Patent Description:
Many spin-on replacement filters attach to a filter head by means of a stationary threaded spud provided by the filter head.

It is often desired to provide keying between the filter head and the replacement filter elements to prevent or inhibit an incorrect filter element from being accidentally attached to the filter head. A filter element that is not properly designed for the particular system could result in damage to the filter system or downstream components that use the filter that has been filtered.

Further, in liquid filtration particularly, the fluid remaining in the system during maintenance can spill when the filter element is removed. This can cause a mess that increases the amount of time it takes to perform the maintenance activities or damage other components proximate the filter system.

<CIT> and <CIT> may provide technical background to the present disclosure.

The subject filter product provides attachment of a filter element to a header using rotating (spinning) elements on the filter element and/or filter head. The claimed invention is defined by the appended claims. The product also minimizes spillage during servicing, that is, when the filter element is removed from the header when spent.

An exemplary feature of the product relates to a spinning disc element of the filter element that has at least one keyed protrusion, which preferably has a generally arcuate or pie shaped configuration and projects axially outward from the spinning disc element. The at least one keyed protrusion includes at least one opening that defines a flow path through a disc portion or frame portion of the spinning disc element. The spinning disc element surrounds a central annular threaded opening, typically provided by a tap plate, and is rotationally supported and retained proximate an end of the filter element between a tap plate and a retainer. The tap plate and retainer may be referred to as inner and outer plate members of a plate assembly or a tap plate assembly. The tap plate may have one or more flow openings that communicate with the opening(s) in the spinning disc element. A flow path is thereby defined through the openings in the keyed protrusions and through the openings in the tap plate underlying the spinning disc element, into the filter element.

Another feature is a header disc that is rotatably secured to the filter head. The header disc has a central threaded spud and openings that can receive the keyed protrusions of the filter element. The header disc will normally spin when a third-party filter element is attempted to be threaded onto the threaded spud. The spinning of the threaded spud prevents the third-party filter element from being installed on the filter head.

The keyed protrusions on the spinning disc element slide through the openings in the header disc and into the filter head when the filter element is assembled on the filter head. The filter head has positive stop features, e.g., alignment ribs, which when engaged (angularly) with the keyed protrusions, angularly lock the header spinning disc in place. When locked in place, the threaded spud on the header disc remains fixed relative to the filter head base and can engage the threaded opening in the filter element and allow the element to be threaded onto the filter head.

When the filter element is spent, the flow through the filter head is stopped, such as by turning a valve, and the filter element can be threaded off of the filter head. The openings in the keyed protrusions on the spinning disc element continue to direct any remaining fluid in the filter head into the filter element as the filter element is removed, thereby minimizing spillage. The keyed protrusions geometry and opening shapes can vary in shape, number, and orientation to fit wide range of configurations. The geometry of the openings and keyed protrusions can be predetermined to limit which filter elements may be used with the filter head.

In another example, a filter head with a fixed header disc can be provided that has an arcuate opening through the header disc. A flap may be mounted adjacent the opening and be selectively opened when the filter element is threaded onto the filter head. The flap may be attached to the header disc at one end and free at the other end. An abutment lip may be located proximate the end of the opening at which the free end of the flap is located.

A filter element having a ramped keyed protrusion can cooperate with the filter head. An elevated end of the ramp can abut the abutment lip to limit angular rotation of a spinning disc element of the filter element. Again, the keyed protrusion has an opening to permit fluid flow therethrough. When sufficiently threaded onto the threaded spud of the filter head, e.g. when the filter element is sealing seated against the base of the filter head, the flap is pushed away from the header disc unblocking the opening therein permitting fluid flow from between the filter head and filter element through the opening in the ramped keyed protrusion.

In some examples, when the filter element is removed, the flap will resilient flex back against an inner surface of the header disc sealing off the opening in the header disc reducing leakage and spillage at maintenance intervals.

