Fuel filter

Claim 2

A fuel filter assembly comprising: base means comprising a base forming a lip and having a fuel inlet passage, fuel outlet passage, central first conduit means for interiorly defining a first axial passage communicable with said inlet passage and second conduit means surrounding said first conduit means for defining a second axial passage communicating with said outlet passage; filter cartridge means mountable to said base means for removing particulate matter and water from fuel, said cartridge means comprising: housing means comprising a container and a first endcap connected to said container along a circumferential seam forming a retaining shoulder; first filter means enclosed in said housing means defining a first chamber communicating with said first axial passage and a second chamber surrounding said first chamber; second filter means comprising a second filter element extending exteriorly of said housing means and defining with said base means a third chamber and a fourth chamber, said third chamber communicating with said second chamber, said fourth chamber communicating with said second conduit passage; and retainer means comprising a collar threadably engageable with said base means and axially engageable against said seam shoulder for retaining said cartridge means to said base means.

Claim 3

The fuel filter assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second axial passages are coaxial.

Claim 4

The fuel filter assembly of claim 1 wherein said first endcap defines a first opening dimensioned to receive said first conduit means and further comprising first sealing means for fluidly sealing said first endcap with said first conduit means.

Claim 5

The fuel filter assembly of claim 3 further comprising a second endcap axially spaced from said first endcap, said second filter element being disposed between said first and second endcaps.

Claim 6

The fuel filter assembly of claim 4 wherein said second endcap defines a second opening dimensioned to receive said second conduit means and further comprising second sealing means for fluidly sealing said second endcap to said second conduit means.

Claim 7

The fuel filter assembly of claim 1 wherein said first endcap defines a plurality of angularly spaced apertures to provide fluid communication between said second and third chambers.

Claim 8

The fuel filter assembly of claim 1 further comprising third sealing means sealable between said lip and said first endcap for fluidly sealing said cartridge means to said base means.

Claim 9

The fuel filter assembly of claim 7 wherein said third sealing means is located in close proximity to said seam and is compressively loaded by threadably tightening said retainer means against said seam.

Claim 10

The fuel filter assembly of claim 7 wherein said lip is inclined at an oblique angle to the central axis through said first conduit means.

Claim 11

The fuel filter assembly of claim 1 wherein said second filter element is generally impervious to the passage of water therethrough.

Claim 12

The fuel filter assembly of claim 7 further comprising sump means for collecting separated water.

Claim 13

The fuel filter assembly of claim 11 wherein said sump means comprises a pair of sump sections, said inlet and outlet passages being disposed between said sump sections.

Claim 14

The fuel filter assembly of claim 7 wherein said container has an outer end opposite said seam and said container further forms a sump axially disposed between said first filter element and said outer end.

Claim 15

A fuel filter cartridge comprising: housing means for forming a housing having a first end and an axially spaced second end; first filter means disposed in said housing comprising a first filter element defining a central inner region on one side of said element and an outer region on the opposing side of said element; first endcap means connecting said second end to form a circumferential retaining shoulder and enclosing said first filter element, said first endcap means defining a first central opening, first sealing means received in said first opening for fluidly sealing a conduit received through said first opening; second filter means disposed axially from said primary filter means comprising a second filter element and defining a central inner region; second endcap means enclosing an axial end of said second filter means, said second endcap means defining a second central opening coaxial with said first opening, and second sealing means received in said second opening for fluidly sealing a second conduit received through said second opening.

Claim 16

A fuel filter cartridge comprising: housing means for forming a housing having a first end and an axially spaced second end; first filter means disposed in said housing comprising a first filter element defining a central inner region on one side of said element and an outer region on the opposing side of said element; first endcap means connecting said second end to form a circumferential retaining shoulder and enclosing said first filter element, said first endcap means defining a first central opening, first sealing means received in said first opening for fluidly sealing a conduit received through said first opening; second filter means disposed axially from said primary filter means comprising a second filter element and defining a central inner region; second endcap means enclosing an axial end of said second filter means, said second endcap means defining a second central opening coaxial with said first opening, and second sealing means received in said second opening for fluidly sealing a second conduit received through said second opening.

Claim 17

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 14 wherein said first endcap means comprises a plate which is bent in compound fashion to form a first shoulder which engages peripheral edge portions of the first element and a second shoulder which engages peripheral edge portions of the second element.

Claim 18

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 14 wherein said first endcap means defines a plurality of angularly spaced apertures radially disposed between said retaining shoulder and said first shoulder.

Claim 19

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 14 wherein said container means further forms a sump axially disposed between said first end and said first filter element.

