Abstract: Filter apparatus for filtering liquids in pressure vessels. The invention solves the sealing problem associated with filter bags by providing a filterable seal fabricated from the filter material itself fastening to a flexible collar. The filter provides simple insertion or removal, low cost of fabrication yet ensures that substantially all liquid passing through the pressure vessel will be filtered.

Abstract: A filtering vessel adapted to accommodate a filter bag for filtering a liquid under pressure. The vessel comprises a top open cylindrical housing having a sidewall and a bottom with an outlet port, and a basket supported within the housing to retain the filter bag therein. A jacket is formed to surround a top portion of the housing to form therebetween an annular fluid passage which is open at its upper end and communicates with an inlet port formed at the jacket for coupling a pressurized liquid supply line. Also included in the vessel is a top cover detachably mounted on the housing and the jacket to close the top opening of the housing as well as that of the annular fluid passage. The top cover is formed in its lower surface with peripheral openings and a center opening which are intercommunicated within the top cover.

Abstract: A filter bag which is for use in a liquid filter and which includes a liquid impervious shape-retaining edge portion defining the opening into the filter bag. The edge portion includes an annular inverted V-shaped part which terminates in an annular upturned lip part. The inverted V-shaped part of the filter bag edge portion allows the bag to be placed over a protruding upwardly directed lip in the filter housing while, optionally, the upturned lip part of the bag's edge portion permits the bag to be fitted into the filter housing with the lip part being restrictively fitted between a shoulder or support and an overlying lip formed in the filter housing. Further, the upturned lip part of the filter bag can be wedged into a filter housing to secure the bag independently of the filter top.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter assembly for removing suspended matter from fluids, primarily utilized in irrigation or similar distribution systems, resulting in reduced maintenance of the filter assembly as well as the total system. The filter assembly comprises a container having at least one inlet aperture and at least one outlet aperture therethrough and a filter screen, comprising a hollow perforated body, inserted within the container. One end of a conduit is connected in fluid flow relationship to the inlet aperture of the container while the other end of the conduit terminates within the hollow body comprising the filter screen. The outlet aperture is so located that the fluid entering the container through the fluid inlet aperture and the conduit must pass through the filter screen before exiting the container through the outlet aperture.

Abstract: A vibrating sieving unit for insertion into a housing to form a sieving filter. An air pressure operated vibrator directly vibrates the sieving cylinder to reduce the buildup of filter cake for improved performance. Tuning bars connected between the cover and the vibrator are structurally matched to the fluid being filtered and to the particular vibrating assembly to create a harmonic vibration and to thereby achieve a consistent, maximum vibration at a given, readily maintainable air pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for filtering liquids. More particularly it is concerned with providing a clog-resistant filter of the kind in which a open end and with walls of metal, plastic or other suitable material bearing numerous perforations, is placed within a housing in such a manner that the liquid entering the housing must flow from the inside of the filter element out through the perforations in the latter, before it can leave the housing, with the result that solid material strained from the liquid flowing through the filter is retained within the filter element.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having a bag filter subassembly for collecting contaminating material. The bag filter subassembly includes a bag filter having a top end portion and an integral collar. The collar has a lower portion fixedly connected to the bag filter, and has a middle portion to be supported within a vessel, and has a top lip portion to engage a cover plate of the vessel. The collar has a pivotal web portion disposed between the middle portion and the top lip portion, and has an inner surface with a groove having sidewalls, whereby internal pressure on the sidewalls pivot the top lip portion causing a sealing ring bearing area on the cover plate.

