Filter Suspended From Head Patents (Class 210/444)
  • Patent number: 6485636
    Abstract: A dual filter system for diesel fuel is provided, which allows the operator to keep the diesel engine running while inspecting or replacing one of the two fuel filters. The system includes an upper block which is divided into two identical mirror image sections. Each section has a shutoff valve, a fuel filter and a one-way check valve. Fuel is introduced into a common passageway and flows equally to each side of the upper block. Fuel is fed through each filter and filtered fuel moves through the one-way check valve to a common outport. In order to inspect or replace one filter, the fuel to the filter to be replaced is simply, shut off by the cutoff valve. All of the fuel then flows through the opposite side. The one-way check valves prevent fuel flowing through the opposite side from flowing back into the side which is being serviced. Air bleed valves are also provided in order to put the new filter side back in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Loren F. Moss
  • Patent number: 6471071
    Abstract: An improved sealing grommet for a spin-on type fluid filter has an annular flange coupled to an interior wall of the grommet body which sealingly engages filter adapter standpipes of varying diameters. An annular cavity, formed by the interior wall of the grommet body and the annular flange, allows pressurized fluid within the annular cavity to exert forces against the surface of the cavity to thereby enhance the sealing engagement between the filter element, the base plate and the filter adapter standpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Megan E. Shoaf, Richard J. Berkey
  • Patent number: 6471070
    Abstract: A fuel filter cartridge assembly employs a two piece housing to house a disposable, incineratable filter unit. The filter unit is constructed to cooperate with the sealing mechanism of the housing to seal the assembled cartridge against a fuel inlet/outlet conduit. Tabs formed on the filter unit end cap cooperate with slots formed in the housing to ensure that only compatible filter units are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Stanadyne Corporation
    Inventor: Leon P. Janik
  • Patent number: 6461513
    Abstract: A filter unit includes a cross-flow filtration assembly. The cross-flow filtration assembly includes an elongate cylindrical filter housing having an interior cylindrical wall defining an elongate filter cavity. The filtration assembly also includes a tangential feed inlet in fluid communication with the filter cavity extending substantially tangential to the interior cylindrical wall and an opposed retentate outlet port in fluid communication with the filter cavity. An elongate cylindrical filter cartridge supported in the filter housing includes an elongate porous cylindrical filter wall having an elongate cylindrical outer filter surface and an elongate inner filter surface defining a permeate passageway. One end of the filter cartridge defines a permeate outlet port in fluid communication with the permeate passageway and the opposite end of the cartridge is closed by a non-porous filter cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Filtration Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Chang-Wei Jen
  • Patent number: 6458269
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, III, Bruce G. Taylor, David A. Carbo
  • Publication number: 20020125183
    Abstract: A filter manifold is provided in a water purification system and includes at least one filter element for producing relatively purified water, wherein the filter manifold incorporates a shut-off valve designed to prevent filter element removal unless the shut-off valve is first switched to a closed position for turning off the incoming water supply. The shut-off valve includes an elongated actuator lever which in a normal open position engages and retains a manifold latch plate in a latched position retaining the filter elements in connected relation with flow couplers to produce purified water. Upon movement of the actuator lever to a closed position shutting off the incoming water supply, the manifold latch plate can be unlatched from the filter elements to permit filter element removal and replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: David B. Chaney, Galen L. Gerig
  • Patent number: 6428708
    Abstract: A filtering apparatus including a fluid monitoring head and a replaceable filter cartridge removably fastened to the head. The fluid monitoring head includes a shut off mechanism for interrupting fluid flow through the cartridge when a predetermined quantity of fluid has been treated by the filter. The filter cartridge is releasably coupled to the shutoff mechanism when the filter is installed. The shut off mechanism includes a valve element carried by a shaft that forms part of a driven member forming part of the monitoring head. A biasing element exerts a force on the valve element carrying shaft tending to move the valve to a flow blocking position. The shaft engages a keeper or hold off element threadly retained in the filter cartridge. As the driven member rotates, the keeper element is gradually unthreaded until it separates from the filter cartridge, allowing the force of the biasing element to move the valve member into a flow interrupting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Halemba, Stuart Park
  • Patent number: 6422395
