Patent Publication Number: US-2006016769-A1

Title: Filter assembly and methods

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part application of international application No. PCT/US2004/002071 filed Jan. 27, 2004; international application No. PCT/US2004/002071 claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 60/443,303, filed Jan. 28, 2003. Both of the disclosures of PCT/US2004/002071 and U.S. provisional 60/443,303 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
      This disclosure relates to fluid filters for use in hydraulic systems, lube systems, and fuel systems. In particular examples, this disclosure concerns apparatus and methods for allowing the servicing of a filter and controlling spillage, and in some applications, without requiring the use of tools.  
     BACKGROUND  
      Filters are commonly used in connection with lubrication systems and fuel systems for internal combustion engines, and hydraulic systems for heavy duty equipment. Filters are also used in many other types of fluid systems, for example, a variety of industrial filtration applications. In these types of systems, the filter is changed periodically. In the art, there are at least two standard types of filters used. One is a spin-on canister filter, while the other is a bowl-cartridge filter.  
      Spin-on canister filters are disposable units, which typically include a single-use housing holding a permanently mounted, non-replaceable filter element (cartridge filter). The canister holding the cartridge filter is usually spun onto a filter head, by threaded engagement. The liquid to be cleaned passes from the filter head and into the housing for filtering. The cleaned liquid exits the housing and re-enters the filter head. After some period of use, the spin-on canister filter is removed from the filter head and is discarded. A new spin-on canister filter is then mounted onto the filter head.  
      Bowl-cartridge filters, on the other hand, typically include a re-useable bowl holding a replaceable filter element (cartridge filter). Bowl-cartridge filters are sometimes preferred or required to be used instead of spin-on canister filters due to disposal or other issues. Bowl-cartridge filters are also mounted onto a filter head (also called a filter base), wherein liquid to be cleaned passes through the filter head, into the bowl, through the replaceable cartridge filter, outside of the bowl, and back into the filter head. After a period of use, the bowl-cartridge filter is removed from the filter head, the replaceable cartridge filter is removed from the re-useable bowl. The old cartridge filter is discarded, and replaced with a new cartridge filter. The new cartridge filter is operably mounted into the re-useable bowl, to provide a refurbished bowl-cartridge filter. This refurbished bowl-cartridge filter, containing the new cartridge filter, is then mounted onto the filter head.  
      Some of the benefits of a spin-on filter include that the opening is protected and the fluid contained therein is trapped. This prevents the fluid within the filter from spilling, or dripping on the ground, or getting on the person that is servicing the filter. In many cases, however, the spin-on cartridge filter is not incineratable.  
      With bowl-cartridge filters, on the other hand, the cartridge is easily incineratable. The cartridge filter within the bowl-cartridge typically contains minimal material to throw away and no material to recycle. In some instances, however, bowl-cartridge filters have a disadvantage in that while servicing, the contaminated fluid is exposed in the bowl and can drip to the ground or onto the person performing the servicing.  
      These different type of filter systems present problems. Improvements are desirable.  
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      A filter assembly and methods are provided that combine the benefits of a spin-on cartridge filter with the benefits of a bowl-cartridge filter. Some example results include a filter assembly having a protected opening and trapped contaminant, to reduce the chance of fluid dripping on the ground or on the person performing the servicing, and a disposable cartridge. In certain example filter assemblies and methods, there are additional benefits of being able to perform servicing quickly, cleanly, and without the use of any tools.  
      A filter assembly is provided. In some described examples, the filter assembly has a filter base, a bowl removably attached to the base, and a filter cartridge with filter media removably positioned within the bowl. Examples described include the filter cartridge having an impermeable outer jacket around a region of filter media. The outer jacket helps to prevent contaminated fluid from spilling during servicing.  
      Some described examples include a locking cap to selectively engage the filter base. A clamp arrangement is described as being operable to selectively secure and release the filter base together to the bowl by engagement between the locking cap and the filter base.  
      Methods of assembling, filtering, and servicing are provided. Described methods will use the types of filter assemblies characterized above.  