Abstract: A strainer cup strains a flow of particle-bearing fluid. When blocked, unstrained fluid overflows the cup spilling into a chamber. A switch detects a level of fluid and signals a blocked strainer cup condition, as the chamber drains off the unstrained fluid.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having a bag filter subassembly for collecting contaminating material. The bag filter subassembly includes a bag filter having a top end portion and a gasket ring having a goove receiving the top end portion. The gasket ring has a pair of opposite, upright, axial handles each having a finger-grip, loop portion and a resilient stem portion. The upright handles, which are used for lifting the bag filter from an enclosure vessel deflect down to a radial position when a cover is positioned on the vessel and also spring up when the cover is removed.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having a bag filter subassembly for collecting contaminating material. The bag filter subassembly includes a bag filter having a top end portion and a gasket ring having a groove receiving the top end portion. The gasket ring is a molded article, composed of a polyurethane composition. The groove has opposite sidewalls with molded protrusions caused by recesses in the top end portion. The recesses can be microscopically small, depending upon the fabric of the filter bag.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering a wide size range of impurities from a fluid. The filter assembly comprises a basket having a porous surface of a first average pore size defining an interior space for collecting impurities filtered from a fluid and a filter liner of a second average pore size less than the first average pore size disposed inside the basket for filtering impurities from the fluid. A nozzle is disposed at approximately a 20.degree. angle from the vertical axis for providing an unfiltered fluid to the filter assembly and for increasing the swirling intensity of the fluid therein. The present invention also contemplates a filtration unit including at least one filter assembly described above and a pump for suctioning an unfiltered fluid through the filter assembly so that the pump will draw a filtered fluid.

Abstract: A filter element adapted to be sealingly clamped in a filter housing. The element comprises a porous hollow cylindrical integral self-supporting bonded fibrous structure. The structure has thermally melt bonded to at least one end thereof, a thermoplastic polymer closed cell foam sealing gasket. The gasket is adapted to provide a sealing surface between the end of the cartridge and the sealing edge of the filter housing. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing edges of the filter housing used in conjunction with the aforedescribed filter element comprises at least two circular sealing edges concentric to the axis of the cylindrical filter element. Such a combination provides a means for determining whether there is leakage past the sealing edges by the discoloration of the sealing gasket area between the concentric sealing edges by the liquid being filtered.

Abstract: A suction strainer is provided in which the mesh portion is spaced from the outlet so as to provide a large area of the mesh portion with the same pressure drop. Additionally, the entrance to the outlet branch is provided with a generous radius for a smoother flow transition.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel semi-rigid enhanced area filter element that can be installed and used with new or existing bag-type filter housings. The invention specifically refers to the pleated and padded element (5) fitted closely within a retaining basket (4) inside of a bag-type pressure filter housing (1) to provide preferred inside-out flow passage from inlet (2) to outlet (3) but with greatly enhanced surface area, padded serialized inner filtration, extended filter life and increased particulate removal efficiencies. The element (5) is composed of a pleated and padded stack (18) bonded to a resilient flanged upper open end cap (8) and a solid bottom end cap (9). The element is economical to manufacture, can utilize many of the single and multi-layer filter membranes and impregnated membranes presently on the market, and is free of complicated parts and mechanisms.

Abstract: An improved filter apparatus including a securing mechanism to hold a flexible filter media such as a filter bag in position. The securing mechanism includes a receiving member having an internal bore adapted to receive a portion of the filter media. A retaining ring having an externally projecting contact ridge adapted to make essentially line contact around the inner periphery of the receiving member is utilized to secure the bag within the receiving member. The filter cloth may either be inserted between the securing ring and the inner surface of the receiving member, or a slightly larger securing ring may be utilized to seat on top of a conventional filter bag retaining ring to secure the ring and the bag in position.

Abstract: A strainer for preventing debris from entering a turbine. The strainer comprises a casing having an inlet conduit for introducing a flow medium into said strainer and an outlet conduit extending substantially perpendicular to said inlet conduit for expelling said flow medium, said outlet conduit having conically expanding interior side walls; an annular seal affixed to said casing between said inlet and outlet conduits for forming a seal between said inlet and outlet conduits; a bonnet attached to said casing, said bonnet having an upper bonnet section affixed to said casing and hollow cylindrical lower bonnet cage which mates with said annular seat, said hollow cylindrical lower bonnet cage opening into said outlet conduit and having a plurality of apertures so as to permit flow into said hollow cavity and out said outlet conduit and strainer screen means surrounding said hollow cylindrical lower bonnet, said screen means preventing debris from entering said apertures.

