Patent Publication Number: US-11654390-B2

Title: Filter systems, elements and methods with short-range wireless tracking features

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/898,106, filed Jun. 10, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/572,246, filed Sep. 16, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/102,277, filed Aug. 13, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/546,246, filed Aug. 16, 2017, the contents of all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments herein relate to filter systems including short-range wireless tracking features. More specifically, embodiments herein relate to filter systems including short-range wireless tracking features that can detect actions regarding the filter system such as cover removal, latch actuation, insertion and/or removal of filter elements from filter systems and the like. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fluid streams often carry particulate material therein. In many instances, it is desirable to remove some or all of the particulate material from a fluid flow stream. For example, air intake streams to engines for motorized vehicles or power generation equipment, gas streams directed to gas turbines, and air streams to various combustion furnaces, often include particulate material therein. The particulate material, should it reach the internal workings of the various mechanisms involved, can cause substantial damage thereto. It is therefore preferred, for such systems, to remove the particulate material from the fluid flow upstream of the engine, turbine, furnace or other equipment involved. A variety of air filter or gas filter arrangements have been developed for particulate removal. Beyond particulate removal, filter systems can also be used as gas phase or liquid phase contaminant removal-systems. 
     Many filter systems include filter elements that must be replaced and/or serviced at intervals in order to assure proper operation. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments include filter systems including short-range wireless tracking features that can detect insertion and/or removal of filter elements from filter systems. In an embodiment, a filtration system is included having a housing. The housing can include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing can define an internal volume. A first filter element can be configured to be removably disposed within the housing. A short-range wireless tag can be associated with the first filter element. A short-range wireless reader associated with or outside of the housing, the short-range wireless reader configured to wirelessly send data to and receive data from the short-range wireless tag when the short-range wireless reader and the short-range wireless tag are at a distance that is less than or equal to a maximum communication distance. Removal of the first filter element from the housing can cause movement of the short-range wireless tag away from the short-range wireless reader by an amount that causes the distance between the short-range wireless tag and the short-range wireless reader to exceed the maximum communication distance. 
     In an embodiment, a filtration system is included having a housing. The housing can include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing can define an internal volume. A first filter element can be configured to be removably disposed within the housing. A short-range wireless communication tag can be associated with the first filter element. A short-range wireless communication reader can be associated with, or outside of, the housing. The reader can be configured to wirelessly send data to and receive data from the tag when the reader and the tag are at a distance that is less than or equal to a maximum communication distance. Removal of the first filter element from the housing can cause movement of the tag away from the reader by an amount that causes the distance between the tag and the reader to exceed the maximum communication distance. 
     In an embodiment, a method of detecting filter element removal events in a filtration system is included. The method can include inductively transmitting power from a short-range wireless communication reader to a short-range wireless communication tag, the reader associated with or outside of a filter housing. The filter housing can include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter housing can define an internal volume. The short-range wireless communication tag can be associated with a first filter element. The first filter element can be configured to be removably disposed within the housing. The method can include receiving a wireless signal produced by the tag with the reader. The method can also include detecting occurrences of non-communication between the reader and the tag, wherein an occurrence of non-communication following a previous phase of communication is indicative of a filter element removal event. 
     In an embodiment, a filtration system is included. The filtration system can include a spin-on canister filter, a short-range wireless communication tag associated with the spin-on canister filter, a filter head configured to receive the spin-on canister filter, and a short-range wireless communication reader associated with the filter head. The short-range wireless communication reader can be configured to wirelessly send data to, and receive data from, the short-range wireless communication tag when the short-range wireless communication reader and the short-range wireless communication tag are at a distance that is less than or equal to a maximum communication distance. Removal of the spin-on canister filter from the filter head causes movement of the short-range wireless communication tag away from the short-range wireless communication reader by an amount that causes the distance between the short-range wireless communication tag and the short-range wireless communication reader to exceed the maximum communication distance. 
     This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope herein is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Aspects may be more completely understood in connection with the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic view of a filter system data communication environment  100 . 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view of an embodiment of a system in which filter systems according to the present disclosure are used. 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter system with a primary filter element installed therein in accordance with various embodiments herein. 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter system with a primary filter element being removed therefrom in accordance with various embodiments herein. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter system with a primary filter element and a secondary filter element installed therein in accordance with various embodiments herein. 
         FIG.  6    is schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a filter system with a primary filter element and a secondary filter element installed therein in accordance with various embodiments herein. 
         FIG.  7    is an exploded, perspective view is shown of a filter system including a housing and a filter element, constructed according to principles of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    shows an end elevational view of the filter system of  FIG.  7    in an assembled orientation in accordance with various embodiments herein. 
         FIG.  9    is an end elevational view of the filter system of  FIG.  7    in an assembled orientation in accordance with various embodiments herein. 
         FIG.  10    is a partial cross-sectional view of the filter system of  FIG.  7    in an assembled orientation in accordance with various embodiments herein. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic exploded perspective view of a filter system having a filter element therein in accordance with various embodiments herein. 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic view of a filter system including a housing having first housing section and a second housing section. 
         FIG.  13    is an exploded, perspective view of a filter assembly including a filter head and a spin-on canister filter in accordance with various embodiments herein. 
         FIG.  14    is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter system with a primary filter element being removed therefrom in accordance with various embodiments herein. 
