Patent ID: 7618480

Claim:
A method of directing flow through a filter assembly, comprising: directing flow of a fluid into an inlet port located within a filter head of the filter assembly; passing the fluid from the inlet port into a filter element using a top cap having a non-planar flange portion, wherein the flange portion has a substantially curving, generally s-shaped cross-sectional profile to reduce the pressure loss at the inlet and outlet portions of the filter head, the non-planar flange sealingly received within the filter head such that the filter head is divided into inlet and outlet partitions; passing the fluid through components of the filter element housed within the filter bowl, the filter element including a barrier of filtration media, a drain layer and at least one support tube; wherein a pressure differential exists across the filter element; preventing fluid from escaping from a bottom portion of the filter bowl with a bottom cap; passing the fluid through the barrier of filtration media and then out of the assembly through the outlet port; and, controlling a fluid level within the assembly using a float drain component attached to the base of the filter bowl and aligned with a drain hole.