Abstract: In a Racor filter, an adaptor is provided to threadably mount a water collecting bowl to a can containing a filter element. In order to prevent the adaptor from rotating with respect to the can, the adaptor has an axially extending rim with a non-circular cross section that complements a non-circular opening through the bottom of the can. In a preferred embodiment, the non-circular opening has two chord segments disposed opposite from one another which engaged two chord segment flats on the threaded rim.

Abstract: A filter comprising a filter cartridge and a housing having at least one fitting and defining a chamber, the filter cartridge being disposed in the chamber, wherein the housing includes a fluid conduit which extends axially from the fitting along the periphery of the filter cartridge, the fluid conduit being isolated from the filter cartridge chamber along a substantial portion of the length of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A bracket system holds one or more filters in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Bracket modules are combined in modular fashion, with tubing or other conduit between the modules, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Preferably, the bracket system comprises pairs of top modules and bottom modules that capture and support the top end and bottom end of a filter. Filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes or ports in the bracket modules, for installation and removal of the filters onto/from the modules without tools or threaded connections. A top retaining member preferably pivots off of its respective filter, so that the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module. The bottom modules may be pivotal, so that lifting the filter up from the bracket system is facilitated by allowing the filter top end to also pivot out away from the top module.

Abstract: A filter housing having radial sealing means is disclosed herein. Upper bosses and lower bosses can be used to attach the head to the sump for easy opening and closing the filter housing when replacing the filter cartridge. The filter housing of the present invention provides simplified filter cartridge changes to minimize process downtime and without recourse to tools. The filter housing contains fluid flow directing mean to facilitate filter cartridge replacement and safety means to prevent removal of the sump when fluid is passing through the sump.

Abstract: A bracket system holds a filter(s) in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Brackets are combined in modular fashion, with conduit between the brackets, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Top brackets and bottom brackets capture/support the top end and bottom end of a filter, respectively, and filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes/ports in the bracket modules without tools or threaded connections. A retainer may pivot on and off of its respective filter, holding the filter in place and releasing the filter, respectively. After pivoting the retainer up from the filter, the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module, so that the filter is substantially vertically and pivotally removable from the bracket system.

Abstract: A filter assembly is described that includes a substantially recyclable filter cartridge inside a pressure vessel. The invented filter cartridge comprises substantially non-pressure bearing walls, except for a pressure-bearing neck or cap with neck that is adapted to withstand high pressures preferably in the range of at least 200 psi, and more preferably at least 475 psi from the inside. The walls of the filter cartridge that are incapable of withstanding significant internal pressure are surrounded on the outside by a pressure vessel. The invented cartridge need not seal to the pressure vessel, because the cartridge neck protrudes outside of the pressure vessel to seal directly to a filter head. The cartridge preferably includes a quick-disassembly mechanism for allowing quick and non-destructive access to the internal components and media of the cartridge.

Abstract: A liquid filter arrangement including an internally received treatment agent storage and release cartridge is provided. The assembly is configured for diffusion of the treatment agent from the treatment agent storage and release cartridge, into liquid flowing through the filter arrangement. A particular arrangement shown is configured which provides for a dynamic type of liquid flow providing a current directed through the treatment agent storage and release cartridge. In the preferred arrangements, an initial static type of flow followed by later dynamic flow, is provided. Alternatives, methods of assembly and descriptions of use are provided.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a water filter assembly having a filter element sealingly disposed in a cartridge, and having an inlet and an outlet, the water filter assembly being substantially dripless when charged with water and disposed substantially horizontally. A manifold assembly is fluidly couplable at an inlet to a source of water to be filtered and having a filtered water outlet and having mating members for removably mating to the water filter assembly and having a mounting means attached to said manifold providing rotational travel to the water filter assembly for installation, removal and replacement of the water filter assembly. A cartridge and a water distribution manifold assembly are further included.

