Valve device, liquid filter, filter assembly, and method

Abstract

We provide filter cartridges used in filter assemblies. [Solution] (a) A filter medium structure 98 having first and second opposite ends, which includes a tubular pleated medium surrounding an open internal volume, and a first end cap 108 fixed to the first end and having an opening 110 that communicates with the open internal volume, (b) A ring member 100 having a set of cartridge protrusions, (c) radially oriented sealing members 112, 113 fixed to the first end cap, A filter cartridge 92 is provided, which includes the following features.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application was filed on July 30, 2021 as a PCT international patent application, claiming the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 059,682, filed on July 31, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 141,185, filed on January 25, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to valves. In particular, the disclosure relates to valves that can be used with liquid filters, as well as to such filters, filter heads, and filter assemblies that utilize serviceable filter cartridges. The liquid filters can be used in a variety of applications. Assemblies, as well as methods of preparation and use, are provided.

Background Art

[0003] Valves can be used to control the amount of fluid flow through a conduit in a variety of applications. One exemplary application is for filters such as liquid filters.

[0004] Liquid filters are used in a variety of applications to filter, for example, lubricating fluids, fuels, or hydraulic fluids. In use, the liquid being filtered is passed through a filter medium where filtration occurs. A well-known configuration is to position the filter medium as a cylinder surrounding a central volume of clean liquid, and the filtration flow is created by an outside-to-inside (out-to-in) flow through the filter medium. In other arrangements, the filtration flow is inside-to-outside (in-to-out) of the cartridge.

[0005] In many examples, the filter medium is provided in the form of a filter cartridge extending between first and second opposite end caps. Examples of filter cartridges utilizing such a structure are described, for example, in International Publication No. 02 / 070869 A1, published on September 12, 2002 (Figures 1 and 2), the entire disclosure of International Publication No. 02 / 070869 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] In many assemblies, the filter cartridge is structured as a removable and replaceable (i.e., serviceable) component; see, for example, Figures 1 and 2 in International Publication No. 02 / 070869 A1. It is desirable to provide a liquid filter design that allows for desired options in the structure of the service cartridge.

[0007] The filter cartridge is typically selectively attachable to and detachable from the filter head. The filter head includes ports for unfiltered and filtered (clean) liquids. The filter head may also include a valve configuration for controlling the flow of liquid to the filter cartridge. In valve operation and in some applications, it is desirable to provide a valve design that allows for desired options in relation to the filter head and service cartridge. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Generally, a valve device is provided that includes a valve shaft having a fluid flow bore and valve gear teeth protruding from the valve shaft and configured and positioned to receive a force that rotates the valve shaft.

[0009] The shaft has a first end and a second end on opposite sides, with its longitudinal axis passing through the first and second ends. The fluid flow bore has a central axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0010] In many embodiments, the fluid flow bore has a non-circular periphery.

[0011] In many embodiments, the fluid flow bore has an elliptical periphery.

[0012] The valve gear teeth can protrude from the second end of the shaft.

[0013] The valve gear teeth can project radially from the second end of the shaft.

[0014] The valve gear teeth may include at least two teeth that are spaced apart from each other and arranged circumferentially.

[0015] The valve gear teeth may include at least three teeth that are spaced apart from each other and arranged circumferentially.

[0016] Valve gear teeth can include 2 to 10 teeth that are spaced apart from each other and arranged circumferentially.

[0017] In some cases, the valve gear teeth are the valve gear teeth of a spur gear.

[0018] Generally, valve devices can be used in conjunction with liquid filter assemblies. A filter assembly has an unfiltered liquid inlet, a filter cartridge for filtering the incoming liquid, and a filtered liquid outlet. The valve device controls the volume of liquid flow from the unfiltered liquid inlet to the filter cartridge.

[0019] In another embodiment, a filter cartridge is provided that includes a filter medium structure and a set of cartridge protrusions attached to the filter medium structure.

[0020] The cartridge protrusion can be a gear tooth.

[0021] The cartridge protrusion can be part of the ring component.

[0022] The cartridge projections can be arranged at circumferential intervals from each other.

[0023] The cartridge projections can extend radially outward.

[0024] The filter media structure can include a tube-shaped pleated media surrounding an open internal volume having first and second opposite ends. The cartridge can include a first end cap fixed to the first end of the filter media structure, and the first end cap has an opening communicating with the open internal volume.

[0025] The ring member can be part of the first end cap.

[0026] The filter cartridge can also include a radially oriented seal member fixed to the first end cap.

[0027] The pleated media can have inner pleat tips and outer pleat tips, and the seal member can be positioned radially spaced from both the inner pleat tips and the outer pleat tips.

[0028] The ring member can have projections arranged at a radial interval between the inner pleat tip and the outer pleat tip, and the projections can be arranged radially spaced from the outer pleat tip.

[0029] The first end cap can include a seal member holder extending axially from the first end cap and located between the inner pleat tip and the outer pleat tip. The holder can have a radial groove for holding the seal member. The ring member can be present as an integral part of the seal member holder.

[0030] In some embodiments, the seal member extends radially inward and the projections on the ring member extend radially outward.

[0031] In some configurations, the cartridge projection protrudes from the radial wall of the ring member.

[0032] Some examples include cartridge protrusions projecting from a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the filter medium structure.

[0033] In some embodiments, the cartridge projection is a tooth of a spur gear.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge further includes a second end cap fixed to the second end of the filter medium structure.

[0035] The filter cartridge may further include a housing having an interior that holds a filter medium structure inside.

[0036] The housing may have outward-facing threads for connecting to the filter head.

[0037] In some embodiments, the filter media structure can be permanently fixed within the housing.

[0038] In some embodiments, the filter media structure can be removably fixed within the housing.

[0039] In some embodiments, each projection has a height of 0.12 to 0.34 inches.

[0040] In some embodiments, each projection has a height of approximately 13 / 35 inches.

[0041] In some embodiments, each projection is a gear tooth sized such that the rotation angle of one tooth is 7.2 to 20°.

[0042] In some examples, each projection, or gear tooth, is sized such that the rotation angle of one tooth is approximately 10-11°.

[0043] In some embodiments, there are 50 or fewer protrusions.

[0044] In some embodiments, there are 18 or more protrusions.

[0045] In some embodiments, there are approximately 43 to 47 protrusions.

[0046] In another embodiment, a filter head device is provided. The filter head device includes a fluid inlet and a valve device as variously characterized above, wherein the valve teeth are configured and arranged to receive a force that rotates the valve shaft between an open position and a closed position. The open position aligns the fluid flow bore with the fluid inlet, and the closed position blocks the fluid flow from the fluid inlet. The valve device may further include a torsion spring for holding the valve shaft in the closed position when no force is applied to the valve gear teeth.

[0047] In another embodiment, a filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter head as characterized above and a filter cartridge as variously characterized above, which is removably fixed to the filter head. A cartridge projection of the filter cartridge applies force to the teeth of the valve gear to move the valve shaft between an open position and a closed position.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge projection is a gear tooth, and the ratio of valve gear teeth to cartridge gear teeth is approximately 1:2.5 to 1:5.

[0049] In some cases, the ratio of valve gear teeth to cartridge gear teeth is approximately 1:2.69.

[0050] In some examples, the height of the valve gear teeth and cartridge gear teeth is approximately 0.12 to 0.34 inches.

[0051] In some examples, the height of the valve gear teeth and cartridge gear teeth is approximately 13 / 35 of an inch.

[0052] In some cases, the valve shaft has an outer diameter of approximately 17-18 mm, and the bore and valve shaft have a diameter of approximately 9-10 mm.

[0053] In some examples, the valve shaft may have a rotation axis parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge.

[0054] In some examples, the valve shaft may have a rotation axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge.

[0055] In some examples, the filter cartridge is a spin-on cartridge containing a filter element that is non-removably fixed within an outer housing, and the housing is removablely attached to the filter head.

[0056] In another embodiment, the filter cartridge comprises a bowl-cartridge assembly including a filter element that is removably positioned within a bowl, and a bowl-in that is removably mounted to the filter head.

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, the bowl-cartridge assembly further includes a coalescer element inside the filter cartridge.

[0058] The filter element and the bowl may, in this example, include an anti-rotation mechanism.

[0059] The anti-rotation mechanism may include multiple tabs projecting radially from the filter element and multiple slots along the inner wall of a bowl that receives the tabs.

[0060] The anti-rotation mechanism may include at least one projection extending outward from the end cap.

[0061] The anti-rotation mechanism may include a pocket mechanism configured to receive a protrusion on the filter housing.

[0062] In a further embodiment, a method is provided which includes: rotating a filter assembly having a first thread with respect to a mating thread of a filter head, such that the rotation of the filter assembly rotates a set of cartridge projections; translating the first end cap of the filter assembly axially into the filter head, such that the axial translation of the first end cap into the filter head positions the cartridge projections to operatively engage with projections on the valve shaft within the filter head; and opening a valve integrated with the valve shaft within the filter head by rotating the projections on the valve shaft by rotating the cartridge projections.

[0063] The step of opening the valve may include rotating the valve around its axis of rotation.

[0064] In some cases, the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the central axis, and in other cases, the axis of rotation is parallel to the central axis.

[0065] In some cases, the valve is a ball valve.

[0066] In some examples, the cartridge projection includes a drive gear in the form of either a bevel gear or a worm gear.

[0067] The concepts disclosed herein relate to a filter assembly incorporating a drive gear rotatably fixed to the filter assembly. Rotation of the filter assembly results in rotation of the drive gear, which can be used to transmit rotational motion to other components, such as a driven gear. The filter assembly is rotated manually to install it in a filtration system, thereby causing the meshing threads defined by the filter assembly and the filter head to engage with each other. Rotation of the filter assembly relative to the filter head during installation opens the fluid passage leading to the filter assembly. In particular, rotation of the drive gear causes rotation of the driven gear within the filter head. The driven gear is operationally coupled to a valve in the fluid passage, which opens when the driven gear rotates.

[0068] In some embodiments, the technology relates to a filter assembly. The filter medium is arranged around a central opening having a central axis. The filter medium has a first medium end and a second medium end. A first end cap is coupled to the first medium end of the filter medium. The first end cap defines the central opening and a drive gear around the central opening. A filter housing is coupled to the first end cap and has a first housing end and a second housing end. The first housing end defines the housing opening. The second housing end surrounds the second medium end. Threads are coupled to the filter housing and the first end cap, and the threads are arranged around the central opening and configured to engage with the filter head.

[0069] In some such embodiments, the drive gear is selected from the group consisting of bevel gears and worm gear drive units. In addition or alternatively, the first end cap and threads form a single, integrated structure. In addition or alternatively, the filter housing is fixed to the outer surface of the first end cap at the end of the first housing. In addition or alternatively, the first end cap has a seal structure positioned around the central opening. In addition or alternatively, the seal structure is radially positioned between the drive gear and the threads. In addition or alternatively, the seal structure defines an axial seal. In addition or alternatively, the seal structure defines a radial seal. In addition or alternatively, the assembly has a housing seal positioned around the filter housing at the end of the first housing. In addition or alternatively, the threads are integrated with the filter housing. In addition or alternatively, the first end cap has a housing engaging member having a rotational obstruction feature configured to be received by a mating feature of the filter housing. In addition or alternatively, the rotational interference feature has a projection extending outward from the first end cap, and the counterpart feature of the filter housing is a slot configured to receive the projection.

[0070] Some embodiments relate to a filter element. The filter medium is arranged around a central opening having a central axis. The filter medium has a first medium end and a second medium end. A first end cap is coupled to the first medium end of the filter medium. The first end cap defines the central opening and a drive gear around the central opening. The first end cap has a housing engagement member having a rotational obstruction feature.

[0071] In some such embodiments, the rotational interference feature is configured to engage with a counterpart feature on the filter housing. In addition or alternatively, the rotational interference feature has a projection extending outward from the first end cap. In addition or alternatively, the rotational interference feature has a plurality of projections extending radially outward from the first end cap. In addition or alternatively, the rotational interference feature has a pocket mechanism configured to receive the projection feature on the filter housing. In addition or alternatively, the drive gear is selected from the group consisting of bevel gears and worm gear drives. In addition or alternatively, the first end cap further has a seal structure positioned around the central opening. In addition or alternatively, the seal structure defines an axial seal. In addition or alternatively, the seal structure defines a radial seal.

