Abstract: In a particle or sand screen control assembly for mounting on a base pipe used in a well, a sealing strip preferably in the form of a metal strip is used in a weld joint that joins the metal mesh screen of filter media to a solid metal structure or “safe edge”. The sealing strip covers the pores in the screen proximate the metal structure to which it is welded. The sealing strip is a separate thin sheet of metal that is compatible with the welding metal used in the weld joint, such that the sealing strip becomes unitary with the weld joint. Prior to welding, the sealing strip may be bent around the screen if desired, or may lie flat along the top or bottom surface of the screen.

Abstract: A cylindrical filter element which comprises a folded filter medium, in particular having a pleated configuration, which is annularly secured to a hollow cylinder, two expanded film axial end plates, and a support tube which is integrated into the cylindrical filter element and upon which the folded filter medium may be affixed. The support tube has an annular components adjacent respective axial end plates which has an interlocking fit with the film end plates and which may be connected to a sealing element.

Abstract: A Diesel fuel filter (1) with interchangeable cartridge, which comprises a filtering mass or cartridge (2) which is contained within a container which has a side wall (3) and a bottom (4) and is provided with a lid (6) which is fixed detachably. The filter further comprises a duct (8) which is located in a peripheral region of the container and is suitable to connect a fuel intake connector (9) to a duct (7) which is formed within the lid (6) and is provided with passages (10) which open onto the portion of space (11) between the filtering mass (2) and the side wall (3) of the container, so as to allow the fuel to access the filtering mass (2), through which it flows from the outside inward. A fuel discharge connector (14) is furthermore provided at the bottom (4) of the container and is open in the central region of the portion of space delimited inside the filtering mass (2).

Abstract: A well screen is provided which includes a line extending therethrough. In a described embodiment, the line may be a hydraulic line, an electric line, a fiber optic line, or another type of line, and the line may be embedded in a sidewall material of the well screen. The well screen may be wrapped about a reel as a part of a coiled tubing string, and the well screen may be expandable when deployed in a wellbore. In another embodiment, the line may be positioned between a filter media and an outer shroud of the well screen.

Abstract: The structural integrity of opposed spaced-apart end plates of caged filter cartridge assemblies is provided solely by individual filter cartridges in the assembly. Preferably, the end plates of the filter cartridge assembly are provided with seat recesses to receive an end portion of respective filter cartridges therein. An annular lock ring associated with each seat recess immovably locks the filter cartridge end portions therewithin. In such a manner, each of the individual filter cartridges serves to structurally unite the opposed spaced-apart end plates one to another in the absence of a tie rod so that the collective torsional and longitudinal rigidity of the assembly is significantly enhanced as compared to conventional tie rod caged filter cartridge assemblies.

Abstract: Expansion resistant filter cartridge assemblies are provided that facilitate filtering of strong solvent solutions. The filter cartridge assemblies generally include a cylindrical filter element defining an outer periphery, an inner periphery and opposed end surfaces, a perforated cage operatively associated with the outer periphery of the filter element, a perforated core operatively associated with the inner periphery of the filter element and having opposed ends and a predetermined length, and an end cap operatively associated with each of the opposed end surfaces of the filter element and bonded to each end of the core. The perforated cage generally includes an expansion region of about 2.5% to about 4% of the total length of the filter cartridge, e.g., a region of axial discontinuity or a plurality of angular struts, to accommodate swelling and/or dimensional expansion of the cage without adversely affecting the integrity of the filter cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A liquid filter, suitable for the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, having a cartridge installation opening 15 which faces substantially downward, a positively guided oil drain 28 is proposed for draining oil from the filter when the filter cartridge is changed. The positive guidance is effected by a valve stem 29 which is connected directly or indirectly to the housing by a support tube 22. It opens a gasketed drain opening which can be connected to a hose 35 in order to assure drainage of oil, for example, to a separate oil collecting vessel. The drain opening is automatically opened by unscrewing the screw-on cover 11. No other drain plug or the like needs to be opened. This filter is especially suited for installation in confined spaces since the oil can be drained in a reliable manner.

