Stanadyne Corporation

Stanadyne Automotive Corp.

Michael J Williams

Leon P Janik

Stephen J Vardion

Larry R Cote

David Ferreira

Richard E Atwood

Thomas M Tornatore

A display provides an indication of the remaining useful life of a filter element by providing a visible level of fluid in the display corresponding to the remaining useful life. The fluid level is adjusted by a valve responsive to a pressure differential across the filter element. An increasing pressure differential produces an increased fluid level in the display. The display may be provided with markings indicating that a particular fluid level in the display corresponds to the need to change a filter cartridge containing the filter element.

Liquid visual display

A fluid system pressure indicator is adapted for use in fluid systems having a filter element. The fluid system force indicator includes a housing partitioned to be exposed to the fluid system to provide transmission of a mechanical force between these partitioned environments to indicate the fluid pressure. This exterior shape change is such that it can be identified through tactile means not requiring visual identification.

Filter change indicator

A filter assembly employs radially inwardly and outwardly displaced portions of a peripheral roll seam on the cartridge as components of a cartridge compatibility matrix. A base defines an axial entrance to a fixed retainer that is complementary to the compatibility matrix of the cartridge roll seam. Axial slots accommodate the outwardly displaced portions of the roll seam while inward protrusions correspond to the location and inward displacement of the inwardly displaced segments of the roll seam. Incompatible filter cartridges are prevented from axial reception into the base. The number, configuration and location of inwardly and outwardly displaced portions of the roll seam may be varied to provide a variety of unique compatibility matrices.

Base receptacle with fixed retainer for filter cartridge incorporating a peripheral compatibility matrix

A filter cartridge for use with a base to create a filter assembly. The filter cartridge includes a seal to establish a fluid flow within the filter assembly and a resilient bias member to bias the filter cartridge away from the base. The resilient bias member in cooperation with a fastening mechanism secures the filter cartridge to the base.

Filter cartridge with grommet spring

A key track system for a filter base module comprises a ring-shaped fixture including a series of perforations, each perforation at least partially defining a parting line along which a tab may be selectively removed. The key track fixture is incorporated into the filter base module to define the periphery of an entryway to a cartridge-receiving receptacle in the header portion of a base module. In some embodiments, the key track fixture is a molded ring-like component with pre-key selected angularly spaced key slots. Base modules including the key track system may be efficiently configured to accept the key pattern of a filter cartridge compatible with the filter system in which the base module will be used.

Key track system

Filter cartridge

A molded base module for a filter assembly includes a header portion that defines a receiving cavity for a replaceable cartridge and may include integral inlet and outlet structures for communicating with the received filtered cartridge. The header portion includes an integrally formed retainer having a retaining channel for receiving tabs projecting from the cartridge, thereby retaining the cartridge to the module. The retaining channel is defined by a retaining lip and axially spaced shoulder connected by a side wall. In an illustrated embodiment, the retaining lip includes a plurality of angularly spaced axial slots and the side wall includes ramp-like projections which mate with correspondingly shaped tabs projecting from the cartridge.

Filter system base module with self-locking cartridge retainer

A fuel filter cartridge has a plurality of retention tabs which radially integrally project along the roll seam structure which joins a top section of the housing to the cylindrical lower section. A base contains complementary slots which allow for the cartridge to be axially inserted and rotated to secure the replaceable cartridge in position. Various numbers and configurations of the retention tabs may be provided.

Filter cartridge retention system

A fuel filter assembly employs a hand primer and a disposable filter cartridge mounted to a header. The filter cartridge has a filter element which defines an interior chamber for receiving the filtered fuel. The hand primer includes a diaphragm which cooperates with the header to define a reservoir and a valve plate having a plurality of orifices and an axial opening for providing fluid communication between an exit passage of the header and the reservoir and between the chamber and the reservoir, respectively. A first check valve is mounted in the opening and a second check valve is mounted in an axial bore in the first check valve. The first and second check valves are moveable between an open position for allowing flow through the orifices of the valve plate and orifices in the first check valve, respectively, and a closed position for preventing such flow. The filter assembly is primed by pushing the diaphragm downwards, creating a high pressure which moves the first check valve to the open position and the second check valve to the closed position, causing trapped air to be expelled through the orifices and the exit passage. Removing the downwards force allows a spring to return to bias the diaphragm upwards, creating a low pressure which moves the first check valve to the closed position and the second check valve to the open position, and drawing fuel from the interior chamber.

Fuel filter with hand primer

An improved fuel filter cartridge comprises a housing which defines an opening, a filter element enclosed within the housing, and a flow-reversing insert disposed within the housing between the opening and the filter element. The improved filter cartridge is preferably used with a conventional header of the type having a fuel entry port, a fuel exit port, a central first conduit for interiorly defining a first axial fuel passage which is in fluid communication with the entry port of the header. Headers used with the improved filter cartridge also include a second conduit surrounding and cooperating with the first conduit to define a second axial fuel passage therebetween, the second fuel passage being in fluid communication with the exit port of the header, and a base for mounting the filter cartridge thereto. When the filter cartridge is mounted to the base of the header, the insert, filter element and housing cooperate to define a first chamber in communication with the first conduit of the header and to define a second chamber in communication with the second conduit of the header. Fuel delivered to the exit port of the header progressively flows through the second conduit, is guided radially outwardly by the insert, flows through the filter element, flows through the first conduit and, finally, flows into the entry port of the header. Methods of using the improved filter cartridge are also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Glastonbury, CT, United States of America

Michael J Williams