초록 ▼

A filter assembly including a filter housing having a standpipe extending upwardly therethrough, in which is located a spring-biased flow element, and about which is received a replaceable filter element. A screw threaded cover is removably attached to the housing. The filter element includes an upp

A filter assembly including a filter housing having a standpipe extending upwardly therethrough, in which is located a spring-biased flow element, and about which is received a replaceable filter element. A screw threaded cover is removably attached to the housing. The filter element includes an upper endcap, a center tube, a lower endcap and cylindrical filter media around the center tube. The lower endcap includes a central opening which receives upwardly therethrough the standpipe in sealed relation. A separate actuator with a projection formed to extend therefrom is located in the center tube, either fixedly or movably, below the upper endcap. When the filter element is placed over the standpipe, and the cover attached to the housing, the projection on the actuator pushes down against the spring-biased flow element, putting cavities formed in the flow element and openings formed in the standpipe in fluid communication. This alignment allows fluid to flow between an area inside the media adjacent the standpipe, to the interior of the standpipe, and out an outlet port of the housing. When the filter element is removed from the housing, for replacement with a new filter element, the projection is removed from the flow element, which returns to its original position to prohibit the fluid communication.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A filter element, comprising:a center tube;a media surrounding the center tube;an upper endcap connected to and supporting the media, wherein said upper end cap is positioned adjacent to an upper end of said center tube and substantially closes the upper end of said cente

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A filter element, comprising:a center tube;a media surrounding the center tube;an upper endcap connected to and supporting the media, wherein said upper end cap is positioned adjacent to an upper end of said center tube and substantially closes the upper end of said center tube; anda flow element actuator, which is a separate piece from the upper endcap, and which contacts an interior of the center tube below the upper endcap, said actuator including a projection extending away from the upper endcap to move a flow element;wherein said actuator is movable relative to the upper endcap.