      A method of servicing, without the use of tools, is provided. The described method includes releasing a clamp arrangement, by hand and without the use of tools, from engagement with the filter base and the bowl. The bowl and filter cartridge are removed from the filter base. A second filter cartridge is provided within the bowl. The bowl having the second filter cartridge is mounted on the filter base. A clamp arrangement is engaged to operably secure the filter base and the bowl having the second filter cartridge. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a filter assembly, constructed according to principles of this disclosure;  
       FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the filter assembly depicted in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a top, exploded, perspective view of the bowl-cartridge filter depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a top, exploded, perspective view of the filter base and locking cap depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and useable with the bowl-cartridge filter of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a bottom, exploded, perspective view of the bowl-cartridge filter depicted in  FIGS. 3 ;  
       FIG. 6  is a bottom, exploded, perspective view of the filter base and locking cap depicted in  FIG. 4 , and useable with the bowl-cartridge filter of  FIGS. 3 and 5 ;  
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged, top perspective view of a portion of the filter assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
       FIG. 8  is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the filter assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
       FIG. 9  is a bottom, perspective view of one embodiment of the locking cap used in the filter assembly depicted in  FIGS. 1-8 ; and  
       FIG. 10  is a schematic depiction of a piece of equipment having an engine utilizing filter assemblies depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      First, attention is directed to  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 10  is a schematic depiction of equipment  10  including an engine  12 . The equipment  10  includes a lubrication system  14 , a fuel system  15 , and a hydraulic system  16 . The lubrication system  14 , the fuel system  15 , and the hydraulic system  16  will need to have a fluid in the system (oil, fuel, or hydraulic fluid) cleaned. To provide the cleaning function, a fluid filter assembly is utilized. In the example embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , there are three fluid filter assemblies  20  shown, one for the lubrication system  14 , one for the fuel system  15 , and one for the hydraulic system  16 . Equipment  10  shown in  FIG. 10  is a tractor  18 . The fluid filter assembly  20  is useable with other types of equipment including bulldozers, skid steers, payloaders, mining equipment, over-the-highway trucks, off-road trucks, combines, and other types of equipment, including industrial filtration, generators, and any system with an engine or hydraulic system.  
      For the systems described herein, mobile hydraulic filters will have operating pressures generally between −7 psi and 700 psi. Operating pressures for an engine lube system will be 40 psi-80 psi, with compressor lube systems being about 250 psi. For fuel systems, if the pressure is on the upstream side of the pump, it will be under vacuum pressure of about -10 psi. If used as a secondary filter, on the downstream side of the pump, the operating pressures will be 60 psi. In industrial hydraulic applications, the pressures are generally high, such as up to 6,000 psi. Of course, the pressures can vary, and these are simply examples.  
      Attention is now directed to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . One embodiment of the fluid filter assembly  20  is illustrated in perspective view. The fluid filter assembly  20  depicted includes a filter base  22  (also, sometimes referred to as a “filter head”) and a bowl-cartridge filter  24 . The filter base  22  is typically positioned in fluid systems (such as lube systems  14 , fuel systems, or hydraulic systems  16 ) such that fluid is directed from the system by the filter base  22  and through the bowl-cartridge filter  24 .  
      By the term “bowl-cartridge filter”, it is meant a filter having a re-useable housing or bowl holding a replaceable cartridge filter (filter element). After a period of use, when the cartridge filter becomes clogged or restriction increases to an unacceptable level, the bowl-cartridge filter is serviced. By “serviced” or variants thereof, it is meant that the bowl-cartridge filter is removed from the filter base, the cartridge filter is removed from the bowl, and a new cartridge filter is installed within the bowl. The bowl with the new cartridge filter is then mounted onto the filter base.  
      The filter base  22  is constructed for operable receipt or mounting of the bowl-cartridge filter  24 . By “operable receipt or mounting” and variants thereof, it is meant that the filter base  22  includes appropriate structure for engaging the bowl-cartridge filter  24 , such that fluid to be cleaned is directed through the appropriate channels and is cleaned as intended.  
      In reference to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , it can be seen how the bowl-cartridge filter  24  has a reuseable housing or bowl  26  operably holding a removable and replaceable cartridge filter  28 .  
