Abstract: Dial-type flow-restriction gauges are used for indicating flow-restriction conditions of fluid filters, such as automobile air and fuel filters. Prior versions of these type filters have been more complicated and costly to manufacture than desirable. Accordingly, the present inventors have devised, among other things, an exemplary dial-type flow-restriction gauge that is inexpensive to manufacture and performs reliability and consistently over a wide temperature range. One exemplary gauge includes an external dial that rotates relative a restriction scale in response to a differential pressure. Placement of the dial on the exterior of the gauge eliminates the need to use clear material and allows embedding of the restriction scale into an exterior surface of the gauge.

Abstract: Commercially available filter-monitoring switches suffer from problems related to over sensitivity and reliability. Accordingly, the present inventors have devised, among other things, various embodiments of filter-monitoring switches and related components, subassemblies, methods, and systems. One exemplary filter-monitoring switch includes a diaphragm operably couple to move a conductive element back and forth between a pair of fixed terminals in response to pressure differences across the diaphragm. The conductive element is mounted to an insulative pin of substantially uniform width, and the terminals include leaf contacts that constantly engage the pin or the contacts throughout normal operation of the switch, thereby reducing flexure of the contacts and effectively providing a self-cleaning and self-healing electrical switch.

Abstract: Dial-type flow-restriction gauges are used for indicating flow-restriction conditions of fluid filters, such as automobile air and fuel filters. Prior versions of these type filters have been more complicated and costly to manufacture than desirable. Accordingly, the present inventors have devised, among other things, an exemplary dial-type flow-restriction gauge that is inexpensive to manufacture and performs reliability and consistently over a wide temperature range. One exemplary gauge includes an external dial that rotates relative a restriction scale in response to a differential pressure. Placement of the dial on the exterior of the gauge eliminates the need to use clear material and allows embedding of the restriction scale into an exterior surface of the gauge.

Abstract: Dial-type flow-restriction gauges are used for indicating flow-restriction conditions of fluid filters, such as automobile air and fuel filters. Prior versions of these type filters have been more complicated and costly to manufacture than desirable. Accordingly, the present inventors have devised, among other things, an exemplary dial-type flow-restriction gauge that is inexpensive to manufacture and performs reliability and consistently over a wide temperature range. One exemplary gauge includes an external dial that rotates relative a restriction scale in response to a differential pressure. Placement of the dial on the exterior of the gauge eliminates the need to use clear material and allows embedding of the restriction scale into an exterior surface of the gauge.

Abstract: Commercially available filter-monitoring switches suffer from problems related to over sensitivity and reliability. Accordingly, the present inventors have devised, among other things, various embodiments of filter-monitoring switches and related components, subassemblies, methods, and systems. One exemplary filter-monitoring switch includes a diaphragm operably couple to move a conductive element back and forth between a pair of fixed terminals in response to pressure differences across the diaphragm. The conductive element is mounted to an insulative pin of substantially uniform width, and the terminals include leaf contacts that constantly engage the pin or the contacts throughout normal operation of the switch, thereby reducing flexure of the contacts and effectively providing a self-cleaning and self-healing electrical switch.

Abstract: Commercially available filter-monitoring switches suffer from problems related to over sensitivity and reliability. Accordingly, the present inventors have devised, among other things, various embodiments of filter-monitoring switches and related components, subassemblies, methods, and systems. One exemplary filter-monitoring switch includes a diaphragm operably couple to move a conductive element back and forth between a pair of fixed terminals in response to pressure differences across the diaphragm. The conductive element is mounted to an insulative pin of substantially uniform width, and the terminals include leaf contacts that constantly engage the pin or the contacts throughout normal operation of the switch, thereby reducing flexure of the contacts and effectively providing a self-cleaning and self-healing electrical switch.

Abstract: The present inventors devised, among other things, exemplary differential pressure sensors suitable for use in a wide-variety filter-monitoring applications. One exemplary sensor, which operates in any physical orientation and consist of snap-together components that require no post-assembly adjustment, includes a diaphragm assembly, a magnet, and a magnetic sensor. The diaphragm moves in response to differential pressures exceeding a predetermined threshold difference, and the magnet which is physically coupled to the diaphragm assembly moves relative to a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor senses movement of the magnet and produces a signal that can be correlated by a computer or other circuitry to determine whether a filter is overly clogged and thus requires replacement.

Abstract: A disk armature for an electric, in-tank fuel pump motor is manufactured by laser welding a pair of annular disks in two concentric circles of spot welds, one near each of the inner and outer circumferences of the disks. One disk is made of malleable copper for the forming of commutator hooks and studs; the other is made of hardened copper alumina for superior wear characteristics in a sour gasoline environment. The welded disks are affixed to an insulating support and cut into segments, each having at least one weld from the inner circle and two from the outer circle. Thus the segments are each securely welded without deformation or degredation of the superior wear properties of the copper alumina disk.