Abstract: A filter element including a canister, media, and a spinning disc element is provided. The canister circumscribes a central axis. A tap plate is at an end of the canister having a central threaded opening along the central axis of the canister. The tap plate includes a first outer opening radially spaced between the central opening and a periphery of the tap plate. The disc element is supported for rotation on the tap plate. A first keyed protrusion projects outwardly from the disc element. The keyed protrusion defines a first flow opening. The spinning disc element is rotatable about the central axis. The first outer opening is in fluid communication with the first opening of the first keyed protrusion such that fluid can into or out of the canister. Filter systems including a filter head to which the filter element may be mounted are also provided.

Abstract: A filter element including a canister, media, and a spinning disc element is provided. The canister circumscribes a central axis. A tap plate is at an end of the canister having a central threaded opening along the central axis of the canister. The tap plate includes a first outer opening radially spaced between the central opening and a periphery of the tap plate. The disc element is supported for rotation on the tap plate. A first keyed protrusion projects outwardly from the disc element. The keyed protrusion defines a first flow opening. The spinning disc element is rotatable about the central axis. The first outer opening is in fluid communication with the first opening of the first keyed protrusion such that fluid can into or out of the canister. Filter systems including a filter head to which the filter element may be mounted are also provided.

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: A filtration assembly is provided that comprises a filter cartridge and a filter head, that has particular application for liquid filtration, such as engine fuel filtration in an embodiment. The filter cartridge can include a thread and a torsion lock detent to provide twist and lock mounting to the filter head. Separately, the filter cartridge can include a slidable piston that can become pressurized by application of liquid pressure during operation that can apply an axial force to the filter head to load the thread and increase threaded attachment rigidity and/or the natural frequency of the filter cartridge to a more desirable level, and thereby limit vibrational impacts.

Abstract: A filtration assembly is provided that comprises a filter cartridge and a filter head, that has particular application for liquid filtration, such as engine fuel filtration in an embodiment. The filter cartridge can include a thread and a torsion lock detent to provide twist and lock mounting to the filter head. Separately, the filter cartridge can include a slidable piston that can become pressurized by application of liquid pressure during operation that can apply an axial force to the filter head to load the thread and increase threaded attachment rigidity and/or the natural frequency of the filter cartridge to a more desirable level, and thereby limit vibrational impacts.

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 fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: Filter assemblies and filter systems are provided. The filter assemblies are releasably attachable to a filter head of the filter system. The filter assemblies include filter elements having filter media and bowl for collecting water removed from filtered fluid. The filter element includes helical ramps for securing the bowl to the filter element. The bowl has tabs that engage the ramps for pulling the bowl into engagement with the filter element. The ramps may include retaining portions to prevent opposite rotation and disengagement. The filter element may include a plurality of angularly spaced apart ramps that cooperate with the tabs allowing the bowl to be mounted to the filter element in a variety of different angular orientations to allow for varying the angular position of a connector of a sensor relative to the filter element.

Abstract: A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for use with a container, including a housing with a body defining an interior volume, a switch actuated by an applied magnetic flux field to a closed position, the switch being disposed within the interior volume of the housing, and a float including a body, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A pivot assembly includes a magnet and couples the housing and the first end of the float such that the float is pivotable about the pivot assembly between a first position and a second position, and a shunt is disposed within the first end of the float body. The shunt is disposed between the magnet and the switch in the first position of the float, thereby shielding the switch from the magnetic flux of the magnet such that the switch is in the open position.

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 fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.

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 liquid level sensor for use with a container, including a housing with a body defining an interior volume, a switch actuated by an applied magnetic flux field to a closed position, the switch being disposed within the interior volume of the housing, and a float including a body, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A pivot assembly includes a magnet and couples the housing and the first end of the float such that the float is pivotable about the pivot assembly between a first position and a second position, and a shunt is disposed within the first end of the float body. The shunt is disposed between the magnet and the switch in the first position of the float, thereby shielding the switch from the magnetic flux of the magnet such that the switch is in the open position.

Abstract: A transducer for use in a fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the transducer comprising a piezoelectric element that outputs an ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal, characterized in that said transducer further comprises, a lens with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a focal point, the upper portion including a curved surface with convex side. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that, when the lens is disposed adjacent an outer surface of a wall of the container such that the lens is intermediate the piezoelectric element and the wall, the lens focuses the ultrasonic signal toward the focal point of the lens and on the inner surface of the wall.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for use with a container, including a housing with a body defining an interior volume, a switch actuated by an applied magnetic flux field to a closed position, the switch being disposed within the interior volume of the housing, and a float including a body, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A pivot assembly includes a magnet and couples the housing and the first end of the float such that the float is pivotable about the pivot assembly between a first position and a second position, and a shunt is disposed within the first end of the float body. The shunt is disposed between the magnet and the switch in the first position of the float, thereby shielding the switch from the magnetic flux of the magnet such that the switch is in the open position.

Abstract: A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: A transducer for use in a fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the transducer comprising a piezoelectric element that outputs an ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal, characterized in that said transducer further comprises, a lens with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a focal point, the upper portion including a curved surface with convex side. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that, when the lens is disposed adjacent an outer surface of a wall of the container such that the lens is intermediate the piezoelectric element and the wall, the lens focuses the ultrasonic signal toward the focal point of the lens and on the inner surface of the wall.

Abstract: A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.