Inlet And Outlet At Same End Patents (Class 210/440)
  • Patent number: 7141166
    Abstract: An oil filter has a drain hole, which is internally blocked with a valve member. When oil remaining in the oil filter is drained, a drainpipe is inserted into the drain hole, so that the valve member is displaced and remaining oil is drained from the drain hole. This valve member has an annular recession to steadily support an upper end of the inserted drainpipe. Therefore, gripping force of the drainpipe is enhanced without decreasing draining performance. The drainpipe and the oil filter are connected with each other via a seal member that is provided to the oil filter. The drainpipe 80 has a removing means that holds at least a part of the seal member to pick the seal member off the oil filter, when the inserted drainpipe is detached from the drain hole. Thus, the seal member can be removed simultaneously with the drainpipe from the oil filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignees: Toyoda Boshoku Corporation, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Sugiura, Toshihiro Takahara, Noriyuki Tsuge
  • Patent number: 7138054
    Abstract: A fluid filter system including a cartridge filter housed in a tank having a standpipe extending from a bottom surface of the tank. The cartridge filter is positioned in the tank with the standpipe extending into an outlet tube in the filter. Fluids flow into the tank, through the filter, and out through the standpipe. The cartridge filter may include a seal in an upper portion of the filter for sealing the cartridge filter to the standpipe in a position that is above the contaminant laden fluids and debris that collect at the bottom of a tank during removal of a cartridge filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Harmsco, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold H. Harms, Eric D. Seville
  • Patent number: 7132047
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filter apparatus for use in removing impurities and acids contained in a fluid that includes a particulate filter and an acid-neutralizing filter. Preferably, the particulate filter and the acid-neutralizing filter are positioned within a housing. A conduit having a pressure reduction section is arranged to create a pressure differential across the acid-neutralizing filter such that a portion of the fluid to be filtered by the filter apparatus passes through the acid-neutralizing filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignees: Baldwin Filters, Inc., D-A Lubricant Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Beard, Allan Roush
  • Patent number: 7118673
    Abstract: The present invention involves a filter element assembly (10), which is useful in removing undissolved adhesive bodies from oil. The assembly includes at least one cylindrical body 11 of principal filter medium for removing particulates from oil. Body 11 has an inlet end and an outlet end. A secondary filter medium 20 for removing undissolved adhesive bodies from the oil is located around the sides and across the inlet end of the principle medium (11). A flow affording spacer 926) is disposed between the sides and the inlet end of the principal medium (11). A preferred spacer (26) is a non-woven expandible mesh present in a partially expanded state and having elements (27,28) grouped in first and second sets in which the elements (27) in the first set are laid atop the elements (28) in the second set. A readily cleanable containment vessel (39) for the filter element assembly (10) includes a tubular body (41) which is releasably connectible in liquid tight relation to a bottom cover (44) for the body (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: HTI Filtration Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. Parker
  • Patent number: 7115199
    Abstract: A fluid treatment housing system for fluid filter elements including a first housing member, a second housing member and an interchangeable mounting plate on which one or more filter elements are mounted. The mounting plate may be a substantially flat plate or a basket type structure to accommodate various inside-out and outside-in filter elements. Additionally, more than one mounting plate may be used in a single system so that the system can include both pre and post fluid treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Eric H. Simonson
  • Patent number: 7077955
    Abstract: A joint used in one of a water inlet or water outlet of a filter cylinder, or a water inlet or a water outlet of a filter casing is disclosed. The joint is a round cylindrical tube and comprises at least one first waterproof washer installed near one end of the round cylindrical tube; an outer thread on an outer surface of the round cylindrical tube and behind the waterproof washer; an opening away from the washer is a round opening and an interior of the round cylindrical tube is formed as a polygonal hole; a front end of the T shape sleeve have a plurality of tapered claws the waterproof washer encloses the front end of the T shape sleeve so as to be expanded by the tapered claws; thereby the round cylindrical tube; and a water tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Mao-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 7048848
    Abstract: A hybrid oil filter assembly includes a housing and a first (e.g., conventional) oil filter element disposed in proximity to a bottom portion of the housing. The first oil filter element contains an open inner volume. A second oil filter element having a generally circular cylindrical shape is disposed circumferentially about a length of the first oil filter element. The second oil filter element may be made of rolled paper and filters particles of a smaller size than the first oil filter element (e.g., down to about one microns, thereby providing micro-filtering of the engine oil).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Norbert Assion
  • Patent number: 7029575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter, such as an oil filter for a combustion engine. The inventive filter includes a filter housing and a valve, such as a non-return valve, a filter bypassing valve or a drain valve, that is arranged in the filter housing. According to the invention, the valve body of said valve is arranged at a combination component which is provided with a connector for connecting at least one additional filter component, such as an additional valve or a filter inset, to the combination component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hengst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Baumann, Wilhelm Ardes
  • Patent number: 6994787
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Wix Filtration Corp.
