Abstract: A magnetic separation apparatus is described, which is primarily intended for separating magnetic particles contained in a fluid. Such apparatus is primarily used in the process of sewage purification by binding magnetic particles to the substance to be removed, and by applying a magnetic filter. The invention resides in the fact that the channel for supplying the liquid to be treated has such a shape that part of the substance to be separated already precipitates before reaching the actual magnetic filter. This avoid the quick filling of the magnetic filter thus extending periods between rinsing the filter. By applying a relatively weak field in the area in which precipitation takes place, precipitation is enhanced.

Abstract: A device for removing free fatty acids from cooking oil is formed by a pair of superposed reservoirs having a screen and filter pad provided partition dividing the reservoirs from each other through which the cooking is forced from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir by air pressure. A powder commingled with the oil prior to the filtering step is trapped with free fatty acids on the filter pad.

Abstract: Conductive polymer compositions based on polyvinylidene fluoride have improved properties when the polyvinylidene fluoride has a very regular structure which can be characterized by a low head-to-head content in the repeating units. The improved properties include electrical stability when contacted by organic fluids and/or when maintained at elevated temperatures in air. Such compositions which exhibit PTC behavior are particularly useful in the form of self-limiting heaters which are immersed in organic fluids, especially flexible strip heaters for heating diesel fuel before it passes through a fuel filter.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly for diesel fuel includes a filter head structure, spin-on replaceable element and threaded collection bowl. An annular heater housing is secured in the filter head for warming the fuel prior to passage through the filter medium with a pair of positive temperature coefficient heater discs providing the self-regulating heater function. A check valve is housed in the inlet chamber of the filter head in bypass connection with the filter medium to vent air from the chamber and to establish a return path for fuel from the filter. A restrictive orifice in the check valve limits fuel flow in the bypass path and an elastomeric duck-bill type valve provides the check valve function.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for removing liquid from a permeable material, such as slurries, sludges, porous solids and permeable foams. The method and apparatus involve constraining the material to be deliquified such that the material interfaces with at least one surface which is permeable to the liquid to be removed and then heating the material at one or more locations remote from the permeable surface or surfaces. Such constraining and heating of the material causes the in situ vaporization of the liquid in the vicinity of the remote location or locations. The vaporized liquid expands and forces at least some of the remaining unvaporized liquid through the permeable surface or surfaces.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for exchange of heat between two liquid media, particularly an oil-water-heat exchanger for cooling engine or transmission oil in an automotive vehicle with the aid of the cooling water flow of the engine, comprises two heat-exchange chambers (1, 2) mutually separated by a common liquid-impervious partition wall (3) and intended to be through-passed by a respective one of the media. The partition wall (3) is tubular with a circular cross-section and open axial ends forming an inlet and an outlet for the water. The heat-exchange chamber (1) for the water is annular and located radially inwards of the partition wall and encloses a direct flow path for the water from the inlet (4) to the outlet (5), and communicates with the direct flow path in a manner such that only part of the total water flow through the inlet (4) will pass through the said heat-exchange chamber (1), whereas the remainder of the water will flow along the direct flow path to the outlet (5).

Abstract: Contaminated water is purified by introduction into a filter, filtering the water, accumulating the partially purified water delivered from the filter, heating the collected water to a temperature near its boiling point, reintroducing the collected water into the same filter, and continuously repeating the filtering, accumulation and heating steps with attendent further purification, until the degree of contamination of such water has dropped below a predetermined level. A predetermined portion of the purified water may be distilled subsequent to the completion of the purification operation, and the distilled water is collected for eventual consumption. An arrangement for performing the above method includes a vessel (9) have a filter (7) arranged at its upper region (20) (9a), and a lid (3) removably supported on the vessel and may include a jet deflector (100) for providing more uniform flow of slugs and water vapor to the filter inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating fuel, especially Diesel fuel and heating oil, that is to be supplied, for example, to a motor or oil burner. Disposed upstream of a fuel filter is a heat exchanger that heats the fuel line. To continuously heat fuel without supplemental energy consumption, the heat exchanger has warm coolant or liquid, for example from the engine, flow through it to heat it up. Disposed on the fuel filter is an electrical heating element that can directly heat the filter space or fuel contained in the filter housing. The heating element can be activated and deactivated in a controlled manner, for example manually, only when needed.

