Abstract: A seal arrangement for fluid filters is provided. The seal arrangement generally concerns compressing a gasket between selected portions of the filter base and filter cartridge. A preferred frusto-conical configuration is provided, to advantage. Methods of assembly and use are described, as well as preferred filter base configurations and preferred filter cartridge configurations.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for filtering fluid comprises a housing and a valve arrangement. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and a draining aperture. The valve arrangement is constructed and arranged to move between a closed position and an open position without the use of threads. The closed position prevents evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture, and the open position permits evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture. One valve arrangement may include a pair of ports and a pair of air vents. The valve is actuated by aligning the ports and air vents on a sliding sealing surface. An indicator arrangement including a float and a clear window is provided to give the user a visual indication of the level of water within the filter. Methods for using the constructions herein are provided.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for filtering fluid comprises a housing and a valve arrangement. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and a draining aperture. The valve arrangement is constructed and arranged to move between a closed position and an open position without the use of threads. The closed position prevents evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture, and the open position permits evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture. One valve arrangement may include a pair of ports and a pair of air vents. The valve is actuated by aligning the ports and air vents on a sliding sealing surface. An indicator arrangement including a float and a clear window is provided to give the user a visual indication of the level of water within the filter. Methods for using the constructions herein are provided.

Abstract: A high pressure spin-on filter is provided having a generally cylindrical filter housing with an open end and a closed end. A generally cylindrical filter element having a closed end and an open end is disposed within the housing. A multifunctional rigid cover is disposed in the open end of the housing and includes a circular rim member extending into the housing. The rim member has an axial bore extending through the rim member and defines an inner surface. The inner surface is partially threaded and further has a groove formed in the inner surface. A main seal is located in the groove of the rim member. The rigid cover further includes a circular hub member having an axial bore through the hub member concentric with the axial bore of the rim member. A plurality of ribs interconnect the rib member to the hub member and cooperate with the rib member and the hub member to define a plurality of openings between the rib member and the hub member.

Abstract: A filter head assembly includes a relief valve assembly therein, and is adapted for use in a spin-on filter or the like. When the relief valve assembly is in a closed mode of operation, fluid flow through the filter head, and an associated filter, results in conventional filtration. When the relief valve assembly is in open mode of operation, the filter is substantially bypassed permitting fluid to flow directly through the filter head, with filtration. The relief valve assembly includes a movable piston member therein, which opens and closes for the respective flow passage outwardly from a lateral takeoff port. Any substantial, undesirable, lateral forces acting upon a piston member may be substantially reduced by means of a lateral pressure release system provided according to the present invention. Generally, the lateral pressure-relief system comprises an annular recess formed in the piston member.