WO1995013468A1

WO1995013468A1 - Fuel filter

Info

Publication number: WO1995013468A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/012131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael D. Clausen; Walter H. Stone; Russell D. Jensen
Original assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
Priority date: 1993-11-10
Filing date: 1994-10-18
Publication date: 1995-05-18
Also published as: JP2008260014A; JPH09510518A; US5643446A; JP2006275061A

Abstract

A fuel filter comprises a head (96) having an inlet (100) and an outlet (102). The head is connected to an element (98, 266) by a nipple (186) which has a valve element (196) therein. An actuating projection (222, 272) is engageable with said valve element to open flow through said nipple when the correct element is attached thereto. The failure of the nipple to sufficiently extend into the element, which occurs when an improper element is attached, prevents flow through the nipple and renders the filter inoperable. The actuating projection is further supported on a central portion (220, 276) which prevents connection to a nipple that extends too far into the element. As a result, only the proper element may be attached in operative connection to the head.

Description

DESCRIPTION FUEL FILTER

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to fuel filters and separators for vehicles. Specifically, the invention relates to a fuel filter that includes a filter head and a removable filter element.

BACKGROUND ART

Many types of fuel filters and separators are known in the prior art. A popular type of filter and/or separator construction is a type that has a filter head to which a replaceable "spin on" element is attached. The head is a permanent part of the fuel system of the vehicle and includes inlet and outlet connections to the fiiel lines. The element may be readily removed from the filter head and a new one attached without opening the fuel line connections to the filter head. A problem with prior art fuel filters has been the leakage of fuel out of the filter head and the introduction of air into the system when the filter element is changed. As filters are often mounted in a relatively low position in the fuel system, considerable leakage and air introduction may occur. This can make starting the engine difficult or may require excessive priming after a filter change.

Another problem associated with changing filters is fuel spillage. The fuel lines and element are often under pressure. When the element is removed the pressure is relieved and the fuel spills out. This can present a fire hazard as well as a waste clean up problem. A further problem associated with prior art filters is that filter elements having different filtration capabilities often have an identical mounting configuration and may fit on the same filter head. However, use of the wrong filter can cause poor engine performance and allow undesirable amounts of contaminants which shorten engine life.

Thus, there exists a need for a fuel filter that minimizes the risk that an improper filter will be used, minimizes fuel spillage and reduces the amount of air entry into the fuel system.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a replaceable fuel filter.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel filter that reduces the amount of air that enters the fuel system during an element change.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel filter that minimizes the amount of fuel spillage during an element change.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel filter that insures that only the correct element for the system is attached to the head.

Further objects of the present invention will be made apparent in the following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in a first preferred embodiment of the invention by a filter head adapted for mounting a replaceable contaminant separator or filter element thereon. The element has an in-flow area for accepting incoming fuel, and an out-flow area for delivering fuel that has passed through the element.

The filter head includes an inlet for receiving incoming fuel from the fuel tank or other source of supply. The inlet is in fluid communication with the in-flow area of the element. The head also has an outlet which is in fluid communication with the outflow area of the element through a fluid passage in the head. The outlet of the head is connected to the remainder of the vehicle fuel system including the carburetor or fuel injection system of the engine.

The filter head includes a nipple portion which threadably attaches the element to the head. The nipple portion includes a valve element therein. The valve element is positioned in the fuel passage in the nipple portion and is biased by a spring to move to the closed position.

The filter element has a generally cylindrical housing with an annular ring of filter media therein. The filter media divides a peripheral fuel chamber from a central fuel chamber. The filter media is bounded at a first upper end by a first end cap. The first end cap has a first annular end cap wall which extends longitudinally and is disposed radially interiorly of the filter media in the central fuel chamber. The first end cap has a central portion with fluid passages therethrough traversely spanning the annular end cap wall. In diametrically centered relation on the annular end cap wall is an outward extending actuating projection. The actuating projection has a free end that is longitudinally within the central fuel chamber. The free end is aligned with a first opening in a tap plate of the element which accepts the nipple portion therein when the element is attached to said head. Attachment of the element and the head causes the actuating projection in the nipple portion to engage and move the valve element therein to the open position. This enables fuel to flow between the filter element. Disengagement of the element causes the valve element to move to the closed position so that air may not readily enter the head or the remainder of the fuel system. Further, the closure of the valve element prevents fuel from flowing out of the head through the nipple portion.

