 extend axially in the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 2624, the second group of channels 2652 have a substantially uniform transverse channel height in the transverse direction 40. As the fourth group of channels 2660 extend axially in the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 2624, the fourth group of channels 2660 have a substantially uniform transverse channel height in the transverse direction 40.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first set of wall segments 2646 are alternately sealed to each other with an adhesive at the upstream inlet 2622 and the downstream outlet 2624 to define a first set of tetrahedral channels 2650 having open ends and a second set of tetrahedral channels 2652 having closed ends that are interleaved with the first set of tetrahedral channels 2650. The second set of wall segments 2654 are alternately sealed to each other with an adhesive at the upstream inlet 2622 and the downstream outlet 2624 to define a third set of tetrahedral channels 2658 having closed ends and a fourth set of tetrahedral channels 2660 that are interleaved with the third set of tetrahedral channels 2658 and have open ends.

[0248] Fig. 27The curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2720 is shown. The curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2720 is similar to Figure 24A-24C The straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 of the curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2720 is different from the straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 in that the curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2720 includes a curved (e.g., curved) first group of channels 2750 and a third group of channels 2758. In addition, the curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2720 is different from the straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 in that the curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2720 includes a curved (e.g., curved) first subset of bend lines 2762 and a third subset of bend lines 2766. Accordingly, the same numbers are used to designate the same parts between the curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2720 and the straight corrugated filter media layer 2420.

[0249] Fig.28 A curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2820 is shown. The curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2820 is similar to Figure 24A-24C The straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 of the curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2820 is different from the straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 in that the curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2820 includes a curved (e.g., curved) second group of channels 2852 and a fourth group of channels 2860. In addition, the curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2820 is different from the straight corrugated filter media layer 2420 in that the curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2820 includes a curved (e.g., curved) second subset of bend lines 2864 and a fourth subset of bend lines 2868. Accordingly, the same numbers are used to designate the same parts between the curved straight corrugated filter media layer 2820 and the straight corrugated filter media layer 2420.

[0250] Steering Fig.29 , shows a perspective view of a multi-form filter media layer 2920 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter media layer 2920 is similar to Figure 5-Figure 19 The filter media form 20 of the multi-form filter media layer 2920. The difference between the filter media layer 2920 and the filter media form 20 is that the filter media layer 2920 includes an inverted filter media layer form along approximately half of the axial direction 28 of the filter media layer 2920. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same portion between the filter media layer 2920 and the filter media form 20. In some embodiments, the multi-form filter media layer 2920 is configured to provide symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing a larger upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, the multi-form filter media layer 2920 provides increased support for the flat media sheet along the media depth and can reduce flow restriction by reducing dead zones.

[0251] The filter media layer 2920 has an upstream inlet 2922, a downstream outlet 2924 with a rectangular outlet face, and a neutral axis 3002. Each filter media layer 2920 has an upstream section 3072 and a downstream section 3074 separated by the neutral axis 3002. Although the neutral axis 3002 is shown as being substantially halfway between the upstream inlet 2922 and the downstream outlet 2924, in some embodiments, the neutral axis 3002 is disposed closer to the upstream inlet 2922 or the downstream outlet 2924. The neutral axis 3002 relative to the filter media layer 2920 represents a position in the lateral direction 44 at which the neutral axis 3002 is located. Figure 6 The filter media form 20 is separated and rotated one hundred eighty degrees about the transverse direction 40. Figure 30A-Figure 30C As shown, the filter media pack 100 including the filter media form 20 is cut along the neutral axis 3002 to form a first section 3050 and a second section 3052. The second section 3052 is rotated one hundred eighty degrees about the transverse axis (e.g., transverse direction 40). In other words, the second section 3052 is flipped 180° from top to bottom. The second section 3052 is reconnected to the first section 3050 to form the filter media pack 3010 including the filter media layer 2920. As shown in FIG. Fig.29 As shown, the center segment disposed adjacent to the neutral axis 3002 has a height of approximately half the height of the ends of the filter media layer 2920. In some embodiments, the second segment 3052 is reconnected to the first segment 3050 such that the ends of the filter media are flush. In other embodiments, the second segment 3052 is reconnected to the first segment 3050 such that the second segment 3052 is offset from the first segment 3050 in the transverse direction 40 and / or the lateral direction 44. In these embodiments and as shown Fig.31A and Fig.31B As shown, the filter media layer 3120 can be reconnected so that the height of the center section 3102 is approximately the same as the height of the ends of the filter media layer 3120. The filter media layer 3120 provides contact points with the flat sheet disposed above the filter media layer 3120 along a first set of contact lines 3122, and provides contact points with the flat sheet disposed below the filter media layer 3120 along a second set of contact lines 3124.

[0252] The filter media layer 2920 has an upstream inlet 2922 that receives incoming dirty fluid as indicated by arrows 2980 and has a downstream outlet 2924 that discharges clean filtered fluid as indicated by arrows 2990. The filter media layer 2920 is formed along a plurality of bend lines 2926. The bend lines extend axially in the axial direction 28 and include a first set of bend lines 2930 extending from the upstream inlet 2922 toward the downstream outlet 2924 and a second set of bend lines 2932 extending axially from the downstream outlet 2924 toward the upstream inlet 2922. The filter media layer 2920 has a plurality of filter media wall segments extending in a serpentine manner between the bend lines 2926. The wall segments extend axially and define axial flow channels 2936 between the wall segments, wherein the central section 2970 has a multi-form configuration. The channel 36 has a height in the transverse direction 40 and a lateral width in the lateral direction 44.

[0253] The wall segments include a first group of wall segments 2946 that can be alternately sealed to each other at the upstream inlet 2922 by adhesive or the like to define a first group of channels 2952 having a closed upstream end. A second group of channels 2950 are staggered with the first group of channels 2952 and have an open upstream end. The wall segments include a second group of wall segments 2954 that can be alternately sealed to each other at the downstream outlet 2924 by adhesive or the like to define a third group of channels 2958 having a closed downstream outlet. A fourth group of channels 2960 are staggered with the third group of channels 2958 and have an open downstream outlet. The first group of bend lines 2930 include a first subset of bend lines 2962 that define the first group of channels 2952 and a second subset of bend lines 2964 that define the second group of channels 2950. As the second subset of bend lines 2964 extend axially from the upstream inlet 2922 toward the neutral axis 3002, and in some embodiments, as the second subset of bend lines 2964 extend axially toward the downstream outlet 2924, the second subset of bend lines 2964 tapers in the transverse direction 40. As the first subset of bend lines 2962 extend axially from the upstream inlet 2922 toward the neutral axis 3002, and in some embodiments, as the first subset of bend lines 2962 extend axially toward the downstream outlet 2924, the first subset of bend lines 2962 tapers in the transverse direction 40. As the second group of channels 2950 extend axially along the axial direction 28 toward the neutral axis 3002, the second group of channels 2950 has a transverse channel height that decreases along the transverse direction 40. The taper of the second subset of bend lines 2964 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height of the second group of channels 2950.

[0254] The second group of bend lines 2932 includes a third subset of bend lines 2966 defining a third group of channels 2958 and a fourth subset of bend lines 2968 defining a fourth group of channels 2960. As the fourth subset of bend lines 2968 extend axially from the downstream outlet 2924 toward the neutral axis 3002, and in some embodiments, as the fourth subset of bend lines 2968 extend axially toward the upstream inlet 2922, the fourth subset of bend lines 2968 tapers in the transverse direction 40. As the third subset of bend lines 2966 extend axially from the downstream outlet 2924 toward the neutral axis 3002, and in some embodiments, as the third subset of bend lines 2966 extend axially toward the upstream inlet 2922, the third subset of bend lines 2966 tapers in the transverse direction 40. As the fourth group of channels 2960 extend axially along the axial direction 28 toward the upstream inlet 2922, the fourth group of channels 2960 has a transverse channel height that decreases along the transverse direction 40. The tapering of the fourth subset of bend lines 2968 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height for the fourth set of channels 2960 .

[0255] In some embodiments, as the first subset of bend lines 2962 extend axially in the axial direction 28 from the upstream inlet 2922 toward the neutral axis 3002 (e.g., the upstream section 3072), the first subset of bend lines 2962 tapers upward in the transverse direction 40. The first subset of bend lines 2962 are substantially straight (e.g., having a minimal taper in the transverse direction 40) as they extend from the neutral axis 3002 toward the downstream outlet 2924 (e.g., the downstream section 3074). As the second subset of bend lines 2964 extend axially in the axial direction 28 from the upstream inlet 2922 toward the neutral axis 3002 (e.g., the upstream section 3072), the second subset of bend lines 2964 tapers downward in the transverse direction 40. The second subset of bend lines 2964 are generally straight (e.g., have a minimum taper in the transverse direction 40) as they extend from the neutral axis 3002 toward the downstream outlet 2924 (e.g., the downstream section 3074). In contrast, the third subset of bend lines 2966 taper downward in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially in the axial direction 28 from the downstream outlet 2924 toward the neutral axis 3002 (e.g., the downstream section 3074). The third subset of bend lines 2966 are generally straight (e.g., have a minimum taper in the transverse direction 40) as they extend from the neutral axis 3002 toward the upstream inlet 2622 (e.g., the upstream section 3072). As the fourth subset of bend lines 2968 extend axially in the axial direction 28 from the downstream outlet 2924 toward the neutral axis 3002 (e.g., the downstream section 3074), the fourth subset of bend lines 2968 tapers upward in the transverse direction 40. The fourth subset of bend lines 2968 are substantially straight (e.g., having a minimal taper in the transverse direction 40) as they extend from the neutral axis 3002 toward the upstream inlet 2622 (e.g., the upstream section 3072).

[0256] In some embodiments, incoming dirty fluid 2980 to be filtered flows into open channels 2950 at the upstream inlet 2922 in the axial direction 28 and passes laterally and / or transversely through the filter media wall segments of the formed filter media layer 2920, and then flows axially in the axial direction 28 as clean filtered fluid 2990 through open channels 2960 at the downstream outlet 2924. The second subset of bend lines 2964 provide lateral cross flow across the second subset of bend lines 2964 between the individual channels downstream of the upstream inlet 2922 in the lateral direction 44. The fourth subset of bend lines 2968 provide lateral cross flow across the fourth subset of bend lines 2968 between the individual channels upstream of the downstream outlet 2924 in the lateral direction 44. The second subset of bend lines 2964 and the fourth subset of bend lines 2968 have axially and lateral overlapping sections 2970 (in some embodiments, central sections), and the lateral crossflow mentioned is provided at least at the axially and lateral overlapping sections 2970. The overlapping sections 2970 form central sections having a variety of forms. In some embodiments, the flow through the filter media layer 2920 is reversed so that the incoming dirty fluid 2980 to be filtered flows into the open channel 2960 in the axial direction 28, passes laterally and / or transversely through the filter media wall sections of the formed filter media layer 2920, and then flows axially through the open channel 2950 in the axial direction 28 as a clean filtered fluid 2990.

[0257] The second subset of bend lines 2964 tapers to a termination point at the neutral axis 3002, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the second group of channels 2950 at such termination point. The fourth subset of bend lines 2968 tapers to a corresponding termination point at the neutral axis, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the fourth group of channels 2960 at such termination point. The termination point of the second subset of bend lines 2964 is axially downstream of and laterally spaced from the termination point of the fourth subset of bend lines 2968. This provides the axial overlap section 2970 and the center section mentioned.

[0258] Steering Fig.32 , shows a top view of a flat (e.g., unformed) multi-form filter media layer 3220 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter media layer 3220 is similar to Fig.292920. The difference between the filter media layer 3220 and the filter media layer 2920 is that the filter media layer 3220 offsets the upstream section 3272 from the downstream section 3274 about the neutral axis 3202 to form a plurality of bend lines 3226. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same portion between the filter media layer 3220 and the filter media layer 2920. In some embodiments, the multi-form filter media layer 3220 is configured to provide symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing a larger upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, the multi-form filter media layer 3220 provides increased support for the flat media sheet along the media depth and can reduce flow restriction by reducing dead zones.

[0259] In some embodiments, the filter media layer 3220 is folded such that the upstream section 3272 includes a plurality of bend lines 3226 on the upstream end 3272. The plurality of bend lines 3226 on the upstream end 3272 include a first group of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet toward the neutral axis 3202, the first group of bend lines including a first subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet along the axial direction 28 toward a first termination point adjacent to the neutral axis 3202 and a second subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet along the axial direction 28 toward a third termination point along the neutral axis. As the second subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction 28, the second subset of bend lines tapers in the transverse direction 40. The second group of bend lines extends axially from the neutral axis 3202 toward the upstream inlet. The second group of bend lines includes a third subset of bend lines extending axially from the neutral axis 3202 along the axial direction 28 toward a second termination point adjacent to the upstream inlet and a fourth subset of bend lines extending axially from the neutral axis 3202 along the axial direction 28 toward the upstream inlet. As the fourth subset of bend lines extends axially in the axial direction 28, the fourth subset of bend lines tapers in the transverse direction 40. A plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bend lines, thereby defining a laterally extending serpentine span. In other words, the serpentine span includes a plurality of repeating spans along the lateral direction 44. Each span in the serpentine span includes: a first wall segment; a second wall segment, which is laterally adjacent to the first wall segment and a bend line in the second subset of bend lines that meet the first wall segment; a third wall segment, which is laterally adjacent to the second wall segment; and a fourth wall segment, which is laterally adjacent to the third wall segment and a bend line in the fourth subset of bend lines that meet the third wall segment. The second channel is staggered with the first channel. The outer surface of the third wall defines a third channel, and the inner surface of the third wall segment and the inner surface of the fourth wall segment define a fourth channel. The fourth channel is staggered with the third channel.