    Abstract: A filter is composed of filter media having the following characteristics in combination: a) the filter media has a greater affinity for the filtered fluid than for contaminants in the fluid, and wherein the work of adhesion between the filter media and the contaminants is less than the work of adhesion between the filter media and fluid, and wherein the filter media is preferentially wetted by the fluid relative to the contaminants; b) the filter media is composed of fibers having a defined surface area ratio facilitating fewer attachment sites for contaminants, and, in the case of cleanable reusable filters, facilitating cleansing backwash of the cleanable reusable filter by cleansing fluid along a reverse flow backflush path; c) the filter media has a thickness of 0.025 to 0.075 inch, 0.7 to 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Nelson Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Barry M. Verdegan, Brian W. Schwandt, Daniel R. Cady, Gene A. Mullins, W. Lee Currier
  • Patent number: 6413422
    Abstract: A candle filter element adapted to be located inside a pressure vessel and fixed in a hanging position to a collector tube for aseptic and/or sterile filtration of liquids, has a coupling with conical upper coupling part and a conical lower coupling part, with the conical upper coupling part provided with a rinsing opening and a pair of cams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: DRM, Dr. Mueller AG
    Inventor: Ivo Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6409920
    Abstract: A filter device includes a cover secured on the upper portion of a filter housing and includes a water inlet and a water outlet. Two or more filter members are received in the filter housing and disposed between the water inlet and the water outlet of the cover for filtering the water. Various kind of filter members may thus be received in a single filter housing in order to form a simplified filter device. A pipe and a filter tube are received in the housing for receiving the filter members. A cap and a cup are secured on the filter tube for securing the tube in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Tsung Hui Lee
  • Publication number: 20020074281
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas H. Steger, A. Caner Demirdogen, Paul D. Miller, Bruce Bounnakhom, Samuel T. Masters
  • Publication number: 20020066697
    Abstract: There is provided a filtration apparatus superior in durability dispensing with an O ring otherwise employed to attach a bowl. The apparatus includes a housing head, a housing bowl detachably attached to the housing head and surrounding a cartridge filter circumferentially to define a channel wall, and clamping means exerting force to press the housing head and bowl against each other to clamp the head and bowl together. The housing head has a portion facing the housing bowl and having a sealing portion. The housing bowl has a sealing portion providing a seal when the clamping means exerts force to allow the sealing portion of the bowl to abut directly against the sealing portion of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: KURABO INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Masao Ochi, Katsushi Hamada
  • Publication number: 20020038780
    Abstract: A filter with a cylindrical filter cartridge in which the filter cartridge has a recess 23, through which functional parts, such as a water level sensor 25 and a water discharge tube 24, can be inserted. This filter may be used, for example, as a fuel filter in which the separated water can be removed from the housing through the functional parts. The functional parts are arranged on a support member 26 and extended through the recess 23, 23a in the filter cartridge 19, and can be accommodated in a space saving manner on the housing cover 12. As a result, the fuel filter can be accommodated particularly in cramped installation spaces in the engine compartment of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Guenter Jokschas, Helmut Luka, Jochen Reyinger
  • Patent number: 6364121
    Abstract: A filter cartridge for use with a base to create a filter assembly. The filter cartridge includes a seal to establish a fluid flow within the filter assembly and a resilient bias member to bias the filter cartridge away from the base. The resilient bias member in cooperation with a fastening mechanism secures the filter cartridge to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Stanadyne Corporation
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, Michael J. Williams
  • Patent number: 6355177
    Abstract: A water filtering system for a refrigerator determines a need for a filter change by timing the period of actuation of at least one valve used to regulate the flow of filtered water to both a water dispenser and an ice maker. Based on a known flow rate, a volume of filtered water associated with the duration of valve actuation is calculated. A summing device determines an accumulated, filtered water volume. When the accumulated, filtered water volume reaches or exceeds a threshold value, an indicator is used to signal that the water filter needs to be replaced. As water filtering system of the invention is capable of being operated without a water filter in place, a switch assembly is incorporated to sense the presence of the water filter and the system only senses the valve actuation time when the filter is in place. In addition, provisions are made to reset the accumulated, filtered water volume upon replacement of the water filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt C. Senner, Robert L. Wetekamp
  • Publication number: 20020017497
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: PentaPure Incorporated
    Inventor: Karl Fritze
  • Patent number: 6337014
    Abstract: A button for providing a physical and sealing connection between a septum and an outlet stack of a water treatment cartridge having an opening. The button includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central portion which connects the first end to the second end. Located on the first end, there is a plurality of flexible locking members, configured for being inserted into the opening. To attach the button to the outlet stack, the locking members lockingly engage the outlet stack. The central portion has an annular groove provided with an O-ring. The O-ring facilitates a sealed connection between the button and the outlet stack. The button is connected to the septum by the use of either a washer and nonsolvent glue or heat staking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Perialwar Regunathan, Marcus Donald McLeod
