Background Filters are commonly used in connection with lubrication systems and fuel systems for internal combustion engines and hydraulic systems for heavy- duty equipment. Filters are also used in many other types of liquid systems. In these types of systems, the filter is changed periodically. In the art, there have been at least two ways of mounting filters. One way is a top-load filter, while the other is a bottom-load filter.

Each of these filters uses a filter base that is permanently secured to the system for which the liquid filtration is being done. A filter, which includes a housing and a filter element, is removably mounted to the filter base. In this context, the terms"top-load"and"bottom-load"refer to the location of the filter base relative to the filter. For a top-load system, the filter is usually mounted relative to the filter base so that the filter is installed in an orientation that permits servicing whatever part (usually the filter base) that remains fixed to the engine in operational position during servicing. In a bottom-load system, the filter is mounted under the filter base (in such systems, the filter base is sometimes referred to as a filter head).

Of the types of filters in the art, there are at least two standard types of filters used. One type is a bowl-cartridge filter, while another type is a spin-on canister filter. A bowl-cartridge filter typically includes a reuseable bowl holding a replaceable filter element (cartridge filter). Bowl-cartridge filters mount onto the filter base, and liquid to be cleaned passes through the filter base, into the bowl, through the replaceable cartridge filter, outside of the bowl, and back into the filter base. After a period of use, the bowl-cartridge filter is removed from the filter base, and the replaceable cartridge filter is removed from the reuseable bowl. The old

cartridge filter is discarded, and replaced with a new cartridge filter. The new cartridge filter is operably mounted into the reuseable bowl to provide a refurbished bowl-cartridge filter. The refurbished bowl-cartridge filter, containing the new cartridge filter, is then mounted onto the filter base. Spin-on canister filters, on the other hand, are disposable units, which typically include a single-use housing holding a permanently mounted, non-replaceable filter element (cartridge filter).

The canister holding the cartridge filter is usually spun onto the filter base, by threaded engagement. The liquid to be cleaned passes from the filter base and into the housing for filtering. The cleaned liquid exits the housing and re-enters the filter base. After some period of use, the spin-on canister filter is removed from the filter base and is discarded. A new spin-on canister filter is then mounted onto the filter base.

Summary of the Disclosure A filter base is provided that is useable for both top-load and bottom- load filter assemblies.

A method of using a fluid filter assembly includes providing a filter base capable of operably receiving a filter mounted in one of first and second positions. The filter includes a housing holding a filter element. The first position includes the filter mounted under the filter base to receive dirty fluid to be filtered flowing downwardly from the base and into the filter, while the second position includes the filter mounted over the base to receive dirty fluid to be filtered flowing upwardly from the base and into the filter.

A filter assembly is provided that includes a filter base capable of receiving a filter mounted in one of first and second positions and a filter operably mounted thereon. The first position includes the filter mounted vertically below the base to receive dirty liquid to be filtered flowing downwardly from the base and into the filter, while the second position includes the filter mounted vertically above the base to receive dirty liquid to be filtered flowing upwardly from the base and into the filter.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a liquid filter assembly including a filter base and a filter;

FIG. 2 is a rear side elevational view of the filter assembly depicted in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a front side elevational view of the filter assembly depicted in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly depicted in FIG. 3, the cross-section being taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly depicted in FIG. 1, the cross-section being taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is a second embodiment of a liquid filter assembly including the same filter base depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and a filter; FIG. 7 is a front side elevational view of the filter assembly depicted in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly depicted in FIG. 6, the cross-section being taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 10; FIG. 9 is a schematic depiction of a piece of equipment having an engine utilizing various liquid filter assemblies depicted in any one of FIGS. 1-8 ; FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the filter assembly depicted in FIG. 6; FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the filter assembly depicted in FIG. 8; and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly depicted in FIG. 6, the cross-section being taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

