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: A filter apparatus for filtering fluid in an internal combustion engine, the filter apparatus including annular full flow filter media extending axially between a first end and a second end. The full flow filter media surrounds a reinforcing member which extends axially between the first end and the second end and includes a plurality of axially spaced apart circumferential connecting segments. The circumferential connecting segments extend between a plurality of substantially axially extending ribs which connect the reinforcing member to a radially inwardly spaced bypass tube. The reinforcing member also includes a plurality of flow apertures defined by the connecting segments and the ribs.

Abstract: A fluid filter constructed and arranged for threaded engagement with a fluid-delivery head for the filtration of an incoming fluid includes a molded plastic shell having a sidewall formed with a retaining ridge, a closed end and an opened end surrounded by a series of external threads, a fluid filter media pack installed into the fluid filter shell, the media pack including filtering media and an upper endplate bonded to the upper end of the filtering media, wherein the upper endplate includes a peripheral lip that is constructed and arranged to snap into position axially beneath the retaining ridge. The threaded engagement between the fluid filter shell and the fluid-delivery head eliminates the need for any nutplate.

Abstract: One embodiment is a unique replaceable filter element. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

Abstract: A fuel-water filter/separator for threaded connection to a mounting base has a shell and a filtering media positioned within the shell. The shell has an open top end and a substantially closed bottom end. The shell is made of an opaque plastic except for a window in the shell made from a substantially clear plastic. The substantially clear plastic in the window being insert molded to the opaque plastic. The filtering media is positioned within the shell for filtering fuel. The shell defines a water collection portion beneath the filtering media, the window of the shell being positioned such that it overlaps at least a part of the water collection portion to allow water level monitoring.

Abstract: A replaceable cartridge for use with a filter housing having a substantially closed dome end and a head end. The cartridge comprises a filter media connected to and extending between a head end endplate and a dome end endplate. The dome end endplate includes means for mating with the filter housing. The filter housing comprises a canister extending between a substantially open head end and a substantially closed dome end. The canister has an interior surface that includes corresponding means for engaging the filter cartridge. The means for engaging the cartridge is positioned substantially adjacent the dome end.

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.

Abstract: A filter is described that is combined with a device to address vibrations. Such vibrations can adversely impact filter performance. An engine system including this combination is also described.

Abstract: A filter is described that is combined with a device to address vibrations. Such vibrations can adversely impact filter performance. An engine system including this combination is also described.

Abstract: A disposable, spin-on fluid filter is constructed and arranged to mount onto a base that is configured with a threaded mounting shaft. The base provides a fluid inlet flow to the filter and a fluid exit path from the filter. The filter construction includes a housing canister having a closed end and an opposite, open end and a fluid filtering media positioned within the housing canister. A mounting post is formed as part of the closed first end of the housing canister. The mounting post is constructed and arranged for assembly to the threaded mounting shaft of the base. The design focuses on the elimination of any nutplate and on repositioning the location where the fluid filter is connected to the head to the closed end of the canister.

Abstract: A priming pump for fluid delivery arranged with a base defining a flow inlet, a flow outlet, and a control valve positioned therebetween. The priming pump includes a housing assembled to the base with an inlet flow valve positioned in an inlet valve compartment and an outlet flow valve positioned in an outlet valve compartment. The valve compartments are in communication with a plunger chamber including an axially movable plunger. A spring-biased control knob is assembled to the plunger and to the control valve for controlling its position between either a direct-flow orientation or a by-pass orientation. With the control valve in the by-pass orientation, upward movement of the control knob draws fluid into the inlet valve compartment and into the plunger chamber. The down stroke of the control knob pushes the fluid out of the plunger chamber.

Abstract: A disposable, all-plastic centrifuge rotor for fluid processing includes a unitary, molded plastic upper rotor portion that includes a rotor shaft spud. A unitary, molded plastic lower rotor portion is provided and is joined to the upper rotor portion so as to define a hollow rotor interior. Positioned within the hollow rotor interior is a unitary baseplate that is joined to the lower rotor portion and includes a rotor shaft spud. The rotor shaft spud of the unitary baseplate extends through the lower rotor portion and beyond the lower rotor portion and is coaxial with the rotor shaft spud of the upper rotor portion. A spiral vane element is positioned in the rotor interior and is captured between the upper rotor portion and the baseplate for fluid processing as the centrifuge rotor rotates at a high RPM rate.

