Filter Assemblies; Components; and, Methods

Abstract

Filter arrangements and components therefore are described. Example arrangements are described. In one, a serviceable filter cartridge includes upper and lower end pieces, each having a seal thereon; the upper having a rigid protection thereon, the lower having a non-circular outer perimeter.

1 . A filter cartridge comprising:
 (a) a media pack surrounding an open filter interior and positioned in extension between first and second, opposite, end pieces;   (b) the first end piece having a central aperture therethrough and a first, rigid, axial projection thereon, that projects in a direction away from the media;
 (i) a first seal member positioned on the first end piece; 
   (c) the second end piece having: a central aperture therethrough; and, a non-circular outer perimeter; and,   (d) a radially outwardly projecting, second, seal member positioned on the second end piece.   
     
     
         2 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the first seal member defines a seal perimeter smaller than an outer perimeter of the first end piece. 
 
     
     
         3 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 2  wherein:
 (a) the second seal member defines a seal perimeter smaller than the second end piece. 
 
     
     
         4 . A filter assembly comprising:
 (a) a housing defining an interior and including an air flow inlet and an air flow outlet;
 (i) the housing including cover assembly; 
 (ii) the housing including a housing bottom section defining an interior
 (A) the cover assembly being releasably secured to the bottom section; and, 
 (B) the bottom section including with a liquid drain, and, 
 
   (b) a filter cartridge removably positioned in the housing interior; the filter cartridge comprising:
 (i) a media pack surrounding an open filter interior and positioned in extension between first and second, opposite, end pieces; 
 (ii) the first end piece having a central aperture therethrough and a first, rigid, axial projection thereon, that projects in a direction away from the media;
 (A) a first seal member positioned on the first end piece and removably sealed to the housing; 
 
 (iii) the second end piece having: a central aperture therethrough; and, a non-circular outer perimeter; and, 
 (iv) a radially outwardly projecting, second, seal member, on the second end piece, removably sealed to the housing. 
   
     
     
         5 . A filter assembly according to  4  wherein:
 (a) the first seal member defines a seal perimeter smaller than an outer perimeter of the first end piece. 
 
     
     
         6 . A filter assembly according to  claim 5  wherein:
 (a) the second seal member defines a seal perimeter smaller than the second end piece. 
 
     
     
         7 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 4  wherein:
 (a) the second seal member defines a seal perimeter smaller than the second end piece. 
 
     
     
         8 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 4  wherein:
 (a) the first seal member is positioned on the first, rigid, axial projection that projects in a direction away from the media. 
 
     
     
         9 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 8  wherein:
 (a) the first seal member is a radially directed seal member. 
 
     
     
         10 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 9  wherein:
 (a) the first seal member is a radially outwardly directed seal member. 
 
     
     
         11 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 9  wherein:
 (a) the second seal member is a radially directed seal member. 
 
     
     
         12 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 11  wherein:
 (a) the second seal member is a radially outwardly directed seal member. 
 
     
     
         13 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the second seal member defines a seal perimeter smaller than the second end piece. 
 
     
     
         14 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the first seal member is positioned on the first, rigid, axial projection that projects in a direction away from the media. 
 
     
     
         15 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 14  wherein:
 (a) the first seal member is a radially directed seal member. 
 
     
     
         16 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 15  wherein:
 (a) the first seal member is a radially outwardly directed seal member. 
 
     
     
         17 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 15  wherein:
 (a) the second seal member is a radially directed seal member. 
 
     
     
         18 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 17  wherein:
 (a) the second seal member is a radially outwardly directed seal member.