A filter cartridge of a filter group of a fluid of a vehicle extending along a main axis has a base assembly and engagement members, including first engagement members in the filter cartridge and second engagement members in the base assembly, shaped to block each other. The filter cartridge extends along a cartridge axis and includes an engagement plane on which the first engagement members are made having tooth elements diametrically opposite the cartridge axis. Each tooth element extends from the engagement plane parallel to the cartridge axis, having a stalk and a head. In the blocking configuration, the second engagement members engage the head. Each tooth element is radially elastically yielding, so the blocking configuration is achievable following radial movement of the tooth element. The first engagement members include for each tooth element a command device extending radially. Radial movement of the tooth element actuates the command device.

A filter cartridge of a filter group of a fluid of a vehicle extending along a main axis has a base assembly and engagement members, including first engagement members in the filter cartridge and second engagement members in the base assembly, shaped to block each other. The filter cartridge extends along a cartridge axis and includes an engagement plane on which the first engagement members are made having tooth elements diametrically opposite the cartridge axis. Each tooth element extends from the engagement plane parallel to the cartridge axis, having a stalk and a head. In the blocking configuration, the second engagement members engage the head. Each tooth element is radially elastically yielding, so the blocking configuration is achievable following radial movement of the tooth element. The first engagement members include for each tooth element a command device extending radially. Radial movement of the tooth element actuates the command device.

An inner case being substantially cylindrical and being covered at an upper end is provided to cover a heater being substantially rod-shaped. A float being substantially plate-shaped and having substantially the same inner diameter as an inner diameter of the inner case is provided movably in the vertical direction in the inner case, and in the float, a hole through which the heater is inserted is formed. Gas is enclosed in a space surrounded by the inner case and the float. The length in the vertical direction of the inner case is smaller than the length in the vertical direction of the heater. In addition, when the float is positioned at a lower end of the inner case, a gap exists between the float and a bottom surface of a filter case.

An inner case being substantially cylindrical and being covered at an upper end is provided to cover a heater being substantially rod-shaped. A float being substantially plate-shaped and having substantially the same inner diameter as an inner diameter of the inner case is provided movably in the vertical direction in the inner case, and in the float, a hole through which the heater is inserted is formed. Gas is enclosed in a space surrounded by the inner case and the float. The length in the vertical direction of the inner case is smaller than the length in the vertical direction of the heater. In addition, when the float is positioned at a lower end of the inner case, a gap exists between the float and a bottom surface of a filter case.

A spin-on filter assembly with replaceable coreless element comprises: a reusable spin-on housing including a filter bowl having sealing structure on a bottom of the filter bowl and a sealing structure on a top of the filter bowl; a center support tube integral with the filter bowl and including a perforated tube and an upper portion having an threaded coupling allowing for the filter assembly to threaded into position and an exterior sealing structure; and a replaceable coreless filter element mounted on the central support tube within the filter bowl and having filter media, a lower sealing structure configured to engage with the sealing structure on the bottom of the filter bowl and an upper sealing structure configured to engage with the exterior sealing structure on the center support tube.

An anti-counterfeiting mechanism for a filter element to specifically, and preferably uniquely, identify a filter with a conductive pattern or path of conductive materials preferably either embedded (thin film circuit) under the surface, or over molded on, a portion of the filter. The conductive materials are preferably positioned at the filter end cap. The resistance of the filter element is an identifier that is preferably associated with the OEM manufacturer's labeling (such as product number) and/or other branding of the component. This electrical resistance signature permits rapid identification of counterfeit filters.

An anti-counterfeiting mechanism for a filter element to specifically, and preferably uniquely, identify a filter with a conductive pattern or path of conductive materials preferably either embedded (thin film circuit) under the surface, or over molded on, a portion of the filter. The conductive materials are preferably positioned at the filter end cap. The resistance of the filter element is an identifier that is preferably associated with the OEM manufacturer's labeling (such as product number) and/or other branding of the component. This electrical resistance signature permits rapid identification of counterfeit filters.

The filter element includes a filter medium having an axis and forming a channel extending substantially axially, a first and a second end plate, each end plate covering one axial end of the filter medium and being sealingly mounted on the axial end whereby a liquid to be filtered can flow through the filter medium towards the channel and out of the filter element through an opening in fluid communication with the channel, or reversely. The filter element includes a protrusion fixedly secured to the first end plate and extending outwardly from the first end plate, the protrusion being substantially tubular and having a through hole in fluid communication with the first end plate opening, the protrusion forming a female coupling piece of a male-female connector, and a locking member capable of releasably locking a male coupling piece of the male-female connector in the female coupling piece.

The filter element includes a filter medium having an axis and forming a channel extending substantially axially, a first and a second end plate, each end plate covering one axial end of the filter medium and being sealingly mounted on the axial end whereby a liquid to be filtered can flow through the filter medium towards the channel and out of the filter element through an opening in fluid communication with the channel, or reversely. The filter element includes a protrusion fixedly secured to the first end plate and extending outwardly from the first end plate, the protrusion being substantially tubular and having a through hole in fluid communication with the first end plate opening, the protrusion forming a female coupling piece of a male-female connector, and a locking member capable of releasably locking a male coupling piece of the male-female connector in the female coupling piece.

A liquid filter cartridge is provided. Preferred seal arrangements are provided, to provide for preferred axial load conditions, with respect to one or more of the end caps of the cartridge. Some cartridge configurations provided include no core structure or outer liner structure therein, to support axial load. Assemblies using the cartridge, and methods of assembly and use, are provided. The liquid filter cartridge can be a serviceable cartridge, or it can be retained permanently in a housing.