  • Patent number: 6322697
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a filter assembly including an outer housing, and a removable filter insert that fits within the housing. The filter insert includes a generally cylindrical filter element. An insert body is connected to the filter element. The insert body includes a top end cap in which a top end of the filter element is potted, and a bottom end cap in which a bottom end of the filter element is potted. The insert body also includes a cylindrical liner or wall that surrounds the filter element. The cylindrical liner is spaced-apart from the filter element such that an annular flow passageway is defined between the cylindrical liner and the filter element. The outer wall is configured to prevent contaminants from escaping from the filter insert and contaminating the inside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Hacker, Michael Jon Gustafson
  • Patent number: 6303031
    Abstract: A water filtering system for a refrigerator includes a mounting head preferably arranged under a temperature control housing in a fresh food compartment. A replaceable filter cartridge is adapted to be selectively attached to the mounting head in order to complete a fluid circuit from a water supply source to at least one of a water dispenser and an ice maker. The filter cartridge and the mounting head have cooperating camming structure which axially draws a stem portion of the cartridge into a port of the mounting head upon rotation of the cartridge relative to the mounting head during installation of the cartridge. Furthermore, camming structure is also provided to at least partially, axially withdraw the stem portion from the port upon rotation of the cartridge a predetermined amount in an opposing direction. Also provided as part of the water filtering system is a plug which can be used to complete the fluid circuit in the absence of a filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Kurt Charles Senner
  • Publication number: 20010025816
    Abstract: There can be obtained an ecological filtration apparatus providing a sufficient function of precise filtration while contributing to saving resources and minimizing refuse. The filtration apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, an outer cylinder fixed to the housing, and a cartridge filter formed mainly of a cylindrical filter, an inner cylinder and end caps. The cartridge filter is detachably attached to the housing, housed in the outer cylinder, blocking a channel extending from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Masao Ochi
  • Patent number: 6248236
    Abstract: A fuel filter assembly (10) has a head portion (12) and an element portion (14) enclosing a replaceable cartridge (18). The assembly has a first inlet port (22) which accepts fuel from a tank (90) and filters it by passage through a screen (43) supported on a tube (36). The fuel that has been filtered by passage through the screen is delivered from the assembly through a first outlet port (24) for delivery to a lift pump (96). Fuel from the lift pump is returned to the fuel filter assembly through a second inlet port (26). The fuel is finely filtered by passage through a loop of filter media (60). Clean fuel is delivered from a second outlet port (28) to an engine (104). Contaminants separated from the fuel by passage through the screen and the media loop are collected in first-and second sump areas (78), (80) of the filter housing respectively. An alternative embodiment (110) includes a prefilter screen (158) integral with a replaceable cartridge (118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Hodgkins
  • Patent number: 6210565
    Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a fluid characteristic, such as flowrate, of a fluid within a fluid circuit having a preexisting filter head. The device is installed on the filter head in place of the existing filter element. The apparatus includes a housing having an internal surface defining an interior volume, a coupling for connecting the housing to the filter head and a flow indicator or other fluid responsive device actuated by flow of the fluid through the device. The fluid characteristic is monitored by observation of the fluid responsive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Evans
  • Patent number: 6187188
    Abstract: A fuel filter cartridge has a plurality of retention tabs which radially integrally project along the roll seam structure which joins a top section of the housing to the cylindrical lower section. A base contains complementary slots which allow for the cartridge to be axially inserted and rotated to secure the replaceable cartridge in position. Various numbers and configurations of the retention tabs may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, Michael J. Williams
  • Patent number: 6183636
    Abstract: A combination faucet assembly and filter assembly is provided wherein these respective assemblies are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship by pipes preferably located in a common housing structure. The combination is adapted for use in association with a kitchen sink or the like. The faucet assembly incorporates a valve for mixing hot and cold tap water and for diverting cold tap water for passage through a filter in the filter assembly. A spout is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. A pivotable faucet lever is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. The lever has a universal type of movement capability and is manipulated by an operator to accomplish regulating of either such mixing or such diverting, and also the regulating of water volume issuing from the spout. Preferably, in mixing hot and cold water in an operator selected ratio are fed to a mixing chamber adjacent the valve before dispensing of the resulting water mixture from a spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Pure Water, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Bowers, Troy Livingston, Steve Park