Detailed Description Attention is first directed to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic depiction of equipment 10 including an engine 12. The equipment 10 includes fluid systems, such as liquid systems, e. g. , a lubrication system 14, a fuel system 16, and a hydraulic system 18. The lubrication system 14, the fuel system 16, and the hydraulic system 18 will need to have the fluid (in this case, liquid) in the system (oil, fuel, or hydraulic fluid) cleaned. To provide the cleaning function, a fluid filter assembly 20 is utilized. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 9, there are three fluid filter assemblies 20 shown, and in this case, the fluid filter assemblies 20 are liquid filter assemblies 20--one for the lubrication system 14, one for the fuel system 16, and one for the hydraulic system 18. The equipment 20 shown in FIG. 9

is a tractor 22. The liquid filter assembly 20 is useable with other types of equipment 10 including bulldozers, skid-steers, payloaders, mining equipment, over the highway trucks, off-road trucks, combines, and other types of equipment.

Fluid filter assembly 20, constructed according to principles of this disclosure, is also useable with other systems, such as generators, and any system with an engine or a hydraulic system. Such engines can be small, such as on the order of two horsepower.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 1. The fluid filter assembly 20 is shown in perspective view. The examples described herein will be directed to liquid filters, but it should be understood that other fluids (e. g. , air) could also be used.

The liquid filter assembly 20 includes a filter base 24 and a filter 26. The filter base 24 is typically positioned in lubrication systems 14, fuel systems 16, or hydraulic systems 18, depending upon the desired application. Fluid is directed from the particular system 14,16, or 18 by the filter base 24 and through the filter 26. The fluid is cleaned by the filter 26 and is returned through the base 24 and to the particular system 14,16, or 18.

The filter base 24 is capable of operably receiving filter 26 mounted for either top-load filtering or bottom-load filtering. FIGS. 1-5 is an example of bottom-load filtering, while FIGS. 6-8 are examples of top-load filtering. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-5, the filter 26 is mounted under, or below, the filter base 24 such that liquid to be filtered flows downwardly, with gravity, from the filter base 24 through the filter 26. In FIGS. 6-8, the filter 26 is mounted on top of, or above, the filter base 24 such that liquid to be filtered is directed upwardly from the filter base 24 and through the filter 26.

The filter 26 shown in FIGS. 1-5 is a bowl-cartridge filter 28. In other embodiments, however, the filter 26 can also be a spin-on canister filter. By the term"bowl-cartridge", it is meant a filter having a reusable housing or bowl holding a replaceable cartridge filter (filter element). After a period of use, after some number of hours, when the cartridge filter becomes clogged or restriction increases to an unacceptable level, the bowl-cartridge filter 28 is removed from the filter base 24; the cartridge filter is removed from the bowl and a new, unused cartridge filter is installed within the bowl. The bowl with the new cartridge filter is then mounted onto the filter base 24. By the term"spin-on canister filter", it is

meant a filter that includes a cartridge filter (filter element) installed within a housing, in which the cartridge filter is permanently mounted and non-replaceable.

Spin-on canister filters are typically single use. By"single use", it is meant that once the life of the cartridge filter is exhausted, usually after some number of hours of operation, the entire spin-on canister filter is removed from the filter base, discarded, and replaced with a totally new spin-on canister filter containing an unused cartridge filter. Spin-on canister filters can be used for both the bottom-load and top-load configurations, described herein.

As mentioned previously, the filter base 24 is useable in two configurations, one where the filter 26 is mounted vertically below the filter base 24 to receive dirty liquid to be filtered flowing downwardly from the base 24 and into the filter 26; and one where the filter 26 is mounted vertically above the base 24 to receive dirty liquid to be filtered flowing upwardly from the base 24 and into the filter 26. The filter base 24 is thus constructed in a manner to be adaptable to both of these operable configurations. In reference now to FIGS. 3-8, the filter base 24 includes a block 30. Typically, the block 30 is a cast-metal construction, constructed to be strong and durable so that it can sustain high pressures from filtration. The block 30 defines a filter receiving portion 32 (FIGS. 5 and 8) and a conduit-section receiving portion 34 (or system interface portion). In the preferred embodiment shown, the filter-receiving portion 32 is oriented orthogonal, normal, or 90 degrees relative to the conduit-receiving portion 34. The filter receiving portion 32 is constructed and arranged to engage and mateably receive the filter 26. The conduit-receiving portion 34 is constructed and arranged to interact (interface) with the system (14,16, or 18) by receiving connections to pipes or conduits for the equipment 10.