In one example, a filter element including a canister, media, and a spinning disc element is provided. The canister circumscribes a central axis and includes a tap plate at an end of the canister. The tap plate includes a central threaded opening along the central axis of the canister. The tap plate includes a first outer opening radially spaced between the central opening and a periphery of the tap plate. The media is supported centrally within the canister. The spinning disc element is supported for rotation on the tap plate. A first keyed protrusion projects outwardly from the spinning disc element. The first keyed protrusion defines a first flow opening. The spinning disc element is rotatable about the central axis when under an external force. The first outer opening is in fluid communication with the first opening of the first keyed protrusion such that fluid can pass between the first opening of the first keyed protrusion and the first outer opening in the tap plate into or out of the canister.

In some embodiments, the external force is generated due to engagement with a filter head and torque applied to the cannister.

In one example, the first keyed protrusion forms an axial extent of the filter element. The first keyed protrusion defines a distal end that is positioned offset from the canister. This keyed protrusion can abut portions of the filter head.

In one example, a second keyed protrusion projects outwardly from the spinning disc element. The second keyed protrusion defines a second flow opening. The second flow opening is in fluid communication with the first flow opening and the first outer opening in a region formed between the tap plate and a body portion of the spinning disc element from which the first and second keyed protrusions project.

In one example, an annular filter head seal circumscribes the spinning disc element.

In one example, a greater amount of torque is required to rotate the tap plate relative to the cannister than to rotate the spinning disc element relative to the tap plate such that torque applied to the cannister is transferred to the spinning disc element to rotate the spinning disc element relative to the tap plate rather than to rotate the tap plate relative to the canister.

In one example, the spinning disc element is axially biased against the tap plate.

In one example, the spinning disc element has a central opening that circumscribes the central threaded opening of the tap plate.

In one example, the body portion of the spinning disc element is generally annular with an imperforate region extending angularly between the first and second keyed protrusions. The body portion defines a central opening that circumscribes the central threaded opening of the tap plate. The first and second openings open angularly about the axis such that fluid flow into or out of the first and second openings is in an angular orientation about the axis.

This flow is generally not parallel to a radius extending outward from the axis nor is it parallel to the axis.

In one example, a seal retainer carrying a filter head seal secures the spinning disc element axially to the tap plate. The seal retainer is operably secured to the canister.

In some examples, the seal retainer is secured to the canister by a crimped end of the canister.

In one example, the seal retainer angularly is secured relative to the canister to a greater extent than the spinning disc element such that a greater amount of torque is required to rotate the seal retainer relative to the canister than to rotate the spinning disc element relative to the seal retainer.

In one example, the seal retainer radially locates the spinning disc element relative to the central opening of the tap plate. This is typically done by radial abutment between the seal retainer and the spinning disc element.

In one example, the media is fluidly interposed between the central threaded opening and the first outer opening such that fluid flowing between the central threaded opening and the first outer opening must pass through the media.

In one example, the first keyed projection is a sloped ramp that is radially outwardly surrounding the central threaded opening in the tap plate. The sloped ramp extends angularly along a portion of the spinning disc element. The first opening is at an elevated end of the ramp.

In one example, the first opening opens in an angular direction such that fluid enters or exits the first opening angularly, i.e. not parallel to a radius or parallel to the axis.

In another example, a filter assembly includes a filter head and a filter element as outlined above is provided. The filter head includes a base and a header spinning disc. The base has a cavity and an axially projecting first alignment rib within the cavity. The header spinning disc is attached to the base adjacent the cavity. The header spinning disc includes a frame with a central threaded spud and a first opening through the frame that is radially outward of the threaded spud. The first alignment rib, first opening in the header spinning disc, and base are configured such that when the header spinning disc is angularly aligned relative to the base such that the first opening in the header spinning disc is angularly offset from the first alignment rib, the first keyed protrusion on the filter element can be received through the first opening and within the cavity of the base to angularly abut the first alignment rib to prevent the header spinning disc from rotating. In such an orientation, the central threaded spud can threadedly engage with the threaded central opening and thereby allow the element to be threaded onto the filter head.

