Filter element with elongated bottom end cap and / or endcap window vents

Abstract

A filter element such as a fuel filter is provided that has a bottom end cap with an elongated sleeve projecting upwardly from the end wall. The sleeve wall can provide for an elongated key channel. Additionally, in the case of a fuel filter, drainage vents can be provided in the sleeve wall to drain water that could be trapped within the elongated sleeve of the bottom end cap.

Description

FILTER ELEMENT WITH ELONGATED BOTTOM END CAP AND / OR ENDCAP WINDOW VENTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This PCT Patent Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 729,725, filed December 9, 2024, the entire teachings and disclosure of of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention generally relates to filters, and more particularly to keying structures and / or drainage / fluid evacuation in such filters.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Liquid filters such as fuel filters are generally known to separate contaminants and water from fuel. Such fuel filters may either have one or two stages of filtration.

[0004] For example, US Patent No. 11,504,660 to Annamalai et. al discloses a two- stage fuel filtration system and is incorporated by reference as it mostly shows the fuel filter housing of the type into which the embodiments of filter elements herein may be mount.Annamalai ‘660 generally discloses known filtration systems comprise a housing having a first housing end and a second housing end. The housing defines a central compartment therein which receives the filter element and has two sealing engagements, one for each stage of filtration. The plumbing and stages of filtration used therein are similar to what can be employed herein; however, this embodiment utilizes a different type of keying structure that may not be necessitated.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 12,064,718 to Young et al is a variation of the ‘660 to Annamalai and is entitled “Alignment notch for an endcap of a filter element” discloses a similar example of such a fuel filter, but with a different type of keying and is incorporated by reference as the present invention is directed toward improvements thereover. In153783394particular Young ‘718 discloses a long thin alignment notch disposed on the bottom endcap, the alignment notch protruding from the bottom endcap toward the top endcap, however this results in a thin weak structure.

[0006] The invention provides for improvements over the state of the art. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Typical endcaps for filter elements do not have a wall that extends much higher than needed for the potting compound. This subject application provides for an end cap having an annular base plate, and a sleeve circumferentially surrounding the periphery of the base plate. Adhesive such a potting compound is provided between the end of the media ring and the inside surface of the base plate to fix the end cap to the media ring. In an embodiment of a filter, the sleeve extends axially past the layer of potting compound. The sleeve can limit flow of fluid to the filter media at the location of the sleeve, create a bubble in the endcap, and prevent water from draining out of the endcap. At least one, and preferably a plurality of circumferentially-elongated vent openings may be included in the wall of the sleeve above the layer of the potting compound and the distal free end of the sleeve to expose the underlying media. The openings prevent bubbles from forming in the endcap, allow fluid flow to the media, and allow water to drain from the endcap.

[0008] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a filter element comprises a ring of filter media, with a top end cap affixed to a top end of the ring of filter media, and a bottom end cap affixed to a bottom end of the ring of filter media. The bottom end cap comprises an end wall and a sleeve projecting upwardly from the end wall toward the top end. The sleeve defines at least one vent opening in surrounding relation to the ring of filter media that provides for fluid exchange with the ring of filter media.

[0009] Various features can be used alone or in combination with each other in association with the above aspect as detailed in the below paragraphs.

[0010] It is a feature that the ring of filter media is a fuel filter media operable to filter water and particulates from a fuel flow and is preferably a pleated filter media ring.253783394

[0011] For example, the filter media can comprise cellulose fibers and be silicone impregnated for water removal.

[0012] It is a feature that the filter element may further comprise a water stripper arranged within the ring of filter media that provides a second stage of filtration downstream of the ring of filter media.

[0013] In the above feature, the water stripper may comprise a tubular support cage supporting a ring of hydrophobic water stripper mesh.

[0014] In the above feature, the tubular support cage may be supported by the top end cap and may project toward the bottom end cap. The tubular support cage can support a first ring seal member spaced radially inward from the ring of filter media.

