Self-releasing filter connector
AssigneeFiltration Technology Corporation
InventorsJames D. HARRIS, Chirstopher D. WALLACE
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A filter element with end caps and seal that allows quick release of the filter element from a filter vessel is described.
Claims15
An end cap assembly for facilitating removal of a filter element from a filter receiver, comprising:
- a) a first end cap having an annular ledge having a first diameter;
- b) an annular seal annularly surrounding the first end cap at the annular ledge;
- and
- c) a second end cap having an annular seat having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter;
- d) wherein the second end cap is operatively coupled with the first end cap such that when the first end cap moves relative to the second end cap, the annular seal moves from the annular ledge of the first end cap to the annular seat of the second end cap.
An end cap assembly for facilitating removal of a filter element from a filter receiver, comprising:
- a) a connector having an annular ledge having a first diameter and an annular seating surface having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter;
- b) an annular seal annularly surrounding the connector;
- and
- c) a retainer ring coupled with the connector at the annular seating surface;
- wherein the retainer ring is operatively coupled with the connector such that when the retainer ring moves relative to the connector, the annular seal moves from the annular ledge to the annular seating surface.
A filter element, comprising:
- a) a first filter section having a distal end and a first connecting end, wherein the first filter section is generally cylindrical in shape;
- b) a second filter section having a distal end and a second connecting end, wherein the second filter section is generally cylindrical in shape;
- c) a first end cap secured to the first connecting end of the first filter section, wherein the first end cap having an annular ledge having a first diameter;
- d) an annular seal annularly surrounding the first end cap;
- and
- e) a second end cap secured to the second connecting end of the second filter section, wherein the second end cap having an annular seat having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter;
- wherein the second end cap is operatively coupled with the first end cap such that when the first end cap moves relative to the second end cap, the annular seal moves from the annular ledge of the first end cap to the annular seat of the second end cap.
A filter element, comprising:
- a) a first filter section having a distal end and a first connecting end, wherein the first filter section is generally cylindrical in shape;
- b) a second filter section having a distal end and a second connecting end, wherein the second filter section is generally cylindrical in shape;
- c) a connector secured to the first connecting end of the first filter section and the second connecting end of the second filter section, wherein the connector having an annular ledge having a first diameter and an annular seating surface having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter;
- d) an annular seal annularly surrounding the connector;
- and
- e) a retainer ring coupled with the connector at the annular seating surface;
- wherein the retainer ring is operatively coupled with the connector such that when the retainer ring moves relative to the connector, the annular seal moves from the annular ledge to the annular seating surface.
A method of extracting a filter element from a filter receiver, wherein the filter element comprising an end cap securely connected to at least one filter section, the end cap having a first annular surface of a first diameter and a second annular surface of a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, wherein the first annular surface at least partially cover the second annular surface after the filter element is installed, wherein an elastic annular seal sitting on the first annular surface contacting inner surface of the filter receiver when the filter element is installed therein to provide an annular seal between either side of the elastic seal, and wherein the second annular surface being located adjacent to the first annular surface, the method comprising:
- a) removing filter element away from the filter receiver, wherein the elastic seal being moved from the first annular surface to the second annular surface to reduce or eliminate the contact between the elastic seal and the inner surface of the filter receiver.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.