In one example, the first alignment rib, first opening in the header spinning disc, and base are configured such that when the header spinning disc is angularly aligned relative to the base such that the first alignment rib is angularly aligned with the first opening of the header spinning disc, the first alignment rib limits axial insertion of the first keyed protrusion into the header spinning disc such the central threaded spud does not threadedly engage the threaded central opening of the filter element.

In one example, when the header spinning disc is angularly aligned relative to the base such that the first alignment rib is angularly aligned with the first opening of the header spinning disc, the alignment ribs do not angularly abut the first keyed protrusion such that the first keyed protrusion does not inhibit angular rotation of the central threaded spud relative to the base such that header spinning disc and the central threaded spud will rotate relative to the base upon rotation of the cannister when the first keyed protrusion is axially received by the first opening of the header spinning disc and axially abutted against the first alignment rib.

In one example, the header spinning disc is rotatably attached to the base and the spinning disc element is rotatably attached relative to the canister such that a lower amount of torque is required to rotate the header spinning disc relative to the base than is required to rotate the spinning disc element relative to the cannister such that rotation of the canister to threadedly attach the filter element to the filter head will cause the header spinning disc to rotate relative to the base before the spinning disc element will rotate relative to the canister when the spinning disc element is angularly engaged with the header spinning disc.

In one example, the angular engagement between the spinning disc element and the header spinning disc is provided by the first keyed protrusion being inserted into the first opening in the header spinning disc.

In one example, the filter head includes a first fluid flow port in fluid communication with the cavity in the base such that when the filter element is threadedly engaged with the filter spud and the first keyed projection is axially received into the first opening in the header spinning disc and in angular abutment with the first alignment rib, the first opening of the first keyed projection is in fluid communication with the fluid flow port of the filter head permitting fluid flow between the filter head and the filter element.

In one example, the central threaded spud provides a second fluid port for the filter head. When the filter element is installed on the central threaded spud, the filter media of the filter element is fluidly interposed between the first and second fluid ports.

In one example, the base has a plurality of axially-projecting alignment ribs within the cavity arranged in a predetermined configuration. The plurality of axially projecting alignment ribs includes the first alignment rib. The ribs of the plurality of axially projecting alignment ribs are angularly spaced apart forming a gap therebetween. The gap is sized to receive the first keyed projection therein when the first opening in the header spinning disc is aligned with the gap.

In another example, a filter assembly including a filter element as outlined above with the ramp and a filter head are provided. The filter head includes a base with a central threaded hollow spud. An annular groove surrounds the spud. A header disc is attached to the base circumscribing the central threaded spud and covering the annular groove. The header disc includes a circular plate with an inner and an outer surface, the circular plate defines a fluid channel with the base. An opening extends angularly along a selected portion of the circular plate. A flexible flap covers the opening and is connected at a trailing end to a portion of the circular plate defining a trailing edge of the opening. The flap normally lies flat in a plane of the plate closing the opening. A lip is on the outer surface of the plate and is adjacent to a leading edge of the opening in the circular plate. When the filter element is assembled with the filter head, the central threaded opening of the filter element receives the central threaded spud on the filter head. The spinning disc element of the filter element rotates against the outer surface of the header disc until the sloped ramp becomes rotationally aligned with the flap. At that point, the elevated leading end of the ramp pushes the flap inwardly as the filter element is threaded onto the spud. When the leading edge of the ramp engages the lip on the circular plate, the spinning disc of the filter element is rotationally fixed relative to the header disc on the filter head.

In one example, the header disc includes radial inner and outer sidewalls projecting from the inner surface around an inner and the outer perimeter of the plate. The sidewalls project towards the base. The header disc includes an opening extending angularly along a selected portion of the circular plate between leading and trailing edges of the ribs. The header disc includes one or more circumferentially-extending ribs between the inner and outer sidewalls of the circular plate. The one or more circumferentially-extending ribs extend partially around the inner surface of the circular plate.

In one example, the header disc is angularly fixed relative the base.