Claim 20

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 17 wherein said housing is manufactured from a material which permits visual inspection of water collected in said sump.

Claim 21

A fuel filter assembly comprising: base means comprising a base having a fuel inlet passage, a fuel outlet passage, central first conduit means for interiorly defining a first axial passage communicable with said inlet passage and second conduit means surrounding said first conduit means for defining a second axial passage communicating with said outlet passage, said base means comprising a lip; filter cartridge means mountable on said base means for filtering fuel, said cartridge means comprising: housing means comprising a container and a first endcap connecting said container along a seam configured to form a retaining shoulder, said first endcap defining first opening means for receiving said first conduit means in fluid tight relationship; first filter means enclosed in said housing means comprising a first filter element defining a first chamber communicating with said first axial passage and a second chamber surrounding said first chamber; second filter means comprising a second endcap defining second opening means for receiving said second conduit means in fluid tight relationship and comprising a second filter element generally impervious to the passage of water extending exteriorly of said housing means between said first and second endcaps and defining with said base means a third chamber and a fourth chamber surrounded by said third chamber, said third chamber communicating with said second chamber and said fourth chamber; sealing means for fluidly sealing said cartridge means to said base means comprising a sealing ring compressively sealable between said lip and said first endcap; and retainer means comprising a collar threadably engageable with said base means and axially engageable against said seam shoulder for retaining said cartridge to said base means.

Claim 22

A fuel filter assembly comprising: base means comprising a base having a fuel inlet passage, a fuel outlet passage, central first conduit means for interiorly defining a first axial passage communicable with said inlet passage and second conduit means surrounding said first conduit means for defining a second axial passage communicating with said outlet passage, said base means comprising a lip; filter cartridge means mountable on said base means for filtering fuel, said cartridge means comprising: housing means comprising a container and a first endcap connecting said container along a seam configured to form a retaining shoulder, said first endcap defining first opening means for receiving said first conduit means in fluid tight relationship; first filter means enclosed in said housing means comprising a first filter element defining a first chamber communicating with said first axial passage and a second chamber surrounding said first chamber; second filter means comprising a second endcap defining second opening means for receiving said second conduit means in fluid tight relationship and comprising a second filter element generally impervious to the passage of water extending exteriorly of said housing means between said first and second endcaps and defining with said base means a third chamber and a fourth chamber surrounded by said third chamber, said third chamber communicating with said second chamber and said fourth chamber; sealing means for fluidly sealing said cartridge means to said base means comprising a sealing ring compressively sealable between said lip and said first endcap; and retainer means comprising a collar threadably engageable with said base means and axially engageable against said seam shoulder for retaining said cartridge to said base means.

Claim 23

The fuel filter assembly of claim 19 wherein said sealing means comprises an O-ring which is compressively loaded by threadably tightening said collar against said base means.

Claim 24

The fuel filter assembly of claim 19 wherein said first and second opening means further comprise grommets which diametrically seal against said first and second conduit means.

Claim 25

A fuel filter cartridge comprising: housing means for forming a housing having a first end and an axially spaced second end; first filter means disposed in said housing comprising a first filter element defining a central inner region on one side of said element and an outer region on the opposing side of said element; retaining shoulder means extending generally radially from said housing means; first sealing means mounted in said housing and defining an axial opening for diametrally fluidly sealing a conduit received through said first opening; and second sealing means mounted in fixed relationship to said housing means and defining a second axial opening axially spaced from said first sealing means for diametrally fluidly sealing a second conduit received through said second opening.

Claim 26

A fuel filter cartridge comprising: housing means for forming a housing having a first end and an axially spaced second end; first filter means disposed in said housing comprising a first filter element defining a central inner region on one side of said element and an outer region on the opposing side of said element; retaining shoulder means extending generally radially from said housing means; first sealing means mounted in said housing and defining an axial opening for diametrally fluidly sealing a conduit received through said first opening; and second sealing means mounted in fixed relationship to said housing means and defining a second axial opening axially spaced from said first sealing means for diametrally fluidly sealing a second conduit received through said second opening.

Claim 27

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 22 wherein said retaining shoulder means extends circumferentially around the housing.

Claim 28

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 22 further comprising a first endcap connecting said housing, said first sealing means being mounted to said first endcap.

Claim 29

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 22 wherein the axial opening of said second sealing means is greater than the axial opening of the first sealing means.

