Abstract: A fuel tank assembly has a fuel tank with a fuel flow control device disposed at least partially in the fuel tank, and which communicates with a fuel filler pipe through which volatile fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fuel flow control device includes a fill tube that controls the manner in which fuel enters the fuel tank, preferably to reduce generation of fuel vapor when fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fill tube is a flexible tube and includes a float adjacent to an outlet end of the fill tube so that the outlet end of the tube is responsive to the level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank for at least some levels of fuel in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of a fluid includes a valve body defining at least in part an inlet, an outlet, at least one chamber, and an orifice in communication with the chamber. A valve member is received at least in part in one chamber for reciprocation or rotation between an open position permitting fluid flow through the inlet and into the outlet, and a closed position at least substantially restricting fluid flow through the outlet. In the reciprocating version the movement of the spool toward its open position causes fluid in the chamber to be displaced out of the cavity through the at least one orifice. In one exemplary embodiment, a fuel system includes a valve between a primary fuel pump and a secondary fuel pump driven by a portion of the output of pressurized fuel from the primary fuel pump.

Abstract: A single stage, dual channel turbine fuel pump for use in a vehicle fuel delivery system, generally including a lower casing, an upper casing, an impeller and a motor. Both the lower and upper casings have a pair of concentric, annular grooves formed on their surfaces, where the two lower annular grooves are in fluid communication with a fuel passage inlet and the two upper annular grooves are in fluid communication with a fuel passage outlet. Rotation of the impeller causes a portion of the incoming fuel to be diverted into an inner lower groove and another portion into an outer lower groove. Once in the lower grooves, the fuel communicates with other parts of the pumping chamber such that it fills the upper grooves as well. Generally independent, helical fuel flow patterns are formed which cause the fuel to become pressurized as it flows from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A multi-stage fuel pump has a drive assembly, a pump assembly including first and second pumping elements disposed between various plates of the pump assembly, and first and second pumping channels each having an inlet and an outlet circumferentially offset from the inlet and the outlet of the other pumping channel. Desirably, the pumping channels are offset to control or orient the forces acting on the drive assembly, pumping elements and the plates of the pump assembly, including radial, axial and torsional forces.

Abstract: A polymeric fuel tank having a first body joined to a second body is constructed having a substantially continuously barrier layer surrounding the tank. The first body has an inner surface terminating at a free edge and a first mating surface adjacent the free edge. A first barrier layer is fixed adjacent the inner surface of the first body. The second body has an inner surface terminating at a free edge and has a second mating surface adjacent to the first mating surface and the free edge of the second body to define a fuel cavity. A second barrier layer is fixed adjacent the inner surface of the second body. At least one weld joint joins the first mating surface to the second mating surface and the first barrier layer to the second barrier layer to provide the continuous barrier layer in the fuel tank.

Abstract: This invention provides a low profile fuel tank assembly having an elongated fuel delivery module mounted horizontally within the fuel tank and independent from a flange which covers a sole fuel tank access hole. An integrated fuel pump and associated motor of the module dictates the length of the module. The motor and pump has a rotational axis preferably disposed substantially horizontal within the fuel tank. Because the fuel delivery module is supported by the fuel tank shell or bottom, independent of the flange, the access hole can be located anywhere on the fuel tank in order to simplify fuel tank ingress and minimize repair procedures. During assembly, the module is inserted into the fuel tank through the access hole, and is then placed and snap-locked preferably into a bracket structure permanently engaged to an inside surface of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A fuel tank assembly has a cover adapted for attachment to a structural member of a vehicle to define an enclosure between the cover and structural member and a fuel tank is received within the enclosure. Preferably, a space exists between the fuel tank and the cover, and the space is communicated with a fuel vapor canister to remove fuel vapor from the space and prevent it from escaping to the atmosphere. Desirably, the cover shields the fuel tank from the atmosphere, debris, and adjacent vehicle components.