Abstract: A disposable filter bag insert for use in a filter canister assembly that comprises a rigid ring of diameter to overlie a shoulder on the canister and be sealingly captured between the canister base and top. A filter stock of sheet stock construction is suspended from the ring and has a lock stitch extending along the bottom and one side edge thereof. A section of oil-adsorbent material is likewise suspended from the ring, but covers less than the entire surface area of the sock, such that fluid flow through the sock continues even if the oil-adsorbent material becomes clogged. The sock lock stitch is specially contoured where it is looped over the ring for enhanced sealing capture between the canister top and base.

Abstract: A filter arrangement is provided which includes preferred fluid sealing between a top plate thereof and a housing. Generally, the filter arrangement includes a housing, a top plate and an internal filter. The top plate encloses an end of the housing, retaining the filter therein and directing fluid flow appropriately across the filter. Engagement between the housing and the top plate is such that a gasket may be used to provide sealing of an operable combination of the filter arrangement with an associated filter head, with respect to flow space between the housing and top plate by means of a simple gasket position externally of the filter arrangement. Several embodiments have shown, and in at least one the housing edge terminates in a groove in the top plate, in which a sealing gasket may be positioned. Positive engagement between the top plate and the housing is provided by a variety of projection arrangements.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device includes a housing having an interior chamber with an open top and an inlet and outlet open to the chamber. An annular seat is secured to the housing within the chamber in a position spaced downwardly from the open top so that the seat protrudes inwardly into the chamber. A filter element is removably insertable into the chamber through its open top and to a filtering postion in which the filter element is positioned between the housing inlet and outlet. The filter element includes an outwardly flanged portion which abuts against the seat when the filter element is in its filtering position. A cover is detachably secured over the open top of a housing and a spring member is secured at one end to the filter element to extend upwardly to abut against the cover and secure the filter element in position against any loss of seal with respect to the housing during operation of the filtering device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter for liquids. More particularly it is concerned with providing a clog-resistant filter of the kind in which a filter element (usually of hollow cylindrical shape), having at least one open end and with walls of metal, plastic or other suitable material bearing numerous perforations, is placed within a housing in such a manner that the liquid entering the housing must flow from the inside of the filter element out through the perforations in the latter, before it can leave the housing, with the result that solid material strained from the liquid flowing through the filter is retained within the filter element.

Abstract: A suction strainer for use with a fluid machine in the form of a tee-shaped housing with a crossover bore, an upright branch, a seal and a frustoconical mesh strainer is provided in which the mesh portion is spaced from the outlet of the housing so as to provide a large area of the mesh portion with the same pressure drop. Additionally, the entrance to the outlet branch is provided with a generous radius for a smoother flow transition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a replaceable fuel filter of one integral piece of extruded, compressible filter material, cut only at its ends and provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending flutes.

Abstract: A filter for a fluid under pressure comprising a container including a filter vessel (1) and cover (2) for clamping against the filter vessel. A support basket (12) adapted to be inserted into the filter vessel includes a flange (11) having an inwardly and upwardly open profile (15, 16). A filter sealing element (18) of an annular filter bag carrier (17) may be inserted into the open profile (15). In order to obtain a complete sealing effect, particularly against the passage of the unfiltered fluid into the filtered fluid in the filter, an upwardly and outwardly open groove (19) is provided in the profiled filter sealing element (18), which groove receives an inner O ring (20).

Abstract: A suction strainer is provided in which the mesh portion is spaced from the outlet so as to provide a large area of the mesh portion with the same pressure drop. Additionally, the entrance to the outlet branch is provided with a generous radius for a smoother flow transition.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having a filter element and a stop valve, both incorporated in a body thereof. By means of an engagement, the stop valve is coupled with a cap which is fitted to a body of the filter apparatus by thread-engagement. When the cap is removed from the body for replacement of the filter element, the stop valve rotates together with the cap to close an inlet port of the filter apparatus. On the other hand, when the cap is fitted to the filter apparatus, the stop valve directs the fluid into the filter apparatus since an opening provided in the stop valve coincides with the inlet port because of rotation of the stop valve.

