Abstract:
A storage and retrieval apparatus for objects with looped openings, the apparatus being flexible and made of metal, the apparatus characterized in having first and second arms, the first and second arms each having an upper end and each having a lower end, the apparatus having a body with first and second ends, the first end of the body connecting with the lower end of the first arm, the second end of the body connecting with the lower end of the second arm, the body having a shape, the shape of the body urging the first and second arms toward each other with a first spacing therebetween, the upper end of the first arm defining a first tip, the upper end of the second arm defining a second tip, the first tip and the second tip forming a space wider than the first spacing.
Abstract:
A filter element and assembly for fluid applications which require a purging of air, and particularly for applications where the filter element is horizontally oriented (side loaded), where the filter element is rotationally positioned relative to the housing such that a vent orifice is properly located for venting air from the filter element as the element fills with fluid. The housing includes a cylindrical body with a closed end a threaded open end, and a threaded, cup-shaped cover which is screwed down onto the housing. The filter element and housing include i) cooperating retaining devices which temporarily couple the filter element to the housing cover when the element is initially inserted into the housing and the cover is initially screwed onto the housing; and ii) cooperating orientation devices which rotationally orient the filter element in the housing as the housing cover is further and fully screwed down onto the housing.
Abstract:
A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack and a layer assembly forming the fluid circuitry for the fuel cell stack. The layer assembly comprises a plurality of layers assembled in face-to-face contact and joined together in a fluid-tight manner. At least some of the layers integrate fluid-interacting devices and/or fluid-conveying channels. The layers have aligned openings for forming potential passageways through the layer assembly, and these passageways are partially opened and/or partially blocked to form the fluid circuitry.
Abstract:
A filter assembly includes housing enclosing a replaceable filter element. A support core is provided in the housing, and includes an extension and locking assembly. The element includes a ring of filtration media with a pair of end caps. The first end cap includes a central opening to receive the support core. The extension and locking assembly prevents the cover of the housing from being attached to the housing body without a proper filter element installed. The extension and locking assembly includes a bypass member and a locking member, which are in locking engagement when an element is absent in the housing. The second end cap includes internal protrusions which engage the locking member when the filter element is installed to disengage the bypass member from the support core, and allow the element to be inserted and the cover to be installed.
Abstract:
A filter assembly includes housing enclosing a replaceable filter element. A support core is provided in the housing, and includes an extension and locking assembly. The element includes a ring of filtration media with a pair of end caps. The first end cap includes a central opening to receive the support core. The extension and locking assembly prevents the cover of the housing from being attached to the housing body without a proper filter element installed. The extension and locking assembly includes a bypass member and a locking member, which are in locking engagement when an element is absent in the housing. The second end cap includes internal protrusions which engage the locking member when the filter element is installed to disengage the bypass member from the support core, and allow the element to be inserted and the cover to be installed.
Abstract:
A fuel filter includes a housing and a pipe in the housing. The pipe includes a central flow passage, an opening along the length of the pipe into the passage, and an exterior groove. A latch device with discrete fingers closely surrounds the pipe and is engageable with the groove to prevent the latch device from moving axially along the pipe. The latch device has an annular sleeve, radially-outwardly spaced from the fingers. A valve device surrounds the pipe and has a sleeve normally covering the pipe opening in the pipe. A filter element has an end cap with thin, flat keys. The keys project through the slots in the valve device and engage the sleeve of the latch device to unlock the latch device from the pipe, and also engage and move the valve device to uncover the opening in the pipe, when the filter element is inserted into the housing.
Abstract:
A fuel filter includes a pair of housing portions defining an interior cavity. A pipe in the housing includes a central flow passage and an opening along the length of the pipe. An exterior groove is also provided in the pipe. A latch device with discrete fingers closely surrounds the pipe and is engageable with the groove to prevent the latch device from moving axially along the pipe. The latch device has an annular sleeve, radially-outwardly spaced from the fingers. A moveable valve device also surrounds the pipe and has a sleeve which normally covers the opening in the pipe. An annular base projects radially outward from the sleeve of the valve device and includes radially projecting tabs defining a plurality of slots. A filter element is removeably located in the housing and has an end cap with a valve-actuating portion. The valve-actuating portion includes a cylindrical portion and an annular base projecting radially inward from the cylindrical portion. A plurality of thin, flat keys are spaced around the valve-actuating portion and project radially inward from the cylindrical portion and axially outward from the base. The keys have first portions which project through the slots in the valve device and engage the sleeve of the latch device to unlock the latch device from the pipe, and second portions which engage the base of the valve device and move the valve element to uncover the opening in the pipe, when the element is inserted into the housing.