[0015] It is a feature that the bottom end cap defines an annular opening and supports a second ring seal member, for example in axial and radial spaced relation to the first ring seal member.

[0016] It is a feature that the bottom end cap defines an inner annular wall projecting upwardly toward the top end cap from the end wall and concentric with the sleeve to define an annular adhesive well, and an external annular wall projecting downwardly from the end wall in a direction away from the top end cap. The external annular wall supports the second ring seal member and optionally may include fins along an inner periphery thereof.

[0017] It is a feature that the filter element further comprises a perforate center tube extending between the top and bottom end caps and along an inner periphery of the ring of filter media in supporting relation of the ring of filter media.

[0018] It is a feature that the end wall and the sleeve are integrally formed as a one- piece component part, preferably as a plastic injection molded part.

[0019] It is a feature that the end wall and the sleeve define an annular adhesive well, further comprising an annular mass of adhesive disposed in the annular adhesive well securing the bottom end cap to the bottom end of the filter media, wherein the annular mass of adhesive preferably comprises urethane.

[0020] In the above feature, the at least one vent opening is at least partially above the annular mass of adhesive and more preferably is entirely above the annular mass of adhesive.353783394

[0021] It is a feature that the filter element further comprises a key formed into the end cap at an angular location at the periphery of the end wall.

[0022] In the above feature, the key may comprise an axially extending channel projecting radially inwardly into the wall of the sleeve and extending through the end wall.

[0023] In the above feature, the axially extending channel typically extends higher than the at least one end cap vent opening.

[0024] It is a feature that the at least one vent opening comprises multiple vent openings. Preferably, the vent openings are arranged unevenly around the sleeve in a manner to enable injection molding with only one mold split.

[0025] It is a feature that the sleeve projects axially upwardly from the end wall a distance at least 10% of the axial length of the ring of filter media, and more preferably between 15 % and 20% of the axial length of the ring of filter media.

[0026] It is a feature that the top end cap includes a top end wall and a skirt projecting toward the bottom end from the top end wall in surrounding relation of the ring of filter media. The skirt projects axially downwardly from the top end wall which may be a distance at least 25% of the axial length of the ring of filter media, and more preferably between 30 % and 40% of the axial length of the ring of filter media.

[0027] It is a feature that the top end cap defines a vent orifice radially inwardly of the ring of filter media that preferably has a pressure relief burp valve therein, and preferably a supplemental filter media is arranged between an internal cavity of the filter media ring and the vent orifice.

[0028] It is a feature that a key is formed into the end cap at an angular location at the periphery of the end wall, which extends along a keyed portion of the sleeve. The key extends an axial height extending toward the top end cap. Furthermore, the sleeve has a non-keyed portion outside of the key portion, with the non-keyed portion extending at least as high toward the top end cap as the axial height of the key or higher than the axial height of the key.

[0029] The filter element may be incorporated into a fuel filter assembly, which further comprises a dirty fuel inlet port, a clean fuel outlet port and preferably at least one water453783394separation port. The filter element is disposed in the housing with the ring of filter media arranged in fluid series between the dirty fuel inlet port, and the clean fuel outlet port.

[0030] A further aspect is directed toward a method of using a filter element comprising flowing fuel through the ring of filter media separating water droplets along an outside periphery thereof and trapping particulates by the filter media. At least some of the water droplets can gravitationally flow toward an annular collection region between the sleeve and the ring of filter media, and such collected water can flow radially outwardly through at least one vent opening to escape the bottom end cap.

[0031] The above method can involve additionally coalescing water contained in the fuel by the ring of filter media during passage therethrough, and then passing the fuel through a second water stripper stage of the filter element downstream of the ring of filter media to strip away water droplets coalesced by the ring of filter media.