Abstract: A heated fuel filter and water separator is disclosed. The assembly has a filter element mounted inside a fuel container. The fuel container has an upper chamber containing a filter element and a drainable lower chamber for collecting water and sediment. A heat exchanger circulates preheated fuel from a manifold return line to heat the filtered fuel in the container. The filter element utilizes helically wound aluminum strips as the filter media.

Abstract: A seamless filter bag having a removable, reusable ring includes a heat sealed filter bag open on one end adapted to receive a removable ring therein. Openings are provided in the filter bag which receive inwardly extending protrusions on the ring thereby maintaining the integrity of the filter bag material. A handle adapted to be received by the inwardly extending protrusions on the filter ring permits the removal of the filter bag together with the ring and any material retained in the bag from a conventional filter basket.

Abstract: A novel cooling system for an internal-combustion marine engine employs a novel strainer having a removable metal cover and means for controllably introducing flushing liquid into the strainer through the cover. A prior strainer may be modified by providing an auxiliary aperture through the cover and attaching one end of an auxiliary pipeline to the aperture. The auxiliary pipeline includes a hose-connection fitting at its other end and a control valve in the line.

Abstract: An improved fluid filtering apparatus having an inlet, an outlet, a sealed housing, an outer bag within the housing, an inner bag generally concentric to and suspended within the outer bag, a filtering medium retained inside the outer bag and outside the inner bag and a flow path which channels the fluid radially inward through the outer bag, the filtering medium and the inner bag to a channel in a perforated tube which supports the inner bag. The apparatus is designed to permit the fluid pressure to radially compress the filtering medium to substantially increase the filtering effect.

Abstract: A lint strainer for removing the lint from the exit hose of a washing machine before the lint can enter the drain of the residence or other structure in which the washing machine is located. The lint strainer has a flexible fabric mesh strainer tube having an open end and a closed end. A polymeric ring is affixed to the open end, and the polymeric ring is larger than the opening of the drain pipe which conducts the waste away from the washing machine.

Abstract: A hose construction, a coupling arrangement therefor and method of making the same are provided, the coupling arrangement being utilized for conveying fluid therethrough and having a filter unit disposed therein to filter the fluid flow through the coupling arrangement, the coupling arrangement being a quick connect-disconnect coupling arrangement that comprises a first tubular coupling member having opposed open ends, a second tubular coupling member having opposed ends one of which is telecopically disposed in one of the ends of the first coupling member, and a staple-like fastening member securing the one ends of the coupling members together in the telescoping relation thereof.

Abstract: This invention has an object to provide a cartridge filter which can prevent the interior of a filter housing from being contaminated when paint or ink is filtered. In this invention, a cartridge filter element is contained in a bag-like body or a cylindrical body made of an aqueous non-osmotic film.

Abstract: A fluid chamber having main body provided with a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port and a tubular filter element interposed between the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port. A securing recess is defined about the periphery of the fluid inlet port interiorly of the main body of the fluid chamber. The securing recess is sized so as to securely receive the tubular filter element. the securing recess limits the outward deformation of the filter under the influence of the high pressure fluid flow through the inlet port while ensuring that the inwardly flowing fluid can be sufficiently filtered.

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: A strainer is mounted in an oil passage within a valve body constituting the hydraulic control unit of an automatic transmission. The strainer includes a frame (4) fitted into the oil passage, a reticulate member (5) secured to the frame (4) so as to form a barrier across the oil passage, and a permanent magnet (8) secured by press-fitting or by bonding to frame at a position ahead of the reticulate member (5) in terms of the direction of working oil flow. Foreign matter contained in the working oil is removed by the reticulate member (5) while extremely small contaminants exhibiting a magnetic property, such as ferrous chips, that cannot be removed by the reticulate member (5) are removed by the magnet (8).

Abstract: Device for a filter device, having a circular adapter, having at least one connector extending downwards out of the adapter, to which connector a filter cartridge is attachable, having a feed hole in the adapter, having an outflow volume above the adapter and communicating with the connector, having a circular head above the adapter, having a feed connector which extends upwards out of the head and communicates with the feed hole, and having an outflow connector which extends upwards out from the head and communicates with the outflow volume, characterized by the following features:(a) the adapter and the head are in one piece.(b) In their circumferential regions the adapter and the head are connected tightly against medium and mechanically rigidly by a circumferential wall.Around the feed hole and around the feed connector the adapter and the head are connected tightly against medium and mechanically rigidly with one another by an inner wall.

