Abstract: A filter cartridge comprises a length-adjustable end cap attached to an end of a filter body. The end cap includes an annular seal, a spacer coaxially positioned in spaced relationship with the seal, and a connection member including a cylindrical neck in moveable sealing contact within the seal and in a snug sliding fit within the spacer and an imperforate flange including a seal on a radial outer region thereof. A method of joining an end cap to an end of a generally cylindrical filtration medium comprises positioning an annular spacer ring in a recess of a connection flange of an end cap; melting an exposed portion of the connection flange; contacting the melted exposed portion of the flange and an end of a filter body; and allowing the melted exposed portion to cool and bond the filter body to the end cap.

Abstract: A caged filter cartridge assembly has a pair of coaxially spaced-apart end plates, and a number of tubular filter cartridges extending between said end plates. These end plates include seat recesses having a coaxially disposed retaining ring establishing an annular terminal lock edge. The filter cartridges include end caps at each opposed end thereof which are received within respective ones of said seat recesses. The end caps have at least one annular lock ring which is forcibly engaged with the terminal annular lock edge of the retaining ring so as to join the end cap, and thus said filter cartridge, to the end plates.

Abstract: Length-adjustable end caps and filter cartridges including the same are provided. In preferred embodiments, the length-adjustable end caps include a stationary ring member which unitarily includes an annular lip seal, and a connection member in moveable sealing contact with said lip seal. Most preferably, the lip seal is a segment of a conical surface. The stationary ring member preferably includes a connection flange which defines an annular recess concentric with, but spaced from, the unitary lip seal. An annular spacer ring received within said recess. During thermal bonding of the connection flange to an end of a generally cylindrical filter medium, the spacer ring and the end of the filter medium will both be melded to respective adjacent portion of the connection flange.

Abstract: Length-adjustable filter cartridges are provided which in preferred embodiments include at least one length-adjustable end cap attached to an end of a generally cylindrical filter body. The length-adjustable end cap most preferably includes an annular stationary ring member which is attached to one end of the filter body, and a moveable connection member slideably received within said annular stationary ring member so as to be moveable longitudinally relative thereto. A seal is formed between the stationary ring member and the moveable connection member so as to seal against fluid leakage yet permit relative axial movement (length adjustment) therebetween. In use, the filter cartridges may be adapted to fit conventional standardized bag filter cartridge housings even though the physical size and/or geometries of the metal support basket thereof is non-standard.

Abstract: A caged filter cartridge assembly has a pair of coaxially spaced-apart end plates, and a number of tubular filter cartridges extending between said end plates. These end plates include seat recesses having a coaxially disposed retaining ring establishing an annular terminal lock edge. The filter cartridges include end caps at each opposed end thereof which are received within respective ones of said seat recesses. The end caps have at least one annular lock ring which is forcibly engaged with the terminal annular lock edge of the retaining ring so as to join the end cap, and thus said filter cartridge, to the end plates.

Abstract: The structural integrity of opposed spaced-apart end plates of caged filter cartridge assemblies is provided solely by individual filter cartridges in the assembly. Preferably, the end plates of the filter cartridge assembly are provided with seat recesses to receive an end portion of respective filter cartridges therein. An annular lock ring associated with each seat recess immovably locks the filter cartridge end portions therewithin. In such a manner, each of the individual filter cartridges serves to structurally unite the opposed spaced-apart end plates one to another in the absence of a tie rod so that the collective torsional and longitudinal rigidity of the assembly is significantly enhanced as compared to conventional tie rod caged filter cartridge assemblies.