Abstract: A liquid filter in the form of a filter element or a filter cartridge provides torsion locking relative to a filter head when the housing of such filter is threaded onto a filter head. Many embodiments employ a filter that includes a nipple portion at a top end with the torsion lock detent provided outboard of the nipple portion or integrated into the nipple portion. Many embodiments employ a simplified shoulder transition region at the top end of a torsion locked filter element. Valve actuation and/or filter differentiation is used in some embodiments. Different torsion locking arrangements, deformable thread profiles and other liquid filter features are disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid filter in the form of a filter element or a filter cartridge provides torsion locking relative to a filter head when the housing of such filter is threaded onto a filter head. Many embodiments employ a filter that includes a nipple portion at a top end with the torsion lock detent provided outboard of the nipple portion or integrated into the nipple portion. Many embodiments employ a simplified shoulder transition region at the top end of a torsion locked filter element. Valve actuation and/or filter differentiation is used in some embodiments. Different torsion locking arrangements, deformable thread profiles and other liquid filter features are disclosed.

Abstract: Cartridge components are configured to trap the upper end of a concave housing portion to define an enclosure surrounding a filter element. A disclosed embodiment includes a concave metal housing portion and plastic cartridge components, but other materials may be employed. An upper end cap spans the open end of the housing portion and defines at least one fluid flow aperture. A retainer surrounds the housing portion and is secured to the first component, with engagement features on the housing portion trapped between the upper end cap and retainer. The upper end cap and retainer may be secured to each other by spin welding, threads, adhesive or other suitable means. The outside circumference of one or both of the upper end cap and retainer may be provided with lugs, threads, bosses or other features to interface with complimentary features on the head for securing the cartridge to a head.

Abstract: The apparatus and related method employ fluid pressure to first separate the water accumulation chamber from the filtration chamber of a filter assembly by closing fluid flow pathways that allow water to flow into the accumulation chamber. With the chambers separated, fluid pressure is applied to the accumulation chamber to open a drain valve and push water out of the accumulation chamber. The period for which pressure is applied to the accumulation chamber can be regulated by sensors detecting a low water level, or can be timed, or both. When the water removal is completed, the fluid pressure is removed and fluid communication between the filtration chamber and the water accumulation chamber is restored.

Abstract: A liquid filter in the form of a filter element or a filter cartridge provides torsion locking relative to a filter head when the housing of such filter is threaded onto a filter head. Many embodiments employ a filter that includes a nipple portion at a top end with the torsion lock detent provided outboard of the nipple portion or integrated into the nipple portion. Many embodiments employ a simplified shoulder transition region at the top end of a torsion locked filter element. Valve actuation and/or filter differentiation is used in some embodiments. Different torsion locking arrangements, deformable thread profiles and other liquid filter features are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed lift pump employs a unique arrangement of conductive studs to transmit the three phases of motor power from the control board to the brushless motor. The conductive studs penetrate the wall of the motor/pump enclosure, which is otherwise non-conductive. The conductive studs are intentionally larger than needed to transmit the current used by the motor, and are arranged in thermal contact with heat conductive portions of the motor control board to transmit heat from the control board into the motor/pump enclosure where heat is transmitted to fuel passing through the assembly. An additional center heat sink is situated in a position aligned with heat generating capacitors that are part of the motor drive circuitry on the motor control board.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly incorporates a BLDC motor and control circuit configured to operate at a first rotational speed upon startup and switch to a second rotational speed when measured variables indicate that the filter assembly is filled with fuel. The first rotational speed is initiated as a default when power is applied to the control circuit. If the filter assembly has been serviced, it must be primed before resuming normal operation. The first rotational speed is significantly higher than the second rotational speed to reduce the amount of time necessary to prime the filter assembly. The control circuit is arranged to monitor a variable which corresponds to the torque necessary to drive the pump. When the pump is filled with air prior to priming, lower torque is required to drive the pump, which corresponds to lower current draw and power consumption at the BLDC motor.

Abstract: A draw latch retainer is used to secure a filter cartridge to a filter head. A cam actuated retainer extends from the head to engage a keeper in the top of the cartridge. Rotation of the cam draws the retainer and cartridge axially toward the head into an installed position. The retainer extends through an aperture in the upper portion of the cartridge to apply a retention force against the bottom side of the keeper. The keeper and upper portion of the cartridge supporting the keeper are configured to transmit the retaining force laterally across the top of the cartridge. The keeper may be integral with a top plate enclosing an open end of the cartridge housing, or may be supported by the top plate.

Abstract: A draw latch retainer is used to secure a filter cartridge to a filter head. A cam actuated retainer extends from the head to engage a keeper in the top of the cartridge. Rotation of the cam draws the retainer and cartridge axially toward the head into an installed position. The retainer extends through an aperture in the upper portion of the cartridge to apply a retention force against the bottom side of the keeper. The keeper and upper portion of the cartridge supporting the keeper are configured to transmit the retaining force laterally across the top of the cartridge. A pair of axial conduits project from the cartridge and mount O-ring seals for implementing an axial sealing interface with passages in the head.

Abstract: A draw latch retainer is used to secure a filter cartridge to a filter head. A cam actuated retainer extends from the head to engage a keeper in the top of the cartridge. Rotation of the cam draws the retainer and cartridge axially toward the head into an installed position. The retainer extends through an aperture in the upper portion of the cartridge to apply a retention force against the bottom side of the keeper. The keeper and upper portion of the cartridge supporting the keeper are configured to transmit the retaining force laterally across the top of the cartridge. A pair of axial conduits project from the cartridge and mount O-ring seals for implementing an axial sealing interface with passages in the head.

