Abstract: A coupling for a pressure or vacuum fluid system having a bowl and filter head (10, 26) that connect together by relative rotation to engage bayonet coupling formations (32, 34, 94) thereof. When connected together the bowl (10) and filter head (26) have outer walls (16, 104) overlapping with an intervening seal (22) therebetween. A pressure relief valve (38) is provided in one of the members (10). A latch (36, 108) engages at an angular position of said members (10, 26) where the bayonet coupling is established to prevent relative rotation of said members (10, 26) and is prevented from engagement at other angular positions. The latch (36) is decoupled from the valve (38) when in its engaged state but is operatively coupled to the valve (38) when in a disengaged state to open said valve (38), fluid flow therethrough providing an audible warning when a pressure differental exists across the valve (38).

Abstract: An oil filter comprising a housing opened at one end, a first separator unit in the housing for removing solid contaminants from the oil, a mount block for the housing and a second separator unit for removing gaseous contaminants. The first separator unit comprises a cylindrical filter element defining a central space therein, and the mount block is formed with a recess in which the second separator unit is disposed. The second separator unit includes a chamber arranged to generate a vortical flow in the oil introduced therein to thereby separate gas-rich oil which gathers in an axially central portion of the chamber, means for introducing the oil from the central space to the chamber, a first outlet member for leading the oil containing little gaseous contaminants and a second outlet member for discharging the gas-rich oil.

Abstract: A fuel filter with improved means of preventing water and particulate contaminant from passing therethrough including a cannister, a place secured to the cannister open end having a central fluid outlet and fluid inlet openings spaced from the fluid outlet, a rigid tubular fluid pervious member within the cannister having one end in sealed communication with the plate fluid outlet opening, a flexible filter medium surrounding the outer surface of the tubular member through which fuel really passes but which resists the passage of particulate matter and water, a first deformable washer having an opening therethrough secured to the end of the tubular member opposite that atached to the plate, a ball within the cannister and normally in engagement with the first washer, the ball having a diameter slightly greater than the internal diameter of the washer, and an annular seat between the plate fluid outlet opening and the first end of the tubular member, a second deformable washer member supported concentrically o

Abstract: A filtering system for water treatment including a head member having inlet and outlet ports and replaceable, disposable filter cartridge for insertion into the head member, the filter cartridge including a dual lug retaining system for retaining the filter cartridge in the head member, one of said lug retaining systems being disposed on the pressure vessel of the filter cartridge and the other of said lug retaining systems being disposed on the closure member of the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A disposable oil filter unit with triple filtration characterized by comprising, within a closed cup-shaped container (1), two filter cartridges (3) and (2) which filter radially from the outside towards the center and are disposed in parallel with regard to the traversing oil flow, and of which the first filter cartridge (3), which is of finer porosity, is surrounded by a third concentric cartridge (33) disposed in series with filter cartridge and having a coarser porosity than the second cartridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter for cleaning lubricating oil, especially for internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, with a filter case which, when installed, is in an at least approximately upright position. It has a cylinder-shaped oil filter cartridge and an inlet for the dirty oil flowing through the filter cartridge, plus an outlet for clean oil connected to the central interior part of the filter case and situated in a base at the bottom end of the filter case. A drain passage at the bottom end of the filter case becomes connected to the inlet chamber of the filter case whenever the filter cartridge is removed, plus a closure which cuts the drain passage off from the filter case.

Abstract: An improved oil filter and cooler comprising an oil filter cartridge having a jacket formed with a plurality of helical tubes circling about the exterior of a filter element and serving to gradually transport oil from the filter inlet port to the bottom of the jacket to provide cooling of said oil and allowing the oil to pass upwardly through said filter element to the filter outlet port.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a locking means is provided for a filter cartridge and head unit. This locking means comprises a spring driven plunger, which preferably is supported by the head and comprises at least one detent, which preferably is disposed in the cartridge in the top wall upper surface thereof, whereby inadvertent disengagement of the cartridge from the head is prevented by engagement of the plunger and the detent, and whereby replacement of the cartridge is permitted by first lifting the plunger before rotating the cartridge through a requisite 90 degrees for disengagement thereof. By using the spring driven plunger and cooperating detent, the problem is avoided of a person, or a child, being able to inadvertently disengage the securing tabs from the securing tab receptacles.