Abstract: An oil reclamation device comprising an evaporator plate secured to an evaporator head to form an evaporation chamber which is heated by a heating element mounted in the evaporator head. A spin on filter assembly with an integral oil dispenser tube is removably mounted to the evaporator plate. The evaporator plate is provided with an oil inlet to receive oil to be reclaimed and an oil outlet to discharge reconditioned oil which has passed through the filter assembly and heated evaporation chamber. Features of this invention include an improved removable filter assembly, an improved heat transmitting element located in the evaporator head, and an improved evaporator plate.

Abstract: A grease trap construction comprising a housing having an inlet to receive waste water containing grease and foreign material and having an outlet. An air conduit having a plurality of outlet ports spaced along its length is located in the lower end of the housing and is connected to a source of air under pressure, so that air will be discharged through the ports into contact with the waste water. The waste water within the housing is heated by an electric heating element which is immersed in the waste water and the heating element is controlled by a thermostat to maintain the temperature of the waste water within a given range. An aqueous composition containing a mixture of enzymes and bacterial spores is introduced into the housing into contact with the waste water.

Abstract: A heated fuel filter and water separator is disclosed. The assembly has a filter element mounted inside a fuel container. The fuel container has an upper chamber containing a filter element and a drainable lower chamber for collecting water and sediment. A heat exchanger circulates preheated fuel from a manifold return line to heat the filtered fuel in the container. The filter element utilizes helically wound aluminum strips as the filter media.

Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging ions, molecules, gas, liquid, and/or heat between a first fluid and at least one second fluid, particularly when treating blood, includes a rigid vessel (1) having a substantially circular cylindrical center part (1a) and end parts (1b, 1c) connected thereto. Respective end parts inlet (2) at one end of the vessel and to an axially directed first-fluid tubular outlet (3) at the opposite end of the vessel. At least one bundle (4a-d) of hollow fibers is arranged within the vessel (1) and the opposite ends of the bundles are passed sealingly through the wall (5) if the vessel and opened into a respective inlet chamber (6a-d) and outlet chamber (7a-d) for a second fluid outside the vessel wall (5). The bundle is spread substantially uniformly across the flow path of the first fluid through the vessel from the tubular inlet (2) to the tubular outlet (3).

Abstract: A multi-stage filter for filtering injection molding melt includes an elongate filter element having a filter inlet end, a filter outlet end and a plurality of filter stages axially disposed on the element and adjoining each other. Each filter stage includes a plurality of axial filter grooves in its outer surface which are spaced apart from a filter chamber wall to define a distinct filter clearance for each filter stage. The axial filter grooves are circumferentially spaced apart from each other and alternate with axial grooves axially extending between adjoining filter stages which define melt transfer passages to transfer melt between filter stages.

Abstract: Cold trap for the purification of liquid metals containing dissolved impurities comprises several independently operating cooling modules, so as to bring about the crystallization of impurities, a liquid metal supply pipe, a purified liquid metal discharge pipe and a series of filter assemblies arranged in a staggared manner and on which the impurities crystallize. The cold trap is particularly suitable for the purification of the molten sodium used in nuclear power stations.

Abstract: A process filter is provided with a heatable container within a rotating drive shaft moveable in an axial direction. To the agitating mechanism shaft is fastened a paddle support with paddles. The shaft is introduced over an inward-drawn container neck into the interior of the container. The shaft is hollow, with a feed line and a return line for the flow of a heating medium. The paddle support and the paddles have interior heating channels which connect with the feed line and the return line in the hollow shaft for the passage of a heating fluid therein.

Abstract: A filtering device for filtering a thermoplastic material by passing a continuous filter across a passage through which the material is caused to flow at an elevated temperature and pressure. The filter is passed through entry and exit ports flanking the passage. Seals on the filter cooperate in sealing engagement with the walls of the entry port to prevent the flowable thermoplastic material from escaping therethrough. The exit port is larger than the entry port, and is sealed off by a solidified plug of the thermoplastic material bonded to the filter. The pressure of the thermoplastic material in the filter passage forces the plug out of the exit port into contact with an external stop, with that portion of the plug in contact with the stop being selectively heated to accommodate controlled emergence of the plug and the filter bonded thereto.

