Abstract: A filter cartridge endplate (12) is described herein that has a integrated flow structure. For example, the integrated flow structure has concentric flow portions disposed at a center of the endplate (12), where a separator (10) is built into the endplate (12) the separates fluid flow. The endplate (12) includes a plate with a major surface, a separator (10) that protrudes axially away from the major surface. The separator (10) includes a first flow portion (14) and a second flow portion (16), where the first flow portion (14) is disposed radially inward relative to the second flow portion (16). The first flow portion (14) includes a channel (22) and the second flow portion includes a channel (24). The respective channels (22,24) ae configured to allow axial fluid flow relative to the plate, and configured to allow fluid flow that is localized toward the center of the plate (12).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a beverage carrier yoke are described. The yoke comprises a number (e.g., four or six) collars interconnected by a web, and each collar exhibits dimensions—including a nominal diameter and a substantially uniform thickness—selected to improve strength and increase comfort. The yoke is produced using a slurry comprising a moisture barrier and a fiber base.

Abstract: A filter cartridge endplate (12) is described herein that has an integrated flow structure. For example, the integrated flow structure has concentric flow portions disposed at a center of the endplate (12), where a separator (10) is built into the endplate (12) that separates fluid flow. The endplate (12) includes a plate with a major surface, it separator (10) that protrudes axially away from the major surface. The separator (10) includes a first flow portion (14) and a second flow portion (16), where the first flow portion (14) is disposed radially inward relative to the second flow portion (16). The first flow portion (14) includes a channel (22) and the second flow portion includes a channel (24). The respective channels (22,24) are configured to allow axial fluid flow relative to the plate, and configured to allow fluid flow that is localized toward the center of the plate (12).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a meat tray using a slurry. The slurry comprises: a moisture barrier comprising AKD in the range of about 4% by weight; a fiber base comprising bagasse; and an oil barrier comprising a water-based emulsion in the range of about 1.5% by weight.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a beverage carrier yoke using a slurry. The slurry comprises: a moisture barrier comprising AKD in the range of about 4% by weight; and a fiber base comprising OCC and NP.

Abstract: A heated filter shell assembly for a fuel filtration system includes a filter shell defining a cavity sized to accommodate at least a portion of a fluid filtration cartridge and a cartridge receiving aperture at a first end. A heating element is disposed within the cavity and is operatively coupled to the filter shell adjacent to a second end of the filter shell. A feed wire is operatively coupled to the heating element at a feed wire first end and is configured for electrical energy receiving communication with an energy source at a feed wire second end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming and subsequently applying topical coatings fiber-based food containers. The slurry includes one or more of an embedded moisture barrier, vapor barrier, and oil barrier, and the topical coating comprises one or more of a vapor barrier, a moisture barrier, an oil barrier, and an oxygen barrier, for example polyvinyl alcohol, sugar alcohol, citric acid, and cellulose nanofibrils.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing a microwavable food container include: forming a wire mesh over a mold comprising a mirror image of the microwavable food container; immersing the wire mesh in a fiber-based slurry bath; drawing a vacuum across the wire mesh to cause fiber particles to accumulate at the wire mesh surface; and removing the wire mesh including the accumulated fiber particles from the slurry bath; wherein the slurry comprises one or more of a moisture barrier, an oil barrier, and a vapor barrier.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming and subsequently applying topical coatings fiber-based food containers. The slurry includes one or more of an embedded moisture barrier, vapor barrier, and oil barrier, and the topical coating comprises one or more of a vapor barrier, a moisture barrier, an oil barrier, and an oxygen barrier. For food containers having deep sidewalls, a spray coating system includes a first nozzle for applying a full cone spray pattern to the bottom surface of the container, and a second nozzle for applying a hollow cone spray pattern to the inside surfaces of the side walls.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming and subsequently applying topical coatings fiber-based food containers. The slurry includes an embedded moisture barrier and/or vapor barrier, and the topical coating comprises an oil barrier comprising acrylate, rice bran wax, pectin, and pea protein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a beverage carrier yoke using a slurry. The slurry comprises: a moisture barrier comprising AKD in the range of about 4% by weight; and a fiber base comprising OCC and NP.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing a microwavable food container include: forming a wire mesh over a mold comprising a mirror image of the microwavable food container; immersing the wire mesh in a fiber-based slurry bath; drawing a vacuum across the wire mesh to cause fiber particles to accumulate at the wire mesh surface; and removing the wire mesh including the accumulated fiber particles from the slurry bath; wherein the slurry comprises a moisture barrier, an oil barrier, and a vapor barrier.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a meat tray using a slurry. The slurry comprises: a moisture barrier comprising AKD in the range of about 4% by weight; a fiber base comprising bagasse; and an oil barrier comprising a water-based emulsion in the range of about 1.5% by weight.