Abstract: An improved self-cleaning fluid filter (10) is disclosed having a housing (12) with spaced inlet and outlet ports (14, 16) formed in a common wall (18) of the housing (12). The filter (10) further includes a first sleeve (48) extending from the housing's common wall (18) in which the outlet port (16) is formed. An interior chamber within the first sleeve (48) communicates with the outlet port (16), and the first sleeve (48) has a narrowed portion (52) proximate the outlet port (16). The narrowed portion (52) of the first sleeve (48) has at least one orifice (102) formed therein. The filter (10) further includes a second sleeve (60) extending from the common wall (18) and generally concentrically encircling an axial portion of the narrowed portion (52) of the first sleeve (48). A generally annular space (72) is, thereby, defined between the first and second sleeves (48, 60).

Abstract: A fuel filter having an insulating layer 22 integrally constructed therewith provides thermal insulation for fuel filters such as those used in internal combustion engines. The insulating layer 22 covers substantially all the sides and bottom of a fuel filter 24, but remains open at the top of the fuel filter 24, such that connection of the device to an engine fuel circuit is easily allowed.

Abstract: A filter assembly including a base for supporting and providing fluid connection to a removable filter cartridge, the base having a hollow connecting end for mating with the cartridge, a removable filter cartridge comprising a filter medium and having a connecting end shape to mate coaxially with the end of the base in a rotatable, telescopic relationship, the connecting end of one of the base and the cartridge having lug means extending radially toward the end of the other, the other connecting end having corresponding passage means for lockably receiving the lug means, the telescopically related mating ends of the base and cartridge providing radially opposed surfaces of circular cross-section about the mutual axis of the connecting ends of the base and cartridge, and a circular elastomeric sealing ring providing a radial seal between the circular cross-section surfaces, preventing liquid flow past it between the telescopic ends.

Abstract: A pre-filled fuel filter assembly for internal combustion engines includes a filter cartridge containing a requisite quantity of fuel necessary for filter installation and a removable cap sealably enclosing the cartridge, to enable the filter cartridge to be simply and readily installed as a replacement fuel filter in the event of an engine breakdown without requiring transportation of the engine to an available source of fuel supply.

Abstract: A tubular body having an open and closed ends is provided for loosely receiving a conventional screw-on oil filter therein. The tubular body open end is structured to form a fluid tight seal with the outwardly facing surface of a filter mounting location and the tubular body includes a circumferentially extending zone which is accordion pleated and yieldingly axially compressible. The inner surfaces of the tubular body, at the closed end thereof, are structured to at least reasonably non-slip engage the outer surfaces of the closed end of a filter disposed within the tubular body whereby rotational torque applied to the closed end of the tubular body will be transferred to the filter. The open end of the tubular body is provided with a removable cover and the covered tubular body may comprise a container for marketing a new oil filter and thereafter containing a used oil filter for facilitating disposal thereof.

Abstract: Spin on disposable filters are useful in removing contaminates from the fluid of fluid systems. Preventing axial elongation of the filter due to fluid pressure therein requires the use of thicker elements, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost. The subject twist on disposable filter includes a twist-lock connector device which captures a portion of a housing between cooperating members of the twist-lock connector device. The area of imbalance caused by seal placement is greatly reduced by the twist-lock connector device, thereby minimizing the forces tending to cause axial elongation of the filter. This permits the use of less expensive materials therein and simplifies the manufacturing procedure.

Abstract: A filtering system for water treatment including a head member having inlet and outlet ports and a replaceable, disposable filter cartridge for insertion into the head member, the filter cartridge including a dual lug retaining system for retaining the filter cartridge in the head member, one of said lug retaining systems being disposed on the pressure vessel of the filter cartridge and the other of said lug retaining systems being disposed on the closure member of the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A liquid filter includes a housing having a pressure chamber portion in which a filtering media is carried and a support engaging portion which attaches the housing to the engine upon which the filter is mounted. The support engaging portion includes a radially projecting section which mounts the usual gasket which effects a seal between the housing and a sealing surface on the engine. The radially projecting portion cooperates with the portion of the housing containing the filter to define a circumferentially extending groove therebetween, which isolates the gasket from the distorting forces generated in the housing by hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: An improved spin-on, throw-away type fluid filter assembly which is capable of withstanding operational pressures in excess of 1000 psi adapted to by threadably affixed to a filter mounting means. The improved filter assembly includes a housing having a closed end and an open end which receives a base plate. The open end of the housing is folded inwardly over the base plate. A cap having a downwardly extending skirt is then press-fitted over the open end of the housing and extends substantially coexistent with the base plate and is then roll-formed so that the periphery of the skirt engages the exterior of the housing at the lower surface of the base plate to add strength to the structure.