     
    
    
     While embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the scope herein is not limited to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments herein can include the use of short-range wireless communication components such as tags and readers placed onto filter elements and the housings into which they fit. The tags and readers can be arranged such that removal of the filter elements therefrom causes the tag and the associated reader to be separated by a distance that exceeds the operating wireless communication distance of the pair. As such, removal of the filter elements from the housings into which they fit can be determined based on sensing an absence in communication between the wireless tag and the associated wireless reader. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , a schematic view of a filter system data communication environment  100  is shown. A machine  102 , such as a vehicle, can include an engine control unit  104  (ECU) and a filter system  106 . The filter system  106  can be for various purposes including, but not limited to, filtering fluids such as incoming air, fuel, lubricating oils, or exhaust gases. In some embodiments, the machine  102  includes multiple filter systems. Exemplary filter systems are described in greater detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the filter system  106  can be in electronic communication with the ECU  104  in either a wired or wireless manner. In some embodiments, the filter system  106  can emit and/or receive wireless signals to or from components that are external to the machine  102  or vehicle, either bypassing the ECU  104  or in parallel with wired or wireless signals exchanged with the ECU  104 . 
     The machine  102  can be within a work environment  116 . The work environment  116  can represent a geographic area in which the machine  102  primarily operates. Depending on the nature of the machine  102 , the work environment  116  could be quite large ( 10   s  to  1000   s  of square miles) or relatively small (less than 10 or even 1 square mile). The work environment  116  can be, for example, a mining facility, a construction site, a shipping or distribution center, a production facility, or the like. In some embodiments, a gateway or repeater unit  110  can be disposed within the work environment  116 . The gateway or repeater unit  110  can, in some embodiments, communicate wirelessly with the machine  102  and/or components thereof such as the filter system  106  and/or the ECU  104 . In some embodiments, the gateway or repeater unit  110  can be connected to an external data network  122 , such as the Internet or various private networks. In some embodiments, the data network  122  can be a packet-switched network. In some embodiments, the gateway or repeater  110  can also include data network router functionality. 
     In some embodiments, a server  112  can also be disposed in the work environment  116 . The server  112  can receive data from the gateway or repeater unit  110 . It will be appreciated, however, that in many embodiments there may not be a server  112  in the work environment  116 . 
     In some embodiments, wireless signals from one or more of the components such as the machine  102 , ECU  104 , filter system  106 , gateway or repeater unit  110 , can be exchanged with a wireless communication tower  120  (or antenna array), which could be a cellular tower or other wireless communication tower. The wireless communication tower  120  can be connected to a data network  122 , such as the Internet or another type of public or private data network, packet-switched or otherwise. 
     The data network can provide for one-way or two-way communication with other components that are external to the work environment  116 . For example, a server  124  or other processing device can receive electronic signals containing data from one or more components such as the machine  102 , ECU  104 , filter system  106 , gateway or repeater unit  110 , or the like. The server  124  can interface with a database  126  to store data. In some embodiments, the server  124  (or a particular device that is part of the server system) can interface with a user device  128 , which can allow a user to query data stored in the database  126 . 
     Data produced by the filter system  106  can be of various types. In some embodiments, data produced by the filter system  106  can include data regarding pressure drop, pressure drop change over time, primary filter removal events and/or counts of same, secondary filter removal events and/or counts of same, primary filter hours of usage, secondary filter hours of usage, primary filter installation dates and times and/or counts of installation events, secondary filter installation dates and times and/or counts of installation events, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , a schematic view is shown of an embodiment of a system in which filter systems according to the present disclosure are used. In  FIG.  2   , equipment  232 , such as a vehicle, having an engine  233  with some defined rated air flow demand, for example at least 50 cfm and up to 1800 cfm, is shown schematically. The equipment  232  may be a bus, an over-the-highway truck, an off-road vehicle, a tractor, a light-duty or medium duty truck, or a marine application such as a powerboat. The engine  233  powers the equipment  232 , through use of an air and fuel mixture. In  FIG.  2   , air flow is shown drawn into the engine  233  at an intake region  235 . An optional turbo  236  is shown in phantom, as optionally boosting the air intake into the engine  233 . A filter system  240  having a filter construction  242  is upstream of the engine  233  and the turbo  236 . In general, in operation, air is drawn in at arrow  244  into the filler system  240  and through the filter construction  242 . There, particles and contaminants are removed from the air. The cleaned air flows downstream at arrow  246  into the intake  235 . From there, the air flows into the engine  233  to power the equipment  232 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , a schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a filter system  300  with a primary filter element  320  installed therein in accordance with various embodiments herein. The filter system  300  can include a housing  302  comprising a fluid inlet  310  and a fluid outlet  312 , the housing defining an internal volume  314 . A primary filter element  320  can be disposed within the internal volume  314  of the housing  302  and can be configured to be removably disposed therein. In the view shown in  FIG.  3   , the primary filter element  320  is fully inserted into the housing  302  such that the primary filter element  320  is at a position that is close to or contacting the distal end  328  of the internal volume  314 . At the opposite side of the internal volume  314  is the proximal end  330  of the internal volume  314 . The proximal end  330  of the internal volume  314  is configured to engage with a removable cover  304  that fits adjacent to the proximal end  330  in order to seal off the proximal end of the housing from the flow of fluid there through. The removable cover  304  can engage the proximal end  330  and remain attached thereto through various devices or structures including threads, friction-fit mechanisms, latches, buckles, snap-fit mechanisms, or the like. 
