Abstract: A fluid filter is disclosed herein, the fluid filter having a cylindrical body with a plurality of flutes disposed around its outer circumference, a cap coupled for rotation with the body having a plurality of projections disposed to engage the plurality of flutes, wherein the plurality of projections rotate past the plurality of flutes when a torque exceeding a threshold is applied to the cap.

Abstract: An oil filter (10) includes a colloidal suspension (12) of PTFE particles less than 2 microns in size retained by capillary forces within the intricacies of the filter media (26) until the filter (10) is installed and engine oil flows at first engine start up following installation. The PTFE colloidal suspension (12) is completely and immediately released into the engine lubricating system when oil flow is initiated. The PTFE colloidal suspension (12) is introduced into the oil filter (10) as one of the last manufacturing steps. Oil filter (10) is disposed vertically with its outlet port (14) at the top. A quantity of the PTFE colloidal suspension is introduced into the outlet port (14) to initially fill a portion of the volume defined by a centertube (18) and a retainer (16). The PTFE colloidal suspension passes through openings (20,24) into contact with filter media (26).

Abstract: An oil filter (10) includes a colloidal suspension (12) of PTFE particles less than 2 microns in size retained by capillary forces within the intricacies of the filter media (26) until the filter (10) is installed and engine oil flows at first engine start up following installation. The PTFE colloidal suspension (12) is completely and immediately released into the engine lubricating system when oil flow is initiated. The PTFE colloidal suspension (12) is introduced into the oil filter (10) as one of the last manufacturing steps. Oil filter (10) is disposed vertically with its outlet port (14) at the top. A quantity of the PTFE colloidal suspension is introduced into the outlet port (14) to initially fill a portion of the volume defined by a centertube (18) and a retainer (16). The PTFE colloidal suspension passes through openings (20,24) into contact with filter media (26).

Abstract: A filter element is assembled by first fixturing the parts together so that the assembly may be manipulated by automated assembly equipment before the end cap sealant is fully cured in an oven which is off-line from the automated assembly equipment. In one embodiment, a plastisol sealant is used, which is "kiss-gelled" by rapidly increasing the temperature of the sealant for a few seconds to cure the sealant sufficiently to permit the assembly to be handled but without fully curing the sealant. The end cap on the other end of the assembly is then installed and kiss-gelled before the completed (but uncured) assembly is transferred to a curing oven where the plastisol at both ends of the assembly is fully cured at the same time.

Abstract: A filter of the type having first annular filter media comprising a generally columnar stack of annular filter media lamina for providing filtration for one circuit, a harness for retaining the filter media lamina in stacked columnar alignment comprising a generally circular end piece having a diameter somewhat greater than the diameter of the filter media lamina engaging one end lamina, an annular portion engaging the opposite end lamina, a plurality of elongated strips integral with and extending from the periphery of the annular portion with the end piece receiving and retaining the free ends of the elongated strips. There is a second filter media providing filtration for another circuit. The two filter media are housed adjacent to one another in a hollow cylindrical shell closed at one end. An annular retainer is integral with the shell near the other shell end for engaging the second media and retaining both media axially within the shell.