Patent ID: 6372133
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A fluid filter apparatus having at least one locking device for multiple filter elements (9), equipped with connections for supply (3) and discharge (4) of fluids and comprising at least one housing dome (5), at least one housing base (2) and at least one base plate (8) supporting said at least one locking device, wherein said at least one locking device comprises at least one centering plate (12) and a spacer rod (11) attached perpendicularly and rigidly to an element selected from said housing base (2) and said base plate (8), said base plate (8) accommodating multiple filter elements (9) which have guide adapters (10) on their ends distal to said base plate (8) characterized in that said at least one centering plate (12) has a locking opening (18) and multiple openings (19, 20, 21) to accommodate said multiple filter elements (9) and said spacer rod (11) is provided with at least one locking segment (15) capable of engaging said locking opening (18) in a locking relationship while permitting said centering plate (12) to move axially along said spacer rod (11), yet permits said centering plate (12) to be movable both radially around and axially along said spacer rod (11) when said centering plate (12) and said spacer rod (11) are not in a locking relationship.