U.S. patent application number 11/187734 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-17 for keyed filter assembly.
Invention is credited to Bassett, Laurence W., Carbo, David A., Contaxis, William III, Taylor, Bruce G..
Application Number | 20050252841 11/187734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34710443 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050252841 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bassett, Laurence W. ; et
al. |
November 17, 2005 |
Keyed filter assembly
Abstract
Disclosed is a unique filter assembly for ensuring replacement
cartridge compatibility in filtration systems having replaceable
filter cartridges with lugged mounting systems. One representative
filter assembly includes a representative cartridge member having a
body portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion
depending therefrom. The representative neck portion of the
representative cartridge includes at least one axial inlet port for
directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least one
axial outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body
portion. The representative neck portion also has at least two
representative lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein
at least one lug defines a keyed engagement surface, a leading
inclined cam surface and a trailing inclined cam surface. The at
least two representative lugs wherein at least one lug defines a
keyed engagement surface, a leading inclined cam surface and a
trailing inclined cam surface could be operatively positioned on
other components of the representative filter assembly as well.
Inventors: |
Bassett, Laurence W.;
(Killingworth, CT) ; Contaxis, William III;
(Milford, CT) ; Taylor, Bruce G.; (Kensington,
CT) ; Carbo, David A.; (East Haddam, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CUNO INCORPORATED
400 RESEARCH PARKWAY
P. O. BOX 1018
MERIDEN
CT
06450-1018
US
|
Family ID: |
34710443 |
Appl. No.: |
11/187734 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11187734 |
Jul 22, 2005 |
|
|
|
10734498 |
Dec 12, 2003 |
|
|
|
6949189 |
|
|
|
|
10734498 |
Dec 12, 2003 |
|
|
|
10208492 |
Jul 30, 2002 |
|
|
|
10208492 |
Jul 30, 2002 |
|
|
|
09553982 |
Apr 20, 2000 |
|
|
|
6458269 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/234 ;
210/444 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 2201/4046 20130101;
B01D 35/153 20130101; C02F 2201/006 20130101; B01D 27/08 20130101;
B01D 27/106 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/234 ;
210/444 |
International
Class: |
B01D 027/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A filter cartridge comprising: a) a body portion for enclosing
filter media for filtering a fluid; and b) a neck portion including
at least one inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the
body portion and at least one outlet port for directing filtered
fluid out of the body portion, the filter cartridge having at least
two lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom, at least one lug
defining a keyed engagement surface, a leading inclined cam surface
and a trailing inclined cam surface, the keyed engagement surface
enabling the cartridge to mate with a compatible reception assembly
and the trailing inclined cam surface facilitating the mating
therewith.
2. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein each lug comprises a
keyed engagement surface, a leading inclined cam surface; and a
trailing inclined cam surface.
3. The filter cartridge of claim 2, wherein the keyed engagement
surface is substantially similar.
4. The filter cartridge of claim 2, wherein the keyed engagement
surface is different.
5. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the neck portion
includes a pair of diametrically opposed lugs.
6. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the neck portion
includes three circumferentially spaced apart lugs.
7. The filter cartridge as recited in claim 1, wherein the neck
portion includes first and second pairs of diametrically opposed
lugs, wherein the first pair of lugs is disposed at a first height
on the neck portion and the second pair of lugs is disposed at a
second height on the neck portion.
8. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the at least one lug
has an axially facing surface and the keyed engagement surface is
operatively positioned on the axially facing surface.
9. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the neck portion of the
cartridge member includes a first surface axially facing surface
having the at least one inlet port formed therein.
10. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the neck portion of the
cartridge member includes a second surface axially facing surface
having the at least one outlet port formed therein.
11. A filter cartridge comprising: a) a body portion for enclosing
filter media for filtering a fluid; and b) a neck portion including
at least one axial inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into
the body portion and at least one axial outlet port for directing
filtered fluid out of the body portion, the filter cartridge having
at least two lugs operatively positioned thereon and depending
radially outwardly therefrom.
12. The filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein the at least one lug
comprises: a keyed engagement surface; and a leading inclined cam
surface and a trailing inclined cam surface, the keyed engagement
surface enabling the cartridge to mate with a compatible reception
assembly.
13. The filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein the neck portion
comprises: first and second circumferential grooves formed therein
which are adapted and configured for receiving an O-ring seal, the
first circumferential groove 5 being positioned between the at
least one inlet port of the neck member and the body portion and
the second circumferential groove being positioned between the at
least one inlet port and the at least one outlet port.
14. The filter cartridge of claim 1 wherein the neck portion has at
least two lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom.
15. The filter assembly of claim 1 wherein the body portion has
least two lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom.
16. The filter cartridge of claim 11 wherein the neck portion has
at least two lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom.
17. The filter assembly of claim 11 wherein the body portion has
least two lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom.
18. A filter assembly comprising: a) a cartridge member including a
body portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion
including at least one inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid
into the body portion and at least one outlet port for directing
filtered fluid out of the body portion, the filter assembly having
at least two lugs depending radially outwardly operatively
positioned thereon, at least one lug defining a keyed engagement
surface, a leading inclined cam surface and a trailing inclined cam
surface; b) a head member defining an axial chamber and including
inlet and outlet passages which communicate with the axial chamber;
and c) a support member, operatively disposed between the head
member and the cartridge member, the support member including an
aperture for receiving the neck portion of the cartridge member,
the aperture having an inner surface defining at least two cam
ramps for interacting with the leading inclined cam surface formed
on at least one of the lugs to facilitate engagement of the lugs of
the cartridge member with the support member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/734,498 filed Dec. 12, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/208,492 filed Jul. 30, 2002, now
abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
09/553,982 filed Apr. 20, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,269, the
disclosure of each is hereby incorporated by reference to the
extent not inconsistent with the present application.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The subject disclosure relates to fluid filtration devices,
and more particularly, to a filter assembly having a keyed lockout
system to ensure replacement cartridge compatibility.
[0003] Commercial vending machines for dispensing liquids such as
coffee or soft drinks are wide spread in our society. It is common
to filter liquids such as water in these vending machines before
they are dispensed by circulating the water through an appropriate
filter. It is also commonplace to find filtering devices in
consumer appliances such as refrigerators for filtering drinking
water and for ice production. Commercial and domestic filtering
devices of this type have a limited useful life and require
frequent replacement. Examples of prior art replaceable filtering
devices of this type are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.
No. 4,735,716 to Petrucci et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,806,240 to
Giordano et al.
[0004] In most instances, the replaceable filters employed in
commercial and consumer appliances are manufactured in accordance
with particular design specifications and performance parameters
provided by the appliance manufacturer. In many cases, the filter
media used in such filters consists of a proprietary material or is
manufactured using a proprietary process. Thus, appliance
manufactures often recommend that replacement cartridges be
purchased from the original equipment provider so as to ensure the
integrity and proper operation of the filtering system.
[0005] Oftentimes, the owner of a household appliance or the
maintenance personnel servicing a commercial vending machine is not
aware of the replacement filter specifications and operating
parameters of the filtering system. Consequently, they unknowingly
jeopardize the integrity of the filtration system by replacing a
used filter with an inferior or incompatible replacement filter
supplied by an after-market manufacturer. This problem has also
been encountered by automotive filter manufacturers, as inferior
replacement fuel filters are frequently installed in a vehicle
without the knowledge of the vehicle owner or operator.