The filter receiving portion 32 includes an outer perimeter 36. The outer perimeter 36, in the embodiments shown, is constructed and arranged to mechanically engage, such as by threaded engagement 38 with the filter 26. In the embodiment shown, threads 39 are on the outside of the outer perimeter 36 of the filter receiving portion 32. In other embodiments, the outer perimeter 36 can be made to have the threads 39 along the inside of the outer perimeter 36.

The filter block 30 defines a plurality of liquid flow passages 40.

Depending upon the particular configuration and the manner in which the filter

assemblies 20 are operated, the liquid flow passages 40 can be either inlet flow passages or outlet flow passages. In addition, one type of liquid flow passage 40 includes a drain flow passage, each of which is described further below.

In the preferred embodiments illustrated, the block 30 defines first and second liquid inlet passages 42,44 in communication with each other. The first and second inlet passages 42,44 define dirty liquid pathways 46,48 that run from the conduit receiving portion 34 to the filter receiving portion 32. The conduit receiving portion 34 defines first and second inlet ports 50,52. The first inlet port 50 is in liquid flow communication with the first dirty liquid pathway 46 and the first inlet passage 42. The second inlet port 52 is in liquid flow communication with the second dirty liquid pathway 48 and the second inlet passage 44. From a review of FIGS. 3,4, 5, and 8, it can be appreciated that dirty liquid to be cleaned by the filter 26 flows through the first and second inlet ports 50,52 in the filter base 24 and then flows through the dirty liquid pathways 46,48 to be directed into the filter 26.

The dirty liquid pathways 46,48 are joined together to form a dirty liquid volume 49, which is separated from a clean liquid volume 54 by the combination of an outlet tube 56 defined by the block 30 and a seal arrangement 58 formed between the filter 26 and the filter base 24. The seal arrangement 58 is described further below.

The filter block 30 defines an outlet passage 60, which defines a filtered liquid pathway 62. The outlet passage 60 is defined by the interior portion of the outlet tube 56. The filtered liquid pathway 62 also defines the clean liquid volume 54.

The conduit-receiving portion 34 includes an outlet port 64 in liquid flow communication with the outlet passage 60 and the filtered liquid pathway 62.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1,3, 6, and 7, in the preferred embodiment shown, the outlet port 64 is between the first inlet port 50 and the second inlet port 52.

Preferably, the first inlet port 50, the second inlet port 52, and the outlet port 64 are linearly aligned. That is, a single straight line can pass through the center point of each of the ports 50, 52,64. The first and second inlet ports 50,52 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the outlet port 64. This symmetry helps to permit the versatility of the filter base 24 to allow it to be used in both to top-load and bottom- load applications.

The block 30 also defines a drain passage 66. When used in a top- load configuration, the drain passage 66 defines a drain pathway 68 from the filtered liquid pathway 62 to the conduit-receiving portion 32. When used in a bottom-load configuration (FIGS. 1-5), it is contemplated that the drain passage 66 will be plugged. Thus, in the bottom load configuration of FIGS. 1-5, the drain passage 66 does not, preferably, define drain pathway 68. Rather, the drain passage 66 will be plugged using conventional techniques.