  • Patent number: 6177003
    Abstract: A filter for filtering the lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine. The filter comprises a housing (10) having an unfiltered oil inlet and a filtered oil outlet. A filter element (16) is disposed in the housing (10). A cover (13) is provided with a safety element (20) which effectively prevents the housing (10) from being closed by the cover (13) if the filter element (16) is missing. The safety element is a tipping member affixed to the housing or the cover and which tips under the force of gravity into a blocking position when the filter element is missing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Jainek, Roland Wiederhold
  • Patent number: 6159366
    Abstract: Disclosed is a filter assembly having a top piece and a bottom filter canister for receiving a filter element. The top piece includes inlet and outlet passages and is shaped to plunge into the bottom canister when the canister is joined to the top piece and take up space such that when the canister separated from the top piece, the liquid or fuel level in the canister stays below the top, preventing spilling of the liquid. Th inlet passage of the top piece can be angled upward, such that almost all of the air in the canister can be quickly bled back into a fuel tank holding the fuel to be filtered by the filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Randall Scott Carroll
  • Patent number: 6139741
    Abstract: A filter system (50) includes first and second filter heads each including a housing receptacle and a filter receptacle. The second filter head (10) includes an inlet (42) providing fluid communication to the housing receptacle; an unfiltered-fluid outlet (44) connected to the inlet of the first filter head (9) via an unfiltered-fluid line (64); and a filtered-fluid outlet (46) providing fluid communication to the filter receptacle and connected to the filtered-fluid opening (32) of the first head via a filter-fluid line (62). A filtered-fluid outlet (47) is provided in the first head for filtered fluid to leave the system. A plug (34) is also included to prevent fluid communication between the filtered- and unfiltered-fluid outlets within the bore (24) of the second filter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald McGibbon
  • Patent number: 6139738
    Abstract: A filter includes a casing enclosing a filter cartridge and a removable collection bowl. The filter cartridge includes a filter media ring with upper and lower end caps. The lower end cap of the filter cartridge has a ring-shaped member projecting axially downward. The ring-shaped member has an annular portion with radially inward-directed threads, whereby the collection bowl, with radially outward-directed threads, can be removably attached to the cartridge. The ring-shaped member further includes radial flow passages between the threads and the end cap, whereby contaminants may pass from a peripheral region of the filter element interiorly of the ring-shaped member and downwardly into the attached collection bowl. The filter includes an anti-rotation feature, comprising radially outward-directed keys, disposed circumferentially around the annular portion of the ring-shaped member and projecting radially-outward therefrom, and slots formed on the inside surface of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Martin C. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 6120685
    Abstract: A water filtering system for a refrigerator includes a mounting head preferably arranged under a temperature control housing in a fresh food compartment. A replaceable filter cartridge is adapted to be selectively attached to the mounting head in order to complete a fluid circuit from a water supply source to at least one of a water dispenser and an ice maker. The filter cartridge and the mounting head have cooperating camming structure which axially draws a stem portion of the cartridge into a port of the mounting head upon rotation of the cartridge relative to the mounting head during installation of the cartridge. Furthermore, camming structure is also provided to at least partially, axially withdraw the stem portion from the port upon rotation of the cartridge a predetermined amount in an opposing direction. Also provided as part of the water filtering system is a plug which can be used to complete the fluid circuit in the absence of a filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Carlson, Kurt Charles Senner
  • Patent number: 6110365
    Abstract: A filter, in particular, a fluid filter of the "spin-on" type, comprising a head with an inlet space and an outlet space and with a coaxially extending connecting spigot, a housing with one open end, said housing containing an annular-cylindrical filter element and having a terminal edge that confines said open end and sealingly engages a groove provided in the body of said head and positioned coaxially around said connecting spigot, as well as an annular disc-shaped intermediate piece screwed onto said connecting spigot and supporting said filter element. An edge portion of said intermediate piece extending beyond said filter element is screwed into said housing and is provided with passage openings. Head, intermediate piece and filter housing are sealingly assembled with one single ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Fairey Arlon, B.V.