     A short-range wireless communication tag, such as a near-field communication (NFC) tag  322 , can be associated with, such as disposed on or in the primary filter element  320 . A short-range wireless communication reader, such as a near-field communication (NFC) reader  324 , can be disposed in or on the housing  302 . The NFC reader  324  can be configured to wirelessly send data to and receive data from the NFC tag  322  when the NFC reader  324  and the NFC tag  322  are at a distance  326  that is less than or equal to a maximum communication distance  346  for the NFC reader  324  and NFC tag  322 . 
     In various embodiments herein, removal of the primary filter element from the housing causes movement of the tag away from the reader by an amount that causes the distance between the tag and the reader to exceed the maximum communication distance. Referring now to  FIG.  4   , a schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a filter system  300  with a primary filter element  320  being removed therefrom in accordance with various embodiments herein. In this view, the cover  304  has been removed from the proximal end  330  of the internal volume  314 . Further the primary filter element  320  has been moved away from the distal end  328  of the internal volume  314 . As such, the NFC reader  324  and the NFC tag  322  are now disposed at a distance  326  that is greater than or equal to a maximum communication distance  346  for the NFC reader  324  and NFC tag  322 . 
     It will be appreciated that embodiments of filter systems herein can include more than a single filter element. For example, in some embodiments herein, filter systems can be configured to including a primary filter element and a secondary filter element. The primary filter element can perform most or all of the filtering activity during normal operation. However, if the primary filter fails, then the secondary filter element (or backup filter element) can protect the machine into which the filter system is disposed by filtering the fluid for a period of time. In some embodiments, primary and secondary filters are changed at the same frequency. However, in other embodiments, primary filters are changed at a frequency that is greater than the frequency for changing secondary filters. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , a schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a filter system  300  with a primary filter element  320  and a secondary filter element  321  installed therein in accordance with various embodiments herein. The filter system  300  can include a housing  302  comprising a fluid inlet  310  and a fluid outlet  312 , the housing defining an internal volume  314 . A primary filter element  320  can be disposed within the internal volume  314  of the housing  302  and can be configured to be removably disposed therein. A secondary filter element  321  can be disposed within the internal volume  314  of the housing  302  and can also be configured to be removably disposed therein, with or without simultaneously removing the primary filter element  320 . 
     In the view shown in  FIG.  5   , the primary filter element  320  and secondary filter element  321  are fully inserted into the housing  302  such that the primary and secondary filter elements  320 ,  321  are at a position that is close to or contacting the distal end  328  of the internal volume  314 . At the opposite side of the internal volume  314  is the proximal end  330  of the internal volume  314 . The proximal end  330  of the internal volume  314  is configured to engage with a cover  304  that fits adjacent to the proximal end  330  in order to seal off the proximal end of the housing from the flow of fluid there through. 
     A first NFC tag  322  can be associated with, such as disposed on or in, the primary filter element  320  and a second NFC tag  323  can be associated with, such as disposed on or in, the secondary filter element  321 . An NFC reader  324  can be disposed in or on the housing  302 . The NFC reader  324  can be configured to wirelessly send data to and receive data from the first NFC tag  322  and the second NFC tag  323  when the NFC reader  324  and the NFC tags  322 ,  323  are at a distance that is less than or equal to a maximum communication distance for the NFC reader  324  and NFC tags  322 ,  323 . 
     It will be appreciated that filter systems herein can take on many different shapes and configurations. Referring now to  FIG.  6   , a schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a filter system  600  with a primary filter element  620  and a secondary filter element  621  installed therein in accordance with various embodiments herein. The filter system  600  can include a housing  602  comprising a fluid inlet  610  and a fluid outlet  612 . The housing can define an internal volume  614 . The primary filter element  620  can be disposed within the internal volume  614  of the housing  602  and can be configured to be removably disposed therein. The secondary filter element  621  can be disposed within the internal volume  614  of the housing  602  and can also be configured to be removably disposed therein. In this embodiment, the primary filter element  620  can be removed with or without also removing the secondary filter element  621 . 
     In the view shown in  FIG.  6   , the primary filter element  620  and secondary filter element  621  are both fully inserted into the housing  602 , but based on the design of the housing  602  are not equally close to the distal end  628  of the internal volume  614 . At the opposite side of the internal volume  614  is the proximal end  630  of the internal volume  614 . The proximal end  630  of the internal volume  614  is configured to engage with a cover  604  that fits adjacent to the proximal end  630  in order to seal off the proximal end of the housing from the flow of fluid there through. 
     A first short-range wireless communication tag  622  can be associated with, such as disposed on or in, the primary filter element  620  and a second short-range wireless communication tag  623  can be associated with, such as disposed on or in, the secondary filter element  621 . A first short-range wireless communication reader  624  and a second short-range wireless communication reader  626  can be disposed in or on the housing  602 . The readers  624 ,  626  can be configured to wirelessly send data to and receive data from the first tag  622  and the second tag  623  when the readers  624 ,  626  and the tags  622 ,  623  are at a distance that is less than or equal to a maximum communication distance for the readers  624 ,  626  and tags  622 ,  623 . 
     As referenced above, many different shapes and configurations for filter systems are contemplated herein. Referring now to  FIG.  7   , an exploded, perspective view is shown of a filter system  710  including a housing and a filter element, constructed according to principles of this disclosure. The filter system  710  depicted includes a housing  712  and a removable and replaceable primary filter element  714 . In the one shown, the housing  712  includes a housing body  716  and a removable service cover  718 . The cover  718  provides for service access to an interior of the housing body  716  for servicing. For a filter system  710  of the general type depicted in  FIG.  7   , servicing generally involves dismounting and removing from the housing  712  at least one filter element, such as filter element  714  depicted, either for refurbishing or replacement. 