Abstract: A fuel-water separation filtration system for filtering fuel and for separating water out of the fuel includes a housing assembly, a filter element assembly, and a closing lid. The housing assembly includes a unitary molded housing, a plurality of flow connection fittings that are spin welded into the housing, and a standpipe that is spin welded to the housing. The filter element assembly includes a cover and an endplate and filter media with one end bonded to the cover and an opposite end bonded to the endplate. The standpipe includes an attachment portion that extends beyond the upper end of the filter element assembly and the closing lid is threadedly attached to the attachment portion for closing the housing assembly. The filtration system requires pressurization for proper operation and the filtration system cannot be pressurized without the filter element assembly being installed.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for use as part of a centrifuge for the separation of particulate matter from a fluid includes a collection chamber housing a particulate separation mechanism and a drive chamber including a Hero turbine which assembles to the collection chamber and which is separable from the collection chamber. The interfit between the drive chamber and the collection chamber imparts any drive chamber rotation due to the Hero turbine directly to the collection chamber for rotation and for particulate separation. By making the drive chamber separable from the collection chamber, the collection chamber can be discarded with its accumulated sludge, allowing the drive chamber to be reused.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating particulate matter from a fluid includes a rotor assembly positioned within a centrifuge housing including a rotor housing. A driven gear is secured to a base portion of the rotor housing. A driving gear is integrally arranged with an impulse turbine. Rotary motion is imparted to the impulse turbine by a fluid stream from a jet nozzle. An alignment carrier provides a first post and spaced therefrom a second post, the first post including the jet nozzle. The driven gear is supported by the first post and the driving gear is assembled onto the second post. As fluid exits the nozzle under high pressure, it is directed at an annular ring of impulse turbine buckets, striking each bucket tangentially as the impulse turbine rotates.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating particulate matter from a fluid includes a housing having a base portion defining a fluid inlet, a rotor subassembly in the housing and including a centertube and a shaft. The shaft defines a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a fluid passageway in flow communication therewith. The fluid passageway communicates with the fluid inlet such that oil delivered to the centrifuge flows through a portion of the centrifuge shaft and exits from the fluid outlet ports. Press fit into the centertube is a baffle sleeve which is initially positioned so as to cover the fluid outlet ports when the baffle sleeve is in a first position. The baffle sleeve is movable with the rotor subassembly to a second position where the plurality of fluid outlet ports are uncovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the latch-assisted lid extractor. The present invention includes a canister and a lid connected to the canister via a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes an over-center lock to removably secure the lid to the canister. Additionally, the latch assembly can be moved from a first position sealing the canister with the lid to a second position urging the lid away from the canister. The present invention provides a mechanism that can both securely latch or fasten a lid to a canister and at the same time assist in removing the lid from the canister to enhance ease of operation.

Abstract: A fluid separation centrifuge for the separation of particulate matter from a flow of oil is designed with a disposable rotor assembly including a molded plastic rotor housing and a fluid separation device positioned within the rotor housing. Included as part of the fluid separation device is a unitary, molded plastic base plate which is designed and arranged with a peripheral lip formed with a channel portion therein. In a cooperating manner, the rotor housing is constructed and arranged with a molded plastic, generally cylindrical projection which is designed and arranged to receive the channel portion so as to create a fluid-tight, sealed interface at the location of contact between the projection and the channel portion.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for use as part of a centrifuge for the separation of particulate matter from a fluid includes a collection chamber housing a particulate separation mechanism and a drive chamber including a Hero turbine which assembles to the collection chamber and which is separable from the collection chamber. The interfit between the drive chamber and the collection chamber imparts any drive chamber rotation due to the Hero turbine directly to the collection chamber for rotation and for particulate separation. By making the drive chamber separable from the collection chamber, the collection chamber can be discarded with its accumulated sludge, allowing the drive chamber to be reused.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating particulate matter from a fluid includes a housing having a base portion defining a fluid inlet, a rotor subassembly in the housing and including a centertube and a shaft. The shaft defines a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a fluid passageway in flow communication therewith. The fluid passageway communicates with the fluid inlet such that oil delivered to the centrifuge flows through a portion of the centrifuge shaft and exits from the fluid outlet ports. Press fit into the centertube is a baffle sleeve which is initially positioned so as to cover the fluid outlet ports when the baffle sleeve is in a first position. The baffle sleeve is movable with the rotor subassembly to a second position where the plurality of fluid outlet ports are uncovered.