Abstract: A filter comprising a housing in which are disposed a filtering element and a bypass channel establishing direct communication between the inlet and the outlet of the filter. The outlet of the bypass is closed below a predetermined temperature by a thermally operated diaphragm member. When the temperature of the fluid flowing through the filter housing reaches the predetermined temperature, the diaphragm member is deformed such as to open the bypass outlet. The filter has particular applications for installing in the line between a motor vehicle automatic transmission and the transmission fluid cooler, after the transmission has been overhauled or when a rebuilt transmission is installed on the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A heat responsive by-pass flow circuit for a fluid flow system passive element, such as the filter element normally connected in series from an inlet to an outlet. The filter element is provided with a head block or housing having a by-pass passageway between the filter element inlet and outlet, such by-pass passageway being normally closed by a spring loaded valve. A solenoid actuates the valve to open the by-pass passageway under the control of a heat controlled switch having a temperature sensitive element disposed in the flow of fluid at the inlet to the filter element. The heat temperature controlled switch is adjusted to open the by-pass at a pre-set temperature of the fluid flowing into the inlet to the filter element, such as to cause increased direct flow of fluid from a cooler to a working element of the system and back to the cooler, thus reducing overheating of the fluid due to slow fluid flow through the system caused by excessive pressure drop across the passive element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for checking and measuring the momentary value of a variable physical magnitude, such as a volume of liquid in a container or tank, or a temperature, viscosity, or velocity, for example. The invention comprises a transducer free to follow without friction the variations of the physical magnitude, such as for example the level of a liquid fluid in a reservoir, the transducer having a portion of progressively varying cross-section displaceable as a function of the changes in the physical magnitude disposed in alignment with a sensor normally positioned in a reference position out of contact from the transducer.