The conduit-receiving portion 34 defines a drain port 70 in communication with the drain passage 66. Again, in the bottom-load configuration of FIGS. 1-5, the drain port 70 will likely be plugged. In the top-load configuration of FIGS. 6-8 and 10-12, the drain port 70 is likely connected to conduits leading to the crankcase or other appropriate parts of the system. In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the drain passage 66 is in liquid flow communication with the outlet passage 60 and the clean liquid volume 54. In FIG. 8, the drain pathway 68 is selectively openable to the filtered liquid pathway 62 and the clean liquid volume 54. This is described further below.

In FIGS. 1,3, 6, and 7, it can be seen how the drain port 70 is co- linearly aligned with the outlet port 64. However, the drain port 70 is mis-linearly aligned with the first and second inlet ports 50,52. By"mis-linearly aligned", it is meant that a single straight line cannot be drawn through the first and second inlet ports 50,52 as well as the drain port 70.

Other features of the filter base 24 includes a mounting flange 72.

The mounting flange 72 defines mounting apertures 73,74 configured and arranged to receive suitable fastener, such as bolts (not shown).

In each embodiment, the filter 26 includes a housing 78 with a filter cartridge (or filter element) 80 mounted within the housing 78. The particular, preferred constructions for the bottom-load filter assembly 20 and the top-load filter assembly 20 are each described now, below.

First, attention is directed to FIGS. 1-5, which shows the bottom- load configuration of the liquid filter assembly 20. In this configuration, the filter 26 is the bowl-cartridge filter 28. The housing 78 includes a bowl 82 having an outer wall 84, which defines a closed end 86 and an open end 88. The outer wall 84 defines an open interior volume 90. Inside of the open interior volume 90 in the

bowl 82 is the removeable and replaceable filter cartridge 80. The filter 26 further includes an inner liner or inner filter support tube 92 extending from the closed end 86 of the bowl 82. In particular, the bowl 82 defines a projection 94 extending from an inside surface 96 of the closed end 86 of the bowl 82. The projection 94 extends or projects from the closed end 86 in a direction toward the open end 88. The filter support tube 92 is mounted over and around to circumscribe the projection 94.

The filter cartridge 80 preferably comprises pleated media 98, and in many preferred constructions, preferably cellulose media. The pleated media 98 is configured in a tubular configuration, preferably cylindrical to define an open filter interior 102 defined by the tube of pleated media 98. When operably assembled within the filter assembly 20, the filter cartridge 80 circumscribes and is supported by the inner filter support tube 92. The filter element 80 is removably mountable over the filter support tube 92. The filter support tube 92 is porous, for example, perforated (the perforations not being shown in the drawings), to permit liquid flow through the pleated media 98 and through the filter support tube 92 and into a cleaned liquid volume 104.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the filter cartridge 80 includes first and second end caps 106,108 with the pleated media 98 extending between the end caps 106,108. The first end cap 106 defines an aperture 110 and a seal ring 112 lining the aperture 110. The seal ring 112 forms a releasable seal 114 with the outlet tube 56. As such, the seal ring 112 is part of the seal arrangement 58 discussed above.

The second end cap 108 also defines an aperture 116 and a seal ring 118 lining the aperture 116. The aperture 116 receives the projection 94, and the seal ring 118 forms a releasable seal 120 between the filter cartridge 80 and the bowl 82.

The outer wall 84 of the bowl 82 is threaded to engage the outer perimeter 36 of the filter base 24 at threaded engagement 38. While in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, threads 83 are on an inside surface 85 of the outer wall 84, it is contemplated that the threads could be on the outside surface of the wall 84.

Operation of the bottom-load filter assembly 20 should now be apparent. Dirty liquid to be cleaned is directed into the filter base 24 through the

inlet ports 50, 52. From there it flows through the inlet passages 42,44 and becomes part of the dirty liquid volume 49. The dirty liquid then flows into the filter 26 by passing into the open interior volume 90 of the bowl 82. The dirty liquid is prevented from passing to the clean liquid volume 104 by the presence of the seals 114,120 between the filter cartridge 80 and the filter base 24 and bowl 82.

