Abstract: A filter element includes a first end cap, a second end cap, and an intermediate end cap disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap. A ring of first filter media circumscribing a first central cavity is disposed between the first end cap and the intermediate end cap. A ring of second filter media is disposed between the intermediate end cap and the second end cap. The filter element also includes an air-bleed conduit axially extending through the first central cavity and comprising a first portion integrally formed with the first end cap and a second portion integrally formed with the intermediate end cap and configured to connect to the first portion thereby forming a conduit for transmitting fluid.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides a filter element including a first end cap, a second end cap, a ring of filter media and an annular seal. The first end cap defines a cylindrical collar that circumscribes a first central opening and includes a substantially planar first outer surface that extends radially outward from the cylindrical collar to an outer peripheral edge. The second end cap defines a second central opening substantially coaxial with the first central opening. The ring of filter media is disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap, and circumscribes a central cavity in fluid communication with the first central opening and the second central opening. The annular seal is disposed upon the first outer surface of the first end cap and around the cylindrical collar. The annular seal extends axially way from the first outer surface.

Abstract: A filter element includes a first end cap, a second end cap, and a ring of filter media disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap. The ring of filter media circumscribes a central cavity. The filter element also includes an air-bleed conduit axially extending through the central cavity. The air-bleed conduit includes a first portion integrally formed with the first end cap and a second portion integrally formed with the second end cap. The second portion is configured to fluidly connect to the first portion.

Abstract: A filter element includes a first end cap, a second end cap, and an intermediate end cap disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap. A ring of first filter media circumscribing a first central cavity is disposed between the first end cap and the intermediate end cap. A ring of second filter media is disposed between the intermediate end cap and the second end cap. The filter element also includes an air-bleed conduit axially extending through the first central cavity and comprising a first portion integrally formed with the first end cap and a second portion integrally formed with the intermediate end cap and configured to connect to the first portion thereby forming a conduit for transmitting fluid.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides a filter element including a first end cap, a second end cap, a ring of filter media and an annular seal. The first end cap defines a cylindrical collar that circumscribes a first central opening and includes a substantially planar first outer surface that extends radially outward from the cylindrical collar to an outer peripheral edge. The second end cap defines a second central opening substantially coaxial with the first central opening. The ring of filter media is disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap, and circumscribes a central cavity in fluid communication with the first central opening and the second central opening. The annular seal is disposed upon the first outer surface of the first end cap and around the cylindrical collar. The annular seal extends axially way from the first outer surface.

Abstract: A fuel/water separator threadingly engaging a base at a first open end and a drain valve at a second open end. The fuel/water separator is constructed of a translucent plastic material enabling a viewer to evaluate the presence of contaminants without having to loosen the filter or open a drain valve.

Abstract: A lubricating oil filter has a housing which includes a first shell providing a housing base and a second shell providing a housing lid, wherein a filter media is suspended in a space defined by the shells by being clamped between a shoulder in the housing base and a rib projecting from the housing lid. The filter media may be either a flat filter media or a pleated pack filter media. In a preferred configuration, the housing is rectangular and has both an unfiltered oil inlet and a filtered oil outlet in the first shell forming the housing base so that the filter element may be changed without disconnecting the lubricating oil filter from inlet and outlet lines.

Abstract: A lubricating oil filter has a housing which includes a first shell providing a housing base and a second shell providing a housing lid, wherein a filter media is suspended in a space defined by the shells by being clamped between a shoulder in the housing base and a rib projecting from the housing lid. The filter media may be either a flat filter media or a pleated pack filter media. In a preferred configuration, the housing is rectangular and has an unfiltered oil inlet in the housing lid which is at one end of the housing and a filtered oil outlet which is at the other end of the housing.

