Abstract: A fuel filter includes features adapted to collect and drain static electrical charges occasioned by the passage of fuel therethrough. The filter includes a two-piece plastic housing having an end cap and a cylindrical portion with an end defining inlet and outlet fittings. The filter element is cylindrical and includes an outer perforated metal shell, an intermediate pleated paper filter and an inner perforated metal shell. Both metal shells are secured and electrically coupled to an electrically conductive end cap. The electrically conductive end cap is electrically and mechanically connected to a conductive, circular spring. The spring engages a ground pin which extends through the cylindrical portion of the housing and may be connected to a suitable ground to drain off static electrical charges generated by fuel flowing through the filter.

Abstract: An in-tank fuel filter includes conductive features which provide a path to a grounded component of a motor vehicle to carry away static charges generated by passage of fuel through the filter. The filter includes a filter body and an in-situ molded conductive outlet fitting and runner assembly. The filter body includes a filtration layer having a plurality of conductive strands, threads or filaments which are in electrical contact with conductive runners which are molded onto the filter body and extend from the outlet fitting which is also electrically conductive. An electrically conductive path is thus provided from the conductive strands of the filter body, through the runners to the conductive outlet fitting which is attached to a conductive (typically metal) and grounded component of a fuel pump housing.

Abstract: A fuel filter for use in a fuel filter/pump/sensor module and method of making same provides an in-tank fuel filter having a novel retaining member for securing the body of the filter in a position adjacent the housing of a fuel pump to which it is connected. The filter includes a fabric body, an in-situ molded outlet fitting on the top side of the fabric body and runners or contact points on the underside of the body. The fabric body may be a single folded fabric swatch or a plurality of swatches sealed about the open edges. The outlet fitting cooperatively engages the inlet of a fuel pump. A retaining member formed on the periphery of the body engages the housing of the fuel pump and positions the filter body adjacent the housing.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly adapted for disposition in a housing includes an inner filtration element, an outer conductive surround and end caps which position and secure the filtration element and conductive surround. The filtration element preferably includes an outer layer of depth filtration media and an inner pleated paper element. The conductive surround is preferably conductive extruded plastic mesh. The end caps may be formed of a fuel tolerant plastic such as nylon or acetal. The filter assembly may be disposed in a housing having suitable inlet and outlet fittings and a conductive path for achieving electrical conductivity from the exterior of the housing to the conductive surround for facilitating draining off of an electrical charge.

Abstract: A compact, high capacity in-tank fuel filter defines a large surface area while simultaneously occupying a relatively small space and defining a small footprint. The filter comprises a body of filtration media and an outlet fitting which is integrally molded to the filtration media and provides communication from the interior of the filter to an associated fuel pump to which it is typically mounted. The filtration media of the body is folded upon itself in a multiple accordion fold configuration and sealed along the non-folded edges. The resulting surface area to size (footprint) ratio provides improved flow capacity, reduced pressure drop and extended service life.

Abstract: An in-tank fuel filter includes a body having upper and lower panels comprising an outer shell or layer of extruded mesh, layers of spun bonded and melt blown filtration media and a fitting for mounting the filter to an in-tank fuel pump inlet. The outer layer of the body is extruded mesh material that has the general appearance of a woven fabric but includes connections at every filament intersection. This outer layer protects the finer, inner filtration layers which include a first layer of spun bonded material, a layer of melt blown filtration media defining smaller pore sizes and a second layer of spun bonded material. The mounting fitting is made of a fuel compatible material and may either be a multiple part device or be in-situ molded on one of the filter panels. Separating ribs or a stuffer may be disposed in the interior of the filter to prevent its collapse and improve fuel withdrawal through the mounting fitting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact in-tank fuel pump filter which forms a portion of a fuel pump and filter module for a vehicle. The fuel pump filter includes upper and lower filter housing members which cooperatively receive the filter element. Both housing members and the filter element are contoured to partially wrap around the fuel pump housing in order to maximize filter area and contaminate holding capacity while minimizing total filter size. The filter element is preferably pleated paper but may be any suitable high capacity filter media. The lower filter housing member includes an outlet fitting which mates with a complementarily configured inlet fitting and is secured by releasable snap-lock assemblies. The inlet fitting receives a fuel pump housing and includes passageways which direct fuel to the inlet of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A filter ring for use around the circumferential fuel and timing fluid inlets of a diesel engine fuel injector or similar fluid conducting body. In a first preferred embodiment, the filter ring includes first and second semi-annular, band-shaped filter portions, an integrally formed hinge for pivotally interconnecting the filter portions, and a snap latch mechanism for releasably connecting the opposite ends of the filter portions. In a second preferred embodiment, the filter ring includes a pair of substantially identical snap latch mechanisms for detachably interconnecting the filter portions. The snap latch mechanism is formed from a bead or projection that extends substantially along the entire height of the end of one of the filter portions, and a complimentarily shaped groove on the end of the other filter portion.