[0260] In addition, the filter media layer 3220 is folded so that the downstream section 3274 includes a second plurality of bend lines 3227 on the downstream section 3274. The second plurality of bend lines 3227 on the downstream section 3274 includes a third group of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the neutral axis. The third group of bend lines includes a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in an axial direction toward a fourth termination point along the neutral axis and a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in an axial direction toward the first termination point. As the sixth subset of bend lines extends axially in the axial direction 28, the sixth subset of bend lines tapers in the transverse direction 40. The fourth group of bend lines extends axially from the downstream outlet toward the neutral axis. The fourth group of bend lines includes a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet along the axial direction 28 toward a third termination point along the neutral axis 3202 and an eighth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet along the axial direction 28 toward a second termination point, the eighth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction 40 as the eighth subset of bend lines extend axially along the axial direction 28. A second plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the second plurality of bend lines, the second plurality of wall segments extending axially and defining an axial channel therebetween, the second plurality of wall segments defining a second serpentine span extending laterally. As used herein, the term "axial channel" refers to a flow path, a flow channel, an air flow path, an air flow channel, an air flow volume, and similar flow structures. Each span in the second serpentine span includes: a fifth wall segment; a sixth wall segment laterally adjacent to the fifth wall segment and a bend line in a sixth subset of bend lines that meet the fifth wall segment; a seventh wall segment laterally adjacent to the sixth wall segment; and an eighth wall segment laterally adjacent to the seventh wall segment and a bend line in an eighth subset of bend lines that meet the seventh wall segment. An inner surface of the fifth wall segment defines a fifth channel, an outer surface of the fifth wall segment and an outer surface of the sixth wall segment define a sixth channel, and the sixth channel intersects with the fifth channel. An inner surface of the seventh wall segment defines a seventh channel, and an inner surface of the seventh wall segment and an inner surface of the eighth wall segment define an eighth channel. The eighth channel intersects with the seventh channel.

[0261] In these embodiments, the wall segments in each span of the first serpentine span are connected to the sixth wall segments in each span of the second serpentine span along the neutral axis, the second wall segments in each span of the first serpentine span are connected to the seventh wall segments in each span of the second serpentine span along the neutral axis, and the third wall segments in each span of the first serpentine span are connected to the eighth wall segments in each span of the second serpentine span along the neutral axis. In addition, the first channel in each span of the first serpentine span is adjacent to the sixth channel in each span of the second serpentine span along the neutral axis, the second channel in each span of the first serpentine span is adjacent to the seventh channel in each span of the second serpentine span along the neutral axis, and the third channel in each span of the first serpentine span is adjacent to the eighth channel in each span of the second serpentine span along the neutral axis.

[0262] Steering Fig.33 , shows a top view of a flat (e.g., unformed) multi-form filter media layer 3320 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter media layer 3320 is similar to Fig.29 3320. The difference between filter media layer 3320 and filter media layer 2920 is that filter media layer 3320 offsets upstream section 3372 from downstream section 3374 about neutral axis 3302 to form multiple bend lines 3326. Accordingly, the same numbers are used to designate the same parts between filter media layer 3320 and filter media layer 2920. In some embodiments, multi-form filter media layer 3320 is configured to provide symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing a larger upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, multi-form filter media layer 3320 provides increased support for flat media sheets along the depth of the media and can reduce flow restriction by reducing dead zones.

[0263] Fig.34 A front view of a triangular shaped multi-form filter media layer 3420 is depicted according to an exemplary embodiment. The triangular shaped filter media layer 3420 is similar to Figure 31A-Figure 31BThe filter media layer 3120 of the triangular shape can be configured to provide a plurality of symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing a greater upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, the triangular shape filter media layer 3420 provides increased support to the flat media sheet along the media depth, and can reduce flow restriction by reducing dead zones. In some embodiments, the triangular shaped filter media layer 3420 comprises a shaped sheet having double sided support along the depth of the majority of the flat media while being configured to promote cross flow.

[0264] Fig.35 A front view of a rounded multi-form filter media layer 3520 is depicted according to an exemplary embodiment. The rounded filter media layer 3520 is similar to Fig.34 The filter media layer 3420 of the rounded shape is different from the filter media layer 3420 in that the rounded filter media layer 3520 includes a plurality of bend lines 3526 that are folded to form rounded wall segments 3534 that form a plurality of channels 3536. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same portion between the rounded multi-form rounded filter media layer 3520 and the filter media layer 3420. The incoming dirty fluid 3580 enters the plurality of channels 3536 on the upstream side to be filtered. In some embodiments, the rounded filter media layer 3520 is configured to provide symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing a larger upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, the rounded filter media layer 3520 provides increased support to the flat media sheet along the media depth and can reduce flow restriction by reducing dead zones. In some embodiments, the rounded filter media layer 3520 comprises a shaped sheet with double-sided support along the depth of the majority of the flat media while being configured to promote cross flow. In some embodiments, the rounded filter media layer can be applied to the inlet, outlet, or both the inlet and outlet to increase the flow area.

[0265] Fig.36 A front view of a flat-triangular multi-form filter media layer 3620 is depicted according to an exemplary embodiment. The flat-triangular filter media layer 3620 is similar to Fig.343420. The difference between the filter media layer 3620 and the filter media layer 3420 is that the flat-triangular filter media layer 3620 includes a plurality of bend lines 3626 that are folded to form flat-triangular wall segments 3634 that form a plurality of channels 3636. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same portion between the flat-triangular multi-form flat-triangular filter media layer 3620 and the filter media layer 3420. The incoming dirty fluid 3680 enters the plurality of channels 3636 on the upstream side to be filtered. In some embodiments, the flat-triangular filter media layer 3620 is configured to provide symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing a larger upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, the flat-triangular filter media layer 3620 provides increased support to the flat media sheet along the media depth and can reduce flow restriction by reducing dead zones. In some embodiments, the flat-triangular filter media layer 3620 comprises a shaped sheet with double-sided support along most of the depth of the flat media, while being configured to promote cross flow. In some embodiments, the flat-triangular multi-form filter media layer 3620 is implemented as a negative fin wall segment with an opening (which is opposite to the fin wall segment). Fig.47 A filter medium layer having a positive fin wall segment offset of adjacent openings and / or a filter element comprising a filter medium pack having a positive fin wall segment offset of adjacent openings Fig.48A A filter medium layer is shown with rounded triangular channels.

[0266] Fig.37 A front view of a flat-rectangular multi-form filter media layer 3720 is depicted according to an exemplary embodiment. The flat-rectangular filter media layer 3720 is similar to Fig.343720. The difference between the filter media layer 3720 and the filter media layer 3420 is that the flat-rectangular filter media layer 3720 includes a plurality of bend lines 3726 that are folded to form flat-rectangular wall segments 3734 that form a plurality of channels 3736. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same portion between the flat-rectangular multi-form flat-rectangular filter media layer 3720 and the filter media layer 3420. The incoming dirty fluid 3780 enters the plurality of channels 3736 on the upstream side to be filtered. In some embodiments, the flat-rectangular filter media layer 3720 is configured to provide symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing a larger upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, the flat-rectangular filter media layer 3720 provides increased support to the flat media sheet along the media depth and can reduce flow restriction by reducing dead zones. In some embodiments, the flat-rectangular filter media layer 3720 comprises a shaped sheet having double-sided support along most of the depth of the flat media, while being configured to promote cross flow. In some embodiments, the flat-rectangular multi-form filter media layer is implemented as a filter media layer of a filter media pack, which includes, for example, Fig.43A The filter media shown has adjacent negative fin wall segments and positive fin wall segments, such as Fig.44A Shown are adjacent negative fin wall segments and positive fin wall segments of a filter medium layer, such as Fig.45 A flat sheet of filter media having a plurality of bend lines is shown, and / or Fig.46A Shown is a filter media layer having negative fin wall segments that are offset from adjacent fin wall segments.

[0267] In some embodiments, Figure 34-Figure 37 The filter media includes edge treatments on the ends of the tetrahedral media such that the sealant is melted and nearly solidified. In some embodiments, the edges of the media layers can be additionally formed or pressed while the sealant is melted or nearly solidified. The sealant is reduced so that the amount of masking along the edges of the filter media is minimized. In these embodiments, Fig.34 The edges of the filter media 3420 are substantially uncompressed but treated with an edge treatment; Fig.35 The edges of filter medium 3520 are more compressed than filter medium 3420, Fig.36 The edges of filter medium 3620 are more compressed than filter medium 3520; and Fig.37 The edges of filter media 3720 are more compressed than filter media 3620. Because the edges of the filter media are more compressed, pressure losses are reduced (eg, restrictions are reduced) as flow enters and leaves the filter media.

[0268] Steering Figure 38A-Figure 38B, shows a filter medium 3820 that can be used as a filter media pack 110 of a filter element 100. The filter media 3820 is similar to Figure 5-Figure 19 Filter media form 20. The difference between filter media 3820 and filter media form 20 is that filter media 3820 includes a repeating diamond pyramid structure along the axial direction 28, so that the pattern repeats at each repeat axis 3802 to form a plurality of repeating sections 3804. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same parts between filter media 3820 and filter media form 20. In general, the repeating pattern reduces dead spots, supports the media in the axial length and lateral width of the filter media, allows support upstream and downstream in the case where the media can be double-sided, and allows rolls to be implemented for a variety of different media widths by utilizing a repeating pattern. In some embodiments, the repeating pattern is asymmetric. In other embodiments, the repeating pattern is symmetric.

[0269] The filter medium 3820 has an upstream inlet 3822 that receives incoming dirty fluid as indicated by arrow 3880 and has a downstream outlet 3824 that discharges clean filtered fluid as indicated by arrow 3890. The filter medium 3820 has a diamond-shaped pyramid pattern that repeats at a plurality of repeating axes 3802 along the axial direction 28. Fig.38A 20. As shown, the diamond pyramid pattern is repeated four times. In other embodiments, the diamond pyramid pattern is repeated twice, or the number of times required for a particular filtration depth (rolled up in direction 28). The filter medium 3820 is folded (formed) along a plurality of bend lines 3826. The bend lines 3826 extend axially along the axial direction 28 and include a first set of bend lines extending from the upstream inlet 3822 toward the repeat axis 3802 and a second set of bend lines extending axially from the repeat axis 3802 toward the upstream inlet 3822. As will be appreciated, the bend lines 3826 extend from the repeat axis 3802 toward the next repeat axis 3802 until the last repeat segment, which causes the bend lines 3826 to extend from the repeat axis 3802 toward the downstream outlet 3824. The filter media 3820 has a plurality of filter media wall segments 3834 that extend in a serpentine manner between bend lines 3826 between segment boundaries (e.g., upstream inlet 3822 to repeating axis 3802, repeating axis 3802 to repeating axis 3802, and repeating axis 3802 to downstream outlet 3824). The wall segments 3834 extend axially and define axial flow channels 3836 between the wall segments. The channels 3836 have a height along the transverse direction 40 and a lateral width along the lateral direction 44. As shown in FIG. Figure 38A-Figure 38B As shown, channel 3836 is Figure 6The channels of the filter medium form 20 are wide and short. At least some of the bend lines mentioned taper in the mentioned transverse direction as they extend axially in the mentioned axial direction, which will be described. In a specific embodiment, the filter medium 3820 may include a tetrahedral filter medium defined by a plurality of tetrahedral channels, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,920.

[0270] The wall segments 3834 include a first set of wall segments 3846 that can be alternately sealed to each other (e.g., by adhesive or the like) at the upstream inlet 3822 to define a first set of channels 3850 having an open upstream end and a second set of channels 3852 interlaced with the first set of channels 3850. The second set of channels 3852 can be closed at the upstream end. The wall segments 3834 include a second set of wall segments 3854 that can be alternately sealed to each other (e.g., by adhesive or the like) at the repeating axis 3802 or the downstream outlet 3824 to define a third set of channels 3858 having a closed downstream outlet and a fourth set of channels interlaced with the third set of channels 3858 and having an open downstream outlet. In some embodiments, the second set of wall segments 3854 disposed between the upstream inlet 3822 and the repeating axis 3802 is open to facilitate flow through the filter medium 3820 and increase the filtration capacity along the filter medium 3820.

[0271] The first set of bend lines includes a first subset of bend lines 3862 defining the first set of channels 3850 and a second subset of bend lines 3864 defining the second set of channels 3852. The second subset of bend lines 3864 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 3822 toward the repeat axis 3802 (or the downstream outlet 3824 at the last repeat segment 3804). The second set of bend lines includes a third subset of bend lines 3866 defining the third set of channels 3858 and a fourth subset of bend lines 3868 defining the fourth set of channels. The fourth subset of bend lines 3868 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the repeat axis 3802 (or the downstream outlet 3824 at the last repeat segment 3804) toward the upstream inlet 3822. As the second group of channels 3852 extend axially in the axial direction 28 toward the repeat axis 3802 (or the downstream outlet 3824 at the last repeat segment 3804), the second group of channels 3852 have a transverse channel height that decreases in the transverse direction 40. The tapering of the second subset bend line 3864 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height of the second group of channels 3852. As the fourth group of channels extend axially in the axial direction 28 toward the upstream inlet 3822, the fourth group of channels have a transverse channel height that decreases in the transverse direction 40. The tapering of the fourth subset bend line 3868 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height of the fourth group of channels.