Abstract: A combined filter and heat exchanger for simultaneous filtering of a first medium and heat transfer between the first medium and a second medium, for example a combined oil filter and cooler for internal combustion engines includes a filter section comprising a hollow, cylindrical filter element (2) arranged co-axially within an outer casing (1) having a cylindrical wall (1a) which extends around the filter element coaxially therewith and in spaced relationship thereto. A heat-exchanger section is arranged in the space between the cylindrical wall (1a) and the filter element (2). The heat-exchanger section includes a cylindrical partition wall (5) subdividing said space into two chambers. The first medium flows first through the inner chamber and is then distributed across the outer surface of the filter element (2), whereas the second medium flows through the outer chamber (7).

Abstract: A preheater for liquids, particularly fuel, includes a bowl-shaped housing provided with a bowl cover to form a closed chamber. A superficial heating chamber extends along the side wall of the housing to form at least a portion of a flow path for liquid to be preheated extending from an inlet on the cover through the heating chamber and the interior of the housing to an outlet on the cover. An electric heating foil directly contacts the exterior of the superficial heating chamber for heating the liquid flowing through the flow path and has its outer surface covered by a reflective foil and thermal insulation. A filter may be accommodated in the bowl-shaped housing to filter the liquid flowing through the flow path. Helical guide ribs in the superficial heating chamber significantly lengthen the flow path.

Abstract: Presented is an axial reverse flow by-pass filter assembly for fluids, such as lubricating oils and fuels, which cooperates with a full-flow filter to remove contaminants from lubricating oil and fuel. The filter assembly includes a base member cooperating with a cover member to enclose a filter element formed from a spirally wound roll of tissue paper. Oil or fuel is forced by the construction of the assembly to first flow upwardly through the central core of the filter element, then flow radially outwardly across the entire annular end of the roll of tissue paper, and then while being filtered, reverses its flow and flows downwardly between the plies of tissue paper and through a densely compacted zone of the tissue paper where even micro-sized solid contaminants are removed from the oil or fuel before it passes from the filter assembly.

Abstract: A fuel heating type fuel filter device having a fuel filter assembly and a fuel heating device connected to the fuel filter assembly. A fuel filter element is housed in the fuel filter assembly. The fuel heating device includes a housing having a fuel passage which is connected to the fuel filter assembly. A heater is disposed in the fuel passage to heat the fuel and liquify a solidified wax component contained in the fuel. A wax sensor is provided in the housing to sense the amount of solidified wax contained in the fuel. A switch is housed in the housing and turned ON to supply an electric power to the heater when the amount of solidified wax is more than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided wherein liquid is removed from a liquid-solids mixture by employing both filtration and low pressures to achieve vaporization of liquid. The mixture is introduced to a vessel in which the mixture is filtered so that a substantial portion of the liquid is withdrawn from the vessel. The vessel is then depressurized to an extent necessary to vaporize a substantial portion of the remaining liquid. Such vapor is withdrawn from the vessel. During vaporization, the contents of the vessel are agitated and heated.

Abstract: The filtration of molten metal is obtained by providing the filtration medium, which may, for example, be formed of a granulated material, with a conductive coating or conductive particles. Electrical energy is coupled across the filter to create a current flow through the conductive material. The magnitude of the current generates heat of a level sufficient to maintain the metallic material being filtered in the molten state as it passes through the filter medium. The granules may be covered with a conductive coating or conductive particles. In an alternative embodiment, the granules may be formed of a material, such as silicon carbide, which is capable of being inductively heating to maintain the metallic material being filtered in the molten state as it is passed through the filter medium.

Abstract: A system is provided for purging contaminants from dry cleaning fluid used in a machine for dry cleaning clothing while concurrently decontaminating the filter cartridges through which the dry cleaning fluid is passed. The system is coupled in a recirculating loop to and from a machine for dry cleaning clothing. A plurality of filter cartridge housings are employed so that one filter cartridge housing can be selected and isolated from the dry cleaning machine, while the other filter housings remain in the recirculation loop. A portion of the dry cleaning fluid in the selected housing is vaporized within the filter housing while another portion is forced in liquid form through the filter cartridges in a direction opposite to the flow in the recirculation loop. This liquid portion is passed to a separate boiler for vaporization. The vaporized dry cleaning fluid from both the filter housing and the boiler is condensed and passed to a gravity separator, where water is separated from the dry cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A self-regulating porous heater device regulates the temperature of fluid passing through it. This device includes at least one layer of a porous material which has a magnetic permeability inversely related to temperature over a given range. Due to conductor skin effects, changes in permeability cause changes in the depth of penetration of a.c. current passing through the magnetic layer. Changes in the depth of penetration, in turn, result in changes in resistance--the less the depth the greater resistance--and in I.sup.2 R Joule heat. The combined result of these effects is to provide more heat where the temperature of the fluid and the layer through which the fluid flows is below a specified temperature which is related to the Curie temperature of the layer. The device can have a laminate structure including a porous magnetic layer and at least one other magnetic layer or at least one low resistance nonmagnetic layer or a combination thereof, which may or may not be porous.