Abstract: A filter, in particular for the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, which includes a pot-shaped filter housing (10), a support tube (11) disposed therein and a filter element (14) secured on the support tube (11). The filter element is essentially made up of a filtering material which is folded in a pleated manner and has plates (15 and 16) at its ends. The filter housing provides a direct seal between itself and a flange (19), and the support tube is provided with a screw-on thread (21).

Abstract: A fuel 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.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A filtering assembly for removing particles from a liquid is positioned coaxially within a vertical, pressure-tight housing 11 having a tangential inlet 21 at an upper end and an outlet 24 at a bottom end thereof. The filtering assembly includes a filter bag 13 positioned on the exterior surface of a perforated cylinder 14. Untreated liquid from the inlet is filtered as it flows radially inward through the filter assembly. A wash-down device 28 is position at an upper end of the housing for removing solids that have built up on the exterior surface of the filter bag. A controller initiates a wash-down of the filter bag upon detecting a predetermined pressure differential across the filter assembly. After closing the inlet and outlet, the controller opens a vacuum-break valve D causing the filter bag to pulse and thereby initially dislodging entrapped solid particles for easy wash-down.

Abstract: A filter element (10) is provided which can be used to remove microsize contaminant particles (i.e., about 0.5 &mgr;m to about 25.0 &mgr;m) from aviation fuel. The filter element (10) includes a cylindrical pleated filter media (14) and an exoskeleton support structure (16) supporting the filter media (14). The filter media (14) has a pleat density of about eight to about thirteen pleats per inner diameter inch and is formed only from cellulose-fiber-free and woven-mesh-free layers. The exoskeleton support structure (16) is a screen which is thermally bonded to the pleats' peaks in such a manner that the filter media (14) is sufficiently supported without conventional endoskeleton support layers.

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.

Abstract: A universal well screen filter assembly for installation in a borehole formed in a fluid bearing formation to filter fluid passing therethrough. The screen filter includes an outer cylindrical perforated screen member and an inner cylindrical perforated screen member which is aligned concentrically with the outer screen member. The inner screen member has a smaller diameter than the outer screen member and positioned to define an annular filter space therebetween. This space is substantially filled with a filter medium which is designed to filter particulate materials from fluid passing through the medium. An upper end cap is secured to an upper end of each of the spaced apart screen members to seal the annular space therebetween and a lower end cap is secured to a lower end of each of the spaced apart screen members to also seal the annular space therebetween. A tubular member is aligned concentrically and extends through the screen filter.

Abstract: A device (10) and method for separating oleaginous matter from a waste fluid. The device (10) includes a chamber (11) having a fluid inlet (19) and a fluid outlet (15) between which a fluid, such as waste water, may pass through the chamber (11). The chamber (11) contains a plurality of oleophilic polypropylene cylindrical rods (14) disposed in the fluid flow path between the inlet and outlet. The rods (14) being oleophilic attract and separate the oleaginous matter from the fluid passing through the chamber (11). The chamber (11) can also be mounted within a larger vessel (20) and over a holding container (30) that provides further treatments of the fluid passing through the device.

Abstract: A liquid filter element frame is provided comprising an elongate injection moulded body having a plurality of support ribs radiating from a central axis thereof and a support ring encircling the outer edges of the ribs at the operatively lower end thereof. The ring has attached thereto a separately manufactured end disc having a smoothly contoured edge for supporting the lower end of a sleeve of filter fabric, in use. A sleeve made of filter fabric and adapted to be used as a cover for the element frame is also provided in which the operatively lower end and optionally also the upper end of the sleeve is made of a double layer of filter fabric. The frame fits within the sleeve in use.

Abstract: A filter is disclosed that includes a cylindrical filter element having a longitudinal axis, an outer periphery, an inner periphery, and a plurality of longitudinal pleats arranged in a spiral configuration in close proximity to one another. Each of the pleats has a pair of legs, and the legs of each pleat are joined to one another at a root. The roots of adjacent pleats are radially spaced from one another about the inner periphery of the filter element.

Abstract: A spiral wound filter element is disclosed which includes alternating layers of filter medium and diffusion medium wrapped about a cylindrical core defining a central axis of the filter element. The alternating layers extend from a radially innermost layer of the filter element to a radially outermost layer of the filter element, the diffusion medium is defined by a continuous lengthwise sheet of mesh material, and the filter medium is defined by at least one sheet of filter material arranged along the length of the continuous sheet of mesh material. The alternating layers of filter medium and diffusion medium define three distinct radially disposed layered filtering sections surrounding the cylindrical core, and include a first filtering section having radially outer prequalifying layers, a second filtering section having middle prequalifying layers and a third filtering section having radially inner qualifying layers.