Abstract: The disclosed lift pump employs a unique arrangement of conductive studs to transmit the three phases of motor power from the control board to the brushless motor. The conductive studs penetrate the wall of the motor/pump enclosure, which is otherwise non-conductive. The conductive studs are intentionally larger than needed to transmit the current used by the motor, and are arranged in thermal contact with heat conductive portions of the motor control board to transmit heat from the control board into the motor/pump enclosure where heat is transmitted to fuel passing through the assembly. An additional center heat sink is situated in a position aligned with heat generating capacitors that are part of the motor drive circuitry on the motor control board.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly incorporates a BLDC motor and control circuit configured to operate at a first rotational speed upon startup and switch to a second rotational speed when measured variables indicate that the filter assembly is filled with fuel. The first rotational speed is initiated as a default when power is applied to the control circuit. If the filter assembly has been serviced, it must be primed before resuming normal operation. The first rotational speed is significantly higher than the second rotational speed to reduce the amount of time necessary to prime the filter assembly. The control circuit is arranged to monitor a variable which corresponds to the torque necessary to drive the pump. When the pump is filled with air prior to priming, lower torque is required to drive the pump, which corresponds to lower current draw and power consumption at the BLDC motor.

Abstract: A filter assembly combines the physical support, protection and electrical connections for a water in filter (WIF) circuit with the support, enclosure and electrical connections used for a motor control circuit that drives a BLDC motor in the filter assembly. Sharing space and electrical connections between what have been physically separate electronic circuits reduces the cost, materials and parts necessary to manufacture the filter assembly. In an assembly with a brushless motor-driven pump, the electrical connections from the host equipment to the motor can be shared with the WIF circuit, eliminating separate conductors and connectors.

Abstract: An integrated motor-driven pump is proposed that reduces the part count of the assembly and addresses several tolerance and alignment issues by combining the outlet plate and retainer ring of the pump into a single component. The integrated motor-driven pump may also include an axial bushing for support of the motor shaft and inner gerotor, ensuring concentric rotation of these components. Combining one of the inlet or outlet plates with the retainer ring and including a central bushing eliminates the need for alignment pins and complex assembly procedures. The disclosure also combines one of the motor end plates with the disclosed integrated pump inlet or outlet plate, retainer ring and central bushing, eliminating the need for a separate motor end plate and bushing to support the motor shaft.

Abstract: The apparatus and related method employ fluid pressure to first separate the water accumulation chamber from the filtration chamber of a filter assembly by closing fluid flow pathways that allow water to flow into the accumulation chamber. With the chambers separated, fluid pressure is applied to the accumulation chamber to open a drain valve and push water out of the accumulation chamber. The period for which pressure is applied to the accumulation chamber can be regulated by sensors detecting a low water level, or can be timed, or both. When the water removal is completed, the fluid pressure is removed and fluid communication between the filtration chamber and the water accumulation chamber is restored.

Abstract: Cartridge components are configured to trap the upper end of a concave housing portion to define an enclosure surrounding a filter element. A disclosed embodiment includes a concave metal housing portion and plastic cartridge components, but other materials may be employed. An upper end cap spans the open end of the housing portion and defines at least one fluid flow aperture. A retainer surrounds the housing portion and is secured to the first component, with engagement features on the housing portion trapped between the upper end cap and retainer. The upper end cap and retainer may be secured to each other by spin welding, threads, adhesive or other suitable means. The outside circumference of one or both of the upper end cap and retainer may be provided with lugs, threads, bosses or other features to interface with complimentary features on the head for securing the cartridge to a head.

Abstract: A lift pump having a longitudinal axis and comprising first and second housing components defining an operational volume, a brushless direct current motor assembly, and a pump assembly disposed in said volume. The brushless direct current motor assembly has a motor axis eccentric with the longitudinal axis, a rotor, and a stator disposed diametrically inwardly of the rotor. The rotor further comprises a plurality of magnetic poles of alternating opposite polarity. The pump assembly has a pump annulus and a pump element. The pump annulus is disposed intermediate said first and second housing components and coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The pump element is coaxial with said motor axis, and comprises a generally cylindrical hub defining a motor assembly cavity sized to diametrically receive said motor assembly.

Abstract: A filter cartridge has a longitudinal axis. A cartridge housing has first and second shell portions. The first shell portion has a cartridge housing opening and an annular element retention lip which is disposed axially inward of the opening and coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The filter element has a first end cap, a second end cap, and a continuous ring of filter media disposed between the first and second end caps. The first end cap defines a fuel flow port which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis. A plurality of resilient element retention arms extend axially from the first end cap, and surround the fuel flow port. The arms terminate in retention barbs which are mateable with the annular lip. The resilient retention arms hold the retention barbs against the annular lip, suspending the filter element within the cartridge.

Abstract: A draw latch retainer is used to secure a filter cartridge to a filter head. A cam actuated retainer extends from the head to engage a keeper in the top of the cartridge. Rotation of the cam draws the retainer and cartridge axially toward the head into an installed position. The retainer extends through an aperture in the upper portion of the cartridge to apply a retention force against the bottom side of the keeper. The keeper and upper portion of the cartridge supporting the keeper are configured to transmit the retaining force laterally across the top of the cartridge. A pair of axial conduits project from the cartridge and mount O-ring seals for implementing an axial sealing interface with passages in the head.

Abstract: A draw latch retainer is used to secure a filter cartridge to a filter head. A cam actuated retainer extends from the head to engage a keeper in the top of the cartridge. Rotation of the cam draws the retainer and cartridge axially toward the head into an installed position. The retainer extends through an aperture in the upper portion of the cartridge to apply a retention force against the bottom side of the keeper. The keeper and upper portion of the cartridge supporting the keeper are configured to transmit the retaining force laterally across the top of the cartridge. The keeper may be integral with a top plate enclosing an open end of the cartridge housing, or may be supported by the top plate.