Abstract: A vehicle intake air filter is provided forming an inner conduit formed between an upper orifice and a lower orifice. In addition to an outer filtering layer, a secondary filtering layer or layers are provided spanning the upper orifice. A monitoring mechanism for measuring and communicating a function of the air filter is further located within the upper orifice. The monitoring mechanism measures and communicates the function of the air filter. A plurality of sensors measure a differential pressure between the outer and inner surfaces of the filter. A remote communication system transmits sensor data from the sensors via a wireless communication protocol to a remote electronic monitor device, such as a cell phone. Increased pressure differential or filter performance or efficacy may thereby be displayed to the user on a real-time basis. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A hydraulic soft-start system includes a flow control valve which is in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. The system includes a first flow restricting orifice and a second flow restricting orifice disposed between a pilot for actuating the flow control valve and the inlet of the motor. A first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to an inlet of the motor, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The flow control valve is actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the motor inlet. The second flow is higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state.

Abstract: An air cleaner assembly includes a housing having an outer wall defining an air flow inlet, an air flow outlet and a hollow interior section. The housing is openable for service access to the interior section. A serviceable and selectively removable filter cartridge is positioned in the housing. The filter cartridge includes filter media surrounding an open central interior. A pulse jet distribution arrangement communicates with the interior of the housing and includes a device configured to direct a pulse of compressed gas into the interior of the filter cartridge. An evacuation valve arrangement is mounted to the housing to receive ejected dust from the filter cartridge and direct the received ejected dust out of the housing. The valve arrangement includes a frame, a blocking element mounted for reciprocation in relation to the frame and a biasing element for urging the blocking element into a closed position.

Abstract: A hydraulic soft-start system includes a first flow restricting orifice and a flow control valve both being in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. Also provided is a second flow restricting orifice disposed between a pilot for actuating the flow control valve and the inlet of the motor. A first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to an inlet of the motor, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The flow control valve is actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the motor inlet. The second flow is higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state.

Abstract: An air cleaner assembly includes a housing having an outer wall defining an air flow inlet, an air flow outlet and a hollow interior section. The housing is openable for service access to the interior section. A serviceable and selectively removable filter cartridge is positioned in the housing. The filter cartridge includes filter media surrounding an open central interior. A pulse jet distribution arrangement communicates with the interior of the housing and includes a device configured to direct a pulse of compressed gas into the interior of the filter cartridge. An evacuation valve arrangement is mounted to the housing to receive ejected dust from the filter cartridge and direct the received ejected dust out of the housing. The valve arrangement includes a frame, a blocking element mounted for reciprocation in relation to the frame and a biasing element for urging the blocking element into a closed position.

Abstract: A hydraulic soft-start system includes a flow control valve which is in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. The system includes a first flow restricting orifice and a second flow restricting orifice disposed between a pilot for actuating the flow control valve and the inlet of the motor. A first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to an inlet of the motor, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The flow control valve is actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the motor inlet. The second flow is higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state.

Abstract: An air pre-cleaner for centrifugally ejecting heavier than air particulates from an air stream for use in an apparatus having an air intake includes an impeller assembly mounted for rotation with a wave washer. A two-part housing including first and second parts that are manually releasably securable together permits removal of housing part for cleaning of the pre-cleaner without the use of tools.

Abstract: A hydraulic soft-start system includes a first flow restricting orifice and a flow control valve both being in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. Also provided is a second flow restricting orifice disposed between a pilot for actuating the flow control valve and the inlet of the motor. A first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to an inlet of the motor, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The flow control valve is actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the motor inlet. The second flow is higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state.

Abstract: A hydraulic soft-start system includes a first flow valve in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. A first restricting orifice is disposed between the first valve and the inlet. A second flow valve is in fluid communication with the first valve and the inlet. A pilot for actuating the second valve is in fluid communication with the inlet. A second restricting orifice is disposed between the pilot and the inlet. Upon actuation of the first valve, a first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to the inlet, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The second valve being actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the inlet. The second flow being higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state.

Abstract: A system and method to control cleaning of an associated air filter apparatus is disclosed. Air flow across the associated air filter is estimated using a pressure sensor disposed at an inlet port of the associated air filter and a pressure sensor disposed at an outlet port of the associated air filter. Further, an optimal air flow across the associated air filter is calculated. The optimal air flow results in optimal filtering efficiency. The associated air filter is then periodically cleaned at a rate determined from the difference between the estimated air flow and the calculated optimal air flow to move air flow towards the optimal air flow.

Abstract: The self-cleaning air filter uses reverse pulse self-cleaning for small scale, small volume air filtration applications, such as vehicles and motorized equipment. The self-cleaning air filter includes a filter casing, a filter element housed within a filter casing, an electronically controlled pulse valve that releases the compressed air pulse, and a pulse pressure relief vent. During the cleaning cycle, the pulse pressure vent opens to vent the compressed air pulse to the atmosphere thereby maintaining the positive pressure differential between the inside and outside of the filter element, which sustains the cleaning action for the duration of the compressed air pulse.

Abstract: The self-cleaning air filter uses reverse pulse self-cleaning for small scale, small volume air filtration applications, such as vehicles and motorized equipment. The self-cleaning air filter includes a filter casing, a filter element housed within a filter casing, an electronically controlled pulse valve that releases the compressed air pulse, and a pulse pressure relief vent. During the cleaning cycle, the pulse pressure vent opens to vent the compressed air pulse to the atmosphere thereby maintaining the positive pressure differential between the inside and outside of the filter element, which sustains the cleaning action for the duration of the compressed air pulse.

Abstract: The invention has a captive tooless fastener for securing the engine intake air filter. The tooless fastener comprises shaft and associated bodies. The body has two arms oriented about 180 degrees apart. The shaft is threaded through a sealing washer and an aperture in a closed end cap of the air filter. The shaft is expanded so it cannot be removed from the end cap. The body's threaded inner diameter mates with a threaded portion of a central shaft in an air filter housing. The body's arms are rotated to screw the fastener and the shaft of the housing together. When tightened, the sealing washer closes the aperture. To remove the air filter, the fastener is unscrewed from the shaft of the housing and in the shaft floats in the aperture. A person in the field can remove the air filter by inserting fingers under the arms and pulling.

Abstract: A power pack unit includes a first hydraulic pump including a first pump enclosure accommodating a first pump cartridge. A second hydraulic pump includes a second pump enclosure accommodating a second pump cartridge. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is positioned between the first and second hydraulic pumps. A first end of the reservoir is secured to the first pump enclosure and a second end of the reservoir is secured to the second pump enclosure. The first and second hydraulic pumps and the reservoir can extend along a common axis. First and second motors can be connected to the first and second pumps. The entire structure can extend along a common axis.