The actuating protection is sized and positioned longitudinally inside the element so that it engages and opens the valve element in the nipple portion when the proper element is attached to the head. The actuating member may be positioned within various element types at different longitudinal positions each of which corresponds to a particular nipple portion configuration. As a result, only a particular element type will operate in conjunction with the filter head. This assures proper filtration which provides optimum engine performance and prolongs engine life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a partially sectioned side view of a filter head having an integral priming pump with an element of the present invention attached thereto.

Figure 2 is a top view of the filter head and element shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a partial cutaway view of the filter head and element assembly.

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the element of Figure 3. Figure 5 is an isometric exploded view of the head, nipple portion, valve element, and element shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 is an enlarged isometric view of a first end of the element shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an enlarged isometric view of a second end of the element shown in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a top view of the second end cap of the element shown in Figure 4.

Figure 9 is a sectional view of the second end cap along line 22-22 in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a bottom view of the second end cap shown in Figure 4. Figure 11 is an alternative embodiment of an element of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a sectional view of the filter head along line 12-12 in Figure 5 with a pump portion therein shown undergoing an output stroke. Figure 13 is a sectional view of the filter head in the output stroke condition of the pump portion as shown in Figure 12 along line 13-13 in Figure 5.

Figure 14 is a sectional view similar to Figure 12 except that a pump portion is shown undergoing in intake stroke.

Figure 15 is a sectional view similar to Figure 13 except the pump portion is shown undergoing in intake stroke.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown therein a first preferred embodiment of a filter with an integral priming pump generally indicated 94. Filter 94 includes a head 96 and a detachable element 98. Head includes an inlet 100 and an outlet 102. The inlet and outlet have openings to enable attachment of the filter head to fuel lines or other conduits of the fuel system of the vehicle on which the filter is used. The head also includes a pumping portion 104 which includes a movable pump cap 106. The head further includes a vent opening (not shown) which in operation is generally closed by a removable vent plug 108. The vent plug serves to enable air to escape from the element during a priming operation. Element 98 which will be later discussed in detail is a filter/separator element. It has a removable bottom cap 114, a drain valve 116 and an electrical connector 118 for a water sensor extending from bottom cap 114.

Head 96 and pumping portion 104 are shown in greater detail in Figures 12 through 15. As best shown in Figures 12 and 13, pumping portion 104 has an internal upright extending bore 120. The bore 120 is formed integrally with the head and in the operative condition extends upward thereon. The bore is bounded at its outer end by an annular stepped projection 122. The bore 120 has a first area 124 and fluid communication with inlet 100 (see Figure 13). The bore 120 also has a second area 126 which is shown disposed vertically above the first area 124. An opening 128 extends between the first and second areas and is bounded by a first seat 130. First body 132 is movably positioned in the second area above first seat. Body 132 is sized for blocking acceptance in first seat 130.

Bore 120 further includes a third area 134 shown vertically above the second area of 126. A second opening 136 extends between the second and third areas and is bounded by a seat 138. A second body 140 is movably positioned in the third area and is sized for blocking acceptance in the second seat 138. First and second bodies 132, 140 are preferably comprised of rubber material.

An annular projection 122 includes a first annular step 142 which supports an annular resilient first seal 144. Seal 144 engages a cylindrical inner cap wall 144 of pump cap 106 in slidable fluid tight relation.

Annular projection 122 further includes a second annular step 148 thereon. Second annular step 148 supports a closure disk member 150 thereon. Closure disk member 150 serves to close the open top end of bore 120. Step projection 122 further includes a third annular step 152 which supports a second seal 154 thereon. Seal 154 prevents fluid from escaping from the bore underneath the closure disk member.

The closure disk member 150 further includes an outer annular flange portion 156 which engages inner wall 146 of the pump cap 106 in slidable abutting relation. The flange portion 156 further serves as a centering nest for a compression spring 158 which extends between the disk shaped member 150 and the inside top surface of pump cap 106.

