Parker-hannifin Corporation

Clarcor Engine Mobile Solutions, LLC

Ralle Rookey

Justin R Pribanic

Steven J Merritt

Kevin Bidwell Downs

Jonathan D Moore

Felix Libfeld

Wayne J Dubé

A liquid filter in the form of a filter element or a filter cartridge provides torsion locking relative to a filter head when the housing of such filter is threaded onto a filter head. Many embodiments employ a filter that includes a nipple portion at a top end with the torsion lock detent provided outboard of the nipple portion or integrated into the nipple portion. Many embodiments employ a simplified shoulder transition region at the top end of a torsion locked filter element. Valve actuation and/or filter differentiation is used in some embodiments. Different torsion locking arrangements, deformable thread profiles and other liquid filter features are disclosed.

Filter element with torsion lock and assembly

The apparatus and related method employ fluid pressure to first separate the water accumulation chamber from the filtration chamber of a filter assembly by closing fluid flow pathways that allow water to flow into the accumulation chamber. With the chambers separated, fluid pressure is applied to the accumulation chamber to open a drain valve and push water out of the accumulation chamber. The period for which pressure is applied to the accumulation chamber can be regulated by sensors detecting a low water level, or can be timed, or both. When the water removal is completed, the fluid pressure is removed and fluid communication between the filtration chamber and the water accumulation chamber is restored.

Automated water drain system

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Suffield, CT, United States of America

Ralle Rookey