Inline dump-able fuel system dust filter with pressure relief valve

1. A filter apparatus comprising:

a filter body comprising an inlet passage;

a filter cap comprising an outlet passage and configured to be removably coupled to said filter body to define a filter cavity;

a filter medium;

a filter carrier configured to be removably disposed within said filter cavity, said filter carrier including an elongated filter carrier body having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section disposed therebetween configured to be coupled to said filter medium, the filter carrier body defining an air passage comprising:

an inlet disposed proximate to said first end, said inlet configured to be removably fluidly coupled to said inlet passage by way of a first tapered connection therebetween,

a first outlet disposed within said intermediate section to be fluidly coupled with said filter, and

a second outlet disposed proximate to said second end, said second outlet configured to be removably fluidly coupled to said outlet passage by way of a second tapered connection therebetween; and

a pressure relief value in fluid communication with said second outlet;

wherein said pressure relief valve is configured to remain closed when a pressure within said air passage is less than or equal to a first threshold pressure, thereby substantially obstructing said second outlet; and

wherein said pressure relief value is configured to open when the pressure within said air passage exceeds said first threshold pressure, thereby opening said second outlet.

2. The filter carrier of claim 1 , wherein said first threshold pressure is less than a second threshold pressure, the second threshold pressure being a pressure that will trigger an automatic shut-off of fuel filling equipment.

3. The filter carrier of claim 1 , wherein said first outlet comprises one or more slots in said filter carrier body.

4. The filter carrier of claim 1 , wherein:

said second outlet comprises a valve seat;

said pressure relief valve comprises a valve body and a biasing member;

said biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force to said valve body so as to bias the valve body in a direction of said valve seat;

when the pressure in said air passage is less than or equal to said first threshold pressure, said biasing force urges a sealing surface of said valve body against said valve seat, such that said pressure relief valve is in a closed condition; and

when the pressure in said air passage is greater than said first threshold pressure, said sealing surface is displaced away from said valve seat, such that said pressure relief valve is in an open position.

5. The filter carrier of claim 1 , further comprising a vent downstream of said pressure relief valve, wherein:

in said closed position, said vent is obstructed by at least a portion of said pressure relief valve;

in said open position, at least a portion of said vent is exposed such that said vent is in fluid communication with said second outlet.

6. The filter carrier of claim 4 , wherein said sealing surface has a geometry selected from the group consisting of a generally convex geometry, a cylindrical geometry, and an ellipsoidal geometry.

7. The filter carrier of claim 4 , wherein said valve seat comprises one or more projections that project towards said valve body to sealingly engage with said sealing surface in said closed position.

8. The filter carrier of claim 4 , wherein in said open position, said pressure relief valve substantially prevents further buildup of pressure within said air passage.

9. The filter carrier of claim 4 , wherein:

said first threshold pressure is less than a second threshold pressure, the second threshold pressure being a pressure that will trigger an automatic shut-off of fuel filling equipment; and

in said open position, said pressure relief valve provides a time interval during which the pressure in said air passage exceeds said first threshold pressure but is less than said second threshold pressure.

10. The filter carrier of claim 4 , wherein said biasing member is selected from the group consisting of a spring, a crimped wire, a hydraulic piston, and a pneumatic piston.

11. The filter carrier of claim 10 , wherein said biasing member is a spring.

12. The filter carrier of claim 1 wherein said first outlet comprises at least one slot formed in a wall of said filter carrier body.

13. The filter carrier of claim 12 , wherein:

said filter carrier body comprises a outer surface; and

said outer surface is configured to releasably engage with said filter.

14. The filter carrier of claim 1 , further comprising a lip extending radially from the filter carrier body.

15. The filter carrier of claim 14 , further comprising a vent downstream of said pressure relief valve, wherein:

in said closed position, said vent is obstructed by at least a portion of said pressure relief valve;

in said open position, at least a portion of said vent is exposed such that said vent is in fluid communication with said second outlet;

wherein said vent is formed proximate a junction between said lip and said filter carrier body.

16. The filter carrier of claim 1 , further comprising a vent downstream of said pressure relief valve, wherein:

in said closed position, said vent is obstructed by at least a portion of said pressure relief valve;

in said open position, at least a portion of said vent is exposed such that said vent is in fluid communication with said second outlet;

wherein said vent extends at least partially about a circumference of an outer surface of said first end.