[0072] Some embodiments relate to filter systems. A filter head defines a filter assembly opening having a first thread around it and a fluid passage selectively extending to the filter assembly opening. The filter head has a valve positioned in the fluid passage, the valve having an open position and a closed position. The system has a filter assembly having a filter medium positioned around a central opening having a central axis. The filter medium defines a first end and a second end. A first end cap is coupled to the first end of the filter medium. A mating thread is present around the first end cap and is configured to engage with the first thread of the filter head when the filter assembly rotates relative to the filter head. A meshing gear device has a first part and a second part, the first part being a component of the filter head and the second part being a component of the filter assembly. The meshing gear device is operationally coupled to the valve to translate the valve from the open position to the closed position.

[0073] In some such embodiments, the system has a sealing structure configured to form a seal between the filter head and the first end cap around a central opening. In addition or alternatively, the sealing structure is positioned radially inward from the mating threads. In addition or alternatively, the sealing structure defines an axial seal. In addition or alternatively, the sealing structure defines a radial seal. In addition or alternatively, the first part of the meshing gear device has a ratchet gear. In addition or alternatively, the first part of the meshing gear device has one of the group consisting of a pinion gear and a worm gear. In addition or alternatively, the valve has a ball valve. In addition or alternatively, the first part of the meshing gear device defines a rotation axis perpendicular to the central axis. In addition or alternatively, the first part of the meshing gear device defines a rotation axis parallel to the central axis. In addition or alternatively, the filter housing is fixed to the first end cap, and the filter housing and filter head enclose the filter medium. In addition or alternatively, the system has a housing seal positioned around the filter housing, which is configured to be positioned between the filter housing and the filter head.

[0074] Several embodiments relate to the method. A filter assembly having a first thread is rotated relative to the mating thread of a filter head. Rotation of the filter assembly rotates a drive gear, which is integral with the first end cap of the filter assembly about a central axis. The first end cap of the filter assembly is axially translated into the filter head by rotating the filter assembly. Axial translation of the first end cap into the filter head positions the drive gear to operatively engage with the driven gear of the filter head. Rotating the drive gear rotates the driven gear, which in turn opens a valve in the filter head.

[0075] In some such embodiments, the valve opens when the valve is rotated around a pivot axis. In addition or alternatively, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the central axis. In addition or alternatively, the pivot axis is parallel to the central axis. In addition or alternatively, the valve is a ball valve. In addition or alternatively, the drive gear is a bevel gear. In addition or alternatively, the drive gear is a worm gear drive.

[0076] It should be noted that not all of the specific features described herein must be incorporated into the device in order for it to have any selected advantages as provided herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0077] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a valve device constructed in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system using the valve device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of a liquid filter assembly, including a liquid filter head device incorporating the valve device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the filter cartridge used in the filter assembly. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the filter assembly. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a side view of a partially closed valve in the filter assembly. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a top view of a partially closed valve in the filter assembly. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing process tolerances for various tooth heights for gears used in the concepts described herein. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of a valve assembly and part of a filter cartridge. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 9 of a valve assembly and a part of a filter cartridge, which have teeth of a different size than those in Figure 9. [Figure 11]This is a schematic perspective view of a valve assembly and a portion of a filter cartridge according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic perspective view of a valve assembly and a portion of a filter cartridge according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a top view of the valve mechanism in a filter assembly, where the filter is not installed, the valve is closed, and the valve gear is in the neutral position. [Figure 14] This diagram is similar to Figure 13, with the filter cartridge installed and the valve in the open position. [Figure 15] This diagram is similar to Figure 14 and shows the filter cartridge removal position. When the filter cartridge is completely removed, the spring returns to the neutral position. [Figure 16] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter assembly using a valve device, showing the area where manufacturing tolerances should be considered. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of a spin-on filter assembly that can be used in the assembly described above. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a spin-on filter assembly. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of a filter cartridge that can be used in a bowl-cartridge assembly. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view of a bowl-cartridge assembly usable in the assembly described above, according to another embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the assembly. [Figure 23] Figures 21 and 22 are perspective views of a filter cartridge that can be used with the bowl-cartridge assembly. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view of some of the filter cartridges available for use in bowl-cartridge assemblies. [Figure 25]Figure 24 is a perspective view of a portion of the bowl-cartridge assembly with the cartridge installed in the bowl. [Figure 26] Figure 25 is a perspective view of a portion of the bowl used in the cartridge assembly. [Figure 27] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the filter cartridge described herein, showing dimension lines that indicate the relationships between the characteristic parts of the cartridge. [Figure 28] An exemplary filter system consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein is shown. [Figure 29] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a first exemplary filter element consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 30] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a second exemplary filter element consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 31] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a first exemplary filter assembly consistent with the system in Figure 28. [Figure 32] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a second exemplary filter assembly consistent with the system in Figure 28. [Figure 33] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a third exemplary filter assembly consistent with the system in Figure 28. [Figure 34] This is a first perspective cross-sectional view of the first exemplary system, consistent with Figure 28. [Figure 35] This is a cross-sectional view of the filter head, consistent with Figure 34. [Figure 36] Figure 34 is a second perspective cross-sectional view of the first exemplary system. [Figure 37] This is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary system, consistent with Figure 28. [Figure 38] This is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary system, consistent with Figure 28. [Figure 39] This flowchart is consistent with various embodiments. [Figure 40] This is a perspective view of an end cap for a filter cartridge, such as the cartridge in Figure 19, which has an alternative protrusion. [Figure 41] Figure 40 is a top view of the end cap. [Figure 42] This is a perspective view of an end cap for a filter cartridge, such as the cartridge in Figure 19, which has an alternative protrusion. [Figure 43] Figure 42 is a top view of the end cap. [Figure 44] This is a perspective view of an end cap for a filter cartridge, such as the cartridge in Figure 19, which has an alternative protrusion. [Figure 45] Figure 44 is a top view of the end cap. [Figure 46] This is a perspective view of an end cap for a filter cartridge, such as the cartridge in Figure 19, which has an alternative protrusion. [Figure 47] Figure 46 is a top view of the end cap. [Figure 48] This is a perspective view of an end cap for a filter cartridge, such as the cartridge in Figure 19, which has an alternative protrusion. [Figure 49] Figure 48 is a top view of the end cap. [Figure 50] This is a perspective view of an end cap for a filter cartridge, such as the cartridge in Figure 19, which has an alternative protrusion. [Figure 51] Figure 50 is a top view of the end cap. [Figure 52] This is a perspective view of an end cap for a filter cartridge, such as the cartridge in Figure 19, which has an alternative protrusion. [Figure 53] Figure 52 is a top view of the end cap. [Figure 54] This is a perspective view of an end cap for a filter cartridge, such as the cartridge in Figure 19, which has an alternative protrusion. [Figure 55] Figure 54 is a top view of the end cap. [Figure 56] This is a perspective view of an end cap for a filter cartridge, such as the cartridge in Figure 19, which has an alternative protrusion. [Figure 57]Figure 56 is a top view of the end cap. [Figure 58] This is a perspective view of an end cap for a filter cartridge, such as the cartridge in Figure 19, which has an alternative protrusion. [Figure 59] Figure 58 is a top view of the end cap. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0078] This technology can be more fully understood and appreciated by considering the following detailed descriptions of various embodiments associated with the attached drawings.

[0079] The figures are drawn primarily for clarity and, as a result, are not necessarily drawn to a fixed scale. Furthermore, various structures / components, including but not limited to fasteners and electrical components (wiring, cables, etc.), may be graphically shown or omitted from some or all of the figures in order to better illustrate the aspects of the depicted embodiments, or when including such structures / components is not necessary for understanding the various exemplary embodiments described herein. However, the absence of such structures / components in a particular figure should not be interpreted in any way as limiting the scope of the various embodiments.

[0080] Detailed description A. Valve device, application for general use Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a valve device 50 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The valve device 50 includes a valve shaft 52. A fluid flow bore 54 passes through the shaft 52. In particular, the shaft 50 has first and second ends 56, 57 on opposite sides, and a longitudinal axis 58 passes through the first and second ends 56, 57. The fluid flow bore 54 has a central axis 60 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 58 of the shaft 52.

[0081] The valve device 50 further includes projections which may be gear teeth 62. The valve gear teeth 62 protrude from the valve shaft 52 and are configured and arranged to receive a force that rotates the valve shaft 52 about the longitudinal axis 58.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve gear teeth 62 protrude from the second end 57 of the shaft 52. As shown, the valve gear teeth 62 protrude radially from the second end 57 of the shaft 52.

[0083] While many embodiments are possible, generally, the gear teeth 62 include at least two individual teeth 64 arranged circumferentially apart from each other. Often, there are at least three teeth 64 arranged circumferentially apart from each other. For example, there may be 2 to 10 teeth 64 arranged circumferentially apart from each other.

[0084] The shaft 52 can be generally cylindrical, having an outer circumference at the second end 57. In this embodiment, the gear teeth 62 do not circle the entire circumference of the shaft 52. Rather, they extend along a limited arc of the circumference, for example, along an arc of 180° or less, and possibly along an arc of 150° or less, 120° or less, and possibly 90° or less.

[0085] The gear teeth 62 can have many different geometric shapes. In the example shown, the gear teeth 62 are the teeth 66 of a spur gear.

[0086] The fluid flow bore 54 can have many different shapes. In particular, its shape can be sized to help optimize the fluid flow through it in the system of use. In the example shown, the bore 54 has a non-circular outer shape. Its shape can be elliptical or racetrack-shaped.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 2, which shows a schematic diagram of a system 70 using a valve device 50. In system 70, the inflow liquid passage is indicated by 72. The inflow liquid passage 72 flows into a valve device 50 that controls the volume of flow through it. The flow permitted to flow through the valve device 50 flows into a system component 74. The system component 74 processes the fluid flowing into it in some way, and the processed fluid then flows out of the component 74 through an outlet passage or conduit 76.

[0088] The applications of system 70 can be varied. In one example, system 70 can be a filter assembly. Component 74 can be a filter cartridge that operates to filter the liquid flowing into it through the inlet passage 72, with the flow volume controlled by a valve device 50. The filtered liquid then flows out of the filter device through the outlet conduit 76.

[0089] Generally, the gear valve device 50 is operated by a force supplied to the gear teeth 62, which causes the valve device 50 to rotate about the longitudinal axis 58. As it rotates, the valve device 50 moves the bore 54, thereby moving the bore 54 away from the fluid flow conduit so that the conduit is completely or partially blocked, or moving the bore to align with the fluid flow conduit so that the conduit is not blocked and the fluid flows freely through it.

[0090] An example is shown in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a side view of a partially closed valve device 50. The shaft at 52 can be seen, while the bore 54 is shown to be only partially aligned with the open passage 78. Figure 7 is a top view of Figure 6, showing the partially closed valve device 50. The passage is indicated by 80, and it can be seen how the passage is partially closed at 81 and 82. If the bore 54 were aligned with the open passage 78, there would be no blockage at 81 and 82. In this example, the blockage at 81 and 82 is the shaft 52 of the valve device 50.

[0091] B. Example of a filter device Figure 3 shows a liquid filter assembly 85, which includes a filter head device 86 and a filter cartridge 92 that is detachably connected to the filter head device 86.

[0092] The filter head unit 86 has a fluid inlet 88 and a fluid outlet 90. Typically, the filter head unit 86 is installed in equipment such as an engine that utilizes oil or hydraulic fluid. The fluid to be filtered flows from an upstream reservoir into the inlet conduit 88. It then flows from the filter head unit 86 to the filter cartridge 92 (only partially shown in Figure 3), where it is filtered, and then returns to the filter head unit 86, exiting through the outlet conduit 90. The filtered liquid then goes to downstream components.

[0093] According to the principles of this disclosure, the filter head device 86 uses a gear valve device 50 to control the volume of fluid flow and form an inlet 88 to the filter cartridge 92. For example, if the filter cartridge 92 is not installed at all, the valve device 50 can completely block the fluid flow from the inlet 88.

[0094] The valve gear device 50 is used in conjunction with the filter head device 86 such that the gear teeth 62 are configured and positioned to receive a force that rotates the valve shaft 52 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the fluid flow bore 54 aligns with the inlet 88, while in the closed position, the fluid flow is blocked at the inlet 88, stopping or preventing the flow from reaching the cartridge 92, or the housing containing the cartridge, or the device containing the cartridge.

[0095] In Figure 3, it can be seen how the valve device 50 further includes a spring 94, such as a torsion spring 94, to hold the valve shaft 52 in the closed position when no force is applied to the gear teeth 62.

[0096] Next, referring to Figure 4, a top perspective view of one embodiment of the filter cartridge 92 is shown. The filter cartridge 92 includes projections 96, such as cartridge gear teeth 96. The cartridge gear teeth 96 engage with the valve gear teeth 62 and apply force to the valve gear teeth 62, causing the valve shaft 52 to move between the open and closed positions.

