Liquid purification or separation – Filter – Supported – shaped or superimposed formed mediums
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-30
2001-04-24
Walker, W. L. (Department: 1723)
Liquid purification or separation
Filter
Supported, shaped or superimposed formed mediums
C210S172300, C210S232000, C210S238000, C210S416400, C210S459000, C210S460000, C210S461000, C210S462000, C210S463000, C210S486000, C210S487000, C210S493300, C210S494100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220454
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to in-tank fuel filters and more specifically to an in-tank fuel filter having both compact size and relatively large surface area. The sophistication of modern vehicle fuel systems, particularly fuel injection systems, necessitates use of the cleanest possible fuel. Cleanest is currently defined as carrying contaminants such as foreign particulate matter having a size of less than about 100 microns. In order to satisfy these requirements, vehicle manufacturers have adopted two stage filtration schemes utilizing a first, relatively coarse fuel filter disposed in the fuel tank and a second finer, readily replaceable fuel filter in the engine compartment.
Generally speaking, the in-tank fuel filter is assembled to an in-tank fuel pump. The fuel pump is then installed in an opening in the fuel tank. Alternatively, the fuel pump may be combined with a fuel level sensor and the resulting module is similarly installed in the fuel tank. In addition to the fuel cleanliness requirements, disposition of the fuel filter in the vehicle fuel tank is often subject to constraints regarding the filter size inasmuch as vehicle manufacturers tend to prefer smaller openings in the fuel tank. Moreover, many desirable operational characteristics of fuel filters such as low pressure drop, high flow rate and extended service life are in direct conflict with the demand for reduced size. One approach to achieving both compact size and relatively large surface area and thus low pressure drop and long service life involves providing folds or pleats in the filtration media. U.S. Pat. No. 2,079,366 discloses a filter including a bag-like filter element having folds which provide a relatively large filtration area. Wire screening is placed between the folds to define separate flow channels. U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,874 to Rosenberg et al. discloses a plural layer filter having a filtration element which is folded into sections.
From the foregoing prior art, it is apparent that improvements in the art of compact, relatively high flow rate in-tank fuel filters are desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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 its non-folded edges. The resulting surface area to size (footprint) ratio provides improved flow capacity, reduced pressure drop and extended service life. In the preferred embodiment, molded runners separate the layers of filtration media, prevent collapse of the media and ensure fuel flow. In an alternate embodiment, a fabric stuffer is disposed within the interior of the filter to provide the same function.
Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an in-tank fuel filter having both a compact configuration and relatively high flow rate capability.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compact, high capacity in-tank fuel filter having at least one internal accordion pleat.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a compact, high capacity in-tank fuel filter having a folded or convoluted body with a peripheral seal along three edges.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a compact, high capacity in-tank fuel filter having an outlet fitting integrally molded to the fabric body.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a compact, high capacity in-tank fuel filter having in-situ molded runners or a stuffer to separate the fabric layers.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following description of the preferred embodiment and appended drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same component, element or feature.
REFERENCES:
patent: 426945 (1890-04-01), Maignen
patent: 2023423 (1935-12-01), Kleckner
patent: 2079366 (1937-05-01), Thomas
patent: 2488726 (1949-11-01), Judkins
patent: 2491180 (1949-12-01), Horthy
patent: 2697522 (1954-12-01), Lawrence
patent: 3280985 (1966-10-01), Czerwonka
patent: 4239625 (1980-12-01), Hlavinka
patent: 4386948 (1983-06-01), Choksi et al.
patent: 4479874 (1984-10-01), Rosenberg et al.
patent: 4517090 (1985-05-01), Kersten et al.
patent: 4743370 (1988-05-01), Mizusawa
patent: 5665229 (1997-09-01), Fitzpatrick et al.
patent: 649682 (1928-12-01), None
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Fleming Michael A.
Kuss Corporation
Walker W. L.
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