Abstract: A filter cartridge that includes a canister configured to hold a filter element. The canister has a canister body with an open end and an end closure. The end closure has a central annular element locating feature, and an annular frame portion circumscribing the central annular element locating feature. The canister body and end closure have cooperating geometry for retaining the end closure to the open end of the canister. The cooperating geometry includes an axial retention mechanism for maintaining an attachment between the canister and the end closure. The axial retention mechanism is configured to maintain the attachment solely via mechanical interference.

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: The disclosed filter element is configured for use within a housing of a filter assembly. The filter element includes an obround ring of filter media extending between an upper and lower endcaps and defines a dirty wet fuel region. The upper endcap of the filter element defines an inlet for receiving the dirty wet fuel, which flows into the dirty wet fuel region and radially outward through the filter media. The upper endcap may include an insert to define a flow chamber to distribute fuel into the dirty wet fuel region. A clean wet fuel region is defined outside the filter element and within the housing. After flowing through the inlet and the filter media clean wet fuel fills the clean wet fuel region. A water separator is disposed external to the filter media and defines a clean dry fuel region in communication with an outlet defined by the upper endcap.

Abstract: A straight-through flow filter element is provided in which an L-shaped ring is spaced from one of the inlet and outlet flow faces. The seal member may extend therefrom in a cantilevered manner away from one of the flow faces. The spacing may be facilitated by way of spacer elements which may contact the flow face and thereby also support the flow face toward the outer perimeter.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a filter media pack as well as a reinforced media pack is provided. The method includes forming a media pack to have an inlet face and an outlet face. The method includes applying a reinforcing agent to the media pack. The reinforcing agent is applied in a flowable state. The method also includes hardening the reinforcing agent to form a reinforcing structure to reinforce the media pack. Filter element having such a reinforcing structure is also provided.

Abstract: The filter cartridge locking assembly is configured to secure a collar within a housing of a filter cartridge. The collar includes first and second ends and fits into a circumferential retainer included on the housing. At least one notch is formed between the first and second ends of the collar for mating with at least one complimentary bead included on the retainer. An annular gap is defined on the collar for receiving a portion of the retainer. The retainer also receives a portion of the collar. The retainer is comprised of a first leg that extends radially outwardly and a second leg that extends substantially perpendicular to the first leg. The first and second legs interact with the collar in a surface-to-surface relationship while the at least one bead engages the at least one notch to form an axially and rotationally locked coupling between the housing and the collar.

Abstract: An air filter, an air filter assembly, and method of installing the air filter into a housing of the air filter assembly are provided. The air filter includes an attachment portion and a lock tab. The lock tab is carried by and resiliently moveable relative to the attachment portion. The lock tab is located radially outward from the attachment portion and movable circumferentially about a central axis of the air filter. Another feature relates to using an end stop in a housing as a catch. Yet another feature relates to using a perforated end cap and capping such perforations with a housing seal.

Abstract: A filter element for use in a housing of a filter assembly having a cover and a seal therebetween. The housing includes inlet and outlet valves. The filter element comprises a first endcap and a second endcap including an inlet valve actuator. A cylindrical ring of filter media extends axially between the first and second endcaps and surrounds a center tube that defines an outlet having an outlet valve actuator. A sleeve positioned to receive and exert force in a first and second direction surrounds a bias member. Threading the cover to the housing compresses the bias member causing the inlet and outlet valve actuators to actuate the inlet and outlet valves. Removing the cover causes extension of the bias member and the inlet and outlet valve actuators to retreat from the inlet and outlet valves before the seal between the cover and the housing is broken.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a filter media pack as well as a reinforced media pack is provided. The method includes forming a media pack to have an inlet face and an outlet face. The method includes applying a reinforcing agent to the media pack. The reinforcing agent is applied in a flowable state. The method also includes hardening the reinforcing agent to form a reinforcing structure to reinforce the media pack. Filter element having such a reinforcing structure is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed filter element is configured for use within a housing of a filter assembly. The filter element includes an obround ring of filter media extending between an upper and lower endcaps and defines a dirty wet fuel region. The upper endcap of the filter element defines an inlet for receiving the dirty wet fuel, which flows into the dirty wet fuel region and radially outward through the filter media. The upper endcap may include an insert to define a flow chamber to distribute fuel into the dirty wet fuel region. A clean wet fuel region is defined outside the filter element and within the housing. After flowing through the inlet and the filter media clean wet fuel fills the clean wet fuel region. A water separator is disposed external to the filter media and defines a clean dry fuel region in communication with an outlet defined by the upper endcap.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a filter media pack as well as a reinforced media pack is provided. The method includes forming a media pack to have an inlet face and an outlet face. The method includes applying a reinforcing agent to the media pack. The reinforcing agent is applied in a flowable state. The method also includes hardening the reinforcing agent to form a reinforcing structure to reinforce the media pack. Filter element having such a reinforcing structure is also provided.