The seal 144 supported by the step projection 122 bounds a variable volume area generally indicated 160 in the interior of pump cap 106. When pump cap 106 is moved longitudinally downward, the volume of the pump cap above the step projection decreases and pressure rises in the area of 160. Returning movement in the upward direction of the pump cap creates a vacuum in the area of 160.

A split sleeve 162 extends in surrounding relation of bore 120 at the sides thereof. The sleeve bounds a first chamber 164 on a first longitudinal side of the bore 120. On an opposed side, the sleeve 162 bounds a second chamber 166. The bore 120 is bounded in the first chamber 164 by a wall 168. Wall 168 has an opening 170 therethrough longitudinally above first seat 130. As a result, second area 126 of the bore is in fluid communication with first chamber 164. First chamber 164 is also fluidly open through a cut-out 172 adjacent annular second step 148 of step projection 122. The cut-out 172 is open to variable volume area 160 through a pair of opposed openings 174 in the inside lower surface of closure disk member 150.

First chamber 164 is closed at its lower end by a knock-out plug 176. The opening closed by the knock-out plug is used during manufacture to facilitate forming the chamber.

First chamber 164 is in fluid tight communication with the variable volume area 160 inside the pump cap 106. Further, first chamber 164 is in fluid communication with the second area 126 of the bore 120. Second chamber 166, on the opposed side of the bore from first chamber 164, extends between the inside wall of the sleeve 162 and a wall 178 which bounds the bore 120. Second chamber 166 is open to a third area 134 of the bore through a cut-out 180 above second seat 138.

Second chamber 166 is open at the bottom thereof into an annularly extending heater chamber 182. Heater chamber 182 is bounded by a dish shaped member 184. The dish shaped member 184 is supported on a nipple 186 which is threadably engaged with the head and is also threadably engagable with the element 98 as later discussed in detail.

The pump cap 106 is made of relatively rigid plastic material. It is held to the head by a support ring 188 which engages an outward extending annular flange 190 inside the cap. The support ring is held against flange 190 by a snap ring 192 which nests in annular recess in the cap. The support ring is adapted to engage the lower face of projection 122 when the pump cap is in its upward position (see Figures 14 and 15). The engagement of the support ring with the lower face of projection 122 prevents the pump cap from disengaging from the head.

Pumping action is initiated by an alternately depressing and releasing pump cap 106. When cap 106 is depressed, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the pressure generated inside the cap by the decrease in volume of the variable volume area 160 is transmitted to the first chamber 164 through the openings 174 in the closure disk member 150 and the cut-out 172 at the top of first chamber 164. This increased pressure is transmitted to the second area 126 inside bore 120 through opening 170. Because the diameter of the bore in the second area is greater than the diameter of body 132, the pressure passes upwardly around the body 132 which remains seated blocking fluid flow into first area 124.

The increase in pressure in the second area pushes second body 140 upward off the second seat 138. As a result, any fluid in the second area is pushed upward through the third area 134 and out through cut-out 180 in second chamber 166. In chamber 166 fluid flows downward into heater chamber 182. The fuel flows through the heater chamber upward over the lip of the dish shaped member 184 through an opening 194.

It should be noted that in its upward position, body 140 engages the inside of closure disk member 150. This insures that the body does not move to a position wherein it will not readily fall back into its seated position when the pressure is dissipated.

When pump cap 106 is released from its lower position, it is moved upward by the force of spring 154 to a position shown in Figures 14 and 15. This upward movement increases the volume of chamber 160 inside the cap and creates a vacuum. The vacuum is transmitted to first chamber 164 through cut-out 172 and openings 174 in the closure disk member 150. The vacuum is transmitted to the second area 126 of the bore 120 through opening 170. The vacuum moves body 132 upward off its seat. In this condition the body 140 remains seated due to the vacuum force on its lower side. Upward movement of body 132 is restricted by its engagement with body 140. This insures that body 132 will return to its seat when the vacuum is dissipated.