Abstract: A spring 15 is crimpingly fixed to an element holding plate 14 of the fluid filter. Since the spring 15 is crimpingly fixed to the element holding plate 14, a material having a high elastic limit can be freely selected for the spring 15. At the assembling time, the spring 15 can be prevented from yielding to be elastically deformed, even when the size between the upper end of the element 12 and the crest of the filter case 11 fluctuates. As a result, it is possible to provide a fluid filter which requires no high sizing accuracy of the individual parts composing the fluid filter at the assembling time so that it can be easily assembled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter, especially an oil filter, comprising a carrier casing which borders a clean room/chamber. The filter also has a filter element which encloses the carrier casing. The filter element is comprised of zigzag shaped folded strip material, whereby the end folds of the filter element are adjacently held together. In order to construct the filter in such a way that a mass-production with a high operational reliability is guaranteed, a clamping strip which fastens the end folds of the filter element is arranged on the exterior surface of the carrier casing.

Abstract: A mobile oil recycling system adapted for use with an oil-lubricated combustion engine. The inventive system includes an evaporation chamber for changing the pressure of the oil from a first pressure to a second pressure lower than the first pressure. Metering holes in a textured three-dimensional evaporation surface at the second pressure allow oil to spread over the three-dimensional surface area and evaporate contaminants from the oil. In a specific embodiment, the system further includes a filtering system for removing solid contaminants from the oil. A housing contains and supports the filtering system and the contaminant removal chamber, and directs the flow of oil through the recycling system. In a more specific embodiment the housing includes a base having an oil inlet for allowing pressurized oil to enter the oil recycling system and an oil outlet for allowing oil at atmospheric pressure to exit the recycling system.

Abstract: A liquid filter, suitable for the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, having a cartridge installation opening 15 which faces substantially downward, a positively guided oil drain 28 is proposed for draining oil from the filter when the filter cartridge is changed. The positive guidance is effected by a valve stem 29 which is connected directly or indirectly to the housing by a support tube 22. It opens a gasketed drain opening which can be connected to a hose 35 in order to assure drainage of oil, for example, to a separate oil collecting vessel. The drain opening is automatically opened by unscrewing the screw-on cover 11. No other drain plug or the like needs to be opened. This filter is especially suited for installation in confined spaces since the oil can be drained in a reliable manner.

Abstract: Filter cartridges may have a core element formed of a non-filtering, self-supporting non-woven mass of indefinite length continuous synthetic polymeric core fibers, and at least one annular filtration zone layer formed of a mass of non-woven indefinite length continuous synthetic polymeric filtration fibers. The non-woven core element is most preferably formed in situ during filter cartridge manufacturing by melt-blowing synthetic polymeric core fiber streams toward a forming mandrel. The non-woven core element is completely solidified prior to the filtration zone fibers being melt-blown thereon so that the core and filtration fibers are predominantly mechanically interlocked with one another, instead of being melt-bonded thereto. Filter cartridges of predetermined length may be cut from an upstream filter cartridge preform of indefinite length by subjecting the preform to forced cooling air to thereby minimize (if not eliminate entirely) significant filter cartridge shrinkage over time.

Abstract: In order to further develop a filter element, in particular for the filtration of mineral oils in hydraulic systems, having a filter material and a support tube which supports the filter material and is formed from a perforated plate with a multiplicity of flow openings, in such a manner that it is highly mechanically stable and can be produced at low cost, it is proposed, according to the invention, that the support tube has a joint which extends helically along the support-tube wall and is formed by those edges of the perforated plate which are in contact with one another in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A tow wound filter cartridge comprises a permeable core and one or more tows wound in a helicoidally or diamond-like shaped way or serpentine-like way around the core, having a zero twist degree, in order to obtain a filter rating of below 75 micrometer. The tows may comprise metal fibers. Preferably the tows of the filter cartridge consist only of metal fibers.

