초록 ▼

Disclosed herein is multiple filter controller comprising two filters; an inlet valve that regulates the directional inflow of a fluid through the filters; and an outlet valve that regulates the directional outflow of the fluid from the filters. Further disclosed is a method for maintaining a workin

Disclosed herein is multiple filter controller comprising two filters; an inlet valve that regulates the directional inflow of a fluid through the filters; and an outlet valve that regulates the directional outflow of the fluid from the filters. Further disclosed is a method for maintaining a working fuel system comprising: passing the fuel through a first filter; monitoring an amount of pressure as the fuel passes through the first filter; detecting when the pressure has reached a predetermined level; redirecting the fuel from the first filter to a second filter when the predetermined level has been detected by manipulating an inlet valve such that the inlet valve stops the flow of the fluid to the first filter and redirects the flow of the fluid to a second filter; and repairing or removing the first filter from the fuel system while the fuel is simultaneously flowing through the second filter.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A multiple filter controller for monitoring two or more filters to detect when any one of the filters is malfunctioning, wherein the two or more filters filter a fluid supplied to an engine, and further wherein the multiple filter controller allows for the replacement of the

What is claimed is: 1. A multiple filter controller for monitoring two or more filters to detect when any one of the filters is malfunctioning, wherein the two or more filters filter a fluid supplied to an engine, and further wherein the multiple filter controller allows for the replacement of the malfunctioning filter while the engine is running, wherein the multiple filter controller comprises: an inlet pipe, which introduces the fluid into the multiple filter controller; a first filter; a second filter; an inlet valve; an outlet valve; a boost pump located downstream of the outlet valve, wherein the boost pump moves the fluid through the multiple filter controller; a vacuum switch located downstream of the boost pump and upstream of a pump associated with said engine, wherein the vacuum switch detects a pressure level above a predetermined pressure level, wherein the pressure level is caused by a flow of the fluid through the malfunctioning filter, and wherein the vacuum switch responds to the pressure level, upon which response, the inlet valve is positioned to restrict the flow of the fluid from the inlet pipe to the malfunctioning filter and to permit the flow of the fluid from the inlet pipe to the other of said filters, and further wherein, upon the response of the vacuum switch, the outlet valve is positioned to restrict the flow of the fluid from the malfunctioning filter and to permit the flow of the fluid from the other of said filters; a check valve in operable communication with the boost pump, wherein the check valve prevents a backflow of the fluid to an inlet of the boost pump; and a bleed valve located downstream of the vacuum switch, wherein the bleed valve, in combination with the boost pump, removes excess air from the multiple filter controller. 2. The multiple filter controller of claim 1, further comprising a pressure gage in operable communication with the vacuum switch, wherein the pressure gage indicates the pressure level. 3. The multiple filter controller of claim 1, wherein the multiple filter controller is installed on a motorized boat, and further wherein the two or more filters filter the fuel which is provided to an engine that operates the motorized boat. 4. The multiple filter controller of claim 1, further comprising a first conduit physically attached to the inlet valve and to the first filter, and a second conduit physically attached to the inlet valve and to the second filter, wherein the first conduit provides a passage for a transport of fuel from the inlet valve to the first filter, and wherein the second conduit provides a passage for a transport of fuel from the inlet valve to the second filter. 5. The multiple filter controller of claim 4, further comprising a third conduit physically attached to the outlet valve and to the first filter, and a fourth conduit physically attached to the outlet valve and to the second filter, wherein the third conduit provides a passage for an egress of the fuel from the first filter, and the fourth conduit provides a passage for an egress of the fuel from the second filter. 6. The multiple filter controller of claim 5, further comprising a fifth conduit in communication with the third conduit and the fourth conduit, and that meets into a sixth conduit and a seventh conduit at a first manifold, wherein the boost pump is physically attached to the sixth conduit and the check valve is physically attached to the seventh conduit, and further wherein the sixth conduit and the seventh conduit meet at a second manifold. 7. The multiple filter controller of claim 6, further comprising an eighth conduit intersecting the sixth conduit and the seventh conduit, and thereby extending at and from the second manifold, wherein the vacuum switch is disposed on the eighth conduit. 8. The multiple filter controller of claim 7, further comprising a pressure gage for indicating the pressure level, wherein the pressure gage is disposed on the eighth conduit. 9. The multiple filter controller of claim 7, further comprising a third manifold, wherein the eighth conduit terminates at the third manifold, and wherein the multiple filter controller further comprises a ninth conduit having a proximal portion which extends from a first end of the third manifold, and a distal portion which extends from a second end of the third manifold, wherein the ninth conduit extends from the third manifold in a direction perpendicular to the eighth conduit, and further wherein the bleed valve is physically attached to the distal portion of the ninth conduit, and wherein the proximal portion of the ninth conduit provides a passage for an immediate egress of the fluid out of the multiple filter controller. 10. The multiple filter controller of claim 9, wherein the multiple filter controller is installed on a motorized boat, and further wherein the two or more filters filter the fuel which is provided to an engine that operates the motorized boat.