Abstract: A filter cartridge endplate (12) is described herein that has an integrated flow structure. For example, the integrated flow structure has concentric flow portions disposed at a center of the endplate (12), where a separator (10) is built into the endplate (12) that separates fluid flow. The endplate (12) includes a plate with a major surface, a separator (10) that protrudes axially away from the major surface. The separator (10) includes a first flow portion (14) and a second flow portion (16), where the first flow portion (14) is disposed radially inward relative to the second flow portion (16). The first flow portion (14) includes a channel (22) and the second flow portion includes a channel (24). The respective channels (22,24) are configured to allow axial fluid flow relative to the plate, and configured to allow fluid flow that is localized toward the center of the plate (12).

Abstract: A filter cartridge including a filter media, a first end plate including a bypass flow opening, a second end plate, and a spring tube bypass assembly. The spring tube bypass assembly includes a first center tube and a spring. The spring tube bypass assembly is configured such that fluid flow through the bypass flow opening is blocked when a fluid pressure acting on the filter cartridge is below a predetermined pressure and fluid may flow through the bypass filter opening when the fluid pressure acting on the filter cartridge exceeds the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Quick connect mechanisms between a fluid filter and a head that permits quick connection/disconnection between the two. The mechanisms clamp the filter shell in place with a plurality of radially displaceable locking elements. When the filter is inserted into the head, an element that controls the radial displacement of the locking element is rotated to radially displace the locking elements and lock the shell in place. External sealing is achieved by the means of suitable sealing elements, for example a compression face seal and/or a radial O-ring seal. The clamping force comes from the rotation of the control element to a lock position which displaces the locking elements in a radial direction to a lock position. When the control element is rotated to an unlock position, the locking elements are free to move or are actuated to an unlock position, allowing the filter to be removed.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly and a replaceable fluid filter cartridge are described where the fluid filter cartridge has an endplate that acts as a lid for the housing in which the fluid filter cartridge is installed. The endplate also includes a fluid flow passage formed therein through which filtered fluid exits or fluid to be filtered enters.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is described that has an interface designed to increase the stress margin of at least the module side of the assembly, for example in a liquid filtration module, and to increase ease of assembling its mounting components. The interface reduces the failure of the mounting assembly at least on the module side, so that if failure of the mounting assembly occurs, such an occurrence is less likely to be at the interface and on the module side, thereby reducing the need to replace more complex and expensive components that may be on the module side. Generally, the mounting assembly includes a mounting interface and a mounting bracket connectable to the mounting interface. A retention component is configured to maintain connection of the mounting interface to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is provided. The filter cartridge includes a first end plate connected to a first end of a filter media, a second end plate connected to a second end of the filter media and a centering device. The centering device is located towards the second end of the filter media for aligning a pin of the first end plate into a hole of a filter housing. The centering device also includes first ribs at first opposing ends of the centering device and second ribs at second opposing ends of the centering device, the first and second ribs protruding inwardly toward the center of a centering device hole. The length of the first ribs towards the center of the centering device hole and the length of the second ribs towards the center of the centering device hole are designed to align with a cross-sectional shape of the standpipe hole.

Abstract: A filter cartridge endplate (12) is described herein that has an integrated flow structure. For example, the integrated flow structure has concentric flow portions disposed at a center of the endplate (12), where a separator (10) is built into the endplate (12) that separates fluid flow. The endplate (12) includes a plate with a major surface, a separator (10) that protrudes axially away from the major surface. The separator (10) includes a first flow portion (14) and a second flow portion (16), where the first flow portion (14) is disposed radially inward relative to the second flow portion (16). The first flow portion (14) includes a channel (22) and the second flow portion includes a channel (24). The respective channels (22,24) are configured to allow axial fluid flow relative to the plate, and configured to allow fluid flow that is localized toward the center of the plate (12).