Vacuum applied to second area 126 pulls the fuel into the second area from the first area 124 and the inlet 100. When the vacuum is dissipated the pump is again depressed to repeat the cycle.

In some systems, when there has been an element change the vent plug 108 is removed and the priming pump cycled until a new element is filled with the fuel and all air in the new element has been displaced and pushed out the vent opening. Thereafter, the vent plug is reinstalled. This minimizes the amount of air that may enter the system and avoids possible problems with restarting the engine after filter change. When the filter is primed the engine may be started. In this condition both bodies 132, 140 are disposed upward from the respective seats as fuel flows through the bore.

The filter element 98 and the head 96 are shown in greater detail in Figures 3 through 5. The nipple 186 houses a valve element 196 that is movable therein. The valve element is adapted for blocking an opening 198 at the lower end of the nipple. A spring 200 biases the valve element 196 towards the closed position in which it shuts off flow through the nipple.

The filter element 98 includes a tap plate 202 at a first end thereof. The tap plate has a central threaded opening 204 which threadably engages an enlarged threaded area of nipple portion 186. As shown in Figure 4, the element includes an outer generally cylindrical housing 206. The housing encloses an annular ring of filter media 208. The media 208 removes impurities from fuel passing therethrough. The media separates a peripheral fuel chamber 210 from a central fuel chamber 212 inside the media. The inner face of the media is supported by a perforated center tube 214. Media 208 is attached at a first longitudinal end to a first end cap 216. The media is attached to the first end cap by potting compound or similar adhesive material. The first end cap includes a longitudinally extending annular wall 218 positioned in the central fuel chamber. Annular wall 218 is radially disposed inwardly from d e center tube 214 of the media

208.

A central disk shaped portion 220 spans the longitudinal wall 218 of the first end cap. An actuating projection 222 extends longitudinally outward from the central portion 220. The actuating projection 222 has a free end 224 which is positioned longitudinally inward from the tap plate 202 so as to be positioned within the central fuel chamber. The central portion 220 includes a plurality of fluid passages 226 therethrough (see Figures 5 and 6). The fluid passages 226 enable fluid to pass through the first end cap in the recessed area bounded by wall 218. A resilient seal 228 is positioned intermediate of the tap plate 202 and first end cap 216. Seal 228 surrounds opening 204 in the tap plate and extends inwardly so as to annularly engage the radially extending surface and longitudinal wall 218 of first end cap 216. Seal 228 further includes a radially inward projection 230 which extends inward from a radially extending annular outer face of the seal. The seal 228 is held in compressed relation between the first end cap 216 and the tap plate 202 and further serves to segregate the fuel in the peripheral fuel chamber 210 from the fuel in the central fuel chamber 212.

The tap plate 202 includes a plurality of angularly spaced second tap plate openings 234. The second tap plate openings 234 are disposed radially outward from seal 228 and are in communication with peripheral fuel chamber 210 of the element. A resilient annular seal 236 extends radially outward beyond openings 238 on the exterior of the element.

As shown in Figure 3, when the element 98 is engaged to the head 96, the threaded enlarged area of nipple 186 engages the threaded opening 204 in the tap plate to securely hold the element to the head. When the element is engaged to the head, the inward projection 230 of seal 228 engages the interiorly extending area of nipple 186 to provide a leak resistant connection with the central fuel chamber. Further, the free end 224 of actuating projection 222 is positioned to engage valve element 196 and move it to enable fluid to flow through opening 198 from the central fuel chamber 212 of the element. This enables the central fuel chamber of the element to be in connection with the outlet 102 of the head.

With element 98 attached to the head by engagement between the nipple and the tap plate, seal 236 engages the head in fluid tight relation circumferentially outward of the second tap plate openings 234. This provides a fluid tight region between the nipple portion and seal 236. Fuel that passes out of the head through the opening 194 in the heater chamber 182, flows into this region and passes through the second tap plate openings 234. As a result, fuel from the head flows into the peripheral fuel chamber 210 between the media 208 and the housing of the element. Fuel thereby passes in outside/in fashion through the media 208 and is filtered before it reaches the outlet 102.