Thus, the dirty liquid is forced to flow through the pleated media 98, then through the filter support tube 92 and into the clean liquid volume 104. From there, the cleaned liquid flows through the outlet tube 56 and through the filtered liquid pathway 62. The cleaned liquid then flows out through the outlet port 64. In this embodiment, the drain passage 66 is preferably blocked off and not used.

After a period of time, it will become necessary to replace the filter cartridge 80. To replace the filter cartridge 80, the filter 26 is removed from the filter base 24. This is done by unscrewing the bowl 82 from the base 24 at the threaded engagement 38. This allows access to the interior 90 of the bowl 82. The filter cartridge 80 is removed from the outlet tube 56 and the projection 94. The old filter cartridge 80 is then discarded. A new, clean filter cartridge 80 is provided.

The new filter cartridge 80 is mounted over the projection 94 and seal 120 is formed. The refurbished bowl-cartridge filter 28 is then screwed on the filter base 24 and the seal 114 with the outlet tube 56 is created. Filter assembly 20 is again ready for use.

Attention is now directed to the top-load design shown in FIGS. 6-8 and 10-12. The housing 78 includes an outer wall 122 defining first and second opposite, open ends 124,126 and an open interior 128. The housing 78 also includes a cap 130 covering the first open end 124. In preferred embodiments, the cap 130 and the outer wall 122 are threadably connected at threads 132. Also, there is preferably a seal 134 formed between the cap 130 and the housing wall 122 by the operation of, in the example shown, an O ring 136. The cap 130 includes a nut 138 extending therefrom to permit rotation of the cap 130 relative to the housing wall 122 in order to provide access to the open interior 128.

The filter 26, in this embodiment, further includes an inner filter support tube 140 that is preferably connected to the cap 130 at a snap connection 142. This snap connection permits rotation of the cap 130 relative to the housing wall 122, while permitting slidable interaction between the inner filter support tube

140 and the cap 130. Thus, when the cap 130 is rotated, the inner filter support tube 140 is not rotated--the snap connection 142 allows for a slidable interaction between flanges 143 and 144. Flange 143 extends from an inner wall 145 of the cap 130, while flange 144 extends from an end 166 of the inner filter support tube 140.

A stand pipe 146 is preferably integral with and extending from the inner filter support tube 140 and extends through the open second end 126 of the outer wall 122. As described further below, the stand pipe 146 is received by and extends within the outlet tube 56 of the filter base 24.

The filter cartridge 80 preferably comprises pleated media 148 shaped in a tubular configuration such that it circumscribes and is supported by the inner filter support tube 140. The filter cartridge 80 is removably mountable over the inner filter support tube 140. As with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, the inner filter support tube 140 is porous to permit liquid flow therethrough.

The filter cartridge 80 includes first and second end caps 150,152 with the pleated media 148 extending therebetween. Each of the first and second end caps 150,152 includes an aperture 156,158 and a seal ring 160,162 circumscribing and lining the aperture 156,158. The aperture 156 for the first end cap 150 receives a projection 164 at an end 166 of the filter support tube 140 in a region adjacent to the snap connection 142. The seal ring 160 forms a seal 168 between the filter cartridge 80 and the projection 164 of the inner filter support tube 140.

The second end cap aperture 158 receives the stand pipe 146. The seal ring 162 forms a seal 170 (FIG. 11) between the filter cartridge 80 and the stand pipe 146. The seal 170 is part of seal arrangement 58, mentioned above.