[0272] The second subset of bend lines 3864 tapers to respective termination points 3872, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the second set of channels 3852 at such termination points. In some embodiments, the second subset of bend lines 3864 extends along the axial direction 28 toward the respective termination points 3872, and the first subset of bend lines 3862 extends along a diagonal direction (e.g., generally along the axial direction 28 and angled toward the lateral direction 44) toward the respective termination points 3872. The fourth subset of bend lines 3868 tapers to respective termination points 3874, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the fourth set of channels at such termination points. The termination points 3872 of the second subset of bend lines 3864 are axially downstream of the termination points 3874 of the fourth subset of bend lines 3868. The termination point 3872 of the second subset of bend lines 3864 is located at the repeat axis 3802 (or the downstream outlet 3824 at the last repeat segment 3804) in one embodiment, and is located axially upstream of the repeat axis 3802 (or the downstream outlet 3824 at the last repeat segment 3804) in other embodiments. The termination point 3874 of the fourth subset of bend lines 3868 is located at the upstream inlet 3822 in one embodiment, and is located axially downstream of the upstream inlet 3822 in other embodiments. The termination point 3872 of the second subset of bend lines 3864 provides an axial overlap section axially downstream of the termination point 3874 of the fourth subset of bend lines 3868. The lateral cross flow mentioned is provided at least at the axial overlap section. In some embodiments, the axial overlap section of the filter medium 3820 is longer than the overlap section of other filter media (e.g., the overlap section 70 of the filter medium form 20), thereby causing more cross flow.

[0273] Steering Figure 39A-Figure 39B , shows a filter medium 3920 that can be used as the filter medium form 20 of the filter element 100. The filter medium 3920 is similar to Fig.38A and Fig.38B3920 of filter media. The difference between filter media 3920 and filter media 3820 is that filter media 3920 includes a repeating offset diamond pyramid structure along the axial direction 28, so that the pattern repeats at each repeat axis 3902 to form a plurality of repeating sections 3904. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same portion between filter media 3920 and filter media 3820. In general, the repeating pattern reduces any dead zones, supports the media in the axial length and lateral width of the filter media, allows support upstream and downstream in the case where the media can be double-sided, and allows the roll to be implemented by utilizing a repeating pattern to produce a variety of different media widths. The incoming dirty fluid 3980 enters multiple channels 3936 on the upstream side to be filtered. In some embodiments, filter media 3920 is configured to provide symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing a larger upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, filter media 3920 provides increased support for flat media sheets along the depth of the media and can reduce flow restrictions by reducing dead zones. In some embodiments, filter media 3920 comprises a shaped sheet having double sided support along the depth of the majority of the flat media while being configured to promote cross flow. Fig.39B Roll 3950 is fed to the flat filter media along with a mating roll to form filter media 3920 .

[0274] Steering Fig.40 , shows a filter media pack 4000 including a plurality of filter media layers 4020 that can be used as the filter media form 20 of the filter element 100. The filter media 4020 is similar to the filter media 3820. The difference between the filter media 4020 and the filter media 3820 is that the filter media 4020 includes a double-sided repeating wavy pattern along the axial direction 28, such that the pattern repeats at each repeating axis 4002 to form a plurality of repeating sections 4004. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same portions between the filter media 4020 and the filter media 3820. The filter media layer 4020 has a pattern on both sides of the filter media. The double-sided pattern of the filter media layer 4020 can be composed of two patterns that are similar to the patterns of the filter media layer 3820, respectively. Fig.42A and Fig.42BThe reel pair 4200, 4250 is formed. The double-sided pattern allows point contact to be achieved on the upstream and downstream sides. In general, the repetitive pattern reduces the blind spot, supports the medium in the axial length and lateral width of the filter medium, allows the upstream and downstream to be supported when the medium can be double-sided, and allows the reel to be implemented by utilizing the repetitive pattern to produce a variety of different media widths. In some embodiments, the filter medium 4020 is configured to provide symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing a larger upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, the filter medium 4020 provides increased support to the flat media sheet along the depth of the media, and can reduce flow restrictions by reducing the blind spot. In some embodiments, the filter medium 4020 includes a shaped sheet with double-sided support along the depth of most of the flat media, and is configured to promote cross flow.

[0275] Steering Fig.41 , shows a filter media pack 4100 including a plurality of filter media layers 4120 that can be used as the filter media form 20 of the filter element 100. The filter media 4120 is similar to the filter media 3820. The difference between the filter media 4120 and the filter media 3820 is that the filter media 4120 includes a double-sided repeating dune (e.g., mound) pattern along the axial direction 28 such that the pattern repeats at each repeating axis 4102 to form a plurality of repeating sections 4104. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same portions between the filter media 4120 and the filter media 3820. The filter media layer 4120 has a pattern on both sides of the filter media. The double-sided pattern of the filter media layer 4120 can be composed of layers that are similar to the filter media 3820, respectively. Fig.42A and Fig.42B The reel pair 4200, 4250 is formed. The double-sided pattern allows point contact to be achieved on the upstream and downstream sides. In general, the repeating pattern reduces the blind spot, supports the medium in the axial length and lateral width of the filter medium, allows the support of upstream and downstream when the medium can be double-sided, and allows the implementation of the reel. In some embodiments, the filter medium 4120 is configured to provide symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing a larger upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, the filter medium 4120 provides increased support to the flat media sheet along the depth of the media, and can reduce flow restrictions by reducing the blind spot. In some embodiments, the filter medium 4120 includes a shaped sheet with double-sided support along the depth of most of the flat media, and is configured to promote cross flow.

[0276] Steering Fig.42A, a filter media roll 4200 is shown including a repeating filter media layer pattern 4220 to produce a double-sided filter media layer. The multiple filter media layers produced by the filter media roll can be used as the filter media form 20 of the filter element 100. The filter media formed by the filter media roll 4200 is similar to the filter media 3820. The difference between the filter media formed by the roll shown at 4220 and the filter media 3820 is that the filter media 4220 includes a double-sided repeating pattern along the axial direction 28, such that the pattern repeats at each repeat axis 4202 to form a plurality of repeating sections 4204. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same parts between the filter media 4220 and the filter media 3820. The filter media is fed between a pair of filter media rolls 4200 that form the filter media. The filter media formed by the filter media roll 4200 has a pattern on both sides of the filter media, thereby allowing contact points to be achieved on the upstream and downstream sides. In general, the repeating pattern reduces dead zones, supports the media across the axial length and lateral width of the filter media, allows for support upstream and downstream where the media can be double-sided, and allows for implementation of a roll. In some embodiments, filter media 4220 is configured to provide symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing greater upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, the filter media formed by filter media roll 4200 provides increased support to the flat media sheet along the depth of the media and can reduce flow restriction by reducing dead zones. In some embodiments, the filter media formed by filter media roll 4200 includes a shaped sheet with double-sided support along the depth of most of the flat media, while being configured to promote cross flow.

[0277] Steering Fig.42B, a filter media roll 4250 is shown including a repeating filter media layer pattern 4270 to produce a double-sided filter media layer. The multiple filter media layers produced by the filter media roll can be used as the filter media form 20 of the filter element 100. The filter media formed by the filter media roll 4250 is similar to the filter media 3820. The difference between the filter media 4270 and the filter media 3820 is that the filter media 4270 includes a double-sided repeating pattern along the axial direction 28, such that the pattern repeats at each repeat axis 4252 to form a plurality of repeating sections 4254. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same parts between the filter media 4270 and the filter media 3820. The filter media is fed between a pair of filter media rolls 4250 that form the filter media. The filter media formed by the filter media roll 4250 has a pattern on both sides of the filter media, thereby allowing contact points to be achieved on the upstream and downstream sides. In general, the repeating pattern reduces dead zones, supports the media across the axial length and lateral width of the filter media, allows for support upstream and downstream where the media can be double-sided, and allows for implementation of rolls. In some embodiments, filter media 4270 is configured to provide symmetrical upstream and downstream volumes, thereby providing greater upstream volume under flow and deflection. In addition, the filter media formed by filter media roll 4250 provides increased support for flat media sheets along the depth of the media and can reduce flow restriction by reducing dead zones. In some embodiments, the filter media formed by filter media roll 4250 includes a shaped sheet with double-sided support along the depth of most of the flat media while being configured to promote cross flow.

[0278] Steering Figure 43A-43B , a filter media pack having a filter media 4310, the filter media 4310 comprising a plurality of filter media layers 4320. The filter media 4310 is similar to Figure 5-Figure 19 4320. The difference between filter media 4310 and filter media form 20 is that filter media 4320 includes a plurality of fin wall segments 4334 that form positive fins (e.g., ascending in the lateral direction 40) and negative fins (e.g., descending in the lateral direction 40) adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same portions between filter media 4310 and filter media form 20. Overall, the adjacent negative and positive fin wall segments 4334 reduce inlet and outlet losses, thereby reducing restrictions through the filter media layer 4320, eliminating the need for adhesives due to the support being made of the media, reducing adhesives used to seal the ends of the filter media layer 4320, and facilitating tapering along the depth of the filter media layer 4320 as compared to conventional filter media.

[0279] The filter media layer 4320 has an upstream inlet 4322 that receives incoming dirty fluid as indicated by arrow 4380, and has a downstream outlet 4324 that discharges clean filtered fluid as indicated by arrow 4390. The filter media layer 4320 has a positive fin wall segment 4346 adjacent to the negative fin wall segment 4354, the fin wall segments extending in opposite directions toward each other in the axial direction. The portion 4400 of the positive fin wall segment 4346 adjacent to the negative fin wall segment 4354 is located at Figure 44A-Figure 44C 43. The filter medium layer 4320 is shown in FIG. 43. The filter medium layer 4320 is folded along a plurality of bend lines 4326. The bend lines 4326 extend axially in the axial direction 28 and include a first set of bend lines 4330 extending from the upstream inlet 4322 toward the downstream outlet 4324 and a second set of bend lines 4332 extending axially from the downstream outlet 4324 toward the upstream inlet 4322. The filter medium layer 4320 has a plurality of filter medium fin wall segments 4334 extending in a serpentine manner between the bend lines 4326 between the upstream inlet 4322 and the downstream outlet 4324. The fin wall segments 4334 extend axially and define axial flow channels 4336 therebetween. The channels 4336 have a height in the transverse direction 40 and a lateral width in the lateral direction 44. The channels 4336 are generally rectangular in shape at the outer portion, and the channels 4336 extend toward a generally closed termination point 4472 as they extend along the axial direction 28. It will be described that at least some of the mentioned bending lines taper in the mentioned transverse direction as they extend axially in the mentioned axial direction.

[0280] Fin wall segments 4334 include a first set of fin wall segments 4346 that define a first set of channels 4350 and a second set of channels 4352 that are interlaced with the first set of channels 4350. In some embodiments, the second set of channels 4352 are closed, and the channels extending from the upstream inlet 4322 to the downstream outlet 4324 are the first set of channels 4350. Fin wall segments 4334 include a second set of fin wall segments 4354 to define a third set of channels 4358 and a fourth set of channels 4360 that are interlaced with the third set of channels 4358. In some embodiments, the fourth set of channels 4360 are closed, and the channels extending from the downstream outlet 4324 toward the upstream inlet 4322 are the third set of channels 4358. Fig.43B As shown, the first passage 4350 tapers in the transverse direction 40 until it is substantially closed (e.g., forming a recess) at the downstream outlet 4324 along the termination line 4472. Similarly, the third passage 4358 tapers in the transverse direction 40 until it is substantially closed (e.g., forming a recess) at the upstream inlet 4322 along the termination line 4474.

[0281] The first group of bend lines 4330 includes a first subset of bend lines 4362 defining the first group of channels 4350 and a second subset of bend lines 4364 defining the second group of channels 4352. The second subset of bend lines 4364 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 4322 toward the downstream outlet 4324. The second group of bend lines 4332 includes a third subset of bend lines 4366 defining the third group of channels 4358 and a fourth subset of bend lines 4368 defining the fourth group of channels 4360. The fourth subset of bend lines 4368 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the downstream outlet 4324 toward the upstream inlet 4322. As the second group of channels 4352 extends axially along the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet, the second group of channels 4352 has a transverse channel height that decreases in the transverse direction 40. The taper of the second subset of bend lines 4364 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height of the second group of channels 4352. As fourth group of channels 4360 extend axially in axial direction 28 toward upstream inlet 4322, fourth group of channels 4360 have a decreasing transverse channel height in transverse direction 40. The tapering of fourth subset of bend lines 4368 in transverse direction 40 provides a decreasing transverse channel height of fourth group of channels 4360.