Abstract: A filter arrangement is provided which includes preferred fluid sealing between a top plate thereof and a housing. Generally, the filter arrangement includes a housing, a top plate and an internal filter. The top plate encloses an end of the housing, retaining the filter therein and directing fluid flow appropriately across the filter. Engagement between the housing and the top plate is such that a gasket may be used to provide sealing of an operable combination of the filter arrangement with an associated filter head, with respect to flow space between the housing and top plate by means of a simple gasket position externally of the filter arrangement. Several embodiments have shown, and in at least one the housing edge terminates in a groove in the top plate, in which a sealing gasket may be positioned. Positive engagement between the top plate and the housing is provided by a variety of projection arrangements.

Abstract: A backwash strainer having a generally cylindrical filter element made up of a stack of spaced rings that are triangular in cross section, with the bases of said triangular rings disposed in a cylindrical surface. A hollow backwash arm has an open slot disposed on the inside of the cylindrical surface which operates at a predetermined distance from said element. The incoming water in said strainer flows from the inlet up through the straining element to the outlet. The backwash arm receives water from around the straining element, which flows through the element into the backwash slot and out with the debris accumulated on said strainer. Since the debris is supported on the flat interior of the rings, water flowing back into the arm into the slot in the hollow backwash arm forces trash and other debris from the rings down to the backwash water outlet. Water flowing through the clearance between the bars as used, helps flush the debris off the inside of the filter element.

Abstract: A filter system including an elongated cylindrical vessel body having a flow inlet connected to inlet conduit, a flow outlet connected to an outlet conduit, a closed end, and a movable cover member. The conduits are adapted for respective connection to control valves. A hinge connects the cover member to the vessel body for pivoting the cover member from closed position to open position. A solids separator element disposed within the body has a hollow porous member attached about periphery of a support ring. The support ring has an annular flat surface abutting an annular flat surface of the support flange. An arcuate resilient spring is connected to opposite sides of the support ring and extends to be forcefully deformed against the inner side of the cover member when cover member is closed.

Abstract: A hose construction, a coupling arrangement therefor and method of making the same are provided, the coupling arrangement being utilized for conveying fluid therethrough and having a filter unit disposed therein to filter the fluid flow through the coupling arrangement, the coupling arrangement being a quick connect-disconnect coupling arrangement that comprises a first tubular coupling member having opposed open ends, a second tubular coupling member having opposed ends one of which is telescopically disposed in one of the ends of the first coupling member, and a staple-like fastening member securing the one ends of the coupling members together in the telescoping relation thereof.

Abstract: A filter element adapted to be sealingly clamped in a filter housing. The element comprises a porous hollow cylindrical integral self-supporting bonded fibrous structure. The structure has thermally melt bonded to at least one end thereof, a thermoplastic polymer closed cell foam sealing gasket. The gasket is adapted to provide a sealing surface between the end of the cartridge and the sealing edge of the filter housing. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing edges of the filter housing used in conjunction with the aforedescribed filter element comprises at least two circular sealing edges concentric to the axis of the cylindrical filter element. Such a combination provides a means for determinging whether there is leakage past the sealing edges by the discoloration of the sealing gasket area between the concentric sealing edges by the liquid being filtered.

Abstract: A hose construction, a coupling arrangement therefor and method of making the same are provided, the coupling arrangement being utilized for conveying fluid therethrough and having a filter unit disposed therein to filter the fluid flow through the coupling arrangement, the coupling arrangement being a quick connect-disconnect coupling arrangement that comprises a first tubular coupling member having opposed open ends, a second tubular coupling member having opposed ends one of which is telecopically disposed in one of the ends of the first coupling member, and a staple-like fastening member securing the one ends of the coupling members together in the telescoping relation thereof.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an open top filter chamber intermediate the inlet and the outlet. The filter chamber is adapted to receive a filter basket holding a filter bag therein. The filter basket is supported in the filter chamber by the bottom end of the basket which engages an inwardly radiused wall portion of the housing. The basket includes a support plate for supporting the bottom of the filter bag within the basket above the bottom end portion of the basket. The lower end of the basket beneath the plate includes a wall portion which can be modified to conform to the shape of the housing to stably support the filter basket in a fixed position within the filter chamber.