[0097] The filter cartridge 92 generally includes a filter medium structure 98 and a set of cartridge gear teeth 96 attached to the filter medium structure 98, and also referring to Figures 4, 5, and 17-23.

[0098] The cartridge gear teeth 96 can be part of the ring member 100 and are arranged around the ring member 100 at circumferential intervals from one another. The cartridge gear teeth 96 are shown to extend radially outward around the ring member 100. The cartridge gear teeth 96 protrude from the radial wall of the ring member 100, and as a result, it can be understood that the radial wall changes radially around the ring member 100 along with the teeth.

[0099] The filter medium structure 98 forms a tubular shape surrounding an open internal volume 102 having first and second opposite ends 104, 105.

[0100] A first end cap 108 is provided at the first end 104 fixed to the filter medium structure 98. The first end cap 108 has an opening 110 that communicates with the open internal volume 102.

[0101] The filter medium structure 98 can be many different types of filter media. In many examples, the filter medium structure 98 can be a pleated medium containing a pleated cellular medium.

[0102] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the ring member 100 is part of the first end cap 108 and surrounds the opening 110.

[0103] The filter cartridge 92 may further include a sealing member 112. In many examples, the sealing member 112 is fixed to the first end cap 108 as a radially oriented sealing member 113. The radially oriented sealing member 113 may be oriented inward (Figures 4, 5, and 17-20) or outward (Figures 21-23).

[0104] The filter medium structure 98 can be a pleated medium 116 having an inner pleat tip 118 and an outer pleat tip 119. The inner pleat tip 118 helps to define the internal volume 102, and the outer pleat tip 119 helps to define the periphery of the filter medium structure 98.

[0105] In many embodiments, the sealing member 112 is positioned radially apart from both the inner pleat tip 118 and the outer pleat tip 119. The ring member 100 having gear teeth 96 is positioned radially apart from the inner pleat tip 118 and the outer pleat tip 119. Typically, the cartridge gear teeth 96 are positioned radially inward from the outer pleat tip 119.

[0106] The first end cap 108 includes a seal member holder 122. The holder 122 may extend axially from the first end cap 108 in a direction away from the medium 116. In many embodiments, the holder 122 is radially located between the inner pleat tip 118 and the outer pleat tip 119. The holder 122 may have a radial groove 124 that holds the seal member 112. While many different embodiments are possible, in a preferred embodiment, the ring member 100 is an integral part of the seal member holder 122. In embodiments where the radial seal member 113 is oriented inward, the groove 124 runs along the inside of the holder 122, whereas in embodiments where the radial seal member 113 is oriented outward, the groove 124 runs along the outside of the holder 122.

[0107] In certain examples shown (i.e., Figures 4, 5, 17-20), the sealing member 113 extends radially inward from the holder 122, while the teeth 96 extend radially outward. Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, the teeth 96 extend radially opposite to that of the sealing member 112. In other examples (Figures 21-23), the sealing member 113 extends radially outward from the holder 122, while the teeth 96 extend radially outward so as to extend in the same radial direction.

[0108] The cartridge gear teeth 96 are sized and shaped to engage with the gear teeth 62 of the valve device 50. In many examples, the cartridge gear teeth 96 are spur gear teeth.

[0109] The filter cartridge 92 may further include a second end cap 126. The second end cap 126 may often have one or more openings 128, but may also be a closed end cap.

[0110] Referring here to Figures 17-23, specific examples of filter cartridges 92 are shown herein. Figures 17 and 18 include a filter cartridge 92 in the form of a spin-on cartridge 132. The spin-on cartridge 132 includes a filter element 134 (Figure 18) fixed non-removably within an outer housing 136. The housing 136 is removablely mountable to a filter head device 86. The central longitudinal axis x is shown to pass through the cartridge 132. When installed with the filter head 86, the axis 58 of the valve shaft 52 is parallel to the longitudinal axis x in this non-limiting exemplary embodiment. Other arrangements are possible.

[0111] The housing 136 includes an interior 138 that holds the element 134. The housing 136 also includes outward-facing threads 140 for connecting to threads 87 on the filter head device 86.

[0112] In the embodiments shown in Figures 17 and 18, the housing 136 has a sleeve 142 in the opening 144. The sleeve 142 has threads 140. The sleeve 142 can be made as described in either U.S. Patent No. 9,545,587 or U.S. Patent No. 9,555,347, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0113] The housing 136 also has an outwardly oriented sealing member 146 for forming a seal with the filter head device 86. In the embodiments shown in Figures 17 and 18, the sealing member 146 is held in a groove 148 of the sleeve 142.

[0114] The sleeve 142 may also have a radially oriented flange 150 that acts as a stopper when screwed onto or attached to the filter head device 86.

[0115] Referring further to Figures 17 and 18, in this embodiment, the housing 136 has an open bottom end 152. The open bottom end 152 can receive a valve device that is screw-mounted to the bottom of this element by threads 154. This valve device may allow for the discharge of a liquid, such as water, in the case of a fuel / water separator.

[0116] Figures 19 and 20 show a filter cartridge 92 in the form of a filter element used in a bowl-cartridge assembly. In the bowl-cartridge assembly, the filter element 158 ​​is removably fixed in the outer housing or within the bowl 160 (Figure 21).

[0117] Figures 21 and 22 show a bowl-cartridge assembly 162. The bowl or housing 160 may receive the exemplary element 158 ​​shown in Figures 19 and 20; alternatively, it may receive a coalescer filter element 164, as shown in Figures 22 and 23. Generally, when the filter media structure 98 becomes clogged and requires maintenance, in the bowl-cartridge assembly 162, the housing 160 is removed from the filter head device 86, and then internal filter elements such as element 158 ​​or element 164 are removed from the housing 160 and replaced with new elements 158, 164.

[0118] In Figure 22, we can see how the coalescer filter element 164 includes an internal coalescer 166 located within the filter interior 102. The coalescer 166 will help separate the fuel from the water or other combined substances. In this example, the coalescer 166 extends only partially into the filter interior 102 in the shape of a frustoconical pyramidal structure from the opening 110 of the first end cap 108 toward the second end cap 126.

[0119] Figures 24-26 show a variation of the bowl-cartridge assembly 162 of Figures 19-22, labeled 162'. The filter cartridge 158' and bowl 160' include an anti-rotation mechanism 175. The anti-rotation mechanism 175 prevents the cartridge 158' from rotating with the bowl 160' when the bowl 160' is rotated (screwed) to the filter head, once the cartridge 158' is operably oriented inside the bowl 160'.

[0120] The anti-rotation mechanism 175 is deformable, but in the shown example, the end cap 108' has a radially outward-extending tab 177 that protrudes from the outer edge 175 of the end cap 108'. The bowl 160' has a recessed slot 179 along the inner wall 181 of the bowl 160' adjacent to an open opening 183 sized to receive the tab 177. The recessed slot 179 is bayonet-shaped, opening at 185 at the edge of the opening 183, and after the tab 177 drops vertically into it at 185, the rotational motion of the cartridge 158' in the bowl 160' moves the tab 177 to the portion 187 of the slot 179 that is not open at the edge of the opening 183, thereby locking the tab 177 in the slot 179.

[0121] C. Analysis of gear teeth, ratio, and tolerances The gear ratio is defined as the number of teeth on the driven part (load) relative to the number of teeth on the driving part (effort). In the example of the filter device described herein, the driving part or effort is the cartridge gear with 96 teeth, and the driven part or load is the valve device gear with 62 teeth.

[0122] Process tolerances help determine the geometric shape of gear teeth 62 and 96. Taller teeth are even better for larger process tolerances. Generally, the shorter the height of the gear teeth, the smaller the angle of rotation and the more precise the gear movement. The more precise the gear movement, the more controlled the opening of the valve device 50.

[0123] In Figure 8, point 200 shows the ideal state of gear meshing. Both 200a and 200b show the ideal state, but 200a has teeth that are taller than those in 200b.

[0124] In 202, the gears are spaced apart by a nominal distance corresponding to the process tolerance to prevent gear coupling. Here again, 202a shows tall teeth, and 202b shows short teeth.

[0125] In 204, the gears are marked with twice the process tolerance. In 204b, the gears do not even engage with each other. In 204a, there is minimal engagement, but no backlash. The gears must have backlash to function properly.

[0126] Figures 9-12 illustrate the ratchet effect of the gears. The amount the valve mechanism 50 opens is determined by the height of the teeth. The higher the tooth height, the lower the precision of the valve mechanism 50 opening, but slight precision can be achieved by changing the relative size of the gears so that the gear ratio is small. The view through the inlet 88 shows the position of the bore 54 of the valve mechanism 50, and a portion of the shaft 52 can be seen.

[0127] Figures 9 and 10 show an example where the gear tooth height is approximately 16 / 84''. This uses a gear ratio of 1:5.25. In Figures 9 and 10, the rotation angle of one tooth is 4.17° for the cartridge gear tooth 96 and 21.29° for the valve mechanism gear tooth 62.

[0128] In Figures 11 and 12, a higher tooth height is used than that shown in Figures 9 and 10, with a tooth height of 10 / 46''. This corresponds to a gear ratio of 1:4.6. In Figures 11 and 12, the rotation angle of one tooth of the cartridge gear tooth 96 is 7.81°, and the rotation angle of a tooth of the valve mechanism gear tooth 62 is 35.93°.

[0129] Figures 13-15 illustrate the usefulness of the torsion spring 94 being seated in a neutral position when the filter cartridge 92 is not installed. The valve gear 62 must ratchet in both directions. Figure 13 shows the neutral no-filter position, with the valve device 50 closed. The spring 94 is shown in the neutral position.

[0130] In Figure 14, the filter cartridge 92 is installed and the valve device 50 is open. Comparing Figures 13 and 14, it can be seen that the gear teeth 62 are ratcheted in a counterclockwise position, and the spring 94 is also rotating counterclockwise.

[0131] Figure 15 shows the filter removal position. The cartridge gear teeth 96 are shown rotating counterclockwise, which rotates the valve mechanism gear teeth 62 clockwise. The torsion spring 94 rotates clockwise past the neutral position, and when the filter cartridge 92 is completely removed, the spring 94 returns to the neutral position, which is also the position where the valve mechanism 50 is closed.

[0132] Figure 16 shows the tolerance analysis. Tolerances are indicated by A and B, where "A" is the radial distance between the sealing member 112 and the sealing surface 170 on the filter head assembly 86. Tolerance B is the radial clearance between the inner bore 172 of the filter head assembly 86 and the outer shaft 52 of the valve assembly 50. There are further tolerances related to concentricity. Tolerances are calculated for allowable amounts, such as less than 1 mm.

[0133] In many cases, a ratio of approximately 1:2.69 between the valve gear teeth 62 and the cartridge gear teeth 96 has been found to be useful. The height of the valve gear teeth 62 and the cartridge gear teeth 96 is approximately 13 / 35 of an inch.

[0134] Furthermore, it is useful to have a valve shaft with an outer diameter of approximately 17-18 mm, while the dimension across the bore 54 of the valve device 50 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 58 is approximately 9-10 mm.

[0135] Figure 27 shows a useful relationship between the sealing surface diameter 302; the gear tip outer diameter 304; and the outer diameter 306 of the first end cap. The lateral distance 308 between the outermost tip of the gear teeth 96 and the base of the groove 124 for the sealing member 113 is 1 to 13 mm, typically 5 to 10 mm, for example, about 7 to 8 mm. The following dimensions result in a useful device.

[0136] [Table 1]

[0137] During operation, a filter head device 86 is provided, and a filter cartridge 92 having cartridge gear teeth 96 is provided. The cartridge 92 is removably mounted to the filter head device 86 by screwing a connection between the cartridge 92 and the threads 87 on the filter head device 86. As the cartridge 92 rotates relative to the filter head device 86, the cartridge gear teeth 96 engage with the gear teeth 62 of the valve device 50, thereby causing the shaft 52 to rotate around the longitudinal axis 58, and the bore 54 to move and align with the inlet 88 of the filter head device 86 in an open state. This then allows fluid to flow from the inlet 88 to the filter cartridge 92. The filter cartridge 92 filters material from the liquid as the liquid passes through the media structure 98. The filtered liquid then returns from the filter cartridge 92 to the filter head device 86 and exits the filter head device 86 through the outlet 90. When the filter cartridge 92 is removed from the filter head device 86, the rotation of the cartridge 92 causes engagement with the cartridge gear teeth 96, which moves the gear teeth 62 on the valve device 50, causing the bore 54 to move out of alignment with the inlet 88.

