US 6,083,381 A · Fuel filter with sediment drain valve and level indicator

Abstract

A filter arrangement for filtering fluid comprises a housing and a valve arrangement. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and a draining aperture. The valve arrangement is constructed and arranged to move between a closed position and an open position without the use of threads. The closed position prevents evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture, and the open position permits evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture. One valve arrangement may include a pair of ports and a pair of air vents. The valve is actuated by aligning the ports and air vents on a sliding sealing surface. An indicator arrangement including a float and a clear window is provided to give the user a visual indication of the level of water within the filter. Methods for using the constructions herein are provided.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A filter arrangement for filtering a fluid mixture having at least first and second fluids;

the filter arrangement comprising:
(a) a housing having an inlet for taking in the fluid mixture, and an outlet for exhausting a filtered fluid mixture;
(b) a filter construction within said housing;
said filter construction being constructed and arranged to separate the fluid mixture into the first and second fluids;
and
(c) an indicator arrangement in the housing constructed and arranged to indicate whether a level of the first fluid in the housing has reached a predetermined level;
(i) said indicator arrangement providing a visual signal when the level of the first fluid has reached the predetermined level;
(ii) said indicator arrangement including a float and a window;
(A) said float having a density sufficient to float in the first fluid and sink in the second fluid;
(B) said float and said window being constructed and arranged to permit said float to be movably mounted within said window;
said float being visible through said window when said first fluid level is below said predetermined level;
and said float not being visible through said window when said first fluid level has reach said predetermined level.

9 more elements

A filter arrangement for filtering a fluid mixture having at least first and second fluids;

the filter arrangement comprising:
(a) a housing;
said housing including an inlet, an outlet, and a drainage aperture;
(i) said drainage aperture being at a first end of said housing;
(b) a filter construction within said housing;
said filter construction being constructed and arranged to separate the fluid mixture into the first and second fluids;
(c) an indicator arrangement in the housing constructed and arranged to indicate whether a level of the first fluid in the housing has reached a predetermined level;
(i) said indicator arrangement providing a visual signal when the level of the first fluid has reached the predetermined level;
(ii) said indicator arrangement includes a float and a window;
said float having a density sufficient to float in the first fluid and sink in the second fluid;
(d) a cage within said housing;
said cage being constructed and arranged to mount said float between said filter construction and said first end;
(e) a valve arrangement at said first end of the housing;
said valve arrangement being constructed and arranged to permit drainage of the first fluid through said drainage aperture;
(i) said valve arrangement includes a collar member and a stem member;
said collar member for holding said stem member;
and
(ii) said stem member defining said window.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fuel filter with sediment drain valve and level indicator

Life of this patent

Fuel filter with sediment drain valve and level indicator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16