abstract |
A filter cartridge includes a one-piece housing having a port and a filtration element disposed in the housing. The filtration element is a coherent filter block that can be larger in cross dimension than the port. The filtration element can be a coherent filter block that generally conforms to the shape of the hollow interior, but is slightly smaller than the hollow interior so as to define a gap between the filtration element and the inner surface. One method for constructing a filter cartridge includes providing a housing having a hollow interior and at least one port, introducing a granular material into the hollow interior via the port, and transforming the granular material in the hollow material into a coherent filter block. Another method for constructing a filter cartridge includes providing a filtration element in the form of a coherent filter block, and overmolding a housing around the filtration element. |