Abstract: A priming pump valve for use in conjunction with a fuel system, such as a diesel engine, that does not result in a lag in the fuel flow during normal system operation. The priming pump valve has a control valve movable between a first position for normal operation and a second position for priming that allows for efficient priming of the fuel system when in the priming mode and unrestricted flow of fuel during normal operation of the engine.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a fuel delivery conduit to the discharge opening of a diesel fuel tank includes a hollow fitting body defining a flow passage in which is located an electric heating rod for heating the fuel as it flow through the passage from the tank to the conduit to prevent waxing of the fuel at low temperatures. A passive heat transfer member, which may be a solid metal rod or an elongated cylindrical heat pipe, is thermally and mechanically coupled at one end to the heating rod and is of sufficient length and is so arranged that its other end extends into the tank through the discharge opening for directing a portion of the heat to the fuel near the discharge opening.

Abstract: An improved fuel heating system particularly adapted for fuel oil combustion machines such as diesel powered motor vehicles and stationary generating plants is disclosed. The appratuses include a fuel processing device which is integral or separate from a fuel tank which warms fuel before it is delivered to the fuel consuming device. The apparatuses further include a mechanism for heating fuel within the fuel tank in order to warm it to a flowable condition so that it can be transmitted to the fuel processor for further heating. Several embodiments are described wherein the fuel processor and main fuel reservoir are within the same vessel and separated only by a fluidtight wall. In another embodiment, a fuel processor unit is physically separated from the fuel tank. Various means are described for communicating heat within the fuel processor to the main fuel reservoir including conduits conducting engine coolant and ror or plate type heat conductors.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for thickening or dewatering treated sludge in one or more thickening tanks includes the addition of nitrate ions to treated sludge as a mechanism for generating microscopic bubbles of nitrogen gas which adhere to, or are trapped by, sludge floc particles, causing a reduction in density of the particles which, in turn, causes the particles to float to the top of the thickening tank. The process separates the sludge into an upper thickened layer and a lower free water, or subnate, layer. Subnate is removed from the tank through a plurality of outlets arranged at different depths within the tank. The subnate outlets are shut off sequentially, from the highest to the lowest, as the level in the tank drops. Thereafer, the thickened sludge is removed from the bottom of the tank and pumped to a sludge disposal location. A portion of the thickened sludge may be recirculated to insure flow uniformity.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system particularly useful for supplying petroleum distillate fuels to a fuel combustion device is described. When such device is operated in cold ambient conditions, fuel clogging can occur in the fuel supply lines. In the past, attempts to overcome such problems have been directed toward applying heat to the portions of the conduits subject to restrictions or by introducing solvents into the fuel. These steps are, however, unsatisfactory. In accordance with this invention, the fuel supply conduits are drained of fuel upon shut-down of the associated engine or other fuel fired device. Upon an engine start-up command, a small quantity of fuel is warmed, preferably using an electric immersion type heater. Once a sufficient fuel temperature is reached, the fuel conduits are reprimed with fuel. Since the fuel does not cold soak in these conduits, fuel clogging problems are eliminated. Various methods for venting the fuel supply conduit enabling such purging and priming is described.

Abstract: A fuel processor device is described which is particularly adapted for replacing existing fuel filters of diesel powered machines and fuel consuming devices. The fuel processor designs described have inlet and outlet passages within their upper surface and include a lower plate assembly which provides a mounting location for various elements such as water sensors, drain valves, temperature sensors and heaters which are provided in accordance with the user's needs. The lower plate assembly may be mounted directly to a housing by a through bolt or matching threads or may be made integral with the fuel processor housing. The fuel processor device may include an integral throwaway filter element or the element may be integrated with the fuel processor housing. Various control means may be employed in connection with the fuel processor disclosed wherein the automatic drain water or other accumulated impurities from the lower portion of the fuel processor housing.

Abstract: A fluid flow baffle for fuel processors is described particularly adapted for fuel processors of the type having closely adjacent inlet and outlet flow ports. The fluid flow baffle separates incoming fuel from treated fuel to prevent contamination of the fuel processor's filter device by heavy contaminants and water entrained within the incoming fuel. The baffle further improves the thermal efficiency of the fuel processor device by acting as an insulating barrier and by providing optimal flow patterns for the incoming and heated fuel. Several embodiments of the fuel flow baffle are described, one adapted for one type of fuel processor in which fuel flows through the filter element in a radially inward direction. Another embodiment relates to a baffle intended for use in another type of fuel processor having a fuel flow direction in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: A heated fuel delivery system joint and method is disclosed which is most advantageously employed in connection with a fuel oil delivery system for a diesel engine powered motor vehicle. In such fuel delivery systems, fuel processor devices are often employed to prevent fuel clouding and waxing and ice accumulation from restricting fuel flow to the engine. Even when such fuel processors are used, excessively low temperatures of fuel can cause fuel supply problems in fittings and conduits which connect the fuel tank to the fuel processor. In accordance with this invention, these fittings and conduits are warmed by removing a portion of the heated fuel exiting from the fuel processor and introducing it into a fitting at the fuel tank discharge port. By mixing the warmed fuel with cold fuel withdrawn from the fuel tank, the combined temperature of the fuel is increased, thereby minimizing problems associated with excessively cold fuel.