Abstract: A filter cartridge (20) having an upper disc (22) joined to an upper end of a tubular filter medium (21) is positioned within a casing (11) having an upper closure cover (12). First coupling elements (31) joined to the cover (12) and second coupling elements (41) joined to the upper disc (22) project axially towards each another to achieve mutual snap-coupling. The first coupling elements (31) include axially-extending coupling teeth elastic in a radial direction, and the second coupling elements (41) include a cylindrical surface divided into identical sectors equal to the number of teeth (31), each sector includes a coupling region (43) for snap-engaging the coupling teeth (31) axially, and a disengagement region (44), positioned to the side of the coupling region (43), for releasing the coupling teeth (31) from their engagement with the coupling region (43) by rotating the cartridge (20) through a small angle relative to the upper cover (12).

Abstract: A bracket system holds a filter(s) in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Brackets are combined in modular fashion, with conduit between the brackets, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Top brackets and bottom brackets capture/support the top end and bottom end of a filter, respectively, and filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes/ports in the bracket modules without tools or threaded connections. A retainer may pivot on and off of its respective filter, holding the filter in place and releasing the filter, respectively. After pivoting the retainer up from the filter, the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module, so that the filter is substantially vertically and pivotally removable from the bracket system.

Abstract: A filtration module (10) is provided which includes a manifold (12), a filter cartridge (16) and a bowl (14) which houses the filter cartridge (16). The filter cartridge (16) and bowl (14) are connected to each other by a key (30) which is secured to flat surfaces (38) on the cartridge (16) to form a unitary construction. The filter cartridge (16) and bowl (14) are in fluid communication with the manifold (12) in a manner which prevents mixing of a fluid feed to the module (10) and a permeate removed from the module (10).

Abstract: A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.

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.

Abstract: A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.

Abstract: A device for processing liquid with a main body having a valve housing chamber with a main inlet port and a main outlet port along a non-horizontal axis; a liquid inlet processing port and a liquid outlet processing port. The valve housing chamber has a rotatable valve mounted within and moves from a position allowing the liquid to flow from the main inlet port to the main outlet port to a position that directs the flow from the main inlet port to the inlet processing port and directs a flow from the outlet processing port to the main outlet port. The device also has a processing chamber along a vertical axis, receiving the flow from the inlet processing port, processing the liquid, and directing the flow into the outlet processing port.

Abstract: A filter device includes a pot-shaped filter housing (1) that defines a longitudinal axis along which a filter element (13) can be inserted into and removed form the filter housing (1). A retaining device detachably retains the filter element (13) in the filter housing (1) and has first and second retaining elements on the inner side of the filter housing (1) and on the filter element (13) and interacting with one another. At least one set of the retaining elements has a shape coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the filter housing (1) and forms at least a part of a thread. When the filter element (13) is rotated about its longitudinal axis, it is locked in a form-fit.

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.

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.

Abstract: A fluid filter system has a manifold having a fluid inlet with an inlet stop and a fluid outlet with an outlet stop and a cartridge seat. A cartridge is separable from the manifold and adapted to mount and dismount in the manifold. The cartridge has a filter housing containing a filter for filtering fluid, and an integral closure member having a first level and a second level. A radial inlet port is on a face of the first level of the closure member and an axial outlet port is on top of the second level of the closure member. A first boss on the closure member opens the inlet stop when the cartridge is mounted in the manifold. A second boss on the closure member is disposed to open the outlet stop when the cartridge is mounted in the manifold. The bosses engage the stops sequentially.

Abstract: An under the counter water filter assembly with long flexible connecting conduits has a valve head which releasably hooks on brackets on a cabinet wall under the counter. The valve assembly can be removed from the brackets and the filter cartridge changed while standing and holding the cartridge assembly over the counter.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering water from an external source, the filter assembly including a manifold assembly mountable to an appliance and being in fluid communication with the external source and a cartridge assembly, the cartridge assembly being replaceably fluidly couplable to the manifold assembly, the filter assembly includes a first and a second fluid tube, the first fluid tube being fluidly couplable to the external source being an unfiltered fluid inlet, the second fluid tube being a filtered fluid outlet, the first and the second fluid tubes each having a barbed end for coupling to the manifold assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique filter assembly for ensuring replacement cartridge compatibility in filtration systems having replaceable filter cartridges with lugged mounting systems. One representative filter assembly includes a representative cartridge member having a body portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion depending therefrom. The representative neck portion of the representative cartridge includes at least one axial inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least one axial outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body portion. The representative neck portion also has at least two representative lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one lug defines a keyed engagement surface, a leading inclined cam surface and a trailing inclined cam surface.

