Abstract: One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. 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 “no filter, no run” filtration system that is designed to verify that an appropriate filter cartridge is installed. A flow control valve is provided on a standpipe to control the flow of fuel into the standpipe. The valve has a component that has a first position at which any flow through the flow passage past the valve is insufficient to permit engine operation, and a second position at which a greater amount of flow through the flow passage is permitted by the valve in an amount sufficient to permit engine operation, and the component rotates about the longitudinal axis when it moves from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is described that is designed to accommodate for example dual stage filtration. The filter cartridge has an endplate structure formed of a heat cured material, such as polyurethane, where at least one of the top end and the bottom end of the outer filter and the inner filter are embedded within the heat cured material. The heat cured material can provide an endplate structure that is convenient for manufacture and that has one or more sealing surfaces to seal with a housing that the filter cartridge is assembled with. For example, the heat cured material of the endplate can seal non-filtered fluid from filtered fluid that has passed through each of the filtration stages available in the cartridge.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is described that is designed to accommodate multi-stage filtration, for example dual stage filtration. A filter cartridge includes an outer filter with an endplate and an inner filter arranged within the central axis of the outer filter and that includes an endplate. The endplate of the outer filter includes an outer portion and an inner portion substantially surrounded by the outer portion. The inner portion is axially positioned relative to the outer portion and distal to the inner and outer filters relative to the outer portion. The inner portion includes an upwardly extending flange. The endplate of the inner filter includes a downwardly extending flange. The endplates of the outer and inner filters are arranged in a snap fit connection through engagement of the upwardly extending and the downwardly extending flanges. The endplate structure can provide a filter cartridge with filters of generally equal lengths.

Abstract: An upper endcap of a fuel filter cartridge includes a skirt, an axially extending pin surrounded by the skirt, and a plurality of ribs that define fluid flow channels leading to the pin. The pin is extendable through an axially facing fuel inlet opening at the upper end of a standpipe for actuating a valve to an open position allowing fuel to flow through the axially facing inlet opening and into the standpipe. The valve can include a hole that receives the pin therein to help stabilize the valve when the valve is actuated open.

Abstract: Improvements to “no filter, no run” fluid filtration systems are described. In one example, a filter includes a movable pin cage that has a first pre-installation position adjacent the bottom end plate and is temporarily connected thereto by a snap connection system, and a second position adjacent the upper end plate where it performs a valve interaction function. In another example, a filter includes non-centered valve pins that are rotatable relative to an upper end plate of the filter.

Abstract: A fluid filter device is described, where a flow attachment member provides a unique interface between the filtering element and a filter head. The fluid filter described herein generally provides a flow structure that is localized and sealed. The flow attachment member is configured to communicate fluid into and out of the fluid filter, and is configured to localize fluid flow both into and out of the fluid filter within a separating structure of the flow attachment member. The flow attachment member further includes a seal structure configured to substantially prevent or at least confine leakage to a localized area away from proximity of the edges of the housing. A composite filter head is described that has integrally molded inlet and outlet fittings.

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: A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.

Abstract: A filter within a filter cartridge design is described that includes a sealing structure on an endplate of an outer filter element. Generally, the sealing structure includes an annular flange on the endplate that can directly seal against an interior surface of a housing when the filter cartridge is assembled for use. During filtration, the annular flange prevents a working fluid from bypassing the outer filter element. The sealing flange can seal with the housing in a press fit engagement.

Abstract: A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.

Abstract: One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. 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 valve assembly that is useable with a fuel filter housing to control the flow of fuel through the fuel filter housing. The valve assembly comprises two primary parts that are connected together via a snap connection, and when the valve assembly is installed on the fuel filter housing, means on the fuel filter housing prevent disconnection of the snap connection. One or both of the primary parts of the valve assembly can be provided with a tamper evident feature that will indicate whether someone has tried to remove or disassemble the valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve assembly that is useable with a fuel filter housing to control the flow of fuel through the fuel filter housing. The valve assembly comprises two primary parts that are connected together via a snap connection, and when the valve assembly is installed on the fuel filter housing, means on the fuel filter housing prevent disconnection of the snap connection. One or both of the primary parts of the valve assembly can be provided with a tamper evident feature that will indicate whether someone has tried to remove or disassemble the valve assembly.

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 “no filter, no run” filtration system that is designed to verify that an appropriate filter cartridge is installed. A flow control valve is provided on a standpipe to control the flow of fuel into the standpipe. The valve has a component that has a first position at which any flow through the flow passage past the valve is insufficient to permit engine operation, and a second position at which a greater amount of flow through the flow passage is permitted by the valve in an amount sufficient to permit engine operation, and the component rotates about the longitudinal axis when it moves from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.

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 with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.

Abstract: One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.