[0282] The second subset of bend lines 4364 tapers to respective termination points 4372, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the second set of channels 4352 at such termination points. The fourth subset of bend lines 4368 tapers to respective termination points 4374, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the fourth set of channels 4360 at such termination points. The termination points 4372 of the second subset of bend lines 4364 are axially downstream of the termination points 4374 of the fourth subset of bend lines 4368. The termination points 4372 of the second subset of bend lines 4364 are located at the downstream outlet 4324 in one embodiment, and axially upstream of the downstream outlet in other embodiments. The termination points 4374 of the fourth subset of bend lines 4368 are located at the upstream inlet 4322 in one embodiment, and axially downstream of the upstream inlet 4322 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the termination point 4372 of the second subset of bend lines 4364 provides an axial overlap section axially downstream of the termination point 4374 of the fourth subset of bend lines 4368. The lateral cross flow mentioned is provided at least at the axial overlap section. In some embodiments, the axial overlap section of the filter media layer 4320 is longer than the overlap section of other filter media (e.g., overlap section 70 of filter media form 20), thereby causing more cross flow.

[0283] Fig.45 is a top perspective view of a flat (eg, unformed) sheet 4500 that may be folded to form Fig.43AThe support back-to-back media layer 4320. The sheet 4500 can be folded along multiple bending lines 4326 to form the filter media layer 4320.

[0284] Steering Figure 46A-46B , shows a filter medium 4620 that can be used as a filter media pack 110 of a filter element 100. The filter medium 4620 is similar to Figure 43A-Figure 44C 4320. The difference between filter medium 4620 and filter medium 4320 is that the plurality of fin wall segments 4334 forming positive fins (e.g., ascending in the transverse direction 40) and negative fins (e.g., descending in the transverse direction 40) of filter medium 4620 are offset from one another. Accordingly, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same portions between filter medium 4620 and filter medium 4320. Overall, the offset negative and positive fin wall segments 4334 reduce inlet and outlet losses, thereby reducing restrictions through filter medium 4620, eliminating the need for adhesives due to the support being made of the media, reducing adhesives used to seal the ends of filter medium 4620, and facilitating tapering along the depth of filter medium 4620 as compared to conventional filter media.

[0285] The filter media 4620 has an upstream inlet 4622 that receives incoming dirty fluid as indicated by arrow 4680 and has a downstream outlet 4624 that discharges clean filtered fluid as indicated by arrow 4690. The filter media 4620 has positive fin wall segments 4646 offset from the negative fin wall segments 4654, the fin wall segments extending in opposite directions toward each other in the axial direction. The filter media 4620 is folded along a plurality of bend lines 4626. The bend lines 4626 extend axially in the axial direction 28 and include a first set of bend lines extending from the upstream inlet 4622 toward the downstream outlet 4624 and a second set of bend lines 4632 extending axially from the downstream outlet 4624 toward the upstream inlet 4622. The filter media 4620 has a plurality of filter media fin wall segments 4334 extending in an offset serpentine manner between the bend lines 4626 between the upstream inlet 4622 and the downstream outlet 4624. The fin wall segments 4334 extend axially and define axial flow channels 4336 therebetween. The channels 4336 have a height in the transverse direction 40 and a lateral width in the lateral direction 44. The channels 4336 are generally rectangular in shape at the outer portion, and the channels 4336 extend toward a generally closed termination point 4572 as they extend along the axial direction 28. At least some of the mentioned bend lines taper in the mentioned transverse direction as they extend axially in the mentioned axial direction, as will be described.

[0286] The fin wall segments 4334 include a first set of fin wall segments 4646 that define a first set of channels 4650 and a second set of channels 4652 that are interlaced with the first set of channels 4650. In some embodiments, the second set of channels 4652 are closed, and the channels extending from the upstream inlet 4622 to the downstream outlet 4624 are the first set of channels 4650. The fin wall segments 4334 include a second set of fin wall segments 4654 to define a third set of channels 4658 and a fourth set of channels 4660 that are interlaced with the third set of channels 4658. In some embodiments, the fourth set of channels 4660 are closed, and the channels extending from the downstream outlet 4624 toward the upstream inlet 4622 are the third set of channels 4658. In some embodiments, the first channels 4650 taper in the lateral direction 40 until they are substantially closed (e.g., forming a pocket) at the downstream outlet 4624 along the termination line 4572. Similarly, the third passage 4658 tapers in the transverse direction 40 until it is substantially closed (eg, forming a recess) at the upstream inlet 4622 along the termination line 4574. Fig.46A As shown, the second set of fin wall segments 4654 are coplanar 4502 (eg, vertical bars 4502 illustrate a coplanar relationship).

[0287] The first set of bend lines includes a first subset of bend lines 4662 defining the first set of channels 4650 and a second subset of bend lines 4664 defining the second set of channels 4652. The second subset of bend lines 4664 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 4622 toward the downstream outlet 4624. The second set of bend lines 4632 includes a third subset of bend lines 4666 defining the third set of channels 4658 and a fourth subset of bend lines 4668 defining the fourth set of channels 4660. The fourth subset of bend lines 4668 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the downstream outlet 4624 toward the upstream inlet 4622. The second set of channels 4652 has a transverse channel height that decreases in the transverse direction 40 as the second set of channels 4652 extends axially in the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet. The taper of the second subset of bend lines 4664 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height of the second set of channels 4652. As fourth group of channels 4660 extend axially in axial direction 28 toward upstream inlet 4622, fourth group of channels 4660 have a decreasing transverse channel height in transverse direction 40. The tapering of fourth subset of bend lines 4668 in transverse direction 40 provides a decreasing transverse channel height of fourth group of channels 4660.

[0288] The second subset of bend lines 4664 tapers to respective termination points 4672, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the second set of channels 4652 at such termination points. The fourth subset of bend lines 4668 tapers to respective termination points, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the fourth set of channels 4660 at such termination points. Because the wall segments 4334 are offset, the termination points 4672 of the second subset of bend lines 4664 are not axially downstream of the termination points of the fourth subset of bend lines 4668. The termination points 4672 of the second subset of bend lines 4664 are located at the downstream outlet 4624 in one embodiment, and axially upstream of the downstream outlet in other embodiments. The termination points of the fourth subset of bend lines 4668 are located at the upstream inlet 4622 in one embodiment, and axially downstream of the upstream inlet 4622 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the termination points 4672 of the second subset of bend lines 4664 provide an axial overlap section axially downstream of the termination points of the fourth subset of bend lines 4668. The lateral cross flow mentioned is provided at least at the axial overlap section. In these embodiments, the lateral cross flow mentioned is provided at least at the axial overlap section. In some embodiments, the axial overlap section of filter media 4620 is longer than the overlap section of other filter media (e.g., overlap section 70 of filter media form 20), thereby causing more cross flow.

[0289] Steering Fig.47 , shows a filter medium 4720 that can be used as a filter media pack 110 of a filter element 100. The filter medium 4720 is similar to Figure 46A-46B 4620. The difference between filter medium 4720 and filter medium 4620 is that the plurality of fin wall segments 4734 of filter medium 4720 that form positive fins (e.g., rising in axial direction 28 in transverse direction 40) are open. Accordingly, the same numbering is used to designate the same portions between filter medium 4720 and filter medium 4620. Overall, the offset negative fin wall segments 4734 reduce inlet and outlet losses compared to conventional filter media, thereby reducing restrictions through filter medium 4720, eliminating the need for adhesives due to the support being made of the media, reducing adhesives used to seal the ends of filter medium 4720, and facilitating tapering along the depth of filter medium 4720. In addition, the open positive fins are easier to fold and fit within a housing or confined space than the closed fins of filter medium 4620.

[0290] The filter medium 4720 has an upstream inlet 4722 that receives incoming dirty fluid as indicated by arrow 4780, and has a downstream outlet 4724 that discharges clean filtered fluid as indicated by arrow 4790. The filter medium 4720 has positive fin wall segments 4746 offset from negative fin wall segments 4754, which extend in opposite directions toward each other in the axial direction. The filter medium 4720 is folded along a plurality of bend lines 4726. The bend lines 4726 extend axially in the axial direction 28 and include a first set of bend lines 4730 extending from the upstream inlet 4722 toward the downstream outlet 4724 and a second set of bend lines 4732 extending axially from the downstream outlet 4724 toward the upstream inlet 4722. The filter media 4720 has a plurality of filter media fin wall segments 4734 extending in an offset serpentine manner between bend lines 4726 between an upstream inlet 4722 and a downstream outlet 4724. The fin wall segments 4734 extend axially and define axial flow channels 4736 therebetween. In other words, the plurality of fin wall segments 4734 are tetrahedral in form, which are staggered in alternating positive and negative patterns along the shaped media in the lateral direction 44. The channels 4736 have a height in the transverse direction 40 and a lateral width in the lateral direction 44. The channels 4736 are generally rectangular / slightly trapezoidal in cross-section at the outer portions, and the channels 4736 extend toward a generally closed termination point 4872 as they extend along the axial direction 28. At least some of the mentioned bend lines taper in the mentioned transverse direction as they extend axially in the mentioned axial direction, which will be described.

[0291] The fin wall segments 4734 include a first set of fin wall segments 4746 that define a first set of channels 4750 and a second set of channels 4752 that are interlaced with the first set of channels 4750. The second set of channels 4752 are open along an interior portion of a second subset of bend lines 4764. The fin wall segments 4734 include a second set of fin wall segments 4754 to define a third set of channels 4758 and a fourth set of channels 4760 that are interlaced with the third set of channels 4758. The fourth set of channels 4760 are open along an interior portion of a fourth subset of bend lines 4768. In some embodiments, the first channels 4750 taper in the transverse direction 40 until they are substantially closed (e.g., forming a pocket) at the downstream outlet 4724 along the termination line 4872. Similarly, the third passage 4758 tapers in the transverse direction 40 until it is substantially closed (eg, forming a recess) at the upstream inlet 4722 along the termination line 4874. Fig.47 As shown, the second set of fin wall segments 4754 are coplanar.

[0292] The first set of bend lines 4730 includes a first subset of bend lines 4762 defining the first set of channels 4750 and a second subset of bend lines 4764 defining the second set of channels 4752. The second subset of bend lines 4764 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 4722 toward the downstream outlet 4724. The second set of bend lines 4732 includes a third subset of bend lines 4766 defining the third set of channels 4758 and a fourth subset of bend lines 4768 defining the fourth set of channels 4760. The fourth subset of bend lines 4768 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the downstream outlet 4724 toward the upstream inlet 4722. As the second set of channels 4752 extends axially along the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet, the second set of channels 4752 has a transverse channel height that decreases in the transverse direction 40. The taper of the second subset of bend lines 4764 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height of the second set of channels 4752. As fourth group of channels 4760 extend axially in axial direction 28 toward upstream inlet 4722, fourth group of channels 4760 have a decreasing transverse channel height in transverse direction 40. The tapering of fourth subset of bend lines 4768 in transverse direction 40 provides a decreasing transverse channel height of fourth group of channels 4760.

[0293] The second subset of bend lines 4764 tapers to respective termination points 4772, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the second set of channels 4752 at such termination points. The fourth subset of bend lines 4768 tapers to respective termination points 4774, thereby providing a minimum transverse channel height of the fourth set of channels 4760 at such termination points. Because the wall segments 4734 are offset, the termination points 4772 of the second subset of bend lines 4764 are not axially downstream of the termination points 4774 of the fourth subset of bend lines 4768. The termination points 4772 of the second subset of bend lines 4764 are located at the downstream outlet 4724 in one embodiment, and axially upstream of the downstream outlet in other embodiments. The termination points 4774 of the fourth subset of bend lines 4768 are located at the upstream inlet 4722 in one embodiment, and axially downstream of the upstream inlet 4722 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the termination point 4772 of the second subset of bend lines 4764 provides an axial overlap section axially downstream of the termination point 4774 of the fourth subset of bend lines 4768. In these embodiments, the lateral cross flow mentioned is provided at least at the axial overlap section. In some embodiments, the axial overlap section of filter media 4720 is longer than the overlap section of other filter media (e.g., overlap section 70 of filter media form 20), thereby causing more cross flow.

[0294] Fig.48AFIG. 4 is a filter element 4800 according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a filter media pack 4810 having a filter media layer 4820 with rounded triangular channels 4836. The filter media pack 4810 is Fig.48B and the filter medium layer 4820 is shown in Fig.48C 48. The filter media 4810 of the filter media pack 4800 is similar to Fig.47 4720 of filter medium. The difference between filter medium 4810 and filter medium 4720 is that filter medium 4810 includes vertical fins formed into rounded triangles. Accordingly, the same number is used to specify the same part between filter medium 4810 and filter medium 4720. In general, the incoming dirty fluid 4880 enters the upstream inlet 4822 of multiple channels 4836 to be filtered. Multiple channels 4836 are formed by multiple wall segments 4834 folded along multiple bending lines 4826. Compared with other shaped filter media, the triangular shape of filter medium 4810 provides improved stability and occupies less media space / area. In other words, filter medium 4810 provides a dust load similar to a filter medium that occupies more space and has a larger media area. In some embodiments, filter element 4800 provides an axial overlapping section so that the mentioned lateral crossflow is provided at least at the axial overlapping section.

[0295] Fig.49 A graphical representation 4900 shows flow rates 4902 and initial restrictions 4904 for a first filter medium 4910 and a second filter medium 4920. The first filter medium 4910 may be similar to Figure 5-Figure 19 The filter medium form 20, and the second filter medium 4920 can be substantially similar to Figure 48A-48C As shown in graph 4900, second filter medium 4920 has a restriction that is forty percent lower than first filter medium 4910.

