Patent ID: 6783665
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: B01D,F02M

Abstract:
A unit for automatically bleeding off the water which separates in a vehicle fuel filter of a vehicle having an engine, the vehicle having a switch operated by an ignition key and having a first activation position in which an electrical system of the vehicle is activated but the engine remains switched off, the unit comprising the following:(a) a replaceable filter cartridge comprising a first container including (i) an upper chamber having a filter therein, (ii) a lower chamber separated from said upper chamber and configured to collect water that separates from fuel passing through said filter, said lower chamber having a lower port, and (iii) a water level sensor first part positioned within said lower chamber and comprising a float, the specific gravity of which lies between the specific gravity of the water and that of the fuel, said lower chamber including a means for retaining said float therein; (b) a second container removably attached to said first container and including therein: (i) a water level sensor second part comprising a float guide stem rigidly joined to said container and extending through said lower port to slidingly engage said float, (ii) an electrically operated withdrawal device connected to the electrical system of the vehicle, and configured to withdraw water accumulated in the lower chamber through a bleed outlet provided along said stem; and (c) a microprocessor connected to said water level sensor second part and to the switch of the vehicle electrical power system, to electrically power the withdrawal device when the water level sensor is activated and the ignition key is in the first activation position, said water level sensor being configured such that upon replacement of said filter cartridge, said sensor first part remains with said filter cartridge and is disposed therewith, while said sensor second part remains with said second container.