Abstract: A filter assembly includes housing enclosing a replaceable filter element. A support core is provided in the housing, and includes an extension and locking assembly. The element includes a ring of filtration media with a pair of end caps. The first end cap includes a central opening to receive the support core. The extension and locking assembly prevents the cover of the housing from being attached to the housing body without a proper filter element installed. The extension and locking assembly includes a bypass member and a locking member, which are in locking engagement when an element is absent in the housing. The second end cap includes internal protrusions which engage the locking member when the filter element is installed to disengage the bypass member from the support core, and allow the element to be inserted and the cover to be installed.

Abstract: A method of forming an atomizing spray nozzle includes the steps of etching a swirl chamber and a spray orifice in a thin sheet of material. The swirl chamber is etched in a first side of the disk and the spray orifice is etched through a second side to the center of the swirl chamber. Feed slots are etched in the first side of the disk extending non-radially to the swirl chamber such that liquid can be conveyed to the swirl chamber so as to create and sustain the swirling motion. A inlet piece with inlet passage therein is connected with first side of the disk so as to convey liquid to the feed slots of the disk and to enclose the feed slots and swirl chamber. In addition to the method described an atomizing spray nozzle having the configuration described is much improved in its spray characteristics. The present invention also provides a method of forming a number of spray nozzles simultaneously in a single manufacturing process.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly (10) for filtering diesel fuel includes a filter head (12), a spin-on replaceable element (13) and a collection bowl (15) removable from the element. The element includes a casing (52) with a turned-in edge portion at a lower end. An adaptor ring (69) is supported on said edge portion inside the element and includes an annular threaded portion (71). The collection bowl has an outer peripheral wall (74) with an annular threaded portion engaging the threaded portion of the adaptor ring. The outer peripheral wall of the bowl has an annular shoulder abutting the turned-in edge portion of said casing to clamp said casing between the adaptor ring and the bowl, when the bowl is attached to the element. The adaptor ring has a plurality of spaced ribs (70) with projections that extend upward and radially outward to maintain the filter medium (55) spaced from an inner wall surface of the casing. A resilient member (68) holds the filter medium between a top plate (62) and the adaptor ring.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve is provided with a valve housing having an inlet passage extending into a chamber and an outlet passage extending from the chamber. A diaphragm is mounted to the valve housing for covering the valve chamber. The diaphragm is provided with an aperture extending centrally therethrough. A valve stem is mounted adjacent the diaphragm externally of the valve chamber, such that movement of the valve stem deflects the diaphragm. A valving element is disposed in the valve chamber and is threadedly engaged with the valve stem through the aperture in the diaphragm. A toroidal sealing bead on the valving element is sealingly engaged with portions of the diaphragm surrounding the aperture therein.