Patent ID: 6998045

Claim:
A fluid filter arrangement comprising: (a) a filter assembly including: (i) a housing having a closed end and an open end; a filter element operably oriented in said housing; a die cast baffle plate mounted to operably cover said housing open end; said baffle plate including a first axial face with an exterior top end surface and an outer circumferential wall circumscribing said first axial face; the first axial face being in a plane orthogonal to the outer circumferential wall; (ii) said outer circumferential wall being an outer radial surface, groove-free, and without seats for holding sealing gaskets therein; (iii) said first axial face defining at least a first sealing groove; (A) the first sealing groove being a continuous groove extending into the first axial face to form a seat; (B) the first sealing groove being cast into the first axial face; (iv) a sealing gasket oriented in said seat of said first sealing groove; (i) said sealing gasket forming a seal between said housing and said baffle plate; and (b) a filter head; the filter assembly being operably mounted on the filter head.