Filter for a crankcase ventilation system

1. An oil-collecting can for a filter cartridge, comprising:

a cylindrical side wall having an upper axial edge defining an open top, a lower axial edge, an interior surface and an exterior surface;

a bottom wall having a radially-outer edge that transitions from the lower edge of the side wall, a radially-inner edge that defines an opening, an upper surface, and lower surface;

a plurality of capillary ribs circumferentially arranged around the side wall, the ribs each having a ceiling transitioning into the upper axial edge of the cylindrical side wall, a floor transitioning into the lower axial edge of the cylindrical side wall, a capillary rib interior surface projecting radially inward from the interior surface of the cylindrical side wall, and a capillary rib exterior surface;

a set of pedestals arranged on the upper surface of the bottom wall, each pedestal including a top platform and a skirt extending upward from the bottom wall and elevating the platform above; and

an outlet pipe having an upper axial edge transitioning from the radially-inner edge of the bottom wall, a lower axial edge defining an oil-outlet port, an interior surface and exterior surface.

2. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical side wall, the bottom wall, the capillary ribs, the pedestals, and the outlet pipe are formed in one piece.

3. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the ribs' ceilings are narrower than their floors, and they taper radially inward in the downward direction.

4. An oil-collecting can as set in claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface of the ribs form semi-circular grooves.

5. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 1 , including at least four capillary ribs.

6. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface of the outlet pipe includes a seal-receiving groove.

7. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical side wall comprises nubs extending radially outward from its upper edge.

8. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 1 , wherein each pedestal includes a clip situated on its top platform.

9. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface of each pedestal includes an indentation corresponding to its platform and its skirt whereby the thickness of the pedestals can be substantially the same as the thickness of the bottom wall.

10. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 1 , including at least four capillary ribs,

wherein the cylindrical side wall, the bottom wall, the capillary ribs, the pedestals, and the outlet pipe are formed in one piece;

wherein the ribs' ceilings are narrower than their floors, and they taper radially inward in the downward direction; and

wherein the exterior surface of the ribs form semi-circular grooves.

11. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 10 , including at least six capillary ribs.

12. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 10 , including at least eight capillary ribs.

13. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface of the outlet pipe includes a seal-receiving groove;

wherein the cylindrical side wall comprises nubs extending radially outward from its upper edge;

wherein each pedestal includes a clip situated on its top platform; and

wherein the exterior surface of each pedestal includes an indentation corresponding to its platform and its skirt whereby the thickness of the pedestals can be substantially the same as the thickness of the bottom wall.

14. An oil-collecting can as set forth in claim 13 , including at least four capillary ribs,

wherein the cylindrical side wall, the bottom wall, the capillary ribs, the pedestals, and the outlet pipe are formed in one piece;

wherein the ribs' ceilings are narrower than their floors, and they taper radially inward in the downward direction; and

wherein the exterior surface of the ribs form semi-circular grooves.

15. A filter cartridge comprising a filter element and the oil-collecting can set forth in claim 1 ;

wherein the filter element includes filter media having an upper axial face, a lower axial face, an exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a central core;

wherein the filter element further includes a top end cap sealing the upper axial face of the filter media and a bottom end cap sealing the lower axial face of the filter media;

wherein a bottom portion of the filter element is positioned within the oil-collecting can and wherein an upper portion of the filter element projects thereabove;

wherein the bottom end cap sits upon the pedestals to thereby elevate the filter element above the bottom wall of the oil-collecting can;

wherein the capillary ribs contact the exterior surface of the filter media.

16. A filter cartridge as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the bottom end cap includes slots that align with the capillary ribs in the oil-collecting can.

17. A filter cartridge as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the filter element includes a top rim with external threads.

18. A filter cartridge as set forth in claim 15 , wherein clips on the pedestals of the oil-collecting can extend through openings in the bottom end cap of the filter element;

wherein the bottom end cap includes slots that align with the capillary ribs in the oil-collecting can;

wherein the filter element includes a top rim with external threads; and

wherein clips on the pedestals of the oil-collecting can extend through openings in the bottom end cap of the filter element.

19. A filter assembly comprising a housing and the filter cartridge set forth in claim 15 , the housing comprising a cylindrical wall surrounding the exterior surface of the filter element, a bottom wall positioned below the bottom wall of the oil-collecting can.

20. A crankshaft ventilation system for a combustion engine comprising the filter assembly set forth in claim 19 , wherein an engine vent line is connected to an inlet port of the filter assembly.