Abstract: A liquid filter for an internal combustion engine includes a filter cartridge housed within an outer shell closed by an end member. The end member provides a central outlet opening and circumferentially spaced inlet openings circumscribing the outlet opening and spaced radially therefrom. An annular fixture is mounted on the end closure between the outlet opening and the inlet openings and supports a circumferentially extending seal. The seal includes a central portion which seals between the fixture and the cartridge, and also includes a first radially projecting deflectable portion which prevents drainback of liquid filtrate through the inlet openings upon engine shutoff, and also includes a second deflectable portion which controls bypass flow. The fixture further includes axially projecting members which are engaged by the filter cartridge to hold the latter in fluid-tight engagement with the valve member.

Abstract: An engagement member, which is detachably securable to the liquid outlet nipple of a filter receiving fitting, is movably carried by a filter housing which also carries an annular seal which resides against the sealing surface of the fitting. An actuating rod extending from the engagement means is received at one end of a lever which is pivotally secured to the housing. In response to movement of the lever, the housing moves relative the engagement member and the seal is separated from the sealing surface.

Abstract: Leakage under pressure of fluid through the interface of a filter and a filter head or cover casting during removal of the filter is avoided by the use of a stepped gasket at the interface of the filter and the cover casting. The stepped gasket has both axially facing and radially facing sealing surfaces with the latter serving to maintain a seal at the interface over an extended interval during the removal process, which interval is sufficient to enlarge the volume of the system to eliminate any pressure differential from the interior of the system to the ambient.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for enhancing the performance of filters, particularly oil filters for internal combustion engines. The apparatus includes a frame having a top and bottom section connected together by a plurality of spaced longitudinal elements. The longitudinal elements are disposed radially apart from the filter housing so as to create a flow path for circulating air to cool the fluid within the filter. A magnet is mounted in the bottom section to help attract small magnetic particles which may not have been removed by the filtering medium within the filter. A wire coil is mounted in the top section to further assist in removal of suspended magnetic particles and to aid in precipitation of carbonaceous materials suspended in the circulating oil.

Abstract: A plastic relief valve assembly is provided having a one-piece valve body, with a sleeve portion and a slotted portion, and a valve. The slotted portion includes a plurality of radially disposed inlets. The valve includes an axial portion and a radial portion. The radial portion extends angularly over the radial inlets in a seated position and the axial portion extends into the valve body for quick connection therewith by a groove and rib combination provided on the valve and valve body, respectively. The radial portion of the plastic valve is flexible, and the valve opens when fluid pressure reaches a predetermined level. A plastic antidrain valve is also connected to the valve body. A fluid filter incorporating the combined plastic relief valve assembly/antidrain back valve is also provided.

Abstract: The specification discloses an externally mounted filter for filtering contaminated fluids from a fluid-containing system. Fluid is conducted from the system to a housing, through a filter element inside the housing, and back to the system. The filter includes an indicator, visible to a person viewing the housing, which is configured to assume an indicating configuration upon exposure to a fluid pressure in the filter in excess of a predetermined level. The filter is configured to discriminate between momentary fluid pressure surges and excess fluid pressure in the filter so that the indicator is not prematurely activated.

Abstract: An improved self-cleaning fluid filter (10) having a housing (12) with spaced inlet and outlet ports (14, 16) formed in a common wall (18) of the housing (12). The filter (10) further includes a first sleeve (48) extending from the housing's common wall (18) in which the outlet port (16) is formed. An interior chamber within the first sleeve (48) communicates with the outlet port (16), and the first sleeve (48) has a narrowed portion (52) proximate the outlet port (16). The narrowed portion (52) of the first sleeve (48) has at least one orifice (102) formed therein. The filter (10) further includes a second sleeve (60) extending from the common wall (18) and generally concentrically encircling an axial portion of the narrowed portion (52) of the first sleeve (48). A generally annular space (72) is, thereby, defined between the first and second sleeves (48, 60).

