A filter, for use in removing residual fuel vapors from within an engine's intake
system, includes a
filter element having a plurality of fibers, for placement in communication with an intake air flow passage. Each of the fibers has an
internal cavity formed therein, and a longitudinally extending slot formed therein extending from the
internal cavity to the outer
fiber surface. The filter also includes a
hydrocarbon-absorbing material disposed within the internal cavities of the fibers. The
hydrocarbon-absorbing material may be a
solid material such as, e.g., carbon, or may be a liquid such as a relatively non-volatile
organic solvent. Alternatively, the material may be a combined
solid and liquid. In one embodiment, each of the elongated fibers includes a central stem and a plurality of lobes extending outwardly from the central stem, with a longitudinally extending slot defined between adjacent lobes. Specific useful filter configurations are detailed.