[0006] One solution to this problem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,035,797 to Janik, wherein a key system is provided to ensure
replacement cartridge compatibility for axially mounted fuel
filters with threaded retaining collars. The key system employs a
unique matrix of axially projecting keys formed in a base for
axially receiving a filter cartridge, and a corresponding matrix of
slots formed in a compatible cartridge, so that for a given
compatible cartridge and base, the keys are interlockable in the
slots to securely lock the cartridge in the base. For each
non-compatible cartridge and base, the base keys are not-mateable
with the cartridge slots and interfere with the mounting of the
cartridge to the base. A similar key system is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,186,829 to Janik which includes a set of angularly
spaced arcuate projections that protrude radially from the
cylindrical side wall of the fuel filter cartridge to mate with
corresponding spaced apart recesses in the base when the cartridge
is axially pushed into the base. U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,137 to Janik
discloses yet another key system for an axially mounted fuel filter
with a threaded retaining collar.
[0007] While such prior art key systems are suitable for use in
conjunction with axially mountable automotive fuel filters having
threaded retaining collars, they are not easily adapted for use in
conjunction with consumer and industrial water filtration systems
wherein the filter cartridge is provided with a set of cam lugs
configured to facilitate rotatable mounting of the cartridge to a
base or supporting structure. Examples of prior art filter
cartridges having lugged engagement portions are disclosed in the
Petrucci et al. and Giordano et al. patents discussed hereinabove,
and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,857,189 and 4,956,086 to Thomsen et al. It
would beneficial to provide a key system for replaceable filter
cartridges having lugged mounting systems.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] The present disclosure is directed to a unique filter
assembly for ensuring replacement cartridge compatibility in
filtration systems having replaceable filter cartridges with lugged
mounting systems. In accordance with one representative preferred
representative embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter
assembly comprises a cartridge member which includes a body portion
for enclosing filter media and a neck portion depending therefrom.
The neck portion of the cartridge includes at least one inlet port
for directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least
one outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body
portion. The neck also has at least two lugs depending radially
outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one lug defines a keyed
engagement surface, a leading inclined cam surface and a trailing
inclined cam surface. Preferably, the keyed engagement surface is
on an axially facing surface of the at least one lug.
[0009] In another representative, preferred embodiment, the neck
portion of the cartridge member includes first and second axially
facing surfaces. The first axially facing surface has at least one
inlet port formed therein and the second axially facing surface has
at least one outlet port formed therein.
[0010] Still further, it is envisioned that each lug defines a
keyed engagement surface, a leading inclined cam surface and a
trailing inclined cam surface. Still further, it is envisioned that
the keyed engagement surface defined on each lug of the cartridge
member is substantially similar. Alternatively, the keyed
engagement surface defined on each lug of the cartridge member can
be different.
[0011] The representative filter assembly may further include a
head member which defines an axial chamber and includes inlet and
outlet passages that communicate with the chamber. A valve member
is rotatably disposed within the axial chamber of the head member
and defines an axial cavity for receiving the neck portion of the
cartridge member to facilitate communication between the inlet and
outlet passages of the head member and the inlet and outlet ports
of the neck portion. The cavity formed in the valve member defines
at least one reception slot which includes a surface for mating
with the keyed engagement surface formed on the lug(s). The
reception slot(s) further defines at least one inclined surface for
interacting with the trailing inclined cam surface formed on the
lug(s) to facilitate engagement and/or disengagement of the
cartridge member with the axial cavity of the valve member.
[0012] The representative filter assembly may further include a
support member which is disposed between the head member and the
cartridge member and includes an aperture for receiving the neck
portion of the cartridge member. The aperture has an inner surface
that defines at least two cam ramps for interacting with the
leading inclined cam surface formed on the lug(s) to facilitate
engagement of the lug(s) of the cartridge member with the support
member.
[0013] In another representative, preferred embodiment of the
present disclosure, the neck portion of the cartridge member has a
pair of diametrically opposed lugs. Alternatively, the neck portion
of the cartridge member has three circumferentially spaced apart
lugs. In a still further representative embodiment, the neck
portion of the cartridge member has first and second pairs of
diametrically opposed lugs, wherein the first pair of lugs is
disposed at a first height on the neck portion and the second pair
of lugs is disposed at a second height on the neck portion.
[0014] The present disclosure is also directed to a representative
filter cartridge which includes a body portion and a neck portion.
The body portion of the cartridge encloses filter media for
filtering a fluid which is passed therethrough. The neck portion
communicates with the body portion and includes an inlet port for
directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least one
outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body portion.
The neck portion, presently preferably, has at least two lugs which
depend radially outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one lug
defines a keyed engagement surface, a leading inclined cam surface
and a trailing inclined cam surface. The keyed engagement surface
enables the cartridge to mate with a compatible reception assembly
and the trailing inclined cam surface facilitating the mating
therewith.
[0015] In an alternative representative embodiment of the present
disclosure, each lug defines a keyed engagement surface, a leading
inclined cam surface and a trailing inclined cam surface. Still
further, it is envisioned that the keyed engagement surfaces
defined on each lug of the cartridge member can be substantially
similar or alternatively, they can be different.
[0016] Presently preferably, the neck portion of the cartridge
member has a pair of diametrically opposed lugs. Alternatively, the
neck portion of the cartridge member has three circumferentially
spaced apart lugs. In a still further representative embodiment,
the neck portion of the cartridge member has first and second pairs
of diametrically opposed lugs, wherein the first pair of lugs is
disposed at a first height on the neck portion and the second pair
of lugs is disposed at a second height on the neck portion.
[0017] The present disclosure is also directed to a filter
cartridge which includes a body portion for enclosing filter media
for filtering a fluid and a neck portion which communicates with
the body portion. The neck portion includes at least one axial
inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion, at
least one axial outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the
body portion and a neck portion having at least two lugs depending
radially outwardly therefrom.
[0018] Presently preferably, the at least one lug defines a keyed
engagement surface, a leading inclined cam surface and a trailing
inclined cam surface, the keyed engagement surface enabling the
cartridge to mate with a compatible reception assembly.
[0019] It is envisioned that the neck portion has first and second
circumferential grooves formed therein which are adapted and
configured for receiving an O-ring seal. The first circumferential
groove is positioned between the at least one inlet port of the
neck member and the body portion and the second circumferential
groove is positioned between the at least one inlet port and the at
least one outlet port. Alternatively, it is understood that the
positions of the at least one inlet port and the at least one
outlet port could be reversed and the filter cartridge would remain
operative.
[0020] The present disclosure is also directed to a representative
filter assembly which includes a replaceable cartridge, a head
member, a valve and a support structure. The cartridge has a body
portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion that includes
at least one axially extending inlet port for directing unfiltered
fluid into the body portion and at least one axially extending
outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body portion.
The neck portion has at least two lugs depending radially outwardly
therefrom, the at least one lug defining a keyed engagement
surface, a leading inclined cam surface and a trailing inclined cam
surface.