     The housing  712  depicted includes an outer wall  720  having an end  721 , an air inlet  722 , and an air outlet  724 . For the embodiment depicted, the inlet  722  and the outlet  724  are both in the housing body  716 . In other embodiments, at least one of the inlet  722  or outlet  724  can be part of the cover  718 . In typical use, ambient or unfiltered air enters the filter system  710  through the inlet  722 . Within the filter system  710 , the air is passed through the filter element  714  to obtain a desirable level of particulate removal. The filtered air then passes outwardly from the filter system  710  through the outlet  724  and is directed by appropriate duct work or conduits to an inlet of an air intake for an associated engine, or compressor, or other system. 
     While  FIG.  7    describes a filter element for particulate removal, it will be appreciated that embodiments herein can also including filter systems and/or filter elements for removal of gas phase and/or liquid phase contaminants. 
     The particular filter system  710  depicted has outer wall  720  defining a barrel shape or generally cylindrical configuration. In this particular configuration, the outlet  724  can be described as an axial outlet because it generally extends in the direction of and circumscribes a longitudinal central axis defined by the filter element  714 . The service cover  718  generally fits over an open end  726  of the housing body  716 . In the particular arrangement shown, the cover  718  is secured in place over the end  726  by latches  728 . 
       FIG.  7    also shows a tag  762  disposed on the first end cap  754  of the filter element  714 . A reader  764  can be mounted on or in the end  721  of the housing  712 . When the filter element  714  is fully inserted within the housing  712 , the tag  762  can be close enough to the reader  764  in order to exchange wireless communications. In some embodiments, the reader  764  can be in electrical communication with a system controller  765 . The system controller  765  can include various circuitry for telemetry, storage and/or processing of data (including RAM/ROM and/or data registers), power storage and/or modulation, and the like. In some embodiments the system controller  765  can include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like. However, in some embodiments elements described above with respect to the system controller  765  can be integrated into the reader  764 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8   , an end elevational view is shown of the filter system of  FIG.  7    in an assembled orientation. As referenced above, a tag can be associated with, such as disposed on or in, the first end cap of the filter element. A reader  764  can be mounted on or in the end  721  of the housing. When the filter element is fully inserted within the housing, the tag on the filter element can be close enough to the reader  764  in order to exchange wireless communications. In some embodiments, the reader  764  can be in electrical communication with a system controller  765 . 
     Many different physical configurations for a reader and/or tags are contemplated herein. In various embodiments, the reader and/or the tag can include a loop formed by a conductor that can serve as an antenna. In some embodiments, the shape of the reader and/or tag can be ovoid, circular, polygonal, irregular, or the like. In some embodiments, the reader and/or tag can define a loop with a central aperture. In some embodiments, the reader and/or tag can include multiple antennas of different sizes along with a switching device to selectively use one of the multiple antennas depending on the desired maximum communication distance. However, in other embodiments, the reader or tag defines no aperture. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , an end elevational view is shown of the filter system of  FIG.  7    in an assembled orientation, but including a reader having a different physical configuration. As referenced above, a tag can be associated with, such as disposed on or in, the first end cap of the filter element. A reader  764  can be mounted on or in the end  721  of the housing. When the filter element is fully inserted within the housing, the tag on the filter element can be close enough to the reader  764  in order to exchange wireless communications. In some embodiments, the reader  764  can be in electrical communication with a system controller  765 . 
     However, unlike the reader  764  shown in  FIG.  8   , the reader  764  in  FIG.  9    shows forms a loop that is disposed adjacent to an outer perimeter of the end  721  of the housing. In this configuration, the cross-sectional area encompassed by the reader  764  is relatively large in comparison with the total cross-sectional area of the end  721  of the housing. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10   , a partial cross-sectional view of the filter system  710  is depicted. In reference now to  FIG.  10   , it can be seen that the body  716  defines an interior  730  of the filter system  710 . Within the interior  730  for the particular filter system  710  depicted is positioned the filter element  714 , through which air is directed during use. In this embodiment, there is also depicted an optional secondary or safety filter element  732 . 
     Herein, the terms “filter element” or “element” refer to a removable, replaceable component that includes filter media through which the air being filtered passes, as the air is directed, from the inlet  722 , through the interior  730 , to the outlet  724 , with the element  714  performing an air filtration (or dust removal) function. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “element”, “filter element”, and “filter” are meant to refer to a removable and replaceable component within the filter system  710 . Preferably, filter elements are configured such that they can be removed and replaced by hand, at appropriate service intervals. 
     Herein, the term “primary element” or “primary filter element” generally refers to a filter element in which a majority of dust loading occurs during filter system use. In typical systems that have two elements, the primary element is positioned upstream from the safety element, during typical assembly. By “upstream” in this context, it is meant that due to filter element position, filter system configuration, and the location of seals during use, air or another fluid generally must pass through the primary element before the air passes through the safety element when the air or other fluid moves from the inlet  722  to the outlet  724 . 
     Herein, the term “secondary element” or “safety element” refers to a downstream element from the primary element. Typically, very little dust loading occurs on the safety element and generally occurs only as a result of either failure of some portion of the primary element or failure of a seal, or inadvertent dust movement during servicing of the primary element, or some other mishap. 
     The safety element  732  depicted in  FIG.  10    includes a cylindrical extension of filter media  734  defining an open filter interior  736 . The filter media  734  extends between an open end cap  738  and a closed end cap  740 . The filter media  734  used in the safety element  732  can be pleated media, depth media, felt, or any type of media as determined appropriate by the designer of the filter system  710 . 
