Fluid filtering device

Abstract

A fluid filtering device is provided which is particularly suitable for connection with the suction line of a hydraulic system. The fluid filtering device comprises an elongated housing open at its upper end and secured to a fluid reservoir so that the lower end of the housing is positioned below the fluid level in the reservoir while fluid outlet means are formed on the lower submerged end of the housing. An annular housing member is coaxially positioned within and secured to the main housing below the fluid level of the reservoir so that the annular housing member is spaced radially inwardly from the main housing thus forming an annular chamber therebetween. The interior of the housing member is open to the filter outlet while fluid passageways through the housing member establish fluid communication between the annular chamber and the fluid outlet. Similarly, apertures through the main housing and near the top of the annular chamber provide fluid communication from the reservoir and into the annular chamber thus ensuring that entrained air is swept away and does not enter the filtered fluid flow. A filter assembly is also provided and comprises a tubular cylindrical filter element having an elongated extension rod coaxially secured at one end to one end of the filter element while an indicator cap is secured to the other end of the extension rod. The entire filter assembly is insertable through the open upper end of the main housing so that, upon insertion, the filter element is positioned within the annular chamber and thus fluidly between the fluid reservoir and the fluid outlet. The indicator cap, in turn, is received through an opening in a housing cover plate and provides an exteriorly visible indication that the filter is in place. A pressure indicator is also mounted to the housing and provides an indication of the degree of clogging of the filter element.