Abstract: A refillable filter-drier assembly for use in a refrigerant line. The assembly includes a shell or casing which houses a replaceable core having a central bore and which may be a filter, drier or strainer element or any combination thereof. Refrigerant enters the shell adjacent one end and occupies the space surrounding the core. The liquid passes inwardly through the core into the central bore and exits the casing from the end opposite from which it enters. The core is supported in spaced relationship with respect to the casing interior by an annular cage on the outlet end of the core and by an end closure cage on its opposite end. Both the annular cage and the end closure cage have resilient fingers which grip the core adjacent its opposite ends. Both the annular cage and the end closure cage also have pluralities of laterally extending lugs which support the core in its spaced relationship within the casing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filtering contaminated fluids at various locations using at least a first and second filter unit mounted on a mobile base. Each filter unit has a plurality of filter vessels with each of the filter vessels having a plurality of filter elements and dual plate mounting. In each filter unit, the contaminated fluid is first coarse filtered and then fine filtered. Means are provided to by-pass either the first or second filter unit so that the filter elements can be changed or for by-passing both the first and second unit when desired.

Abstract: An improved water jet pool cleaner system includes a pool cleaner with a buoyant housing powered about the pool by forward and reverse driving nozzles so dirt and other debris is gathered at the low point on the bottom of the pool by the action of depending cleaner hoses. Water from the filter pump enters a fluid reservoir from which it flows along parallel flow paths to the forward and reverse driving nozzles, to a turbine, and to the cleaner hoses. Pressurized water is directed to the forward and reverse nozzles through a rotary valve which is rotated by the drive train connected to the turbine. The parallel flow paths permits water to be provided to the driving nozzles, to the turbine and to the cleaner hoses at pressures substantially equal to the fluid reservoir pressure. The system uses a flow diverter downstream of the main pool filter to divert the proper amount of water to the cleaner. Manual and automatic flow diverters and a novel in-line filter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter apparatus has a filter housing having suspended therein a filter element. The filter element includes a plurality of hollow threads made from a high molecular weight polymeric material. The threads are characterized by being porous and flexible as well as being closed at the bottom. The filter apparatus further has at least one baffle within the housing to cause turbulence in the liquid to filtered. The inside of each hollow thread is at a lower pressure than the liquid on the outside, so that the filtrate can enter through the porous membrane of the threads while leaving solid matter behind. The open tops of the threads are in communication with an opening in the filter housing through which filtrate, free of solid material, may be removed.

Abstract: The filter apparatus has a plurality of filter cylinders each formed of a plurality of filter elements and a blind cylinder is provided between a support plate for supporting the filter cylinders and the uppermost filter element of each filter cylinder, in order to prevent a liquid to be filtered from passing a region of each filter cylinder where the surface of the liquid is moved vertically.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for filtering a liquid--in particular milk. There is provided a tubular stainless steel casing (2) which has an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) for the milk. The casing (2) houses a filtering device (5) comprising a cage of metal rods (305) welded to a coiled spring (405) and which has fitted thereon a disposable filter sock (6). The filter sock (6) is held in operative position on the filtering device (5) by a collar (205) and a plug (7) adjacent the outlet (4) while at the opposite end of the casing (2) there is provided a removable lid (9) held in use in a locked position by a lock nut (10).

Abstract: A filter system for fluids having an elongate filter basket mounted in tension in a filter housing, the filter element being retained therein by a boltless flange engaging the top thereof and an elongate tube engaging the element bottom and urging it downwardly in response to a single nut engaging a rod through the tube and element and fixed to the housing. A novel filter element for the system is disclosed having longitudinal support rods for containing and supporting a fragile filter medium, such as sintered metal, in any size filter element. In another embodiment, a novel filter element for indepth filtering is disclosed.