Abstract: A no-cure fuel filter and method of making same is disclosed. The no-cure fuel filter utilizes a non-organic, mineral based filter element which replaces the pleated paper type filter element of conventional fuel filters. The no-cure fuel filter may be used for gasoline blended fuels, ethanol blended fuels, diesel fuel blends, propane fuel blends, or methanol fuel blends, and may be used for primary filtration, secondary filtration or final filtration. The no-cure fuel filter comprises a non-organic mineral based filter element disposed along a path of flow of unfiltered fuel in a fuel system of a vehicle. The filter element includes an exterior periphery and an interior periphery and a first end and a second end. The no-cure fuel filter further comprises end caps disposed over and fluidly sealing the first and second ends of the filter element, such that the unfiltered fuel must pass through the filter element from one of the peripheries to the other periphery.

Abstract: A filtration device for removing particulate matter from liquids has a rigid tubular body that terminates in a pair of open ends. The body has a plurality of openings therein, leading to a bore, and a layer of a filtration material, such as a polypropylene mesh, is stretched over the surface of the body. The filtration material has a preferred pore size of between 30 and 60 microns. The body is manufactured from plastic, and has a support means which prevents collapse of the filtration device under pressure. The filtration material is attached near the ends of the body, and a pair of end caps are attached to the ends. The end caps serve as means of fitting the filtration device within equipment such as automated photographic processing apparatus. The materials used to manufacture the filtration device are chosen so as to be resistant to both the physical conditions (such as temperature, pressure and flow rate) and the chemical conditions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A filter for a filter vessel which converts the filter vessel to use disposable filters for removing hazardous particulate matter from an aqueous flow. The filter includes a rigid support housing having an input passage for the aqueous flow, an exit passage for the aqueous flow, an internal sealing surface and a locking seal located adjacent to the input passage to securingly engage the filter vessel for the aqueous flow. The invention also includes a sleeveless disposable filter cartridge. The cartridge includes a flexible filtering medium having first and second ends. A terminal seal is affixed to the first end of the filtering medium for sealing engagement with the filter vessel and a wall seal on the second end of the filtering medium for engagement with the internal sealing surface of the support housing.

Abstract: A filter housing assembly has a tubular standpipe to support successive filter elements within a filter housing closed by a closure plate. A spindle is fixed to the inner surface of the closure plate in position to move into the upper end of the standpipe when the closure plate is in position to close the housing. A top filter support is fixed to the spindle in position to be seated on top of a filter in the housing when the closure plate is in position to close the housing. A skirt extends downwardly from the closure plate to deflect leaks.

Abstract: A filter support includes a tubular construction that has flow apertures, a top edge, an opposite bottom edge, and first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges. The first and second side edges oppose each other to form a seam region having a non-axial seam center line extending between the top edge and the bottom edge.

Abstract: A spiral wound type membrane element is formed by winding independent or continuous envelope-like membranes around the peripheral surface of a water collection pipe and interposing raw water spacers between the envelope-like membranes. When running, raw water is supplied from at least the periphery side of the spiral wound type membrane element and permeate is taken out from an opening end of the water collection pipe. In back wash reverse filtration, permeate is introduced from the opening end of the water collection pipe and permeate guided out from the peripheral surface of the water collection pipe is discharged from at least the periphery side of the spiral wound type membrane element.

Abstract: A fusion-welded thermoplastic assembly and a method of fabricating the same includes first and second thermoplastic members fusion-welded together using a third thermoplastic fusion element. The first and second thermoplastic members and the thermoplastic fusion element are heated to a molten state using an infrared heater, and the molten fusion element is fused to each of the first and second thermoplastic elements. Prior to being connected by the fusion element, the first and second thermoplastic members are either brought into contact with one another or is held in such a way that they can be connected to each other using the third thermoplastic fusion element.

Abstract: A portable water treatment assembly and water treatment method are disclosed in which the water to be purified is placed in an upper container together with a suitable bactericide, and is held in that container until the bactericidal action is complete. At that time, an elongate dowel is manually manipulated to open a passage between the upper container and a lower container to drain the purified water through a sediment cartridge in the upper container to remove sediment from the water, and through a cartridge in the lower container containing a medium to remove the bactericide and/or other potentially distasteful ingredients from the water, and the purified water is collected in the lower container for subsequent dispensing and use.

