Patent ID: 8651017

Claim:
A filter apparatus for a fryer, said fryer having a fryer container for containing cooking oil with at least one heating element disposed within said fryer container, said filter apparatus comprising: at least one filter assembly disposed within said fryer container; each said at least one filter assembly having a drain fitting extending therefrom; at least one manifold disposed within said fryer container; said at least one manifold each having at least one receiver opening in a manifold upper surface; said at least one manifold each having a manifold bore therein, wherein said manifold bore is in fluid communication with said receiver opening each said drain fitting having a fitting opening; said fitting opening, said receiver opening, and said manifold bore structured to cooperatively provide fluid communication from said at least one filter assembly through said manifold bore; each said at least one filter assembly selectively connectable to its respective said at least one manifold by functional coupling of each said drain fitting to the corresponding said receiver opening; said at least one filter assembly comprises at least four filter assemblies; said plurality of manifolds comprises at least two manifolds, wherein each said manifold has a plurality of said receiver openings; and, said heating element is disposed intermediate at least two said first filter assemblies and at least two said second filter assemblies.