Abstract: A filter cartridge is disclosed comprising a housing comprising a terminal end, a connective end, and a longitudinal axis, the connective end comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter cartridge further comprises a filtration media disposed within the housing between the terminal end and the connective end and fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. One of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet comprises one or more anti-drip capillary channels, the transverse cross-section of the anti-drip capillary channels being elongate in at least one direction.

Abstract: Described are filter cartridges having an inlet opening and an outlet opening on the stem of the filter cartridges, which permit the permit the entry and exit, respectively, of a fluid in one or more radial directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem. These filter cartridges are suitable for use in filtration systems that allow users to install the filter cartridges by a straight line push motion and remove the filter cartridges by a straight line pull motion.

Abstract: A pressure-control valve includes a housing (110) and a valve assembly (115) at least partially disposed within the housing. The housing has a sidewall (112) defining a conduit connecting an inlet opening (116) and an outlet opening (118), wherein the housing has a pressure vent (119) extending through the sidewall. The valve assembly includes: a valve seat (140), a valve support (120), a slidable member (130), and a biasing member (150). The slidable member is reversibly slidable between an open position and a closed position. The closed position interrupts fluid communication through the conduit between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The slidable member has an upstream effective cross-sectional area greater than its downstream effective cross-sectional area. Sealing members (137,139) forming seals between the slidable member and the sidewall, and a pressure vent is disposed between the seals. A biasing member (150) biases the valve assembly (155) toward the open position.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is disclosed comprising a housing comprising a terminal end, a connective end, and a longitudinal axis, the connective end comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter cartridge further comprises a filtration media disposed within the housing between the terminal end and the connective end and fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. One of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet comprises one or more anti-drip capillary channels, the transverse cross-section of the anti-drip capillary channels being elongate in at least one direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing food articles to a food article receiving container that includes a hopper that defines a primary food article storage location configured to hold the food articles, and an accumulator that defines a secondary food article storage location and is positioned adjacent to the primary food article storage location so as to receive food articles held in the primary storage location. The food article receiving container is positioned generally beneath the accumulator so that food articles moving from the accumulator food article storage location land in the food article receiving container. The apparatus also includes a cooling device and a substantially air-tight seal in order to maintain a predetermined temperature range in the primary food article storage location and the accumulator food article storage location. The apparatus may also include a load/weight sensing/measuring assembly in place of or in addition to the cooling device.