Abstract: An extracorporal apparatus for continuously treating the blood of a patient for diseases such as AIDS and cancer includes connectors for removing a flow of blood from the patient and returning the treated flow of blood to the patient, a separator for separating the flow of blood while outside the patient into a first blood flow portion which is enriched in red blood cells and a second blood flow portion which is enriched in white cells, separate heaters for heating the first and second blood portions so as to stimulate the production of white blood cells and antibodies therein and/or attenuate and kill viruses, and a filter for filtering the first and second blood flow portions after they have been recombined.

Abstract: Apparatus has a rotary drum provided with a heating jacket therearound. The drum is mounted on a base pivotally supported on a pedestal. The base can be caused to take different orientations so as to enable the drum to take different attitudes. While the drum is in a vertical position, a mixture of fine particles and a liquid is supplied into the drum through a supply passage formed axially in a rotary shaft which extends into the drum rotatably and axially slidably relative to the drum. The mixture is filtered through a filter disposed in the drum. Filter liquid is discharged to the outside. The particles are prevented from passing through the filter and remain in the drum. Thereafter, the particles are heated and dried by a heating jacket on the drum while the drum is caused to assume a horizontal position and being rotated. The drum is then inclined such that the initially upwardly directed end thereof is directed obliquely downward.

Abstract: An apparatus for membrane pervaporation, in which a raw feed chamber, constituting two partial chambers, is formed by two plates. On the respective sides of each plate which are faced away from each other, there is a surrounding profile, which serves as support for the membrane. A surrounding gasket is arranged between the respective plate and the membrane such that the compaction of the gasket is limited to a predetermined value. Several raw feed chambers and permeate chambers can be alternately arranged in a stack unit. The apparatus is characterized by a simple design and low number of elements.

Abstract: In a falling film exchanger, a screen arrangement for preventing solid particles in the liquid to be heated from plugging liquid distribution outlets of a perforated liquid distributing tray or reaching the heating surface of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid is sterilized by passing it through a microporous filter, while subcooling the liquid. Subcooling virtually eliminates the possiblity of formation of gas bubbles in the liquid, and thereby insures that the desired mass flow of liquid, through the filter, will be maintained. The apparatus used with this invention comprises an insulated tank, filled with cryogenic liquid. A container having a microporous filter disposed therein, is submerged within the tank. The filter can be made of nylon mesh, which is encased within a polypropylene frame. The filter has a pore size of about 0.2 microns or less. The liquid to be sterilized is a saturated cryogenic liquid. The liquid in the tank is held at a temperature lower than that of the liquid to be sterilized, and therefore subcools the liquid being sterilized. The sterilized liquid is then withdrawn directly from the filter container.

Abstract: A coating of tetrafluoroethylene or other suitable material is present in the heating element of a bypass oil refining device for the purpose of substantially preventing deposit of carbon or carbonaceous material on the heating element during operation of the device. The heating element is located in a vaporization chamber. The bypass oil refining device incorporates a pressure control valve to shut off flow of oil from a mechanical filter to the vaporization chamber when the oil pressure in the mechanical filter exceeds a predetermined value. An externally adjustable flow control valve is also incorporated in the device to permit control of the rate of flow of the oil from the mechanical filter to the vaporization chamber. Water and fuel vapors which are distilled out of the oil in the vaporization chamber are released from the vaporization chamber through a vent and check valve, and are absorbed as condensates in a suitable, absorbent material. The absorbent is preferably placed into a disposable cartridge.

Abstract: Cold trap for purifying liquid sodium containing impurities of the type comprising, in a sealed enclosure cooled by a cooling fluid flowing in contact with its outer surface, in the upper part an economizer for lowering the temperature of the hot sodium and ensuring its introduction into the trap, and in the lower part the actual trap containing a filter plug, kept at its cold point temperature, wherein the enclosure is annular, the filter plug being located in the space between two concentric cylindrical ferrules.

