초록 ▼

Embodiments of a fluid filtering assembly are shown and described, each embodiment including a valve head that routes fluid to and from a filter cartridge and that includes a valve system that automatically opens and closes when the filter cartridge is inserted and removed, respectively. The valve s

Embodiments of a fluid filtering assembly are shown and described, each embodiment including a valve head that routes fluid to and from a filter cartridge and that includes a valve system that automatically opens and closes when the filter cartridge is inserted and removed, respectively. The valve system preferably includes a generally-cylindrical piston with a hollow interior space, which receives a stem member. The stem member has a bottom-end seat or sealing member and has a central body shape that allows fluid to flow up through the piston interior space, either through or up around the stem member. Upon removal of the filter cartridge, the piston is biased to move down into an "off" position, to close both the inlet and outlet fluid passages. In this "off" position, the piston exterior surface blocks off radial fluid inlets and the piston interior surface seals with the stem bottom end seat to prevent fluid backflow out of the piston interior space. The filter cartridge preferably includes a neck with a centrally-located, vertical fluid outlet hole surrounded by a ring of vertical fluid inlet holes near the outer perimeter edge of the neck.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A filter assembly comprising a valve head assembly and a removable filter cartridge having an upper end connected to the valve head assembly, the valve head assembly comprising:a. a valve head comprising a cavity opening downward, a first port, and a second port, wherein

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A filter assembly comprising a valve head assembly and a removable filter cartridge having an upper end connected to the valve head assembly, the valve head assembly comprising:a. a valve head comprising a cavity opening downward, a first port, and a second port, wherein the cavity receives the upper end of the cartridge, and the cavity is in fluid communication with the first port and the second port;b. a stem within the cavity, the stem having an indentation;c. a closure member within the cavity having a first opening extending vertically through the closure member and receiving said stem, wherein the closure member is movable upward on the stem to a first position, and movable downward on the stem to a second position, and wherein, when the closure member is in the first position, the first port and the cartridge are in fluid communication via the indentation; andd. a sleeve received in and secured in the cavity, wherein the sleeve retains the closure member within the cavity, the sleeve comprising a second opening for fluid communication between the second port and the cartridge.