[0296] refer to Fig.50 , shows a perspective view of the inlet side of a layered filter media pack 5000 having a substantially flat, planar flow face, the layered filter media pack 5000 including filter media 5010, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig.51 It is shown in Fig.50 A perspective view of the outlet side of the layered filter media pack 5000. The filter media 5010 is similar to Figure 5-Figure 11The difference between filter medium 5010 and filter media form 20 is that filter media 5010 includes multi-modal channels at the upstream inlet side 5022. The "v" shaped channels of the downstream outlet 5024 of filter media 5010 are similar to filter media form 20. Accordingly, the same numbers are used to designate the same parts between filter media 5010 and filter media form 20.

[0297] like Fig.50 and Fig.51 As shown, the filter media pack 5000 has an upstream inlet 5022 with a rectangular inlet face, a downstream outlet 5024 with a rectangular outlet face, a sealed sidewall 5004, and a filter media 5010 including a plurality of filter media layers 5020. Each filter media layer 5020 in the filter media 5010 of the filter media pack 5000 has an upstream section 5170 and a downstream section 5172 separated by a neutral axis 5102. Although the neutral axis 5102 is shown as being substantially halfway between the upstream inlet 5022 and the downstream outlet 5024, in some embodiments, the neutral axis 5102 is disposed closer to the upstream inlet 5022 or the downstream outlet 5024. The filter media pack 5000 is configured to provide intermittent support to adjacent sheets in the middle portion (e.g., along the axial direction 28). In some embodiments, the dead zone along the edge length is reduced by up to seventy-five percent. In some embodiments, the support to adjacent sheets is along the edge that is subjected to a pressure drop due to the differential pressure at that location. The differential pressure is shown below Figure 55-Figure 60 A more detailed description is given in .

[0298] The upstream section 5170 includes a first set of wall segments 5046 and a first set of bend lines 5030 that form a first set of channels 5050 and a second set of channels 5052. The first set of wall segments 5046 and the first set of bend lines 5030 that form the first set of channels 5050 and the second set of channels 5052 taper (e.g., decrease in height) in the transverse direction 40 as they extend in the axial direction 28 from the upstream inlet 5022 toward the downstream outlet 5024. Fig.50As shown, the first group of channels 5050 and the second group of channels 5052 each form an elongated "w" shape (e.g., with an additional center portion) or a tri-peak flow channel. As described in more detail below, each of the tri-peak flow channels of the upstream inlet 5022 has an angled portion extending the length of the filter media in the transverse direction 40 and the lateral direction 44 and a pair of triangular portions extending downward along a portion of the flow channel. The downstream section 5172 includes the second group of wall segments 5054 and the beginning of the second group of bend lines 5032 that form the third group of channels 5058 and the fourth group of channels 5060. The second group of wall segments 5054 and the second group of bend lines 5032 that form the third group of channels 5058 and the fourth group of channels 5060 taper in the transverse direction 40 (e.g., decrease in height) as they extend from the downstream outlet 5024 toward the upstream inlet 5022 in the axial direction 28.

[0299] like Fig.51 As shown, the third group of channels 5058 and the fourth group of channels 5060 each form a V-shaped channel, substantially similar to Figure 5-Figure 19 The filter medium forms a third group of channels 58 and a fourth group of channels 60. Fig.52 5024, in some embodiments, each channel in the first group of channels 5050 tapers as it extends along the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 5024 and terminates adjacent to a pair of channels in the fourth group of channels 5060. In other words, each channel in the first group of channels 5050 corresponds to two channels in the fourth group of channels 5060. Similarly, each channel in the second group of channels 5052 tapers as it extends along the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 5024 and terminates adjacent to a pair of channels in the third group of channels 5058. In other words, each channel in the second group of channels 5052 corresponds to two channels in the third group of channels 5058.

[0300] Each filter medium layer 5020 in filter medium 5010 is folded along a plurality of bend lines 5026. The plurality of bend lines 5026 extend axially in axial direction 28 and include a first set of bend lines 5030 extending from the upstream inlet 5022 toward the downstream outlet 5024 and a second set of bend lines 5032 extending axially from the downstream outlet 5024 toward the upstream inlet 5022.

[0301] The filter medium 5020 has a plurality of filter medium wall segments extending in a serpentine manner between bend lines. The wall segments extend axially and define axial flow channels between the wall segments. The channels have a height along a transverse direction 40 that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction 28. The channels have a lateral width along a lateral direction 44 that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction 28 and substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction 40. Fig.52As shown, the first set of channels 5050 of the first set of wall segments 5046 have a length that is approximately twice the lateral width in the lateral direction 44 as compared to the lateral width of the fourth set of channels 5060 of the second set of wall segments 5054. At least some of the mentioned bend lines taper in the mentioned transverse direction 40 as they extend axially in the mentioned axial direction, as will be described.

[0302] The wall segments include a first set of wall segments 5046 that are alternately sealed to one another at the upstream inlet 5022 with an adhesive 5059 (e.g., by glue or the like) to define a first set of channels 5050 having open upstream ends and a second set of channels 5052 that are interlaced with the first set of channels 5050 and have closed upstream ends. Fig.50 As shown, the inlet flow area is sealed so that approximately 5 / 8 of the total area is open and receives dirty fluid 5080. The wall segments also include a second set of wall segments 5054 that are alternately sealed to each other at the downstream outlet 5024 with an adhesive 5056 (e.g., by glue or the like) to define a third set of channels 5058 having a closed downstream outlet and a fourth set of channels 5060 that are interlaced with the third set of channels 5058 and have an open downstream outlet. In some embodiments, the first set of channels 5050 and the second set of channels 5052 are opposite the third set of channels 5058 and the fourth set of channels 5060, respectively. Fig.51 As shown, the outlet flow area is sealed so that approximately 1 / 2 of the total area is open and discharges clean fluid 5090.

[0303] The first group of channels 5050 and the second group of channels 5052 are elongated in the axial direction 28 and have a cross-sectional area along a cross-sectional plane defined by the transverse direction 40 and the lateral direction 44. As the first group of channels 5050 and the second group of channels 5052 extend along the axial direction 28 from the upstream inlet 5022 toward the downstream outlet 5024, the cross-sectional areas of the first group of channels 5050 and the second group of channels 5052 decrease. Similarly, the third group of channels 5058 and the fourth group of channels 5060 are elongated in the axial direction 28 and have a cross-sectional area along a cross-sectional plane defined by the transverse direction 40 and the lateral direction 44. As the third group of channels 5058 and the fourth group of channels 5060 extend along the axial direction 28 from the downstream outlet 5024 toward the upstream inlet 5022, the cross-sectional areas of the third group of channels 5058 and the fourth group of channels 5060 decrease. Fig.52As shown, the width 5202 of the channels in the first group of channels 5050 is approximately twice the width 5204 of the channels in the fourth group of channels 5060, so that for each channel in the first group of channels 5050, there are two channels in the fourth group of channels 5060. Similarly, for each channel in the second group of channels 5052, there are two channels in the third group of channels 5058.

[0304] refer to Figure 53A-Figure 53C , the first group of channels 5050 includes a first subset of channels 5080, a second subset of channels 5082, and a third subset of channels 5084. The first subset of channels 5080 forms a channel having a check mark shape (e.g., an uneven v-shaped channel) that extends along a height 5312 in the transverse direction 40 and along a width 5302 in the lateral direction 44. The first subset of channels 5080 extends at a diagonal angle from the bottom of the filter media layer 5020 to the top of the filter media layer 5020 to a height 5312, and then extends diagonally downward in the transverse direction 40 to a height 5314 that is approximately 1 / 3 of the length of the height 5312. The second subset of channels 5082 forms a channel having a v-shape that extends along a height 5316 in the transverse direction 40 and along a width 5304 in the lateral direction 44. The second subset of channels 5082 extends at a diagonal angle along the height 5314 from an upper portion of the filter media layer 5020 to the top of the filter media layer 5020 and then extends downward at a diagonal angle along the transverse direction 40 to a height 5314 that is approximately 1 / 3 of the length of the height 5312. The third subset of channels 5084 forms a channel having a semi-v-shape that extends along a height 5316 in the transverse direction 40 and extends along a width 5306 in the lateral direction 44. The third subset of channels 5084 extends downward at a diagonal angle along the transverse direction 40 from the top of the filter media layer 5020 to a height 5316 that is approximately 1 / 3 of the length of the height 5312. The second group of channels 5052 includes a fourth subset of channels 5086, a fifth subset of channels 5088, and a sixth subset of channels 5091. The fourth subset of channels 5086, the fifth subset of channels 5088, and the sixth subset of channels 5091 are interleaved with the first subset of channels 5080, the second subset of channels 5082, and the third subset of channels 5084, respectively.

[0305] The first group of bending lines 5030 includes a first subset of bending lines 5061, a second subset of bending lines 5062, a third subset of bending lines 5063, a fourth subset of bending lines 5064, a fifth subset of bending lines 5065, and a sixth subset of bending lines 5067. The first subset of bending lines 5061, the second subset of bending lines 5062, and the third subset of bending lines 5063 form a first subset of channels 5080. The third subset of bending lines 5063, the fourth subset of bending lines 5064, and the fifth subset of bending lines 5065 form a second subset of channels 5082. The fifth subset of bending lines 5065 and the sixth subset of bending lines 5067 form a third subset of channels 5084. Similarly, the first subset of bending lines 5061, the second subset of bending lines 5062, and the third subset of bending lines 5063 form a fourth subset of channels 5086. The third subset of bend lines 5063, the fourth subset of bend lines 5064, and the fifth subset of bend lines 5065 form a fifth subset of channels 5088. The fifth subset of bend lines 5065 and the sixth subset of bend lines 5067 form a sixth subset of channels 5091. The second subset of bend lines 5062, the third subset of bend lines 5063, the fourth subset of bend lines 5064, the fifth subset of bend lines 5065, and the sixth subset of bend lines 5067 taper in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the upstream inlet 5022 toward the downstream outlet 5024. Thus, as the first group of channels 5050 and the second group of channels 5052 extend axially along the axial direction 28 toward the downstream outlet 5024, the first group of channels 5050 and the second group of channels 5052 have a transverse channel height that decreases along the transverse direction 40. The first group of channels 5050 and the second group of channels 5052 taper in the axial direction at Figure 55-Figure 60 Various positions along the axial direction 28 are shown.

[0306] like Fig.52 As shown, the sixth subset of bending lines 5067 and the fifth subset of bending lines 5065 extend in the axial direction 28 from the upstream inlet 5022 toward the downstream outlet 5024 and terminate at the termination point 5070 of the seventh subset of bending lines 5066 adjacent to the first fourth group of channels 5060.

[0307] The sixth subset of bending lines 5067 and the fifth subset of bending lines 5065 are angled toward a termination point 5070 at the neutral axis 5102. The fourth subset of bending lines 5064 extend in the axial direction 28 from the upstream inlet 5022 toward the downstream outlet 5024 and terminate at a termination point 5072 adjacent to the eighth subset of bending lines 5068. The first subset of bending lines 5061, the second subset of bending lines 5062, and the third subset of bending lines 5063 extend in the axial direction 28 from the upstream inlet 5022 toward the downstream outlet 5024 and terminate at a termination point 5070 adjacent to the seventh subset of bending lines 5066 of the second fourth group of channels 5060. The first subset of bending lines 5061, the second subset of bending lines 5062, and the third subset of bending lines 5063 are angled toward a termination point 5070 at the neutral axis 5102.

[0308] The second group of bend lines 5032 includes a seventh subset of bend lines 5066 defining the third group of channels 5058 and an eighth subset of bend lines 5068 defining the fourth group of channels 5060. Each channel in the third group of channels 5058 is v-shaped having a height 5412 in the transverse direction 40 and a width 5402 in the lateral direction 44. The eighth subset of bend lines 5068 tapers in the transverse direction 40 as they extend axially from the downstream outlet 5024 toward the upstream inlet 5022. The taper of the eighth subset of bend lines 5068 in the transverse direction 40 provides a reduced transverse channel height 38 of the fourth group of channels 5060.

[0309] The incoming dirty fluid 5080 to be filtered flows into the open channels 5050 at the upstream inlet 5022 in the axial direction 28 and passes laterally and / or transversely through the filter medium wall segments of the filter medium 5020 and then flows axially in the axial direction 28 through the open channels 5060 at the downstream outlet 5024 as a clean filtered fluid 5090. The fourth subset of bend lines 5064 provides lateral cross-flow across the fourth subset of bend lines 5064 in the lateral direction 44 between the individual channels downstream of the upstream inlet 5022. The eighth subset of bend lines 5068 provides lateral cross-flow across the eighth subset of bend lines 5068 in the lateral direction 44 between the individual channels upstream of the downstream outlet 5024. The third subset of bend lines 5063 and the sixth subset of bend lines 5068 have an axially overlapping section, and the mentioned lateral cross-flow is provided at least at the axially overlapping section. In some embodiments, the flow through the filter medium 5020 is reversed so that the incoming dirty fluid to be filtered flows into the open channel 5060 along the axial direction 28 and passes laterally and / or transversely through the filter medium wall segments of the filter medium 5020, and then flows axially through the open channel 5050 along the axial direction 28 as a clean filtered fluid.