Abstract: A fuel level sensor that includes a housing having a cavity formed therein, and a resistor element disposed within the cavity for creating a signal that may be utilized to indicate a liquid fuel level within a fuel tank. A float lever is associated with the housing adjacent a first end and adjacent a second end with a float is responsive to the level liquid fuel in the fuel tank. The float lever includes a first magnet that is disposed adjacent to the housing. A wiper and contact assembly is positioned generally adjacent to the resistor element to generate a signal that may be used to indicate a liquid fuel level. The wiper and contact assembly includes a second magnet that is magnetically coupled with the first magnet so that movement of the float lever is translated to movement of the wiper and contact assembly.

Abstract: A vapor vent valve for a fuel tank that includes a vapor outlet that connects an interior of the fuel tank with an exterior of the fuel tank. The vent valve also includes a fill cup that has an opening at one end and a sidewall that extends from the open end. A shell defines an interior space and is disposed partially in the fill cup. The shell includes a sidewall that has an opening and an upper edge. A flow passage is defined between the fill cup's sidewall and the shell sidewall to allow fluid which flows into the opening of the fill cup to enter the interior space through the opening in the sidewall of the shell. A float is received in the interior space and is responsive to the level of liquid fuel in the interior space. A closure pivotally carried by the shell is movable to a closed position to prevent fluid flow through the vapor outlet. The closure is also movable to an open position which allows fuel vapor to exit the fuel tank.

Abstract: A strainer constructed for attachment to an inlet of a fuel pump has at least one layer of permeable material forming a cavity. A body is disposed at least in part in the cavity and has at least one tubular portion arranged for fluid communication with the inlet of the fuel pump to provide a substantially unrestricted flow path leading from the filter to the inlet of the fuel pump, while inhibiting vapor from entering the fuel pump.

Abstract: A fuel tank assembly has a fuel tank with a fuel flow control device disposed at least partially in the fuel tank, and which communicates with a fuel filler pipe through which volatile fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fuel flow control device includes a fill tube that controls the manner in which fuel enters the fuel tank, preferably to reduce generation of fuel vapor when fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fill tube is a flexible tube and includes a float adjacent to an outlet end of the fill tube so that the outlet end of the tube is responsive to the level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank for at least some levels of fuel in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A turbine fuel pump assembly draws fuel from a reservoir and supplies that fuel to a combustion engine. The assembly includes an electric motor which drives a fuel pump, all of which is supported in a sleeve. The fuel pump has a guide ring which has a stripper segment for stripping or shearing fuel off of the vanes of an impeller and redirecting the fuel through an outlet port of the fuel pump. The turbine fuel pump assembly can be easily calibrated for improved pumping efficiency via a calibration ring tool which plastically deforms the sleeve externally by producing a dimple upon the sleeve and a corresponding interior protuberance which bears radially inward against a trailing segment of the guide ring to calibrate or move the cantilevered stripper segment against the impeller to a point where fuel stripping is improved and flow through the pump is optimized.

Abstract: An optical fuel level sensor for providing an electronic signal representative of the fuel level within a fuel tank, generally comprising a waveguide body, a photo source, and a photo receiver. The waveguide body can either be of a dual-tapered or single-taper shape and includes numerous tiered facets, which are angled surfaces located on the outer periphery of the waveguide. When the fuel level within the fuel tank is above a particular tiered facet, light that impinges that facet will refract out of the waveguide, conversely, when the fuel level is below that facet, impinging light will be reflected back into the waveguide such that it is received by the photo receiver. In this manner, the fuel level sensor is able to utilize the reflected light received by the photo receiver to provide an electronic signal representative of the fuel level. Furthermore, a calibration feature may be included which provides calibration information indicating when the fuel level has reached a known, predetermined level.

Abstract: A connector for receiving a tube end having at least one radially enlarged upset. The connector comprises a hollow female connector body and a retainer disposed in the connector body. The retainer has an annular inner base ring defining a cylindrical surface to receive the tube end. The retainer further defines compressive members. The base ring has a limit surface facing the compressive members and a chamfer intersecting the limit surface and the cylindrical surface. The compressive members define an inner diameter and a space between the limit surface and the compressive members for securing the radially enlarged upset in the connector body. The inner diameter of the compressive members is at least as large as the diameter of the intersection of the chamfer with the limit surface.