[0032] Another inventive aspect is directed toward a filter element comprising (a) a ring of filter media; and (b) an end cap adhesively fixed at one end of the media ring. In this aspect the end cap includes an annular base plate, and a sleeve extending circumferentially around a peripheiy of the base plate and axially along a portion of the media ring from the one end toward a second end of the media ring. The sleeve including one or more end cap vent openings in a wall of the sleeve between the base and a distal free end of the sleeve. The vent openings expose underlying filter media to enable fluid flow through the media at the location of the end cap vent openings.

[0033] Various features can be used alone or in combination with each other in association with the above aspect as detailed in the below or above paragraphs.

[0034] It is a feature that a mass of adhesive is provided between the one end of the media ring and an internal surface of the base plate of the end cap, with the one or more end cap vent openings being located between the mass of adhesive and the distal free end of the sleeve.

[0035] It is a feature that said end cap is a bottom end cap, and the filter element further comprises a top end cap adhesively fixed to the second end of the media ring opposite said one end of the media ring. Further, the end cap vent openings may be water drain ports.553783394

[0036] It is a feature that a key is formed into the end cap at an angular location at the periphery of the base plate.

[0037] It is a feature that the key comprises an axially extending channel projecting radially inwardly into the wall of the sleeve and extending through the base plate.

[0038] It is a feature that the axially extending channel extends higher than the end cap vent openings.

[0039] Another inventive aspect is directed toward a fdter element comprising: a ring of fdter media; a top end cap affixed to a top end of the ring of filter media; and a bottom end cap affixed to a bottom end of the ring of filter media, with the bottom end cap comprising an end wall and a sleeve projecting upwardly from the end wall toward the top end. This aspect is characterized in that a key is formed into the end cap at an angular location at the periphery of the end wall that extends along a keyed portion of the sleeve, with the key extending an axial height extending toward the top end cap; and further that the sleeve has a non-keyed portion outside of the keyed portion, with the non-keyed portion extending as high toward the top end cap as the axial height of the key or higher than the axial height of the key.

[0040] Various features can be used alone or in combination with each other in association with the above aspect as detailed in the below or above paragraphs.

[0041] It is a feature that the sleeve extends higher than the key toward the top end cap.

[0042] It is a feature that the key comprises an axially extending channel projecting radially inwardly into the wall of the sleeve and extending through the end wall.

[0043] It is a feature that the axially extending channel has an open end through the end wall and a closed end formed by a radially extending abutment wall defined by the sleeve

[0044] It is a feature that the sleeve defines an upper edge surface that is entirely coplanar. For example, the upper edge surface may be circular.

[0045] It is a feature the axially extending channel extends higher than one or more end cap vent openings formed into the sleeve.

[0046] It is a feature that the sleeve defines means for venting water radially outwardly from an annular collection channel that is defined between the ring of filter media and the sleeve.653783394

[0047] It is a feature that such venting means comprises one or more vent openings defined through the sleeve.

[0048] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0050] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a filter element in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

[0051] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the filter element shown in FIG. 1, partially from bottom side thereof;

[0052] FIG. 3 is a is an isometric view of the filter element shown in FIG. 1, partially from bottom side thereof and generally opposite that of FIG. 2;

[0053] FIG. 4 is a cross section of the filter element of FIG. 1 , taken vertically through the filter coincident with a central axis thereof, and with dashed lines schematically outlining a filter housing;

[0054] FIG. 5 is an exploded assembly side view of the filter element shown in FIG. 1;

[0055] FIG. 6 is isometric view of the bottom end cap of the filter element shown inFIG. 1, taken partially from the bottom side thereof;

[0056] FIG. 7 is isometric view of the bottom end cap of the filter element shown in FIG. 1, taken partially from the top side thereof;753783394

[0057] FIG. 8 is side elevation view of the bottom end cap of the filter element shown in FIG. 1 , showing the keying notch feature;

[0058] FIG. 9 is side elevation view of the bottom end cap of the filter element shown in FIG. 1, and the same as FIG. 8 except rotate ninety degrees;

[0059] FIG. 10 is a cross section of a filter element the same as that of FIG. 1, but with a different vent hole configuration, according to a slightly modified embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 11 is an isometric view taken from a top angle of the end cap of the filter element shown in FIGS. 10;

[0061] FIG. 12 is an isometric view take from a top angle of the filter element of FIG. 10; and

[0062] FIG. 13, is an isometric view of an alternative bottom end cap similar to that shown in FIG. 1-9, but with the window vent openings rotated relative to the notch for better moldability, and which is usable in place of the end cap of FIGS. 1 -9 in an embodiment.