    Inventors: Willie Luther Stamey, Jr., Mark Allen Roll
  • Patent number: 6994741
    Abstract: A protective cover for an engine filter having a cover upper portion and at least one cover sidewall attached to the cover upper portion, wherein the cover upper portion and the at least one cover sidewall form an enclosure, such that an inner perimeter of the enclosure has a size and a shape similar to a size and a shape of an outer perimeter of the engine filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Robert A. Walker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6977006
    Abstract: Embodiments of a key system for filters and their connecting heads/holders are shown. The filter cartridge and its holder each have a keyed surface, one being a protruding “key” and one being a recessed “lock”. Cooperation of these keyed surfaces is required in order for the filter cartridge to be installed in the holder, so that mismatched cartridges cannot be installed into the holder, for example, to prevent a particular type of cartridge from being placed in a filtration or other process where it would be inappropriate, or undesired. The keyed surfaces are selectively locate-able preferably at different circumferential locations on a perimeter of the filter and a corresponding location on a perimeter of the head/holder. The perimeter may be, for example, on an outer shoulder surface of a filter and an inner surface of a valve head, or on outer and inner surfaces of connectors that provide a liquid seal between the filter and the head/holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Roger P. Reid
  • Patent number: 6969461
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filter apparatus for use in removing impurities and acids contained in a fluid that includes a particulate filter and an acid-neutralizing filter. Preferably, the particulate filter and the acid-neutralizing filter are positioned within a housing. A conduit having a pressure reduction section is arranged to create a pressure differential across the acid-neutralizing filter such that a portion of the fluid to be filtered by the filter apparatus passes through the acid-neutralizing filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignees: Baldwin Filters, Inc., D-A Lubricant Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Beard, Allan Roush
  • Patent number: 6966981
    Abstract: A replaceable filter cartridge assembly for a liquid filter and a liquid filter in which such a filter cartridge is installed. The filter cartridge 10 is provided with a support element 15, and a seat 20 for a sealing membrane 19 is provided on the support element 15. The sealing membrane seals the inlet 22 of the housing via a sealing edge 21 that acts as a return flow barrier over the inlet. The sealing membrane 19 also has a radial sealing surface 23 to provide a seal between the support element 15 and the outlet port 24 of the filter. This permits the filter cartridge to be manufactured in a particularly cost-effective manner and assures simple mounting within the housing. Since only the filter cartridge, which can be pushed onto the support element 15, needs to be exchanged, very little material has to be disposed of when the filter is replaced, which further increases the cost-effectiveness of the filter in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Binder, Klaus Mack
  • Patent number: 6962256
    Abstract: A filter for a fluid system includes a housing having an interior cavity. A filter media is disposed in the housing and defines a central opening. A center tube assembly is arranged within the central opening and includes discs which are stackable upon one another. Each disc includes a central portion having base received by an inner wall of the central portion of the adjacent disc. An outer portion extends radially outwardly from the central portion and is positioned adjacent to the filter media. The central portion, base, and outer portion may include openings to permit the flow of fluid through the center tube assembly. The center tube assembly provides the desired structural integrity while permitting fluid to flow through the center tube. The present invention center tube assembly may be produced by a plastic molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ledu Quoc Nguyen, Allen Buhr Wright
  • Patent number: 6959819
    Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering fluids which may be readily disassembled includes a perforated center tube assembly which is fluid-tightly connected at one end to an injection molded plastic head and is closed at its other end; an injection molded plastic bowl having one open end and a semi-closed second end; a disposable cylindrical plastic filter element adapted to fit within the plastic bowl and slip over the perforated center tube assembly in close proximity thereto but with no physical retention means between the plastic filter element and the center tube assembly. The assembly includes a releasable seal between the plastic filter element and the center tube assembly. The plastic head further includes an annular base provided with injection molded threaded fittings whereby it can be attached to a fluid supply and unfiltered fluid can flow into the plastic bowl and filtered fluid can flow out of the plastic bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: PTI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Moscaritolo, Kanwar Suri
  • Patent number: 6955754