[0021] These and other unique features of the representative
lenticular filter cartridge assembly of the present disclosure and
the method of constructing the same will become more readily
apparent from the following description of the drawings taken in
conjunction with the detailed description of the representative
preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
present disclosure appertains will more readily understand how to
construct and use the filter cartridge assembly of the present
disclosure, reference may be had to the drawings wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter assembly
constructed in accordance with a representative preferred
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the representative
filter assembly of FIG. 1 with part separated for ease of
illustration;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the representative
upper portion of the representative filter assembly of FIG. 1
including the representative filter cartridge, representative
support bracket and representative head member;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the representative
support bracket shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3
illustrating the representative ramped camming surface formed
thereon;
[0027] FIG. 5 is bottom end view of the representative valve member
shown in FIG. 3 as viewed along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the representative valve
member of FIG. 3, with a representative portion of the outer wall
broken away to illustrate representative interior surface features
thereof,
[0029] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the representative valve
member of FIG. 3, with a representative portion of the outer wall
broken away and rotated 180.degree. from the position shown in FIG.
6 to illustrate representative interior surface features
thereof;
[0030] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the representative upper
portion of the filter cartridge and the valve member of FIG. 3,
with the representative interlocking features thereof in axial
alignment to facilitate the engagement therebetween;
[0031] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the representative upper
portion of the representative filter cartridge and the
representative head member of FIG. 3, rotated 180.degree. from the
position shown in FIG. 8, with the representative interlocking
features thereof in axial alignment to facilitate the engagement
therebetween;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the representative upper
portion of the representative filter assembly of the present
disclosure, with the representative wall of the representative head
and representative valve members broken away to illustrate the
initial position of the representative keyed camming lug of the
representative filter relative to the representative ramped camming
surface of the representative bracket member, wherein the
representative valve assembly with which the representative head
member is associated is closed to flow;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the representative upper
portion of the representative filter assembly of the present
disclosure, with the representative wall of the representative head
member broken away to illustrate the final position of the
representative keyed camming lug of the representative filter
relative to the representative ramped camming surface of the
representative bracket member, wherein the representative valve
assembly with which the representative head member is associated is
open to flow;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the representative
cylindrical neck portion of the representative filter cartridge of
the present disclosure which includes camming lugs having a
skeleton key formation;
[0035] FIGS. 13-17 illustrate a variety of different key
configurations provided on the camming lugs formed on the
representative cylindrical neck portion of the representative
filter cartridge of the present disclosure;
[0036] FIGS. 18-20 illustrate each of the available key patterns
for a representative camming lug having a maximum of four teeth
positions;
[0037] FIGS. 21-27 illustrate each of the available key patterns
for a representative camming lug having a maximum of five teeth
positions;
[0038] FIGS. 28-40 illustrate each of the available key patterns
for a representative camming lug having a maximum of six teeth
positions;
[0039] FIG. 41 is a top plan view of the neck portion of a
representative filter cartridge constructed in accordance with a
preferred representative embodiment of the present disclosure which
includes three circumferentially representative spaced camming lugs
each having a different key formation thereon;
[0040] FIG. 42 is a side elevational view of the representative
neck portion of the representative filter cartridge of FIG. 41,
taken along line 42-42;
[0041] FIG. 43 is a side elevational view of the representative
neck portion of the representative filter cartridge of FIG. 41,
rotated 120.degree. from the view shown in FIG. 42;
[0042] FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of the representative
neck portion of the representative filter cartridge of FIG. 41,
rotated 120.degree. from the view shown in FIG. 43;
[0043] FIG. 45 is a top plan view of the representative neck
portion of a representative filter cartridge constructed in
accordance with a preferred representative embodiment of the
present disclosure which includes two sets of diametrically opposed
camming lugs positioned at two different levels on the
representative neck portion of the cartridge;
[0044] FIG. 46 is a side elevational view of the representative
neck portion of the representative filter cartridge of FIG. 45,
taken along line 46-46;
[0045] FIG. 47 is a side elevational view of the representative
neck portion of the representative filter cartridge of FIG. 45,
rotated 90.degree. from the view shown in FIG. 46;
[0046] FIG. 48 is a side elevational view of the representative
neck portion of the representative filter cartridge of FIG. 45,
rotated 90.degree. from the view shown in FIG. 47;
[0047] FIG. 49 is a side elevational view of the representative
neck portion of the representative filter cartridge of FIG. 45,
rotated 90.degree. from the view shown in FIG. 48;
[0048] FIG. 50 is a side elevational view in cross-section, of
another representative filter assembly constructed in accordance
with a preferred representative embodiment of the present
disclosure wherein a representative ball valve is positioned within
the assembly to inhibit the representative egress of fluid from the
system when the filter cartridge is removed from the assembly, with
the ball valve shown in an open position;
[0049] FIG. 51 is a side elevational view in cross-section, of the
representative filter assembly of FIG. 50 with the ball valve shown
in a closed position as the representative filter cartridge is
removed from the assembly;
[0050] FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view of another
representative filter assembly constructed in accordance with a
representative preferred embodiment of the present disclosure with
the parts thereof separated for ease of illustration, including an
annular insert in the form of a key ring having recesses designed
to mate with corresponding surface features on the keyed cam lugs
of a replacement filter cartridge;
[0051] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the representative filter
assembly of the FIG. 52 with the head portion in cross-section to
illustrate the interior structure thereof;
[0052] FIG. 54 is an exploded perspective view of another
representative filter assembly constructed in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present disclosure with the parts
separated for ease of illustration, which includes a valve member
that may be rotated relative to a representative head portion of
the representative filter assembly between an open position wherein
fluid is permitted to flow through the representative filter
assembly and a bypass position wherein unrestricted fluid flows
through the filter head from inlet to outlet;
[0053] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the assembled
representative filter assembly of FIG. 54;
[0054] FIG. 56 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper portion
of the replaceable filter cartridge shown in FIGS. 54-55,
illustrating the structure of the neck portion thereof;
[0055] FIG. 57 is an enlarged perspective view of the area
designated by the reference number 4 in FIG. 54, illustrating
reception structures formed within the interior cavity of the valve
member and configured for receiving cam lugs;
[0056] FIG. 58 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper portion
of the representative filter assembly of FIG. 54 illustrating the
insertion of the representative replaceable filter cartridge into
the central aperture formed in the intermediate support flange;
[0057] FIG. 59 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper portion
of the representative filter assembly of FIG. 54 having a portion
of the representative head portion and of the representative valve
member cut away for ease of illustration, wherein the
representative valve member is in the "filter" position;
[0058] FIG. 60 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper portion
of the representative filter assembly of FIG. 54 having a portion
of the head portion and of the valve member cut away for ease of
illustration, wherein the valve member is in the "bypass"
position;
[0059] FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of
the representative filter assembly of FIGS. 54-60 wherein the
replaceable representative filter cartridge assembly is shown
engaged within valve member and the valve member, in turn, is
engaged within the head portion; and
[0060] FIGS. 62-64 are enlarged perspective views of the upper
portion of the representative filter assembly of FIG. 54
illustrating disengagement of the replaceable representative filter
cartridge assembly from the valve member.