[0138] The filter cartridge, including the outer housing and internal elements, can be made from a variety of materials, including non-metallic materials such as nylon plastic. In some embodiments, metal may also be included in optional components, including the housing and / or sleeve.

[0139] D. Alternative configurations, Figures 40-59 For example, in addition to the configuration of the projection 96 (such as the cartridge gear teeth 96) shown on the cartridge 158 in Figure 19, various other possible configurations may be used. Generally, the projection 96 can be any shape that can provide a continuous or discontinuous diameter after rotation that will rotate the gear teeth 62 of the valve device 50 over the required range of motion (e.g., at least three teeth) and hold the valve device 50 in an open position after rotation. In Figures 40–59, the end cap is shown as 400 and can be used where the end cap 108 is shown. In each of these embodiments, an anti-rotation mechanism similar to 175 having a radially outward-extending tab 177 is shown together with a radially outward-extending flange 401 extending radially from the outer circumference of the end cap 400, and many alternatives are possible.

[0140] Figures 40 and 41 show projections 402 having the same shape as those shown in Figure 19, which can be shaped like spur gears. The projections 402 exist in groups 404, each consisting of three projections / teeth 402. The three groups 404 are arranged at equal intervals from each other in the circumferential direction. Between each group 404, there are continuous smooth ridges 406.

[0141] In Figures 42 and 43, the projections 402 exist as a single group 404 consisting of three projections / teeth 402. A continuous, smooth ridge 406 extends circumferentially along the end cap 400 from one circumferential end of the group 404 to the opposite circumferential end of the end cap 400.

[0142] Figures 45-49 show the projections 412 embodied as pins 414. In Figures 44-45, the pins 414 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction and protrude from the axial surface of the end cap 400, spaced apart from the holder 122. In Figures 46-47, the pins 414 exist in groups 416 consisting of three pins 414. There are four groups 416, arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Between each group 416, there are continuous smooth ridges 418. In Figures 48-49, the projections 412 exist in a single group 416 consisting of three pins 414. The continuous smooth ridges 418 extend circumferentially along the end cap 400 from one circumferential end of the group 416 to the opposite circumferential end.

[0143] Figures 50-55 show projections 422 embodied as fins or paddles 424. In Figures 50-51, the paddles 424 are arranged at equal intervals circumferentially, protruding from the axial surface of the end cap 400 and simultaneously protruding radially outward from the holder 122. In Figures 52-53, the paddles 424 exist as groups 426 consisting of three paddles 424. Three groups 426 exist, arranged at equal intervals circumferentially. Between each group 426, there are continuous smooth ridges 428. In Figures 54-55, three groups 426 exist as in Figures 52-53, but each group 426 is separated circumferentially by pins 429.

[0144] Figures 56–59 show projections 422, shown here as fins or paddles 424 (but there may be many other variations), where a group 426 is separated by discrete fins 438. Figures 56–57 are similar to Figures 52–53, but instead of having a smooth ridge 428 separating the group 426, there are multiple individual fins 438. In Figures 58–59, there is a single group 426, and the fins 438 extend circumferentially along the end cap 400 from one circumferential end of the group 426 to the opposite circumferential end of the end cap 400.

[0145] E. Further embodiments, Figures 28-38 As can be understood from the above and as will be further explained below, the concepts disclosed herein relate to a filter assembly incorporating a drive gear, such as a projection from the filter cartridge described above, which is rotatably fixed to the filter assembly. Rotation of the filter assembly results in rotation of the drive gear, which can be used to transmit rotational motion to other components, such as a driven gear, such as a projection on a valve shaft as described above. The filter assembly is rotated manually to install it in a filtration system so that the filter head engages with a mating thread defined by the filter assembly. Rotating the filter assembly relative to the filter head during installation opens a fluid passage leading to the filter assembly. In particular, rotation of the drive gear rotates a driven gear in the filter head. The driven gear is coupled to a valve in the fluid passage, which opens as the driven gear rotates.

[0146] Figure 28 depicts an exemplary filter system 1010 consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. The filter system 1010 generally comprises a filter head 1020 and a filter assembly 1100 configured to be coupled to the filter head 1020. The exemplary filter system 1010 could be a liquid filter system, such as a system configured to filter oil and / or hydraulic fluids.

[0147] The filter head 1020 may be coupled to or an integral component thereof in a liquid flow system such as an oil and / or hydraulic system. The filter head 1020 has a filter connection structure 1022 configured to connect to a filter assembly 1100. The filter head 1020 defines a conduit that directs fluid through the filter assembly 1100 and then returns the fluid to the liquid flow system. The filter head 1020 defines an inlet 1024 and an outlet 1026. The inlet 1024 guides the liquid flow into the filter assembly 1100. The outlet 1026 guides the liquid flow away from the filter assembly 1100. The filter head can have a variety of different configurations, some of which are described in more detail below with respect to Figures 34-38.

[0148] The filter assembly 1100 is generally configured to filter the liquid received from the filter head 1020. The filter assembly 1100 is configured to be sealably coupled to the filter head 1020. The filter assembly 1100 and the filter head 1020 are configured to cumulatively define a fluid flow path from the inlet 1024, through the filter assembly 1100, and through the outlet 1026. The filter assembly 1100 can have various different configurations, which will be described in more detail below.

[0149] Figure 29 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a first exemplary filter element 1200. The filter element 1200 is generally configured to filter fluids, particularly liquids. The filter element 1200 comprises at least a filter medium 1210, a first end cap 1220, and a housing engagement member 1230. Here, the filter element 1200 also has a second end cap 1240.

[0150] The filter medium 1210 is generally configured to filter fluids. In some embodiments, the filter medium 1210 is configured to filter water, oil, fuel, and / or hydraulic fluids. The filter medium 1210 is arranged around a central opening 1202. In this example, the filter medium 1210 and the central opening 1202 share a central axis x. The filter medium 1210 has an overall cylindrical tubular configuration. The filter medium 1210 has a first medium end 1212 and a second medium end 1214. The central opening 1202 extends from the first medium end 1212 to the second medium end 1214. The first medium end 1212 of the filter medium 1210 is coupled to a first end cap 1220, and the second medium end 1214 of the filter medium 1210 is coupled to a second end cap 1240.

[0151] The filter medium 1210 can be made of various materials and combinations of materials. In some embodiments, the filter medium 1210 is made of fibers. In various embodiments, the filter medium 1210 is pleated. In some such embodiments, the filter medium 1210 has a first set of pleats that cumulatively define the outer flow surface 1216 of the filter medium 1210 and a second set of pleats that cumulatively define the inner flow surface 1218 of the filter medium 1210. In some embodiments, the filter medium 1210 is wound around the central opening 1202 so as to have a helical configuration around the central opening 1202. In some such embodiments, the outer flow surface 1216 is defined by one surface of the filter medium 1210 and the inner flow surface 1218 is defined by the opposite surface of the filter medium 1210. The inner flow surface 1218 may be upstream of the outer flow surface 1216 with respect to the fluid flow through the filter medium 1210. However, in some cases, the outer flow surface 1216 can be located upstream of the inner flow surface 1218.

[0152] In some embodiments, the filter element 1200 may have one or more liners 1250 that abut the inner flow surface 1218 and / or the outer flow surface 1216 of the filter medium 1210. The liners 1250 may be configured to provide structural support to the filter medium 210 and / or to support the filtration function of the filter medium 1210.

[0153] The first end cap 1220 is generally configured to hold the first media end 1212 of the filter medium 1210. The first end cap 1220 can define a portion of the fluid flow path through the filter medium 1210. The first end cap 1220 is sealably coupled to the first media end 1212 of the filter medium 1210. In this example, the first end cap 1220 defines an end cap opening 1224 which is part of the central opening 1202. The first end cap 1220 shares the central axis x of the filter medium 1210 and the central opening 1202. The first end cap 1220 generally includes a drive gear 1222, a housing engagement member 1230, and a sealing structure 1226.

[0154] The drive gear 1222 of the first end cap 1220 is generally configured to drive a driven gear of the system in which the filter element 1200 is installed. The drive gear 1222 is configured to operatively mesh with the corresponding gear structure of the driven gear of the corresponding system, which will be described in more detail below. The drive gear 1222 is positioned around the central opening 1202. The drive gear 1222 shares a central axis x. The drive gear 1222 and the first end cap 1220 are rotatably fixed such that the rotation of the first end cap 1220 results in equal rotation of the drive gear 1222. In various embodiments, the drive gear 1222 and the first end cap 1220 form a single, integrated structure. The drive gear 1222 can be integrated with the first end cap 1220.

[0155] The drive gear 1222 can have various configurations to be consistent with the technology disclosed herein. Here, the drive gear 1222 is a bevel gear. In some embodiments, the bevel gear may be a crown gear. The drive gear 1222 has a plurality of gear teeth 1221 extending radially inward to partially define the end cap opening 1224. The plurality of gear teeth 1221 are arranged at equal intervals around the end cap opening 1224. In some embodiments, the drive gear 1222 has at least 15 gear teeth 1221. In some embodiments, the drive gear 1222 has 20 to 60 gear teeth. In some embodiments, the drive gear 1222 has 160 or fewer gear teeth. The drive gear 1222 is configured to engage with the driven gear in multiple directions around the central axis x. The drive gear 1222 may be other types of gears, such as a worm gear drive, a screw gear, or the like.

[0156] The housing engagement member 1230 of the first end cap 1220 is generally configured to engage with the filter housing, which is configured to receive the filter element 1200 (described in more detail below). The housing engagement member 230 can have various configurations but generally has a rotational interference feature 1232. The rotational interference feature 1232 is configured to interfere with the rotation of the filter element 1200 relative to the filter housing. In this example, the housing engagement member 1230 defines the rotational interference feature 1232. More specifically, each of the multiple housing engagement members 1230 defines the rotational interference feature 1232.

[0157] Each rotational interference feature 1232 is configured to engage with a counterpart feature on the filter housing to rotationally secure the filter element 1200 to the filter housing. In this example, each rotational interference feature 1232 is a projection extending outward from the first end cap 1220. In various examples, the rotational interference feature 1232 extends radially outward from the first end cap 1220. In some embodiments, the rotational interference feature 1232 extends outward from the first end cap 1220 in the axial direction, i.e., along the central axis x.

[0158] In embodiments consistent with this example, the rotational interference feature 1232 is integrated with the first end cap 1220. In some embodiments, the rotational interference feature 1232 may be a separate component coupled to both the first end cap 1220 and the filter housing. In this example, the rotational interference feature 1232 is a projection extending from the first end cap 1220, but in some embodiments, the rotational interference feature may be a pocket mechanism defined by the first end cap 1220. Such a pocket mechanism may be configured to receive a mating projection of the corresponding filter housing, or, in another example, the pocket mechanism may be configured to be received by an interference feature which is a separate component from the filter housing and the first end cap 1220.

[0159] The seal structure 1226 of the first end cap 1220 is configured to form a seal with the filtration system components. In various embodiments, the seal structure 1226 is configured to form a seal with the filter head. The seal structure 1226 is positioned around the central opening 1202. The seal structure 1226 is positioned around the drive gear 1222. In this example, the seal structure 1226 has a seal 1225 and a seal receiving portion 1229 that receives the seal 1225. Here, the seal receiving portion 1229 is defined by the outward-facing surface 1223, the outer annular ridge 1227a, and the inner annular ridge 1227b of the first end cap 1220. The outer annular ridge 1227a and the inner annular ridge 1227b receive the seal 1225 between them. The outer annular ridge 1227a and the inner annular ridge 1227b each extend axially outward from the outward-facing surface 1223 of the first end cap 1220. In this example, the seal structure 1226 defines an annular seal, meaning that the exposed portion 1225 of the seal (referred to as the "seal surface") faces generally axially. In some embodiments, the seal structure can define a radial seal, where the seal surface faces generally radially. Such configurations are described below with reference to Figure 30.

[0160] The second end cap 1240 of the filter element 1200 is generally configured to hold the second media end 1214 of the filter medium 1210 and define a portion of the fluid flow path through the filter medium 1210. In particular, the second end cap 1240 extends across the central opening 1202 and closes the central opening 1202. Thus, the fluid flow path extends through the filter medium 1210 and the end cap opening 1224.

[0161] Figure 30 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a second exemplary filter element 1300, which is consistent with the example. The second exemplary filter element 1300 is consistent with the description of the first exemplary filter element 1200 (described above with reference to Figure 29), except where it is inconsistent with Figure 30 or the foregoing description. Here, a first end cap 1320 is coupled to a first medium end 1312 of the filter medium 1310. The first end cap 1320 has an end cap opening 1324, a drive gear 1322 around the end cap opening 1324, a seal structure 1326 positioned around the drive gear 1322, and a housing engaging member 1330 having a rotational obstruction feature 1332.