    Abstract: An efficient fluid cleaning system. The efficient system includes a first mechanism for changing the pressure of a fluid from a first pressure to a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure. A second mechanism distributes the fluid within an evaporation chamber at the second pressure. The evaporation chamber includes an evaporation surface having capillary channels for dispersing oil about the evaporation surface via capillary action to facilitate evaporation of contaminants from within the fluid. In a specific embodiment, the capillary channels are spiral capillary channels, and the system further includes a vent through a ceiling of the evaporation chamber. The vent includes a valve biased in an open position and lacking a cracking pressure. The valve prevents the escape of the fluid from the system but allows gases to escape from the system unencumbered. The evaporation surface has perforations through which fluid passes onto the evaporation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Robert de Sylva
  • Patent number: 6949182
    Abstract: An oil filter for preliminarily confirming a correct assembling of a valve body to a holder and for preventing the valve body from being abnormally assembled. A valve seat 22 is welded to a cap 14 covering a filter element 12. A claw portion for a valve body 25e is formed on the valve body 25, and an engagement portion for the valve body 27e to be engaged with the claw portion for the valve body 25e is formed on a holder 15 assembled with the inner peripheral side of the filter element 12. In addition, a spring member 29 is fitted between the valve body 25 and a spring receiving portion 27 provided for the holder 15. By the engagement of the claw portion for the valve body 25e with the engagement portion for the valve body 27e, the valve body 25 is assembled with the holder 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Toyo Roki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Yano, Kazuhiro Yoshida, Takeo Sugimoto, Akira Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6939464
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a housing and an inner post with a fluid inlet passage extending in the housing. An outer post surrounds the inner post to define a fluid outlet passage. A filter cartridge is received around the inner post and the outer post. The filter cartridge includes a filter element. A first endplate, which defines a first opening, is attached to a first end of the filter element. A first seal is received in the first opening to seal between the inner post and the first endplate. A second endplate, which defines a second opening, is attached to a second end of the filter element. A seal is received in the second opening to seal the outer post with the second endplate. The housing and the filter cartridge define an outer cavity. The fluid inlet passage opens into the outer cavity to minimize back flushing of contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Zemin Jiang, John Clevenger
  • Patent number: 6936169
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid filter, especially an oil filter, for cleaning lubricating oil, especially for internal combustion engines of automobiles, comprising an upright filter housing which contains a receiving area for a ring-shaped filter insert that is inserted into said receiving area, an inlet channel for unclean liquid, an outlet for clean liquid, and an additional discharge channel which is exposed when the ring-shaped filter insert is removed. An eccentrically projecting pin is moulded to a lower end plate and sealingly penetrates an opening of the discharge channel when the ring-shaped filter insert is introduced into the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Baumann, Thomas Brieden, Hans Gebert, Benoít Monzie, Uwe Grass
  • Patent number: 6936162
    Abstract: A unitary three valve filter element support is used in a filter cartridge in which the filter cartridge includes an annular filter element within a housing closed by an end plate having a central opening surrounded by an array of radial openings spaced a fixed radial distance from one another. The unitary support has an annular sealing lip for sealing with the end cap of the filter element, which sealing lip deflects under oil pressure providing a first valve to allow oil to bypass the filter element if the filter media of the filter element is clogged. A second valve is a dirty side anti-drainback valve that is provided by a radial flange projecting from the unitary body. A third valve is a clean side valve aligned with the hollow core of the annular filter element to prevent drainback of clean oil and to prevent refilling of the filter cartridge with used or unfiltered oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Darrell T. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6926156
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter cap having a filter chamber defined therein. The filter cap includes a side wall having an opening defined therein. A fluid filter is positioned in the filter chamber. A spring-loaded detent button is movably secured to the filter cap and extends into the filter chamber. When the detent button is depressed by a user, the end of the detent button positioned in the filter chamber contacts the fluid filter thereby releasing the fluid filter from the filter cap. An associated method for replacing a fluid filter is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Wall
  • Patent number: 6926825
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filter, especially an oil filter for an internal combustion engine, comprising a filter housing and a central, approximately tubular component which extends into the interior of the filter, said central component engaging in the operating position a projection located on the filter housing and permanently retained in the filter housing, said component being disengageable from said projection and nondestructively removable in said disassembly position from the filter, the component being rotatably mounted around its longitudinal axis within the filter housing, a retaining component (10) being arranged in rotatably restricted fashion within the filter housing, which retaining component in its operating position surrounds and fixes the central component by means of a clamping or locking interference fit, and the central component being rotatable in its disassembly position when the clamping or locking force is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Ing. Walter Hengst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilhelm Ardes
