초록 ▼

A liquid filter assembly comprises a filter cartridge and a filter head in fluid communication with the filter housing. A filter media construction is positioned within the housing. The filter media construction, in combination with the housing, defines an unfiltered liquid volume and a filtered liq

A liquid filter assembly comprises a filter cartridge and a filter head in fluid communication with the filter housing. A filter media construction is positioned within the housing. The filter media construction, in combination with the housing, defines an unfiltered liquid volume and a filtered liquid volume. The filter head includes an inlet for conveying liquid to the unfiltered liquid volume, a first outlet for conveying liquid from the filtered liquid volume, and a second outlet. A first valve assembly is provided which is constructed and arranged to selectively permit passage of liquid from the unfiltered liquid volume through the second outlet, in response to a first selected liquid pressure level within the unfiltered liquid volume. A second valve assembly is disposed within the filter head and is constructed and arranged to selectively permit passage of liquid from the filtered liquid volume through the second outlet in response to a second selected liquid pressure level within the filtered liquid volume.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A filter head for use in cooperative engagement with an associated liquid filter constructed and arranged to filter unfiltered liquid to provide a filtered liquid; the filter head comprising:(a) a block member defining:(i) an inlet port constructed and arranged to permit fluid en

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A filter head for use in cooperative engagement with an associated liquid filter constructed and arranged to filter unfiltered liquid to provide a filtered liquid; the filter head comprising:(a) a block member defining:(i) an inlet port constructed and arranged to permit fluid entry into the filter head;(ii) an inlet channel positioned for fluid communication between said inlet port and the associated liquid filter;(iii) a first outlet port constructed and arranged to permit fluid exit from the filter head;(iv) an outlet channel positioned for fluid communication between said first outlet port and the associated liquid filter to permit exit of the filtered liquid from the filter head; and(v) a second outlet port constructed and arranged to permit fluid exit from the filter head;(b) a first valve assembly, within said block member, having open and closed orientations;(i) said first valve assembly constructed and arranged to provide an exit for unfiltered liquid from the filter head;(ii) said first valve assembly comprising a first bore defined by said block member;(iii) said first valve assembly further comprising a first valve seat defined by said block member;(iv) said first valve assembly, when in said open orientation, providing fluid communication between said inlet channel and said second outlet port by way of a first passageway;(v) said first valve assembly, when in said closed orientation, blocking fluid communication between said inlet channel and said second outlet port by blocking the first passageway; and(c) a second valve assembly, within said block member, having open and closed orientations;(i) said second valve assembly constructed and arranged to provide an exit for filtered liquid from the filter head;(ii) said second valve assembly comprising a second bore defined by said block member; said first bore and said second bore being axially aligned;(iii) said second valve assembly further comprising a second valve seat defined by said block member; said first valve seat and said second valve seat being on opposite sides of a common wall defined by said block member;(iv) said second valve assembly, when in said open orientation, providing fluid communication between said outlet channel and said second outlet port by way of a second passageway;(v) said second valve assembly, when in said closed orientation, blocking fluid communication between said outlet channel and said second outlet port by blocking the second passageway.