[0061] These and other features of the representative filter
assembly of the present disclosure will become more readily
apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art form the
following detailed description of the representative preferred
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0062] Referring now to the figures wherein like reference numerals
identify similar structural elements of the filter assembly of the
subject disclosure, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a filter
assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred representative
embodiment of the subject disclosure and designated generally by
reference numeral 10. Filter assembly 10 is configured for use in
conjunction with a fluid processing system that includes an inlet
conduit 12 for delivering unfiltered process fluid into the filter
assembly and an outlet conduit 14 for delivering filtered process
fluid from the filter assembly 10. Filter assembly 10 is preferably
mounted to a supporting structure associated with the fluid
processing system by a bracket 16.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 2, filter assembly 10 includes a unique
rotary valve assembly 18 that consists of a head portion 20
defining an interior chamber having an inlet port 22 for
communicating with inlet conduit 12 and an outlet port 24 for
communicating with outlet conduit 14. Rotary valve assembly 18
further includes a valve member 26 configured for reception within
the interior chamber of head portion 20 in such a manner so as to
facilitate rotation of the valve member relative to the head
portion between an open position wherein fluid is permitted to flow
through the filter assembly and a closed position wherein flow
through the filter assembly is restricted. (See FIGS. 10-11).
[0064] Valve member 26 includes an inlet orifice 32 for
communicating with the inlet port 22 of head portion 20 and an
outlet orifice 34 for communicating with the outlet port 24 of head
portion 20. (See FIGS. 6-7). The body of valve member 26 includes
recesses 36a and 38a for accommodating upper and lower O-ring seals
36 and 38. O-ring seal 36 serves to sealingly isolate the inlet
flow from the outlet flow within the interior chamber of head
portion 20 during operation, while O-ring seal 38 prevents leakage
to atmosphere.
[0065] With continuing reference to FIG. 2, filter assembly 10
further includes a replaceable filter cartridge 40 constructed in
accordance with a preferred representative embodiment of the
present disclosure. Filter assembly 10 is adapted and configured to
ensure that replacement cartridge 40 is compatible with the fluid
processing system with which it is associated. Moreover, as
discussed hereinbelow, the filter cartridge 40 and valve portion 26
are provided with keyed mating structures that ensure compatibility
therebetween, and thus prevent the accidental or intentional
installation of an incompatible or inferior replacement cartridge,
which could jeopardize the integrity of the fluid processing
system.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, replaceable filter cartridge 40
includes a generally cylindrical body portion 42 enclosing filter
media for filtering process fluid. Those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that any one of a variety of different types of
filter media could be enclosed within the body portion including,
for example, pleated media, micro-fibers or carbon media. An end
cap 44 encloses the body portion 42, and a cylindrical neck portion
46 depends from the end cap 44. Those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the end cap 44 and body portion 42 can be
joined together by sonic welding, spin welding or other similar
methods known in the art. The neck portion 46 of filter cartridge
40 is adapted and configured for reception with the interior cavity
of valve member 26 (see FIGS. 6-9) and includes an upper section
46a and a lower portion 46b. As would be understood by those
skilled in the art, one of a plurality of possible alternative
representative embodiments could include a replaceable filter
cartridge 40 wherein there is no difference in the diameter of the
cylindrical body portion 42 and the cylindrical neck portion 46,
thus, there is no differentiation between the cylindrical body
portion 42 and the cylindrical neck portion 46 and, thus, the
location of the cam lugs 62 and 64 need only be operatively
positioned on the replaceable filter cartridge 40 such that the
filter cartridge 40 is operatively connected to the intermediate
support flange 70 that depends from mounting bracket 16.
[0067] The upper section 46a defines a radial inlet passage 52 for
receiving unfiltered process fluid entering the valve member 26
through inlet orifice 32 and directing the fluid into the body
portion 42 of filter cartridge 40. The upper section 46a further
defines an axial outlet passage 54 for delivering filtered process
fluid from the interior of body portion 42 to the interior cavity
of valve member 26 for egress through the outlet orifice 34 into
the interior chamber of head portion 20. Those skilled in the art
will readily appreciate that the inlet and outlet passages in the
neck portion could be reversed such that the inlet flow is axial
and the outlet flow is radial. The inlet and outlet passages 52 and
54 are sealingly isolated from one another by an upper O-ring seal
56 positioned at the upper end of neck portion 46. A second lower
O-ring seal 58 is positioned below the radial inlet passage 52 to
sealingly engage the neck portion 46 within the interior chamber of
the valve member 26 and prevent the leakage of unfiltered process
fluids from filter assembly 10 while in operation.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 2 in conjunction with FIG. 3, presently
preferably, a pair of diametrically opposed inclined cam lugs 62
and 64 project radially outwardly from the lower section 46b of
neck portion 46. Cam lugs 62 and 64 are dimensioned and configured
to facilitate rotational engagement of the filter cartridge within
an intermediate support flange 70 that depends from mounting
bracket 16. As best seen in FIG. 3, a central aperture 75 extends
through support flange 70 for receiving the neck portion 46 of
filter cartridge 40. A pair of diametrically opposed cam ramps 72
and 74 project radially into central aperture 75 for interacting
with the inclined lower surfaces of cam lugs 62 and 64. The cam
ramps 72 and 74 are spaced from one another to allow the cam lugs
62 and 64 to fit therebetween when the neck portion is extended
through aperture 75 during assembly, and they are inclined along
their arc length to facilitate rotational engagement of the filter
cartridge with support flange 70, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, support flange 70 further
includes a recessed seating area 76 defined by annular retaining
wall 78 and configured to receive and retain the head portion 20 of
filter assembly 10. Diametrically opposed arcuate retention ribs 82
and 84 project inwardly from retaining wall 78 to frictionally
engage with corresponding ramped engagement struts 92 and 94 that
project radially outwardly from the lower region of head portion 20
when the head portion 20 is rotatably engaged within the recessed
seating area 76 during assembly. Stop surfaces 82a and 84a are
associated with retention ribs 82 and 84, respectively, for
limiting the movement of head portion 20 within seating area 76. In
an alternate representative embodiment, the head portion 20 and
support flange 70 may be adapted and configured to cooperate and
engage with one another in a manner described hereinbelow with
respect to filter assembly 800 and illustrated in FIGS. 52-53.
[0070] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the annular retaining wall 78
of support flange 70 is also configured to accommodate and support
a shroud 90 which is configured to house and protect the rotary
valve assembly 18 of filter assembly 10. As illustrated, the shroud
90 includes lateral apertures, i.e., aperture 92, for accommodating
inlet and outlet conduits 12 and 14. Those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the configuration of the shroud as well as
the way in which it is joined to the support flange 70 could vary
depending upon the nature of the operating environment within which
the system is employed.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, in accordance with a presently
preferred representative embodiment of the present disclosure, cam
lugs 62 and 64 are adapted and configured for reception within a
pair of corresponding diametrically opposed reception areas 102 and
104 formed within the interior cavity 25 of valve member 26. More
particularly, the upper surface of each cam lug 62, 64 is provided
with a unique key formation having, in this case, a plurality of
spaced apart axially projecting teeth that are adapted and
configured to engage and mate with a corresponding set of spaced
apart recesses formed within the reception areas of the valve
member 26. This mating arrangement is designed to ensure
replacement cartridge compatibility by only permitting replacement
of a filter cartridge having a keyed surface formation that
corresponds with the surface features of the reception areas in the
valve member.
[0072] In the exemplary representative embodiment of the disclosure
illustrated in FIGS. 3-9, the key formation on each cam lug (62,
64) includes three spaced apart teeth (62a-62c, 64a-64c) and each
reception area (102, 104) within the valve member 26 includes three
corresponding recesses (102a-102c, 104a-104c) for accommodating the
teeth when the neck portion 46 of cartridge 40 is received by valve
member 26.