  • Patent number: 6923910
    Abstract: A filter cartridge 10 includes a connective end for mating with a filter head 48 and providing fluid communication between the filter media chamber and the filter head. The connective end includes a tubular member 34 disposed axially in a hollow neck 18 to define inner and radially outer axial passages (30, 32) providing independent conduits for dual flow through the neck. The outer axial passage includes an opening 38 in the elongated portion 22 of the neck and a bypass opening 42 in the distal end portion of the neck. The inner axial passage includes an opening 40 in the distal end of the neck. Proximal and distal radial seals (26, 28) are provided on the outer periphery of the elongated neck portion 22 to ensure water-tight engagement when the neck is inserted into the receiving core of the filter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: CUNO Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald McGibbon
  • Patent number: 6921479
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filter, especially an oil filter for an internal combustion engine, comprising a filter housing and a central, approximately tubular component which extends into the interior of the filter, said central component engaging in the operating position a projection located on the filter housing and permanently retained in the filter housing, said component being disengageable from said projection and nondestructively removable in said disassembly position from the filter, the component being rotatably mounted around its longitudinal axis within the filter housing, a retaining component (10) being arranged in rotatably restricted fashion within the filter housing, which retaining component in its operating position surrounds and fixes the central component by means of a clamping or locking interference fit, and the central component being rotatable in its disassembly position when the clamping or locking force is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Ing. Walter Hengst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilhelm Ardes
  • Patent number: 6902669
    Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a filter element that is adapted to filter fluid. The filter element defines a center post cavity constructed and arranged to receive a center post. The filter element has a first end and a second end. A first end plate is attached to the first end of the filter element. The first end plate defines a first end plate opening. A second end plate is attached to the second end of the filter element. The second end plate defines a second end plate opening. A seal is positioned in the second end plate opening to seal around the center post. A floating seal assembly is received in the first end plate opening to seal around the center post. The floating seal assembly includes a gasket and a gasket retainer. The gasket retainer retains the gasket against the first end plate to seal around the center post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventor: Zemin Jiang
  • Patent number: 6896803
    Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a ring secured to a filter cover so as to engage a center tube extending within a filter element to retain the center tube and the filter element. A method of assembling a filter apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Steven Cline, Henry L. Neufeld
  • Patent number: 6893555
    Abstract: A dual flow filter unit for the filtration of a pressurized liquid such as oil, comprising a closed housing (10) having an inlet (31), and main and secondary outlets (32, 13) for that liquid. The unit further comprises a main filter element (21) arranged in the housing (10) and having an unfiltered fluid surface exposed to the majority of the liquid flow, the flow through the main filter (21) being directed to the main outlet (32) from the housing (10); and a secondary filter element (17) exposed to a portion of the liquid flow supplied to the housing inlet (31), any flow through the secondary filter being directed to the secondary outlet (13) from the housing. The main filter element (21) offers a low resistance to the flow of fluid therethrough relative to the secondary filter element (17) so that the majority of the flow through the inlet (31) is filtered by the main filter element (21) and the remainder by the secondary filter element (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Alan Philip Roper, Michael Charles Fallows
  • Patent number: 6893561
    Abstract: A housing configuration for a liquid filter in which the housing is cup-shaped and is produced by a molding technique. The housing lid or lid is secured to the housing (10) by a course of threads (28) which can be produced without forming any undercuts. This is achieved inside an area (30) around the mold parting plane (29) by providing recesses (31) on the course of threads in the horizontal areas. As a result, the thread can be produced directly on the housing by the initial molding technique without any post-molding processing measures, so that manufacturing costs are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Jainek
  • Patent number: 6893560
    Abstract: Mounting plates used to mount filter elements within cylindrical canisters are made from sintered powdered materials, such as sintered powdered metal in order to reduce engineering and tooling lead time as well as to reduce costs. By making a mounting plate of sintered metal, the mounting plate can have a varying thickness which is an advantage not obtainable with a mounting plate stamped from steel sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: WIX Filtration Corp.