[0310] Reference Fig.55, a cross-sectional view 5500 of the filter media pack 5000 is shown. The cross section is taken along the axial direction 28 generally toward the upstream inlet 5022. A differential pressure occurs across the media surface (e.g., at location 5502). Fig.56 , shows a cross-sectional view 5600 of the filter media pack 5000. The cross section is taken along the axial direction 28 generally toward the upstream inlet 5022 and downstream of the cross-sectional view 5500. A differential pressure occurs across the media surface (eg, at location 5602).

[0311] Steering Fig.57 , shows a cross-sectional view 5700 of the filter media pack 5000. The cross section is taken along the axial direction 28 generally toward the neutral axis 5102 and downstream of the cross-sectional view 5600. A differential pressure occurs across the media surface (eg, at location 5702).

[0312] Fig.58 A cross-sectional view 5800 of the filter media pack 5000 is shown. The cross section is taken along the axial direction 28 generally toward the neutral axis 5102, along the downstream section 5172, and downstream of the cross-sectional view 5700. A differential pressure occurs across the media surface (eg, at location 5802).

[0313] Steering Fig.59 , shows a cross-sectional view 5900 of the filter media pack 5000. The cross section is taken along the axial direction 28 generally toward the downstream outlet 5024 and downstream of the cross-sectional view 5800. A differential pressure occurs across the media surface (eg, at location 5902).

[0314] exist Fig.60 , a cross-sectional view 6000 of the filter media pack 5000 is shown. The cross section is taken along the axial direction 28 generally toward the downstream outlet 5024 and downstream of the cross-sectional view 5900. A differential pressure occurs across the media surface (eg, at location 6002).

[0315] Go to Figure 61-65B, various embodiments and examples of pleated filter media that can be formed into complex shapes without the use of pleat tip spacers are shown. Current methods for forming pleated filter media into cylindrical, oval, racetrack, or arcuate configurations typically employ the use of pleat tip spacers that are arranged at the pleat tips and sized to fan out the filter pack into a curved configuration. The pleat tip spacers may include, for example, dimples, eyes, lips, and footballs. All of these conventional methods for spacing and spreading pleats increase the resistance to fluid flow across the pleat pack due to the feature of forming partially blocked passages for fluid to enter between the pleats. The various embodiments of pleated filter media described herein can be formed into complex shapes without the use of pleat tip spacers.

[0316] like Fig.61 and Fig.62 As shown, the pleated filter medium 6012 includes a first group of protrusions 6014a formed in a linear array on the surface of the pleated filter medium 6012. Each protrusion in the first group of protrusions 6014a is tapered, and each protrusion increases in thickness from its first end near the first bending line X to the second bending line Y1. In addition, the second group of protrusions 6014b are formed in a linear array on the surface of the pleated filter medium 6012, parallel to the first group of protrusions 6014a on the opposite side of the first bending line X. The second group of protrusions 6014b are also tapered and increase in thickness from the first bending line X to a third bending line Y2 opposite to the second bending line Y1.

[0317] A plurality of protrusions in the first set of protrusions 6014a and the second set of protrusions 6014b are formed in a repeating pattern along the length of the pleated filter media 6012. In some embodiments, the protrusions 6014a / 6014b may be formed using a die, mold, or stamping, such as by being stamped into the pleated filter media 6012. The pleated filter media 6012 is formed into a pleated filter media by bending the pleated filter media 6012 along a first bend line X to move the first set of protrusions 6014a toward the second set of protrusions 6014b, and then bending the pleated filter media 6012 in opposite directions along a second bend line Y1 and a third bend line Y2, and repeating the pattern to obtain a pleated filter media.

[0318] In this manner, any shaped pleated filter media can be formed without the use of pleat tip spacers. For example, Fig.63 Shows the use of Fig.61 and Fig.626010 is a top view of a pleated filter media 6010 formed of a pleated filter media 6012. The first set of protrusions 6014a and the second set of protrusions 6014b abut one another and act as spacers, while their tapered profiles cause the pleats of the pleated filter media to angle or fan out. A first linear end of the pleated filter media 6012 is coupled to an opposite end thereof such that the pleated filter media 6010 has a circular cross-section and defines a central channel 6018 therein.

[0319] Fig.64A is a front view of another pleated filter media 6110 according to another embodiment, and Fig.64B is a front perspective view of another pleated filter media 6110. The pleated filter media 6110 may be formed and similar to Fig.61 and Fig.62 The pleated filter medium 6012 is formed in a racetrack shape using a pleated filter medium having protrusions 6014 (e.g., a first set of protrusions 6014a and a second set of protrusions 6014b) defined therein. In this embodiment, a first portion 6114 of the pleated filter medium used to form the pleated filter medium 6110 includes tapered protrusions 6014 used to form a curved end portion of the pleated filter medium 6110, and a second portion 6116 of the pleated filter medium includes flat protrusions (i.e., having a uniform height) used to form a linear portion of the pleated filter medium 6110.

[0320] Fig.65A is a front view of yet another pleated filter medium 6510 according to yet another embodiment, and Fig.65B is a front perspective view of yet another pleated filter medium 6510. The pleated filter medium 6212 may be formed and similar to Fig.61 and Fig.62 The pleated filter medium 6510 is formed in a triangular shape. The first portion 6514 of the pleated filter medium 6510 includes a tapered protrusion for forming a curved end portion of the pleated filter medium 6510, and the second portion 6516 of the pleated filter medium 6510 is used to form a linear portion of the pleated filter medium 6510.

[0321] Within the scope of the present embodiment, the concepts, structures, and other features of the embodiments of the filter media described herein may be implemented on another embodiment of the filter media described herein. As an example, even if Fig.34 The filter medium layer 3420 is specifically described as being similar to Figure 31A-Figure 31B However, the design concepts and one or more features of the filter media layer 3420 may also be implemented in Figure 5-Figure 8 , Figure 20-Figure 29 In other words, the filter media of the embodiment in the figure is similar to other embodiments of the filter media embodiments described in other figures to achieve one or more features, structures, elements, etc.

[0322] It should be noted that the term "example" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily unusual or best examples).

[0323] As utilized herein, the term "substantially" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. Those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow for the description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or changes (e.g., within plus or minus five percent of a given angle or other value) of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention referred to in the appended claims. The term "approximately," when used with respect to a numerical value, means plus or minus five percent of the associated value.

[0324] The terms "coupled," "connected," and similar terms as used herein mean that two components are joined directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with two components or two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or with two components or two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.

[0325] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in the present disclosure, those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of the various elements, the values ​​of the parameters, the mounting arrangements, the use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0326] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of any embodiment or the scope that can be claimed, but rather as a description of the features of a specific implementation for a specific embodiment. Certain features described in the context of separate implementations in this specification may also be implemented in a single implementation in combination. Conversely, the individual features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations. In addition, although the features may be described above as working in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may be deleted from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may involve a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

Claims

1. A filter element, the filter element defining an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet, the downstream outlet being disposed axially away from the upstream inlet in an axial direction, the downstream outlet extending laterally in a lateral direction substantially parallel to the upstream inlet, the axial direction being substantially perpendicular to the upstream inlet and the downstream outlet, the lateral direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction; The filter element includes a filter media layer folded along a plurality of fold lines between the upstream inlet and the downstream outlet; The plurality of bending lines include: a first set of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet toward the downstream outlet, the first set of bend lines comprising: a first subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward a first termination point adjacent the downstream outlet; and a second subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward the downstream outlet, the second subset of bend lines tapering in a transverse direction as the second subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and the lateral direction, the second subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the second subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between the axial channels downstream of the upstream inlet; a second set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the upstream inlet, the second set of bend lines comprising: a third subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet; and a fourth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the upstream inlet, the fourth subset of bend lines tapering in the lateral direction as the fourth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the fourth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the fourth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between channels upstream of the downstream outlet; A plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bend lines, the plurality of wall segments extending axially and defining an axial channel therebetween, the plurality of wall segments defining a first serpentine span extending laterally, the first serpentine span comprising a first plurality of repeating spans, each span of the first plurality of repeating spans comprising: a first wall segment, an outer surface of the first wall segment defining a portion of a first channel; a second wall segment laterally adjacent the first wall segment and a bend line of the second subset of bend lines that meet the first wall segment, the inner surface of the first wall segment and the inner surface of the second wall segment defining a portion of a second channel, the second channel being interlaced with the first channel; a third wall segment laterally adjacent to the second wall segment, an outer surface of the third wall segment defining a portion of a third channel; and a fourth wall segment laterally adjacent the third wall segment and a bend line of the fourth subset of bend lines that meet the third wall segment, an inner surface of the third wall segment and an inner surface of the fourth wall segment defining a portion of a fourth channel, the fourth channel being interlaced with the third channel, each of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel having a height along the transverse direction and a lateral width along the lateral direction; and The filter element includes a plurality of protrusions along the first subgroup bending line and the third subgroup bending line, each of the plurality of protrusions extending in the lateral direction from one of the plurality of wall segments to an adjacent wall segment of the plurality of wall segments, the plurality of protrusions protruding into the first channel and the third channel, and the plurality of protrusions being configured to generate additional cross-flow due to the additional cross-flow path.

2. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein The second subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction extends toward the first termination point, and wherein the fourth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction extends toward the second termination point.

3. The filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of bending lines is a first plurality of bending lines, wherein the plurality of wall segments is a first plurality of wall segments, and the filter element further comprises a repeating axis disposed upstream of the downstream outlet, the filter element folding along a second plurality of bending lines between the repeating axis and the downstream outlet, the second plurality of bending lines comprising: a third set of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis toward the downstream outlet, the third set of bend lines comprising: a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the axis of repetition in the axial direction toward a third termination point adjacent the downstream outlet; and a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis in the axial direction toward the third termination point, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the sixth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the sixth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between axial channels downstream of the repeating axis; a fourth set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the repeating axis, the fourth set of bend lines comprising: a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a fourth termination point adjacent the axis of repeating; and an eighth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the fourth termination point, the eighth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the eighth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the eighth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the eighth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between channels upstream of the downstream outlet; A second plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the second plurality of bend lines, the second plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the second plurality of wall segments, the second plurality of wall segments define a second serpentine span extending laterally, the second serpentine span comprising a second plurality of repeating spans, each span of the second plurality of repeating spans comprising: a fifth wall segment, an outer surface of the fifth wall segment defining a portion of a fifth channel; a sixth wall segment laterally adjacent the fifth wall segment and a bend line of the sixth subset of bend lines that meet the fifth wall segment, the inner surface of the fifth wall segment and the inner surface of the sixth wall segment defining a portion of a sixth channel, the sixth channel being interlaced with the fifth channel; a seventh wall segment laterally adjacent to the sixth wall segment, an outer surface of the seventh wall segment defining a portion of a seventh channel; and An eighth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the seventh wall segment and to a bending line in the eighth subset of bending lines that converges onto the seventh wall segment, wherein an inner surface of the seventh wall segment and an inner surface of the eighth wall segment define a portion of an eighth channel, and the eighth channel is staggered with the seventh channel.

4. The filter element according to claim 3, wherein The fifth wall segment is connected to the third wall segment, and the sixth wall segment is connected to the fourth wall segment, and wherein the sixth channel is adjacent to and in fluid communication with the fourth channel.

5. The filter element according to claim 3, wherein: The first termination point is adjacent to a bend line in the fifth subset of bend lines.

6. The filter element according to claim 3, wherein: The third end point is located axially downstream of the second end point in the axial direction.

7. The filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of bending lines is a first plurality of bending lines, wherein the plurality of wall segments is a first plurality of wall segments, the filter element further comprising a repeating axis disposed upstream of the downstream outlet, the filter element folding along a second plurality of bending lines between the repeating axis and the downstream outlet, the second plurality of bending lines comprising: a third set of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis toward the downstream outlet, the third set of bend lines comprising: a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the axis of repetition in the axial direction toward a third termination point adjacent the downstream outlet; and a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis in the axial direction toward the third termination point, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the sixth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the sixth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between axial channels downstream of the repeating axis; a fourth set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the repeating axis, the fourth set of bend lines comprising: a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet along the axial direction toward a fourth termination point adjacent the axis of repeating; and an eighth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the fourth termination point, the eighth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the eighth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the eighth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the eighth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between axial channels downstream of the repeating axis; A second plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the second plurality of bend lines, the second plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the second plurality of wall segments, the second plurality of wall segments define a second serpentine span extending laterally, the second serpentine span comprising a second plurality of repeating spans, each span of the second plurality of repeating spans comprising: a fifth wall segment, an outer surface of the fifth wall segment defining a portion of a fifth channel; a sixth wall segment laterally adjacent the fifth wall segment and a bend line of the sixth subset of bend lines that meet the fifth wall segment, the inner surface of the fifth wall segment and the inner surface of the sixth wall segment defining a portion of a sixth channel, the sixth channel being interlaced with the fifth channel; a seventh wall segment laterally adjacent to the sixth wall segment, an outer surface of the seventh wall segment defining a portion of a seventh channel; and An eighth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the seventh wall segment and to a bending line in the eighth subset of bending lines that converges onto the seventh wall segment, wherein an inner surface of the seventh wall segment and an inner surface of the eighth wall segment define a portion of an eighth channel, and the eighth channel is staggered with the seventh channel.

8. The filter element according to claim 7, wherein The seventh wall segment is connected to the third wall segment, and the eighth wall segment is connected to the fourth wall segment, and wherein the seventh channel is adjacent to and in fluid communication with the fourth channel.