Abstract: A heated filter shell assembly for a fuel filtration system includes a filter shell defining a cavity sized to accommodate at least a portion of a fluid filtration cartridge and a cartridge receiving aperture at a first end. A heating element is disposed within the cavity and is operatively coupled to the filter shell adjacent to a second end of the filter shell. A feed wire is operatively coupled to the heating element at a feed wire first end and is configured for electrical energy receiving communication with an energy source at a feed wire second end.

Abstract: Methods and systems for shipping original design manufacturer (ODM) boxes. The system includes: a plurality of corner sets, each comprising at least two fiber cushions; a plurality of end cap sets, each comprising two opposing corrugated sleeves; and a graphical guide comprising and end cap selector and a corner selector. The graphical guide is configured to allow a user to: compare an ODM box to the end cap selector to thereby select one of the plurality of end cap sets; and compare the ODM box to the corner selector to thereby select one of the plurality of end corner sets. Each sleeve comprises a plurality of height score lines, a plurality of width score lines, and a support feature to stabilize the sleeve during folding.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing vacuum forming a produce container using a fiber-based slurry. The slurry includes a moisture barrier comprising alkylketene dimer in the range of about 4% by weight, and a cationic liquid starch component in the range of 1%-7% by weight.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a beverage lid using a fiber-based slurry. The slurry comprises a moisture barrier component in the range of 0.5%-10% by weight, a rigidity component in the range of 1%-4% by weight, and a polycationic component in the range of about 1%-4%.

Abstract: A filter cartridge endplate (12) is described herein that has an integrated flow structure. For example, the integrated flow structure has concentric flow portions disposed at a center of the endplate (12), where a separator (10) is built into the endplate (12) that separates fluid flow. The endplate (12) includes a plate with a major surface, it separator (10) that protrudes axially away from the major surface. The separator (10) includes a first flow portion (14) and a second flow portion (16), where the first flow portion (14) is disposed radially inward relative to the second flow portion (16). The first flow portion (14) includes a channel (22) and the second flow portion includes a channel (24). The respective channels (22,24) are configured to allow axial fluid flow relative to the plate, and configured to allow fluid flow that is localized toward the center of the plate (12).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing a microwavable food container include: forming a wire mesh over a mold comprising a mirror image of the microwavable food container; immersing the wire mesh in a fiber-based slurry bath; drawing a vacuum across the wire mesh to cause fiber particles to accumulate at the wire mesh surface; and removing the wire mesh including the accumulated fiber particles from the slurry bath; wherein the slurry comprises a moisture barrier, an oil barrier, and a vapor barrier.

Abstract: A filter cartridge endplate (12) is described herein that has an integrated flow structure. For example, the integrated flow structure has concentric flow portions disposed at a center of the endplate (12), where a separator (10) is built into the endplate (12) that separates fluid flow. The endplate (12) includes a plate with a major surface, a separator (10) that protrudes axially away from the major surface. The separator (10) includes a first flow portion (14) and a second flow portion (16), where the first flow portion (14) is disposed radially inward relative to the second flow portion (16). The first flow portion (14) includes a channel (22) and the second flow portion includes a channel (24). The respective channels (22,24) are configured to allow axial fluid flow relative to the plate, and configured to allow fluid flow that is localized toward the center of the plate (12).