On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a filter element <NUM> for use with the filter head <NUM> of <FIG> to for a filter assembly <NUM> (see <FIG>). The filter element <NUM> is operably threadedly mountable to the filter head <NUM> to filter fluid that passes through the filter system. The filter element <NUM> is a replaceable filter element <NUM> that is replaced when spent. The filter head <NUM> is generally reusable at maintenance intervals.

The filter head <NUM> includes an fluid inlet <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) through which dirty unfiltered fluid flows and a fluid outlet <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) through which clean filtered fluid exits. The fluid is filtered by the filter element <NUM>. As such, the fluid inlet is upstream of the filter element <NUM> and the fluid outlet is downstream of the fluid outlet. Notably, the fluid inlet <NUM> and fluid outlet <NUM> can be reversed if the fluid flow through the filter assembly is reversed.

In this example, the filter head <NUM> includes a base <NUM> that carries a header disc <NUM>. In this example, the header disc <NUM> is a header spinning disc as it is rotatably carried by the base <NUM> for rotation about axis <NUM>.

The header disc <NUM> includes a threaded spud <NUM>. The threaded spud <NUM> in this embodiment is hollow and is operably fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the filter head <NUM>. When the header disc <NUM> rotates relative to the base <NUM>, the threaded spud <NUM> generally rotates about axis <NUM>.

The header disc <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>. The threaded spud <NUM> extends axially outward from an outer side <NUM> of an annular portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM> along axis <NUM>. The annular portion <NUM> includes a plurality of openings <NUM>. The annular portion <NUM> provides a plurality of imperforate regions interposed between the openings <NUM>. The openings <NUM> are spaced radially outward of the threaded spud <NUM> and are angularly spaced apart about the threaded spud <NUM>.

An axially extending annular sidewall <NUM> extends from an inner side <NUM> of the annular portion <NUM> which is opposite the outer side <NUM> from which the threaded spud <NUM> extends. The sidewall <NUM> is located proximate an outer periphery of the annular portion <NUM>.

The threaded spud <NUM> includes a threaded region <NUM> proximate the annular portion <NUM> and an unthreaded portion <NUM> proximate a distal end <NUM> of the threaded spud <NUM>.

In this example the threaded spud <NUM>, annular portion <NUM> and sidewall <NUM> are formed from a single continuous piece of material. However, these components could be formed as separate components and then operably secured to one another.

With reference to <FIG>, the base <NUM> defines a central cavity <NUM>. The header disc <NUM> is operably mounted to the base <NUM> adjacent the central cavity <NUM>. The header disc <NUM> is rotatably attached to the base <NUM> by a central component in the form of an annular sidewall <NUM>. The threaded spud <NUM> is operably fluidly sealed to the annular sidewall <NUM> to prevent fluid leakage between the threaded spud <NUM> and the annular sidewall <NUM>. The seal may be provided directly between the portion of the header disc <NUM> and the base <NUM> or a seal, such as an o-ring or other seal member, could be provided between the components. The seal permits rotation between the components while generally maintaining sealing capabilities.

A snap ring or other mechanical device can rotatably attach the header disc <NUM> to the annular sidewall <NUM>.

An annular cavity <NUM> is formed around the annular sidewall <NUM>. Within central cavity <NUM>.

A plurality of alignment ribs <NUM> are located within the central cavity <NUM>. The ribs are located angularly outward from the annular wall <NUM> and are angularly spaced about axis <NUM>. There are angular gaps formed between angularly adjacent sets of alignment ribs <NUM>. The alignment ribs <NUM> are attached at a bottom of central cavity <NUM> and project axially outward. In this example, the alignment ribs <NUM> are provided in pairs of ribs at a single angular location about axis <NUM>. Further, the alignment ribs <NUM> do not prevent fluid flow within annular cavity <NUM>.

In use, the filter head <NUM> is attached within a fluid system, and fluid flow upstream of the filter head <NUM> is directed into the filter head <NUM> through the inlet port and into the central cavity <NUM> and particularly into the annular cavity <NUM> surrounding the annular wall <NUM>.