Abstract: A separating device for separating a pair of immiscible components from a fluid mixture, such as separating water from a diesel fuel oil/water mixture, includes a housing and a filter cartridge mounted on the housing such that the filter cartridge is oriented substantially horizontally. The housing includes an inlet fitting, an outlet fitting, and a sump for receiving the fluid component separated from the mixture. Because of the orientation of the housing, the coalesced water or heavier component of the fluid mixture tends to collect in the lower portion of the filter cartridge and drains into the sump, where it may be drained periodically. The lighter component or fuel oil is communicated to the outlet port or fitting.

Abstract: A by-pass oil refining device for an internal combustion engine is equipped with an atomizing nozzle that constricts oil flow from a solid contaminant filtering element to a vaporization chamber where liquid contaminants are vaporized. The atomizing nozzle has a constricting orifice which is of a diameter sufficiently large to allow recirculation of oil to the vehicle engine, but which is small enough so that oil emanating from the filtering element and entering the vaporization chamber is atomized into a mist. Atomization of the oil significantly increases the extent to which liquid contaminants are vaporized and removed.

Abstract: A fat recirculating system with an external, gas-heated heat exchanger for a deep fat fryer is disclosed. The use of such a system necessitates recirculation also of cleaning solution and rinse water through inaccessible plumbing of the recirculation system whenever fat is to be replaced. To remove residual water droplets from the plumbing after rinsing, a "dry cycle" is utilized. The dry cycle includes intermittent application of heating and cooling of the empty heat exchanger, resulting in a substantial reduction in start-up time when the fryer is refilled and operation again commenced.

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 pure water manufacturing apparatus for producing ultra pure water to be used in the electronic and medical industries. This apparatus comprises a pure water circulation system consisting of a pure water storage tank, a first heat exchanger arranged at the downstream side of the tank for thermally sterilizing pure water, a filter arranged at the downstream side of the first heat exchanger for removing dead bacteria, a pure water circulating means, and a second heat exchanger for cooling pure water disposed between the filter and a terminal device at which pure water is required. The ultrapure water is supplied to the terminal device from the downstream side of the filter through the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for filtering a polymer which passes through a heated, high pressure filtering chamber across which a filter members passes and in which sealing plugs made of the substance being filtered are formed within entry and exit zones thereof. A plug removal zone is provided between the entry port for said filter and the outflow aperture of the filtering chamber. The zone is provided with a valve to permit removal of sealing plug material when in a heat-softened state. A cooled, substantially rigid plug of polymer is formed initially. Thereafter, the plug is heated at one end to soften it and to permit displacement of a part of it through the valve by fresh, hot polymer. In alternative embodiments, the plug removal zone is not needed and the plug is permitted to pass into the passage but is then diverted before meeting the main flow of substance being filtered.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and filtering diesel fuel in which incoming diesel fuel is passed in a heat-exchange relationship with already heated and filtered diesel fuel, is further heated by either an electric heater or by other means, is passed through a filter, and then is passed in a regenerative heat-exchange relationship with the incoming diesel fuel.

Abstract: A fuel heater for heating fuel flowing in the fuel system of an internal combustion engine has an annular heating chamber in which is mounted a heating element formed from a material having a non-linear positive temperature coefficient of resistance. The element defines an upwardly extending flow passage and the heater includes a cup-shaped support member having a central aperture and an annular baffle plate 25 which forms the upper wall of the chamber. Cold fuel is led through gaps at the outer edge of the baffle plate and flows along the base wall of the chamber and then upwardly through the flow passage of the element. The heated fuel flows from the chamber through a space defined between an upwardly extending lid of the support member and a depending tubular element of the baffle plate.

Abstract: A method and device for separating most of the waste material from sewage effluent, which incinerates a large portion of the waste to dispose of the waste in an environmentally safe manner. After separation, the aqueous by-product from the sewage effluent is substantially waste free, allowing easy disposition or further treatment. The apparatus includes a housing and a filter in the housing to which the sewage effluent is introduced. The solid waste materials are trapped in the filter with a substantially aqueous by-product discharged from the device. A switch senses entry of the sewage effluent, starting operation of a heating element and a microwave generator which operate to substantially incinerate the waste material into an ash particulate. The gaseous by-products of the incineration are vented to the atmosphere and the ash particulate is vacummed into a temporary storage container.