The second end cap 152 defines a holder or pocket 180 circumscribing the outer periphery 181 of the pleated media 148. The pocket 180 holds or contains a second region of media 182. The second region of media 182 allows for collection of contaminant, and contaminant containment, as the filter cartridge 80 is lifted out of the housing 78 during servicing. In general, this is accomplished by providing drain apertures 183 in a bottom portion of the end cap 152, with filter media 182 extending thereover. Thus, as the end cap 152 is drawn upwardly through liquid when the filter cartridge 80 is replaced, the liquid can flow

through the apertures 183, with contaminant being trapped. This particular feature is described in detail in WO 02/081052, published October 17,2002, incorporated herein by reference. This particular embodiment is only an example. Alternate systems for contaminant collection are described in U. S. Patent No. 6,322, 697, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In the particular arrangement depicted in the drawings, there is also a spacer ring 186 supporting the filter cartridge 80. The spacer ring 186 helps to hold the filter cartridge in place relative to the projection 64 and stand pipe 146 in order to keep the seals 168,170 in place during operation. The spacer ring 186, in the one depicted in the drawings (FIG. 11), includes a neck 187, a shoulder 188, and an arm 189. In the one depicted, the neck 187 and the arm 189 are generally parallel to each other, while the shoulder 188 extends between the neck 187 and the arm 189.

The neck 187 has an end surface 190 that engages the outlet tube 56 of the filter base 24. The neck defines a groove 191 that holds an 0-ring 192 for forming a seal 193 between the spacer ring 186 and the outlet tube 56. The shoulder 188 supports the end cap 152, while the arm 189 extends along a portion of the region of the pleated media 148. In the one shown, the arm 189 extends far enough along the pleated media 148 to overlap the second region of media 182. This helps to diffuse liquid flow as it enters the region 128.

In FIG. 11, as dirty liquid enters through the inlets 50,52 into the dirty liquid volume 44, it is directed around the end cap 152 and the second region of media 182. This is shown by arrows 194. If the spacer ring 186 were not in place, dirty liquid would be allowed to flow through the apertures 183 and through the second region of media 182. In general, in many preferred applications, the second region of media 182 is intended to filter and trap contaminant during servicing. The spacer ring 186 acts as a flow diffuser and diverts the flow of dirty liquid around this second region of media 182.

When operably installed, the stand pipe 146 is in liquid communication with the outlet passage 60 of the filter base 24. The stand pipe 146 is removably received within the outlet tube 56 of the filter base 24. The stand pipe 146 preferably defines a groove 172, with first and second seal rings 174,176 circumscribing the stand pipe 146 on opposite ends of the groove 172. The seal rings 174,176 form seals 175,177 between the stand pipe 146 and the filter base 24

(specifically, the outlet tube 56). The first and second seal rings 174,176 and the groove block liquid flow through the drain passage 66 when the stand pipe 146 is mounted in operable assembly in the filter base 24. The stand pipe 146 permits liquid flow therethrough and into the drain passage 66 when the stand pipe 146 is removed from the filter base 24.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 8, 11, and 12, the wall 122 includes threads 123 to engage the threaded connection 38 at the open second end 126 of the wall 122. A seal 125 is formed by o-ring 127 between the wall 122 and the outer wall 36 of the filter block 30.

Operation of the top-load filter assembly 20 shown in FIGS. 6-8 and 10-12 should now be apparent. Dirty liquid to be filtered enters the filter base 24 through the first and second inlet ports 50,52, in which it flows through the dirty liquid pathways 46,48 and is directed upwardly into the filter 26. From there, it is diverted around the second region of media 182 by the spacer ring 186 and flows into the open interior 128 of the housing 78. The dirty liquid is prevented from flowing straight into the clean liquid volume 54 without first passing through the pleated media 148 due to the existence of the seals 168,170. The dirty liquid then passes through the pleated media 148, through the inner filter support tube 140 and into a clean liquid volume 178. From there, the filtered liquid flows through an interior 147 of the stand pipe 146, which is part of the clean liquid volume 54 and which forms part of the filtered liquid pathway 62. The filtered liquid then exits the filter base 24 through the outlet port 64. The filtered liquid is blocked from flowing through the drain pathway 68 because it is blocked off by the stand pipe 146 (in particular the groove 172 and the seals 175,177).