Abstract: A bracket system holds a filter(s) in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Brackets are combined in modular fashion, with conduit between the brackets, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Top brackets and bottom brackets capture/support the top end and bottom end of a filter, respectively, and filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes/ports in the bracket modules without tools or threaded connections. A retainer may pivot on and off of its respective filter, holding the filter in place and releasing the filter, respectively. After pivoting the retainer up from the filter, the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module, so that the filter is substantially vertically and pivotally removable from the bracket system.

Abstract: A filter module assembly utilizes a priority valve installed in a manifold to allow for continuous filtration of hydraulic fluid up to a predetermined flow value and diverts occasional high flow to a secondary circuit. This arrangement provides both a low pressure drop at a high flow condition and structural integrity (1,000,000 impulse cycles from 0 to 6000 psi) while at the same time may reduce the weight by as much as 50% from a conventional design approach.

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 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.

Abstract: Apparatus of unitary construction and including an oil filter support, an oil cooler and an oil filter is employed to filter and cool engine oil, the oil passing along a serpentine path in the oil cooler after being filtered and before being returned to the motorcycle.

Abstract: A bracket system holds one or more filters in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Bracket modules are combined in modular fashion, with tubing or other conduit between the modules, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Preferably, the bracket system comprises pairs of top modules and bottom modules that capture and support the top end and bottom end of a filter. Filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes or ports in the bracket modules, for installation and removal of the filters onto/from the modules without tools or threaded connections. A top retaining member preferably pivots off of its respective filter, so that the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module. The bottom modules may be pivotal, so that lifting the filter up from the bracket system is facilitated by allowing the filter top end to also pivot out away from the top module.

Abstract: A filter assembly is disclosed including a cartridge member having a body portion and a cylindrical neck portion depending from the body portion, the neck portion having at least one lug depending radially outwardly therefrom having a keyed surface formation thereon, and a reception member defining an axial bore for receiving the neck portion of the cartridge member, the bore having at least one reception area provided therein for receiving the at least one lug, the reception area having a compatible mating surface formation defined therein for engaging the keyed surface formation on the lug so as to prevent engagement with an incompatible cartridge member.

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.

Abstract: A fluid filter apparatus includes a filter media for filtering contaminants from unfiltered fluid (such as motor vehicle oil) and a cooling element for cooling unfiltered fluid before such fluid is passed through the filter media. The apparatus includes a filter housing formed to include a filter chamber containing the filter media.

Abstract: A key track system for a filter base module comprises a ring-shaped fixture including a series of perforations, each perforation at least partially defining a parting line along which a tab may be selectively removed. The key track fixture is incorporated into the filter base module to define the periphery of an entryway to a cartridge-receiving receptacle in the header portion of a base module. In some embodiments, the key track fixture is a molded ring-like component with pre-key selected angularly spaced key slots. Base modules including the key track system may be efficiently configured to accept the key pattern of a filter cartridge compatible with the filter system in which the base module will be used.

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.

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.

Abstract: A filter module assembly utilizes a priority valve installed in a manifold to allow for continuous filtration of hydraulic fluid up to a predetermined flow value and diverts occasional high flow to a secondary circuit. This arrangement provides both a low pressure drop at a high flow condition and structural integrity (1,000,000 impulse cycles from 0 to 6000 psi) while at the same time may reduce the weight by as much as 50% from a conventional design approach.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filter, such as an oil filter for a combustion engine. The inventive filter comprises an exchangeable filter inset which is provided with a ring-shaped cross-section that encompasses an inner chamber. The outlet for the purified fluid is joined to the inner chamber. The inventive filter also comprises a discharge line for emptying the filter during a filter change. A central discharge dome is provided which extends into the inner chamber. Said dome, together with the filter inset is mounted in such a way as to be axially displaced between a first closing position which closes the discharge line and a second release position which releases the discharge line. According to the invention, the discharge dome is fixed to the housing and is pushed into the release position thereof when said dome is impinged upon with a spring.