[0162] In this example, the housing engagement member 1330 is a rotational obstruction feature 1332, which is a pocket formed along the radial outer surface 1323 of the first end cap 1320. The pocket extends axially along the first end cap 1320. The pocket is configured to receive a corresponding projection of the filter housing so that the filter element 1300 is rotationally secured to the filter housing. In some examples consistent with this embodiment, there are no more than one rotational obstruction feature 1332. In some other examples consistent with this embodiment, there are more than one rotational obstruction feature 1332. The pocket is depicted as extending through the outward-facing surface 1321 of the first end cap 1320, but in some embodiments, the pocket does not extend through the outward-facing surface 1321 of the first end cap 1320.

[0163] The seal structure 1326 depicted in this example defines a radial seal. The seal structure 1326 has a seal 1325 and a seal receiving portion 1329 that receives the seal 1325. The seal receiving portion 1329 is defined by the outward-facing surface 1321 of the first end cap 1320, an annular ridge 1327a, and a rim 1327b. The annular ridge 1327a extends axially outward from the outward-facing surface 1321 of the first end cap 1320 around the end cap opening 1324. The rim 1327b extends radially outward from the annular ridge 1327a. The rim 1327b is positioned axially spaced from the outward-facing surface 1321 of the first end cap 1320 to receive the seal 1325 between them. The radial seal is positioned radially outward from the drive gear 1322. More specifically, in this example, the seal structure 1326 defines an outer radial seal. The outer radial seal is configured to form a seal with the inner circumferential surface of the corresponding system. In some other examples, the seal structure 1326 can form an inner radial seal configured to form a seal with the outer circumferential surface of the corresponding system. Various filter assemblies are described here.

[0164] Figure 31 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a first exemplary filter assembly 1100a that may correspond to the system depicted in Figure 28. The filter assembly 1100a is generally configured to filter a liquid. The filter assembly 1100a comprises a filter element 1200 and a filter housing 1260. The filter assembly 1100a has a filter inlet 102a and a filter outlet 1104a. In this example, the filter outlet 1104a surrounds the filter inlet 102a, but in some other examples, the filter inlet may surround the filter outlet.

[0165] The filter element 1200 is consistent with Figure 29 and its corresponding description above. The filter housing 1260 is substantially configured to substantially accommodate the filter element 1200, where “substantially accommodate” means that the filter housing 1260 contains at least 90% of the volume of the filter element 1200. In this example, the filter housing 1260 completely accommodates the filter element 1200, meaning that the entire filter element 1200 fits within the filter housing 1260. The filter housing 1260 is configured to define a fluid flow path between the filter housing 1260 and the filter element 1200. A filter outlet 1104a may be defined between the filter housing 1260 and the first end cap 1220.

[0166] The filter housing 1260 has a first housing end 1262 and a second housing end 1264. The first housing end 1262 defines a housing opening 1261 configured to receive the filter element 1200. The housing opening 1261 extends toward the second housing end 1264, which extends across the housing opening 1261. The second housing end 1264 is configured to surround the second media end 1214. The second housing end 1264 is configured to surround the second end cap 1240.

[0167] The filter housing 1260 is coupled to the first end cap 1220. In particular, the first housing end 1262 is rotatably fixed to the first end cap 1220. As described above with reference to Figure 29, the first end cap 1220 has a plurality of housing engaging members 1230, including rotational interference features 1232 that are received by mating features 1263 of the filter housing 1260. Here, the rotational interference features 1232 are radial projections extending radially outward from the first end cap 1220. Correspondingly, the mating features 1263 are radial slots extending outward from the inner surface 1265 of the filter housing 1260. Each radial projection 1232 is configured to be received by radial slots 1263 that are aligned axially and radially. Thus, the first end cap 1220 is coupled to the filter housing 1260, and more specifically, the first end cap 1220 is rotationally fixed to the filter housing 1260. In various embodiments consistent with this example, the filter element 1200 is removable from the filter housing 1260 by axially translating the filter element 1200 away from the filter housing 1260.

[0168] The filter assembly 1100a has threads 1270 coupled to the filter housing 1260 and the first end cap 1220. The threads 1270 are generally configured to engage with the filter system. In particular, the threads 1270 are configured to engage with the filter head. The threads 1270 are located around the central opening 1202. The threads 1270 are located around the housing opening 1261. In this example, the threads 1270 are integral with the filter housing 1260, meaning that the filter housing 1260 defines the threads 1270. The threads 1270 extend axially along the first housing end 1262 and circumferentially around the filter housing 1260 and around the central axis x.

[0169] The housing seal 1266 is positioned around the filter housing 1260 toward the first housing end 1262. The housing seal 1266 is generally configured to form a seal with system components such as the filter head when the filter housing 1260 is fully installed in the system. The housing seal 1266 approaches the threads 1270 so that when the threads are fully engaged with the filter head, the housing seal 1266 is configured to form a seal between the filter housing 1260 and the filter head. A lip 1268 extending radially outward from the filter housing 1260 receives the housing seal 1266 to maintain its axial position relative to the filter housing 1260. The threads 1270 are axially positioned between the first housing end 1262 and the lip 1268. The lip 1268 may be configured to compress the housing seal 1266 against the mating component of the filter head during installation, which will be described in more detail below. The housing seal 1266 can be an O-ring in various embodiments. The housing seal 1266 can be a pinch seal in various embodiments.

[0170] As described above with reference to Figure 29, the first end cap 1220 has a sealing structure 1226 that defines an axial seal. The axial seal 1226 is radially positioned between the drive gear 1222 and the thread 1270. In some embodiments, the first end cap may have an alternative sealing structure, such as a radial seal as described with reference to Figure 30.

[0171] Figure 32 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a second exemplary filter assembly 1100b that may correspond to the system depicted in Figure 28. The filter assembly 1100b is generally configured to filter a liquid. Except where otherwise described or depicted herein, the filter assembly 1100b is similar to the filter assembly described above with reference to Figure 30. The filter assembly 1100b comprises a filter element 1400 and a filter housing 1460. The filter assembly 1100b has a filter inlet 1102b and a filter outlet 1104b. In this example, the filter outlet 1104b surrounds the filter inlet 1102b, but in some other examples, the filter inlet may surround the filter outlet.

[0172] The filter element 1400 may substantially correspond to other filter elements described herein, except that in this example, the first end cap 1420 of the filter element 1400 is fixed to a threaded component 1472 that defines the threads 1470. In particular, the threaded component 1472 of the filter housing 1460 is fixed to the radial outer surface 1423 of the first end cap 1420 toward the first housing end 1462. The filter housing 1460 is fixed to the radial outer surface 1423 of the first end cap 1420 with respect to the central axis x and the central opening 1402. The filter housing 1460 is fixed to the radial outer surface 1423 of the first end cap 1420 around the filter medium 1410.

[0173] In this particular example, a series of braces 1432 extend radially outward from the radially outer surface 1423 of the first end cap 1420 to the inner surface 1465 of the filter housing 1460. Each brace 1432 of the series of braces is fixed at one end to the radially outer surface 1423 of the first end cap 1420 and at the opposite end to the inner surface 1465 of the filter housing 1460. Each brace 1432 spans the radial gap between the radially outer surface 1423 of the first end cap 1420 and the inner surface 1465 of the filter housing 1460. In various embodiments, the first end cap 1420 forms a single, integrated structure having a threaded component 1472 that defines the threads 1470. In such embodiments, the first end cap 1420 and the threads 1470 may be formed through a single molding operation or machined from a single piece of material.

[0174] Although this example reflects multiple braces, in some embodiments, a single brace may be used to secure the first end cap 1420 to the filter housing 1460. Also, in some embodiments, one or more braces may secure the outward-facing surface 1421 of the first end cap 1420 to the filter housing 1460.

[0175] In this example, the threaded component 1472 defines a portion of the filter housing 1460, such as the first housing end 1462 of the filter housing 1460. The threaded component 1472 partially defines the housing opening 1461. The threaded component 1472 can be fixed to the remaining housing portion 1467 of the filter housing 1460. In some embodiments in which the threaded component 1472 and the first end cap 1420 are molded as a single, integrated structure, the threaded component 1472 and the remaining housing portion 1467 can be fixed together using adhesives, fasteners, etc. In some embodiments, such as those depicted in Figure 32, the end region 1469 of the remaining housing portion 1467 is crimped onto the housing opening 1461 and the adjacent end 1476 of the threaded component 1472 with respect to the central axis x, where the adjacent end of the threaded component 1472 is on the axial opposite side of the end of the threaded component 1472 that forms the first housing portion 1462.

[0176] A housing seal 1466 (such as the one described above with reference to Figure 31) adjacent to the thread 1470 may be positioned over the joint between the threaded component 1472 and the remaining housing portion 1467. In some embodiments, the housing seal 1466 may be configured to reinforce the joint between the threaded component 1472 and the remaining housing portion 1467. In this example, the lip 1468 on which the housing seal 1466 is positioned is defined by the threaded component 1472. The remaining housing portion 1467 is crimped to the threaded component 1472 around the lip 1468. When such an assembly is installed in a filter head (described in more detail below), the housing seal 1466 may be configured to reinforce the seal between the threaded component 1472 and the remaining housing portion 1467. The housing seal 1466 is otherwise consistent with the housing seal 1466 described above with reference to Figure 31.

[0177] Figure 33 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a third exemplary filter assembly 1100c. The third exemplary filter assembly 1100c may correspond to the system depicted in Figure 28. Except where otherwise described or depicted herein, the filter assembly 1100c is similar to the second exemplary filter assembly 1100b described above with reference to Figure 32. The filter assembly 1100c comprises a filter element 1500 and a filter housing 1560. The filter element 1500 is substantially consistent with other filter elements described herein, and the filter housing 1560 is substantially consistent with other filter housings described herein.

[0178] In this example, the first end cap 1520 of the filter element 1500 defines a drive gear 1522 around a central opening 1502, which is a worm gear drive unit 1522. The worm gear drive unit 1522 is configured to mesh with a worm gear in the corresponding system in which the filter assembly 1100c is installed, which will be described in detail below. The worm gear drive unit 1522 defines a number of gear teeth 1521 around the end cap opening 1524. In contrast to the example considered with reference to Figure 29, here the gear teeth 1521 do not extend into the end cap opening 1524. In this example, the drive gear 1522 can be a planar worm gear drive unit, meaning that the gear teeth 1521 are parallel to / project from a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis x. "Substantially perpendicular" is used herein to mean perpendicular to the central axis x by an angle of 5° or less. The drive gear 1522 can also be a bevel worm gear drive unit, which means that the gear teeth 1521 are defined on a surface that is not perpendicular to the gear's axis of rotation (which is the central axis x).

[0179] Figure 34 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary filter system 1010c that is consistent with the system depicted in Figure 28. The filter system 1010c incorporates a filter assembly 1100c, consistent with Figure 33, which has a filter element 1500 and a filter housing 1560. The filter element 1500 and the filter housing 1560 are consistent with the descriptions of filter elements and filter housings herein, respectively. The filter assembly 1100c is configured to be installed on a filter head 1020c, where the filter housing 1560 and the filter head 1020c enclose the filter medium 1510. Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of the filter head 1020c alone. Figure 34 shows the filter system 1010c without the filter assembly 1100c installed, and Figure 36 shows the filter system 1010c with the filter assembly 1100c installed on the filter head 1020c.

[0180] The filter head 1020c is configured to be coupled to the filter assembly 1100c. The filter head 1020c has a filter connection structure 1022c configured to be coupled to the filter assembly 1100c. In particular, the filter connection structure 1022c has a filter assembly opening 1030c configured to receive a portion of the filter assembly 1100c, and a first thread 1032c defined around the filter assembly opening 1030c, configured to engage with a mating thread 1570 of the filter assembly 1100c. The mating thread 1570 extends roughly around the filter housing 1560 of the filter assembly 1100c described above, with reference to the threads depicted in Figures 31-33. The mating thread 1570 is configured to engage with the first thread 1032c of the filter head 1020c when the filter assembly 1100c is inserted into the filter assembly opening 30c and rotated within the filter assembly opening 1030c relative to the filter head 1020c.