     The safety element  732  is operably installed within the housing  712  to allow it to be sealed and occasionally removed and replaced with a new safety element  732 . A seal  742  is depicted between the safety element  732  and the housing  712 . While a number of different type of seals could be used, in the embodiment shown, the seal  742  depicted is a radial seal  744 ; specifically, an outwardly directed radial seal between the open end cap  738  and an internal wall  746  of the body  716 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the closed end cap  740  of the safety element  732  is generally a flat disk  748 . In some embodiments, the closed end cap  740  can include a projection that engages a portion of the primary element  714 . An example of the engagement between the safety element  732  and the primary element  714  is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,614, incorporated by reference herein. 
     A tubular extension of filter media can extend between the first end cap  54  and the second end cap  56 . In the embodiment shown, the tubular extension of filter media is cylindrical in shape, and in other embodiments, could be conical or oval, for example. The tubular extension of filter media defines an open filter interior. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  10   , the open filter interior accommodates the safety element. Many different types of filter media can be used. In some embodiments, the filter media can be pleated media. The pleated media can be pleated paper or cellulose. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  10   , also extending between the first end cap  54  and second end cap  56  can be an inner media support or liner. The inner liner helps to support the media due to operating pressures and other conditions. The inner liner can be non-metal, or it may also be metal, such as an expanded metal. 
     The filter element  714  is releasably sealed to the housing  712  at seal  768 . There are a variety of techniques for releasably sealing the filter element  714  to the housing  712 . In the embodiment shown, a radial seal  770  is formed between the element  714  and the housing  712 . Specifically, an internally directed radial seal  770  is formed between the first end cap  754  and the internal wall  746  of the housing body  716 . 
     The second section  792  is part of a pre-cleaner for the filter system  710 . Specifically, and in reference now to  FIG.  10   , the filter system  710  has a dust ejector  794  as part of the housing  712 ; in particular, as part of the cover  718 . Air to be filtered enters the housing  712  through the inlet  722 , and the pre-cleaner  796  helps to separate out large dust particles and eject them through the dust ejector  794  before they reach the primary element  714 . Specifically, the second section  792  allows inlet air to circumferentially rotate or swirl around the second section  792 . This rotation of the air around the second section  792  creates centrifugal forces that cause dust particles to drop to the bottom  798  of the housing  712 , where they flow through an ejector outlet  703  in the cover  718  and then through an evacuation valve  702 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the cover  718  includes structure to mate with the second end cap  756  to help laterally support the filter element  714  in an operable position in the housing  712  with the radial seal  770  in place. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  7    the cover  718  includes a protrusion  776  projecting into the closed recess  708  of the second end cap  756 . Preferably, the cover  718  also defines a recess  778  oriented to receive a projection of the second end cap  756 . As can be seen in  FIG.  10   , when the protrusion is received within the closed recess  708 , and when the projection is received by the recess  778 , this will help keep the filter element  714  in place mounted on the wall  746  with the radial seal  770  in place. 
     While many of the filter elements and housings shown so far herein depict cylindrically shaped filter elements and housings configured to fit the same, it will be appreciated that filter elements having many different shapes are contemplated herein. In addition, while embodiments referenced above that include secondary or safety filter elements show such secondary or safety filter elements fitting within a primary filter element, many other configurations of filter systems including primary and secondary filter elements are contemplated herein. References to a “first filter element” can refer to either a primary or a secondary filter element as described herein, depending on the context. Similarly, references to a “second filter element” can refer to either a primary or a secondary filter element as described herein, depending on the context. 
     In some embodiments, a latch sensor  788  can be associated with the latch  728 . The latch sensor  788  can detect with the latch  728  is actuated, such as in the course of removing the cover  718 . The latch sensor  788  can communicate with other components of the system in either a wired or wireless fashion. In some embodiments, the latch sensor  788  can be in electronic communication with the controller  765 . Various components can be used to form the latch sensor  788  including, but not limited to, piezoelectric sensors, switch sensors, capacitive sensors, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  11   , a schematic exploded perspective view of a filter system  1060  having a filter element  1000  therewith is depicted. The filter system  1060  can include a housing  1061  having housing sections  1062 ,  1063  between which axial housing seal arrangement  1002  would be positioned, and pinched, during installation. One of the housing sections  1063  will typically be a filter element receiver, and will include a receiving trough  1065  therein, into which seal arrangement  1002  is fit during installation. A second housing section  1063  would generally include a pressure flange  1064  oriented to apply pressure to surface  1014  during installation, helping to ensure that seal surface  1015  is pressed, to adequately pinch seal member  1012  against shelf or seal surface portions of trough  1065  for sealing. Various retention mechanisms such as bolts or over center latches can be used to apply and retain the force. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  11   , housing section  1063  includes a seal region outer perimeter rim  1070 , which can surround seal arrangement  1002  and project therefrom in the same direction as optional handle members  1030 ,  1031 , during installation. Filter element  1000  can recess within rim  1070 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  11   , the housing section  1063  also includes a seal region inner perimeter rim  1071 , surrounding by rim  1070  and spaced therefrom by trough  1072  which includes a seal engagement surface. Rim  1071  is optional, but preferred. It will typically be positioned so that a portion of the seal arrangement or member  1012  will be positioned between rim  1071  and rim  1070 , when the filter element  1000  is property installed. 