      In  FIG. 8 , there is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly  20 . The view in  FIG. 8  depicts the bowl-cartridge filter  24  operably mounted to the filter base  22 . The filter base  22  includes a block  30  defining channels  32  in order to allow for the inflow and outflow of fluid to be directed into the bowl-cartridge filter  24 . The filter block  30  defines an inlet port  34 , an outlet port  36 , and an interior or center tube or spud  38 . The center spud  38  is circumscribed by the outer wall  40  of the block  30 . The spud  38  defines an outflow channel  42  that begins in the interior of the bowl-cartridge filter  24  and ends at the outlet port  36 . The inlet port  34  is in fluid flow communication with inlet channel  44 . Inlet channel  44  is depicted in  FIG. 8  as at least partially surrounding the spud  38 .  
      A seal arrangement  46  helps to contain fluid from bypassing a region of filter media  48  within the cartridge filter  28 . In the embodiment shown, the seal arrangement  46  includes a seal member  50  located between the spud  38  and a portion of the cartridge filter  28 . Seal member  50  prevents fluid from passing from the inlet channel  44  into a cleaned fluid volume  52  and into the outflow channel  42 , without passing through the filter media  48  first. In the embodiment shown, the filter media  48  is a tubular construction, for example shown in  FIG. 8  as cylindrical, defining a central open volume  54 . The central open volume  54  corresponds to the cleaned fluid volume  52 , because the fluid that is within the central open volume  54  could not have gotten to that location without first passing through the filter media  48 .  
      A second seal member  56  is positioned between the filter base  22  and the cartridge filter  28  in order to prevent the passage of fluid from the inlet channel  44  into an interior volume  58  of the bowl  26 .  
      The housing or bowl  26  is depicted as a thin wall construction  60  defining interior volume  58 . The bowl  26  can also be a thick walled construction, especially if used in hydraulic applications. The wall  60  has a continuous exterior side wall  62  and a bottom end wall  64  forming a closed end  66 . At an end opposite to the closed end, the bowl  26  defines a mouth or opening  68  ( FIG. 3 ) for receipt of the cartridge filter  28 . In preferred constructions, the bowl  26  further includes a ledge or lip  70  circumscribing the opening  68 . The lip  70  projects radially relative to the side wall  62 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the radial projection of the lip  70  is an outwardly radial projection. One of the purposes of the lip  70  is discussed further below in connection with a clamp arrangement.  
      The bowl  26  operably holds the removable and replaceable cartridge filter  28  within the interior  58 . The cartridge filter  28  is removable and replaceable from the bowl  26 , when the bowl  26  is removed from the filter base  22 , leaving the open mouth  68  of the bowl  26 . The cartridge filter  28  can be removed and replaced through the mouth or opening  68 .  
      The cartridge filter  28  preferably includes a protective jacket  72 . The jacket  72  will typically be constructed of an impermeable material such that fluid flowing into and out of the cartridge filter  28  cannot pass through the jacket  72 . One of the purposes of the jacket  72  is to contain the contaminated fluid within the cartridge filter  28  when servicing. The jacket  72  allows for the removal of the cartridge filter  28  from the bowl  26  and the disposal of the cartridge filter  28  without dripping or spilling on the ground or on the person doing the servicing. In certain implementations, the jacket  72  includes a continuous outer side wall  74  and a closed bottom wall  76 . In the embodiment shown, the jacket  72  forms a generally cylindrical container  78  defining an interior  80 . At the end opposite to the bottom wall  76 , there is a baffle plate  82 . In  FIG. 3 , it can be seen that the baffle plate  82  defines a central, fluid flow outlet  84  and an inlet arrangement  86 . The inlet arrangement  86  allows for fluid to be filtered to enter into the cartridge filter  28  from the filter base  22 . The fluid flow outlet  84  permits the passage of filtered fluid from the cartridge filter  28  into the filter base  22 .  
      In the embodiment shown, the inlet arrangement  86  is illustrated in  FIG. 3  as a plurality of slotted apertures  88  in the baffle plate  82 . The slotted apertures  88  circumscribe the fluid flow outlet  84 . The fluid flow outlet  84 , in the embodiment shown, is illustrated as a central aperture  90  in the baffle plate  82 . As such, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet arrangement  86  and fluid flow outlet  84  are arranged in a coaxial relationship. By “coaxial”, it is meant that the central axis of the central aperture  90  is the same as the central axis formed by the circle that would join all of the slotted apertures  88 . Other inlet arrangements and outlet arrangements are useable. The one illustrated is an example only.  
