Abstract: A filter assembly characterized by an electric heater assembly having a heater coil disposed in an inlet flow path to filter media and carried within the filter media. The electric heater assembly also includes a thermostat with the inlet portion of the flow path for sensing fuel temperature immediately prior to passing into the filter media.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly in which a filter cartridge, threadedly supported from a mounting unit, engages and supports a contaminant collection bowl having a plurality of collection zones respectively upstream and downstream of fuel treatment means within the cartridge. In general, a dual media filter element includes a flow passage axially thereof with means at one end for carrying the filter element from a support head, and means on the other for supporting a contaminant collection bowl beneath. A primer pump disposed axially of the filter element moves between advanced and retracted position therealong.

Abstract: A drain valve for handling contaminated fluids includes a body having a drain port and an internal passage communicating therewith. A plug is disposed in the internal passage and the plug defines a drain passage which communicates with the internal passage. Further, the drain valve includes an actuating device for selectively positioning the plug to a drain port opening position and to a drain port closing position, and a device for preventing contamination of the actuation device. Accordingly, contaminates are prevented from reaching the actuating device and reducing the efficiency of the drain valve. The drain valve also includes a seal located above the drain port. The plug sealingly engages the seal in the drain port closing position. With the seal located above the drain port, contaminates in the fluid are unable to collect thereon and thus do not abrade the seal as the plug is actuated into the drain port closing position.

Abstract: An improved self-contained apparatus for the separation of low density fluids, such as fuel, from higher density fluids such as water and also particles is disclosed which may be easily retrofitted into a variety of existing new and used engines as it can selectively accommodate the various fuel line arrangements and also various obstructions of these engines. Further, the apparatus includes improved flow director means which provides for the separation of the higher density fluid and the particles from the low density fluid at an earlier stage contributing to a more complete separation prior to the filtration of the fluid. Consequently, the filter element has an extended life due to the fact that it is exposed to less higher density fluids and particles in filtering the low density fluids.

Abstract: A fuel filter system including a transparent sediment bowl which is protected from thermal shock by means of a flame deflector mounted on and surrounding the lower portion of the sediment bowl. The flame deflector is made of stainless steel and has a wall thickness between ten thousandths and fifteen thousandths of an inch with a stiffening flange about its upper edge. The sediment bowl is preferably made of chemical resistant plastic transparent to visible light providing mechanical shock resistance with the flame deflector providing thermal shock resistance.

Abstract: A solid state fuel heater unit for use in heating the fuel flow in a fuel filter is disclosed which unit includes a heat conducting ring having a power transistor mounted thereon and driving a power resistor mounted therewithin. Circuitry for controlling the operation of the power transistor, including a thermistor, is mounted within the ring by means of component sealant or potting material which isolates the thermistor from direct transfer of heat thereto from the power transistor and power resistor. The heater unit is adapted to be immersed in the flow of fuel in a fuel filter with the axis of the ring substantially parallel to the fuel flow through the filter.

Abstract: An improved self-contained apparatus for the separation of low density fluids from higher density insoluable fluids or particles or both in which initial separation, coalescing and filtration steps are carried out substantially in series and in that order, is disclosed. Specific embodiments of such apparatus for use in oil-water separation are described and specific structures and devices for use in such apparatus are disclosed.