Abstract: A regenerative fuel heating device is disclosed for heating fuel prior to the fuel being introduced into a fuel filter, fuel-water separator or both. The device includes a housing and a heater in the housing for heating the fuel. A space defining heat conductive barrier is provided for defining an upstream space in the housing into which fuel can flow to be heated prior to the fuel being introduced into the separator or filter and a downstream space in the housing through which the fuel can flow after the fuel has left the separator or filter. The heater and downstream space are placed in a heat transfer relation with the upstream space to enable the fuel in the upstream space to be heated by the heater and to extract heat from the fuel in the downstream space.

Abstract: A fuel filter is disposed in a fuel supply line connecting a fuel tank to a fuel injection pump of a diesel engine, and provided with a fuel passage through which a warmed overflown fuel from the fuel injection pump is supplied to the upstream side of a filter element of the fuel filter. A check valve is disposed in the fuel passage of the fuel filter and adapted to be openable to allow the warmed fuel to flow through the fuel passage. Additionally, a bimetal element is disposed to be operatively connectable with the check valve to cause the check valve to open in response to the temperature of the fuel within the fuel filter.

Abstract: A cylindrically-shaped horizontal rotating unit which separates liquids from liquid-bearing materials, such as sludge or sewage, is the subject of this invention. After the liquid-bearing material is fed from a pipe onto a tray or head box located at the bottom of the feed end near the circumference of the unit, the material flows from onto the interior of the cylinder which contains bar screens around its circumference. The cylinder is rotated at variable speeds while the material is fed into it. When the cylinder is rotated liquids are drained from the material through bar screens contained around the circumference of the cylinder and into a drain pan below the cylinder thereby leaving the remaining material more solid. Additional features of this invention include interrupted pitched flights or blades protruding from the inside of the cylinder, which not only push the materials toward the discharge end of the cylinder but also roll the material end over end to remove even more liquid from the material.

Abstract: An improved diesel fuel heater wherein a predetermined quantity of fuel is captured within the heater in a reservoir defined therein. This quantity is heated by the heater's positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors (and heat conductive mounting plate) to assure a heated quantity of fuel will be pumped into the fuel system's filter element to enhance de-waxing thereof.

Abstract: A self-contained fuel oil heater unit for use with a diesel engine includes a fuel oil manifold having a spin-on cartridge type oil filter with a central fuel oil outlet and peripheral fuel oil inlets. The upper portion of the manifold contains an upwardly open bowl-shaped recess closed by a removable cover and defining a reservoir containing an electric immersion PTC heating element for warming the fuel oil. The unheated fuel oil flows through a horizontally disposed inlet on the lower portion of the manifold into the reservoir where it is heated and is discharged through a passage communicating with the peripheral fuel oil inlets of the filter. A further manifold passage communicates the central fuel oil outlet of the filter to a horizontally disposed outlet on the lower portion of the manifold. Alternatively the heater unit can be formed as a spacer insertable between the manifold and spin-on filter and containing a star-shaped PTC heater.

Abstract: A fuel heater and fuel contamination detecting apparatus for automotive vehicles which includes a casing member in the form of a heating body made of a compound which is manufactured by mixing a thermoplastic resin and short metal fibers such as aluminum, copper, silver or alloys of these metals. The resistance of the heating body becomes infinite when the temperature rises above a predetermined level. Also provided are a reed switch and a magnet for activating the read switch and which is attached to a float. The float is in turn located in a reservoir formed in the casing member.

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 protective cap for a diesel fuel filter which is placed on the working end of the filter by the filter manufacturer prior to sale to prevent dirt and other contaminants from getting into filter, particulary on the downstream side of the filtering material. The diesel fuel filter comprises a canister having an open working end partially covered by a circular apertured wall in which there is a large central aperture opening to a cavity in the canister on the downstream side of the filtering material. The filtering material forms an annular ring surrounding the central cavity. A series of smaller apertures extend around the outer periphery of the apertured circular wall which receive diesel fuel during operation on the upstream side of the filtering material. The fuel then passes through the filtering material into the central cavity where it then flows to the diesel pump when the filter is mounted in place on the diesel engine.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for heating liquids, e.g. diesel fuel, by means of a conductive polymer heater which does not have an insulating jacket, so that there is direct physical contact between the liquid and electrically conductive parts of the heater. This results in improved heat transfer to the liquid. The unjacketed heater comprises a pair of elongate spaced electrodes embedded in an elongated strip of a conductive polymer, such as cross-linked polyvinylidene fluoride, which exhibits PTC behavior. The heater is positioned in a container through which diesel fuel to be heated flows from an entry port to an exit port. The exterior surface of the polymer strip is exposed and is directly contacted by the flowing diesel fuel.