Abstract: A filtration device for removing particulate matter from liquids has a rigid tubular body that terminates in a pair of open ends. The body has a plurality of openings therein, leading to a bore, and a layer of a filtration material, such as a polypropylene mesh, is stretched over the surface of the body. The filtration material has a preferred pore size of between 30 and 60 microns. The body is manufactured from plastic, and has a support means which prevents collapse of the filtration device under pressure. The filtration material is attached near the ends of the body, and a pair of end caps are attached to the ends. The end caps serve as means of fitting the filtration device within equipment such as automated photographic processing apparatus. The materials used to manufacture the filtration device are chosen so as to be resistant to both the physical conditions (such as temperature, pressure and flow rate) and the chemical conditions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A coreless filter element for a filter housing includes cylindrical filter media having longitudinally-extending pleats extending from one end cap on the filter media to another end cap on the filter media. The filter media is preferably a multi-layered structure with an outer support mesh layer attached to an inner prefiltration layer by an intermediate adhesive web layer. An inner wrap of a porous fibrous filter media is provided within the central cylindrical cavity of the pleated filter media. The wrap has a cylindrical form with an outer surface which is joined to the inner pleat peaks of the media such as with one or more beads of adhesive, or with a continuous adhesive layer applied to the outer surface of the support wrap. The filter element with inner support wrap can be easily located over a metal support core integral with the filter housing, and provides structural integrity for the pleats of the filter media.

Abstract: A protector for holding a filter medium thereon is made of resin and composed of a plurality of pillar members. The pillar members are disposed in parallel with each other in a longitudinal direction thereof and forming a circular shape with intervals respectively between adjacent two pillar members. Accordingly, the protector can be easily manufactured by molding and can be easily scrapped after its use. The protector further has a positioning member for positioning the protector in a case. Accordingly, a number of parts in a filter device can be reduced, resulting in a decrease in man-hours for assembling the parts.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to filters for removing impurities from liquids, and more particularly to a replaceable filter cartridge having a barrier for preventing contaminants from draining from a spent cartridge, as it is being replaced. The barrier comprises a layer of filter media closely surrounding an inner perforated conducting conduit.

Abstract: An oil exchange apparatus (16, 96, 126) and its assembly with an arrangement (17) of fluid flow lines (112), (108), for lubricating a system, such as an engine (15, 145), while providing for a quick exchange of the apparatus (16, 96, 126) with another one when another batch of oil is to lubricate the system. A filter (30, 103, 135) is mounted and disposed in a receptacle (21, 97, 128); inlet conduits (144, 109, 132) and outlet conduits (34, 105, 136) are mounted to the receptacle (21, 97, 128) and by which oil flows in and out of it in the operation of the system. A vacuum or vent conduit 43 also is mounted to the receptacle in each of its embodiments. In one embodiment, all the conduits (34, 44, 43) are mounted in a top housing component (22) of the receptacle (21). In other embodiments, inlet (109, 132) and outlet (105, 136) conduits are mounted at the receptacle's bottom (101, 130), while the vacuum/vent or third conduit (115, 141, 156) is at its top (102, 142).

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cartridge for a filter for filtering liquid or gaseous media comprising two disks and a substantially hollow cylindrical filter member arranged inbetween the two disks, with the medium to be filtered flowing through the filter member, with at least one of the two disks provided with a central aperture whereby the filter cartridge is axially mountable onto a medium inlet pipe or outlet pipe with at least one seal sealingly positioned inbetween, and wherein the filter cartridge is detachable from the pipe for replacement. The filter cartridge is designed as a replacement filter cartridge for replacing common filter cartridges having metal parts, wherein the filter consists of paper and/or cotton and/or felt and/or thermally usable plastic non-woven fabric, wherein the front disks are formed of thermally consumable plastic and the seal is formed of a flexible thermally consumable material.

Abstract: A spin-on filter unit for filtering liquids which may be readily disassembled and which utilizes a perforated center tube support disposed within a housing canister having both an open end and a closed end, a mounting head assembly which includes a bayonet connector mechanism adapted for releasable engagement with the open end of the housing canister, and a spring mechanism mechanism which acts upon the center support tube to urge the mounting head assembly bayonet connection mechanism into releasable engagement with the open end of the housing canister after rotation of the mounting head assembly about its center axis relative to the housing canister.

