Abstract: A coolant regeneration system having a housing with an inlet port and an outlet port adapted to be in flow communication with a coolant stream and a filter positioned in the coolant stream. A regeneration canister containing a corrosion inhibitor is positioned in the coolant stream and a monitoring device to monitor the operation of the system. The monitor device includes a temperature sensing element. The monitor device includes a regeneration canister deterioration sensor. Methods of the invention are also included. The invention further includes an integrity probe positioned against a wall of the regeneration canister and a non-corrosive coating positioned on the wall of the canister and between the canister and the integrity probe.

Abstract: A T-handle for a filter includes an integral mechanical indicator. The T-handle indicator has a threaded portion that extends through a hole in the filter cover and retains the cover to a canister. The indicator includes a spring-biased button that provides a visual indication of whether the element needs to be replaced. The button is received in a body that is open to the pressure on the downstream side of the filter element. A pair of clips on the button engage the indicator body to retain the button in the inward (element change) position. The clips can be accessed when the T-handle indicator is removed from the filter to return the button to the outward (fresh element) position. The indicator button includes an axially-elongated slot extending radially through the button, and the body includes a corresponding pair of holes on opposite sides of the slot.

Abstract: A fuel filter includes a housing and a pipe in the housing. The pipe includes a central flow passage, an opening along the length of the pipe into the passage, and an exterior groove. A latch device with discrete fingers closely surrounds the pipe and is engageable with the groove to prevent the latch device from moving axially along the pipe. The latch device has an annular sleeve, radially-outwardly spaced from the fingers. A valve device surrounds the pipe and has a sleeve normally covering the pipe opening in the pipe. A filter element has an end cap with thin, flat keys. The keys project through the slots in the valve device and engage the sleeve of the latch device to unlock the latch device from the pipe, and also engage and move the valve device to uncover the opening in the pipe, when the filter element is inserted into the housing.

Abstract: A filter element and assembly for fluid applications which require a purging of air, and particularly for applications where the filter element is horizontally oriented (side loaded), where the filter element is rotationally positioned relative to the housing such that a vent orifice is properly located for venting air from the filter element as the element fills with fluid. The housing includes a cylindrical body with a closed end a threaded open end, and a threaded, cup-shaped cover which is screwed down onto the housing. The filter element and housing include i) cooperating retaining devices which temporarily couple the filter element to the housing cover when the element is initially inserted into the housing and the cover is initially screwed onto the housing; and ii) cooperating orientation devices which rotationally orient the filter element in the housing as the housing cover is further and fully screwed down onto the housing.

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 fuel filter includes a pair of housing portions defining an interior cavity. A filter element is provided in surrounding relation to a fuel pump. A diverter plate assembly supported in the housing in sealing relation with one of the housing portions, the pump and the filter element, includes a bypass valve with a ball member. The bypass valve is normally closed when the pump is operational, and fuel flow passes from the inlet, through the filter element, and through the pump to the outlet. When the pump is not operational, the bypass valve opens, and fuel flow passes from the inlet through the filter element, and then directly to the outlet, bypassing the fuel pump. The diverter plate assembly includes a segmented collar that couples the assembly to one of the housing portions; a lip seal sealing to the pump; an outer rim that seals to one of the housing portions; and an annular flange that seals to the filter element.

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 T-handle for a filter includes an integral mechanical indicator. The T-handle indicator has a threaded portion that extends through a hole in the filter cover and retains the cover to a canister. The indicator includes a spring-biased button that provides a visual indication of whether the element needs to be replaced. The button is received in a body that is open to the pressure on the downstream side of the filter element. A pair of clips on the button engage the indicator body to retain the button in the inward (element change) position. The clips can be accessed when the T-handle indicator is removed from the filter to return the button to the outward (fresh element) position. The indicator button includes an axially-elongated slot extending radially through the button, and the body includes a corresponding pair of holes on opposite sides of the slot.