Abstract: The disclosure describes an adapter assembly for a conventional fluid system having a filter unit mounted to a filter pad. The adapter assembly allows the pressure differential across the filter element to be conveniently measured by a differential pressure detector. The adapter assembly, which is mounted between the filter pad and the filter unit, generally comprises an adapter plate, a mechanism for attaching and sealing the adapter plate to the filter pad, a mechanism for attaching and sealing the filter unit to the adapter plate, and a fitting for connecting the differential pressure detector to the adapter plate. The adapter plate includes at least one aperture which allows fluid to flow between the inlet chamber of the filter pad and the inlet of the filter unit and another aperture which allows fluid to flow between the outlet of the filter unit and the outlet chamber of the filter pad.

Abstract: A fluid filter and a method for attaching same to a filter mount of an engine in sealing relation is provided. The fluid filter includes a filter media; a housing for the filter media; complimentary interengageable locking devices formed radially on the filter and filter mount for engaging the filter and the filter mount; and a seal positioned between the housing and the filter mount. The locking devices include either: a first set of circumferentially spaced flanges formed on the inner wall of the housing and a second set of circumferentially spaced flanges formed on the filter mount; or a plurality of bolts attached to the filter mount or a plate attached to the housing and a corresponding plurality of holes formed in the plate or filter mount, respectively. The sealing means includes an annular, O-ring positioned between the housing and the filter mount.

Abstract: A tank filtration and dispersion system is provided for use in tanks containing liquid chemicals for filtering, agitating and dispersing the liquid. A housing has an electric motor attached thereto and connected to an impeller located in the housing for rotation upon actuation of the electric motor. A filter is removably attached to the housing and a fluid output is provided for dispersing the fluid drawn through the filter responsive to the actuation of the impeller. The output has a dispersion tube in the tank. A separate dispersion output may be is provided having a venturi and a spaced aspiration sleeve therearound. The impeller has vanes with flat leading edges and curved trailing edges to enhance pumping action.

Abstract: A high-strength spin-on filter (10) of improved fatigue strength comprises a cylindrical housing (12), a unitary cover (28) and an internal filter element assembly (18). The open end of the housing (12) is folded inwardly over the periphery of the cover (28) and into deformable engagement with radial projections (54) thereon to secure the cover and housing against both relative rotation and separation without stress concentrations that would otherwise decrease fatigue life of the filter (10) in high-pressure pulsatile hydraulic systems.

Abstract: A lubricant filter assembly for an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a head member removably mounted on a base member. The head member includes a sleeve-like housing open at one end only and having first and second filter units fixedly mounted therein. The outer peripheries of the filter units coact with the interior surface of the housing to form a common inlet passage. One of the filter units is provided with an interior first outlet passage which communicates with a first passage formation formed in the base member. The first passage formation communicates with a first lubricating circuit of the engine. The second filter unit is provided with an interior second outlet passage which communicates with a second passage formation formed in the base member. The second passage formation communicates with a second lubricating circuit of the engine. Seal sections are carried by the head member.

Abstract: A separating device for separating a pair of immiscible components from a fluid mixture, such as separating water from a diesel fuel oil/water mixture, includes a housing and a filter cartridge mounted on the housing such that the filter cartridge is oriented substantially horizontally. The housing includes an inlet fitting, an outlet fitting, and a sump for receiving the fluid component separated from the mixture. Because of the orientation of the housing, the coalesced water or heavier component of the fluid mixture tends to collect in the lower portion of the filter cartridge and drains into the sump, where it may be drained periodically. The lighter component or fuel oil is communicated to the outlet port or fitting.

Abstract: A resilient compressor ball is compressed to urge an axially-movable circular knife-edge onto one end of a cylindrical filter element to form a seal therewith and to urge the filter element onto a fixed circular knife-edge having a fluid outlet opening therewithin to form a seal therewith. The movable knife-edge is concentrically formed on an axially-slidable tubular compressor element which confines the compressor ball within a hollow nut portion of a cap which is screwed onto a cylindrical shell having a base from which the fixed knife-edge extends in axial alignment with the movable knife-edge. When the cap is screwed onto the shell, the compression of the ball urges the movable knife edge against one end of the filter and the other end of the filter against the fixed knife-edge so as to seal the ends of the filter element and thus the seals formed at the knife-edges, while accommodating variances in the overall length of the filter element from its nominal length.

Abstract: Spin on disposable filters are useful in removing contaminants from the fluid of fluid systems. Preventing axial elongation of the filter due to fluid pressure therein requires the use of thicker elements, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost. The subject twist or disposable filter includes a twist-lock connector device which captures a portion of a housing between interconnected members of the twist-lock connector device. The twist-lock connector device is adapted for axial sealing engagement with a mounting device and minimizes the area of imbalance, thereby minimizing the forces tending to cause axial elongation of the filter. This permits the use of less expensive materials therein and simplifies the manufacturing procedure.