Abstract: Various “no filter, no run” fuel filtration designs are described that include a variable restriction orifice (VRO) designed to vary the amount of fluid, for example fuel, that reaches a fluid outlet. The VRO has a fully open position at which a maximum non-zero fluid flow is permitted, and a fully closed position at which a limited amount of fluid can flow to the outlet. In the case of diesel fuel, the amount of fuel flow permitted at the fully closed position provides lubrication of downstream fuel system components, for example the fuel pump, but is insufficient to permit engine operation.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is described that has an interface designed to increase the stress margin of at least the module side of the assembly, for example in a liquid filtration module, and to increase ease of assembling its mounting components. The interface reduces the failure of the mounting assembly at least on the module side, so that if failure of the mounting assembly occurs, such an occurrence is less likely to be at the interface and on the module side, thereby reducing the need to replace more complex and expensive components that may be on the module side. Generally, the mounting assembly includes a mounting interface and a mounting bracket connectable to the mounting interface. A retention component is configured to maintain connection of the mounting interface to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is described that has an interface designed to increase the stress margin of at least the module side of the assembly, for example in a liquid filtration module, and to increase ease of assembling its mounting components. The interface reduces the failure of the mounting assembly at least on the module side, so that if failure of the mounting assembly occurs, such an occurrence is less likely to be at the interface and on the module side, thereby reducing the need to replace more complex and expensive components that may be on the module side. Generally, the mounting assembly includes a mounting interface and a mounting bracket connectable to the mounting interface. A retention component is configured to maintain connection of the mounting interface to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A filter housing that includes a bowl formed with a single thread that is stamped directly into the housing around a port. The thread is used to connect an auxiliary element, such as a drain valve or a WIF sensor, to the filter housing. An elevated ridge is formed around the bowl during the stamping process which increases the structural integrity of the housing around the port, and provides a surface for mating with the inserted auxiliary element.

Abstract: A cartridge top load filter design and filter element useable with the filter are described that allows fluid to be drained from the filter housing, from the exterior of the housing and without first removing the filter element or the housing cover. The draining feature can be manually activated by a knob that is accessible from the exterior of the filter housing adjacent to the removable cover. The draining feature does not require any tools to activate, and provides a “clean service” option of draining fluid before opening the filter housing.

Abstract: A fuel heater module and a water-in-fuel sensor module are disclosed that are configured to be connected to an outside surface of a filter assembly. The fuel heater module includes an inlet port and an outlet port with a heating element positioned in the fluid path between the inlet and outlet. A thermostat is included for controlling operation of the heating element. The water-in-fuel sensor module is configured to detect water in the filter housing that it may be drained from the filter housing. Both modules are configured to be attached to an outside surface of the filter housing thereby being readily replaceable.

Abstract: A filter and replacement filter cartridge is provided with a pulsation dampener mounted and sealed to the filter cartridge basket at an inner diameter thereof. The pulsation dampener is captive to the basket such that removal of the basket from the filter housing canister removes all of the basket, filter media, and pulsation dampener as a single unit without separate, loose parts thereof. An axial extension section of the basket facilitates gripping and removal, and maintains a fully seated installed filter position. Sealing is provided without a section of the pulsation dampener interposed between the filter housing canister and lid.

Abstract: One embodiment is a filter assembly wherein the shape of the filter is a non-circular geometry. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods to remove contaminates from a flow of fuel while at the same time providing a unique filter and filter assembly geometry. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.

Abstract: One embodiment is a filter assembly wherein the shape of the filter is a non-circular geometry. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods to remove contaminates from a flow of fuel while at the same time providing a unique filter and filter assembly geometry. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.

Abstract: A filter assembly where the filter element is designed to connect directly to the spud of a vehicle fluid system, for example an engine lubrication system, a fuel system, or a hydraulic system. This provides a direct connection between the filtered fluid and the fluid system. The need for a seal between the top endplate and the nutplate, as well as the coil spring within the shell, which are found in conventional spin-on filter assemblies can be eliminated, which reduces inventory and the number of parts forming the filter assembly, and facilitates manufacturing of the filter assembly.

Abstract: Fluid flow surge protection is provided for a filter by increasing upstream plenum fluid volume. In one embodiment, an accumulator or transfer mechanism transfers or trades downstream plenum fluid volume to or for upstream plenum fluid volume.

Abstract: An improved water sensor and method for retaining a water sensor to a filter housing are described herein. A snap-fit connection is utilized to secure the water sensor to the filter housing. In one embodiment, the snap-fit connection is achieved using non-metallic components.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for bypassing a fuel filter pressure regulation valve which includes a bypass window and bypass passage. The bypass passage window is positioned in the top of a standpipe of a filter. The filter includes a filter cartridge with top and bottom end plates. The top end plate of the filter cartridge has a hole to receive a standpipe. The top end plate also has a sealing gasket to seal the bypass passage window when the proper filter cartridge is in place. This arrangement exposes the regulator valve to the fuel and/or air at the top of the filter housing when the proper filter cartridge is in place. Pressure in the housing opens the valve, allowing air and/or fuel to be vented through the bypass passage and back to the fuel tank.