Abstract: The filter arrangement includes first end cap, second end cap, a cylindrical filter pack that has first and second ends and axially extending pleats disposed between the first and second ends, and a cylindrical non-perforated housing body that is disposed between the first and second end caps and about the cylindrical filter pack.

Abstract: The filter assembly includes a filter element having an end surface and an end cap connected to the end surface by spin welding. The end cap has an outer diameter that need be no larger than the outer diameter of the end surface of the filter element. Prior to spin welding, the end cap may have a surface with a sacrificial ridge extending from the surface. The end cap is spin welded to the end surface of the filter element by rotating the filter element and the end cap with respect to one another while contacting the sacrificial ridge with the end surface of the filter element, melting the sacrificial ridge by the contact with the filter element to form a molten plastic, and joining the surface of the end cap to the end surface of the filter element with the molten plastic. Also disclosed is a method of spin welding a filter pack to an end cap without a sacrificial ridge.

Abstract: An end connector system for connecting a plurality of filter units in series has first and second end connectors secured to the ends of filter units. Each end connector has a base with a sealing surface and a connecting portion for engagement with the connecting portion of another end connector. The connecting portions have overlapping surfaces that overlap in the radial direction of the bases when the connecting portions are engaged with one another. A seal member is disposed between the first and second end connectors and is pressed into sealing contact with the sealing surfaces of the bases by a compression-generating member such as a tie rod. When the sealing surfaces are in sealing contact with the seal member, the overlapping surfaces of the connecting portions are separated from one another. As a result, all forces for producing a liquid-tight seal between the end connectors are generated by the compression-generating member and not by the end connectors themselves.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a fluid container comprising a fluid vessel which includes a generally cylindrical and expandable shell and a support structure which includes a generally cylindrical and rigid casing that is coaxially disposed about the shell of the fluid vessel. The shell has first and second end portions, and the casing has first and second end portions cooperatively arranged with the first and second end portions of the shell. The fluid vessel further includes first and second end caps sealed to the first and second end portions of the shell, respectively. At least one end cap has an opening which allows the fluid to flow into or out of the shell. Further, at least the first end portion of the shell has a continuously decreasing outside diameter along the axis of the shell, and the first end portion of the casing has a correspondingly continuously decreasing inside diameter. With a filter element disposed within the shell, the container may be used as a filter assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure described a pressurized fluid container comprising a fluid vessel, a sheath arrangement which may be fitted around the fluid vessel, and a mechanism for tightening the sheath around the fluid vessel. The disclosure also describes a filter assembly comprising a filter cartridge and sheath arrangement for supporting the filter cartridge against the pressure of a fluid flowing through the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge comprises an impervious shell, two end caps, and a porous filter unit. The shell has first and second ends, and the first and second end caps are respectively mounted at or near the first and second ends of the shell. At least one of the end caps may be slid along the shell and engages the shell to form a seal. The porous filter unit is positioned within the shell and has a first surface and a second surface.

Abstract: A multiple cartridge filter assembly is provided with a removable filter array to facilitate the rapid replacement of an entire array having spent cartridges with another identical array having fresh cartridges, after which the spent cartridges of the removed array may be replaced. The removable filter array includes a separation plate from which the filter cartridges hang suspended in sealing engagement therewith and a dual position support platform connected to the separation plate and located beneath the lower blind ends of the cartridges. The support platform maintains the cartridges sealingly engaged with the separation plate when the removable array is in its working condition but automatically drops down relative to the separation plate when the array is removed to accommodate the replacement of the cartridges.