      The jacket  72  can be constructed from many different types of materials. Preferably, the jacket  72  will be an impermeable material. In preferred applications, the jacket  72  will also be made of a material that is easily disposable, such as by incineration. One type of material that can be used for the jacket  72  is plastic.  
      Located within the interior  80  of the jacket  72  is the filter media  48 . In preferred implementations, the filter media  48  is formed in a tube, to define the cleaned fluid volume  52 . In the embodiment shown, the filter media  48  is shown to be a cylindrical filter pack  92 . The filter pack  92  has an upstream side  94  that is in communication with an unfiltered fluid volume  53 . The filter pack  92  has a downstream side  96  that is in fluid communication with the cleaned fluid volume  52 . In preferred applications, the filter pack  92  is a pleated construction  98 . The pleated construction  98  can be cellulose media, synthetic media, or blends thereof.  
      The filter pack  92 , in the embodiment shown, has an end cap  102 . The filter pack  92  is bonded or in other ways secured to the end cap  102  in order to ensure that fluid cannot get from the unfiltered fluid volume  53  to the cleaned fluid volume  52  without passing through the filter media  48 .  
      In the embodiment shown, the baffle plate  82  has a sealing engagement surface  104  ( FIG. 3 ). The sealing engagement surface  104  is illustrated as an internal radial surface  106  ( FIG. 3 ) that is directed toward the cleaned fluid volume  52 . In  FIG. 8 , it can be seen how the spud  38  engages the sealing engagement surface  104  and forms a seal  51  between the seal member  50  and the radial surface  106 .  
      At an end  108  of the media pack  92 , opposite of the end cap  102 , the media pack  92  is secured to the jacket  72  in a sealing engagement. This can be through the use of potting material or other forms of bonding, including directly bonding to the jacket  72 .  
      In reference to  FIG. 8 , it should now be apparent how fluid flows through the cartridge filter  28 . Fluid to be cleaned flows through the filter base  22  by entering the inlet port  34 . The fluid goes into the inlet channel  44  and then passes through the slotted apertures  88  in the inlet arrangement  86  ( FIG. 3 ) of the cartridge filter  28 . The fluid to be cleaned then flows into the unfiltered fluid volume  53 . The unfiltered fluid volume  53  is the volume between the inner surface  77  of the side wall  74  of the jacket  72  and the upstream side  94  of the filter media  48 . The fluid then passes through the filter media  48  and through the downstream side  96  into the cleaned fluid volume  52 . The filter media  48  removes contaminant and debris from the fluid. From the cleaned fluid volume  52 , the fluid then passes through the outflow channel  42  formed by the spud  38 . This is also within the fluid flow outlet  84  ( FIG. 3 ), which is circumscribing and in sealing engagement with the spud  38 . From the outflow channel  42 , the fluid then flows through the outlet port  36  for use by downstream equipment  10 .  
      In preferred embodiments, there is a snug or tight fit between the filter cartridge  28  and the bowl  26 . By the term “snug” or “tight” fit, it is meant a fit between the cartridge  28  and the bowl  26  that is sufficiently close to result in any loads on the cartridge  28  to be transferred to the bowl  26 . As such, there is a “load-transferring fit” between the cartridge  28  and the bowl  26 . The load-transferring fit between the cartridge  28  and the bowl  26  can mean that the jacket  72  can be constructed of inexpensive materials, including materials that do not need to be able to withstand force. In some example arrangements, the clearance between the outer wall of the jacket  72  and the inner wall of the bowl  26  can be a line-to-line fit, and will be at most 0.5 mm, typically not more than 0.3 mm.  
      In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the filter assembly  20  further includes, in some implementations, a system  110  to allow for the servicing of the filter assembly  20  by hand and without the use of additional external tools. By the use of the term “without the use of tools” and variants thereof, it is meant that tools that are typically used to service filters, such as wrenches or other types of hand or power tools that are used to apply torque, are not needed in order to release the filter base  22  from the bowl-cartridge filter  24 . While certain external tools may be used for convenience to assist, the main force used to release the filter base  22  from the bowl-cartridge filter  24  can be done by hand and without needing the assistance of hand tools or power tools.  
