US 2001/0042709 A1 · Key system for ecological filter cartridge and element

Abstract

A fuel filter cartridge assembly employs a two piece housing to house a replaceable filter unit. The filter cartridge assembly incorporates a key system to ensure compatibility of a replacement filter unit for a given cartridge assembly. Keys formed on the filter unit cooperate with keyways formed in the housing to ensure that only filter units having key structures may be used. Each key may have a different angular position, angular dimension and radial projection. By varying the dimensions of the keys and/or the positions and/or the number of keys, a composite compatibility matrix comprising an infinite number of configuration sets are available to differentiate between filter units having differing flow capacities, filter media, disposal options or other characteristics.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A filter cartridge assembly comprising:

a housing including a first section having a first end and a second section, said sections removably connectable to form a fluid-tight enclosure, said first section comprising an interior structure defining at least one keyway including an axial portion and an offset portion generally orthogonal thereto, and
a filter unit replaceably receivable in said enclosure, said filter unit including a filter element and at least one end cap enclosing an axial end of said filter element, said end cap including a peripheral portion having at least one key extending radially from said peripheral portion,
wherein said key is receivable in said keyway and axially movable toward said first section first end.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Key system for ecological filter cartridge and element

Life of this patent

Key system for ecological filter cartridge and element

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16