[0063] While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] Turning to FIGS. 1-5, a first embodiment of the present invention has been depicted as filter element 10, for example a fuel filter that can separate particulates and contaminants from a fuel flow and also separate and strip away water droplets that may be contained in such fuel flow.853783394

[0065] The filter element 10 generally includes a ring of filter media 12, a top end cap 14 affixed to a top end of the ring of filter media 12, and a bottom end cap 16 affixed to a bottom end of the ring of filter media 12.

[0066] The bottom end cap 16 comprises an end wall 18 (e.g., circular disc) and a sleeve 20 (e.g., cylindrical wall) projecting upwardly from the end wall 18 toward the top end. In accordance with on aspect of the present invention, the sleeve 20 defines at least one vent opening 22 (and preferrable multiple vent openings 22 as shown) in surrounding relation the ring of filter media 12. This provides for fluid exchange with the ring of filter media 12 through the bottom end cap. For example, in the case of a fuel filter to drain water which is heavier than fuel that could be trapped within sleeve 20 of the bottom end cap 16.

[0067] For example, water droplets trapped along the upstream side of the ring of filter media 12 will travel via gravity toward the bottom end cap along the outer surface of the filter media and into an annular region 21 between the sleeve 20 of the bottom end cap 16 and the filter media.

[0068] The ring of filter media 12 is a fuel filter media operable to filter water and particulates from a fuel flow, preferably a pleated filter media ring as shown. To strip or filter water the media may be made from hydrophobic fibers (e.g., synthetic polymeric materials that are hydrophobic), or may be made from cellulose fibers (or cellulose / polymeric fiber blends) with a hydrophobic coating such as silicone, fluoropolymer, wax, resin or such hydrophobic coatings. For example, in an embodiment, the filter media comprises cellulose fibers (optionally with some blend of polymeric fibers) and is silicone impregnated for water removal.

[0069] The ring of filter media 12 provides a first upstream stage of filtration and is intended to trap particulates such as dirt or debris that may also be in the fuel. The first stage of filtration can filter out water droplets and may also tend to coalesce emulsified water in a fuels stream as it passes therethrough. Therefore, in some embodiments if the media is not tight or hydrophobic enough, it is expected that some water may pass through the first stage provided by the ring of filter media 12.

[0070] As such, preferably, the filter element 10 further comprises a water stripper 24 (FIGS. 4-5) arranged within the ring of filter media 12 providing a second stage of filtration downstream of the ring of filter media 12. For example, in this embodiment, the water953783394stripper 24 comprises a tubular and perforate support cage 26 supporting a ring of hydrophobic water stripper mesh 28.

[0071] To integrate the water stripper 24 into the filter element, the tubular support cage 26 is supported by the top end cap 14 (e.g., fitted over an annular projecting boss of the top end cap interior) and projects toward the bottom end cap 16. The bottom end of the tubular support cage 26 supports a first ring seal member 30 spaced radially inward from the ring of filter media 12. For example, the first ring seal member 30 has a groove that is received upon the bottom tip end of the tubular support cage with a resilient snap-on connection providing retention therebetween.