Claim 30

A fuel filter cartridge comprising: housing means for forming a housing having a first end and an axially spaced second end; first filter means disposed in said housing comprising a first filter element defining a central inner region and an outer region; retaining shoulder means extending outwardly from said housing means for providing a retaining structure; ring means for defining an annular groove proximate said second end for receiving an O-ring; first diametral seal means mounted interiorly of said housing means for diametrally fluidly sealing a first conduit axially received in said housing means; and second diametral seal means mounted in fixed relationship to said housing means and generally coaxial with said first seal means for diametrally fluidly sealing a second conduit.

Claim 31

A fuel filter cartridge comprising: housing means for forming a housing having a first end and an axially spaced second end; first filter means disposed in said housing comprising a first filter element defining a central inner region and an outer region; retaining shoulder means extending outwardly from said housing means for providing a retaining structure; ring means for defining an annular groove proximate said second end for receiving an O-ring; first diametral seal means mounted interiorly of said housing means for diametrally fluidly sealing a first conduit axially received in said housing means; and second diametral seal means mounted in fixed relationship to said housing means and generally coaxial with said first seal means for diametrally fluidly sealing a second conduit.

Claim 32

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 26 wherein said first and second seal means are grommets.

Claim 33

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 26 wherein said ring means is adjacent said retaining shoulder means.

Claim 34

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 26 further comprising an endcap which is bent to form said ring means and said retaining shoulder means.

Claim 35

A fuel filter assembly comprising: base means comprising a base having a fuel inlet passage, a fuel outlet passage, central first conduit means for interiorly defining a first axial passage communicatable with said inlet passage and second conduit means surrounding said first conduct means for defining a second axial passage communicating with said outlet passage, said base means comprising sump means for collecting water; filter cartridge means mountable on said base means for removing particulate matter from fuel, said cartridge means comprising: housing means; primary filter means enclosed in said housing means comprising a folded primary filter element defining a first chamber communicating with said first axial passage and a second chamber surrounding said first chamber; secondary filter means comprising a secondary filter element extending exteriorly of said housing means and defining with said base means a third chamber and a fourth chamber surrounded by said third chamber, said third chamber communicating with and axially disposed between said second chamber and said sump means, said fourth chamber communicating with said second conduit passage.

Claim 36

A fuel filter assembly comprising: base means comprising a base having a fuel inlet passage, a fuel outlet passage, central first conduit means for interiorly defining a first axial passage communicatable with said inlet passage and second conduit means surrounding said first conduct means for defining a second axial passage communicating with said outlet passage, said base means comprising sump means for collecting water; filter cartridge means mountable on said base means for removing particulate matter from fuel, said cartridge means comprising: housing means; primary filter means enclosed in said housing means comprising a folded primary filter element defining a first chamber communicating with said first axial passage and a second chamber surrounding said first chamber; secondary filter means comprising a secondary filter element extending exteriorly of said housing means and defining with said base means a third chamber and a fourth chamber surrounded by said third chamber, said third chamber communicating with and axially disposed between said second chamber and said sump means, said fourth chamber communicating with said second conduit passage.

Claim 37

The fuel filter assembly of claim 30 wherein said first and second axial passages are coaxial.

Claim 38

The fuel filter assembly of claim 30 wherein said housing means comprises a first endcap defining a first opening dimensioned to receive said first conduit means and further comprising first sealing means for fluidly sealing said endcap with said first conduit means.

Claim 39

The fuel filter assembly of claim 32 further comprising a second endcap axially spaced from said first endcap, said secondary filter element being disposed between said first and second endcaps.

Claim 40

The fuel filter assembly of claim 33 wherein said second endcap defines a second opening dimensioned to receive said second conduit means and further comprising second sealing means for fluidly sealing said second endcap to said second conduit means.

Claim 41

The fuel filter assembly of claim 30 further comprising heat means comprising a heat rod extending axially in said first conduit means for heating fuel.

Claim 42

The fuel filter assembly of claim 32 wherein said first endcap defines a plurality of angularly spaced apertures to provide fluid communication between said second and third chambers.

Claim 43

The fuel filter assembly of claim 30 wherein said secondary filter element is generally impervious to the passage of water therethrough.

Claim 44

The fuel filter assembly of claim 30 wherein said inlet passage defines an inlet port and said outlet passage defines an outlet port, said ports being diametrically opposed.

Claim 45

The fuel filter assembly of claim 38 wherein said sump means comprises a pair of sump sections, said inlet and outlet passages being disposed between said sump sections.

Claim 46

The fuel filter assembly of claim 30 further comprising water level sensor means disposed in said sump means.

Claim 47

The fuel filter assembly of claim 30 further comprising drain means for draining said sump means.