Abstract: An oil filter assembly has an outer canister in which full flow and bypass flow filtration sections are operatively housed in a nested relationship. Oil forced into the canister has imparted thereto a vortex flow pattern which forces contaminant particles in the oil away from the full flow filter section before the oil passes therethrough. The bypass filtration section is disposed within the full flow filtration section and creates a second vortex flow pattern in the oil which induces a small portion thereof to flow through a bypass filter element while at the same time causing the entire balance of the oil to bypass this filter element and be discharged from the canister after having traversed the filtering portion of only the full flow filtration portion of the filter assembly.

Abstract: A diesel engine filtration system and composition for use with waste oil. The filtration system adapts a high flow fiberglass fuel filter to a conventional paper element fuel filter system to accommodate the higher viscosity of waste oil and allow passage of water. A composition is added to the waste oil to maintain water in suspension and prevent separation of the fluids. The waste oil providing conventional diesel operating engines to operate on the higher quality waste oil which provides a higher BTU for cooler engine operation.

Abstract: A tube connection assembly for external filters for aquariums comprising a container that is closed by an upper lid and contains at least one filtering mass crossed by a water stream that is forced by a pump incorporated in the lid; two valves with flow control elements, which are arranged coaxially and are coupled to each other, a lever-type regulator protruding from a central region of the flow control elements; a lever-type engagement system articulated to the assembly between the regulator and the lid, acting on the same plane as the regulator, and having a wing for engaging the lid for extraction and a wing that allows the release movement by its insertion in a coverable seat that is provided between the flow control elements and is accessible to the wing only when the regulator is in the position that causes the simultaneous closure of the streams.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly includes a housing having a closed end and an open end; a filter element operably oriented in the housing; a baffle plate mounted to operably cover the housing open end; the baffle plate including a first axial face and an outer circumferential wall circumbscribing the first axial face; the outer circumferential wall being groove-free; the first axial face defining at least a first sealing groove; and a sealing gasket oriented in the first sealing groove; the sealing gasket forming a seal between the housing and the baffle plate. Methods of constructing, installing, and servicing includes fluids filters of the type described.

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.

Abstract: A filter cartridge housing formed of a manifold and a bowl containing a filter cartridge is disclosed. The filtration cartridge and bowl are connected to each other to form a unitary construction. The filtration cartridge and bowl are in fluid communication with the manifold in a manner which prevents mixing of a fluid feed to the module and a permeate removed from the module. A threaded ring substantially fixed in a position relative to either the bowl or the manifold is used to positively drive the manifold and bowl together and apart as needed and to form a secure and liquid tight seal between the two components when they are together. The threaded ring is held by a key in the keyway on of the outer surface of the bowl or manifold. The threads of the ring mate with the threads on the manifold or bowl. As the ring is relatively fixed by the key/keyway to its position on the bowl or manifold, it moves the bowl relative to the manifold as the ring is rotated onto or off of the mating threads.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a water filter assembly having a filter element sealingly disposed in a cartridge, and having an inlet and an outlet, the water filter assembly being substantially dripless when charged with water and disposed substantially horizontally. A manifold assembly is fluidly couplable at an inlet to a source of water to be filtered and having a filtered water outlet and having mating members for removably mating to the water filter assembly and having a mounting means attached to said manifold providing rotational travel to the water filter assembly for installation, removal and replacement of the water filter assembly. A cartridge and a water distribution manifold assembly are further included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable oil filter and method of using a replaceable oil filter that allows the oil filter to be disengaged from an engine without the spillage of residual used oil. The present invention relates to a replaceable oil filter comprising a housing having an upper portion with a top end forming an opening for threaded engagement with an engine, a filtration unit positioned within the upper portion, a lower portion forming a reservoir subjacent the upper portion, an impermeable barrier separating the upper portion and the lower portion to prevent fluid communication therebetween, and a means for establishing fluid communication between the upper portion and the lower portion to drain residual used oil from the upper portion into the reservoir prior to disengaging the replaceable oil filter from an engine. The present invention also comprises a method for easily replacing an oil filter with minimal or no spillage of residual used oil.