[0072] Further, the bottom end cap 16 defines an annular opening 32 and supports a second ring seal member 34 in axial and radial spaced relation to the first ring seal member 30. Second seal member 34 may be retained on bottom end cap 16 by various means, for example via a retaining groove into which the second seal member 34 is snap-fit as shown. There is an annular gap between the seal members 30 and 34 (and between the support cage 26 and the bottom end cap 16) to provide a passageway for the exit / collection of stripped water by the water stripper 24. Fuel that has passed through two stages of filtration (ring of filter media 12 and water stripper 24) is considered clean and is collected within the water striper where it can pass through the open end clean fuel outlet port 31 of the water stripper 24.

[0073] This sealing arrangement provided by the first and second ring seal members 30, 34 can seal against a fuel filter housing to seal and prevent leakage between the different stages and the cleaned fuel stream flow, such as that shown in US Patent No. 11,504,660 to Annamalai et.

[0074] Referring in greater detail to the bottom end cap 16, which is also shown by itself in FIGS. 6-9, the bottom end cap 16 defines an inner annular wall 36 projecting upwardly toward the top end cap 16 from the end wall 18. The inner annular wall 36 is concentric with the sleeve 20 to define an annular adhesive well 38. The bottom end cap 16, further comprises an external annular wall 40 projection downwardly from the end wall 18 in a direction away from the top end cap 14. The external annular wall 40 supports the second ring seal member 34 and optionally including an annular array of fins 42 along an inner periphery thereof.1053783394

[0075] Preferably, the botom end cap is a single piece component 16. As shown, the end wall 18 and the sleeve 20 are integrally formed as a one-piece component part, preferably as a plastic injection molded part.

[0076] While the botom end cap could be directly embedded into the ring of filter media (e.g., in a thermoplastic embed), more preferably adhesive is utilized to facilitate attachment. As shown, an annular mass of adhesive 44 is disposed in the annular adhesive well 38 securing the botom end cap 16 to the bottom end of the ring of filter media 12. Any suitable adhesive may be used, for example, the annular mass of adhesive preferably comprises urethane (also referred to as polyurethane).

[0077] To ensure fluid exchange, the at least one vent opening 22 is at least partially above the annular mass of adhesive 44 and more preferably is entirely above the annular mass of adhesive 44 as shown best in FIG. 4.

[0078] Another feature of the botom end cap 16, is a key 46 formed into the end cap at an angular location at the periphery of the end wall 18. For example, the key 46 comprises an axially extending channel 48 projecting radially inwardly into the wall 50 of the sleeve 20 and extending through the end wall 18, which can accommodate a key projection 88 (FIG. 4) from a fuel filter housing 90.

[0079] To accommodate the key 16 adjacent pleat panels of the ring of filter media 12 made be stretched slightly and widened at the location of the key as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. A pleated filter media ring is accordion like and can be expanded and contracted to accommodate the key.

[0080] The axially extending channel 48 extends relatively high to accommodate the key feature from the housing, and as shown extends higher than the vent opening(s) 22. As such, the vent opening(s) allow for accommodation of the key while allowing drainage. Further, the sleeve extends high and extends around the periphery at a height to provide a more robust structure without concern about a flimsy thin key structure that could break.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 6-9. the vent openings 22 are arranged unevenly around the sleeve 20 in a manner to enable injection molding with only one mold split. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 10-12, a slight variation of a filter element 10 A is shown that is the same as that of FIG. 1 , except that the vent openings 22A are evenly spaced, but that requires more complex mold formation. As such the disclosure for filter element 10 of the first1153783394illustrated embodiment is applicable to that of the embodiment of FIG. 10A other than as indicated, and vice versa.

[0082] To accommodate and provide support for the key 46 and axial channel 48, the sleeve 20 projects axially upwardly from the end wall a distance at least 10% an axial length of the ring of filter media 12, and more preferably between 15% and 20% of the axial length of the ring of filter media 12.