    Inventors: Antonius Josephus Bartels, Geurt Jan Hendrik Vleemingh
  • Patent number: 6073937
    Abstract: A composite top plate and methods for manufacturing same are described. The top plate includes a metal insert and a non-metallic member. The metal includes a central portion and a flange portion having cut outs to provide an intermittent surface. The non-metallic member is formed on the metal insert and a portion of the non-metallic material is received in the cutouts to thereafter hold the metal fixed relative to the non-metallic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel B. Stevens, Jack N. Seibel
  • Patent number: 6068762
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a housing having a cylindrical side wall and a first and second end walls at either end of the cylindrical side wall. The first end wall has a fluid inlet port for receiving fluid to be filtered and at least one fluid outlet port for discharging the filtered fluid. The second end wall is easily removable from the housing, and includes a pressure-activated sensing device preferably extending centrally within filter media to an outlet. The filter media can comprise either a single filter element or a pair of nested filter elements, and is supported between the upper and lower end walls. The pressure-activated sensing device includes a piston assembly which is responsive to a pressure drop across the filter media. A first flow path is provided to the upstream side of the piston assembly from the inlet to the filter assembly, while a second flow path is provided to the downstream side of the piston assembly from the downstream side of the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Walter H. Stone, Michael D. Clausen
  • Patent number: 6048455
    Abstract: A filter assembly including a base and a disposable filter cartridge. The container of the filter cartridge has a top portion of an upper section that is received in the base and which may deform into engagement with the interior receiving surface of the base when exposed to the fuel system operating pressure. A plurality of longitudinally extending keys or protrusions protrude from the bottom surface of the base. The protrusions are selectively dimensioned and positioned to provide a unique protrusion matrix for a given filter capacity, filtering quality or filtering parameter. The protrusions form corresponding depressions in the top portion of the upper section when the fuel system is operating, locking the top portion of the upper section to the base. The base structure supports the upper section of the cartridge, controlling the extent of deformation of the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventor: Leon P. Janik
  • Patent number: 6033578
    Abstract: Method for removing an oil filter from an engine when the filter is to be replaced or removed and apparatus for assisting such oil filter removal. An air valve is positioned on the casing of the oil filter and air is injected into the volume of the oil filter surrounding the internal filter. The air displaces oil in the oil filter. This reduces the quantity of oil in the oil filter and, after the air chuck and compressed air line are removed from the air valve, allows the oil filter to be removed without dripping oil on the floor of the garage or on the operator performing the servicing of the oil filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Gordon Edward Loewen
  • Patent number: 6027646
    Abstract: A canister oil filter for an internal combustion engine comprising a plurality of filter elements with seals on each end of each filter, the filters being stacked end to end within the tubular housing, an oil inlet and outlet disposed in one end of the canister and a spring biased retainer collar, which keeps pressure on all of the end seals, disposed in the same end of the canister as the oil inlet and outlet with the bias of the spring and the force from the impinging incoming oil acting generally in the same direction, to form a canister with improved filter sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan T. Wild
  • Patent number: 6027647
    Abstract: A filter housing assuring serial filtration of a liquid through plural filter cartridges and enabling flushing without requiring removal of the filter cartridges. The filter housing has a cap including a liquid inlet, a filtered liquid outlet, a flush liquid outlet, and internal passages. The filter cartridges are held within a canister which is pressed against the cap and constrained against rotation with the cap. A retaining member surrounding and bearing against the canister threads to the cap. The canister is divided into chambers, and has passages in its floor arranged to enable serial transfer of liquid from one chamber to the next. Flushing employs liquid introduced under normal pressure. Passages leading to the flush liquid outlet enable flushing to proceed when the flush liquid outlet is opened. At other times, filtered liquid will pass through passages leading to the filtered liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: Donald A. Northcut, Douglas W. Northcut
  • Patent number: 6024869
    Abstract: A filter head for use in cooperative engagement with an associated liquid filter comprises a block member having a bypass valve assembly, and a back pressure flow valve assembly. The block member defines an inlet port; an inlet channel positioned for fluid communication between the inlet port and the associated liquid filter; a first outlet port; a second outlet port; and an outlet channel positioned for fluid communication between the associated liquid filter and the first and second outlet ports. When in an open orientation, the bypass valve provides fluid communication between the inlet channel and the outlet channel. When in a closed orientation, the bypass valve blocks fluid communication between the inlet channel and the outlet channel. The back pressure flow valve assembly, when in an open orientation, provides fluid communication between the outlet channel and the second outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Stifelman