      In the illustrated implementation of the system  110 , there is a clamp arrangement  112 . The clamp arrangement  112  is operable to selectively secure and release the filter base  22  together to the bowl  26 . One way this is done is by engagement between a cap  114  and the filter base  22 . The cap  114  is also referred to herein as a “locking” cap, but it should be understood that the cap  114  is used for functions of both locking the filter base  22  to the bowl  26  as well as releasing or unlocking the filter base  22  to the bowl  26 .  FIGS. 1 and 8  show the cap  114  operably mounted on the filter base  22 .  FIGS. 4 and 6  show exploded, perspective views of the cap  114  and the filter base  22 .  FIG. 9  shows a bottom view of one illustrated embodiment of the locking cap  114 .  FIG. 7  shows the filter base  22  before the locking cap  114  is mounted thereon.  
      In general, the clamp arrangement includes a hook arrangement  116 . One type of hook arrangement  116  is useable to be moveable into and out of engagement with the filter base  22  and the bowl  26 . As such, one type of hook arrangement  116  includes hooking structure that engages, secures, or otherwise connects the filter base  22  to the bowl  26 . By the term “moveable into and out of engagement”, it is meant any type of movement that will selectively and releasably secure the bowl  26  and the filter base  22  together. Certain preferred embodiments described herein will provide further definition about example, preferred directions of moveable engagement. In general, the locking cap  114  is moved relative to the filter base  22 , causing the hook arrangement  116  to move either into secure engagement or out of secured engagement between the base  22  and the bowl  26 .  
      In the embodiment shown, the clamp arrangement includes a plurality of discrete clamps. The particular embodiment shown has three clamps  121 ,  122 , and  123 . In the embodiment shown, each of the first clamp  121 , second clamp  122 , and third clamp  123  is constructed identically to the other. The structure of the clamps  121 ,  122 , and  123  will be provided with common reference numerals to depict its common structure. Each of the clamps  121 ,  122 ,  123  has a respective clamp member  125 . Each clamp member  125  is arranged relative to a remaining portion  126  ( FIG. 4 ) of the clamp arrangement  112  to be moved into and out of engagement between the bowl  26  and the filter base  22 . In the embodiment shown, each clamp member  125  has a first hook  128  and a second hook  129 . In the embodiment shown, each of the first hooks  128  is selectively moveable into and out of secured engagement with the filter base  22 . In particular, each of the first hooks  128  has a catch  130  that is moved into and out of engagement in a recess  132  defined by the filter base  22 . The recess  132  in the filter base  22  can be seen as a generally circumferential surface extending along a substantial amount of the outer periphery of the filter base  22 . The parts of the filter base  133  adjacent to the recess  132  bear much of the axial load between the bowl  26  and the base  22  when the base  22  and the bowl  26  are secured together and the filter assembly  20  is in operation.  
      Each of the second hooks  129  has a catch  134  that is moved into and out of secured engagement with the bowl  26 . In the embodiment shown, each catch  134  is moved into and out of engagement with the lip  70  on the bowl  26 .  
      In the illustrated embodiment, each of the clamps  121 ,  122 ,  123  includes a cap engagement member  136  ( FIG. 7 ). The cap engagement member  136  interacts with the cap  114  to enable the selective securing and releasing of the base  22  and the bowl  26 . As illustrated, each cap engagement member  136  is shaped to smoothly interact or engage with respective corresponding structure on the cap  114 . In the embodiment shown, the cap engagement member  136  is rounded to form a ball  138 . How the ball  138  interacts with the cap  114  is described further below.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, each of the clamps  121 ,  122 ,  123  has a first shaft  140  in extension from the cap engagement member  136 . Extending from the first shaft  140  is the clamp member  125 . Thus, it can be appreciated that movement on the cap engagement member  136  translates to the clamp member  125  through the shaft  140 .  