[0083] In accordance with another inventive aspect, the key 46 is formed into the end cap at an angular location at the periphery of the end wall 18 as shown in FIGS. 6-9, and extends along a keyed portion 52 of the sleeve 20; with the key 46 extending an axial height extending toward the top end cap 14; and characterized in that the sleeve has a nonkeyed portion 54 outside of the key portion 52 in which the non-keyed portion 54 extends as high toward the top end cap 14 as the axial height of the key 46 or higher than the axial height of the key 46. As a result of this arrangement, the key is circumferentially supported over the length of the key and is not merely an isolated projecting feature.

[0084] For example, as shown in the figures, the sleeve 20 can be considered to extend higher than the key 46 toward the top end cap 14, as the key cavity is closed at the top of the sleeve 20, which for the axial channel 49 is a closed end formed by a radially extending abutment wall 58 defined by the sleeve 20.

[0085] As also shown, the upper edge of the sleeve 20 is circular, and may have an upper edge surface that is entirely co-planar as is also shown.

[0086] Other features of the filter element 10 can be seen in reference to FIGS. 4-5 include a perforate center tube 56 extending between the top and bottom end caps 14. 16 and along an inner periphery of the ring of filter media 12 in supporting relation of the ring of filter media 12. The water stripper 24 can be concentrically arranged and located within the perforate center tube 56 and also may be supported thereby (e.g. by an array of inward fins 60 of the center tube 56)

[0087] Other features relating to the top end cap 14 includes a top end wall 62 and a skirt 64 projecting toward the bottom end from the top end wall 62 in surrounding relation of the ring of filter media 12. Such elongated skirts 64 are sometimes used in fuel filters as will be understood in the art. The skirt 64 projects axially downwardly from the top end1253783394wall a distance at least 25% of an axial length of the ring of filter media, and more preferably between 30 % and 40% of the axial length of the ring of filter media.

[0088] The top end cap 14 defines a vent orifice 66 radially inwardly of the ring of filter media 12 that preferably has a pressure relief burp valve 68 therein, and preferably a supplemental filter media 70 is arranged between an internal cavity of the filter media ring and the vent orifice 66.

[0089] As shown schematically in FIG. 4, the fuel filter 10 can be incorporated into a filter assembly 80. The filter assembly 80 comprises the fuel filter housing 90 comprising a dirty fuel inlet port 82, a clean fuel outlet port 84 and preferably at least one water separation port 86. The filter element 10 is disposed in the housing with the ring of filter media 12 arranged in fluid series between the dirty fuel inlet port 82, and the clean fuel outlet port 84.

[0090] The assembly 80 provides for a method of cleaning fuel comprising flowing fuel through the ring of filter media 12 separating water droplets along an outside periphery thereof and trapping particulates by the filter media 12. At least some of the water droplets can gravitationally flow toward an annular collection region 21 between the sleeve 20 and the ring of filter media 12 and flow radially outwardly through the at least one vent opening 22 to escape the bottom end cap 16.

[0091] The method comprises additionally coalescing water contained in the fuel by the ring of filter media 12 during passage therethrough, and then passing the fuel through a second water stripper 24 stage of the filter element downstream of the ring of filter media 12 to strip away water droplets coalesced by the ring of filter media 12.

[0092] Turning to FIG. 13, an alternative and additional embodiment of a bottom end cap 16A is illustrated that can be substituted for that of FIGS. 1-9 and 10-12 embodiments, such that the disclosure of these prior embodiments is applicable to this embodiment and vice versa. As shown, this bottom end cap 16A is almost the same as the end cap 16 of FIGS. 1-9, except that the vent openings 22A location in this embodiment is slightly different. In comparison to FIGS. 1-9 embodiment, here the vent openings 22A are rotated relative to the key 46 which is the same as prior (and includes axially extending change 48 as shown earlier) The tooling that forms the windows has been rotated 90 degrees so that it "pulls” in the direction orthogonal to the axis through the key 46. This changes the shape of1353783394the windows to a degree but doesn't significantly alter their position or function as previously described, but it does provide moldability advantages.

