Abstract: An in-tank fuel filter includes a body comprising layers of spun bonded and melt blown filtration media and a fitting for mounting the filter to an in-tank fuel pump inlet. An outer layer of the body is preferably spun bonded material which exhibits good abrasion resistance. One or more inner layers of melt blown filtration media define smaller pore sizes and thus exhibit smaller particle filtration capability. The mounting fitting is made of a fuel compatible material and may either be a multiple part device or be in-situ molded on the filter body. A separator may be disposed in the interior of the filter to prevent its collapse and improve fuel withdrawal through the mounting fitting.

Abstract: In a fuel system for an internal combustion engine powering a motor vehicle, a fuel reservoir canister mounted in a main fuel tank. An annular fuel filter element is enclosed in an axially elongate housing with radially spaced apart inner and outer cylindrical side walls. The housing is received in the canister with its outer side wall bearing on and radially supported by a complementary side wall of the canister. Preferably, a fuel pump and pressure regulator are disposed in the canister preferably so they overlap with and are encircled by the filter housing. The high pressure outlet of the fuel pump is connected to the filter to supply filtered fuel to the engine at a pressure regulated and controlled by the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A fuel filter and method of making same provides an in-tank filter having a novel fitting and seal construction. The filter includes a fabric body and a spacing structure disposed within the body to prevent collapse of the filter and accompanying reduction of or interference with fuel flow. The fitting comprises a first segment disposed outside the filter and incorporating a fuel line receiving aperture and a second, mating segment disposed within the filter. The filter segments are ultrasonically bonded to the fabric such that melting material from the segments flows into the interstices of the fabric and mechanically bonds and retains it within the segments of the fitting.

Abstract: A fuel filter and method of making same provides an in-tank filter having a novel fitting and seal construction. The filter includes a fabric body and a spacing structure disposed within the body to prevent collapse of the filter and accompanying reduction of or interference with fuel flow. The fitting comprises a first segment disposed outside the filter and incorporating a fuel line receiving aperture and a second, mating segment disposed within the filter. The filter segments are ultrasonically bonded to the fabric such that melting material from the segments flows into the interstices of the fabric and mechanically bonds and retains it within the segments of the fitting.

Abstract: A plastic pulsation bag for automobile gasoline filters and a method of making the same is disclosed. The bag comprises two opposing flexible membranes peripherally sealed together along their opposing sides. At least one of the opposing sides is recessed so that a pocket is formed by the sealed membranes for enclosing a gas which is preferably heavier than air. In a preferred method, a first step in forming the bag is to slopingly insert the membranes into an open-top chamber containing a body of gas, such that the recessed opposing sides pass obliquely through the upper surface of the gas and face away from the chamber. The membranes are then agitated within the chamber to release trapped air adjacent thereto, oriented in an opposing relationship, mounted upon opposing sealing dies, and then sealed together about their peripheries. Pulsation bags made in accordance with this invention are useful in preventing "water hammer" in certain large vehicle fuel systems.

Abstract: The invention is a compact in-line fluid filter. Two nested filter baskets have circumferential walls of fine mesh filtering media which is capture molded into a supporting structure. A magnet, transversely mounted to the fluid flow, attracts and retains ferromagnetic particles traveling in the fluid. This configuration provides a fluid filter with a larger filter area in a small package which is not position sensitive. Fluid entering the filter is divided into two parallel paths which have a low pressure drop. By distributing the flow and therefore trapped particles over the large filter area, a long service life is also attained.