Stackable filter head unit

Claim 1

A stackable filter head unit (12) of use with a filter element (56) having a cylindrical outer surface and a chamber (72) within the filter element, the chamber being concentric with the cylindrical outer surface, and a filter bowl (58) adapted to be disposed concentrically about the filter element (56) to define a second chamber therebetween; the filter head unit (12) including: a member (14) having first and second opposed generally planar end surfaces (16, 18) interconnectable with corresponding surfaces of like filter head units to permit stacking of the filter head units, spaced apart generally parallel inlet and outlet passageways (36, 38) so dimensioned that die cast mold cores may be withdrawn therefrom, the passageways lying in a common first plane and extending between the first and second end surfaces and generally normal thereto, laterally offset annular side surfaces (50, 52) generally parallel to the first plane, the side surfaces being adapted to receive one end each of a filter element (56) and a filter bowl (58) in generally concentric fluid tight relationships, a first cylindrical port (76) so dimensioned that a die cast mold core may be withdrawn therefrom, the first port extending between the outlet passageway (38) and the center of the side surfaces (50, 52) and placing said outlet passageway in communication with the chamber (72) within the filter element (56), and a second port (78) so dimensioned that a die cast mold core may be withdrawn therefrom, the second port extending between the inlet passageway (36) and the side surfaces (50, 52) and placing the inlet passageway in communication with the chamber surrounding the filter element, the centerline of cylindrical port (76) being concentric with the centerline of the chamber (72) and defining a common second plane with the centerline of the outlet passageway, the passageways and ports being so oriented with respect to each other as to facilitate die casting of the member.