    Inventor: David Matthew Reinhart
  • Patent number: 6872304
    Abstract: A ring filter element comprising a plug for, in particular, a lubricating oil filter of an internal combustion engine. Said ring filter element is provided for insertion into a filter housing comprising a filter housing pot and a filter cover that can be axially detached. When inserted in the closed filter housing, the plug seals an opening which is provided in the filter housing pot and which extends in the same axial direction as the plug. The aim of the invention is to provide a ring filter element of the aforementioned type that can be packed in a space-saving manner. To this end, the ring filter element comprises the following characteristics: the plug is mounted on the ring filter element in such a manner that it can be displaced along to same axis or parallel to the axis, and; said mounting permits the plug to move with the aid of an actuating means which acts, by contact, upon the lug from outside the ring filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: MAHLE Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Gebert
  • Patent number: 6830683
    Abstract: A filter cartridge assembly intended for replaceable installation in a demountable cartridge housing includes in one embodiment, a retaining ring that is attached to the product water tube of the filter cartridge, is inserted with the cartridge into the housing, and is locked to the housing such that, upon subsequent removal of the housing to change the cartridge, the cartridge will be forced from sealing engagement with the end cap header and caused to remain in the housing until the housing has been removed. The integral retaining ring and cartridge are then simply unlocked and removed from the housing for replacement. Brine ring embodiments that are welded to the housing or attached to the housing with a snap-in connection are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventors: Robert R. Gundrum, Jeffrey J. Julich
  • Publication number: 20040238422
    Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a housing, a filter element, and an anti-drainback valve. The anti-drainback valve comprises a support member and a valve member coupled to the support member for movement between a normally closed position blocking a flow of fluid out of the housing through an inlet formed in the housing and an opened position allowing a flow of fluid through the inlet into the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Brian R. Launer, L. Steven Cline, Allen B. Wright
  • Publication number: 20040232059
    Abstract: A bowl-cartridge filter includes a filter cartridge and a bowl. The filter cartridge includes an interlock arrangement that is oriented to engage the filter bowl, when the filter cartridge is mounted in the filter bowl, and the bowl is rotated in a direction to remove the bowl-cartridge filter from a filter head. The filter bowl includes a cooperating interlock arrangement that engages the interlock arrangement on the filter cartridge. Example embodiments include cog arrangements, which include a plurality of projecting teeth. Various shapes for the teeth are possible, including house-shaped, truncated A-shaped, and pie wedged shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gustafson, Bernard A. Matthys, Eivind Stenersen
  • Patent number: 6814243
    Abstract: A filter assembly with a replaceable filter element and a reusable filter housing, which incorporates a locking mechanism to ensure that the filter system will not be operated without a filter element installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Aaron K. Amstutz, David C. Becktel, Jeffrey R. Ries, Kevin K. Socha
  • Patent number: 6811694
    Abstract: A liquid filter for removing contaminants from liquids such as lubricating oil, water or fuel, comprising a filter housing (10), a filter element (15), a support body (16) and a slide valve (17), which, when closed, prevents liquid from flowing from an unfiltered liquid area or from a filtered liquid area to a filter outlet (24). When the filter housing is opened, the slide valve moves axially and opens the filter outlet (24) so that the filter housing can empty. The slide valve (17) is detachably snapped together with the support body (16), which in turn is connected to a housing cover (12). This enables the slide valve to be detached from the support body, and reduces the level of maintenance required by the liquid filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Jainek
  • Patent number: 6800200
    Abstract: A filter cartridge configured to provide two or more levels of fluid filtration or conditioning from within a single filter cartridge is disclosed, the filter cartridge including a housing that defines an interior cavity and has an inlet portion for receiving fluid into the cavity, a first outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing, and a second outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing. The filter cartridge also includes a first stage filter disposed within the interior cavity for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the first stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the first outlet portion by way of a first flow path, and a second stage filter disposed within the interior cavity of the housing for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the second stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the second outlet portion by way of a second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, III
  • Patent number: 6790356