Abstract: A self-cleaning canister type filter (1). A cylindrical canister enclosure (3) has, at one end, end plate (2) with fluid inlets (4) and outlet (6) therein. A spring-loaded hollow annular piston (30) is slideably mounted on the exterior of central tubular cylinder (10) and within upper cylinder (28) for a downward movement against compression spring (32) to initially force a back-flow of filtered fluid through filter element (14), lifting contaminant particulate solids from its filtering surface (15). Inlet valve opening (64) is opened to fluid flow when piston (30) attains a compressed position. Filter element (14) is closely spaced to canister enclosure inner wall surface (9) for rapid flow of fluid over the inlet surface (15) of the filter element (14) to scour solids to sump (5) in the lower portion of the canister enclosure (3).

Abstract: A removable threaded oil filter adaptor collar and a removable outer decorative cover for an oil filter are disclosed.

Abstract: An oil cleaning assembly for an engine comprising a centrifugal separator and a filter which are both releasably connected at one end to a mounting means and which both have an oil inlet and an oil outlet at said end, the centrifugal separator being arranged to extend substantially vertically upwards from the mounting means and the mounting means providing a common oil supply passage for the separator and filter, a drain passage for draining oil from the separator to the engine sump and a discharge passage from the filter for supplying oil to the engine lubrication system.

Abstract: A disposable oil filter for an internal combustion engine, the filter having means to produce a magnetic field in an area of the filter which is not subject to the full flow of oil, so that the attracted magnetic particles are not liable to be swept away by the oil flow.

Abstract: In a screw mounting arrangement for a plastics moulded filter or a coalescer element end cap to a base the base is provided with a serrated track which a locating member is engageable with when the filter or coalescer element is screwed onto the base such as to prevent loosening thereof due to vibration.

Abstract: A spin on fuel water separator having a filter element attached within an electrically grounded housing, means are provided for supplying an electrical potential to the filter element and the filter element is electrically insulated from the housing. Separated water is stored within the housing, and when separated water accumulates within the housing so as to contact the filter element, a current flow through the filter element, the reservoir and the housing is indicated. The housing includes a reservoir bowl provided with a warming coil which allows separated sludge and water to be warmed prior to removal from the device. An optional embodiment includes a means for detecting and indicating a restricted filter element.

Abstract: A spin on fuel water separator having a filter element attached within an electrically grounded housing, a circuit (50) is provided for supplying an electrical potential to the filter element and the filter element is electrically insulated from the housing. Separated water is stored within the housing, and when separated water accumulates within the housing so as to contact the filter element, a current flow through the filter element, the water in the reservoir and the housing is indicated. An optional embodiment includes a pressure drop detector for detecting and indicating a restricted filter element.

Abstract: An oil filter sealing device adapted to seal and protect the oil circulation apertures and reinforcing plate of an oil filter unit, said sealing device comprising, as a unitary structure:(a) a flat, circular plate having an upper surface and a lower surface; and(b) a frictional attachment means centrally disposed on the lower surface of said flat, circular plate.

Abstract: An oil filter relief valve having a tension spring housing with oil inlets and a first end and a second end, the first end being located adjacent the mounting plate of the filter, a base being fixedly connected to the second end of the spring housing and tension abutting and extending into the centertube of the filter element, a valve seat having a pointed surface and being located in the base with a channel formed therein for conducting oil therethrough, a resilient piston normally abutting the valve seat in sealing relation, a relatively rigid piston support on the piston, and a tension spring positioned between the first end of the tension spring housing and the piston support to urge the piston into sealing relation against the valve seat. This relief valve opens when the pressure of the oil entering the oil inlets and the channel in the valve seat exceed a particular threshold amount, thus exerting a force on the piston greater than the downward force naturally exerted by the spring.