9. The filter element according to claim 7, wherein: The first end point is adjacent to the third end point.

10. The filter element of claim 7, wherein: The fourth end point is located axially downstream of the second end point in the axial direction.

11. The filter element according to any one of claims 1-2, 4-6 and 8-10, wherein The first wall segment and the second wall segment form a first set of wall segments that are alternately sealed from each other at the upstream inlet along the first serpentine span so that the first channel has an open upstream end along the first serpentine span and the second channel has a closed upstream end along the first serpentine span.

12. The filter element according to any one of claims 1-2, 4-6 and 8-10, wherein Each of the plurality of relief portions is a negative relief portion extending downward in the transverse direction.

13. The filter element of any one of claims 1-2, 4-6, and 8-10, each of the plurality of projections extending in the lateral direction from the first wall segment toward the second wall segment along each of the first plurality of repeating spans of the first serpentine span.

14. A filter element according to any one of claims 1-2, 4-6 and 8-10, wherein the filter element further comprises a plurality of protrusions along the bending line of the fourth subgroup, each of the plurality of protrusions along the bending line of the fourth subgroup extending in the lateral direction from one of the plurality of wall segments to an adjacent wall segment of the plurality of wall segments.

15. A filter element according to any one of claims 1-2, 4-6 and 8-10, wherein the filter element further comprises a plurality of protrusions along the bending line of the fourth subgroup, each of the plurality of protrusions along the bending line of the fourth subgroup extending in the lateral direction from the third wall segment toward the fourth wall segment along each span of the first plurality of repeated spans of the first serpentine span.

16. The filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of bending lines is a first plurality of bending lines, wherein the plurality of wall segments is a first plurality of wall segments, the filter element further comprises a neutral axis disposed upstream of the downstream outlet, the second subset of bending lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction extending toward a third termination point along the neutral axis, the third subset of bending lines extending axially in the axial direction extending toward a fourth termination point along the neutral axis, the filter element folding along a second plurality of bending lines between the neutral axis and the downstream outlet, the second plurality of bending lines comprising: a third set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the neutral axis, the third set of bend lines comprising: a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a fifth termination point along the neutral axis; and a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the first termination point, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction; a fourth set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the neutral axis, the fourth set of bend lines comprising: a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the third termination point along the neutral axis; and an eighth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the fourth termination point along the neutral axis, the eighth subset of bend lines tapering in a transverse direction as the eighth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction; A second plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the second plurality of bend lines, the second plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the second plurality of wall segments, the second plurality of wall segments define a second serpentine span extending laterally, the second serpentine span comprising a second plurality of repeating spans, each span of the second plurality of repeating spans comprising: a fifth wall segment, an inner surface of the fifth wall segment defining a portion of a fifth channel; a sixth wall segment laterally adjacent the fifth wall segment and a bend line of the sixth subset of bend lines that meet the fifth wall segment, the outer surface of the fifth wall segment and the outer surface of the sixth wall segment defining a portion of a sixth channel, the sixth channel being interlaced with the fifth channel; a seventh wall segment laterally adjacent to the sixth wall segment, an inner surface of the seventh wall segment defining a portion of a seventh channel; and An eighth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the seventh wall segment and to a bending line in the eighth subset of bending lines that converges onto the seventh wall segment, wherein an inner surface of the seventh wall segment and an inner surface of the eighth wall segment define a portion of an eighth channel, and the eighth channel is staggered with the seventh channel.

17. The filter element of claim 16, wherein: The first wall segment in each span of the first plurality of repeated spans is connected to the sixth wall segment in each span of the second plurality of repeated spans along the neutral axis, the second wall segment in each span of the first plurality of repeated spans is connected to the seventh wall segment in each span of the second plurality of repeated spans along the neutral axis, and the third wall segment in each span of the first plurality of repeated spans is connected to the eighth wall segment in each span of the second plurality of repeated spans along the neutral axis.

18. The filter element of claim 16, wherein: The first channel in each span of the first plurality of repeating spans is adjacent to the sixth channel in each span of the second plurality of repeating spans along the neutral axis, the second channel in each span of the first plurality of repeating spans is adjacent to the seventh channel in each span of the second plurality of repeating spans along the neutral axis, and the third channel in each span of the first plurality of repeating spans is adjacent to the eighth channel in each span of the second plurality of repeating spans along the neutral axis.

19. A filter element according to claim 17 or 18, wherein The second passage tapers downwardly in the transverse direction axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward the neutral axis, and the seventh passage tapers upwardly in the transverse direction axially from the neutral axis in the axial direction toward the downstream outlet.

20. The filter element of claim 16, wherein: The first wall segment and the second wall segment form a first set of wall segments that are alternately sealed from each other at the upstream inlet along the first serpentine span so that the first channel has an open upstream end along the first serpentine span and the second channel has a closed upstream end along the first serpentine span.

21. A filter assembly comprising: A filter element, the filter element comprising: a filter medium comprising a plurality of filter medium layers stacked on top of each other in a transverse direction to form the filter medium, the filter medium having an inlet surface at an inlet portion of the filter medium and an outlet surface at an outlet portion of the filter medium, the outlet portion being disposed axially away from the inlet portion in an axial direction, the axial direction being substantially perpendicular to the inlet surface and the outlet surface, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, each of the plurality of filter media layers is folded along a plurality of bend lines between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and each of the plurality of filter media layers includes a plurality of wall segments extending in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bend lines, the plurality of wall segments extending axially and defining an axial passageway between the plurality of wall segments; A sealing member, wherein: Around the inlet portion of the filter medium, disposed adjacent the inlet surface; or disposed about the outlet portion of the filter media adjacent the outlet surface; and a support rib fixed to a surface of the filter medium via an adhesive, the support rib extending in the axial direction from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion, the support rib including (i) a base portion adjacent to one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion and (ii) a beam portion extending from the base portion toward an opposite one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the support rib being configured to maintain a structure of the filter element; wherein the filter element defines an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet, the downstream outlet being disposed axially away from the upstream inlet in the axial direction, the downstream outlet extending laterally substantially parallel to the upstream inlet in a lateral direction, the lateral direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction; The plurality of bending lines include: a first set of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet toward the downstream outlet, the first set of bend lines comprising: a first subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward a first termination point adjacent the downstream outlet; and a second subset of bend lines extending axially in the axial direction from the upstream inlet toward the first termination point adjacent the downstream outlet, the second subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the second subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction; a third subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward the first termination point adjacent the downstream outlet, the third subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the third subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction; and a fourth subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward the first termination point adjacent the downstream outlet, the fourth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the fourth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction; a plurality of wall segments extending in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bend lines, the plurality of wall segments extending axially and defining an axial channel therebetween, the plurality of wall segments defining a laterally extending serpentine span, the serpentine span comprising a plurality of repeating spans, each span of the plurality of repeating spans comprising: a first wall segment, an outer surface of the first wall segment defining a first portion of a first channel; a first angled wall segment laterally adjacent the first wall segment and a bend line of the second subset of bend lines that meet the first wall segment, the outer surface of the first angled wall segment defining a second portion of the first channel; a second angled wall segment laterally adjacent the first angled wall segment and a bend line of the third subset of bend lines that meet the first angled wall segment; and A second wall segment is laterally adjacent to the second angled wall segment and the bending line of the fourth subset of bending lines that meet the second angled wall segment, and the inner surface of the first wall segment, the inner surface of the first angled wall segment, the inner surface of the second angled wall segment, and the inner surface of the second wall segment define a portion of a second channel, and the second channel is staggered with the first channel.

22. The filter assembly of claim 21, wherein: An outer surface of the second angled wall segment and an outer surface of the second wall segment define a third channel.

23. The filter assembly of claim 21, wherein: The inner surface of the first angled wall segment and the inner surface of the second angled wall segment form an upper portion of the second channel, and wherein the inner surface of the first wall segment and the inner surface of the second wall segment form a lower portion of the second channel.

24. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein: The filter element further includes a second set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the upstream inlet, the second set of bend lines comprising: a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet; and a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction; a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet, the seventh subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the seventh subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction; and an eighth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet, the eighth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the eighth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction; Each of the plurality of repeating spans of the serpentine span further comprises: a third wall segment, an outer surface of the third wall segment defining a first portion of a third channel; a third angled wall segment laterally adjacent the third wall segment and a bend line of the sixth subset of bend lines that meet the third wall segment, an outer surface of the third angled wall segment defining a second portion of the third channel; a fourth angled wall segment laterally adjacent said third angled wall segment and a bend line of said seventh subset of bend lines that meet said third angled wall segment; and A fourth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the fourth angled wall segment and the bending line of the eighth subset of bending lines that converges to the fourth angled wall segment, and the inner surface of the third wall segment, the inner surface of the third angled wall segment, the inner surface of the fourth angled wall segment, and the inner surface of the fourth wall segment define a portion of a fourth channel, and the fourth channel is staggered with the third channel.

25. The filter assembly of claim 24, wherein: The second subgroup bending lines, the third subgroup bending lines and the fourth subgroup bending lines provide lateral cross-flows across the second subgroup bending lines, the third subgroup bending lines and the fourth subgroup bending lines along the lateral direction between the axial channels downstream of the upstream inlet, and wherein the sixth subgroup bending lines, the seventh subgroup bending lines and the eighth subgroup bending lines provide lateral cross-flows across the sixth subgroup bending lines, the seventh subgroup bending lines and the eighth subgroup bending lines along the lateral direction between the channels upstream of the downstream outlet.

26. The filter assembly of claim 24, wherein: The sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet is substantially straight in the axial direction.

27. A filter assembly comprising: A filter element, the filter element comprising: a filter medium comprising a plurality of filter medium layers stacked on top of each other in a transverse direction to form the filter medium, the filter medium having an inlet surface at an inlet portion of the filter medium and an outlet surface at an outlet portion of the filter medium, the outlet portion being disposed axially away from the inlet portion in an axial direction, the axial direction being substantially perpendicular to the inlet surface and the outlet surface, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, each of the plurality of filter media layers is folded along a plurality of bend lines between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and each of the plurality of filter media layers includes a plurality of wall segments extending in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bend lines, the plurality of wall segments extending axially and defining an axial passageway between the plurality of wall segments; A sealing member, wherein: Around the inlet portion of the filter medium, disposed adjacent the inlet surface; or disposed about the outlet portion of the filter media adjacent the outlet surface; and a support rib fixed to a surface of the filter medium via an adhesive, the support rib extending in the axial direction from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion, the support rib including (i) a base portion adjacent to one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion and (ii) a beam portion extending from the base portion toward an opposite one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the support rib being configured to maintain a structure of the filter element; wherein the filter element defines an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet, the downstream outlet being disposed axially away from the upstream inlet in the axial direction, the downstream outlet extending laterally substantially parallel to the upstream inlet in a lateral direction, the lateral direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction; The plurality of bending lines include: a first set of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet toward the downstream outlet, the first set of bend lines comprising: a first subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward a first termination point adjacent the downstream outlet; and a second subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward the downstream outlet, the second subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the second subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the second subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the second subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between the axial channels downstream of the upstream inlet; a second set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the upstream inlet, the second set of bend lines comprising: a third subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet; and a fourth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the upstream inlet, the fourth subset of bend lines tapering in the lateral direction as the fourth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the fourth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the fourth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between channels upstream of the downstream outlet; A plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bend lines, the plurality of wall segments extending axially and defining an axial channel therebetween, the plurality of wall segments defining a first serpentine span extending laterally, the first serpentine span comprising a first plurality of repeating spans, each span of the first plurality of repeating spans comprising: a first wall segment, an outer surface of the first wall segment defining a portion of a first channel; a second wall segment laterally adjacent the first wall segment and a bend line of the second subset of bend lines that meet the first wall segment, the inner surface of the first wall segment and the inner surface of the second wall segment defining a portion of a second channel, the second channel being interlaced with the first channel; a third wall segment laterally adjacent to the second wall segment, an outer surface of the third wall segment defining a portion of a third channel; and a fourth wall segment laterally adjacent to the third wall segment and to a bend line in the fourth subset of bend lines that meet the third wall segment, an inner surface of the third wall segment and an inner surface of the fourth wall segment defining a portion of a fourth channel, the fourth channel being interlaced with the third channel, each of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel having a height along the transverse direction and a lateral width along the lateral direction, wherein the second subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction extends toward the first termination point, and wherein the fourth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction extends toward the second termination point, wherein the plurality of bending lines is a first plurality of bending lines, wherein the plurality of wall segments is a first plurality of wall segments, and the filter element further comprises a repeating axis disposed upstream of the downstream outlet, the filter element folding along a second plurality of bending lines between the repeating axis and the downstream outlet, the second plurality of bending lines comprising: a third set of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis toward the downstream outlet, the third set of bend lines comprising: a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the axis of repetition in the axial direction toward a third termination point adjacent the downstream outlet; and a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis in the axial direction toward the third termination point, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the sixth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the sixth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between axial channels downstream of the repeating axis; a fourth set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the repeating axis, the fourth set of bend lines comprising: a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a fourth termination point adjacent the axis of repeating; and an eighth subset of bending lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the fourth termination point, the eighth subset of bending lines tapering in the transverse direction as the eighth subset of bending lines extend axially in the axial direction, the eighth subset of bending lines providing lateral cross flow across the eighth subset of bending lines in the lateral direction between channels upstream of the downstream outlet; A second plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the second plurality of bend lines, the second plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the second plurality of wall segments, the second plurality of wall segments define a second serpentine span extending laterally, the second serpentine span comprising a second plurality of repeating spans, each span of the second plurality of repeating spans comprising: a fifth wall segment, an outer surface of the fifth wall segment defining a portion of a fifth channel; a sixth wall segment laterally adjacent the fifth wall segment and a bend line of the sixth subset of bend lines that meet the fifth wall segment, the inner surface of the fifth wall segment and the inner surface of the sixth wall segment defining a portion of a sixth channel, the sixth channel being interlaced with the fifth channel; a seventh wall segment laterally adjacent to the sixth wall segment, an outer surface of the seventh wall segment defining a portion of a seventh channel; and An eighth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the seventh wall segment and to a bending line in the eighth subset of bending lines that converges onto the seventh wall segment, wherein an inner surface of the seventh wall segment and an inner surface of the eighth wall segment define a portion of an eighth channel, and the eighth channel is staggered with the seventh channel.