     A tag  1092  can be associated with, such as disposed on or in, the filter element  1000 . In particular, the tag  1092  can be disposed on or in a side wall  1003  of the filter element  1000  or on or in another component of the filter element  1000 . A reader  1094  can be associated with, such as mounted on or in, the housing  1061 . When the filter element  1000  is fully inserted within the housing  1061 , the tag  1092  on the filter element  1000  can be close enough to the reader  1094  in order to exchange wireless communications. In some embodiments, the reader  1094  can be in electrical communication with a contact pad  1095  including electrical contacts  1096 . The contact pad  1095  can facilitate connecting the reader  1094  with other equipment. In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of a contact pad, the reader  1094  can be in electrical communication with an electrical plug to facilitate connecting the reader  1094  with other equipment. 
     It is noted that the housing  1062  of  FIG.  11    is schematic. The housing can also have additional features relating to its installation, air flow inlet, air flow outlet, etc. Also, the tag  1092  can be in many different specific positions, such as on the inside of filter element  1000  or within or between other components of the filter element  1000  or filter system. 
     In  FIG.  12   , another embodiment of a filter system  1060  is shown schematically, including a housing  1061  having first housing section  1062  and second housing section  1063 . The housing  1061  includes an airflow inlet  1069  and an airflow outlet  1059 . Bolts  1067  secure the housing sections  1062 ,  1063  together, and will provide a pinching force to the seal arrangement  1002 . 
     It is noted that in the depiction of  FIG.  12   , the inlet  1069  is in section  1062 , and the outlet  1059  is in section  1063 . In some embodiments, both the inlet  1069  and outlet  1059  can be positioned in a single housing section, for example section  1063 , with the other section  1062  operating as a separable access cover and contoured to provide the sealing pressure. 
     As referenced above, a reader  1094  can be mounted on or in the housing  1061 . When the filter element is fully inserted within the housing, the tag on the filter element can be close enough to the reader  1094  in order to exchange wireless communications. In some embodiments, the reader  1094  can be in electrical communication with a contact pad  1095  including electrical contacts  1096 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  13   , an exploded, perspective view is shown of a filter assembly  1340  including a filter head  1344  and a spin-on canister filter  1346 . The filter head  1344  is capable of operably receiving both spin-on canister filter  1346  and a bowl-cartridge filter (not shown). By “operably receiving”, it is meant that the filter head  1344  includes appropriate structure for engaging the spin-on canister filter  1346 , such that fluid to be cleaned is directed through the appropriate channels and cleans the fluid as intended. In reference to  FIG.  13   , the spin-on canister filter  1346  includes single-use housing  1350  and baffle plate  1352 . The housing  1350  defines a filter interior permanently holding a non-replaceable cartridge filter (filter element). In some embodiments, the filter head  1344  includes an end face  1345 . 
     The baffle plate  1352  includes a plurality of apertures  1342  to permit fluid flow from the filter head  1344  into the interior volume of the spin-on canister filter  1346 . 
     The filter head  1344  includes a block  1358  including a continuous exterior wall member  1360  forming an outer tube surrounding an internal volume. The filter head block  1358  can define a first port, which in forward flow systems is an inlet port, and a second port, which in forward flow systems is an outlet port, and an interior or center tube, which is within the internal volume and is circumscribed by the outer tube. 
     In some embodiments, the outside surface  1372  can have first mechanical connection structure  1374 . The first mechanical connection structure  1374  includes many types of arrangements. Of those arrangements possible, examples include threads, bayonet connections, bead and groove connections, etc. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the first connection structure  1374  includes a first plurality of threads  1376 . In this particular embodiment, the first plurality of threads  1376  is located on the outside surface  1372  of the wall member  1360 . However, in other embodiments, the first plurality of threads can be located along the inside surface of the wall member  1360 . 
     The spin-on canister filter  1346  can include a second mechanical connection structure  1325 , which in this case, is depicted as threads  1326 . The threads  1326  engage the threads  1376 . 
     A short-range wireless communication tag  1322  can be associated with, such as disposed on or in, the spin-on canister filter  1346 . A short-range wireless communication reader  1324  can be associated with, such as disposed on or in, filter head  1344  or a component thereof such as the wall member  1360 . The reader  1324  can be configured to wirelessly send data to and receive data from the tag  1322  when the reader  1324  and the tag  1322  are at a distance that is less than or equal to a maximum communication distance for the reader  1324  and tag  1322 . 