Flow, after passing through an attached filter element <NUM>, is also directed out through the hollow threaded spud <NUM> and out of the filter head <NUM> to downstream components.

<FIG> illustrate the header disc <NUM> angularly oriented relative to the base <NUM> and particularly alignment ribs <NUM> such that openings <NUM> are aligned with the alignment ribs <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the header disc rotated about central axis <NUM> relative to base <NUM> such that the alignment ribs <NUM> are angularly offset from the openings <NUM> and generally in the same angular location as imperforate regions <NUM> about axis <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the filter element <NUM> has an annular spinning disc element <NUM> that is supported on one end of the filter element <NUM>. The filter element <NUM> includes a canister body <NUM> with a ring of filtration media <NUM> (see <FIG>). The spinning disc element <NUM> is axially biased against a tap plate <NUM> by a retainer <NUM>. The retainer <NUM>, in this example, is crimped to a free end of the sidewall of canister <NUM>. The retainer <NUM> may have an annular slot for receiving a filter head seal <NUM>. that includes a central threaded opening <NUM> for operably threadedly attaching the filter element <NUM> to the threaded spud <NUM> of the filter head.

The retainer <NUM> includes an axially extending wall portion <NUM> that receives the outer periphery of the spinning disc element <NUM> and radially locates the spinning disc element <NUM> relative to axis <NUM>. A distal end <NUM> of the axially extending wall portion <NUM> is curled radially inward and over an outer surface <NUM> of a body <NUM> of the spinning disc element <NUM> to secure the spinning disc element <NUM> axially against tap plate <NUM>. In this example, the curled distal end <NUM> abuts the outer surface <NUM> proximate a radially outer periphery of body <NUM>.

The spinning disc element <NUM> is axially biased against the tap plate <NUM> such that the spinning disc element <NUM> is permitted to rotate relative to the tap plate <NUM> and the retainer <NUM>. The spinning disc element <NUM> can normally spin at the end of the filter element <NUM> when an external force is applied.

The body <NUM> of the spinning disc element <NUM> is generally annular with a central opening <NUM>. The central opening <NUM> is larger than the threaded opening <NUM> of the tap plate <NUM>. This allows mating engagement of the threaded spud <NUM> and threaded opening <NUM> in operation.

The spinning disc element <NUM> has one or more keyed protrusions <NUM> that project outwardly from an outer surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> of spinning disc element <NUM>. The keyed protrusions <NUM> have openings <NUM> that act as channels for fluid to flow through the spinning disc element <NUM> and into openings <NUM> in the underlying tap late <NUM>. The fluid flows through the openings <NUM> into the gap <NUM> between the spinning disc element <NUM> and then through openings <NUM> into the , through the media <NUM> and into a center cavity thereof110, and then out through threaded spud <NUM> to the filter head when the filter element is installed on the head.

The keyed protrusions <NUM> are sized and shaped to pass axially through openings <NUM> in header disc <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the alignment ribs <NUM> are aligned with openings <NUM>, the outer most ends of the keyed protrusions <NUM> will axially abut the alignment ribs <NUM> inhibiting continued insertion of the keyed protrusions <NUM> into the openings <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> of base <NUM>.

This prevents the threads on threaded spud <NUM> from threadedly engaging threads of the threaded opening <NUM> of tap plate <NUM>. As such, the filter element <NUM> can not be secured to the filter head <NUM> when the header disc <NUM> is in this angular orientation relative to the filter base <NUM>.

However, it is noted that a portion of the keyed protrusions <NUM> is axially revied in the corresponding opening <NUM> of the header disc <NUM>. As such, when a user rotates the filter element <NUM> about axis <NUM>, the spinning disc element <NUM> will rotate the header disc <NUM> about axis <NUM>.

