Stacked filter cartridge

A fluid filter cartridge comprising:

• a plurality of filter pads, each pad having means defining an axial hole therein, opposite faces and a plurality of curvilinear edges not exceeding six in number, adjacent edges of the pad forming the corners,
• said pads being stacked one on top of the other such that the holes are aligned,
• the exterior shape of each pad being complementary to the exterior shape of an adjacent pad in the stack, and
• said pads being staggered in the stack such that the exterior shape of adjacent pads do not coincide and the corners of the pads extend radially beyond the curvilinear edges of adjacent pads in the stack so that each pad has both edge surfaces and face surfaces exposed.

A fluid filter comprising:

• cylindrical container having an upper end and a bottom, a deck plate in said container near said bottom and an inlet means on one side of said deck plate and an outlet means on the other side of said deck plate;
• a filter cartridge disposed in said container, said cartridge comprising a plurality of filter pads, each pad having means defining an axial hole therein, opposite faces and a plurality of substantially straight edges not exceeding six in number, adjacent edges of the pad forming corners;
• said pads being stacked one on top of the other such that the holes are aligned;
• the exterior shape of each pad being complementary to the exterior shape of an adjacent pad in the stack;
• said pads being staggered in the stack such that the exterior shapes of adjacent pads do not coincide and the corners of the pads extend radially beyond the straight edges of adjacent pads in the stack so that each pad has both edge surfaces and face surfaces exposed;
• a perforated tube received within the aligned holes of the stacked pads;
• and
• sealing means sealing the ends of said cartridge with the upper end and the deck plate of said container.