      Further, in the particular embodiment illustrated, there is a clamp mount  142  for each respective clamp  121 ,  122 ,  123 . Each clamp mount  142  has a pair of upstanding walls  144 ,  145  with a recess  146  therebetween. The recess  146  is to permit passage of the first shaft  140  within it. In the embodiment shown, the upstanding walls  144 ,  145  pivotally support a second shaft  148  therein. As such, the second shaft  148  extends between and is pivotally mounted within the walls  144 ,  145 . The second shaft  148 , in the illustrated embodiment, is perpendicular to the first shaft  140 . The second shaft  148  cooperates with the walls  144 ,  145  of the clamp mount  142  to allow for a pivot mount  150  for each respective clamp  121 ,  122 ,  123 .  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 6, 9 , and  10 , the illustrated embodiment of the locking cap  114  is described. The locking cap  114 , in the embodiment shown, includes a surrounding rim  152  and an end wall surface  154 . The wall surface  154  has a filter base side  156  and a hand-manipulation side  158  ( FIG. 4 ). The hand-manipulation side  158  is the portion of the wall surface  154  that is opposite to the bowl-cartridge filter  124 . The hand-manipulation side  158  is the portion that would be handled and manipulated by a person performing servicing of the filter assembly  20 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the hand-manipulation side  158  includes a pair of flange grasping members  160 ,  161  that are sized to allow for grasping by a human hand to permit manipulation of the cap  114 . In particular, the flange grasping members  160 ,  161  are sized to allow for a person to grasp and apply rotational motion, or torque, to the locking cap  114  relative to the filter base  22 .  
      On the filter base side  156 , the locking cap  114  defines a clamp engagement track  162 . The clamp engagement track engages each of the balls  138  of the cap engagement member  136  of each of the clamps  121 ,  122 ,  123  to cause pivoting of each respective clamp about each of their respective pivot mounts  150 .  
      In the embodiment shown, the clamp engagement track  162  is a continuous track  164  defined by the inside axial portion  165  of the wall surface  154 . By the term “continuous”, it is meant that there are no disruptions in the track  164 , although the shape of the track may change. Specifically, in the embodiment shown, the continuous track  164  defines a plurality of segments  166 .  
      In the embodiment shown, there is a first group of segments  168  and a second group of segments  169 . The first group of segments  168  is spaced a first distance from a center point of the locking cap  114 . The second group of segments  169  is spaced a second distance from the center point of the locking cap  114 . The first distance is greater than the second distance. Between the first group of segments  168  and second group of segments  169  is a transition point  170  to allow for the cap engagement  136  to smoothly ride between the first group  168  and second group  169 .  
      As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , in the embodiment shown, there are three segments of first group  168  and three segments of the second group  169 . The number of segments  166  corresponds, in this embodiment, to the number of clamps. Because there are three clamps utilized in this embodiment, there are three segments of the first group  168  and three segments of the second group  169 .  
      When the locking cap  114  is operably mounted onto the filter base  22 , each ball  138  rides in the continuous track  164 . When each ball  138  is in the second group  169  of segments  166 , each clamp member  125  is moved radially away from the filter base  22  and the bowl  26 . When each ball  138  is in the first group  168  of segments  166 , each clamp member  125  is in secured engagement with the bowl  26  and filter base  22 . As each ball  138  moves across the transition point  170 , there is pivotal motion translated about each pivot point  150  causing pivoting in a radial motion either toward or away of the clamp member  125  with the bowl  26  and filter base  22 . In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, when the ball  138  is within the first group  168 , the catch  130  is engaged with the recess  132  in the filter base  22 , and the catch  134  is engaged and secured to the lip  170  of the bowl  26 . When the cap  114  is rotated, the continuous track  164  is moved relative to each ball  138 . As each ball  138  moves through the transition point and from the first group  168  into the second group  169  of segments  166 , the ball  138  moves translating motion through the shafts  140  and  148  to move the first hook  128  and second hook  129  out of engagement with the filter base  22  and bowl  26 .  
      In  FIGS. 4 and 6 , it can be seen that the cap  114  is biased to keep the cap  114  in a locking position relative to the filter base  22  due to the use of a biasing member  172 , illustrated herein as a torsion spring  173 . A fastener  175  secures together, but allows for rotational movement between the locking caps  114  and the base  22 . A stop  176  extends axially from the filter base side  156  of the cap  114 . The stop  176  allows for the spring  173  to be biased between the cap  114  and the filter base  22 .  
