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 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 valve comprises a valve body having a fluid inlet and fluid outlet, a valve seat located in the valve body between the fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve member movable towards and away from the valve seat for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and a PTC heater in thermal contact with the valve seat for heating the valve seat. The heater is integrated in the valve in a manner where the valve seat is used as an electrical conductor to facilitate operation and assembly of the valve, and a unique valve construction is provided for enabling self-draining to avoid accumulation of water or other liquid in the valve that might negatively impact performance of the valve.
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 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 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 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 removably located in a housing having a central valve structure. The element 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. The valve actuating portion includes a plurality of thin, flat keys spaced around the annular base and projecting radially inward from the cylindrical portion and axially outward from the base. The keys engage the valve structure in the housing when the element is installed, and open up a flow passage through the housing.