    Abstract: An oil filter assembly comprising: an oil filter housing defining an oil filter chamber adapted to receive an oil filter element, the oil filter housing also defining a port; and a valve assembly received within the port, the valve assembly having a closed position and an open position for draining the chamber of oil associated with the oil filter element, the valve assembly comprising a spring, a valve and a casing disposed about the spring and the plunger. The casing may include a substantially annular lip retaining the valve in engagement with the casing. The casing defines a casing chamber and the lip retaining a collar of the valve within the casing chamber. The lip also may define a hole for receiving the stem or, in accordance with an alternative embodiment, for receiving a post or the like associated with the oil filter element. A method is also provided of producing an oil filter assembly having a housing defining an oil filter chamber adapted to receive an oil filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen B. Wright, Timothy Alan Byrd, L. Steven Cline
  • Publication number: 20040173520
    Abstract: A filter for a fluid system includes a housing having an interior cavity. A filter media is disposed in the housing and defines a central opening. A center tube is arranged within the central opening and includes a plurality of helical fins extending radially outwardly from a central portion of the center tube. The helical fins terminate in an outer portion that is adjacent to the filter media. The center tube provides the desired structural integrity while permitting fluid to flow through the center tube. The present invention center tube is produced by a plastic extrusion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ledu Quoc Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6787033
    Abstract: Impurities contained in a fluid are removed by a filter having a housing containing a full flow filter, a bypass filter, and a conduit. The conduit includes a pressure reduction section. The full flow filter, bypass filter, and conduit are positioned such that the bypass filter is downstream of the full flow filter, and the pressure reduction section creates a pressure differential across the bypass filter that draws a predetermined portion of the fluid through the bypass filter. All of the fluid passes through the full flow filter. The predetermined portion of the fluid that passes through full flow filter is also filtered a second time by being drawn through the bypass filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Beard, Michael J. Rodebush
  • Patent number: 6770110
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering device (1) comprising a tubular filter (6). One end of said filter is supported on a base part (2) and the other end is supported on a cupped filter housing (3). The filter housing overlaps the filter (6) with a radial clearance (7) and is detachably connected via the edge (4) thereof to the base part (2). The base part (2) comprises a first flow-through channel (33) which is connected to the clearance (7) and comprises a second flow-through channel (34) which is connected to a cavity (35) of the filter (6). The aim of the invention is to make it possible to attach or detach the filter housing (3) even when tight spatial relationships are present in the vicinity of the filter housing (3) or in order to hold the filter (6) in position against the filter housing (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignees: Brueninghaus Hydromatik GmbH, K. & H. Eppensteiner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bodo-Siegfried Seifert, Rudolf Stetter, Ulrich Eppensteiner, Thomas Schafer
  • Patent number: 6761822
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Keith Rhyne, Mark Allen Roll, Willie Luther Stamey, Jr., Johnny Wong
  • Publication number: 20040129627
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter cartridge having a filter media chamber and a substantially hollow neck defining a distal end portion, an elongated portion and a proximal end portion for mating with the filter media chamber and connecting with a filter head having an inlet and outlet conduit. A tubular member is disposed axially in the neck which defines an inner axial passage and a radially outer axial passage bounded by the periphery of the tubular member and inner surface of the neck, so that the inner axial passage and the outer axial passage provide independent conduits for fluid flow through the neck. The tubular member has an opening in the distal end portion of the neck and the outer axial passage has an opening in the elongated portion of the neck. In addition, a bypass opening to the outer axial passage is located in the distal end portion of the neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Donald McGibbon
  • Patent number: 6758969
    Abstract: Generally, a magnetically enhanced oil filter apparatus includes a cartridge housing which includes an oil input channel and an outlet channel. The cartridge housing defines a cartridge interior space. A magnet unit is affixed to an outside portion of the cartridge housing, whereby a magnetic field from the magnet unit extends into the cartridge interior space providing an interior magnetic field zone. A hollow annular (e.g. cylindrical) filter element is employed. Filter positioning means are provided for supporting and positioning the hollow cylindrical filter element. Oil flow control means are positioned so that portions thereof enter the interior magnetic field zone, for directing oil flow to and from the hollow cylindrical filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph C. Caiozza
  • Patent number: 6733664
    Abstract: A filtration device for separating concrements, fragments or other body material from liquids which are processed by means of a lithotripter connected to a suction device equipped with a peristaltic valve and sucked out of body cavities. The device has a functional zone having an inlet zone connected at one end to the lithotripter, and an outlet zone connected to the suction device. There is a collection zone mounted on the functional zone and connected to the other end of the inlet zone. A filter element is disposed between the functional zone and the collection zone, so that body material processed by the lithotripter will be deposited in the collection zone, and the filter element will separate the body fluids collected by the lithotripter from the body material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Ferton Holding S.A.