[0073] As discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, the number of
teeth that define the key formation on each cam lug can vary within
the scope of this disclosure (see for example FIGS. 18-40), as can
the surface geometry of the key formation (see for example FIGS.
13-17). In each instance, the reception area in the rotary valve
member would have a corresponding mating configuration to
accommodate the key formation formed on the cam lugs. Furthermore,
it is envisioned that the key configuration on one lug could be
different from the key configuration of the opposed lug. This will
dramatically increase the number of possible key combinations
available to a filter manufacturer.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 10, when a compatible filter cartridge is
introduced into the filter assembly 10 of the subject disclosure,
the neck portion 46 of the filter cartridge 40 is inserted through
the central aperture 75 of support flange 70, with the cam lugs 62
and 64 positioned between the diametrically opposed cam ramps 72
and 74. At such a time, the valve member 26 is in the "off"
position to receive the neck portion 46. Thus, the inlet and outlet
orifices 32, 34 of valve member 26 are not aligned with the inlet
and outlet ports 42, 44 of head portion 20. Thereupon, the teeth
(62a-62c, 64a-64c) forming the keyed engagement surface of cam lugs
62 and 64 extend into the corresponding recesses (102a-102c,
104a-104c) of recessed areas 102 and 104 and mate therewith.
[0075] Once the neck portion 46 of filter cartridge 40 has been
intimately engaged within the interior chamber of valve member 26,
the cartridge and valve member may be rotated in a
counter-clockwise direction with respect to the support flange 70
and head portion 20, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Upon rotating
filter cartridge 40 in conjunction with valve member 26, the cam
lugs 62, 64 projecting from neck portion 46 translate against the
cam ramps 72, 74, causing the filter cartridge 40 to move helically
upwardly in an axial direction. As a result, valve member 26 is
rotated into the "on" or open position, wherein the inlet and
outlet orifices 32, 34 of the valve member 26 are aligned with the
inlet and outlet ports 42, 44 of head portion 20 to allow fluid to
flow through the filter assembly 10.
[0076] If the cam lugs of a replacement filter cartridge introduced
into the system are not configured to mate with the reception areas
of the valve member, i.e., if the cam lugs have no keyed surface
formation, which may be indicative of an unauthorized after-market
filter cartridge, the cam lugs will interfere with and be unable to
engage the reception areas in the valve member. Consequently,
because the inclined cam surfaces of the cam lugs 62, 64 will be
located below the inclined surfaces of the cam ramps 72, 74, the
cam lugs will be unable to traverse the cam ramps. As a result, the
cam lugs will be unable to effect rotation of the valve member into
the "on" position to permit fluid to flow through the assembly.
This will ensure replacement cartridge compatibility by preventing
the use of inferior or unauthorized replacement filter
cartridges.
[0077] The key formation shown in the exemplary representative
embodiment of FIGS. 3-11, corresponds to the key formation
illustrated in FIG. 22, which is selected from a group of key
formations having five available tooth positions. In the exemplary
representative embodiment, the first, fourth and fifth teeth are
present, while the second and third teeth are absent. Using the
convention wherein the numeral "1" represents the presence of a
tooth in a position of a key formation, and the numeral "0"
represents the absence of a tooth in a position of the key
formation, the key formation illustrated in FIGS. 3-11, and 22 may
be represented by the numerical expression (1, 0, 0, 1, 1).
[0078] In accordance with a preferred representative embodiment of
the subject disclosure, there exists a replacement cartridge that
is provided with cam lugs having a surface formation that is
compatible with a rotary valve member regardless of the number of
recesses defined within the recessed areas formed therein. A
cartridge having a neck portion with diametrically opposed cam lugs
that include such a formation referred to herein as a skeleton key
formation, is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 12 and is designated
generally by reference numerals 40 and 140 respectively.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 12, the cam lugs 162 and 164 of filter
cartridge 140 includes a skeleton key formation defined by a tooth
formation wherein only the first and fifth tooth positions are
filled with teeth (i.e., teeth 162a, 162b). This skeleton key is
represented by the numerical expression (1, 0, 0, 0, 1). It should
be understood that, in a five position key formation, the first and
fifth position will always be filled, and, conversely, the recessed
areas of the valve member will always have a recess located in the
complementary positions.
[0080] Table 2 below, sets forth the available tooth combinations
for the five position key formation associated with the opposed cam
lugs 162 and 164 of filter cartridge 140 and illustrated in FIGS.
3-11 and 21-27. In total, excluding the skeleton key formation of
FIG. 12, there are seven available tooth configurations for a five
position key formation. Table 1 below sets forth the available
tooth configurations for the four position key formation associated
with the opposed cam lugs 262 and 264 of filter cartridge 240
illustrated in FIGS. 18-20. In total, excluding the skeleton key
formation which is not shown and is represented by the numerical
expression (1, 0, 0, 1) there are three available tooth
configurations for a four position key formation. Table 3 sets
forth the available tooth configurations for the six position key
formation associated with the opposed cam lugs 362 and 364 of
replaceable filter cartridge 340 as illustrated in FIGS. 28-41. In
total, excluding the skeleton key formation which is not shown and
is represented by the numerical expression (1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1) there
are fifteen available tooth configurations for a six position key
formation.
1 TABLE 1 Tooth Configurations (Four Positions) FIG. 1, 1, 1, 1 18
1, 1, 0, 1 19 1, 0, 1, 1 20
[0081]
2 TABLE 2 Tooth Configurations (5 positions) FIG. 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 21
1, 0, 0, 1, 1 22 1, 0, 1, 0, 1 23 1, 1, 0, 1, 1 24 1, 1, 1, 0, 1 25
1, 0, 1, 1, 1 26 1, 1, 0, 0, 1 27
[0082]
3 TABLE 3 Tooth Configurations (6 positions) FIG. 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1
28 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1 29 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1 30 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1 31 1,
0, 0, 0, 1, 1 32 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1 33 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1 34 1, 1, 0,
0, 1, 1 35 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1 36 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1 38 1, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1
39 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1 40 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1 not shown 1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1
not shown
[0083] In summary, the number of available tooth combinations "N"
for a given tooth configuration having "n" tooth positions can be
expressed mathematically as follows:
N=2.sup.n-2-1
[0084] The relatively large number of key configuration that are
available though the keyed system of the subject disclosure will
give original equipment manufactures the ability to provide
customized filters for each of their appliances. Thus, each
manufacturer could offer a unique set of replacement filter
cartridge, with each cartridge in the set having a different keyed
surface formation provided on the camming lugs thereof, for mating
with corresponding reception areas in a valve member supported
within a particular type of appliance.
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 13-17, there are illustrated a series of
replacement filter cartridges constructed in accordance with a
preferred representative embodiment of the subject disclosure each
having a different keyed surface formation associated therewith.
For example, FIGS. 13, 14, 16 and 17 illustrate filter cartridges
403, 404, 406, and 407, respectively, with cam lugs 463, 464, 466
and 467 having keyed surface formations with portions that project
both radially outwardly from the lugs as well as in an axial
direction. For example, cam lug 463 in FIG. 13 includes two teeth
463a, 463b which project axially and radially from the lug. Cam lug
464 in FIG. 14 includes two axially projecting teeth 464a and 464c
and one tooth 464b that project both radially and axially. FIG. 16
illustrates a cam lug 466 having an enlarged radially and axially
projecting tooth 466a and a smaller axially projecting tooth 466b.