[0181] The filter head 1020c has a system inlet 1024c and a system outlet 1026c, defining a fluid passage 1021c that selectively extends from the system inlet 1024c through the filter assembly opening 1030c to the system outlet 1026c. The filter head 1020c has a valve assembly 1040c located in the fluid passage 1021c. The valve assembly 1060c has a valve 1050c that has an open position and a closed position, and Figures 34 and 35 depict the valve 1050c in the closed position. Figure 36 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the system of Figure 34 with the valve 1050c in the open position. When the valve 1050c is in the open position, the fluid passage 1021c extends from the system inlet 1024c to the filter assembly opening 1030c. When valve 1050c is in the closed position, the fluid passage 1021c is blocked between the system inlet 1024c and the filter assembly opening 1030c.

[0182] The valve assembly 1040c can have a variety of different configurations. In some embodiments consistent with Figures 34-36, the valve assembly 1040c comprises a valve housing 1042c fixed to the filter head 1020c and a valve 1050c operably positioned within the valve housing 1042c. In this example, the valve 1050c is a ball valve defining a valve opening 1052c. The valve 1050c is rotatably positioned within the filter head 1020c, more specifically within the valve housing 1042c. The valve 1050c is configured to rotate in the "open" position to fluidize the valve opening 1052c to the fluid passage 1021c. The valve 1050c is also configured to rotate in the "closed" position to de-fluidize the valve opening 1052c from the fluid passage 1021c to block the fluid flow through the fluid passage 1021c.

[0183] In the example currently described, valve 1050c has a rotation axis vx. In this example, the rotation axis vx (see Figure 35) is perpendicular to the central axis x, but in some other embodiments, the rotation axis vx can have a different orientation with respect to the central axis x. For example, in some embodiments, the rotation axis vx of the valve may be parallel to the central axis x. Other types of valves can certainly be used in systems consistent with the current technology, such as gate valves, flue valves, piston valves, plug valves, etc. In some such embodiments, the valve is not rotatable within the filter head, but rather is translatable linearly or otherwise with respect to the fluid path to selectively block the fluid path.

[0184] Regardless of the specific type of valve implemented within the filter head, the system generally includes a meshing gear mechanism configured to mechanically communicate with the valve to translate the valve from a closed position to an open position while the filter assembly is being installed within the filter head. In some embodiments, the meshing gear mechanism is configured to translate the valve from an open position to a closed position while the filter assembly is being removed from the filter head.

[0185] Referring closely to Figures 34-36, the filtration system 1010c has a meshing gear mechanism 1580 operably coupled to the valve 1050c. The meshing gear mechanism 1580 is configured to translate the valve 1050c from a closed position (Figures 34-35) to an open position (Figure 36). In this example, the meshing gear mechanism 1580 is also configured to translate the valve 1050c from an open position to a closed position. The meshing gear mechanism 1580 has a first part 1582 and a second part 1584. The first part 1582 and the second part 1584 are meshing gears. The first part 1582 of the meshing gear mechanism 1580 is a component of the filter head 1020c, and the second part 1584 is a component of the filter assembly 1100c. The second part 1584 of the meshing gear device 1580 is a drive gear, more specifically the worm gear drive unit 1522 described above with reference to Figure 33. In various embodiments, the second part 1584 of the meshing gear device 1580, in particular the drive gear 1522, has a rotation axis collinear with the central axis x.

[0186] The first portion 1582 of the meshing gear device 1580 is configured to be driven by a drive gear 1522, which is the second portion 1584 of the meshing gear device 1580. Thus, in various embodiments, the first portion 1582 of the meshing gear device 1580 is a driven gear 1054c. Specific to this example is that the first portion 1582 of the meshing gear device 1580 is a worm gear 1054c. The worm gear 1054c is configured to be received by a worm drive gear that forms the second portion 1584 of the meshing gear device 1580. The worm gear 1054c generally has a cylindrical projection 1056c extending along the axis of rotation vx, with helical threads 1058c around the cylindrical projection 1056c on the axis of rotation vx. Other worm gear configurations are also possible.

[0187] The first part 1582 of the meshing gear device 1580 is operably coupled to the valve 1050c. In particular, in this example, the first part 1582 of the meshing gear device 1580 is fixed to the valve 1050c. In various embodiments, the first part 1582 and the valve 1050c form a single, integrated structure. In this example, the worm gear of the first part 1582 of the meshing gear device 1580 extends outward from the valve 1050c along the rotation axis vx of the valve 1050c. The first part 1582 of the meshing gear device 1580 defines a rotation axis perpendicular to the central axis x. In particular, in the present example, the rotation axis of the first part 1582 of the meshing gear device 1580 is the rotation axis vx of the valve 1050c. In some embodiments, the first part 1582 of the meshing gear device 1580 defines a rotation axis parallel to the central axis x.

[0188] As described above, Figure 34 depicts the system before the filter assembly 1100c is installed on the filter head 1020c. When the filter assembly 1100c is installed on the filter head 1020c, the filter assembly 1100c is rotated within the filter head 1020c so that the mating threads 1570 of the filter assembly 1100c engage with the first threads 1032c of the filter head 1020c. As the filter assembly 1100c rotates, it is axially translated into the filter assembly opening 1030c, thereby translating the second portion 1584 of the meshing gear assembly 1580 (e.g., the drive gear 1522) toward the first portion 1582 of the meshing gear assembly 1580 (e.g., the driven gear 1054c). The second portion 1584 of the meshing gear assembly 1580 is axially aligned with the first portion 1582 of the meshing gear assembly 1580 and operationally engaged. After the meshing gear assembly 1580 is operationally engaged, further rotation of the filter assembly 1100c relative to the filter head 1020c (to complete the installation) causes the second portion 1584 to transmit rotational motion to the first portion 1582 of the meshing gear assembly 1580, thereby opening the valve 1050c as shown in Figure 36.

[0189] Although this disclosure describes a gear meshing device having two meshing gears as an example, other configurations incorporating additional meshing gears are certainly conceivable. For example, the gear meshing device may have a third part, which is a gear configured to transmit rotational motion from the second part to the first part. The gear meshing device may further have a fourth and a fifth part, which are gears mechanically communicating with the first and second parts. Furthermore, the gear meshing device may incorporate additional mechanisms other than valves and gears mechanically communicating with the gear meshing device.

[0190] As can be seen from examining the diagram, valve 1050c is part of a valve device that includes a valve shaft, such as a first part 1582 having a fluid flow bore, and valve gear teeth, such as a meshing gear assembly 1582 protruding from the valve shaft and configured and positioned to receive a force that rotates the valve shaft. The shaft / first part 1582 has a first end and a second end on opposite sides, with a longitudinal axis passing through the first and second ends. The fluid flow bore has a central axis that is rotatable between perpendicular and parallel to the longitudinal axis. The valve gear teeth may protrude from the second end of the shaft. The valve gear teeth may protrude radially from the second end of the shaft.

[0191] The filter system 1010c has a seal structure 1526 which may be similar to the seal structures discussed herein. The seal structure 1526 extends around the central axis x and around the central opening 1502. The seal structure 1526 is configured to form a seal between the filter head 1020c and the filter assembly 1100c around the central opening 1502 in order to fluidly isolate the filter inlet 1102c from the filter outlet 1104c. When the filter assembly 1100c is installed on the filter head 1020c, the seal structure 1526 prevents fluid flow from the system inlet 1024c to the system outlet 1026c, except through the filter medium 1510. The seal structure 1526 is positioned radially inward from the mating thread 1570. More specifically, the seal structure 1526 is positioned radially inward from the radially outer surface 1523 of the first end cap 1520. In this example, the seal structure 1526 defines an axial seal, but in other examples, the seal structure can define a radial seal. The filter head 1020c defines an axial seal surface 1034c configured to abut the seal structure 1526 around the central opening 1502. In this example, the axial seal surface 1034c is an annular surface defined around the central axis x.

[0192] The filter system 1010c has a housing seal 1566 positioned around the filter housing 1560. In particular, the housing seal 1566 is positioned on the lip 1568 of the filter housing 1560. The housing seal 1566 is positioned between the filter housing 1560 and the filter head 1020c and is configured to prevent the flow of fluid through it. Around the filter housing 1560, the housing seal 1566 abuts against the axial end 1574 of the threaded connection between the housing seal 1566 and the filter housing 1560. When the filter assembly 1100c is installed on the filter head 1020c, the housing seal 1566 is compressed between the filter assembly 1100c and the filter head 1020c.

[0193] Figure 37 depicts a second exemplary system 1010d that is consistent with various embodiments. System 1010d is consistent with the system depicted in Figure 28. This system has a filter assembly 1100d which may be consistent with the filter assembly disclosed with reference to Figure 31 or 32. That is, the filter assembly 1100d has a filter element 1600 disposed within a filter housing 1660, the filter element 1600 having (1) a housing engaging member having a rotational obstruction feature that is received by a mating feature of the filter housing 1660 (as described with reference to Figure 34), or (2) a first end cap 1620 coupled to the filter housing 1660 via one or more braces (as described with reference to Figure 32) that secure the first end cap 1620 to the filter housing 1660.

[0194] The second system 1010d may be consistent with the description of the first system described above with reference to Figures 34-36, except where there is a conflict with Figure 37 and the corresponding description herein. In particular, in this example, the meshing gear device 1580 has a different configuration from the example described above. The meshing gear device 1580 operably coupled to the valve 1050d may be a bevel gear device. In some such embodiments, the meshing gear device 1580 may be a miter gear device. The first part 1582 of the meshing gear device 1580 is, in this example, a pinion gear 1054d. The pinion gear 1054d has a plurality of teeth 1058d extending radially outward from a cylindrical projection 1056d. The pinion gear 1054d has a rotation axis vx, and the plurality of teeth 1058d are spaced apart around the rotation axis vx. In some such embodiments, the pinion gear 1054d may be a ratchet gear.

[0195] Figure 38 depicts a third exemplary system 1010e consistent with various embodiments. System 1010e is consistent with the system depicted in Figure 28. This system has a filter assembly 1100e having a filter element 1700 located within a filter housing 1760, the filter element 1700 having a sealing structure 1726 consistent with that described above with reference to Figure 30. The filter element 1700 and the filter housing 1760 may have features consistent with the filter elements and filter housings described throughout this document.

[0196] In the present example, the seal structure 1726 extends around the central axis x and around the central opening 1702. The seal structure 1726 is configured to form a seal between the filter head 1020e and the filter assembly 1100e around the central opening 1702. When the filter assembly 1100e is installed on the filter head 1020e, the seal structure 1726 prevents fluid flow from the inlet 1024e to the outlet 1026e, except through the filter medium 1710. The seal structure 1726 is positioned radially inward from the mating thread 1770. More specifically, the seal structure 1726 is positioned radially inward from the radially outer surface 1723 of the first end cap 1720. In this example, the seal structure 1726 defines a radial seal, but in other examples, the seal structure can define an axial seal. The filter head 1020e defines a radial sealing surface 1034e configured to abut against the sealing structure 1726 around the central opening 1702. In this example, the radial sealing surface 1034e is a radially inner surface defined around the central axis x. In some other embodiments, the sealing structure 1726 can define a radially inner sealing surface and the mating sealing surface of the filter head can be a radially outer surface.

[0197] As can be seen from Figures 29-38, filter cartridges or elements 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700 are provided, each including a filter medium structure / medium 1210 and a set of cartridge gear teeth 1221 attached to the filter medium structure. In some embodiments, the cartridge gear teeth 1221 may be part of a ring member and be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The filter medium structure may include a tubular pleated medium surrounding an open internal volume having first and second opposite ends. The cartridge may include a first end cap fixed to the first end of the filter medium structure, the first end cap having an opening that communicates with the open internal volume. The ring member may be part of the first end cap. The filter cartridge may also include a radially oriented sealing member fixed to the first end cap. The pleated medium may have an inner pleat tip and an outer pleat tip, and the sealing member may be positioned radially apart from both the inner and outer pleat tips. In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge further includes a second end cap fixed to the second end of the filter medium structure. The filter cartridge may further include a housing having an interior that holds the filter medium structure inside. The housing may have outwardly facing threads for connection to a filter head.

[0198] As can be understood from the above, the filter head 1020 may be part of a filter head device including a fluid inlet 1024 and a valve device constructed and arranged such that a valve projection / drive gear 1222 receives a force that rotates the valve shaft / part 1582 between an open position and a closed position. The open position aligns the fluid flow bore with the fluid inlet, and the closed position blocks the fluid flow from the fluid inlet.

[0199] F. Exemplary method, Figure 39 Figure 39 is a flowchart of exemplary method 1800, consistent with various embodiments. Method 1800 can correspond to the systems described herein. 1810 Rotating the threads of the filter assembly relative to the mating threads. 1820 Rotating the drive gear of the end cap, such as a cartridge projection or teeth, of the filter assembly. 1830 Translating the end cap axially into the filter head. 1840 Positioning the drive gear to engage with the mating gear, such as a projection / teeth, from the valve shaft. 1850 The valve is opened.

