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: An oil-conditioning filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a mechanical filter element and a central additive cartridge, for gradually dispensing an oil additive over time. The additive cartridge has a beneficial oil-conditioning agent contained therein. The additive may be provided as a solid block within a storage chamber of the cartridge, or may be a plurality of pellets. Central placement of the cartridge allows for fluid filtration through the mechanical filter element before the additive is added thereto, reducing the likelihood that the additive will be filtered out prematurely upon its initial release. An additive cartridge for installation in an oil filter is also described, including a baffle portion and a storage chamber. Alternative exemplary embodiments of the additive cartridge may include a cylindrical shell, a basket which is operatively attached to an oil filter center tube, or a porous center tube.

Abstract: An oil-conditioning filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a mechanical filter element and a central additive cartridge, for gradually dispensing an oil additive over time. The additive cartridge has a beneficial oil-conditioning agent contained therein. The additive may be provided as a solid block within a storage chamber of the cartridge, or may be a plurality of pellets. Central placement of the cartridge allows for fluid filtration through the mechanical filter element before the additive is added thereto, reducing the likelihood that the additive will be filtered out prematurely upon its initial release. An additive cartridge for installation in an oil filter is also described, including a baffle portion and a storage chamber. Alternative exemplary embodiments of the additive cartridge may include a cylindrical shell, a basket which is operatively attached to an oil filter center tube, or a porous center tube.

Abstract: A tool, for measuring a gap adjacent a curved surface of a workpiece, includes a curved tool body having a substantially C-shaped cross-section. The tool may further include a handle attached to the tool body. Preferably, the tool body has flattened top and bottom surfaces, which may be substantially parallel to one another. The tool body also includes curved front and back surfaces. The tool body has a relatively wide first end, and a second end which is narrower than the first end. The tool body tapers gradually and continuously from the first end to the second end, and becomes progressively narrower as it moves away from the first end. The tool body also gradually curves, as it moves from the first end to the second end, so that it is substantially C-shaped, as noted. The tool body has markings on at least one surface selected from the top, bottom, front and back surfaces, to indicate the thickness thereof at selected, regularly spaced apart intervals.

Abstract: A tool, for measuring a gap adjacent a curved surface of a workpiece, includes a curved tool body having a substantially C-shaped cross-section. The tool may further include a handle attached to the tool body. Preferably, the tool body has flattened top and bottom surfaces, which may be substantially parallel to one another. The tool body also includes curved front and back surfaces. The tool body has a relatively wide first end, and a second end which is narrower than the first end. The tool body tapers gradually and continuously from the first end to the second end, and becomes progressively narrower as it moves away from the first end. The tool body also gradually curves, as it moves from the first end to the second end, so that it is substantially C-shaped, as noted. The tool body has markings on at least one surface selected from the top, bottom, front and back surfaces, to indicate the thickness thereof at selected, regularly spaced apart intervals.