Abstract: A filter ring is provided that is particularly adapted for use around the circumferential fuel and timing fluid inlets of a diesel engine fuel injector. The filter ring includes first and second semi-annular, band-shaped filter portions, an integrally formed hinge means for pivotally interconnecting the filter portions, and a snap latch mechanism for detachably connecting the opposite ends of the filter portions. The snap latch mechanism is formed from a bead that extends substantially along the entire length of one of the filter portion ends, and a complementarily-shaped groove on the end of the other filter portion. The thickness of the bead and groove is less than the thickness of the opposite ends of the band-shaped filter portions so that the inner diameter of the resulting filter ring seats securely around a complementarily-shaped annular recess in the fuel injector.

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: An in-tank fuel filter for securement to an in-tank fuel pump assembly includes a retaining or mounting ring which is utilized to secure the filter to the fuel pump assembly inlet. The mounting ring includes a collar which is received about the outlet stack of the fuel filter assembly and assists retention of the fuel filter assembly on the fuel pump inlet and maintains a fluid tight seal notwithstanding dimensional changes of the outlet stack occasioned by long term contact with fuel. The fuel pump assembly also includes a depending lug parallel to but offset from the inlet fitting. The mounting ring also includes complementary means to receive and grip the lug, namely, a plurality of resilient fingers arranged in a non-circular, i.e., elongate pattern such as an oval which compensates for inlet fitting to lug spacing variations and retains the fuel filter on the fuel pump assembly during subsequent manufacturing and assembly steps.

Abstract: A splash shield for the boiler of a distillation type water purification apparatus includes at least two grades of porous media which cooperatively inhibit bubble formation and splashing, thereby preventing transfer of contaminants from the boiler water to the upper, interior surfaces of the boiler and into the distilled, contaminant free water. A first porous media is open cell reticulated foam having relatively large cells. Typically, at least a portion of the open cell foam is disposed above the operating liquid level of the boiler. The second porous media is fabric or screen having pores preferably smaller than about one thousand microns. The screen is disposed above the liquid level of the boiler. The open cell foam inhibits bubble production and breaks down bubbles and the screen intercepts drops and droplets that might otherwise travel to, contact and contaminate the upper boiler chamber surfaces and output to a condenser.

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: An inflation system for a mattress having a lower, water chamber and a coextensive upper, air chamber includes a pair of opposed blowers, a solenoid air valve, both manual and pressure activated switches and control circuitry for activating and deactivating the blowers in response to pressure within the air chamber sensed by the pressure switch or manual commands. The air/water mattress and inflation system of the present invention is suitable for long term care bedridden patients which have a tendency to develop decubitus ulcers and further facilitates entry, repositioning and egress from the water mattress when the air chamber is inflated.

Abstract: A water mattress has a portion of its volume occupied by air or gas filled bodies which lower the total mattress weight and inhibit the under damped natural harmonic motion typical of conventional water mattresses. A method of fabricating the water mattress of the instant invention is also disclosed. The gas filled bodies comprise independent, elongate, parallel chambers having sidewalls which are secured to the bottom panel of the mattress. The chambers are positioned to float between the horizontal midplane of the mattress and its upper surface such that it exhibits the uniform force per area weight distribution characteristic found desirable in such devices. Air is supplied to the chambers through generally aligned access fittings on the chambers and water mattress.

Abstract: A breather bag for use in a sealed silo maintains pressure equilibrium between the inside and the outside of the silo by its volumetric change while preventing the ingestion of oxygen laden air. The breather bag is of generally arcuate or semi-circular shape and has a generally circular cross section. The breather bag includes at least one flexible conduit which extends between the breather bag and the silo roof and provides communication between the inside of the breather bag and the atmosphere. The breather bag is comprised of at least three plastic panels which are sealed together along overlapping edges. Two of the panels are a generally semi-circular shape and the third is a generally hour-glass shape. A continuous hanger strap is sealed along the upper arcuate center line of the breather bag to facilitate hanging the bag within a silo.

Abstract: A water mattress having a portion of its volume occupied by air or gas filled bodies lowers the total mattress weight without sacrificing its desirable characteristics. The gas filled bodies comprise independent, elongate, parallel chambers having sidewall members which are secured to the bottom panel of the mattress. The chambers are positioned at approximately the horizontal midplane of the mattress such that it exhibits the conventional uniform weight distribution characteristics found desirable in such devices. Air is supplied to or released from the chambers through access fittings on the chambers and water mattress. The water filled mattress weighs substantially less than a conventional mattress having the same external volume. Furthermore, the chambers tend to inhibit the sloshing and highly under-damped natural harmonic motion typical of conventional water mattresses.

Abstract: A water mattress construction is disclosed. The construction involves a folded one piece vinyl sheet wherein the various panels are joined at the vertical corners, along the lengthwise lower edges and side to side across the middle of the bottom. By so locating the seams, not only are all but the vertical corner seams supported directly by the mattress frame, but they are also removed from the upper area of the mattress which is generally subjected to flexing. A cappable fitting to facilitate filling and emptying of the mattress is included. The various panels are joined by overlapping the vinyl material, and subsequently heat-sealing them to produce strong lapped seams throughout.