Abstract: A fuel processor device particularly useful for separating water and other impurities from diesel fuel. The fuel processor according to the invention features a vertically elongated housing where fuel is initially transmitted wherein water and heavy particulates are removed therefrom. The housing includes a manually or automatically actuated drain valve, a fuel inlet fitting, and an optional heating device. After passing through the housing, the fuel is conducted to a particulate filter, preferably of the spin-on variety, which is mounted to a head which communicates with a fuel processing housing. The filter is positioned in side-by-side relation with the fuel processor housing. A first embodiment according to this invention describes the use of a horizontal elongated head which communicates the upper portion of the housing with a filter mounting pad.

Abstract: A drain system adapted for use in fuel processing devices, as well as in other fluid equipment applications, includes sensing means for detecting the presence of a predetermined quantity of water or other impurities separated from the fuel, or the presence of other fluids, in an enclosure or container. Drain means are also included for discharging at least a substantial portion of the predetermined quantity in response to said detection of the presence thereof. The drain means is preferably actuated and deactuation by automatic control means in order to maintain said water or other impurities, or said other fluids, at or below the predetermined quantity. The fuel processing device herein further includes means for heating fuel in order to prevent fuel waxing and clouding.

Abstract: An anti-theft device, having application for preventing unauthorized operation of a vehicle, includes a moveable lock member biased toward the actuating member for the vehicle's parking brakes. An electric solenoid is energized along with the ignition system to retract the lock member and allow the parking brakes to be released. The preferred device also includes a timer apparatus that requires the parking brakes to be released according to a predetermined timing sequence in order to substantially prevent theft of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drain system adapted for use in fuel processing devices, as well as in other fluid equipment applications, includes sensing means for detecting the presence of predetermined quantities of water or other impurities separated from the fuel, or the presence of other fluids, in an enclosure or container. Drain means are also included for discharging at least a substantial portion of one of said predetermined quantities in response to said detection of the presence thereof. The drain means is preferably actuated and deactuation by automatic control means in order to maintain said water or other impurities, or said other fluids, at or below said predetermined quantity.

Abstract: A processor for diesel engine fuel has a combined heating and sediment chamber surmounted by a filtering unit to which the fuel flows from said chamber. Heating means contained in the chamber has a part in close proximity to an inlet passage which leads from the chamber to the filtering unit. The filtering unit includes filtering means removably carried by an upper portion of the processor. A modified construction has a transparent bottom section which may be of variant length depending upon the desired capacity of the unit.

Abstract: A new fuel processor apparatus for diesel engines, particularly diesel engine powered vehicles, with the apparatus having no moving parts and no internal gaskets or connections to leak or deteriorate, and said apparatus being capable of removing water from the diesel fuel while promoting filterability and combustion efficiency of the fuel.

Abstract: Diesel engine fuel treating means which heats the fuel flowing from the fuel tank to the engine also furnishes heat to the fuel in the tank, provides for removal of contaminants, and inhibits gelling and wax solidification. In some embodiments the heating device is incorporated in the fuel tank, and includes a fuel filter intimately associated with the treating device but accessible outside the tank. In another embodiment the treating device is located outside the tank and includes two fuel heating circuits, one for fuel flowing to the engine and the other for preheating the main fuel supply in the tank. A third embodiment has an axial tubular member which conducts heated and filtered fuel from a top-mounted spin-on filter back through the heating chamber in a second pass and also forms a clamping device for a removable cover and an attaching and fluid coupling device for the filter.

Abstract: A new fuel processor apparatus for diesel engines, particularly diesel engine powered vehicles, with the apparatus having no moving parts and no internal gaskets or connections to leak or deteriorate, and said apparatus being capable of removing water from the diesel fuel while promoting filterability and combustion efficiency of the fuel.

Abstract: A new fuel processor apparatus for diesel engines, particularly diesel engine powered vehicles, with the apparatus having no moving parts and no internal gaskets or connections to leak or deteriorate, and said apparatus being capable of removing water from the diesel fuel while promoting filterability and combustion efficiency of the fuel.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/001,642, filed Nov. 22, 1988, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e).

Abstract: A new fuel processor apparatus for diesel engines, particularly diesel engine powered vehicles, with the apparatus having no moving parts and no internal gaskets or connections to leak or deteriorate, and said apparatus being capable of removing water from the diesel fuel while promoting filterability and combustion efficiency of the fuel.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/001,643, filed Nov. 22, 1988, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(3).