      In operation, fluid to be cleaned passes into the filter base  22  through the inlet port  34  and into the inlet channel  44 . From there, it flows into the bowl-cartridge filter  24  by passing through the inlet arrangement  86 . It then passes into the unfiltered fluid volume  53 , through the filter media  48  and into the cleaned fluid volume  52 . From there, it flows through the fluid flow outlet  84 , into the outflow channel  42 , and flows out of the filter base  22  through the outlet port  36 . During filtering, the filter base  22  is secured to the bowl  26  by the clamp arrangement  112 . In particular, each first hook  128  is secured within the recess  132  of the filter base  22 , and each second hook  129  is engaged with the lip  70  on the bowl  26 .  
      To service the filter assembly  20 , the locking cap  114  is grasped by placing a hand on the flange grasping members  160 ,  161 . The cap is rotated relative to the base  22  and against the spring  173 . This rotation action can be performed by hand, only, and without the use of tools. As the cap  114  is rotated relative to the base, each cap engagement member  136  is moved radially. The radial motion translates into pivoting and radial motion of each respective clamp member  125 . Specifically, as the cap  114  is rotated, each ball  138  slides from the first group  168  of segments, through a transition point  170 , and into the second group  169  of segments  166 . This movement of the ball  138  translates into a pivoting motion of the first shaft  140  through the second shaft  148 , which moves each respective clamp member  125  radially outwardly from the filter base  22  and bowl  26 . This releases each first hook  128  from the recess  132  in the base  22 , and releases each second hook  129  from the lip  70 . With the clamp arrangement  112  released, the bowl  126  can be removed from the filter base  22 . In some embodiments, the cartridge filter  28  will stay secured to the filter base  22  due to the seals  50 ,  56 . The jacket  72  may then be grasped by the person performing the servicing. Because the jacket is preferably an impermeable material, the jacket  72  should be relatively clean. The jacket is grasped and the cartridge filter  28  is removed from the filter base  22  by a pulling motion. The cartridge filter  28  is then disposed of.  
      A new, second cartridge filter  28  is then operably mounted in the bowl  26 . The step of mounting the cartridge filter  28  into the bowl  26  can include a tight fit therebetween sufficient to result in a load-transferring fit between the cartridge  28  and the bowl  26 . First, the locking cap  114  is moved relative to the base  22  in order to move each clamp member  125  in a radially outwardly direction and allow for mounting of the bowl-cartridge filter  24  relative to the base. The bowl-cartridge filter  24  with the new, second cartridge filter  28  is then operably mounted onto the filter base  22 . The seal member  50  and the second seal member  56  is created between the bowl-cartridge filter  24  and the filter base  22 . The locking cap then biases due to the spring  173  back into a locking engagement. This moves each clamp member  125  into hooked secured engagement between the filter base  22  and the bowl  26 . The filter assembly  20  is then in position for useable filtration.  
     EXAMPLE PRINCIPLES  
      A method of servicing a filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly can have a filter base, a bowl removably attached to the filter base, and a filter cartridge removably positioned within the bowl. Example methods include releasing, by hand without tools, a clamp arrangement from engagement with the filter base and the bowl; removing the bowl and cartridge filter from the filter base; providing a second cartridge filter within the bowl; mounting the bowl having the second cartridge filter on the filter base; and  
      engaging the clamp arrangement to operably secure the filter base and the bowl with the second cartridge filter.  
      The step of releasing a clamp arrangement can include rotating a locking cap relative to the filter base in a first direction. The step of engaging the clamp arrangement can include rotating the locking cap relative to the filter base in a second direction. The clamp arrangement can include a hook arrangement to selectively engage the filter base and bowl. The step of releasing a clamp arrangement can include rotating a locking cap relative to the filter base to pivot the hook arrangement radially outwardly away from the filter base and bowl.  
      The clamp arrangement can include a plurality of discrete clamps; each of the clamps having a clamp member with a first hook and a second hook. The step of rotating a locking cap relative to the filter base to pivot the hook arrangement radially outwardly away can include pivoting each first hook and second hook of each respective clamp member radially outwardly from the filter base and bowl. The step of pivoting each first hook and second hook of each respective clamp member radially outwardly from the filter base and bowl can include pivoting each first hook from engagement with the filter base and pivoting each second hook from engagement with the bowl.  