Once the openings <NUM> are aligned with gaps <NUM> (<FIG>) between angularly adjacent alignment ribs <NUM>, the keyed protrusions <NUM> can be further axially inserted through openings <NUM> and the threads of the threaded spud <NUM> can threadedly engage the threads of the threaded opening <NUM> of the tap plate <NUM>.

Further, as the keyed protrusions <NUM> are inserted further into the cavity <NUM> and slide axially past angular end faces <NUM> of the alignment ribs <NUM> (see <FIG>), the angular end faces <NUM> in which openings <NUM> are formed (see <FIG>) will abut the angular end faces <NUM> of the alignment ribs <NUM>. This angular abutment between these features angularly locks the header disc <NUM> relative to base <NUM> preventing rotation therebetween. This allows torque applied to the filter element <NUM> to thread the filter element <NUM> tap plate <NUM> to the threaded spud <NUM>.

If the keyed protrusions <NUM> are not in angular abutment with the alignment ribs <NUM> the header disc <NUM> can free rotate under the torque applied by rotating the filter element <NUM>. This rotation of the header disc <NUM> with the rotating filter element <NUM> also rotates the threaded spud <NUM>, which, in turn, prevents threading the threaded opening <NUM> and tap plate <NUM> onto the threaded spud <NUM>. Thus, a filter element <NUM> that does not include the keyed protrusions <NUM> will not be able to be threadedly mounted to threaded spud <NUM>.

In this example, the amount of torque required to rotate the spinning disc element <NUM> relative to the tap plate <NUM> and/or canister <NUM> is greater than the amount of torque required to rotate the header disc <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. This allows the user to rotate the header disc <NUM> using the engagement of the spinning disc element <NUM> (via the keyed protrusions <NUM>) and the header disc <NUM> (via openings <NUM>) to rotate the header disc <NUM> such that openings <NUM> are aligned with gaps <NUM> during installation.

This alignment of openings <NUM> and gap <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. In this orientation, the alignment ribs <NUM> are generally hidden behind the imperforate regions <NUM> of the frame <NUM> of the header disc <NUM>.

Again, when the header disc <NUM> is in the angular orientation as illustrated in <FIG>, where the alignment ribs <NUM> align with openings <NUM>, the alignment ribs <NUM> prevent sufficient insertion of the keyed protrusions into the cavity <NUM> to permit threading the filter element <NUM> on to filter spud <NUM>.

For completeness, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the alignment ribs <NUM> aligned with openings <NUM> and obstruct the openings <NUM> such that keyed protrusions <NUM> cannot be fully inserted. <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the header disc <NUM> rotated relative to base <NUM> such that the keyed protrusions <NUM> can slide past the alignment ribs <NUM> into the gaps angularly between the alignment ribs and into angular engagement therewith to permit threaded engagement between tap plate <NUM> and threaded spud <NUM>. In operation, this transition from <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> occurs by engagement of the keyed protrusions <NUM> and the portion of the header disc <NUM> forming openings <NUM> therein as the filter element <NUM> is rotated relative to the base <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the filter element <NUM> fully threaded onto threaded spud <NUM>. The seal of the filter element is drawn up against the seal face of the filter base <NUM>.

Flow into the filter head <NUM> from upstream components is directed into the cavity <NUM> in the base <NUM> of the filter head <NUM>, through the openings <NUM> in the keyed protrusions <NUM> of the spinning disc element <NUM>, and through the underlying openings <NUM> in the tap plate <NUM>, and into the canister <NUM> of the element <NUM>. As the fluid flows through the filter media <NUM>, particulate and other contaminants are removed. The clean flow then is directed out through the center of the filter media and then through the threaded spud <NUM> and threaded central opening <NUM> in the tap plate <NUM> and through the opening provided by the annular configuration of the spinning disc element <NUM>. The clean fluid flows through the filter head <NUM> and then to downstream components in the fluid system.

When it is desired to remove a spent element <NUM> from the filter head <NUM>, the flow to the filter head <NUM> is stopped, and the filter element <NUM> is spun in the opposite direction until the threaded spud <NUM> is detached from the central opening <NUM> in the tap plate <NUM>. Any remaining fluid in the head <NUM> is directed through the openings <NUM> in the keyed protrusions <NUM> into the filter element <NUM> as the filter element <NUM> is removed, which minimizes if not prevents spillage.

