IP Library Granted Patent US 11,118,996
Granted Patent B2
US 11,118,996 · App. 16/247,824 · Granted Sep 14, 2021

Oil filter-leak pressure-test station

Inventors: Joel Valles (Simi Valley, CA); Steve Williams (Cherry Valley, CA); Jonathan Richard Fiello (Yucaipa, CA)
Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
G01M3/025F01M1/20G01M3/26G01M15/09F01M11/03
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,118,996
App. No.
16/247,824
Granted
Sep 14, 2021
Kind
B2
Abstract

An apparatus and a method are provided for an oil filter-leak pressure-test station. The oil filter-leak pressure-test station comprises an air pump, a pressure gauge, a vent valve, an overflow reservoir, and a manifold configured to receive an oil filter. The oil filter-leak pressure-test station is configured to apply a desired internal air pressure to an oil filter for observing the oil filter assembly for any potential leaks, such as along a seal ring, rolled seam or a nut-end. The oil filter-leak pressure-test station is also configured to be mounted in a vise or similar mechanical attachment for observation to determine the extent or existence of any leak in the oil filter. The oil filter-leak pressure-test station may also be submerged in water using a submersion reservoir, so as to determine the existence and location of any leaks.

Claims (23)

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a manifold component configured to accommodate a plurality of different oil filters;

an air pump component configured to modify an internal pressure of an oil filter;

a pressure measuring component;

an interface fitting, wherein the interface fitting is configured to couple each component to the interface via at least one fitting-bound conduit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

a vent valve fluidly connected to the interface fitting, wherein the vent valve is configured to open to vent air and reduce pressure in the apparatus subsequent to an oil filter-leak pressure test.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

an overflow reservoir fluidly connected to the interface fitting through an intermediate vent valve,

wherein the overflow reservoir is configured to collect oil mist condensate on a wire mesh when the vent valve is opened to vent air and reduce pressure in the apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein one or more fitting-bound conduits comprises quick-disconnect-type fittings for quickly connecting to or disconnecting from the interface fitting.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the quick-disconnect-type fittings comprise pneumatic connectors, and wherein the interface fitting respectively comprises one or more pneumatic couplers.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the manifold is configured to be placed in a securing means for securing the manifold for determining by observation an existence or an extent of a leak in an oil filter.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the securing means is a vise or a submersion reservoir.

8. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one manifold configured to accommodate different oil filter makes and models to the at least one manifold;

an air pump;

a means for measuring an internal pressure of an oil filter; and

an interface fitting, wherein the interface fitting is configured to include at least one interface fitting-bound conduit from each of the at least one manifold, the air pump, and means for measuring internal pressure.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising:

a vent valve fluidly connected to the interface fitting, wherein the vent valve is configured to vent air and reduce pressure in the apparatus subsequent to an oil filter-leak pressure test; and

an overflow reservoir fluidly connected to the vent valve, wherein the overflow reservoir is configured to collect oil mist condensate on a wire mesh when the vent valve is opened to vent air and reduce pressure in the apparatus.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the apparatus comprises at least two manifolds for simultaneously testing at least two oil filters.

Assignments (4)
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT – SUPPLEMENT NO. 1 Recorded Oct 25, 2024
From: K & N ENGINEERING, INC.
To: ANKURA TRUST COMPANY, LLC
Reel/Frame 069268/0013 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 24, 2024
From: K & N ENGINEERING, INC.
To: FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 071008/0165 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 15, 2023
From: ANKURA TRUST COMPANY, LLC
To: K & N ENGINEERING, INC.
Reel/Frame 062760/0937 →
SUPERPRIORITY PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Oct 17, 2022
From: K & N ENGINEERING, INC.
To: ANKURA TRUST COMPANY, LLC
Reel/Frame 061689/0682 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation 15484003 · Apr 10, 2017
Provisional Application 62325384 · Apr 20, 2016
Related Publication 20190145846A1 · May 16, 2019