Patent ID: 8157987
Filing Date: 2012-04-17
Classification: F02M

Abstract:
1. A multiple filter controller for monitoring two or more filters to detect when any of the said filters is malfunctioning, and is, hence, a malfunctioning filter, for allowing replacement and/or maintenance of the malfunctioning filter while the other of the said filters operates, and for polishing a fluid, wherein the multiple filter controller comprises: a first filter; a second filter; an inlet valve in operable communication with the first filter and the second filter, wherein the inlet valve provides the fluid to the first filter and to the second filter wherein the fluid originates from a supply station; an outlet valve in operable communication with the first filter and the second filter, wherein the outlet valve provides an outlet source for the fluid from the first filter and from the second filter; a first manifold; a first conduit connected to and extending from the first manifold; a second conduit connected to and extending from the first manifold, wherein the second conduit feeds the fluid from the multiple filter controller to a fuel pump; a bleed valve located downstream of the outlet valve and connected to the first conduit; a third conduit which connects the bleed valve to the supply station; a boost pump in a parallel configuration with a check valve, wherein the boost pump and the check valve are in operable communication with the outlet valve and with the bleed valve, and further wherein the boost pump and the check valve are downstream from the outlet valve and upstream from the bleed valve; and a vacuum gage in a parallel configuration with the boost pump and the check valve, wherein the vacuum gage is connected to a fourth conduit which is connected to a second manifold, wherein the second manifold connects a fifth conduit to the boost pump, a sixth conduit to the check valve, and a seventh conduit to the outlet valve; wherein the fluid is introduced into the multiple filter controller via the inlet valve, and passes into at least one of the first filter and the second filter, and further wherein the fluid is returned to the supply station by feeding the fluid into the third conduit via the bleed valve.