Notably, a greater amount of torque is required to rotate the tap plate <NUM> about axis <NUM> relative to canister <NUM> than is required to rotate the spinning disc element <NUM> relative to the tap plate <NUM>. Further, the amount of torque to rotate the spinning disc element <NUM> relative to the canister is greater than the amount of torque required to rotate the header disc <NUM> relative to base <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a further example of a filter assembly. Again, the filter assembly includes a filter element <NUM> and a filter head <NUM>. The filter element <NUM> is removably attachable to the filter head <NUM> so that it can be replaced once spent. The filter element <NUM> is a spin on filter element that is threadedly attached to the filter head <NUM>.

The filter element <NUM> is similar to filter element <NUM>. In this example, rather than having a plurality of keyed protrusions, the spinning disc element <NUM> includes a single keyed protrusion <NUM>. The keyed protrusion includes opening <NUM> that is angularly directed.

In this example, the keyed protrusion <NUM> is in the form of a sloped ramp <NUM> that is radially outward of and extends angularly about the central threaded opening <NUM> of tap plate <NUM>.

The sloped ramp <NUM> extends from a first end <NUM> (trailing end) to a second end <NUM> (leading end). The terms trailing and leading are used for illustrative purposes and generally refer to the which end is in front of the other during mounting of the filter element.

The sloped ramp <NUM> begins axially sloping away from an annular disc portion <NUM> of the spinning disc element <NUM> at first end <NUM> until it reaches second end <NUM> which is provided by an elevated leading end that provides opening <NUM>. The sloped ramp <NUM> extends only a portion of the disc portion <NUM> of the spinning disc element <NUM>.

In one example, the sloped ramp <NUM> has a continuous gradient as it extends outward from the disc portion <NUM>.

In this example, the filter head <NUM> has been modified as well. In this example, the header disc <NUM> is angularly fixed relative to base <NUM> of the filter head <NUM>. Further, the threaded spud <NUM> is angularly fixed relative to the filter base <NUM> with or without the filter element <NUM> attached to the filter head <NUM>.

The header disc <NUM> is again attached to the filter base <NUM> proximate a central cavity <NUM> of the filter base.

In this example, the header disc <NUM> includes a circular plate <NUM> with an inner and outer surface. The circular plate <NUM> helps define a fluid channel within the base <NUM> of the filter head.

The circular plate <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that extends angularly along a selected portion of the circular plate <NUM>. A lip <NUM> extends from an outer surface of the circular plate <NUM> and is positioned adjacent a leading edge <NUM> of the opening <NUM>.

A flexible flap <NUM> covers the opening <NUM> and is freely supported proximate the leading edge <NUM> of the opening <NUM>. The flexible flap <NUM> is secured to the circular plate <NUM> adjacent the trailing edge of the opening <NUM>. The flap <NUM> is generally located within cavity <NUM> and inward of circular plate <NUM>.

The flexible flap <NUM> can be biased inwardly when an external force is applied to the flap <NUM>. The leading end of the flap <NUM> can be bent inwardly towards the base <NUM>, thus creating an opening in the circular plate <NUM>.

In this example and with reference to <FIG>, when the filter element <NUM> is assembled with the filter head <NUM>, the central threaded opening <NUM> of the filter element <NUM> receives the central threaded spud <NUM> of the filter head <NUM>. The spinning disc element <NUM> rotates against the outer surface of the circular plate <NUM> of the header disc <NUM> until the sloped ramp <NUM> becomes rotationally aligned with the flap <NUM> and opening <NUM>. In this alignment, the elevated leading edge <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> pushes the flap <NUM> inwardly into cavity <NUM> of the filter head <NUM> as the filter element <NUM> is threaded onto the spud <NUM> and is axially drawn toward the filter head <NUM>. When the leading edge <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> engages the lip <NUM> on the circular plate <NUM>, the spinning disc element <NUM> of the filter element <NUM> is rotationally fixed relative to the header disc <NUM> and the filter head <NUM>.

