Filter assembly

摘要

A filter assembly is provided having a housing defining a housing edge. A tapping plate is also provided and is generally circular in shape. The tapping plate defines a tapping plate edge and includes a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. Preferably, the at least one fluid outlet port is a central threaded aperture to enable the filter assembly to be secured to a filter mount of an engine. An interconnecting device is included for interconnecting the housing and the tapping plate. The interconnecting device further retains an external seal generally about the tapping plate edge. The external seal is an economically formed lathe-cut gasket and the interconnecting device includes a first and second extension member. The first extension member is formed integrally with the tapping plate at the tapping plate edge. The second extension member is formed integrally with the housing at the housing edge. The second extension member extends substantially around the first extension member, thereby providing a seamless interconnection and a generally flat surface for retaining the lathe-cut gasket. Alternatively, the interconnecting device includes a seal support tray. The seal support tray is generally U-shaped and includes opposing first and second legs. The first and second legs arc positioned adjacent the lathe-cut gasket. The second extension member extends substantially around the first extension member and the first leg of the seal support tray, thereby providing an interconnection impervious to fluid leakage.