[0200] 1810 Rotating the threads of the filter assembly to install the filter assembly into the system. 1810 Rotating the filter assembly relative to the mating threads of the system. The filter assembly, filter assembly threads, and mating threads may be as described herein. The filter assembly threads may be rotated by the user manually rotating the filter assembly to couple the filter assembly to the filter head. 1810 Rotation of the filter assembly results in rotation of the drive gear / cartridge projection of the end cap of the filter assembly, where the drive gear and end cap of the filter assembly may be as described herein.

[0201] As the filter assembly threads are rotated to engage with the mating threads of the filter head 1810, the end cap is axially translated into the filter head, such as within the filter assembly opening defined by the filter head (described above with reference to Figures 34-36) 1830. The axial translation of the end cap into the filter head 1830 positions the drive gear to engage with the mating gear 1840. In various embodiments, positioning the drive gear to engage with the mating gear 1840 results in axial alignment between the gears. The drive gear can be a component of the end cap, and the mating gear (e.g., a projection or teeth on the valve shaft) can be a component of the filter head, as described above. Once the drive gear engages with the mating gear, further rotation of the filter assembly (and therefore the drive gear) results in rotation of the mating gear. The rotation of the mating gear results in opening of the valve 1850, where the valve is consistent with those already discussed herein. In particular, the rotation of the mating gear can result in rotation of the valve about an axis of rotation. The rotation of the valve around the axis of rotation can result in the opening of the valve. As described above, in some embodiments the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the central axis, and in some other embodiments the axis of rotation is parallel to the central axis.

[0202] G. Exemplary Embodiments Embodiment 1. A valve device comprising (a) a valve shaft having a fluid flow bore, and (b) a projection extending from the valve shaft, which is configured and positioned to receive a force that rotates the valve shaft.

[0203] Embodiment 2. The valve device according to Embodiment 1, wherein (a) the shaft has first and second ends on opposite sides, and the longitudinal axis passes through the first and second ends, and (b) the fluid flow bore has a central axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0204] Embodiment 3. A valve device according to either Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the fluid flow bore has a non-circular periphery.

[0205] Embodiment 4. The valve device according to Embodiment 3, wherein the fluid flow bore has an elliptical periphery.

[0206] Embodiment 5. A valve device according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 4, wherein the projection extends from the second end of the shaft.

[0207] Embodiment 6. A valve device according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 4, wherein the projection extends radially from the second end of the shaft.

[0208] Embodiment 7. A valve device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the projection is a gear tooth that protrudes from the valve shaft and is configured and positioned to receive a force that rotates the valve shaft.

[0209] Embodiment 8. The valve device according to Embodiment 7, wherein the valve gear teeth include at least two teeth that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0210] Embodiment 9. The valve device according to Embodiment 7, wherein the valve gear teeth include at least three teeth that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0211] Embodiment 10. The valve device according to Embodiment 7, wherein the valve gear teeth include 2 to 10 teeth that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0212] Embodiment 11. A valve device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the valve gear teeth are spur gear teeth.

[0213] Embodiment 12. A valve device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the shaft is cylindrical with a circumference, and the projection extends along an arc of 180° or less along the circumference.

[0214] Embodiment 13. The valve device according to Embodiment 12, wherein the projection extends along an arc of 150° or less along the circumference.

[0215] Embodiment 14. A liquid filter assembly using a valve device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein (a) the filter assembly has an unfiltered liquid inlet, a filter cartridge for filtering the incoming liquid, and a filtered liquid outlet, and (b) the valve device controls the volume of the flow from the unfiltered liquid inlet to the filter cartridge.

[0216] Embodiment 15. A filter cartridge comprising (a) a filter media structure and (b) a set of cartridge protrusions attached to the filter media structure.

[0217] Embodiment 16.(a) The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 15, wherein the cartridge projection includes gear teeth.

[0218] Embodiment 17. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 and 16, wherein the cartridge projection is part of the ring member.

[0219] Embodiment 18. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 17, wherein the cartridge protrusions are arranged with a circumferential spacing between them.

[0220] Embodiment 19. A filter cartridge according to any one of embodiments 15 to 18, wherein, when the filter cartridge is operably installed with the filter head, the cartridge projection is configured to hold the valve shaft in a fixed open position.

[0221] Embodiment 20. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 19, wherein the cartridge projection extends radially outward.

[0222] Embodiment 21. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 19, wherein the cartridge projection extends radially inward.

[0223] Embodiment 22. The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 17, wherein the cartridge projection protrudes from the radial wall of the ring member.

[0224] Embodiment 23. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 and 16, wherein the cartridge projection protrudes from a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the filter medium structure.

[0225] Embodiment 24. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 and 16, wherein the cartridge projection is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the filter medium structure.

[0226] Embodiment 25.(a) A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 16 to 24, wherein the filter media structure includes a tubular pleated medium surrounding an open internal volume and has first and second opposite ends; and (b) the cartridge includes a first end cap fixed to the first end of the filter media structure, the first end cap having an opening that communicates with the open internal volume.

[0227] Embodiment 26. The filter cartridge according to Embodiments 17 and 25, wherein the ring member is part of the first end cap.

[0228] Embodiment 27.(a) The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 26, further comprising a radially oriented sealing member fixed to a first end cap.

[0229] Embodiment 28. The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 27, wherein (a) a sealing member is held in a groove having a base, and (b) the lateral distance between the outermost tip of the projection and the base of the groove is 1 to 13 mm.

[0230] Embodiment 29. The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 28, wherein the lateral distance between the outermost tip of the projection and the base of the groove is 5 and 10 mm.

[0231] Embodiment 30. The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 28, wherein the lateral distance between the outermost tip of the projection and the base of the groove is 7-8 mm.

[0232] Embodiment 31. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 27 to 30, wherein (a) the pleated medium has an inner pleat tip and an outer pleat tip, and (b) the sealing member is positioned radially apart from both the inner pleat tip and the outer pleat tip.

[0233] Embodiment 32. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 27 to 30, wherein (a) the pleated medium has an inner pleat tip and an outer pleat tip, and (b) the sealing member is positioned radially away from the inner pleat tip.

[0234] Embodiment 33.(a) A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 31 and 32, wherein a ring member having a projection is arranged radially apart between the inner pleat tip and the outer pleat tip, and the projection is arranged radially inward from the outer pleat tip.

[0235] Embodiment 34.(a) The first end cap includes a seal member holder extending axially from the first end cap and located between the inner pleat tip and the outer pleat tip, wherein the holder has a radial groove for holding the seal member, and (b) a ring member within an integral portion of the seal member holder, the filter cartridge according to Embodiment 33.

[0236] Embodiment 35. The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 34, wherein (a) the sealing member extends radially inward, and (b) the cartridge projection on the ring member extends radially outward.

[0237] Embodiment 36. The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 35, wherein the sealing member extends radially outward.

[0238] Embodiment 37. The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 36, wherein the cartridge projection on the ring member extends radially outward.

[0239] Embodiment 38. A filter cartridge according to any one of embodiments 15 to 37, wherein the cartridge projection is a tooth of a spur gear.

[0240] Embodiment 39. A filter cartridge according to any one of embodiments 25 to 38, further comprising a second end cap fixed to a second end of the filter medium structure.

[0241] Embodiment 40. A filter cartridge according to any one of embodiments 15 to 39, further comprising a housing having an interior for holding a filter medium structure.

[0242] Embodiment 41. The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 40, wherein the housing has outwardly oriented threads for connecting to a filter head.

[0243] Embodiment 42. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 40 and 41, wherein the filter media structure is fixed in a non-removable manner within the housing.

[0244] Embodiment 43. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 40 and 41, wherein the filter media structure is removably fixed within the housing.

[0245] Embodiment 44. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 43, wherein the cartridge projection is present along a full 360° extension.

[0246] Embodiment 45. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 44, wherein each projection has a height of 0.12 to 0.34 inches.

[0247] Embodiment 46. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 44, wherein each projection has a height of approximately 13 / 35 inches.

[0248] Embodiment 47. The filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 46, wherein each protrusion is a gear tooth sized such that the rotation angle of one tooth is 7.2 to 20°.

[0249] Embodiment 48. The filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 47, wherein each protrusion is a gear tooth sized such that the rotation angle of one tooth is about 10 to 11°.

[0250] Embodiment 49. The filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 48, wherein there are 50 or fewer protrusions.

[0251] Embodiment 50. The filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 49, wherein there are 18 or more protrusions.

[0252] Embodiment 51. The filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 50, wherein there are about 43 to 47 protrusions.

[0253] Embodiment 52. The filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 51, further comprising a rotation prevention mechanism.

[0254] Embodiment 53. The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 52, wherein the rotation prevention mechanism includes a plurality of tabs protruding radially from an element.

[0255] Embodiment 54. The filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 46, wherein the protrusion is one of a spur gear shape, a pin shape, or a paddle shape.

[0256] Embodiment 55. The filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 46, wherein the protrusions exist in three groups and there is one or fewer groups consisting of three protrusions.

[0257] Embodiment 56. A filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 46, wherein the protrusions are present in three groups, and there are at least three groups consisting of three protrusions, with each group spaced circumferentially apart from adjacent groups.

[0258] Embodiment 57. The filter cartridge according to Embodiment 56, further comprising axially projecting protrusions or fins extending circumferentially between groups.

[0259] Embodiment 58. A filter head device comprising (a) a fluid inlet and (b) a valve device as described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein a valve projection is configured and positioned to receive a force that rotates the valve shaft between an open position and a closed position, (i) the open position aligns the fluid flow bore with the fluid inlet, and (ii) the closed position blocks the fluid flow from the fluid inlet.

[0260] Embodiment 59. The filter head device according to Embodiment 58, further comprising a torsion spring for holding the valve shaft in a closed position when no force is applied to the valve projection.

[0261] Embodiment 60. A filter assembly comprising (a) a filter head device of Embodiment 58 and (b) a filter cartridge according to any one of Embodiments 14 to 57, which is removably fixed to the filter head, wherein a cartridge projection on the filter cartridge applies force to a valve projection to move the valve shaft between an open position and a closed position.

[0262] Embodiment 61. The filter assembly according to Embodiment 60, wherein (a) the cartridge projection constitutes the teeth of the cartridge gear, and (b) the valve projection constitutes the teeth of the valve gear.

[0263] Embodiment 62. The filter assembly according to Embodiment 61, wherein the valve gear teeth extend along an arc of 180° or less.

[0264] Embodiment 63. The filter assembly according to Embodiment 61, wherein the valve gear teeth extend along an arc of 120° or less.

[0265] Embodiment 64.(a) The ratio of valve gear teeth to cartridge gear teeth is approximately 1:2.5 to 1:5. The filter assembly according to any one of Embodiments 61 to 63.

[0266] Embodiment 65.(a) A filter assembly according to any one of Embodiments 61 to 63, wherein the ratio of valve gear teeth to cartridge gear teeth is approximately 1:2.69.

[0267] Embodiment 66. A filter assembly according to any one of Embodiments 61 to 65, wherein the height of the valve gear teeth and the cartridge gear teeth are between approximately 0.12 inches and 0.34 inches.

[0268] Embodiment 67. A filter assembly according to any one of embodiments 61 to 66, wherein the height of the valve gear teeth and cartridge gear teeth is approximately 13 / 35 inches.

[0269] Embodiment 68. A filter assembly according to any one of Embodiments 61 to 67, wherein (a) the valve shaft has an outer diameter of about 17 to 18 mm, and (b) the bore of the valve shaft has a diameter of about 9 to 10 mm.

[0270] Embodiment 69.(a) A filter assembly according to any one of embodiments 60 to 68, wherein the valve shaft has a rotation axis parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge.

[0271] Embodiment 70.(a) A filter assembly according to any one of embodiments 60 to 68, wherein the valve shaft has a rotation axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge.

[0272] Embodiment 71. (a) A spin-on cartridge in which a filter cartridge includes a filter element fixedly and non-removably disposed within an outer housing, and the housing is removably attached to a filter head, the filter assembly according to any one of Embodiments 61 to 70.

[0273] Embodiment 72. (a) A filter assembly according to any one of Embodiments 61 to 70, comprising a bowl-cartridge assembly in which a filter cartridge includes a filter element removably positioned within a bowl, and the bowl is removably attached to a filter head.

[0274] Embodiment 73. The filter assembly according to Embodiment 72, wherein the bowl-cartridge assembly further includes a coalescer element inside the filter cartridge.