The ramp <NUM> can bend the flap <NUM> inwards way from the plane of the circular plate <NUM>.

In other examples, the flap <NUM> could be affixed on an outer surface of the disc.

<FIG> shows the leading edge <NUM> in angular abutment with lip <NUM> angularly fixing the spinning disc element <NUM> relative to the filter head <NUM> and particularly base <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the filter element <NUM> being threaded further onto the threaded spud <NUM> with the ramp <NUM> axially received through opening <NUM> such that the free end of the flap <NUM> is pushed away from the inner surface of the circular disc <NUM>. In this configuration, fluid can flow between the filter element <NUM> and cavity <NUM> of the filter head through opening <NUM> in the keyed protrusion in the form of ramp <NUM>.

The header disc <NUM> includes a pair of annular sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> that project from an inner side of the circular disc <NUM>. A pair of angularly extending ribs <NUM>, <NUM> extend partially around the inner surface of the circular disc <NUM>.

As the filter element <NUM> is continually threaded on to the threaded spud <NUM>, the ramp <NUM> continues to push the flap <NUM> into the central cavity <NUM>. The opening <NUM> aligns with and faces ribs <NUM>, <NUM>.

When fluid to be filtered from the fluid system is introduced through the filter head <NUM>, the fluid enters the filter head <NUM>, flows into the channels formed by ribs <NUM>, <NUM> and walls <NUM>, <NUM> and is directed into the opening <NUM> in the end of ramp <NUM>. The fluid then flows through the sloped ramp <NUM>, through opening <NUM> in the circular disc <NUM> and through the underlying openings <NUM> in the tap plate <NUM>. Thereafter, the fluid flows through the media (not shown in this example), where particulate and contaminants are removed. The filtered fluid then passes out of the filter element <NUM> through the central opening <NUM> in the tap plate <NUM> via the hollow threaded spud <NUM> and back through the filter head <NUM> and on to the fluid system.

In one embodiment, the opening <NUM> and flap <NUM> extending angularly about the central axis <NUM> between about <NUM> and <NUM> degrees and more particularly about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees.

While the examples above are generally illustrated as radially inward directed flow through the filter elements and wherein clean fluid exits through the threaded spud, it is contemplated that fluid flow in some examples could be reversed to radially outward directed flow.

Claim 1:
A filter element (<NUM>; <NUM>), comprising:
a canister (<NUM>) circumscribing a central axis and including a tap plate (<NUM>; <NUM>) at an end of the canister (<NUM>), the tap plate (<NUM>; <NUM>) including a central threaded opening (<NUM>; <NUM>) along the central axis of the canister, and a first outer opening (<NUM>; <NUM>) radially spaced between the central opening (<NUM>; <NUM>) and a periphery of the tap plate (<NUM>; <NUM>);
media (<NUM>) supported centrally within the canister (<NUM>);
characterised in that the filter element further comprises:
a spinning disc element (<NUM>; <NUM>) supported for rotation on the tap plate (<NUM>; <NUM>), a first keyed protrusion (<NUM>; <NUM>) projecting outwardly from the spinning disc element (<NUM>; <NUM>), the first keyed protrusion (<NUM>; <NUM>) defining a first flow opening (<NUM>; <NUM>);
wherein the spinning disc element (<NUM>; <NUM>) is rotatable about the central axis when under an external force, and wherein the first outer opening (<NUM>; <NUM>) is in fluid communication with the first flow opening (<NUM>; <NUM>) of the first keyed protrusion (<NUM>; <NUM>) such that fluid can pass between the first flow opening (<NUM>; <NUM>) of the first keyed protrusion (<NUM>; <NUM>) and the first outer opening (<NUM>; <NUM>) in the tap plate (<NUM>; <NUM>) into or out of the canister (<NUM>).