     The maximum communication distance between the reader  1324  and the tag  1322  can be such that when the spin-on canister filter  1346  is removed from the filter head  1344 , the maximum distance is exceeded and communication between the reader  1324  and the tag  1322  ceases. In some embodiments, the tag  1322  can be disposed away from the center of rotation of the spin-on canister. In such embodiments, the distance between the tag  1322  and the reader  1324  can increase not only as the spin-on canister filter  1346  is moved away during a canister removal process, but also the distance can cyclically increase and decrease along with each rotation of the spin-on canister. In such an embodiment, the rotational position of the spin-on canister filter  1346  with respect to the filter head  1344  affects the distance between the tag  1322  and the reader  1324  and therefore communication between the tag  1322  and the reader  1324 , or the lack thereof, can be used to assess the rotational position of the spin-on canister filter  1346  with respect to the filter head  1344 . In some embodiments, if the spin-on canister filter  1346  is not fully screwed onto the filter head  1344 , then the distance between the tag  1322  and the reader  1324  exceeds the maximum communication distance between the two. In some embodiments, the tag  1322  and the reader  1324  are positioned such that the spin-on canister filter  1346  must be within 30 degrees, 25 degrees, 20 degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 2 degrees or 1 degree of full rotation onto the filter head  1344  in order for communication to occur between the tag  1322  and the spin-on canister filter  1346 . Further aspects of spin-on canister filters are described in U.S. Publ. Pat. Appl. No. 2004/0079693, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     In some embodiments, one or more short-range wireless communication tags and readers can positioned to allow detection of removal and/or reinstallation of a cover from a housing of a filtration system herein. Referring now to  FIG.  14   , a schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a filter system  1400  with a primary filter element  320  being removed therefrom therein in accordance with various embodiments herein. The filter system  1400  can include a housing  302  comprising a fluid inlet  310  and a fluid outlet  312 , the housing defining an internal volume  314 . A primary filter element  320  can be configured to be disposed within the internal volume  314  of the housing  302 . The proximal end  330  of the internal volume  314  is configured to engage with a removable cover  304  that fits adjacent to the proximal end  330  in order to seal off the proximal end of the housing from the flow of fluid there through. The removable cover  304  can engage the proximal end  330  and remain attached thereto through various devices or structures including threads, friction-fit mechanisms, latches, buckles, snap-fit mechanisms, or the like. 
     A short-range wireless communication tag  1492 , can be associated with the cover  304 , such as disposed on or in the cover  304 . A short-range wireless communication reader  1494 , can be disposed in or on the housing  302 , such as on, in, or near the proximal end  330  of the housing  302 . The reader  1494  can be configured to wirelessly send data to and receive data from the tag  1492  when the reader  1494  and the tag  1492  are at a distance that is less than or equal to a maximum communication distance for the reader  1494  and tag  1492 . Removal of the cover  304  from the housing can cause the distance between the reader  1494  and the tag  1492  to exceed the maximum communication distance, causing communication between the reader and the tag to cease. As such, communication, or the lack thereof, between the tag  1492  and the reader  1494  can be used to assess whether the cover  304  is fitted onto the housing  302  or removed from the housing  302 . Events such as cover removal and/or reinstallation can be detected and recorded by the system. 
     Short-Range Wireless Communications 
     As referenced above, embodiments herein can include the use of short-range wireless communication components such as tags and readers placed on onto filter elements and the housings into which they fit. The tags and readers can be arranged such that removal of the filter elements therefrom causes the tag and the associated reader to be separated by a distance that exceeds the operating wireless communication distance of the pair. As such, removal of the filter elements from the housings into which they fit can be determined based on sensing an absence in communication between the wireless tag and the associated wireless reader. 
     The short-range wireless communication components can use various communication standards/protocols and various specific component constructions. However, in various embodiments herein, power is provided to the tag component wirelessly. Wireless power transmission technologies use time-varying electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields. Wireless power transmission techniques mainly fall into two categories, non-radiative and radiative. In near-field or non-radiative techniques, power is transferred by magnetic fields using inductive coupling between coils of wire, or by electric fields using capacitive coupling between metal electrodes. In various embodiments herein, inductive coupling is used to deliver power to the tag component wirelessly. 
     In some embodiments, the short-range wireless communication components herein are, specifically, near-field communication (NFC) components. Near-field wireless communication employs electromagnetic induction between two loop antennas when NFC-enabled devices or components exchange information. Generally, NFC devices operate within the globally available unlicensed radio frequency ISM band of 13.56 MHz on ISO/IEC 18000-3 air interface at rates ranging from 106 to 424 Kbit/s. 
     NFC devices can operate in various modes, including NFC card emulation, NFC reader/writer, and NFC peer-to-peer. In various embodiments, NFC devices herein are operating in reader/writer mode, which NFC-enabled devices to read information stored on NFC tags embedded in or disposed on filter elements. 
     In accordance with various embodiments herein, tags can be passive data stores which can be read, and under some circumstances written to, by a device, such as a reader device. They typically contain data (in some cases between 96 and 8,192 bytes). In some embodiments the tags are read-only, but in some embodiments they can be rewritable. In some embodiments, a tag in accordance with embodiments herein can include an antenna consisting of a coil of wire and an integrated circuit (IC) which can include memory circuits for data storage. In various embodiments, the tag can also include a capacitor. The reader typically has its own antenna, which can continuously or intermittently transmit a short-range radio frequency field. 
     When the tag is placed within range of the reader, the antenna coil and capacitor, which form a tuned circuit, absorb and store energy from the field, resonating like an electrical version of a tuning fork. This energy can be rectified to direct current which powers the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit can send its data to the antenna coil, which transmits it by radio frequency signals back to the reader unit. However, it will be appreciated that a return signal from the tag to the reader could also come back in various other ways such as light signals (including but not limited to infrared light), electromagnetic signals other than radio frequency signals, and the like. In some embodiments, the reader can check whether information received (such as an ID number) is correct, and then can perform various functions. In some embodiments, the reader can cause data to be written into the memory of the tag. Since all the energy to power the tag comes from the reader unit, the tag must be close to the reader to function. Therefore, communication between the tag and the reader only has a limited range. 
     The distance for short-range wireless communication in embodiments herein can vary. In some embodiments, steps can be taken to purposefully limit the range of short-range wireless communication including, but not limited to, varying the size of the antenna coil, limiting the power associated with the emission of the radio frequency field, and the like. In some embodiments, the maximum short-range wireless communication distance is less than 12, 10, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum short-range wireless communication distance is within a range wherein any of the foregoing can serve as the upper or lower bound of the range. In some embodiments, the maximum short-range wireless communication distance is less than 30, 25, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8 or 6 centimeters. 
