Abstract: A fuel filter cartridge assembly employs a two piece housing to house a replaceable filter unit. The filter cartridge assembly incorporates a key system to ensure compatibility of a replacement filter unit for a given cartridge assembly. Keys formed on the filter unit cooperate with keyways formed in the housing to ensure that only filter units having key structures may be used. Each key may have a different angular position, angular dimension and radial projection. By varying the dimensions of the keys and/or the positions and/or the number of keys, a composite compatibility matrix comprising an infinite number of configuration sets are available to differentiate between filter units having differing flow capacities, filter media, disposal options or other characteristics.

Abstract: A molded base module for a filter assembly includes a header portion that defines a receiving cavity for a replaceable cartridge and may include integral inlet and outlet structures for communicating with the received filtered cartridge. The header portion includes an integrally formed retainer having a retaining channel for receiving tabs projecting from the cartridge, thereby retaining the cartridge to the module. The retaining channel is defined by a retaining lip and axially spaced shoulder connected by a side wall. In an illustrated embodiment, the retaining lip includes a plurality of angularly spaced axial slots and the side wall includes ramp-like projections which mate with correspondingly shaped tabs projecting from the cartridge.

Abstract: A modular base for a filter assembly includes a header portion defining a cavity for receiving a filter cartridge and a communication module defining fluid pathways to and from the base. Brackets extend from the header portion and include slots. Yokes extend from the communication module to complement the slots. The brackets and received yokes together define pathways into which generally tubular compression limiters are inserted. The compression limiters serve dual functions by retaining the communication module to the header portion and reinforcing the brackets. A sealing grommet disposed between the header portion and communication module enhances the sealed integrity of the base.

Abstract: A fuel filter cartridge assembly employs a two piece housing to house a disposable, incineratable filter unit. The filter unit is constructed to cooperate with the sealing mechanism of the housing to seal the assembled cartridge against a fuel inlet/outlet conduit. Tabs formed on the filter unit end cap cooperate with slots formed in the housing to ensure that only compatible filter units are used.

Abstract: A two stage pressure limiting valve comprises a valve member arranged for axial movement in a bore. The valve member is biased to close a side spill port and a valve opening communicating with a source of high pressure. Pressure at the valve member/valve seat interface in excess of a threshold value forces the valve member away from the seat whereby a pressure relief volume of fluid is permitted to flow through the valve member itself. Sustained high pressure forces the valve member further away from the valve seat to open a side spill port and establish a larger diversion of fluid at a stable lower pressure level.

Abstract: A fuel filter system employs a first filter (12) to separate water from the fuel and a second filter (38) which receives the water portion from the first filter (12) and removes the water from the residual fuel with the use of hygroscopic material (42) and recycles the residual fuel back to the fuel tank (16).

Abstract: A fuel injector unit pump, driven by a cam function to supply fuel to an injector for an injection event. The fuel injector unit pump includes a body and a pumping plunger reciprocably disposed within the body and has a driven end. A cam follower assembly is provided for engaging the cam and includes an advance piston that engages the driven end of the pumping plunger for advancing or retarding the timing of the injection event. The advance piston is movable in response to fluid pressure controlled by an advance control. A follower return spring is disposed between the body and the cam follower assembly and a plunger return spring is mounted coaxially with the follower return spring and between the body and the advance piston. The advance piston includes a main cavity and the cam follower assembly includes a housing and the fuel injector unit pump may also include a balance spring disposed between the main cavity of the advance piston and the housing of the cam follower assembly.

Abstract: A control mechanism functions as a dual stage controller that is alternately and independently responsive to engine oil pressure and intake manifold pressure to adjust fuel delivery by one or more unit pumps. Engine oil pressure is delivered as a control input to one end of a piston bore. Manifold air pressure acts on a diaphragm to deliver another control input which acts on a control piston disposed for reciprocation in the bore. The diaphragm and associated control rod are axially opposed to the end of the bore to which engine oil pressure is delivered. During engine start up, oil pressure is low and a spring bias moves the control piston in a direction to increase fuel delivery. During start up, the control piston position is dependent upon engine oil pressure independent of manifold air pressure. After start up, the control piston position is a function of manifold air pressure independent from engine oil pressure.

Abstract: An electronic engine management unit includes means for actuating each injector individually at a selected different time, and for a prescribed interval, during each cycle of the engine. A high pressure fuel supply pump having a high pressure discharge passage is fluidly connected to the common rail, and to a low pressure feed fuel inlet passage. A control subsystem controls the discharge pressure of the pump between injection events, by diverting the pump discharge so that instead of delivery to the common rail, the flow recirculates through the pump at a lower pressure. This is preferably accomplished by an inlet control passage fluidly connected to the low pressure feed fuel inlet passage, a discharge control passage fluidly connected to the high pressure discharge passage, and a non-return check valve in the high pressure discharge passage, between the discharge control passage and the common rail, which opens toward the common rail.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated servo piston and hydraulic advance piston are integrated into the cam follower of a unit pump or injector to provide variable advance for an injection event produced by the pump or injector. The servo piston is nested in the advance piston with fluid passageways in the advance piston selectively opened or closed by movement of the servo piston. The full pressure of a hydraulic pump is available to the advance piston for powering the advance function, while stepwise reduced levels of hydraulic pressure from the same hydraulic pump are applied to control movement of the servo piston. A damping orifice restricts flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the servo piston.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for use with a base to create a filter assembly. The filter cartridge includes a seal to establish a fluid flow within the filter assembly and a resilient bias member to bias the filter cartridge away from the base. The resilient bias member in cooperation with a fastening mechanism secures the filter cartridge to the base.