Patent ID: 8535529

Claim:
A method of assembling filter components, the method comprising: supporting annular filter media of a filter element around a central reservoir with an axial open end of the filter element at a first end of the central reservoir and an axial closed end of the filter element at a second end of the central reservoir, the axial open end having an opening allowing fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of the filter element, and the axial closed end having a configuration preventing fluid from passing into or out of the central reservoir through the axial closed end; engaging a drain to a pocket of the filter element formed adjacent the axial closed end, including inserting a threaded portion of the drain into an open end of the pocket, wherein the open end of the pocket is formed by the axial closed end of the filter element adjacent the second end of the central reservoir, moving the threaded portion of the drain inside a closed sidewall of the pocket that extends from the open end of the pocket to a closed end of the pocket, wherein moving the threaded portion of the drain inside the closed sidewall includes moving the threaded portion of the drain within a smooth section of the closed sidewall toward the closed end of the pocket, and threading the threaded portion of the drain to a threaded section of the closed sidewall that is disposed farther from the open end of the pocket than the smooth section; and disposing the filter element at least partially within a casing, wherein the pocket mates with the drain without contacting the casing.