      The clamp arrangement can include a plurality of discrete clamps; each of the clamps can include: a cap-engagement member; a shaft in extension from the cap-engagement member; a clamp member in extension from the shaft; the clamp member having first and second hooks; and a first hook in extension from the shaft. The step of releasing a clamp arrangement can include rotating the locking cap to move the cap-engagement member of each respective clamp, move each respective shaft, move the first hook of each clamp member away from the filter base, and move the second hook of each clamp member away from the bowl.  
      The locking cap can include a continuous track; the track having a plurality of segments; a first group of the segments being spaced a first distance from a centerpoint of the locking cap; and a second group of the segments being spaced a second distance from the centerpoint of the locking cap; the first distance being greater than the second distance; the cap-engagement member of each respective clamp being movable within the track. The step of releasing the clamp arrangement can include rotating the locking cap to slide each cap-engagement member within the groove from one of the segments in the first group into one of the segments in the second group and causing each clamp to pivot to move the first hook of each clamp member away from the filter base, and move the second hook of each clamp member away from the bowl.  
      The step of engaging the clamp arrangement to operably secure the filter base and the bowl with the second cartridge filter can include rotating the locking cap in the second direction to slide each cap-engagement member within the groove from one of the segments in the second group into one of the segments in the first group and cause each clamp to pivot to move the first hook of each clamp member into secured engagement with the filter base, and move the second hook of each clamp member into secured engagement with the bowl.  
      The filter cartridge can include an impermeable outer jacket defining a closed end, a filter-base engaging end, a sidewall therebetween, and an interior volume; the filter-base engaging end defining an inlet arrangement to allow for the passage of fluid into the cartridge filter, and an outlet arrangement to allow for the passage of fluid out of the cartridge filter; and a tubular region of filter media operably secured within the interior volume of the jacket to allow fluid to flow into an unfiltered fluid volume between the jacket and the filter media, through the filter media into a filtered fluid volume, and out of the cartridge filter from the filtered fluid volume through the outlet arrangement.  
      A filter assembly is provided and can include a filter base comprising a block defining an inlet arrangement and an outlet arrangement; a bowl removably attached to the filter base, a cartridge filter with filter media removably positioned within the bowl; the bowl and cartridge filter being operably mountable to the filter base to permit fluid to flow from the filter base inlet arrangement, into the cartridge, through the filter media, and out through the outlet arrangement in the filter base; and a locking cap to selectively engage the filter base; and a clamp arrangement; the clamp arrangement being operable to selectively secure and release the filter base together to the bowl by engagement between the locking cap and the filter base.  
      The clamp arrangement can include a plurality of discrete clamps; each of the clamps being pivotable radially into and out of engagement with the filter base and bowl. Each of the clamps can include: (i) a cap-engagement member; (ii) a first shaft in extension from the cap-engagement member; (iii) a clamp member in extension from the first shaft; the clamp member having first and second hooks; and (b) each of the clamps being pivotable to provide selective engagement between the first hook of each clamp member and the filter base and between the second hook of each clamp member and the bowl.  
      The locking cap can include a filter base side and a hand-manipulation side; the filter base side defining a continuous track; the track having a plurality of segments; a first group of the segments being spaced a first distance from a centerpoint of the locking cap; and a second group of the segments being spaced a second distance from the centerpoint of the locking cap; the first distance being greater than the second distance; the cap-engagement member of each respective clamp being movable within the track; the hand-manipulation side including flange grasping members to permit selective rotation of the locking cap relative to the filter base by a human hand; wherein rotating the locking cap into an unlocking direction relative to the filter base causes each cap-engagement member to slide within the groove from the first group of segments into the second group of segments and cause each of the first hooks to move out of engagement with the filter base, and cause each of the second hooks away from the bowl; and wherein rotating the locking cap into a locking direction relative to the filter base causes each cap-engagement member to slide within the groove from the second group of segments into the first group of segments and cause each of the first hooks to into engagement with the filter base, and cause each of the second hooks into engagement with the bowl.  
      The filter base can include a clamp mount for each respective clamp; each clamp including a second shaft pivotably secured to a respective clamp mount; each second shaft being in extension and generally perpendicular to a respective first shaft.  
      A system is provided and can include an engine utilizing fluid to operate; and a filter assembly as characterized above operably installed to clean the fluid utilized by the engine.