  • Patent number: 6019890
    Abstract: A fuel filter assembly employs a hand primer and a disposable filter cartridge mounted to a header. The filter cartridge has a filter element which defines an interior chamber for receiving the filtered fuel. The hand primer includes a diaphragm which cooperates with the header to define a reservoir and a valve plate having a plurality of orifices and an axial opening for providing fluid communication between an exit passage of the header and the reservoir and between the chamber and the reservoir, respectively. A first check valve is mounted in the opening and a second check valve is mounted in an axial bore in the first check valve. The first and second check valves are moveable between an open position for allowing flow through the orifices of the valve plate and orifices in the first check valve, respectively, and a closed position for preventing such flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, Michael J. Williams, Larry R. Cote
  • Patent number: 6004459
    Abstract: A metal particle removal and retention apparatus includes a canister-retention bracket, a liquid inlet channel connected to the canister-retention bracket, a liquid outlet channel connected to the canister-retention bracket, and a canister assembly connected to the canister-retention bracket. The canister assembly is in communication with the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel. A magnet attachment assembly attached to the canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a canister housing which includes an exterior magnet-attachment-reception portion which receives the magnet attachment assembly. The canister assembly includes an interior particle-reception pan attached to an interior pan-reception portion of the canister housing. The interior pan-reception portion is in registration with the exterior magnet-attachment-reception portion. An interior funnel element is supported inside the canister housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph Caiozza
  • Patent number: 5985143
    Abstract: A water filter outer shell having an improved sleeve and top cover. The top cover and sleeve are formed with interior and exterior conical surfaces, the lower half of the conical surface of the outer shell having exterior threads. The top cover is fastened by screwing interior and exterior threads near the conical surfaces of the top cover and outer shell to eliminate three components from the known device. The tightness and water permeation seal are thus stronger and more effective. The structure has lower production costs to improve market competition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Maw-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 5961824
    Abstract: An improved metal particle removal and retention apparatus includes a canister-retention bracket, a liquid inlet channel connected to the canister-retention bracket, a liquid outlet channel connected to the canister-retention bracket, and a canister assembly connected to the canister-retention bracket. The canister assembly is in communication with the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, and a plurality of magnet attachment assemblies are attached to the canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a plurality of interior particle-reception pans attached to a plurality of interior pan-reception portions of the canister housing. The interior pan-reception portions are in registration with the exterior magnet-attachment-reception portions. An outflow tube is connected to the canister-retention bracket and is in communication with the liquid outlet channel. The outflow tube includes a plurality of oil receiving apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph Caiozza
  • Patent number: 5951862
    Abstract: A filter comprises a filter cartridge located within a housing. Fuel flows through a filter medium of the cartridge, in use, from an outer chamber to an inner chamber. From the inner chamber, the fuel flows over and around a sedimentation baffle located within a sedimentation chamber. Fuel exits the sedimentation chamber through an outlet passage, an air collection chamber being arranged to collect air from the flow of fuel. Air exits the air collection chamber via openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Lucas Industries plc
    Inventor: Peter Francis Bradford
  • Patent number: 5925245
    Abstract: A filter arrangement comprises a filter head and a filter body. The filter body and filter head are provided with components arranged to cooperate with one another to permit the filter body to be secured to the filter head by sliding the filter body in a lateral direction thereof relative to the filter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Lucas Industries
    Inventors: Peter Francis Bradford, David John Cunningham Law
  • Patent number: 5922199
    Abstract: A fuel filter assembly (10) has a head portion (12) and an element portion (14) enclosing a replaceable cartridge (18). The assembly has a first inlet port (22) which accepts fuel from a tank (90) and filters it by passage through a screen (43) supported on a tube (36). The fuel that has been filtered by passage through the screen is delivered from the assembly through a first outlet port (24) for delivery to a lift pump (96). Fuel from the lift pump is returned to the fuel filter assembly through a second inlet port (26). The fuel is finely filtered by passage through a loop of filter media (60). Clean fuel is delivered from a second outlet port (28) to an engine (104). Contaminants separated from the fuel by passage through the screen and the media loop are collected in first and second sump areas (78), (80) of the filter housing respectively. An alternative embodiment (110) includes a prefilter screen (158) integral with a replaceable cartridge (118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Hodgkins