Abstract: A filter for filtering a fluid, such as lubricating oil for an engine, has a first element for trapping small particles and a second filter element for trapping sludge, the second filter element being stacked on the first filter element. A flow-deflecting element is disposed between the first filter element and second filter element to provide a spinning motion to oil flowing from the second filter element as that oil joins oil which is passed through the first filter element. The spinning motion of the oil from the bypass filter element encourages mixing of the oil from the second filter element with the oil filtered by the first element. A centrifugal separator is disposed in an annular space between the filter elements and filter housing for imparting a rotary motion to the fluid prior to the fluid passing through the filter elements. This removes large particles from the fluid by centrifugal force so that large particles do not add to the contaminant load in the filter elements.

Abstract: An annular air filter utilizes an end gasket which is snap fitted to a metal end cap. The gasket has a sealing lip with a radially extending, axially facing sealing face for sealing with a filter housing; and an annular, axially extending body portion. The annular, axially extending body portion has an axially extending, radially facing sealing surface for sealing with an air outlet pipe projecting into the housing. The gasket is made of foam rubber, rubber or polyurethane material and is optionally fixed on the air filter element with adhesive.

Abstract: A spin-on oil filter cartridge has a can with a gripping portion at the free end comprising seven concave, arcuate flutes which are spaced from one another. The seven arcuate flutes provide an ergonomically configuration which facilitates removal of the filter cartridge by hand. If the filter cartridge is too tightly engaged to be removed for replacement purposes, a tool in the form of a socket wrench is provided wherein the tool includes a socket portion which compliments the gripping portion of the filter cartridge. The tool further includes a knob fixed thereto which provides increased hand purchase which facilitates rotation of the spin-on oil filter cartridge.

Abstract: A filter for filtering a fluid, such as lubricating oil for an engine, has a full flow filter element and a bypass filter element stacked on the full flow filter element. A flow-deflecting element is disposed between the full flow filter element and bypass filter element to provide a spinning motion to oil flowing from the bypass element as that oil joins oil which is passed through the full flow filter element. The spinning motion of the oil from the bypass filter element encourages mixing of the oil from the bypass filter element with the oil filtered by the full filter element. During operation of the engine this arrangement tends to provide cleaner lubricating oil and therefore reduces engine wear while increasing the time interval between scheduled maintenance.

Abstract: A radial air filter is pleated in the horizontal direction rather than the vertical direction so as to have increased capacity and efficiency with reduced air flow restriction. Preferably, the pleats have a parabolic cross section wherein the panels of the pleats form legs of parabolas with the legs being joined by arcuate peaks and valleys.

Abstract: A flow inverter element is configured as a molded component having both axial passages and radial passages, which passages are physically isolated from one another. The axial passages communicate with an annular chamber which opens to a series of inlet ports in the end plate of the housing while the radially extending passages communicate with a cylindrical chamber aligned with a central output port in the end of the housing.

Abstract: A filter assembly having a replaceable coalescing filter in which contaminants are separated from fuel, oil, or the like. The filter assembly has an outer housing that may be constructed from a cylindrical metal container and a top metal plate. A filter element is attached in a cantilever manner to the metal plate, by chemical bonding and/or mechanical locking, solely by way of an support member. The filter element is thus suspended from the plate leaving a clearance space between the bottom filter cap and the bottom of the filter container. No elements are disposed in the clearance space, thus maximizing the efficiency of the filter. The support member may be made of rubber or similar material suitable for sealing the inner and outer fuel chambers and for chemically bonding to the metal housing. The upper end cap of the filter element also may be chemically bonded to the element support.

Abstract: Flow inverter arrangements are provided for utilization in spin-on, liquid filter cartridges, such as lubricating oil filter cartridges and the like, wherein the filter cartridge structure normally used for "inside-out" flow is reversed to accommodate "outside-in" flow. Each embodiment of the invention utilizes a cylindrical wall disposed within the hollow core of a filter media, in spaced relation thereto, so as to define an annular space which is aligned with the input ports in the end plate of the housing. A filter media has a first end cap within an opening aligned with the central core so that liquid which is passed from the annular space and through the filter media can pass through the opening in the end cap and to the central port which is aligned with the hollow core of the filter media, but isolated from the filter media by the interior wall.