Abstract: Various embodiments of two-stage filter assemblies are provided. A filter element of the filter assembly includes a first endplate that is configured to facilitate assembly of the filter element into a filter housing assembly. The first endplate includes a flange that extends radially away from a media pack of the filter and into the channel formed between a lid and a housing of a filter housing assembly. A second endplate of the filter element is coupled to a media pack second end of the media pack. The filter element also includes a first seal member that is coupled to the second endplate. The first endplate and the filter housing assembly are structured to ensure that the filter element is sealingly engaged with the housing when (i) the flange is engaged with the lid and (ii) the lid is fully installed onto the housing.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system is provided. The system includes a filter head and a filter cartridge removably coupled to the filter head. The filter cartridge includes a shell housing defining a first housing end, a second housing end, and a housing sidewall extending between the first housing end and the second housing end. The filter cartridge further includes a filter element received within the shell housing and removably coupled to the shell housing. The filter element includes a media pack and an endplate. The media pack is configured to filter matter from a fluid flowing therethrough. The endplate is coupled to an end of the media pack. The endplate includes an expansible scaling member extending axially away from the endplate in a direction opposite to the media pack and having a compliant portion. The expansible sealing member is configured to expand in diameter when the expansible sealing member engages the shell housing.

Abstract: A filtration system having an undulated interlocking housing-endplate interface geometry is described. In the filtration system, a filter element endplate and a filter housing component (e.g., a shell housing, a filter mounting head, etc.) meet at an interface. The filter housing component includes an undulating or repeating pattern that meshes with a matching undulating or repeating pattern on the endplate of the filter element. The undulating or repeating pattern prevents the filter element from freely rotating with respect to the filter housing component of the filtration system.

Abstract: A filtration system having an undulated interlocking housing-endplate interface geometry is described. In the filtration system, a filter element endplate and a filter housing component (e.g., a shell housing, a filter mounting head, etc.) meet at an interface. The filter housing component includes an undulating or repeating pattern that meshes with a matching undulating or repeating pattern on the endplate of the filter element. The undulating or repeating pattern prevents the filter element from freely rotating with respect to the filter housing component of the filtration system.

Abstract: A filtration system having an undulated interlocking housing-endplate interface geometry is described. In the filtration system, a filter element endplate and a filter housing component (e.g., a shell housing, a filter mounting head, etc.) meet at an interface. The filter housing component includes an undulating or repeating pattern that meshes with a matching undulating or repeating pattern on the endplate of the filter element. The undulating or repeating pattern prevents the filter element from freely rotating with respect to the filter housing component of the filtration system.

Abstract: A pair of cutoff knives configured for mounting on counter-rotating drums such that a serrated edge of one knife of the pair intermeshes with a serrated edge of the other knife of the pair to create a sinusoidal-shaped gap between the intermeshed serrated edges.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system and method that automatically communicate data using a nonlinear, time-varying voice channel. The system may include one or more sensors, a controller, and a radio transmitter. The one or more sensors may be operable to detect a condition. The controller may be configured to receive an indication of the detected condition from the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to generate a message including information of the detected condition based on the received indication of the detected condition. The radio transmitter may be configured to wirelessly transmit the generated message on the voice channel.

Abstract: A pair of cutoff knives configured for mounting on counter-rotating drums such that a serrated edge of one knife of the pair intermeshes with a serrated edge of the other knife of the pair to create a sinusoidal-shaped gap between the intermeshed serrated edges.

Abstract: An upper endcap of a fuel filter cartridge includes a skirt, an axially extending pin surrounded by the skirt, and a plurality of ribs that define fluid flow channels leading to the pin. The pin is extendable through an axially facing fuel inlet opening at the upper end of a standpipe for actuating a valve to an open position allowing fuel to flow through the axially facing inlet opening and into the standpipe. The valve can include a hole that receives the pin therein to help stabilize the valve when the valve is actuated open.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system and method that automatically communicate data using a nonlinear, time-varying voice channel. The system may include one or more sensors, a controller, and a radio transmitter. The one or more sensors may be operable to detect a condition. The controller may be configured to receive an indication of the detected condition from the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to generate a message including information of the detected condition based on the received indication of the detected condition. The radio transmitter may be configured to wirelessly transmit the generated message on the voice channel.

