Abstract: A fluid filter has separable upper and lower housing portions releasably joined in assembled relation wherein the lower housing portion closes the open lower end of the upper housing portion to form a fluid inlet chamber in the upper portion communicating with an unfiltered fluid inlet in the lower portion, and removable filter cartridges mounted on the upper end of the lower housing portion within the fluid inlet chamber in the upper portion and internally communicating with a filtered fluid outlet in the lower portion. The upper housing portion is separable from the lower housing portion to uncover the full lengths of the filter cartridges in a manner which facilitates periodic removal and replacement of the cartridges for cleaning or replacement of damaged cartridges and permits close inspection of the sealed ends of the cartridges to assure proper sealing of replaced cartridges to the lower housing portion prior to reassembly of the housing portions.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning device having a housing containing a fluid inlet and outlet and a removable fluid conditioner through which fluid passes from the inlet to the outlet and which removes matter from and/or adds matter to the fluid, and an improved seal between the housing and fluid conditioner for blocking passage of unconditioned fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The housing is constructed and arranged to receive different types of fluid conditioners, such as a porous cartridge which may serve to filter solids from and/or add a substance to the fluid, a filter bag and basket combination, and a reversible osmosis cartridge for removing molecular constituent form a fluid solution, such as the saline constituent from sea water.

Abstract: A pressure filter vessel has a housing with an end cap at each end, a flow block in the lower end portion of the vessel having a reduced central portion and upper and lower flanges, a seal in each of the flanges for pressure sealing between the housing and each of the flanges, the flanges cooperating with the housing and the reduced central portion to define an annular chamber, and the upper flange cooperating with the housing and upper cap to define an upper chamber. An inlet connection to the flow block provides for fluid flow through a flow block opening to the upper chamber. At least one filter cartridge is mounted in an aperture in the flow block and extends to the upper chamber. The flow block defines a passage between the aperture and the annular chamber, and an outlet connection accommodates flow from the annular chamber. The wall of the reduced central portion of the flow block and the inner wall of the housing cooperate with the flanges to define the annular chamber.