Patents by Inventor M. Craig Maxwell

M. Craig Maxwell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6444121
    Abstract: A fuel filter system employs a first filter (12) to separate water from the fuel and a second filter (38) which receives the water portion from the first filter (12) and removes the water from the residual fuel with the use of hygroscopic material (42) and recycles the residual fuel back to the fuel tank (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Stanadyne Corporation
    Inventor: M. Craig Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5766463
    Abstract: A fuel filter cartridge is formed from a pair of shell sections which are joined along a roll seam to form a retaining shoulder. The sections have generally cylindrical walls which are symmetric about a central axis. One of the sections has a diameter greater than the other section. Angularly spaced arcuate protrusions or keys protrude radially from the cylindrical wall of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, M. Craig Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5614091
    Abstract: A filter module for filtering a flow of fluid employs a base member which either mounts a blanking plug or a diverter valve module. The plug is replaced by a diverter valve module for use with those engines that require an auxiliary source of low pressure fuel. A solenoid valve is housed in the module. A pressure regulator valve positioned in the valve module maintains a backpressure in the filter assembly to insure that there is sufficient head to drive the flow of fuel to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, M. Craig Maxwell, Robert W. Zeiner
  • Patent number: 5489384
    Abstract: A fuel filter assembly employs a base which mounts a disposable filter cartridge. A pair of axial conduits in the base provide fluid communication between the base and the cartridge. An axial sealing member mounted in the cartridge receives the axial conduits. An axial conduit and preferably at least one baffle positioned on the axial conduit outer surface within the cartridge provide a flow path through the cartridge. An orifice located in the cartridge axial conduit provides a bleed vent which controls the size and flow rate of air bubbles in filtered fuel exiting the fuel filter. A flange-shaped end of the cartridge axial conduit engages a ridge on the outside surface of the sealing member to prevent the fuel flow from bypassing the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, M. Craig Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5484527
    Abstract: A filter assembly employs a base which mounts a disposable filter element cartridge. The cartridge includes either a single stage or a dual stage filter system. The base has custom and generic structural members. Variations in base design are accommodated in the custom member, the generic member having a generic design. The custom member is molded from polymeric material and requires no additional machining or treatment prior to use. This eliminates filter model specific shop fixtures and gigs, reducing costs and providing greater flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, M. Craig Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5302284
    Abstract: A fuel filter assembly employs a spring-loaded collar which retains the disposable cartridge to the base. The collar carries a wave spring and comprises followers which ascend a spiral ramp of the base for securing the disposable cartridge to the base in a positive locked position. The filter assembly also incorporates an efficient bleed orifice and a pair of axial spaced seal rings for implementing a fluid seal with the received disposable cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Robert W. Zeiner, M. Craig Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5271836
    Abstract: A plug is adapted for sealing a disposable filter cartridge. The plug is inserted into the axial opening of the cartridge for temporary retention by the grommet. The plug is then reversed and inserted into the grommet of the spent filter cartridge for sealing the contents. The plug is constructed to resist removal from the spent cartridge. A second plug embodiment seals with a sleeve-like grommet at two axial spaced positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, M. Craig Maxwell, C. Eugene Brady
  • Patent number: 5084170
    Abstract: A fuel filter assembly employs a base which mounts a disposable filter element cartridge. The cartridge includes a dual stage filter system wherein fuel flows axially to a primary filter element for removing particulate matter and coalescing water droplets and axially to a secondary filter stage which functions as a water barrier. The filtered fuel flows axially and exits through an outlet passage in the base. Water may be collected in a sump. The cartridge is retained on the base by a collar which engages against a roll seam structure of the cartridge. In one embodiment the base has a cannister configuration for receiving the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, M. Craig Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5017285
    Abstract: A fuel filter assembly employs a base which mounts a disposable filter element cartridge. The cartridge includes a dual stage filter system wherein fuel flows axially to a primary filter element for removing particulate matter and coalescing water droplets and axially to a secondary filter stage which functions as a water barrier. The filtered fuel flows axially and exits through an outlet passage in the base. Water may be collected in a sump. The cartridge is retained on the base by a collar which engages against a roll seam structure of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, M. Craig Maxwell
  • Patent number: 4976852
    Abstract: A fuel filter assembly employs a base which mounts a disposable filter element cartridge and includes a sump for collecting water removed from the filtering unit. The cartridge includes a dual stage filter system wherein fuel flows axially to an upper filter element for removing particulate matter and coalescing water droplets and axially to a secondary filter stage which functions as a water barrier. The filtered fule flows axially downwardly and through an outlet passage from the base. The water collected in the sump is removed through a drain cock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, M. Craig Maxwell
  • Patent number: 4956081
    Abstract: A fuel conditioner unit for an internal combustion engine, having a priming pump in which the pump diaphragm member also functions as the pump manual actuating surface. The diaphragm is mounted to the basin portion of the priming pump, so that it has a convex projecting surface adapted to be pushed by the user. A spring associated with the basin, biases the diaphragm outwardly so that it can recover after each downward push by the user. The priming pump basin, suction and discharge legs are preferably integrally formed at the upper portion of the unit frame or base. The frame is made of molded plastic such that an opening or archway is formed between the suction and discharge legs. The plastic frame is sandwiched between the filter housing and a steel bracket, with spring clips passing from the bracket through the archway and into retaining engagement with the housing. The anchor points on the bracket and the housing do not stress the plastic frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: David H. Hodgkins, M. Craig Maxwell
  • Patent number: D356852
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, M. Craig Maxwell