Abstract: A fluid sealing gasket device for a spin-on, throwaway filter having an annular sealing gasket with a groove of a particular shape in cross-section, the groove being formed circumferentially at the outer peripheral wall thereof; a substantially correspondingly shaped annular, metal reinforcing member positioned in and extending from the correspondingly shaped groove; and an annular gasket retaining channel formed in the filter end plate for retaining the reinforced sealing gasket therein. The gasket has a lower portion positioned in the retainer channel and an upper portion extending therefrom, with the annular groove and reinforcing member located in the upper portion of the gasket. Alternatively, the reinforcing member effectively fills a "void" when the gasket is molded therearound. This fluid sealing gasket device retains the gasket's structural integrity upon installation on the filter mount and during use when high fluid pressures are exerted on the gasket from the inside of the filter.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a filter assembly having an improved system for selectively jacking a filter canister into and out of engagement with a filter head. A threaded jackscrew is mated to a threaded portion of the filter head and rotatably mounted to the filter canister, but longitudinally confined near the canister top. The assembly accommodates a second class lever whose fulcrum end is received in a recess in the filter head. The jackscrew includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs around the jackscrew perimeter against which the central portion of the lever can successively act. The manual application of force to the free end of the lever creates a mechanical advantage at the jackscrew lugs such that a torque sufficient to free and turn the jackscrew can be generated. Repeated pivoting of the lever against the lugs of the jackscrew in a ratchet-like manner unscrews the jackscrew, and the captive canister, from the filter head.

Abstract: An insulating jacket for an in situs filter cartridge of the type normally employed in filtering oil circulating through a pressurized system of an internal combustion engine. The invention is characterized by an elongated open end cylindrical shell fabricated from an insulating material, such as cellular polystyrene, with the shell adapted to enclose the filter cartridge within an insulating sealed air space.

Abstract: A filter for diesel fuel, with the filter including a filter housing surrounding a filter pack. The filter housing is of a double shell construction and an interspace is provided between the two housing shells. The interspace is tightly sealed all around to an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: The filter system includes a high performance full-flow filter and the second super efficient by-pass filter. An adapter and adapter bushing is located between the engine block and the full-flow filter. The adapter is tapped to provide a pressure source through a filter hose to the by-pass filter. The by-pass filter is then connected to the low pressure side of the oil by connecting through a special drain plug fitting. The hoses are connected to the by-pass filter and the drain plug through a special pivotal connection to fit any make automobile. The by-pass filter may be mounted inside of a neoprene coated nylon sleeve or by a special mounting bracket.

Abstract: This invention relates to spin-on type oil filter receptacles in general, and more specifically to an improvement to the normal external surface of the body, wherein a plurality of reinforced tapes are wound in opposite directions on either end of the receptacle to facilitate the insertion and removal of the oil filter in close tolerance situations.

Abstract: A fluid filter (10) of the spin-on automotive type has a housing with a unitary closure member (18). The unitary, or one-piece, closure member (18) includes provision for mounting of the filter and for fluid flow therethrough. Two opposed annular flanges (78, 80) of the closure member receive between them the marginal edge (72) of the filter shell in a fluid-tight crimped engagement. This arrangement facilitates manufacture of the filter by providing support to the shell wall (68) during the crimping operation and also provides an exceptionally strong joint between the shell (12) and closure member (18). Another embodiment of the filter has a closure member (18) with a marginal edge (76) having a portion of reduced thickness which facilitates its crimped engagement with the filter shell (12). Methods of making such closure members attain a unitary closure member without welding operations.

Abstract: A disposable oil filter cartridge particularly designed for use in and with motorcycle engines wherein the filter is arranged within the oil tank of the engine and including a filter retaining body structure for insertion into the oil tank with spring biasing means normally holding the same within the tank and providing a filter passage area defined by the body and retaining the filter portion of the unit and the body defining a by-pass flow area opening under pressure to permit the oil to flow from the cartridge without passing the same through the filter element. The entire cartridge element is removable from the oil tank and is disposable such that cleaning of the same is eliminated.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating contaminants from contaminated fluids comprising shroud means defining a first chamber, bearing means within the shroud means, a hollow rotor rotatably carried by the bearing means, said hollow rotor defining a second chamber for receiving contaminated fluid directly from an inlet passage passing through said bearing means, and connecting an inlet port at the upper end of the shroud means with the upper end of said second chamber, means to rotate said rotor and thereby cause contaminants in the contaminated fluid within said second chamber to migrate towards a side wall of said second chamber under the influence of centrifugal force and to be separated from such contaminated fluid, said means to rotate said rotor comprising outlet reaction port means in said rotor in fluid communication with said second chamber to cause said rotor to rotate upon discharge of fluid from said second chamber to said first chamber and outlet port means for discharging fluid from the bottom o