Abstract: Disclosed are fuel filters and process for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a post refinery fuel system. In one embodiment, the disclosed process requires passing the post refinery fuel stream through a fuel filter to provide a clean fuel stream having a reduced concentration of sulfur-containing compounds relative to the post-refinery fuel stream, wherein the fuel filter comprises an adsorbent comprising an inorganic oxide having a surface acidity characterized by a pKa of least ?3.

Abstract: An oil management system and oil filter utilized in association with an internal combustion engine. The oil filter comprises high-efficiency filtration media for filtering engine oil associated with the internal combustion engine. At least one type of time release additive can be impregnated into the filtration media, wherein the time release additives are automatically released into the engine oil filter from filtration media in order to replenish additives already present in the engine oil.

Abstract: An adsorptive filter/member for adsorbing a gaseous adsorbate. The filter includes two layers of a flexible polymeric material to form an area therebetween. Fasteners are located at predetermined areas across the two layer outer surfaces, the fasteners extending from the outer surface of one layer to the outer surface of the other layer. The fasteners subdivide the area into a plurality of substantially enclosed chambers. Adsorptive media is disposed within each of the plurality of chambers. The chambers are adapted to substantially evenly distribute adsorptive media throughout the filter. Throughbores extend through the filter, and receive attachment members for mounting the filter to a surface. A gaseous adsorbate flow path is in gaseous communication with one of the outer surfaces of the two layers. Each of the two layers' polymeric materials includes pores that are permeable to the gaseous adsorbate, yet are substantially impermeable to the adsorptive media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream. In one embodiment, the fuel filter comprises at least one column comprising an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment the adsorbent is capable of removing sulfur containing compounds, especially sulfur containing aromatic compounds, from fuels used in internal combustion engines, especially diesel fuels. Also disclosed is an apparatus for extending the life cycle of a post combustion emission control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream and an emission control device. Finally, a method for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream is disclosed.

Abstract: An evaporative emissions filter for an engine air induction system. The evaporative emissions filter includes a hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member disposed within the air induction system outside the direct air flow path. A mechanism is provided for mounting the evaporative emissions filter within the air induction system. Hydrocarbon vapors present in the air induction system after engine shut-down are substantially retained in the adsorbent member until air flows through the air induction system after the engine starts.

Abstract: A spillage-control boot apparatus for use during removal of a spin-on fluid filter from an engine block or other substrate. The boot apparatus includes a boot with a substantially cylindrical boot body, including a flared bell portion for placement surrounding a filter, and a constricted portion integrally attached to and extending from the flared bell portion, for placement closely surrounding a portion of the filter. The flared bell portion of the boot body is adapted to form an annular pocket therein when the boot is placed surrounding a cylindrical filter. The apparatus also includes an absorbent member, for placement in the flared bell portion of the boot body, for absorbing spillage from the filter base when the filter is removed from the substrate.

Abstract: A cap for a filter includes an interior filter-contacting surface which frictionally engages an outer surface of the filter. Opposed to the interior surface is an exterior gripping surface having an average surface roughness ranging between about 0.025 mm and about 4.6 mm (peak to valley).

Abstract: An oil-conditioning filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a filter element and an additive cartridge, for gradually dispensing an oil additive over time. The additive cartridge has a beneficial oil-conditioning agent contained therein. Placement of the cartridge allows for fluid filtration through the filter element before fluid communication with the additive of the additive cartridge. An additive dispersing member is also described.

Abstract: A fuel filter for removing fuel impurities, particularly thiophenes, includes a hollow housing having a filter element therein. The filter element includes a substrate, which may include a nonwoven fiber web, a plurality of particles, or both of these. Where particles are used, the substrate may be homogeneous or may be a mixture of different particles. The substrate may include a sorbent selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, metallic salts, organometallic compounds, catalysts, and oxidizing agents. Optionally, a sulfur-treating reactant may be operatively associated with the substrate to reduce the concentration of thiophenes in fuel passing through the filter.

Abstract: A cleansing oil filter includes a housing, a porous filter element disposed in the housing, and a quantity of liquid antioxidant/additive solution in the housing associated with the filter element. Preferably, the filter contains at least 10 ml of antioxidant, and more preferably, between 20 and 100 ml of antioxidant. A substantial quantity of the liquid antioxidant/additive solution is available for immediate release when oil flows through the filter. A method of converting an internal combustion engine from a petroleum-based lubricating oil to a botanically-based lubricating oil involves draining a petroleum-based lubricating oil out of the engine, removing an oil filter from the engine and replacing it with a first cleansing filter having a quantity of liquid antioxidant/additive solution therein, adding a first batch of a botanically-based lubricating oil to the engine, running the engine until warm, and replacing the oil and filter a second time using botanically-based oil.

Abstract: A cleansing oil filter includes a housing, a porous filter element disposed in the housing, and a quantity of liquid antioxidant/additive solution in the housing associated with the filter element. Preferably, the filter contains at least 10 ml of antioxidant, and more preferably, between 20 and 100 ml of antioxidant. A substantial quantity of the liquid antioxidant/additive solution is available for immediate release when oil flows through the filter. A method of converting an internal combustion engine from a petroleum-based lubricating oil to a botanically-based lubricating oil involves draining a petroleum-based lubricating oil out of the engine, removing an oil filter from the engine and replacing it with a first cleansing filter having a quantity of liquid antioxidant/additive solution therein, adding a first batch of a botanically-based lubricating oil to the engine, running the engine until warm, and replacing the oil and filter a second time using botanically-based oil.

Abstract: A filter blanket, for placement on an underside of a vehicle hood, and for use in recycling residual engine vapors from within an engine's intake system, includes a filter element and a cover. The filter element includes a plurality of wicking fibers. Each of the wicking fibers has an internal cavity formed therein, and a longitudinally extending slot formed therein extending from the internal cavity to the outer fiber surface. The filter blanket also includes a hydrocarbon-absorbing material disposed within the internal cavities of the fibers. The filter blanket may be used in conjunction with a routing duct, as part of a fuel vapor recycling system.

Abstract: A filter, for use in removing residual fuel vapors from within an engine's intake system, includes a filter element having a plurality of fibers, for placement in communication with an intake air flow passage. Each of the fibers has an internal cavity formed therein, and a longitudinally extending slot formed therein extending from the internal cavity to the outer fiber surface. The filter also includes a hydrocarbon-absorbing material disposed within the internal cavities of the fibers. The hydrocarbon-absorbing material may be a solid material such as, e.g., carbon, or may be a liquid such as a relatively non-volatile organic solvent. Alternatively, the material may be a combined solid and liquid. In one embodiment, each of the elongated fibers includes a central stem and a plurality of lobes extending outwardly from the central stem, with a longitudinally extending slot defined between adjacent lobes. Specific useful filter configurations are detailed.

Abstract: A regenerable desiccant filter assembly, for use in a vehicle lamp housing, includes a hollow body defining a chamber therein, the hollow body having an inlet and an outlet formed therein to allow air to flow from an area outside said hollow body into and through the hollow body. A substrate, which is a nonwoven fiber mat, is housed within the hollow body; and a regenerable liquid desiccant composition is distributed on the substrate. Preferably, the fibers making up the substrate have hollow internal cavities formed therein, and extended openings formed in the sides thereof in communication with the internal cavities. Preferably, the desiccant composition is an alkali halide or an alkaline earth halide. Most preferably the desiccant composition is selected from the group consisting of lithium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. In specific embodiments, the desiccant filter may be combined with a bulb shield or with a bulb socket member.