Cam lug 467 in FIG. 17 includes two axially projecting teeth 467a
and 467b and the majority of the cam lug itself project radially
outwardly from the neck portion of the filter cartridge 407. In
accordance with the subject disclosure, it follows that a
compatible rotary valve member would have recessed areas with
mating features that correspond to the radially and axially
extending keyed surface formations of cam lugs 463, 464, 466 and
467.
[0086] FIG. 15, illustrates another replacement filter cartridge
405 constructed in accordance with a preferred representative
embodiment of the subject disclosure wherein the keyed surface
formation provided on the cam lug 465 thereof is defined by a
curved surface 465a. In accordance with the subject disclosure, a
compatible valve member for filter cartridge 405 would have
reception areas with a corresponding curved recesses to ensure
compatibility with cartridge 405.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 41-44, there is illustrated another
replacement filter cartridge constructed in accordance with a
preferred representative embodiment of the subject disclosure and
designated generally by reference numeral 540. Filter cartridge 540
includes three cam lugs 561, 562 and 563 that are circumferentially
spaced apart about the periphery of neck portion 546. Each cam lug
has a keyed surface formation thereon for mating with a
corresponding recessed area of a compatible rotary valve member 26.
As illustrated in FIGS. 42-44, the keyed surface formations of cam
lugs 561-563 are derived from a five tooth configuration (see Table
2), and each cam lug has a different key pattern formed thereon. In
particular, cam lug 561 has a first keyed surface formation that
may be represented by the numerical expression (1, 0, 1, 0, 1), cam
lug 562 has a second keyed surface formation that may be
represented by the numerical expression (1, 0, 0, 1, 1), and cam
lug 563 has a third keyed surface formation that may be represented
by the numerical expression (1, 1, 0, 0, 1). It is also envisioned
that cam lugs 561-563 could each have the same keyed surface
formation provided thereon.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 45-49, there is illustrated another
replacement filter cartridge constructed in accordance with a
preferred representative embodiment of the subject disclosure and
designated generally by reference numeral 640. Filter cartridge 640
includes two sets of diametrically opposed cam lugs that include
cam lugs 661-664. The first set of opposed cam lugs 661, 663 are
positioned at a first axial height on neck portion 646, and the
second set of opposed cam lugs 662, 664 are positioned at a second
axial height on neck portion 646. In addition, each cam lug has a
keyed surface formation thereon for mating with a corresponding
recessed area of a compatible rotary valve member 26. As
illustrated in FIGS. 46-49, the keyed surface formations of cam
lugs 661-664 are derived from a five tooth configuration (see Table
2). Cam lugs 661 and 664 have the same keyed surface formation
thereon that may be represented by the numerical expression (1, 0,
0, 1, 1), while cam lugs 662 and 663 both have another keyed
surface formation thereon that may be represented by the numerical
expression (1, 1, 0, 0, 1). It is also envisioned that cam lugs
661-664 could each have the same keyed surface formation provided
thereon, or, in the alternative, each cam lug could have a
different keyed surface formation provided thereon.
[0089] Referring to FIGS. 50-51, there is illustrated another
filter assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred
representative embodiment of the subject disclosure and designated
generally by reference numeral 700. Filter assembly 700 includes a
head portion 720 enclosing a rotary valve member 726 that has a
mechanism for minimizing leakage during cartridge replacement. The
mechanism includes a floating check-ball 728 and an associated
valve seat 730. As shown in FIG. 51, during normal service, when
process fluid is flowing through the system, the outlet flow
pressure of the filtered fluid causes the check-ball 728 to remain
in an unseated position. In contrast, when the neck portion 46 of a
replacement filter cartridge 40 is removed from the interior bore
of valve member 726, and the outlet flow pressure is terminated,
the check-ball 728 becomes seated in valve seat 730, as shown in
FIG. 51. As a result, the void volume within head portion 720 is
restricted from flowing out of valve member 726.
[0090] Referring now to FIGS. 52-53, there is illustrated another
filter assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred
representative embodiment of the subject disclosure and designated
generally by reference numeral 800. Filter assembly 800 differs
from the previously described representative embodiments of the
subject disclosure in that the assembly does not include a rotary
valve member, such as the valve member 18 of filter assembly 10.
Instead, as best seen in FIG. 53, filter assembly 800 includes a
head portion 820 with an interior bore 825 having a lower region
825a configured to support an annular insert in the form of a key
ring 818. Key ring 818 defines diametrically opposed reception
areas 802, 804 for mating with corresponding keyed surface
formations on the cam lugs 62, 64 formed on the neck portion 26 of
a replacement filter cartridge 40, for example. In accordance with
the subject disclosure, to ensure the integrity of the system with
which filter assembly 800 is associated, a compatible replacement
cartridge must have cam lugs with keyed surface formations that
mate with the recessed areas of the key ring 818. Referring to FIG.
52, filter assembly 800 further includes a mounting bracket 816
having a support flange 870 depending therefrom for facilitating
rotational engagement of a replacement filter cartridge 40 with
head member 820 and the associated key ring 818. A central aperture
875 extends through support flange 870 to receive the neck 46 of
filter cartridge 40, and a pair of diametrically opposed cam raps
872 and 874 project radially into central aperture 875 for
operatively interacting with the inclined lower surfaces of cam
lugs 62, 64 when filter cartridge 40 is engaged with head portion
820. Support flange 870 further includes a recessed seating area
876 defined by an annular retaining wall 878 configured to receive
and retain the head portion 820. More particularly, head portion
820 includes a pair of diametrically opposed ramped cam struts 882
and 884 for operatively engaging a pair of diametrically opposed
retention flanges 892 and 894 projecting radially inwardly from the
retaining wall 878. In addition, ratchet nibs 882a and 884a project
outwardly from the lower region of head portion 820 for engagement
within corresponding notches 892a and 894a formed in retention
flanges 892 and 894, respectively. Those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the way in which head portion 820 and
support flange 870 interact and engage may also be employed in
conjunction with the-filter assembly 10 described hereinabove,
whereby head portion 20 and support flange 70 would be adapted and
configured to interact and engage in a substantially similar
manner.
[0091] To assemble the filter assembly 800 of the subject
disclosure, a key ring 818 having particular configuration of
recesses, which may be selected from a set of key rings each having
different recess configurations, is first inserted into the lower
region 825a of interior bore 825 of head potion 820. The head
portion is then rotatably engaged within the seating area 876 of
support flange 870. Thereafter, a filter cartridge 40 is brought
into approximation with the head portion 820 by inserting the neck
portion 46 of the cartridge through the central aperture 875 of
support flange 870, allowing the camming lugs 62, 64 to pass
between the opposed cam ramps 872, 874 projecting radially into
aperture 875. At such a time, the keyed surface formations of the
cam lugs 62, 64 mate with the corresponding recessed areas 802, 804
in key ring 818, provided of course that the cartridge and key ring
are compatible with one another. Once the cam lugs 62, 64 are mated
with the recessed areas 802, 804, the filter cartridge 40 is
rotated through an arc of approximately 90.degree., such that the
inclined lower surfaces of cam lugs 62, 64 translate relative to
cam ramps 872, 874. This relative movement causes the key ring 818
to rotate within interior bore region 825a and causes the neck
portion 46 of filter cartridge 40 to move axially into the upper
region 825b of the interior bore 825 of head portion 820, until
such time as the neck portion of the filter cartridge is sealingly
received therein.