Abstract: A filter assembly (20) is described that includes a sub-stantially recyclable filter cartridge (30) inside a pressure vessel (22). The invented filter cartridge comprises substantially non-pressure bearing walls, except for a pressure-bearing neck (44) that is adapted to with-stand high pressures preferably in the range of about 500 psi (34,47. 105 Pa) from the inside. The walls of the filter cartridge that are incapable of withstanding significant internal pressure are surronded on the outside by a pressure vessel (22). The invented cartridge need not seal et the pressure vessel, because the cartridge neck (44) protrudes outside of the pressure vessel (22) to seal directly to a filter head. The, cartridge preferably includes a quick-disassembly mechanism for allowing quick and non-destructive access to the internal components and media of the cartridge.

Abstract: A fluid filter has a filter element for filtering fluid. A nutplate having a threaded mounting portion is adapted to threadedly engage an externally threaded filter head. An inner seal retainer is positioned between the nutplate and the filtering element in order to define a hollow interior. The inner seal retainer has at least one stiff hollow web extending in a radial direction adapted to provide a space for transmitting fluid between the nutplate and the filter element. An inner radial seal is attached to the inner seal retainer for sealing the filter element with the filter head.

Abstract: A filter assembly is described that includes a substantially recyclable filter cartridge inside a pressure vessel. The invented filter cartridge comprises substantially non-pressure bearing walls, except for a pressure-bearing neck that is adapted to withstand high pressures preferably in the range of about 500 psi from the inside. The walls of the filter cartridge that are incapable of withstanding significant internal pressure are surrounded on the outside by a pressure vessel. The invented cartridge need not seal to the pressure vessel, because the cartridge neck protrudes outside of the pressure vessel to seal directly to a filter head. The cartridge preferably includes a quick-disassembly mechanism for allowing quick and non-destructive access to the internal components and media of the cartridge.

Abstract: A fuel filter cartridge assembly employs a two piece housing to house a replaceable filter unit. The filter cartridge assembly incorporates a key system to ensure compatibility of a replacement filter unit for a given cartridge assembly. Keys formed on the filter unit cooperate with keyways formed in the housing to ensure that only filter units having key structures may be used. Each key may have a different angular position, angular dimension and radial projection. By varying the dimensions of the keys and/or the positions and/or the number of keys, a composite compatibility matrix comprising an infinite number of configuration sets are available to differentiate between filter units having differing flow capacities, filter media, disposal options or other characteristics.

Abstract: A molded base module for a filter assembly includes a header portion that defines a receiving cavity for a replaceable cartridge and may include integral inlet and outlet structures for communicating with the received filtered cartridge. The header portion includes an integrally formed retainer having a retaining channel for receiving tabs projecting from the cartridge, thereby retaining the cartridge to the module. The retaining channel is defined by a retaining lip and axially spaced shoulder connected by a side wall. In an illustrated embodiment, the retaining lip includes a plurality of angularly spaced axial slots and the side wall includes ramp-like projections which mate with correspondingly shaped tabs projecting from the cartridge.

Abstract: A modular base for a filter assembly includes a header portion defining a cavity for receiving a filter cartridge and a communication module defining fluid pathways to and from the base. Brackets extend from the header portion and include slots. Yokes extend from the communication module to complement the slots. The brackets and received yokes together define pathways into which generally tubular compression limiters are inserted. The compression limiters serve dual functions by retaining the communication module to the header portion and reinforcing the brackets. A sealing grommet disposed between the header portion and communication module enhances the sealed integrity of the base.