    Inventors: Andreas Menne, Wolfgang Merkle
  • Publication number: 20040079693
    Abstract: A liquid filter assembly includes a filter head having an interchangeable spin-on canister filter and a bowl-cartridge filter. Methods of using the liquid filter assembly include providing a filter head capable of operably receiving both a spin-on canister filter and a bowl-cartridge filter. The method also includes operably installing one of the spin-on canister filter and the bowl-cartridge filter onto the filter head to provide a filter assembly. After a period of use, the spin-on canister filter or bowl-cartridge filter is removed and replaced. The replacement can include, interchangeably, a spin-on canister filter and a bowl-cartridge filter. Constructions for accommodating an interchangeable system include preferred arrangements of mechanical connection structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Hacker, David B. Harder, Jess T. Nordby, Michael J. Gustafson, Alan D. Klein
  • Patent number: 6726030
    Abstract: An annular filter element defining a hollow core is mounted within a cylindrical housing having a closed end and an open end by using a single piece, molded insert. The single pieces molded insert has a cup portion which extends into the hollow core of the filter element and a cylindrical portion which projects from the end of the filter element. A radially extending flange projects from the insert and engages the end of the filter element while a scalloped end of the cylindrical portion abuts the closed end of the housing. The scalloped end has a series of triangular openings The cup portion of the insert has an opening through the bottom thereof which receives a standpipe on a filter element support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Darrell T. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6723239
    Abstract: A filter head and a spin-on fuel filter element where the filter head includes an inlet and an outlet. A threaded nipple extends downwardly from a base of the filter head and includes a central flow passage. A valve member located in the flow passage is normally biased closed. The valve member includes a threaded portion extending outwardly from the nipple. The filter element includes upper and lower end caps, and is located in a housing having a tap plate. The tap plate includes a threaded central opening for screwing the filter element onto the filter head. The upper end cap supports a threaded sleeve which is screwed onto the valve member. The sleeve/valve member combination has a different thread pitch than the tap plate/nipple combination, which moves the valve member to an open position when the filter element is installed on the filter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Martin C. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 6709576
    Abstract: A fuel filter 10, particularly for diesel fuel, which is formed by a filter housing 11 with a filter head 12 and a filter enclosure 13. The filter head 12 has a fuel inlet 14 and a fuel outlet 15. The housing enclosure 13 has a water accumulation chamber 25, which is connected to a water outlet 16. A cylindrical filter element 17 and a water discharge device 27 are arranged in the filter housing 11. The filter element 17 separates an unfiltered side 19 from a filtered side 20 so as to form a seal. The water discharge device 27 seals the water outlet 16 in the housing enclosure 13. The water outlet 16 can be mechanically opened from the outside via an actuating element 29, which is is appropriately connected to the filter head 12 on the one hand and to the water outlet 16 on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Jokschas
  • Patent number: 6706181
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid filter, especially an oil filter, for cleaning lubricating oil, especially for internal combustion engines of automobiles, comprising an upright filter housing which contains a receiving area for a ring-shaped filter insert that is inserted into said receiving area, an inlet channel for unclean liquid, an outlet for clean liquid, and an additional discharge channel which is exposed when the ring-shaped filter insert is removed. An eccentrically projecting pin is moulded to a lower end plate and sealingly penetrates an opening of the discharge channel when the ring-shaped filter insert is introduced into the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Baumann, Thomas Brieden, Hans Gebert, Benoit Monzie, Uwe Grass
  • Patent number: RE38917
    Abstract: In a fluid filter with a housing and a filter element replaceably located in said housing, and with a filter by pads valve having a valve body held in the housing that is movable against the action of a spring from the closed position in which it cooperates with a sealing surface, into an open position in which it permits a fluid flow to bypass the filter element. The invention proposes that the sealing surface associated with the valve body be formed by the replaceable filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Firma Ing. Walter Hengst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilhelm Ardes