Internal loading cylindrical filter with unsupported tubular filter fabric

An internal loading cylindrical air filter apparatus comprising:

• (a) a pair of end plate members arranged in spaced relation to one another;
• (b) a rotating cleaner nozzle means mounted between said end plate members for rotation about a horizontal axis in engagement with bearing means associated with said end plate members for said rotation and including radially extending suction conduit means and drive means for rotating said nozzle means;
• (c) a fabric filter element disposed in a generally circular tubular form to extend between said end plate members and about said rotating cleaner nozzle means adjacent said radially extending conduit means thereof, said filter element being supported solely at said end plate members and extending tautly therebetween with the portion of said filter element between said end plate members being unsupported and unencumbered for providing an unobstructed filtering area internally thereof for air passed outwardly therethrough between said end plate members, said area being thoroughly cleaned by said suction conduit means during said rotation of said rotating cleaner nozzle means;
• and
• (d) restraining strand means extending in generally external circumferential restraining engagement with said tubular filter element for restraining said element against excessive ballooning as a result of the passage of air therethrough, said strand means extending helically relative to said tubular filter element.