Abstract: A method of making an elongated filter system including the steps of forming an elongated alignment rod, an attachment device, a tubular filter element and a yoke, followed by the steps of attaching the elongated alignment rod to the attachment device and positioning the tubular filter element, upon and about the elongated alignment rod then securing the yoke so that an outer peripheral area of the yoke is in sealing engagement with the tubular filter element.

Abstract: A perforated metal center tube is provided for use within an oil, fuel, or hydraulic filter. The tube is fabricated from a perforated metallic sheet formed into a cylinder in which opposite edges thereof are mutually engaged with one another to form a longitudinal multi-layered lockseam. The lockseam is mechanically clinched to inhibit slippage of the mutually engaged edges without the need for welding, soldering or otherwise chemically or adhesively bonding the lockseam. A series of circumferential beads are provided at spaced locations along the length of the tube to provide structural reinforcement. Each bead is formed through lockseam without generating slippage or disengagement of the first and second edges relative to one another. The beads advantageously provide the tube with sufficient structural integrity to withstand typical filtration pressures, with a metallic sheet of relatively thin gauge.

Abstract: A small filter cartridge is particularly adapted to be attached to the neck of a conventional plastic soft drink bottle to filter contaminated water contained in the bottle by passing the water through the filter as it is discharged from the bottle. The flexible bottle walls are squeezed to pressurize the water and facilitate flow through the filter element. The filter includes a uniquely positioned check valve which allows pressure equalization of the bottle interior in a simple and efficient manner. The filter is attached directly to the neck of the bottle and embodiments are disclosed in which the element is inserted completely within the bottle and mounted entirely outside the bottle.

Abstract: A filter system including a cylindrical filter formed around a cylindrical spindle so as to form a passage therebetween, the spindle forming a channel along its length, a channel outlet at a lower end and a plurality of inlet apertures which lead from the passage to the channel, the apertures unevenly distributed along the length of the spindle such that there is a greater combined aperture area in an upper portion of the spindle than there is in a lower portion of the spindle whereby essentially even fluid flow occurs through the filter.

Abstract: A filter core unit comprising various number of segments having a wall with a plurality of holes and a means to attach one segment to a second segment whereby the length of the filter core unit can be varied by adding and subtracting segments. A method of connecting one segment to another is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter and filtering cartridge with a removable center tube, for the filtering of fluids. The invention relates to a filter for circulating fluid of the type consisting of a filtering cartridge inserted in an outer shell, with the outer shell being intended to be removably connected to a base. The outer shell cooperates with an independent and removable center tube. A filtering cartridge is mounted in the outer shell around the independent and removable center tube which extends longitudinally inside said outer shell over at least a substantial part of the length of the outer shell. The filtering cartridge is longitudinally restrained inside said outer shell in part by the removable center tube.

Abstract: A self-closing centerpost for a fluid filter includes a centerpost body which is constructed and arranged with a hollow interior so as to provide a fluid passageway. The fluid filter is designed for fuel and the hollow centerpost body includes an outer wall which defines a pair of flow apertures. These flow apertures are in flow communication with the fluid passageway in order to deliver fluid to the outlet port of the fluid filter. A control valve is positioned within the hollow interior and is designed with a pair of oppositely-disposed blocking portions which are disposed over the flow apertures when the flow control valve is in its normally closed (spring-biased) condition. In this closed condition, fuel is unable to enter the hollow centerpost body and is thus unable to be delivered to the engine.

Abstract: A lubricating oil filter for internal combustion engines is disclosed herein. The oil filter includes a vertical housing closed at the top by a screw cover and includes a filter support rotatably mounted on the screw cover for removably supporting an annular filter element. The filter support includes a valve element at a bottom end thereof for closing an additional outlet port at the bottom of the housing when the cover and filter support are installed on the housing and for opening the additional outlet port when the cover and filter support are removed from the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to filters for removing impurities from liquids, and more particularly to a replaceable filter cartridge having a barrier for preventing contaminants from draining from a spent cartridge, as it is being replaced. The barrier comprises a layer of filter media closely surrounding an inner perforated conducting conduit.