  • Patent number: 5919362
    Abstract: An encapsulated filter cartridge assembly is disclosed which is adapted and configured for reception within an elongated cartridge housing of a filtration system. The filter cartridge assembly includes an elongated filtration element, a connector head positioned adjacent an upper end portion of the filtration element, an outer shell extending axially from the connector head and encapsulating the filtration element, and an expansion joint integrally formed in the outer shell to facilitate expansion of the outer shell within the elongated cartridge housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Cuno, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Barnes, William Contaxis, III, Bruce G. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5914035
    Abstract: The fluid treatment apparatus may comprise a sedimenter or agglomerator for insertion in a fuel line between a fuel tank and a fuel injection pump in order to remove dirt particles and water from diesel fuel passing along the fuel line. A water reservoir (4) is positioned at the bottom of the apparatus in order to collect the water removed from the fuel. In order to avoid applying a compressive clamping force to the side wall (17) of the water reservoir (4), the arrangement is such as to clamp only the top part of the side wall (17) ?as shown in FIG. 1! or else to apply no clamping force at all to the water reservoir (4) ?see FIG. 16!. This enables the water reservoir (4) to be made of cheap plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Lucas Industries PLC
    Inventor: Peter Francis Bradford
  • Patent number: 5907958
    Abstract: A water filter assembly mounted to an inner surface of a refrigerator and accessible from within a refrigeration compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a replaceable filter cartridge. The first and second housing parts cooperate to define a fluid-tight chamber for receipt of the filter cartridge. The first housing part includes an inlet port through which unfiltered water may be introduced into the chamber and an outlet port through which filtered water may exit the chamber. The second housing part surrounds a portion of the first housing part and provides a volume sufficient to hold the filter cartridge and any water within the chamber when the second housing part is released from the first housing part to replace the filter cartridge, and thereby prevents or minimizes spillage of water from the filter assembly during filter cartridge replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Coates, Robert C. Russell, Kenneth E. Morris, Walton E. Sparks, Rickie L. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 5904844
    Abstract: A fuel filter assembly (10) for filtering diesel fuel includes a filter head (12), a spin-on replaceable element (13) and a collection bowl (15) removable from the element. The element includes a casing (52) with a turned-in edge portion at a lower end. An adaptor ring (69) is supported on said edge portion inside the element and includes an annular threaded portion (71). The collection bowl has an outer peripheral wall (74) with an annular threaded portion engaging the threaded portion of the adaptor ring. The outer peripheral wall of the bowl has an annular shoulder abutting the turned-in edge portion of said casing to clamp said casing between the adaptor ring and the bowl, when the bowl is attached to the element. The adaptor ring has a plurality of spaced ribs (70) with projections that extend upward and radially outward to maintain the filter medium (55) spaced from an inner wall surface of the casing. A resilient member (68) holds the filter medium between a top plate (62) and the adaptor ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Parker Intangibles Inc.
    Inventor: Walter H. Stone
  • Patent number: 5900140
    Abstract: In a fuel filter module for introducing fuel from a fuel inlet into a casing and for removing foreign matter from the fuel by passing the fuel through a fuel member and for discharging the fuel through a fuel outlet to the outside of the casing, and the casing is formed to have a D-shaped cross section. With this construction, the outer diameter of the casing is not increased even when an accessory is assembled on the outside plane wall of the D-shaped casing. The casing accommodates a filter member of C-shaped cross section. The center of a C-shaped sealing member provided for sealing the upper edge of the filter member is offset from the center of the casing. By thus offsetting, sufficient areas for fuel inlet and outlet can be ensured without increasing the size of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Nagai, Nobuo Suzuki, Genjiro Tada, Hironori Ueda, Ryuji Kuwabara, Soichi Kawakami, Tsuyoshi Yao
  • Patent number: 5891336
    Abstract: A filter bowl is disclosed. The filter bowl includes an elongated canister having an open end, a closed end and a wall having an exterior surface, the exterior surface having a plurality of rolled threads. The exterior surface includes an unthreaded portion disposed between the open end and the plurality of rolled threads. The filter bowl is preferably made of steel and is produced in a process including the steps of: 1) deep drawing the elongated canister and 2) rolling threads onto the exterior surface of the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Alco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Abbas F. Vijlee, Mark E. Rudzik