[0093] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0094] The use of the terms "a” and "an” and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any nonclaimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0095] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.1453783394

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A filter element comprising: a ring of filter media; a top end cap affixed to a top end of the ring of filter media; a bottom end cap affixed to a bottom end of the ring of filter media, the bottom end cap comprising an end wall and a sleeve proj ecting upwardly from the end wall toward the top end, the sleeve defining at least one vent opening in surrounding relation to the ring of filter media providing for fluid exchange with the ring of filter media.

2. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the ring of filter media is a fuel filter media operable to filter water and particulates from a fuel flow, preferably a pleated filter media ring.

3. The filter element of any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the filter media comprises cellulose fibers and is silicone impregnated for water removal.

4. The filter element of any of claims 1 -3, further comprising a water stripper arranged within the ring of filter media providing a second stage of filtration dow nstream of the ring of filter media.

5. The filter element of claim 4, wherein the water stripper comprises a tubular support cage supporting a ring of hydrophobic w ater stripper mesh.

6. The filter element of claim 5. wherein the tubular support cage is supported by the top end cap and projects toward the bottom end cap and supports a first ring seal member spaced radially inw ard from the ring of filter media.

7. The filter element of any of claim 6, wherein the bottom end cap defines an annular opening and supports a second ring seal member in axial and radial spaced relation to the first ring seal member.15537833948. The filter element of claim 7. wherein the bottom end cap defines an inner annular wall projecting upwardly toward the top end cap from the end wall and concentric with the sleeve to define an annular adhesive well, and an external annular wall projecting downwardly from the end wall in a direction away from the top end cap, the external annular wall supporting the second ring seal member and optionally including fins along an inner periphery thereof.

9. The filter element of any of claims 1-8, further comprising a perforate center tube extending between the top and bottom end caps and along an inner periphery of the ring of filter media in supporting relation of the ring of filter media.

10. The filter element of any of claims 1 -9, wherein the end wall and the sleeve are integrally formed as a one-piece component part, preferably as a plastic injection molded part.

11. The filter element of any of claims 1-10, wherein the end wall and the sleeve define an annular adhesive well, further comprising an annular mass of adhesive disposed in the annular adhesive well securing the bottom end cap to the bottom end of the filter media, wherein the annular mass of adhesive preferably comprises urethane.

12. The filter element of claim 11, wherein the at least one vent opening is at least partially above the annular mass of adhesive and more preferably is entirely above the annular mass of adhesive.

13. The filter element of any of claims 1-12, further comprising a key formed into the end cap at an angular location at the periphery of the end wall.

14. The filter element of claim 13, wherein the key comprises an axially extending channel projecting radially inwardly into the wall of the sleeve and extending through the end wall.165378339415. The filter element of claim 14, wherein the axially extending channel extends higher than the at least one end cap vent opening.

16. The filter element of any of claims 1-15, wherein at least one vent opening comprises a plurality of vent openings, the vent openings are arranged unevenly around the sleeve in a manner to enable injection molding with only one mold split.

17. The filter element of any of claims 1-16, wherein the sleeve projects axially upwardly from the end wall a distance at least 10% of the axial length of the ring of filter media, and more preferably between 15 % and 20% of the axial length of the ring of filter media.

18. The filter element of any of claims 1-17, wherein the top end cap includes a top end wall and a skirt projecting toward the bottom end from the top end wall in surrounding relation of the ring of filter media, wherein the skirt projects axially downwardly from the top end wall a distance at least 25% of the axial length of the ring of filter media, and more preferably between 30 % and 40% of the axial length of the ring of filter media.

19. The filter element of any of claims 1-18. wherein the top end cap defines a vent orifice radially inwardly of the ring of filter media that preferably has a pressure relief burp valve therein, and preferably a supplemental filter media is arranged between an internal cavity of the filter media ring and the vent orifice.