The actuating projection 222 and valve element 196 function to close off any flow through the nipple when the element is removed. As a result, fuel spillage is minimized. Further, this feature minimizes the amount of air that gets into the system. This is particularly useful if the fuel filter is mounted in a vertically low position in the system. In such cases a large quantity of fuel could otherwise drain out. This could cause the fuel lines to become air bound and cause great difficulty in starting the engine and/or require excessive priming before the engine will start.

A further advantage of the construction of the invention is that the actuating projection 222, the nipple and valve member must have a precise mating relationship to enable the filter element to be engaged with the head and to work properly in conjunction therewith. This is important when the tap plate configuration is similar for different types of fuel filter/separator elements, many of which would not be suitable for the particular application. By varying the longitudinal position of the actuating member and the length of the nipple extending into the central fuel chamber of the element so that each corresponds only for the proper filter type, it may be assured that only the correct filter element is installed on the head. This is achieved because if the nipple is "too long" for the filter element, the inner face of the nipple will bottom out against the central portion 220 inside the element before the threads on the nipple and the tap plate engage. Similarly, if the nipple is "too short" the actuating projection will not engage the valve element. As a result, the valve element will stay closed and it will not be possible to prime the element or start the engine. Therefore, regardless of the type of error made, an improper element will not work in conjunction with the filter head.

Referring again to the cross sectional view of the element shown in Figure 4, the media 208 is bounded at a second longitudinal end by a second end cap 238 which is a disk shaped member. The second end cap 238 is shown in detail in Figures 8 through 10. The second end cap includes a plurality of radially extending projections 240 that extend outward from the end cap to the peripheral fuel chamber 210. The projections 240 have annular spaces 242 thereinbetween. The second end cap 238 also includes an upturned annular projection 241 for bounding the exterior of the media. The housing 206 includes an annularly in-turned portion 244. The in- turned portion 244 supports the projections 240 of second end cap 238. Contaminants which collect on the surface of the media in the peripheral fuel chamber are enabled to fall downward in the housing and pass through the spaces 242 between the projections 240. Such contaminants collect in a contaminant collection area 246 in a lower portion of the housing.

The projections 240 also extend radially outward from the media and serve to maintain the media in spaced relation away from the inside wall of the housing. This along with annular projection 241 prevents the media from becoming dislodged even in a severe vibration environment such as when attached to an engine. Further, the supported relation of the projections on the in-turned portion of the housing enable seal 228 to be compressed between the first end cap and the tap plate. The compression of the seal provides a longitudinal force that not only maintains fluid separation between the central fuel chamber and the peripheral fuel chamber but also helps to avoid separation of the media from its end caps inside the housing. The contaminant collection chamber 246 inside the housing is bounded at its lower end by a tapered annular portion. The housing further includes at its lower end a longitudinally extending wall portion 248. Wall portion 248 terminates in an annular in-turned lip 250. Lip 250 supports an internally threaded ring shaped member 252 which threadably accepts threads on bottom cap 114 therein. A seal 254 extends between the bottom cap and the ring member 252. In addition, an annular outward extending shoulder 256 of the cap engages the in-turned lip 250 to insure a fluid tight fit when the cap is mounted to the housing.

The drain valve 116 and electrical connector 118 extend from the bottom of cap 114. The contaminant collection area 246 has a water sensor generally indicated 258 therein. The water sensor includes a longitudinally extending post 260 which extends from cap 114. The post has an enlarged head 262 which is adapted to be in closely disposed relation from the lower end cap 238. The closely spaced post and end cap further provide an opportunity for central support of the lower end cap should it undergo deformation due to excessive pressure or deformation of the outer housing. A floatable member 264 is slidably movable longitudinally on post 260. Floatable member 264 is buoyant in contaminants such as water so that when the level of contaminants in area 246 rises, floatable member 264 will rise as well. An inductance sensor in post 260 is used to provide an electrical signal indicative of the position of floatable member 264. The electrical signal is used to indicate that the contaminant collection area is filled with contaminants. Typically this electrical signal is transmitted via connector 118 to an appropriate warning device such as a light. An alternative embodiment filter element 266 suitable for use with a filter head similar to head 96 is shown in Figure 11. Element 266 is similar to element 96 in all aspects except that it has a first end cap 268 which does not include an actuating projection. Rather, element 266 has a second end cap 270 which includes an actuating projection 272 thereon. The second end cap also has a longitudinally extending annular wall 274 which is radially inwardly disposed from the filter media. A central portion 276 of the second end cap spans the annular wall and includes the actuating projection thereon. Unlike the prior embodiment, central portion 276 does not include fluid passages therethrough. The first end cap of element 266 includes an annular opening and supports the resilient seal between the first end cap and the tap plate.