Abstract: An air filter, an air filter assembly, and method of installing the air filter into a housing of the air filter assembly are provided. The air filter includes an attachment portion and a lock tab. The lock tab is carried by and resiliently moveable relative to the attachment portion. The lock tab is located radially outward from the attachment portion and movable circumferentially about a central axis of the air filter. Another feature relates to using an end stop in a housing as a catch. Yet another feature relates to using a perforated end cap and capping such perforations with a housing seal.

Abstract: An air filter, an air filter assembly, and method of installing the air filter into a housing of the air filter assembly are provided. The air filter includes an attachment portion and a lock tab. The lock tab is carried by and resiliently moveable relative to the attachment portion. The lock tab is located radially outward from the attachment portion and movable circumferentially about a central axis of the air filter. Another feature relates to using an end stop in a housing as a catch. Yet another feature relates to using a perforated end cap and capping such perforations with a housing seal.

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 filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element having a central winding frame and a length of fluted filter material wound about the frame with the flutes of the media oriented substantially longitudinally, to thereby provide for filtration of a flow of fluid passing axially through the filter element. The winding frame is a substantially open, truss-like structure, having a smooth outer periphery and an axially extending winding feature to facilitate pulling the media into intimate contact with the smooth outer periphery during fabrication of the filter element. A leading edge of the filter media is anchored to a leading edge of the frame by a length of tape.

Abstract: A filter element for use in a housing of a filter assembly having a cover and a seal therebetween. The housing includes inlet and outlet valves. The filter element comprises a first endcap and a second endcap including an inlet valve actuator. A cylindrical ring of filter media extends axially between the first and second endcaps and surrounds a center tube that defines an outlet having an outlet valve actuator. A sleeve positioned to receive and exert force in a first and second direction surrounds a bias member. Threading the cover to the housing compresses the bias member causing the inlet and outlet valve actuators to actuate the inlet and outlet valves. Removing the cover causes extension of the bias member and the inlet and outlet valve actuators to retreat from the inlet and outlet valves before the seal between the cover and the housing is broken.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element having a central winding frame and a length of fluted filter material wound about the frame with the flutes of the media oriented substantially longitudinally, to thereby provide for filtration of a flow of fluid passing axially through the filter element. The winding frame is a substantially open, truss-like structure, having a smooth outer periphery and an axially extending winding feature to facilitate pulling the media into intimate contact with the smooth outer periphery during fabrication of the filter element. A leading edge of the filter media is anchored to a leading edge of the frame by a length of tape.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element, defining a longitudinal axis and an axial end thereof, and having a central winding structure and a length of fluted filter material wound about the winding structure with the flutes of the media oriented to provide for filtration of fluid passing axially through the filter element. An edge of filter media defines the axial end of the filter element when the media is wound about the winding structure. An axial end of the winding structure is disposed adjacent the axial end of the filter element. A winding feature extends substantially axially outward from the axial end of the winding structure to a distal end of the winding feature. The filter media is wrapped about the winding structure such that the axial end of the filter element is disposed substantially flush with the distal end of the winding feature.

Abstract: An air filter, an air filter assembly, and method of installing the air filter into a housing of the air filter assembly are provided. The air filter includes an attachment portion and a lock tab. The lock tab is carried by and resiliently moveable relative to the attachment portion. The lock tab is located radially outward from the attachment portion and movable circumferentially about a central axis of the air filter. Another feature relates to using an end stop in a housing as a catch.