28. The filter assembly of claim 27, wherein: The fifth wall segment is connected to the third wall segment, and the sixth wall segment is connected to the fourth wall segment, and wherein the sixth channel is adjacent to and in fluid communication with the fourth channel.

29. A filter assembly according to claim 27 or 28, wherein The first termination point is adjacent to a bend line in the fifth subset of bend lines.

30. A filter assembly according to claim 27 or 28, wherein The third end point is located axially downstream of the second end point in the axial direction.

31. A filter assembly comprising: A filter element, the filter element comprising: a filter medium comprising a plurality of filter medium layers stacked on top of each other in a transverse direction to form the filter medium, the filter medium having an inlet surface at an inlet portion of the filter medium and an outlet surface at an outlet portion of the filter medium, the outlet portion being disposed axially away from the inlet portion in an axial direction, the axial direction being substantially perpendicular to the inlet surface and the outlet surface, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, each of the plurality of filter media layers is folded along a plurality of bend lines between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and each of the plurality of filter media layers includes a plurality of wall segments extending in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bend lines, the plurality of wall segments extending axially and defining an axial passageway between the plurality of wall segments; A sealing member, wherein: Around the inlet portion of the filter medium, disposed adjacent the inlet surface; or disposed about the outlet portion of the filter media adjacent the outlet surface; and a support rib fixed to a surface of the filter medium via an adhesive, the support rib extending in the axial direction from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion, the support rib including (i) a base portion adjacent to one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion and (ii) a beam portion extending from the base portion toward an opposite one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the support rib being configured to maintain a structure of the filter element; wherein the filter element defines an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet, the downstream outlet being disposed axially away from the upstream inlet in the axial direction, the downstream outlet extending laterally substantially parallel to the upstream inlet in a lateral direction, the lateral direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction; The plurality of bending lines include: a first set of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet toward the downstream outlet, the first set of bend lines comprising: a first subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward a first termination point adjacent the downstream outlet; and a second subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward the downstream outlet, the second subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the second subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the second subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the second subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between the axial channels downstream of the upstream inlet; a second set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the upstream inlet, the second set of bend lines comprising: a third subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet; and a fourth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the upstream inlet, the fourth subset of bend lines tapering in the lateral direction as the fourth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the fourth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the fourth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between channels upstream of the downstream outlet; A plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bend lines, the plurality of wall segments extending axially and defining an axial channel therebetween, the plurality of wall segments defining a first serpentine span extending laterally, the first serpentine span comprising a first plurality of repeating spans, each span of the first plurality of repeating spans comprising: a first wall segment, an outer surface of the first wall segment defining a portion of a first channel; a second wall segment laterally adjacent the first wall segment and a bend line of the second subset of bend lines that meet the first wall segment, the inner surface of the first wall segment and the inner surface of the second wall segment defining a portion of a second channel, the second channel being interlaced with the first channel; a third wall segment laterally adjacent to the second wall segment, an outer surface of the third wall segment defining a portion of a third channel; and a fourth wall segment laterally adjacent to the third wall segment and to a bend line in the fourth subset of bend lines that meet the third wall segment, an inner surface of the third wall segment and an inner surface of the fourth wall segment defining a portion of a fourth channel, the fourth channel being interlaced with the third channel, each of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel having a height along the transverse direction and a lateral width along the lateral direction, wherein the second subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction extends toward the first termination point, and wherein the fourth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction extends toward the second termination point, wherein the plurality of bending lines is a first plurality of bending lines, wherein the plurality of wall segments is a first plurality of wall segments, and the filter element further comprises a repeating axis disposed upstream of the downstream outlet, the filter element folding along a second plurality of bending lines between the repeating axis and the downstream outlet, the second plurality of bending lines comprising: a third set of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis toward the downstream outlet, the third set of bend lines comprising: a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the axis of repetition in the axial direction toward a third termination point adjacent the downstream outlet; and a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the repeating axis in the axial direction toward the third termination point, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the sixth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the sixth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between axial channels downstream of the repeating axis; a fourth set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the repeating axis, the fourth set of bend lines comprising: a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a fourth termination point adjacent the axis of repeating; and an eighth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the fourth termination point, the eighth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the eighth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the eighth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the eighth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between axial channels downstream of the repeating axis; A second plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the second plurality of bend lines, the second plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the second plurality of wall segments, the second plurality of wall segments define a second serpentine span extending laterally, the second serpentine span comprising a second plurality of repeating spans, each span of the second plurality of repeating spans comprising: a fifth wall segment, an outer surface of the fifth wall segment defining a portion of a fifth channel; a sixth wall segment laterally adjacent the fifth wall segment and a bend line of the sixth subset of bend lines that meet the fifth wall segment, the inner surface of the fifth wall segment and the inner surface of the sixth wall segment defining a portion of a sixth channel, the sixth channel being interlaced with the fifth channel; a seventh wall segment laterally adjacent to the sixth wall segment, an outer surface of the seventh wall segment defining a portion of a seventh channel; and An eighth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the seventh wall segment and to a bending line in the eighth subset of bending lines that converges onto the seventh wall segment, wherein an inner surface of the seventh wall segment and an inner surface of the eighth wall segment define a portion of an eighth channel, and the eighth channel is staggered with the seventh channel.

32. The filter assembly of claim 31, wherein: The seventh wall segment is connected to the third wall segment, and the eighth wall segment is connected to the fourth wall segment, and wherein the seventh channel is adjacent to and in fluid communication with the fourth channel.

33. A filter assembly according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: The first end point is adjacent to the third end point.

34. A filter assembly according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: The fourth end point is located axially downstream of the second end point in the axial direction.

35. A filter assembly comprising: A filter element, the filter element comprising: a filter medium comprising a plurality of filter medium layers stacked on top of each other in a transverse direction to form the filter medium, the filter medium having an inlet surface at an inlet portion of the filter medium and an outlet surface at an outlet portion of the filter medium, the outlet portion being disposed axially away from the inlet portion in an axial direction, the axial direction being substantially perpendicular to the inlet surface and the outlet surface, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, each of the plurality of filter media layers is folded along a plurality of bend lines between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and each of the plurality of filter media layers includes a plurality of wall segments extending in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bend lines, the plurality of wall segments extending axially and defining an axial passageway between the plurality of wall segments; A sealing member, wherein: Around the inlet portion of the filter medium, disposed adjacent the inlet surface; or disposed about the outlet portion of the filter media adjacent the outlet surface; and a support rib fixed to a surface of the filter medium via an adhesive, the support rib extending in the axial direction from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion, the support rib including (i) a base portion adjacent to one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion and (ii) a beam portion extending from the base portion toward an opposite one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the support rib being configured to maintain a structure of the filter element; wherein the filter element defines an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet, the downstream outlet being disposed axially away from the upstream inlet in the axial direction, the downstream outlet extending laterally substantially parallel to the upstream inlet in a lateral direction, the lateral direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction; The plurality of bending lines include: a first set of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet toward the downstream outlet, the first set of bend lines comprising: a first subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward a first termination point adjacent the downstream outlet; and a second subset of bend lines extending axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward the downstream outlet, the second subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the second subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the second subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the second subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between the axial channels downstream of the upstream inlet; a second set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the upstream inlet, the second set of bend lines comprising: a third subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a second termination point adjacent the upstream inlet; and a fourth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the upstream inlet, the fourth subset of bend lines tapering in the lateral direction as the fourth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction, the fourth subset of bend lines providing lateral cross flow across the fourth subset of bend lines in the lateral direction between channels upstream of the downstream outlet; A plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the plurality of bend lines, the plurality of wall segments extending axially and defining an axial channel therebetween, the plurality of wall segments defining a first serpentine span extending laterally, the first serpentine span comprising a first plurality of repeating spans, each span of the first plurality of repeating spans comprising: a first wall segment, an outer surface of the first wall segment defining a portion of a first channel; a second wall segment laterally adjacent the first wall segment and a bend line of the second subset of bend lines that meet the first wall segment, the inner surface of the first wall segment and the inner surface of the second wall segment defining a portion of a second channel, the second channel being interlaced with the first channel; a third wall segment laterally adjacent to the second wall segment, an outer surface of the third wall segment defining a portion of a third channel; and a fourth wall segment laterally adjacent to the third wall segment and to a bend line in the fourth subset of bend lines that meet the third wall segment, an inner surface of the third wall segment and an inner surface of the fourth wall segment defining a portion of a fourth channel, the fourth channel being interlaced with the third channel, each of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel having a height along the transverse direction and a lateral width along the lateral direction, wherein the plurality of bending lines is a first plurality of bending lines, wherein the plurality of wall segments is a first plurality of wall segments, the filter element further comprises a neutral axis disposed upstream of the downstream outlet, the second subset of bending lines extending axially from the upstream inlet along the axial direction extending toward a third termination point along the neutral axis, the third subset of bending lines extending axially along the axial direction extending toward a fourth termination point along the neutral axis, the filter element folding along a second plurality of bending lines between the neutral axis and the downstream outlet, the second plurality of bending lines comprising: a third set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the neutral axis, the third set of bend lines comprising: a fifth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward a fifth termination point along the neutral axis; and a sixth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the first termination point, the sixth subset of bend lines tapering in the transverse direction as the sixth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction; a fourth set of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet toward the neutral axis, the fourth set of bend lines comprising: a seventh subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the third termination point along the neutral axis; and an eighth subset of bend lines extending axially from the downstream outlet in the axial direction toward the fourth termination point along the neutral axis, the eighth subset of bend lines tapering in a transverse direction as the eighth subset of bend lines extend axially in the axial direction; A second plurality of wall segments extend in a serpentine manner between the second plurality of bend lines, the second plurality of wall segments extend axially and define an axial channel between the second plurality of wall segments, the second plurality of wall segments define a second serpentine span extending laterally, the second serpentine span comprising a second plurality of repeating spans, each span of the second plurality of repeating spans comprising: a fifth wall segment, an inner surface of the fifth wall segment defining a portion of a fifth channel; a sixth wall segment laterally adjacent the fifth wall segment and a bend line of the sixth subset of bend lines that meet the fifth wall segment, the outer surface of the fifth wall segment and the outer surface of the sixth wall segment defining a portion of a sixth channel, the sixth channel being interlaced with the fifth channel; a seventh wall segment laterally adjacent to the sixth wall segment, an inner surface of the seventh wall segment defining a portion of a seventh channel; and An eighth wall segment is laterally adjacent to the seventh wall segment and to a bending line in the eighth subset of bending lines that converges onto the seventh wall segment, wherein an inner surface of the seventh wall segment and an inner surface of the eighth wall segment define a portion of an eighth channel, and the eighth channel is staggered with the seventh channel.

36. The filter assembly of claim 35, wherein: The first wall segment in each span of the first plurality of repeated spans is connected to the sixth wall segment in each span of the second plurality of repeated spans along the neutral axis, the second wall segment in each span of the first plurality of repeated spans is connected to the seventh wall segment in each span of the second plurality of repeated spans along the neutral axis, and the third wall segment in each span of the first plurality of repeated spans is connected to the eighth wall segment in each span of the second plurality of repeated spans along the neutral axis.

37. A filter assembly according to claim 35 or 36, wherein: The first channel in each span of the first plurality of repeating spans is adjacent to the sixth channel in each span of the second plurality of repeating spans along the neutral axis, the second channel in each span of the first plurality of repeating spans is adjacent to the seventh channel in each span of the second plurality of repeating spans along the neutral axis, and the third channel in each span of the first plurality of repeating spans is adjacent to the eighth channel in each span of the second plurality of repeating spans along the neutral axis.

38. The filter assembly of claim 37, wherein: The second passage tapers downwardly in the transverse direction axially from the upstream inlet in the axial direction toward the neutral axis, and the seventh passage tapers upwardly in the transverse direction axially from the neutral axis in the axial direction toward the downstream outlet.

39. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 35-36 and 38, wherein The first wall segment and the second wall segment form a first set of wall segments that are alternately sealed from each other at the upstream inlet along the first serpentine span so that the first channel has an open upstream end along the first serpentine span and the second channel has a closed upstream end along the first serpentine span.

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