Abstract: A priming method for a filter, whereby the outlet of a spent filter is connected to the inlet of a fresh filter, and the spent filter is inverted. A drain in the spent filter is then opened to allow air to enter the spent filter and fluid to drain from the clean side of the spent filter into the fresh filter.

Abstract: A quick attachment feature for a filter includes i) a pair of radially-outward projecting pivots on opposite sides of the filter canister toward a lower end thereof; and ii) a pair of flexible retaining clips also located on opposite side of the canister toward the upper end thereof, each clip in substantial axial alignment along the canister with a respective pivot. The filter can be supported in a bracket including a pair of side walls, each of the side walls including i) a hook-shaped opening dimensioned to receive a respective pivot on the filter, and allow the filter to pivot from an orientation at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the bracket, to an orientation where the filter is substantially axially-aligned with the bracket; and ii) a catch dimensioned to engage and retain a respective retaining clip, when the filter is substantially aligned with the bracket.

Abstract: A quick attachment feature for a filter includes i) a pair of radially-outward projecting pivots on opposite sides of the filter canister toward a lower end thereof; and ii) a pair of flexible retaining clips also located on opposite side of the canister toward the upper end thereof, each clip in substantial axial alignment along the canister with a respective pivot. The filter can be supported in a bracket including a pair of side walls, each of the side walls including i) a hook-shaped opening dimensioned to receive a respective pivot on the filter, and allow the filter to pivot from an orientation at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the bracket, to an orientation where the filter is substantially axially-aligned with the bracket; and ii) a catch dimensioned to engage and retain a respective retaining clip, when the filter is substantially aligned with the bracket.

Abstract: A priming method for a filter, whereby the outlet of a spent filter is connected to the inlet of a fresh filter, and the spent filter is inverted. A drain in the spent filter is then opened to allow air to enter the spent filter and fluid to drain from the clean side of the spent filter into the fresh filter.

Abstract: A filter element (102) comprising a filter media (106) and a membrane (114). The filter media (106) filters impurities (e.g., water and/or contaminants) from a liquid (e.g., a liquid fuel initially containing impurities) as the liquid passes from the inlet side (110) to the outlet side (112) of the filter element (102). The membrane (114) is permeable to air and impermeable to the liquid and the impurities. The membrane (114) is positioned to provide a bypass from the inlet side (110) to the outlet side (112) of the filter element whereby air intermixed with the fluid will not accumulate on the inlet side (110) of the filter element (102).

Abstract: An engine (10) comprising a drain system (80) for removing the fuel-filter-separated water into the engine's exhaust line (61). The fuel-filter-removed water can be directly introduced into the exhaust line (61), and/or it can be directly introduced into a hydrocarbon-dosing line (71) that later merges with the exhaust line (61). A control system (90) can control the fuel-filter-removed-water introduction, such as by adjustment of a valve (84) in the drain line (83), the system (90) and can time such introduction so as to not disturb engine operation.

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 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 filter assembly includes a housing with a central standpipe, and cover for enclosing a filter element. The filter element includes a ring of filtration media and first and second end caps. A vent orifice is formed in the first end cap into the central cavity of the media ring. A support core is disposed centrally in the media ring and extends between the first and second end caps. The core includes a separate and independent fluid channel extending from the first end cap that is fluidly connected with the vent orifice, to the second end cap. The second end cap has a central opening, and an annular sealing device bounding the opening which receives and seals to the standpipe and includes through-passages fluidly interconnecting the fluid channel in the core with flow opening(s) along the standpipe or in the lower end of the housing to a drain port.

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 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 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 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 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 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 recirculating valve for the fuel system of an internal combustion engine includes a valve body with a fuel supply passage and a fuel return passage. An air separation chamber and a restricted orifice are provided in the fuel return passage. A pressure valve allows excess heated return fuel in the air separation chamber to recirculate with the fuel in the fuel supply passage. The valve also directs return air back to the tank and prevents the air from passing to the engine. A thermal actuator maintains the pressure valve in a closed condition when the fuel increases above a predetermined temperature. A relief valve can be provided in the fuel return outlet port to allow fuel to easily pass back to tank during normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A fuel filter includes a housing (412) with a removable element (424) mounted therein. The housing has an inlet port (414) in direct fluid communication with a chamber (418). A first outlet port (416) is in direct fluid communication with a central standpipe (422). The standpipe has a flow element (442) movable therein for controlling the condition of flow openings (436) in the standpipe. The cover further includes a cover projection (482) for supporting a projection (478) on the end cap (460) of the filter element, which opens flow into the standpipe only when the element is installed. The removable element can include first and second filter media rings (426, 716) where fluid is introduced between the rings and flows radially inward through the first media to the first outlet port (416), and radially outward through the second media ring to a second outlet port (710).

Abstract: A fuel filter comprises a head (96) having an inlet (100) and an outlet (102). The head is connected to an element (266) by a nipple portion (186) which has a valve element (196) therein. An actuating projection (222, 272) is engageable with the valve element to open flow through said nipple portion when the correct element is attached thereto. The actuating projection is further supported on a central portion (220, 276) which prevents connection to a nipple portion that extends too far into the element. According to a further embodiment, the filter includes a housing (412) with a removable element (424) mounted therein. The housing has an inlet port (414) in direct fluid communication with a chamber (418). The outlet port (416) is in direct fluid communication with a central standpipe (422). The standpipe has a flow element (442) movable therein for controlling the condition of flow openings (436) in the standpipe.

Abstract: A fuel filter comprises a head (96) having an inlet (100) and an outlet (102). The head is connected to an element (266) by a nipple portion (186) which has a valve element (196) therein. An actuating projection (222, 272) is engageable with said valve element to open flow through said nipple portion when the correct element is attached hereto. The actuating projection is further supported on a central portion (220, 276) which prevents connection to a nipple portion that extends too far into the element. According to a further embodiment, the filter includes a housing (412) with a removable element (424) mounted therein. The housing has an inlet port (414) in direct fluid communication with a chamber (418). The outlet port (416) is in direct fluid communication with a central standpipe (422). The standpipe has a flow element (442) movable therein for controlling the condition of flow openings (436) in the standpipe.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a housing having a cylindrical side wall and a first and second end walls at either end of the cylindrical side wall. The first end wall has a fluid inlet port for receiving fluid to be filtered and at least one fluid outlet port for discharging the filtered fluid. The second end wall is easily removable from the housing, and includes a pressure-activated sensing device preferably extending centrally within filter media to an outlet. The filter media can comprise either a single filter element or a pair of nested filter elements, and is supported between the upper and lower end walls. The pressure-activated sensing device includes a piston assembly which is responsive to a pressure drop across the filter media. A first flow path is provided to the upstream side of the piston assembly from the inlet to the filter assembly, while a second flow path is provided to the downstream side of the piston assembly from the downstream side of the filter media.