Claim 48

A fuel filter cartridge comprising: container means for forming a housing having an at least partially closed first end and axially spaced second end; primary filter means disposed in said housing comprising a first filter element having water coalescing properties defining a central inner region on one side of said element and an outer region on the opposing side of said element; first endcap means connecting said second end to and enclosing said first filter element within said housing, said first endcap means defining a first central opening, first sealing means receiving in said first opening for fluidly sealing a conduit received through said first opening; secondary filter means disposed axially from said primary filter means and exteriorly of said housing comprising a second filter element which is generally impervious to the passage of water therethrough and defining a central inner region; second endcap means enclosing an axial end of said second filter element, said endcap means defining a second central opening coaxial with said first opening, second seal means received in said second opening for fluidly sealing a second conduit received through said second opening.

Claim 49

A fuel filter cartridge comprising: container means for forming a housing having an at least partially closed first end and axially spaced second end; primary filter means disposed in said housing comprising a first filter element having water coalescing properties defining a central inner region on one side of said element and an outer region on the opposing side of said element; first endcap means connecting said second end to and enclosing said first filter element within said housing, said first endcap means defining a first central opening, first sealing means receiving in said first opening for fluidly sealing a conduit received through said first opening; secondary filter means disposed axially from said primary filter means and exteriorly of said housing comprising a second filter element which is generally impervious to the passage of water therethrough and defining a central inner region; second endcap means enclosing an axial end of said second filter element, said endcap means defining a second central opening coaxial with said first opening, second seal means received in said second opening for fluidly sealing a second conduit received through said second opening.

Claim 50

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 42 wherein said first filter element has coalescing means for coalescing water passing therethrough.

Claim 51

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 42 wherein said first endcap means defines a plurality of angularly spaced apertures.

Claim 52

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 42 wherein said first and second filter elements have a continuous folded configuration.

Claim 53

The fuel filter cartridge of claim 42 wherein said first endcap means comprises a plate which is bent to form a first shoulder which engages peripheral edge portions of the first element and a second shoulder which engages peripheral edge portions of the second element.

Claim 54

A fuel filter assembly comprising: base means comprising a base having a fuel inlet passage, a fuel outlet passage, central first conduit means for interiorly defining a first axial passage communicatable with said inlet passage and second conduit means surrounding said first conduit means for defining a second axial passage communicating with said outlet passage, said base means comprising sump means for collecting water; filter cartridge means mountable on said base means for removing particulate matter and water from fuel, said cartridge means comprising: housing means comprising a first endcap defining first opening means for receiving said first conduit means in fluid tight relationship; primary filter means enclosed in said housing means comprising a folded primary filter element defining a first chamber communicating with said first axial passage and a second chamber surrounding said first chamber; secondary filter means comprising a second endcap defining second opening means for receiving said second conduit means in fluid tight relationship and comprising a secondary filter element which is generally impervious to the passage of water extending exteriorly of said housing means between said first and second endcaps and defining with said base means a third chamber and a fourth chamber surrounded by said third chamber, said third chamber communicating with said second chamber and said sump means, said fourth chamber communicating with said second axial passage.

Claim 55

A fuel filter assembly comprising: base means comprising a base having a fuel inlet passage, a fuel outlet passage, central first conduit means for interiorly defining a first axial passage communicatable with said inlet passage and second conduit means surrounding said first conduit means for defining a second axial passage communicating with said outlet passage, said base means comprising sump means for collecting water; filter cartridge means mountable on said base means for removing particulate matter and water from fuel, said cartridge means comprising: housing means comprising a first endcap defining first opening means for receiving said first conduit means in fluid tight relationship; primary filter means enclosed in said housing means comprising a folded primary filter element defining a first chamber communicating with said first axial passage and a second chamber surrounding said first chamber; secondary filter means comprising a second endcap defining second opening means for receiving said second conduit means in fluid tight relationship and comprising a secondary filter element which is generally impervious to the passage of water extending exteriorly of said housing means between said first and second endcaps and defining with said base means a third chamber and a fourth chamber surrounded by said third chamber, said third chamber communicating with said second chamber and said sump means, said fourth chamber communicating with said second axial passage.

Claim 56

The fuel filter assembly of claim 47 further comprising heating means mounted to said base means for heating fuel, said heating means comprising a heat rod extending axially in said first conduit means.

Claim 57

The fuel filter assembly of claim 47 wherein said sump means comprises two sump sections and said inlet passage, outlet passage, first conduit means and second conduit means are generally disposed between said sump sections.