Patent ID: 6327902
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: B01D,F02M,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
A low cost air filter restriction indicator gauge attached to an air intake system of an engine to monitor the performance of an air filter, comprising:a housing attached to the air intake system having an inlet that communicates a pressure signal between the housing and the air intake system;a diaphragm assembly attached to the housing to create an enclosed chamber within the housing which is in communication with the inlet, the diaphragm assembly movable in response to a vacuum signal within the enclosed chamber; anda base cap attached to the housing and situated on an opposite side of the diaphragm assembly from the enclosed chamber, the base cap including a reset button integral with said base cap, the reset button having a locking extension integral with said base cap, said base cap bendable at a hinge portion from a rest position in which no bending or flexing is present, to a flexed position in which a recoil force is developed in said hinge portion due to a lateral displacement of said locking extension, said locking extension constructed and arranged to lock the diaphragm assembly in a locked position when the vacuum signal reaches a predetermined level;wherein said base cap and said diaphragm are constructed and arranged such that said hinge portion remains in said rest position in an absence of a vacuum signal and when said diaphragm is in said locked position.