[0092] It should be noted that provision is made such that key ring
818 will rotate through a limited travel range relative to the head
portion 820 as filter cartridge 40 is rotated into engagement with
head portion 820. Furthermore, since a rotary valve member is not
utilized with head portion 820, the upper region 825b of interior
bore 825 is dimensioned and configured to directly mate with the
neck portion 46 of filter cartridge 40, such that the inlet port 52
in neck portion 46 is in direct fluid communication with the radial
inlet port 812 of head portion 820 and the axial outlet port 54 in
neck portion 46 is in direct fluid communication with the radial
outlet port 814 of head portion 820.
[0093] Referring now to FIGS. 54-64, there is illustrated yet
another filter assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred
representative embodiment of the subject disclosure and designated
generally by reference numeral 900. Similarly to filter assembly
10, filter assembly 900 is configured for use in conjunction with a
fluid processing system that includes an inlet conduit 912 for
delivering unfiltered process fluid into the filter assembly and an
outlet conduit 914 for delivering filtered process fluid from the
filter assembly 900. Filter assembly 900 is preferably mounted to a
supporting structure associated with the fluid processing system by
a bracket 916.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 54, filter assembly 900 includes a unique
rotary valve assembly 918 that includes a head portion 920 defining
an interior chamber having an inlet port 922 for communicating with
inlet conduit 912 and an outlet port 924 for communicating with
outlet conduit 914. Rotary valve assembly 918 further includes a
valve member 926 configured for reception within the interior
chamber of head portion 920 in such a manner so as to facilitate
rotation of the valve member 926 relative to the head portion 920
between an open position wherein fluid is permitted to flow through
the filter assembly and a bypass position wherein unrestricted
fluid flows through the filter head from inlet to outlet. (See
FIGS. 59-60).
[0095] Valve member 926 includes an inlet orifice 932 for
communicating with the inlet port 922 of head portion 920 and an
outlet orifice 934 for communicating with the outlet port 924 of
head portion 920. (See FIG. 61) The body of valve member 926
includes a recess 931a, shown in FIG. 61, surrounding the inlet
orifice 932 for accommodating an O-ring seal 931, also shown in
FIG. 61, which serves to facilitate fluid-tight junction of the
inlet orifice 932 and the inlet port 922. The valve member 926 also
has a recess 933a surrounding the outlet orifice 934 for
accommodating an O-ring seal 933, shown in FIG. 61, which serves to
facilitate fluid-tight junction of the outlet orifice 934 and the
outlet port 924. The body of the valve member 926 further includes
a recess 938a for accommodating an O-ring seal 938 (See FIGS.
61-64). The O-ring seal 938 serves to facilitate sealing engagement
of the valve member 926 within the interior chamber of head portion
920 and to prevent leakage of the process fluid to atmosphere.
[0096] With continuing reference to FIG. 54, filter assembly 900
further includes a replaceable filter cartridge 940 constructed in
accordance with a preferred representative embodiment of the
subject disclosure. Filter assembly 900 is adapted and configured
to ensure that replacement cartridge 940 is compatible with the
fluid processing system with which it is associated. Moreover, as
discussed hereinbelow, the filter cartridge 940 and valve member
926 are provided with keyed mating structures that ensure
compatibility therebetween, and thus prevent the accidental or
intentional installation of an incompatible or inferior replacement
cartridge, which could jeopardize the integrity of the fluid
processing system.
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 54-56 and 61, replaceable filter
cartridge 940 includes a generally cylindrical body portion 942
enclosing filter media for filtering process fluid. Those skilled
in the art will readily appreciate that any one of a variety of
different types of filter media could be enclosed within the body
portion including, for example, pleated media, micro-fibers or
carbon media. The body portion 942 includes a top cap 944, which
preferably forms an integral part of the body portion 942.
Alternatively, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate
that the top cap 944 and body portion 942 may be formed separately
and then joined together by sonic welding, spin welding or other
similar methods known in the art. The top cap 944 has a neck
portion 946 depending therefrom. The neck portion 946 of filter
cartridge 940 is adapted and configured for reception within the
interior cavity of valve member 926 (See FIGS. 54, 56, 58-61) and
includes an upper section 946a and a lower portion 946b.
[0098] Referring again to FIG. 54, the neck portion 946 defines a
plurality of axial passages 952. The upper section 946a preferably
also defines a plurality of sloped axially-aligned protrusions 951,
which project radially outwardly from the upper section 946a, for
dividing the flow of fluid entering the axial passages 952. Thus,
in an exemplary preferred representative embodiment of the subject
disclosure, unfiltered process fluid enters the interior chamber of
the valve member 926 through the inlet orifice 932, flows between
the protrusions 951 and through the axial passages 952, and then
enters the body portion 942 (see FIG. 55) of the filter cartridge
940. The upper section 946a further defines an axial outlet passage
954 for delivering filtered process fluid from the interior of body
portion 942 to the interior cavity of valve member 926 for egress
through the outlet orifice 934 and the port 924 out of the head
portion 920. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
the direction/orientation of the inlet and outlet passages in the
neck portion 946 could be reversed. The inlet and outlet passages
952 and 954 are sealingly isolated from one another by an upper
O-ring seal 956 positioned at the upper end of neck portion 946
(see FIG. 61). A second lower O-ring seal 958 is positioned below
the inlet of the radial passages 952 to sealingly engage the neck
portion 946 within the interior chamber of the valve member 926 and
prevent the leakage of unfiltered process fluids from filter
assembly 900 while in operation.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 54 in conjunction with FIGS. 56 and 58, a
pair of diametrically opposed cam lugs 962 and 964 project radially
outwardly from the lower section 946b of neck portion 946. Cam lugs
962 and 964 are dimensioned and configured to facilitate rotational
engagement of the filter cartridge within an intermediate support
flange 970 that depends from mounting bracket 916. As best seen in
FIG. 54, a central aperture 975 extends through support flange 970
for receiving the neck portion 946 of filter cartridge 940. A pair
of diametrically opposed cam ramps 972 and 974 project radially
into central aperture 975 for interacting with the lower surfaces
of cam lugs 962 and 964. The cam ramps 972 and 974 are spaced from
one another to allow the cam lugs 962 and 964 to fit therebetween
when the neck portion is extended through aperture 975 during
assembly. As best illustrated in FIG. 56, each cam lug, 962 and
964, includes a leading inclined surface 963. Leading inclined
surface 963 is adapted and configured to facilitate rotational
engagement of the filter cartridge with the cam ramps 972 and 974
of the support flange 970, as illustrated in FIGS. 58-60 and
62-64.
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 54 and 61, support flange 970 further
includes a recessed seating area 976 defined by annular retaining
wall 978 and configured to receive and retain the head portion 920
of filter assembly 900. Diametrically opposed arcuate retention
ribs 982 and 984 project inwardly from retaining wall 978 to
frictionally engage with corresponding engagement struts 992 and
994 (see FIG. 61) that project radially outwardly from the lower
region of head portion 920, when the head portion 920 is rotatably
engaged within the recessed seating area 976 during assembly. In an
alternate representative embodiment of the subject disclosure, the
head portion 920 and support flange 970 may be adapted and
configured to cooperate and engage with one another in a manner
described herein with respect to filter assembly 800 and as
illustrated in FIGS. 52-53.
