Top and bottom loaded filter and locking mechanism
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsJeffrey R. Ries, Jon T. Immel, Darrell Lee Morehouse, III, Stephen Ellis Oedewaldt, Philip Carl Spengler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A filter element includes a bottom open end joined to a center tube opposite the top open end. The bottom open end defines a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface that is in communication with the central reservoir of the filter element. A first locking feature is disposed proximate to the bottom open end. The locking feature includes an entrance slot that is disposed on the radially inner surface of the center tube extending axially from the bottom open end. A similar or identical second locking feature is disposed proximate to the top open end.
Claims20
A filter element that includes at least a partially annular configuration and that defines a longitudinal axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, the filter element comprising:
- an annular filter media defining a central passage;
- a center tube that is disposed in the central passage of the annular filter media that defines a central reservoir, and the annular filter media surrounds the center tube and the central reservoir;
- a top open end joined to the center tube disposed along the longitudinal axis, the top open end including an opening allowing fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of the filter element;
- a bottom open end joined to the center tube opposite the top open end disposed along the longitudinal axis, the bottom open end defining a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface that is in communication with the central reservoir;
- a first locking feature disposed proximate to the bottom open end, the first locking feature including a first entrance slot that is disposed on the radially inner surface of the center tube extending axially upwardly from the bottom open end, and a first ramp slot extending axially upwardly and circumferentially counterclockwise from the first entrance slot along a first predetermined direction, the first ramp slot being in communication with the first entrance slot;
- and
- a second locking feature disposed proximate to the top open end, the second locking feature includes a second entrance slot that is disposed on the radially inner surface of the center tube extending axially downwardly from the top open end, and a second ramp slot extending axially downwardly and circumferentially clockwise from the second entrance slot along a second predetermined direction, the second ramp slot being in communication with the second entrance slot.
A pair of pedestals for use with a canister filter system and a filter element, wherein each of the pair of pedestals comprise:
- an at least partially annular body defining a longitudinal axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, and including
- a top annular portion terminating at a top free end;
- and
- a tab extending radially from the top annular portion, the tab including a first axial surface, a bottom circumferential surface, and a bottom ramp surface extending from the bottom circumferential surface.
A canister filter system comprising:
- a filter element that includes at least partially a cylindrical configuration and that defines a longitudinal axis, and a radial direction, the filter element comprising:
- an annular filter media defining a central passage;
- a center tube that is disposed in the central passage of the annular filter media that defines a central reservoir, and the annular filter media surrounds the center tube and the central reservoir;
- a top open end joined to the center tube disposed along the longitudinal axis, the top open end including an opening allowing fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of the filter element;
- and
- a bottom open end joined to the center tube opposite the top open end disposed along the longitudinal axis:
- a canister that includes a top open end, and a bottom closed end or a bottom open end disposed along the longitudinal axis;
- a base that is configured to be attached to the canister;
- a bottom pedestal including
- an at least partially annular body defining a longitudinal axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction;
- a top annular portion terminating at a top free end and defining a top diameter;
- a bottom annular portion defining a bottom diameter that is greater than the top diameter;
- and
- a bottom tab extending radially from the top annular portion;
- and
- wherein the bottom pedestal rests on the bottom closed end of the canister, and the filter seal is disposed below the tab of the bottom pedestal and around the bottom annular portion while contacting the canister;
- and
- a top pedestal comprising a top tab, the top pedestal being operatively associated with the base.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.