Abstract: A coolant regeneration system having a housing with an inlet port and an outlet port adapted to be in flow communication with a coolant stream and a filter positioned in the coolant stream. A regeneration canister containing a corrosion inhibitor is positioned in the coolant stream and a monitoring device to monitor the operation of the system. The monitor device includes a temperature sensing element. The monitor device includes a regeneration canister deterioration sensor. Methods of the invention are also included. The invention further includes an integrity probe positioned against a wall of the regeneration canister and a non-corrosive coating positioned on the wall of the canister and between the canister and the integrity probe.

Abstract: A fuel filter includes a pair of housing portions defining an interior cavity. A pipe in the housing includes a central flow passage and an opening along the length of the pipe. An exterior groove is also provided in the pipe. A latch device with discrete fingers closely surrounds the pipe and is engageable with the groove to prevent the latch device from moving axially along the pipe. The latch device has an annular sleeve, radially-outwardly spaced from the fingers. A moveable valve device also surrounds the pipe and has a sleeve which normally covers the opening in the pipe. An annular base projects radially outward from the sleeve of the valve device and includes radially projecting tabs defining a plurality of slots. A filter element is removeably located in the housing and has an end cap with a valve-actuating portion. The valve-actuating portion includes a cylindrical portion and an annular base projecting radially inward from the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A recharge and filter assembly includes a housing with a removable recharge and filter cartridge. The housing includes a canister with a removable cover allowing access to the cartridge. The cartridge includes a filter element comprising a ring of media and upper and lower end caps. The upper end cap carries a peripheral seal which provides a fluid-tight seal with the housing canister. An annular channel is provided between an annular portion of the upper end cap and the seal. An annular support member from the cover is received in the annular channel to support the upper end cap. Latching fingers on the upper end cap and a mating ring on the cover removably couple the cartridge to the cover. The cartridge further includes a recharge canister supported by tabs on the upper and lower end caps. Fluid is recharged by inhibitor material, while particulates and other contaminants are removed by the filter media.

Abstract: A recharge and filter assembly includes a housing with a removable recharge and filter cartridge. The housing includes a canister with a removable cover allowing access to the cartridge. The cartridge includes a filter element comprising a ring of media and upper and lower end caps. The upper end cap carries a peripheral seal which provides a fluid-tight seal with the housing canister. An annular channel is provided between an annular portion of the upper end cap and the seal. An annular support member from the cover is received in the annular channel to support the upper end cap. Latching fingers on the upper end cap and a mating ring on the cover removably couple the cartridge to the cover. The cartridge further includes a recharge canister supported by tabs on the upper and lower end caps. Fluid is recharged by inhibitor material, while particulates and other contaminants are removed by the filter media.

Abstract: A fuel filter includes a pair of housing portions defining an interior cavity. A filter element is provided in surrounding relation to a fuel pump. A diverter plate assembly supported in the housing in sealing relation with one of the housing portions, the pump and the filter element, includes a bypass valve with a ball member. The bypass valve is normally closed when the pump is operational, and fuel flow passes from the inlet, through the filter element, and through the pump to the outlet. When the pump is not operational, the bypass valve opens, and fuel flow passes from the inlet through the filter element, and then directly to the outlet, bypassing the fuel pump. The diverter plate assembly includes a segmented collar that couples the assembly to one of the housing portions; a lip seal sealing to the pump; an outer rim that seals to one of the housing portions; and an annular flange that seals to the filter element.

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 drain assembly for a fluid filter includes a female valve portion unitary with an end wall of a collection bowl, and having a socket with a cylindrical sidewall and an inner end wall. The end wall includes a plug, and a vent opening radially outward from the plug. A drain opening is provided in the end wall radially outward from the socket. An annular sealing surface is provided radially outward from the drain opening. A threaded sleeve is provided radially outward from the annular sealing surface. A male valve portion is received in the female valve portion, and includes a valve body and valve seal. The valve seal is received in the socket and includes a cylindrical sidewall defining a vent passage, and an inner end with a vent opening to the vent passage. An annular sealing surface is provided radially outward from the sidewall of the valve seal.