Exhaust Filter

Abstract

An exhaust filter having a pleated filter media mounted between end caps is disclosed herein. The filter has a construction suitable for high temperature environments such as engine exhaust systems.

1 . An exhaust filter comprising:
 a pleated filter element having first and second ends;   a first end cap mounted at the first end of the filter element and a second end cap mounted at the second end of the filter element;   a sealing gasket provided at the first end cap; and   the filter element, the first and second end caps and the sealing gasket each being constructed of a material that does not generate harmful levels of off-gasses when exposed to continuous operating temperatures that exceed 500° F.   
   
   
       2 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the end caps include aluminized steel. 
   
   
       3 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the filter element includes a fibrous construction. 
   
   
       4 . The filter of  claim 3 , wherein the filter element includes glass fibers. 
   
   
       5 . The filter element of  claim 3 , wherein the filter element includes ceramic fibers. 
   
   
       6 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the filter element includes a filter material laminated to a mesh. 
   
   
       7 . The filter of  claim 6 , wherein the filter material is laminated between two meshes. 
   
   
       8 . The filter of  claim 6 , wherein the mesh is coated with a protective layer for withstanding continuous operating temperatures that exceed 500° F. 
   
   
       9 . The filter of  claim 8 , wherein the protective layer includes an aluminum paste. 
   
   
       10 . The filter of  claim 8 , wherein the mesh includes steel and copper, and wherein the protective layer is adapted to isolate the copper from an exhaust stream. 
   
   
       11 - 22 . (canceled)