Abstract: A filter assembly with a replaceable filter element and a reusable filter housing, which incorporates a locking mechanism to ensure that the filter system will not be operated without a filter element installed.

Abstract: A fluid level indicator is provided for use with a fuel system. The fluid level indicator may have a generally hollow body with an open first end and a closed second end configured to be mounted at least partially inside a filter canister. The fluid level indicator may also have an annular float configured to receive and slide along the second end of the generally hollow body, and a plunger located within an interior of the generally hollow body. At least one of the annular float and the plunger is magnetic and configured to interact with the other of the annular float and the plunger.

Abstract: A filter element includes a substantially cylindrical center tube having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central longitudinal axis. The filter element also includes filter media extending circumferentially around and longitudinally along the center tube, and a plate connected to the center tube proximate the first end. The plate includes an orifice and a cap. The orifice includes a pilot feature configured to locate the filter element at a single circumferential position relative to the longitudinal axis, the cap extending from a top surface of the plate toward the second end and having an inner wall configured to mate with a drain plug. In such embodiments, the orifice and the cap are disposed radially inward of an inner circumference of the center tube, and at least one of the orifice and the cap extends circumferentially around an additional longitudinal axis spaced radially from the central longitudinal axis of the center tube.

Abstract: A fuel system for an engine is disclosed. The fuel system may have a filter, a pump, and a conduit fluidly connected between the filter and the pump. The fuel system may also have a manifold, and a valve movable to direct a first portion of a fuel flow discharged from the pump into the manifold and a remaining second portion of the fuel flow discharged from the pump into the conduit. The fuel system may additionally have a flow-disruption reducer disposed within the conduit between the filter and a discharge location of the remaining second portion of the fuel flow.

Abstract: A filter element disclosed herein includes a center tube defining a central reservoir and including an interior sidewall. The filter element further includes an end plate and a pocket defining a port extending from the end plate into the central reservoir. The pocket includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a plurality of projections extending from the outer wall of the pocket toward the interior sidewall of the center tube.

Abstract: An improved breather apparatus for use on fuel tanks is disclosed. The breather apparatus may include a mounting base including a valve seat and at least one venting cavity, a valve mounted on the valve seat, and a cover operatively associated with the mounting base. The cover may include at least one venting cavity connected to the venting cavity of the mounting base. The breather apparatus may also include an air filter operatively connected to the valve. Methods of assembling and using the disclosed breather apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter assembly with a replaceable filter element and a reusable filter housing, which incorporates a locking mechanism to ensure that the filter system will not be operated without a filter element installed.

Abstract: A filter element disclosed herein includes a center tube defining a central reservoir and including an interior sidewall. The filter element further includes an end plate and a pocket defining a port extending from the end plate into the central reservoir. The pocket includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a plurality of projections extending from the outer wall of the pocket toward the interior sidewall of the center tube.

Abstract: A filter assembly with a replaceable filter element and a reusable filter housing, which incorporates a locking mechanism to ensure that the filter system will not be operated without a filter element installed.

Abstract: A canister filter system includes a base, a canister attachable to the base, and positioned inside the canister a filter element having filter media. A drain engages and forms a seal with the filter element in a closed position. In an open position, the drain allows fluid to be removed from the canister. Because the drain is engaged to and forms a seal with the filter element in the closed position, the drain cannot be closed unless a filter element is present inside the canister. This prevents accidental or intentional use of the filter system without a filter element in place.

Abstract: An improved breather apparatus for use on fuel tanks is disclosed. The breather apparatus may include a mounting base including a valve seat and at least one venting cavity, a valve mounted on the valve seat, and a cover operatively associated with the mounting base. The cover may include at least one venting cavity connected to the venting cavity of the mounting base. The breather apparatus may also include an air filter operatively connected to the valve. Methods of assembling and using the disclosed breather apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter assembly with a replaceable filter element and a reusable filter housing, which incorporates a locking mechanism to ensure that the filter system will not be operated without a filter element installed.

Abstract: A filter assembly with a replaceable filter element and a reusable filter housing, which incorporates a locking mechanism to ensure that the filter system will not be operated without a filter element installed.

Abstract: A filter element disclosed herein includes a center tube defining a central reservoir and including an interior sidewall. The filter element further includes an end plate and a pocket defining a port extending from the end plate into the central reservoir. The pocket includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a plurality of projections extending from the outer wall of the pocket toward the interior sidewall of the center tube.

Abstract: A canister filter system includes a base, a canister attachable to the base, and positioned inside the canister a filter element having filter media. A drain engages and forms a seal with the filter element in a closed position. In an open position, the drain allows fluid to be removed from the canister. Because the drain is engaged to and forms a seal with the filter element in the closed position, the drain cannot be closed unless a filter element is present inside the canister. This prevents accidental or intentional use of the filter system without a filter element in place.

Abstract: A process is provided for injection molding a plastic material into an interfacial space between a spherical ball and a spherical cavity of a ball and socket joint assembly to form a plastic bearing which has an as-molded tapered undercut. A sacrificial ring having a preselected outer diameter and a generally triangular cross-sectional shape is selected. The sacrificial ring is placed around the ball adjacent the neck of the ball assembly. The sacrificial ring is rigidly confined between the ball, the cavity, and the mold. The plastic material is injection molded into the interfacial space and a plastic bearing having a tapered undercut which mimics the shape of the sacrificial ring is formed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyurethane elastomeric seal composition comprising, by weight, about 90% to 99% thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and about 1% to 10% fibers. Also, the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer is derived from the reactants comprising: (i) a mixture of polyol and an aromatic chain extender in a molar ratio in the range of from about 40:60 to about 60:40 of butanediol glycol adipate to hydroquinone bis 2-hydroxyethyl ether, and (ii) 1,5 naphthalene diisocyanate present in a molar ratio in the range of about 50:50 to about 54.5:45.5 of 1,5 naphthalene diisocyanate to the said first mixture of polyol and an aromatic chain extender. After curing, the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomeric seal compound has outstanding wear resistance and low compression set.This thermoplastic polyurethane elastomeric seal compound is particularly useful in making shaft seals subject to high wear and high pressure, for use in hydraulic rams in earthmoving equipment.