Abstract: An upper endcap of a fuel filter cartridge includes a skirt, an axially extending pin surrounded by the skirt, and a plurality of ribs that define fluid flow channels leading to the pin. The pin is extendable through an axially facing fuel inlet opening at the upper end of a standpipe for actuating a valve to an open position allowing fuel to flow through the axially facing inlet opening and into the standpipe. The valve can include a hole that receives the pin therein to help stabilize the valve when the valve is actuated open.

Abstract: A fuel heater module and a water-in-fuel sensor module are disclosed that are configured to be connected to an outside surface of a filter assembly. The fuel heater module includes an inlet port and an outlet port with a heating element positioned in the fluid path between the inlet and outlet. A thermostat is included for controlling operation of the heating element. The water-in-fuel sensor module is configured to detect water in the filter housing that it may be drained from the filter housing. Both modules are configured to be attached to an outside surface of the filter housing thereby being readily replaceable.

Abstract: A parallel flow filter-in-filter design for a filter system is provided. The filter-in-filter design provides two distinctly parallel or independent flow paths within a filter assembly in a single housing or shell. The filter assembly includes a first outer filter element radially spaced apart from a second inner filter element. A centertube and a funnel shaped passageway housed within the centertube are provided in a space between the first outer filter element and the second inner filter element. The centertube and funnel shaped passageway work in tandem to provide two distinct parallel or independent flow paths within the filter assembly. The funnel shaped passageway is provided generally below the second inner filter element within the centertube.

Abstract: Fluid flow surge protection is provided for a filter by increasing upstream plenum fluid volume. In one embodiment, an accumulator or transfer mechanism transfers or trades downstream plenum fluid volume to or for upstream plenum fluid volume.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and algorithms for monitoring and indicating filter life. In particular, the disclosed systems, methods, and algorithms may be utilized for monitoring and indicating the useful life of a filter in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A water detection system in a fuel delivery system of an engine that helps to limit the occurrence of water related corrosion or damage to various engine components by detecting if a fuel supply has a high level of water content, and providing a notice that appropriate action should be taken. The system includes a fuel filtration module, a water sensor to sense high water content of a fuel supply, and a control device connected to the water sensor and receiving inputs therefrom relating to the water sensed by the sensor. The system also includes an indication source connected to the control device for communicating that a problem with the fuel exists if high water content is detected.

Abstract: A fluid filter housing for receipt of a fluid filter element and for threaded attachment to a mounting base includes a unitary, molded plastic shell, an annular, threaded nutplate, and a plastic weld ring. The plastic shell defines a hollow interior for receipt of the fluid filter element. The plastic shell also defines one side of an O-ring groove. The threaded nutplate includes a groove-side surface that defines a second side of the O-ring groove. The weld ring is securely joined to the threaded nutplate by co-molding and is securely joined to the shell by a spin weld process. The weld ring provides a third surface for the O-ring groove. As such, three separate components are used to create an inwardly opening three-sided annular groove for receipt of an annular seal for sealing an interface between the fluid filter housing and the mounting base.

Abstract: An upper endcap of a fuel filter cartridge includes a skirt, an axially extending pin surrounded by the skirt, and a plurality of ribs that define fluid flow channels leading to the pin. The pin is extendable through an axially facing fluid opening disposed on a filter head for actuating a valve to an open position allowing fluid to flow through the axially facing opening and exit from a fluid outlet opening. The valve can include a hole that receives the pin therein to help stabilize the valve when the valve is actuated open.

Abstract: A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.

Abstract: An upper endcap of a fuel filter cartridge includes a skirt, an axially extending pin surrounded by the skirt, and a plurality of ribs that define fluid flow channels leading to the pin. The pin is extendable through an axially facing fuel inlet opening at the upper end of a standpipe for actuating a valve to an open position allowing fuel to flow through the axially facing inlet opening and into the standpipe. The valve can include a hole that receives the pin therein to help stabilize the valve when the valve is actuated open.

Abstract: Improvements to “no filter, no run” fluid filtration systems are described. In one example, a filter includes a movable pin cage that has a first pre-installation position adjacent the bottom end plate and is temporarily connected thereto by a snap connection system, and a second position adjacent the upper end plate where it performs a valve interaction function. In another example, a filter includes non-centered valve pins that are rotatable relative to an upper end plate of the filter.

Abstract: A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.

Abstract: A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.

Abstract: Fluid flow surge protection is provided for a filter by increasing upstream plenum fluid volume. In one embodiment, an accumulator or transfer mechanism transfers or trades downstream plenum fluid volume to or for upstream plenum fluid volume.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a fluid filter for combustion engine systems and associated methods. According to one exemplary embodiment, a fluid filter apparatus for reducing re-entrainment of contaminant particles into post-filtration fluid flow due at least in part to a fluid flow surge includes at least one fluid filter and a fluid flow diverting element that is coupled to the fluid filter. The fluid filter includes at least one fluid filtering medium that is communicable in fluid flow receiving communication with a fluid flowing along a first fluid flow path during a fluid flow non-surge event. During a fluid flow surge event, the fluid flow diverting element is capable of diverting at least some of the fluid from the first fluid flow path to a second fluid flow path.

Abstract: A fuel heater module and a water-in-fuel sensor module are disclosed that are configured to be connected to an outside surface of a filter assembly. The fuel heater module includes an inlet port and an outlet port with a heating element positioned in the fluid path between the inlet and outlet. A thermostat is included for controlling operation of the heating element. The water-in-fuel sensor module is configured to detect water in the filter housing that it may be drained from the filter housing. Both modules are configured to be attached to an outside surface of the filter housing thereby being readily replaceable.

Abstract: A magnetic check valve includes a cage mountable in a fluid flow duct and supporting a plunger movable between a closed position blocking fluid flow past the valve, and an open position permitting fluid flow past the valve. One of the cage and the plunger includes a magnet, and the other of the cage and the plunger includes ferrous material magnetically attracted to the magnet to magnetically bias the plunger to the closed position.

Abstract: A dishwasher, including a tub provided with a front lip, has a front door provided with alignment structure on an inner bottom portion which is designed to abut and deflect the front lip, when the front lip is bowed or otherwise deformed, to control the relative positioning between the door and the frontal lip in order to prevent the development of a leakage gap or undesirable engagement between the door and lip. The alignment feature preferably includes at least one cam rib located on the lower underside of the door, as well as adjacent abutment rib(s) adapted to extend toward the front lip of the tub when the door is opened. The cam rib functions to guide the lip along a smooth surface when the tub is bowed or otherwise significantly shifted from a design position to assure quiet shifting of the door, while the abutment rib functions to prevent the development of a potential leakage gap between the front lip and the door.

Abstract: A vertical height adjustment mechanism for a dish rack includes a slide member fixedly mounted relative to a support member, a housing secured to the dish rack, and a latch member. The housing includes a central guide channel that slidably receives the slide member. The latch member includes a support leg, an actuating arm and an intermediate portion joining the support leg and actuating arm. The sliding element includes an end portion that receives and retains the support leg of the latch when the dish rack is in the raised position.

Abstract: A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.