After a period of use, it will become desirable to replace the filter cartridge 80. To service the top-load filter assembly 20, the cap 130 is removed from the housing wall 122 by releasing the threaded connection 131 between the cap 130 and the housing wall 122. This is done by placing a wrench over the nut 138 to unscrew the cap 130 from the housing wall 122. As the nut 138 and the cap 130 are rotated, the inner filter support tube 140 and stand pipe 146 remain stationary due to the slidable connection between the flanges 143,144 of the snap connection 142. As the cap 130 is unscrewed from the housing wall 122, the stand pipe 146 is pulled in a linear direction upwardly relative to the filter base 24. This

releases the seal 177 and the end 180 of the stand pipe 146 is moved in a position above the drain passage 66. This opens the drain pathway 68 to the flow of filtered liquid from the clean liquid volume 54 through the drain pathway 68. This cleaned liquid then flows to an appropriate reservoir, such as an engine crankcase.

The cap 130 holding the filter cartridge 80 is then removed from the housing 78. The filter cartridge 80 is removed from the inner filter support tube 140 and the stand pipe 146 by releasing the seals 168,170. As the filter cartridge 80 is removed from the housing 78, some of the unfiltered liquid in volume 49 is forced to flow through the apertures 183 in the container or pocket 180 and pass through the second region of media 182. This helps to trap some of the contaminant in the unfiltered liquid volume 49. The old filter cartridge 80 is discarded and a new, clean filter cartridge 80 is provided. The new filter cartridge 80 is mounted over the combination filter support tube 140 and stand pipe 146 and seals 168,170 are created. This refurbished assembly is then mounted into the filter wall 122 including inserting the stand pipe 146 into the outlet tube 56 until the groove 172 blocks the pathway to the drain port 68 and the seal 175,177 are created. The cap 130 is secured to the filter wall 122 by rotating the nut 138 at the threaded connection 131, and seals 125,134 are formed. The filter assembly 20 is again ready for use.

In general, in some example uses, a method of using a fluid filter assembly comprises providing a filter base capable of operably receiving a filter mounted in one of first and second positions; the first position including the filter mounted below the base to receive dirty fluid to be filtered flowing downwardly from the base and into the filter; and the second position including the filter mounted vertically above the base to receive dirty fluid to be filtered flowing upwardly from the base and into the filter. The method preferably includes operably installing the filter onto the filter base to provide a filter assembly. In some implementations, the step of operably installing includes threadably connecting the filter onto the filter base.

In some implementations, the step of providing a filter base includes providing a filter base operably installed on an engine block of an engine of at least 100 HP; the engine having at least one of a hydraulic system and a lubrication system;

and the method further comprises after the step of operably installing, operating the engine and directing fluid from one of the hydraulic system and lubrication system through the filter assembly. In some implementations, the step of providing a filter base includes providing a filter base mounted to operably receiving a filter mounted in the first position.

In some implementations, after the step of operating the engine, the method includes stopping the engine and removing the filter from the filter base; removing the filter element from the housing and operably installing a second, new filter element into the housing to provide a refurbished filter; and operably installing the refurbished filter onto the filter base. In some implementations, after the step of operating the engine, the method includes stopping the engine and removing the filter from the filter base; and operably installing a second, new filter onto the filter base; the second, new filter being a spin-on canister filter including a single-use housing holding a non-replaceable filter element. In some implementations, the step of providing a filter base includes providing a filter base mounted to operably receiving a filter mounted in the second position.

In some implementations, after the step of operating the engine, the method includes stopping the engine and removing the filter from the filter base; and the step of removing including draining, by gravity, liquid from the filter through a drain port in the filter base.

In some implementations, the method includes removing the filter element from the housing and operably installing a second, new filter element into the housing to provide a refurbished filter; and operably installing the refurbished filter onto the filter base.

In some implementations, after the step of operating the engine, the method includes stopping the engine and removing the filter from the filter base; and operably installing a second, new filter onto the filter base; the second, new filter being a spin-on canister filter including a single-use housing holding a non- replaceable filter element.