20. The filter element of any of claims 1 -19, wherein a key is formed into the end cap at an angular location at the periphery of the end wall and extending along a keyed portion of the sleeve, the key extending an axial height extending toward the top end cap; and wherein the sleeve has a non-keyed portion outside of the keyed portion, the non-keyed portion extending as high toward the top end cap as the axial height of the key or higher than the axial height of the key.175378339421. A fuel filter assembly comprising, the filter element of any of claim 1-20. and further comprising a fuel filter housing comprising a dirty fuel inlet port, a clean fuel outlet port and preferably at least one water separation port, wherein the filter element is disposed in the housing with the ring of filter media arranged in fluid series between the dirty fuel inlet port, and the clean fuel outlet port.

22. A method of using the filter element of any of claims 1-21, comprising: flowing fuel through the ring of filter media separating water droplets along an outside periphery thereof and trapping particulates by the filter media, and wherein at least some of the water droplets can gravitationally flow toward an annular collection region between the sleeve and the ring of filter media and flow radially outwardly through the at least one vent opening to escape the bottom end cap.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising additionally coalescing water contained in the fuel by the ring of filter media during passage therethrough, and then passing the fuel through a second water stripper stage of the filter element downstream of the ring of filter media to strip away water droplets coalesced by the ring of filter media.

24. A filter element, comprising: a. a ring of filter media; and b. an end cap adhesively fixed at one end of the media ring, the end cap including an annular base plate, and a sleeve extending circumferentially around a periphery of the base plate and axially along a portion of the media ring from the one end toward a second end of the media ring, the sleeve including one or more end cap vent openings in a wall of the sleeve between the base and a distal free end of the sleeve, the vent openings exposing underlying filter media to enable fluid flow through the media at the location of the end cap vent openings.

25. The filter element as in claim 24, further including a mass of adhesive between the one end of the media ring and an internal surface of the base plate of the end cap, the one or more end cap vent openings being located between the mass of adhesive and the distal free end of the sleeve.185378339426. The filter element of claim 24, wherein said end cap is a bottom end cap, and further comprising a top end cap is adhesively fixed to the second end of the media ring opposite said one end of the media ring, wherein the end cap vent openings are water drain ports.

27. The filter element of claim 24, further comprising a key formed into the end cap at an angular location at the periphery of the base plate.

28. The filter element of claim 27, wherein the key comprises an axially extending channel projecting radially inwardly into the wall of the sleeve and extending through the base plate.

29. The filter element of claim 28, wherein the axially extending channel extends higher than the end cap vent openings.

30. A filter element comprising: a ring of filter media; a top end cap affixed to a top end of the ring of filter media; a bottom end cap affixed to a bottom end of the ring of filter media, the bottom end cap comprising an end wall and a sleeve projecting upwardly from the end wall toward the top end; a key formed into the end cap at an angular location at the periphery of the end wall and extending along a keyed portion of the sleeve, the key extending an axial height extending toward the top end cap; and wherein the sleeve has a non-keyed portion outside of the keyed portion, the nonkeyed portion extending as high toward the top end cap as the axial height of the key or higher than the axial height of the key.

31. The filter element of claim 30, wherein the sleeve extends higher than the key toward the top end cap.195378339432. The filter element of any of claims 30-31, wherein the key comprises an axially extending channel projecting radially inwardly into the wall of the sleeve and extending through the end wall.

33. The filter element of claim 32, wherein the axially extending channel has an open end through the end wall and a closed end formed by a radially extending abutment wall defined by the sleeve34. The filter element of any of claim 30-33, wherein the sleeve defines an upper edge surface that is entirely co-planar.

35. The filter element of claim 34 wherein the upper edge surface is circular.

36. The filter element of any of claims 30-35, wherein the axially extending channel extends higher than one or more end cap vent openings formed into the sleeve.

37. The filter element of any of claims 30-36, wherein the sleeve defines means for venting water radially outwardly from an annular collection channel that is defined between the nng of filter media and the sleeve.

38. The filter element of claim 37, wherein the venting means comprises one or more vent openings defined through the sleeve.2053783394

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