[0275] Embodiment 74. The filter assembly according to any one of Embodiments 72 and 73, wherein the filter element and the bowl include an anti-rotation mechanism.

[0276] Embodiment 75. The filter assembly according to Embodiment 74, wherein the anti-rotation mechanism includes a plurality of tabs protruding radially from an element and a plurality of slots along an inner wall of the bowl for receiving the tabs.

[0277] Embodiment 76. The filter assembly according to Embodiment 75, wherein the anti-rotation mechanism includes at least one protrusion extending outward from an end cap.

[0278] Embodiment 77. The filter assembly according to Embodiment 75, wherein the anti-rotation mechanism includes a pocket mechanism configured to receive a protrusion on a filter housing.

[0279] Embodiment 78. A method comprising: (a) rotating a filter assembly having a first thread with respect to a mating thread of a filter head, such that the set of cartridge projections rotates as a result of rotating the filter assembly; (b) translating a first end cap of the filter assembly axially into the filter head, such that the first end cap is positioned to axially engage with one or more projections on a valve shaft in the filter head; and (c) rotating the cartridge projections to rotate the projections on the valve shaft, thereby opening a valve integrated with the valve shaft in the filter head.

[0280] Embodiment 79. The method of Embodiment 78, wherein the rotating step includes rotating a set of cartridge protrusions, which are integrated with the first end cap of the filter assembly, around a central axis.

[0281] Embodiment 80. The method according to Embodiment 79, wherein opening the valve includes rotating the valve around a pivot axis.

[0282] Embodiment 81. The method according to Embodiment 80, wherein the valve rotation axis and the central axis are parallel and offset.

[0283] Embodiment 82. The method according to Embodiment 80, wherein the valve rotation axis is perpendicular to the central axis.

[0284] Embodiment 83. The method according to Embodiment 80, wherein the axis of rotation is parallel to the central axis.

[0285] Embodiment 84. The method according to any one of Embodiments 78 to 83, wherein the valve is a ball valve.

[0286] Embodiment 85. The method according to any one of Embodiments 78 to 84, wherein the cartridge projection constitutes the teeth of a bevel gear.

[0287] Embodiment 86. The method according to any one of embodiments 78 to 84, wherein the cartridge projection constitutes the teeth of a worm gear.

[0288] The above represents illustrative principles. Many embodiments can be created using these principles.

Claims

1. (a) A valve shaft having a fluid flow bore, (b) A projection extending from the valve shaft, which is configured and positioned to receive a force that rotates the valve shaft. A valve device equipped with the following features.

2. (a) The shaft has first and second ends on opposite sides, and its longitudinal axis passes through the first and second ends, (b) The fluid flow bore has a central axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, The valve device according to claim 1.

3. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid flow bore has a non-circular periphery.

4. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein the fluid flow bore has an elliptical peripheral shape.

5. The valve device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the projection extends from the second end of the shaft.

6. The valve device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the projection extends radially from the second end of the shaft.

7. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the projection is a gear tooth that protrudes from the valve shaft and is configured and arranged to receive a force that rotates the valve shaft.

8. The valve device according to claim 7, wherein the valve gear teeth include at least two teeth that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

9. The valve device according to claim 7, wherein the valve gear teeth include at least three teeth that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

10. The valve device according to claim 7, wherein the valve gear teeth include 2 to 10 teeth arranged circumferentially apart from one another.

11. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the valve gear teeth are teeth of a spur gear.

12. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the shaft is cylindrical with a circumference, and the projection extends along an arc of 180° or less along the circumference.

13. The valve device according to claim 12, wherein the projection extends along an arc of 150° or less along the circumference.

14. (a) The filter assembly has an inlet for unfiltered liquid, a filter cartridge for filtering the incoming liquid, and an outlet for filtered liquid, (b) The valve device controls the volume of the flow that passes through the unfiltered liquid inlet to the filter cartridge. A liquid filter assembly using the valve device described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. (a) Filter medium structure and (b) A set of cartridge protrusions attached to the filter medium structure and A filter cartridge equipped with this feature.

16. (a) The cartridge projection includes gear teeth, The filter cartridge according to claim 15.

17. The filter cartridge according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the cartridge projection is part of the ring member.

18. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the cartridge protrusions are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction.

19. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein when the filter cartridge is operably installed with the filter head, the cartridge projection is configured to hold the valve shaft in a fixed open position.

20. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the cartridge projection extends radially outward.

21. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the cartridge projection extends radially inward.

22. The filter cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the cartridge projection protrudes from the radial wall of the ring member.

23. The filter cartridge according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the cartridge projection protrudes from a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the filter medium structure.

24. The filter cartridge according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the cartridge projection is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the filter medium structure.

25. (a) The filter medium structure includes a tubular pleated medium surrounding an open internal volume and has first and second opposite ends, (b) The cartridge includes a first end cap fixed to the first end of the filter medium structure, the first end cap having an opening that communicates with the open internal volume. A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 16 to 24.

26. The filter cartridge according to claim 17 or 25, wherein the ring member is part of the first end cap.

27. (a) A radially oriented sealing member fixed to the first end cap, The filter cartridge according to claim 26, further comprising:

28. (a) The sealing member is held in a groove having a base, (b) The lateral distance between the outermost tip of the projection and the base of the groove is 1 to 13 mm. The filter cartridge according to claim 27.

29. The filter cartridge according to claim 28, wherein the lateral distance between the outermost tip of the projection and the base of the groove is 5 and 10 mm.

30. The filter cartridge according to claim 28, wherein the lateral distance between the outermost tip of the projection and the base of the groove is 7 to 8 mm.

31. (a) The pleated medium has an inner pleat tip and an outer pleat tip, (b) The sealing member is positioned radially apart from both the inner pleat tip and the outer pleat tip, A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 27 to 30.

32. (a) The pleated medium has an inner pleat tip and an outer pleat tip, (b) The sealing member is positioned at a radial distance from the tip of the inner pleat, A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 27 to 30.

33. (a) The ring member having the projection is arranged radially apart between the inner pleat tip and the outer pleat tip, and the projection is arranged radially inward from the outer pleat tip. The filter cartridge according to claim 31 or 32.

34. (a) The first end cap includes a seal member holder extending axially from the first end cap and located between the inner pleat tip and the outer pleat tip, the holder having a radial groove for holding the seal member, (b) The ring member within the integral portion of the seal member holder, The filter cartridge according to claim 33.

35. (a) The sealing member extends radially inward, (b) The cartridge projection on the ring member extends radially outward, The filter cartridge according to claim 34.

36. The filter cartridge according to claim 35, wherein the sealing member extends radially outward.

37. The filter cartridge according to claim 36, wherein the cartridge projection on the ring member extends radially outward.

38. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 37, wherein the cartridge projection is a tooth of a spur gear.

39. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 25 to 38, further comprising a second end cap fixed to the second end of the filter medium structure.

40. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 39, further comprising a housing having the interior for holding the filter medium structure inside.

41. The filter cartridge according to claim 40, wherein the housing has outwardly facing threads for connecting to a filter head.

42. The filter cartridge according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the filter media structure is irremovably fixed within the housing.

43. The filter cartridge according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the filter medium structure is removably fixed within the housing.

44. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 43, wherein the cartridge projection is present along a complete 360° extension.

45. A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 44, wherein each projection has a height of 0.12 to 0.34 inches.

46. A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 44, wherein each projection has a height of approximately 13 / 35 inches.

47. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 46, wherein each projection is a gear tooth sized such that the rotation angle of one tooth is between 7.2 and 20°.

48. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 47, wherein each projection is a gear tooth sized such that the rotation angle of one tooth is approximately 10 to 11°.

49. A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 48, wherein there are 50 or fewer protrusions.

50. A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 49, having 18 or more protrusions.

51. A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 50, having approximately 43 to 47 protrusions.

52. A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 51, further comprising a rotation prevention mechanism.

53. The filter cartridge according to claim 52, wherein the anti-rotation mechanism comprises a plurality of tabs that protrude radially from the element.

54. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 46, wherein the projection is one of a spur gear shape, a pin shape, or a paddle shape.

55. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 46, wherein the protrusions are present in three groups, and there are one or fewer groups consisting of three protrusions.

56. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 46, wherein the protrusions are present in three groups, and there are at least three groups consisting of three protrusions, and each group is spaced circumferentially apart from adjacent groups.

57. The filter cartridge according to claim 56, further comprising axially projecting protrusions or fins extending circumferentially between the groups.

58. (a) Fluid inlet and (b) A valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a valve projection is configured and positioned to receive a force that rotates the valve shaft between an open position and a closed position, (i) The open position aligns the fluid flow bore with the fluid inlet, (ii) The closed position blocks the fluid flow from the fluid inlet. Filter head device.

59. The filter head device according to claim 58, further comprising a torsion spring for holding the valve shaft in the closed position when no force is applied to the valve projection.

60. (a) The filter head device according to claim 58, (b) A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 57, which is detachably fixed to the filter head, The cartridge projection on the filter cartridge applies force to the valve projection in order to move the valve shaft between the open position and the closed position. Filter assembly.

61. (a) The cartridge projection constitutes the teeth of the cartridge gear, (b) The valve projection constitutes the teeth of the valve gear, The filter assembly according to claim 60.

62. The filter assembly according to claim 61, wherein the valve gear teeth extend along an arc of 180° or less.

63. The filter assembly according to claim 61, wherein the valve gear teeth extend along an arc of 120° or less.

64. (a) The filter assembly according to any one of claims 61 to 63, wherein the ratio of the valve gear teeth to the cartridge gear teeth is about 1:2.5 to 1:

5.

65. (a) The filter assembly according to any one of claims 61 to 63, wherein the ratio of the valve gear teeth to the cartridge gear teeth is approximately 1:2.

69.

66. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 61 to 65, wherein the height of the valve gear teeth and the cartridge gear teeth is between approximately 0.12 inches and 0.34 inches.

67. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 61 to 66, wherein the height of the valve gear teeth and the cartridge gear teeth is approximately 13 / 35 inches.

68. (a) The valve shaft has an outer diameter of approximately 17 to 18 mm, (b) The bore of the valve shaft has a diameter of approximately 9 to 10 mm. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 61 to 67.

69. (a) The valve shaft has a rotation axis parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge, The filter assembly according to any one of claims 60 to 68.

70. (a) The valve shaft has a rotation axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge, The filter assembly according to any one of claims 60 to 68.

71. (a) The filter cartridge is a spin-on type cartridge having a filter element fixed in a non-removable manner within an outer housing, the housing being removablely attached to the filter head. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 61 to 70.

72. (a) The filter assembly according to any one of claims 61 to 70, comprising a bowl-cartridge assembly including a filter element removably positioned within a bowl, the bowl being removably attached to the filter head.

73. The filter assembly according to claim 72, wherein the bowl-cartridge assembly further includes a coalescer element inside the filter cartridge.

74. The filter assembly according to claim 72 or 73, wherein the filter element and the bowl include an anti-rotation mechanism.

75. The filter assembly according to claim 74, wherein the anti-rotation mechanism includes a plurality of tabs projecting radially from the element and a plurality of slots along the inner wall of the bowl that receive the tabs.

76. The filter assembly according to claim 75, wherein the anti-rotation mechanism includes at least one projection extending outward from the end cap.

77. The filter assembly according to claim 75, wherein the anti-rotation mechanism comprises a pocket mechanism configured to receive a protrusion on the filter housing.

78. (a) Rotating a filter assembly having a first thread relative to the mating thread of the filter head, wherein the set of cartridge protrusions rotates as the filter assembly rotates, (b) Rotating the filter assembly to axially translate the first end cap of the filter assembly into the filter head, such that the axial translation of the first end cap into the filter head positions the cartridge projection to operably engage with one or more projections on the valve shaft within the filter head. (c) Rotating the cartridge projection causes the projection on the valve shaft to rotate, thereby opening the valve in the filter head that is integrated with the valve shaft. A method that includes this.

79. The method according to claim 78, wherein the rotating step includes rotating the set of cartridge projections, which are integral with the first end cap of the filter assembly, around a central axis.

80. The method according to claim 79, wherein opening the valve includes rotating the valve around a pivot axis.

81. The method according to claim 80, wherein the valve rotation axis and the central axis are parallel and offset.

82. The method according to claim 80, wherein the valve rotation axis is perpendicular to the central axis.

83. The method according to claim 80, wherein the axis of rotation is parallel to the central axis.

84. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 83, wherein the valve is a ball valve.

85. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 84, wherein the cartridge projection constitutes the teeth of a bevel gear.

86. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 84, wherein the cartridge projection constitutes the teeth of a worm gear.

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