Abstract: A fuel water separator (FWS) filter that is configured to permit water to be drained from the water sump of the FWS filter without shutting off fuel flow to the FWS filter. A check valve is positioned between the water sump and the filter element. When the FWS filter is under vacuum (e.g. as in operation), the check valve can be closed to allow water to drain from the sump. The check valve can close automatically by floating on accumulated water in the sump until the water rises to a level where the check valve is closed. The check valve can also close by opening the drain valve of the FWS filter, which causes a differential pressure between the sump and the vacuum created in the filter element chamber, which forces the check valve to close.

Abstract: Shielding liquid from electronic components may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. A shielding device may include a substantially vertical channel mounted to a fuel dispenser component; an airflow inlet; a plurality of arrays of angled protrusions; and a plurality of substantially vertical protrusions. The channel is adapted to guide an airflow. The plurality of arrays of angled protrusions are, disposed within the channel and are substantially parallel in arrangement within each array. The angled protrusions within each array are angularly offset in arrangement relative to the angled protrusions within adjacent arrays. The arrays of angled protrusions are adapted to form a tortuous path for the airflow through the channel. The plurality of substantially vertical protrusions are disposed within the channel and are located between the airflow inlet and the plurality of arrays. The vertical protrusions are adapted to substantially straighten the airflow within the channel.

Abstract: A parallel flow filter-in-filter design for a filter system is provided. The filter-in-filter design provides two distinctly parallel or independent flow paths within a filter assembly in a single housing or shell. The filter assembly includes a first outer filter element radially spaced apart from a second inner filter element. A centertube and a funnel shaped passageway housed within the centertube are provided in a space between the first outer filter element and the second inner filter element. The centertube and funnel shaped passageway work in tandem to provide two distinct parallel or independent flow paths within the filter assembly. The funnel shaped passageway is provided generally below the second inner filter element within the centertube.

Abstract: Shielding liquid from electronic components may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. A shielding device may include a substantially vertical channel mounted to a fuel dispenser component; an airflow inlet; a plurality of arrays of angled protrusions; and a plurality of substantially vertical protrusions. The channel is adapted to guide an airflow. The plurality of arrays of angled protrusions are, disposed within the channel and are substantially parallel in arrangement within each array. The angled protrusions within each array are angularly offset in arrangement relative to the angled protrusions within adjacent arrays. The arrays of angled protrusions are adapted to form a tortuous path for the airflow through the channel. The plurality of substantially vertical protrusions are disposed within the channel and are located between the airflow inlet and the plurality of arrays. The vertical protrusions are adapted to substantially straighten the airflow within the channel.

Abstract: An upper endcap of a fuel filter cartridge includes a skirt, an axially extending pin surrounded by the skirt, and a plurality of ribs that define fluid flow channels leading to the pin. The pin is extendable through an axially facing fuel inlet opening at the upper end of a standpipe for actuating a valve to an open position allowing fuel to flow through the axially facing inlet opening and into the standpipe. The valve can include a hole that receives the pin therein to help stabilize the valve when the valve is actuated open.

Abstract: An upper endcap of a fuel filter cartridge includes a skirt, an axially extending pin surrounded by the skirt, and a plurality of ribs that define fluid flow channels leading to the pin. The pin is extendable through an axially facing fuel inlet opening at the upper end of a standpipe for actuating a valve to an open position allowing fuel to flow through the axially facing inlet opening and into the standpipe. The valve can include a hole that receives the pin therein to help stabilize the valve when the valve is actuated open.