The element 266 may be made with annular internal walls of various longitudinal lengths tailored to the length of the nipples in various filter heads. By varying the length of wall 274 of the second end cap 270 the invention ensures that only the proper filter element type will work with the head in the fuel system. Further, the alternative embodiment element 266 provides all of the other advantages associated with element 98 which were previously described.

Thus, the new fuel filter of the present invention achieves the above stated objectives, eliminates difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices, solves problems and attains the desirable results described herein. In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations given are by way of examples and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated and the advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. a filter comprising:

a generally cylindrical housing;

an annular ring of filter media in said housing, said ring separating a peripheral chamber disposed between said ring and said housing, and a central chamber bounded by said ring;

a first end cap attached to said ring at a first longitudinal end thereof, said first end cap including an actuating projection extending longitudinally in said central fuel chamber, said actuating projection having a free end generally diametrically centered in said housing and surrounded by said ring.

2. The filter according to claim 1 and further comprising a longitudinally extending annular end cap wall supported on said first end cap, said annular end cap wall extending in said central chamber and radially disposed inwardly from said ring, and wherein said actuating projection is supported on said annular end cap wall.

3. The filter according to claim 1 and further comprising a tap plate at a first longitudinal end of said housing, said tap plate including a diametrically centered first tap plate opening therethrough, and a first annularly extending resilient seal in longitudinally compressed relation between said first tap plate and said first end cap, and wherein said first seal is in surrounding relation of said first tap plate opening interiorly of said housing.

4. The filter according to claim 3 wherein said housing comprises an annular in-turned portion adjacent a second end of said ring, said annular in- turned portion in supporting relation of said ring, whereby said first resilient seal is held in compressed relation between said first end cap and said tap plate.

5. The filter according to claim 4 and further comprising a generally disk shaped member interiorly of said housing and in supported intermediate relation between said in-turned portion of said housing and said second end of said ring, said disk shaped member including a plurality of angularly spaced radially extending projections having spaces thereinbetween, said radially extending projections extending to said peripheral area, whereby contaminants in said peripheral chamber are enabled to pass through said spaces between said radially extending projections and interiorly of said in- turned portion of said housing.

6. The filter according to claim 5 wherein said disk shaped member comprises an annular, longitudinally extending projection circumferentially surrounding said ring at said second end thereof.

7. The filter according to claim 3 wherein said first seal further comprises an annular, radially inward extending seal projection positioned longitudinally interiorly of said tap plate, whereby a nipple extending through said tap plate opening is annularly engageable with said seal projection in fluid tight relation.

8. The filter according to claim 3 wherein said first seal is engaged with a first annular end cap wall supported on said first end cap, said first annular end cap wall extending longitudinally and radially inwardly disposed from said ring in said central chamber.

9. The filter according to claim 3 wherein said free end of said actuating projection is surrounded circumferentially by said first resilient seal.

10. The filter according to claim 3 wherein said tap plate includes at least one second tap plate opening therethrough disposed radially outward of said first resilient seal, and wherein said second tap plate opening is fluidly open to said peripheral chamber.

11. The filter according to claim 3 wherein said first end cap includes at least one fluid passage therethrough, and wherein fluid flow is enabled through said fluid passage between said central chamber and said first tap plate opening.

12. The filter according to claim 1 and further comprising a nipple extending in said central chamber, said nipple portion including a valve element therein, wherein said actuating projection is operatively engaged with said valve element to enable fluid flow through said nipple.

