Filter assemblies, depth indicators, torque-limiting fittings, torque-indicating fittings, and systems incorporating the same

Abstract

In some examples, a filter assembly may include a filter including a first gasket having a first channel adjacent to a first side of the filter and a second gasket having a second channel adjacent to a second side of the filter. The first gasket and the second gasket may include a beveled surface adjacent to the filter. The first channel and the second channel may include a diameter of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.5 mm. A finger tightening system may securely hold the filter without any leaks.

1 - 63 . canceled 
     
     
         64 . A system comprising:
 a female housing including internal helical threads;   a male housing including external helical threads and defining an axial bore adapted and configured to receive a filter or a guard column assembly; and   a two-color depth indicator positioned external to the male housing or the female housing, the two-color depth indicator including:
 a distal color; and 
 a proximal color, 
   wherein the distal color and the proximal color are positioned such that, when the female housing or the male housing are tightened over the counterpart male housing or the female housing:
 if the filter assembly is correctly inserted and the two-color depth indicator is positioned external to the male housing, then the female housing covers the proximal color such that only the distal color is visible and if the filter assembly is correctly inserted and the two-color depth indicator is positioned external to female housing, then a cover hides the proximal color such that only the distal color is visible; 
 if the filter assembly is incorrectly inserted or is defective, both the proximal color and the distal color are visible; and 
 if no filter assembly is inserted, the female housing or the cover hides both the proximal color and the distal color such that neither the proximal color nor the distal color are visible. 
   
     
     
         65 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the two-color depth indicator is formed through at least one process including printing, painting, electroplating, brush electroplating, or anodizing. 
     
     
         66 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the two-color depth indicator is a ring placed over the external helical threads of the male housing. 
     
     
         67 . The system of  claim 66 , wherein the ring is threaded over the external helical threads of the male housing. 
     
     
         68 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the two-color depth indicator includes an adhesive tape, a sticker, and a rubber band. 
     
     
         69 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the female housing further includes a distal, unthreaded portion adjacent to the internal helical threads, the distal, unthreaded portion including an axial length equal to or exceeding an axial length of the two-color depth indicator. 
     
     
         70 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein:
 the distal color is green; and
 the proximal color is red. 
   
     
     
         71 . A filter cartridge comprising:
 a first filter fitting on one side of a filter;   a second filter fitting on a second opposite side of the filter;   a first gasket disposed in the first filter fitting; and   a second gasket disposed in the second filter fitting.   
     
     
         72 . The filter cartridge of  claim 71 , wherein the first filter fitting and the second filter fitting include external threads. 
     
     
         73 . The filter cartridge of  claim 71 , wherein the first gasket and second gasket include a complementary geometry to respectively form a seal against a stop shoulder of the first filter fitting and a stop shoulder of the second filter fitting. 
     
     
         74 . The filter cartridge of  claim 73 , wherein the stop shoulder of the first filter fitting and the stop shoulder of the second filter fitting are perpendicular to a central axis of the filter cartridge. 
     
     
         75 . The filter cartridge of  claim 71 , wherein the first filter fitting, the second filter fitting, the first gasket, and the second gasket are radially symmetric about a central axis of the filter cartridge. 
     
     
         76 . The filter cartridge of  claim 71 , wherein the first gasket and the second gasket each include a central axial bore. 
     
     
         77 . The filter cartridge of  claim 71 , wherein the first gasket and the second gasket include a beveled surface adjacent to the filter. 
     
     
         78 . The filter cartridge of  claim 77 , wherein the beveled surface has an angle relative to a central axis of the filter cartridge from about 70 degrees to about 89 degrees.