     Wireless Communication Proximity Sensing 
     As referenced above, steps can be taken to purposefully limit the range of short-range wireless communication including, but not limited to, varying the size of the antenna coil, limiting the power associated with the emission of the radio frequency field or other electromagnetic field, and the like. In some embodiments, proximity of the tag to the reader can be determined by adjusting the maximum range of short-range wireless communication downward until communication is lost. For example, in some embodiments, the reader can include more than one antenna coil, with the coils of each antenna coil being of a different size than one another and therefore offering different maximum short-range wireless communication ranges. In some embodiments, the different antenna coils of the reader can be energized sequentially and the distance between the reader and the tag can then be approximated by determining the antenna coil at which communication with the tag fails. For example, if a first antenna coil is known to provide wireless communication up to 10 centimeters and a second antenna coil is known to provide wireless communication up to 8 centimeters, and if communication using the second antenna fails but communication using the first antennal coil is successful, then the distance between the tag and the reader including the coils can be estimated to be between 8 and 10 centimeters. In other embodiments, the magnitude of the wireless signal coming from the tag can be quantified and then distance can be estimated using a standard table, which can be empirically determined for the particular type of filter housing and filter element(s) being used. In some embodiments, two or more tags can be used on the same element. The tags can be disposed at different positions, such that distance can be approximated by seeing which tag or tags are active and which are not. 
     Communication Patterns 
     In various embodiments herein, systems can identify a filter element change or removal event by detecting a particular pattern of communication. For example, when a filter element including a short-range wireless tag is properly installed within a filter system, such that the tag is within communication distance of a corresponding short-range wireless reader disposed on or in the filter system housing, communication can occur between the two components and the existence of this successful communication can be recorded by the reader, in some cases along with a time stamp. When a filter element is removed from the housing for replacement and/or servicing, the distance between the tag and the corresponding reader can exceed the maximum communication distance, which can cause the tag to lose power, terminating communication between the tag and the corresponding reader. When a filter element is reinstalled within the filter housing, the distance between the tag and the corresponding reader can then be less than the maximum communication distance, which can be sufficient to cause the tag to power-up again and allow communication between the tag and the corresponding reader to resume. 
     As such, the pattern of communication in this filter removal and replacement sequence can be characterized by a first phase of active communication, followed by a phase of no communication, followed by a second phase of active communication (e.g., a pattern of “ON-OFF-ON)”. A processing unit (as part of a system controller, reader, associated component, external server, etc.) can monitor communications to identify this pattern (“ON-OFF-ON”) and when it is detected increment a counter corresponding to filter removal/change events along with recording a date and time stamp associated with the identified pattern. The counter can exist in the memory of the reader, the tag, the system controller, or another component that is part of the filtration system or separate and/or remote therefrom. 
     In some embodiments, in order to ensure that noise or spurious short duration breaks in communication are not interpreted to be non-communication phases associated with actual filter removal, the processing unit can require that the duration of the non-communication be longer than a threshold value. For example, in some embodiments, the non-communication phase must exceed 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 or 10 seconds in length. 
     It will be appreciated that in accordance with various embodiments herein, patterns other than the “ON-OFF-ON” pattern described above can also be identified. In some embodiments, patterns can be detected including, but not limited to “ON-OFF”, “OFF-ON”, and simply “OFF”. 
     In some embodiments, information can be written to a memory circuit that is part of a short-range wireless communication tag after the system controller identifies an “OFF-ON” pattern in the electrical signals received from the short-range wireless communication reader, wherein the OFF phase of the pattern corresponds to periods of no communication between the short-range wireless communication tag and the short-range wireless communication reader and the ON phase of the pattern corresponds to periods of communication between the short-range wireless communication tag and the short-range wireless communication reader. 
     In some embodiments, cover opening or removal events can be detected and recorded in memory and/or data about the same can be transmitted through a data network and remotely stored. In some embodiments, latch actuation events can be detected and recorded in memory and/or data about the same can be transmitted through a data network and remotely stored. 
     In some embodiments, data regarding detected events, such as filter removal and/or change events, or detection of any of the patterns described herein, can be written into the memory of the tag associated with the filter element(s). In this manner, the filter element can be analyzed after removal from the system in order to determine how many events (such as removal events and/or installation events) it has experienced. In some embodiments, processing steps such as analyzing data for patterns and then determining the occurrence of events based on the same can occur at the level of the reader, the system controller, or another component that is part of the filtration system or separate and/or remote therefrom, but outputs therefrom such as a count of the number of filter element removal and/or reinstallation events can be written into the memory of the tag. 
     In some embodiments, one or more components of the system can be interrogated in order to gather information stored by the same. For example, as described above, in some embodiments, data such as the aspects described above can be stored within the memory of a tag, reader, controller or the like. The tag, reader, or controller can be interrogated in order to retrieve data from the same. In some embodiments, a tag with data stored thereon can be interrogated by (and energized by) a dedicated reading device in order to retrieve data from the same. In some embodiments, the system can be queried either locally or remotely in order to retrieve information from the same. However, in some embodiments the system can be configured to push data such as the aspects described above out through a data network without first receiving a query. Such data can be pushed out substantially continuously or periodically. 
     Aspects have been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope herein. As such, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices. 
     It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
     It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase “configured” describes a system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration to. The phrase “configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and the like. 
     All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated by reference.