13. The filter according to claim 3 and further comprising a nipple extendible through said first tap plate opening into said central chamber, said nipple including a movable valve element therein, said valve element movable between open and closed positions wherein fluid flow through said nipple is enabled or prevented respectively, and wherein said actuating projection moves said valve element to said open position when said nipple extends through said first tap plate opening.

14. The filter according to claim 13 wherein said first seal includes an annular radially inward extending seal projection in said central chamber, said seal projection disposed longitudinally interiorly of said tap plate, said seal projection annularly engaging said nipple in compressed relation when said nipple extends through said first tap plate opening and moves said valve element to the open position.

15. The filter according to claim 13 wherein said nipple and said tap plate include engaging means and wherein said valve element is in the open position when said nipple and said tap plate are in engagement.

16. The filter according to claim 2 wherein said first end cap includes a central portion spanning said annular end cap wall, said longitudinally extending projection supported on said central portion and whereby passage of a nipple into said central chamber beyond said central portion is prevented.

17. The filter according to claim 16 wherein said central portion comprises a generally disk shaped portion having said actuating projection extending therefrom, and wherein said disk shaped portion includes a plurality of fluid passages angularly spaced about said actuating projection.

18. The filter according to claim 1 and wherein said ring has a second end opposed of said first end and wherein said filter further comprises a longitudinally extending post, said post terminating outside said central chamber and closely adjacent said second end of said media.

19. The filter according to claim 18 wherein said filter further comprises a removable cap at a second end of said housing and wherein said post extends longitudinally from said cap.

20. The filter according to claim 18 wherein said filter further comprises a floatable member longitudinally movable on said post.

21. The filter according to claim 20 and further comprising electrical sensor means in operative connection with said floatable member.

22. The filter according to claim 18 and further comprising a disk shaped member attached at a second end of said ring, and wherein said post terminates in closely adjacent relation of a central portion of said disk shaped member.

23. The filter according to claim 22 wherein said filter further comprises a floatable member longitudinally movable on said post, and wherein said filter further comprises a contaminant collection area disposed interiorly of said housing and longitudinally from said disk shaped member in a first direction away from said ring, and wherein said floatable member is in said contaminant collection area.

24. The filter according to claim 23 wherein said housing comprises a radially in-turned portion, and wherein said disk shaped member includes a plurality of angularly spaced radially extending projections, said radially extending projections extending in said first direction from said disk shaped member towards said contaminant collection area, said radially extending projections engaged with said in-turned portion of said housing, and wherein said radially extending projections have spaces thereinbetween whereby contaminants are enabled to pass from said peripheral fuel chamber to said contaminant collection area through said spaces.

25. A filter assembly comprising:

a generally cylindrical housing;

an annular ring of filter media in said housing, said ring separating a peripheral chamber from a central chamber; a longitudinally extending actuating projection in said central chamber, said actuating projection having a free end;

a nipple extendible into said central chamber, said nipple having an opening positionable in said central chamber, said nipple further including a valve member therein for controlling fluid flow therethrough, said free end of said actuating projection acceptable in said opening in said nipple, and wherein when said actuating projection is accepted in said opening said valve member is moved thereby to an open condition.

26. The filter assembly according to claim 25 wherein said actuating projection is supported on a supporting member, and wherein said supporting member extends radially outward from said actuating projection, and wherein said supporting member is engagable with said nipple to limit the longitudinal insertion of said nipple into said central chamber.

27. The filter assembly according to claim 25 wherein said ring is connected to a first end cap at a first longitudinal end thereof, said actuating projection supported on said first end cap.

28. The filter assembly according to claim 26 wherein said first end cap includes a longitudinally extending annular end cap wall extending radially inwardly disposed from said ring, and a disk-shaped portion spanning said annular end cap wall, and wherein said actuating protection is supported on said disk-shaped portion.

29. The filter assembly according to claim 25 wherein said assembly further comprises a priming pump fluidly connected with one of said peripheral or central chambers and wherein said priming pump comprises a first check valve and a second check valve fluidly aligned wherein liquid is enabled to flow in a first flow direction therethrough into said one chamber, said check valves bounding a pumping area, said pumping area in fluid communication with a variable volume area.