[0101] Similarly to filter assembly 10, and as illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 2, the annular retaining wall 978 of support flange 970 may
be also configured to accommodate and support a shroud (not shown),
such as the shroud 90, for housing and protecting the rotary valve
assembly 918 of filter assembly 900. Also in a like manner to cam
lugs 62 and 64 of filter assembly 10, see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3, cam
lugs 962 and 964 (See FIGS. 54 and 56) may be adapted and
configured for reception within a pair of corresponding
diametrically opposed reception areas 1002 and 1004, best shown in
FIG. 57, formed within the interior cavity 925 of valve member 926.
As discussed in connection with other preferred representative
embodiments of the subject disclosure, the upper surface of each
cam lug 962, 964 is provided with a unique key formation having, in
this exemplary representative embodiment, a plurality of spaced
apart axially projecting teeth that are adapted and configured to
engage and mate with a corresponding set of spaced apart recesses
formed within the reception areas 1002 and 1004 of the valve member
926. This mating arrangement is designed to ensure replacement
cartridge's compatibility by only permitting replacement of a
filter cartridge having a keyed surface formation that corresponds
to the surface features of the reception areas in the valve
member.
[0102] In the exemplary representative embodiment of the disclosure
illustrated in FIGS. 54-64, the key formation on each cam lug (962,
964) includes three spaced apart teeth (962a-962c, 964a-964c).
Other configurations of the key formation may also be used, e.g.,
those described herein. Referring to FIG. 57, the exemplary
representative embodiment shown in FIGS. 54-64, the reception
areas, 1002 and 1004, also include a rib member 1006. As discussed
in greater detail with respect to filter assembly 10, the two
corresponding reception areas would typically include corresponding
recesses for each spaced apart tooth formed on the cam lugs. In
this exemplary representative embodiment of the subject disclosure,
only a single recess is provided with rib member 1006. This
configuration for the reception areas is more representative of a
skeleton key formation. However, those skilled in the art would
readily appreciate that the reception area configurations
previously disclosed with respect to alternative embodiments of the
present disclosure can be applied to filter assembly 900.
[0103] As discussed in greater detail hereinbefore, the number of
teeth that define the key formation on each cam lug (962, 964) can
vary within the scope of this disclosure (see for example FIGS.
18-40), as can the surface geometry of the key formation (see for
example FIGS. 13-17). In each instance, the reception areas (1002,
1004) in the rotary valve member 926 would have a corresponding
mating configuration to accommodate the key formation formed on the
cam lugs. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the key configuration
on one lug could be different from the key configuration of the
opposed lug. This will dramatically increase the number of possible
key combinations available to a filter manufacturer.
[0104] Referring to FIGS. 54-61, when a compatible filter cartridge
is introduced into the filter assembly 900, the neck portion 946 of
the filter cartridge 940 is inserted through the central aperture
975 of support flange 970, with the cam lugs 962 and 964 positioned
between the diametrically opposed cam ramps 972 and 974 (See FIG.
54). At such a time, the valve member 926 should be in the bypass
position to receive the neck portion 946 (See FIG. 60).ln that
position, the inlet and outlet orifices 932, 934 of valve member
926 are not aligned with the inlet and outlet ports 922, 924 of
head portion 920. In that configuration, the process fluid entering
the inlet port 922 flows into the interior chamber of the head
portion 920 and around the outer surface of the valve member 926.
Sealing engagement of the valve member 926 within the head portion
920, e.g., facilitated by the O-ring seal 938, prevents leakage of
the process fluid flowing around the valve member 926 into
atmosphere
[0105] Referring to FIGS. 56, 58 and 62-64, thereupon, the teeth
(962a-962c, 964a-964c) forming the keyed engagement surface of cam
lugs 962 and 964 are positioned into the corresponding reception
areas 1002 and 1004 and are caused to mate therewith. During the
insertion of neck portion 946, trailing inclined surfaces 965 (See
FIG. 56), which are associated with cam lugs 962 and 964, are
adapted and configured for engagement with inclined surfaces 1008
formed in reception areas 1002 and 1004. The formation of trailing
and leading inclined surfaces 963 and 965 on cam lug 962 and 964
facilitates the rotational engagement of the filter cartridge 940
with the support flange 970 and the opening of valve member
926.
[0106] Once the neck portion 946 of filter cartridge 940 has been
intimately engaged within the interior cavity 925 of valve member
926, the cartridge and valve member may be rotated, e.g., presently
preferably, in a counter-clockwise direction from the filter
position illustrated in FIG. 59 to the bypass position illustrated
in FIG. 60, with respect the support flange 970 and head portion
920. Upon rotating filter cartridge 940 in conjunction with valve
member 926, the cam lugs 962, 964 projecting from neck portion 946
translate against the cam ramps 972, 974, causing the filter
cartridge 940 to move helically upwardly in an axial direction. As
a result, valve member 926 is rotated into the "on" or open
position, wherein the inlet and outlet orifices 932, 934 of the
valve member 926 are aligned with the inlet and outlet ports 922,
924, respectively, of head portion 920 to allow fluid to flow
through the filter assembly 900. FIG. 61 illustrates an assembled
filter assembly according to an exemplary preferred representative
embodiment of the subject disclosure, wherein filter cartridge 940
is engaged with support flange 970 and valve member 926 is in the
open position.
[0107] If the cam lugs of a replacement filter cartridge introduced
into the system are not configured to mate with the reception areas
of the valve member, i.e., if the cam lugs have no keyed surface
formation, which may be indicative of an unauthorized after-market
filter cartridge, the cam lugs will interfere with and be unable to
engage the reception areas in the valve member. Consequently,
because the cam lugs 962, 964 will be located below the inclined
surfaces of the cam ramps 972, 974, the cam lugs will be unable to
traverse the cam ramps. As a result, the cam lugs will be unable to
effect rotation of the valve member into the "on" position to
permit fluid to flow through the assembly. This will ensure
replacement cartridge compatibility by preventing the use of
inferior or unauthorized replacement filter cartridges.
[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 62-64, which illustrate the
interaction of the cam lugs 962, 964 (opposite side, not shown)
with the corresponding reception areas 1002 and 1004 formed in the
interior cavity of valve member 926. In FIG. 62 the neck portion
946 of filter cartridge 940 is fully inserted into the interior
cavity 925 of valve member 926 and cam lugs 962, 964 are positioned
within reception areas 1002 and 1004. Upon imparting a clockwise
rotation to filter cartridge 940, as shown in FIGS. 63-64, trailing
inclined surfaces 965 contact inclined surfaces 1008 formed in
reception areas 1002, 1004 and slide along the inclined surfaces
1008, so that filter cartridge 940 is forced in a downward
direction until it is disengaged from within the interior cavity
925 of valve member 926. At the same time, valve member 926 rotates
from an open position to a"bypass" position within head portion
920. Conversely, upon insertion of filter cartridge 940 into the
interior cavity of valve member 926, trailing inclined surfaces 965
contact the inclined surfaces 1008 formed in reception areas 1002.
The inclined surfaces 965 slide along the inclined surfaces 1008
when the filter cartridge 940 is rotated in a counter-clockwise
direction, so that filter cartridge 940 is forced to move in an
upward direction and engagement with support flange 970 is, thus,
facilitated.
[0109] Although the disclosed fluid filtration apparatus has been
described with respect to exemplary, representative, presently
preferred embodiments, it is apparent that modifications and
changes can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *