Fleetguard, Inc.

Robert R Brackett

Paul D Miller

Byron Andrew Pardue

Keith Lilly

Daniel J Wilberscheid

A replaceable filter cartridge includes a filter element and an end plate bonded to an end thereof The end plate includes at least two electrical contacts and a key way that includes a relief section . Upon proper installation of the filter cartridge into the housing of a filter assembly, a key attached to a centerpost of the housing is received in the relief section of the end plate and the electrical contacts thereof make contact with corresponding electrical contacts in the housing causing a data component to be energized. The data component may include a sensor, data chip, or resistor assembled to an exposed surface of the endplate.

Replaceable-cartridge filter with data transmission feature

An abrasive particle detention system includes a fluid circulation system, a probe assembly, a monitoring circuit, and an operator indicator. The probe assembly includes an orifice from which a stream of fluid emerges, and a probe having a face upon which the stream at least partially impinges. The probe face includes an insulative substrate and a conductive film formed on the substrate. Abrasive particles in the fluid stream abrade the conductive film, changing its electrical resistance. A monitoring circuit is utilized to observe these changes, and when they correspondence to a concentration above a pre-selected level, an operation indicator is triggered. The system may include an electronic controller coupled to the monitoring circuit, which can account for variables such as temperature, viscosity, and/or pressure in the fluid circulation system.

System and method for detecting erosion caused by particles in a fluid

An apparatus for conditioning fluid. In one embodiment of the present invention, there is an apparatus which comprises two filters and an electrically actuatable switching valve. Fluid provided to the apparatus may be routed to either filter by the switching valve. A controller positions the valve to provide fluid to a particular filter based on a measurement of pressure downstream of the filter, provided that the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined level. Further, the invention includes proximity switches by which the controller can determine the coupling or uncoupling of a filter from the body. Various fuel heaters are provided for heating the fuel.

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Cookeville, TN, United States of America

Robert R Brackett