In general, in some example embodiments, a filter base is provided comprising a block defining a filter receiving portion and a conduit-section receiving portion; the filter receiving portion being oriented 70-100 degrees, preferably, 90 degrees relative to the conduit-receiving portion. The filter receiving

portion has an outer perimeter constructed and arranged to mate with a filter. The block defines first and second inlet passages in communication with each other; the first and second inlet passages defining dirty fluid pathways from the conduit- receiving portion to the filter receiving portion; the block defining an outlet passage defining a filtered fluid pathway from the filter receiving portion to the conduit- receiving portion; and the block defining a drain passage; the drain passage defining a drain pathway from the filtered fluid pathway to the conduit-receiving portion.

In some implementations, the conduit-receiving portion defines: a first inlet port in communication with the first inlet passage; a second inlet port in communication with the second inlet passage; an outlet port in communication with the outlet passage; the outlet port being between the first inlet port and the second inlet port; and a drain port in communication with the drain passage.

In some implementations, the first inlet port, second inlet port, and outlet port each has a center point that is linearly aligned. In some implementations, the outlet port and the drain port each has a center point that is linearly aligned. In some implementations, the drain port center point is mis-linearly aligned with both the first inlet port and the second inlet port.

In general, in some example embodiments, a filter assembly is provided including a filter base and a filter operably mounted thereon. In some implementations, the filter comprises a housing and a removable and replaceable filter element. In some implementations, the housing comprises a bowl having an outer wall defining a closed end, and open end, and an open interior; an inner filter support tube extends from the closed end of the bowl; the filter element comprises pleated media shaped in a tubular configuration; the filter element circumscribing and being supported by the inner filter support tube; the filter element being removably mountable over the inner filter support tube.

In some implementations, the filter element includes first and second end caps with the pleated media extending between the first and second end caps; the first end cap defining a first aperture and a first seal ring lining the first aperture; the first aperture receiving an outlet tube defined by the block of the filter base; the outlet tube defining the outlet passage; the first seal ring forming a seal between the filter element and the outlet tube; the second end cap defining a second aperture and a second seal ring lining the second aperture; the second aperture

receiving a projection extending from the closed end of the bowl ; the second seal ring forming a seal between the filter element and the bowl.

In some implementations, the outer wall of the bowl is threaded and engages the outer perimeter of the filter receiving portion of the block of the filter base. In some implementations, the housing comprises an outer wall defining first and second opposite open ends and an open interior; a cap covering the first open end; the cap and the outer wall being threadably connected; and the filter further includes: an inner filter support tube connected to the cap with a snap connection; and a stand pipe integral with and extending from the inner filter support tube and extending through the open second end of the outer wall; the filter element comprises pleated media shaped in a tubular configuration; the filter element circumscribing and being supported by the inner filter support tube; the filter element being removably mountable over the inner filter support tube.

In some implementations, the filter element includes first and second end caps with the pleated media extending between the first and second end caps; the first end cap defining a first aperture and a first seal ring lining the first aperture; the first aperture receiving a projection at one end of the filter support tube in a region adjacent to the snap connection; the first seal ring forming a seal between the filter element and the filter support tube; the second end cap defining a second aperture and a second seal ring lining the second aperture; the second aperture receiving the stand pipe; the stand pipe being in fluid communication with the outlet passage in the filter base; the second seal ring forming a seal between the filter element and the stand pipe.

In some implementations, the stand pipe is removably received within an outlet tube in the filter base; the stand pipe defining a groove and first and second seal rings circumscribing the stand pipe on opposite ends of the groove; the first and second seal rings and the groove blocking fluid flow through the drain passage in the block, when the stand pipe is mounted in operable assembly in the filter base; the stand pipe permitting fluid flow therethrough and into the drain passage, when the stand pipe is removed from the filter base.

In some implementations, the filter comprises a spin-on canister filter including a single-use housing holding a non-replaceable filter element.