Abstract: The invention provides an improvement over conventional engine controls by directly measuring fuel volatility, and using this measured value to adjust the engine air/fuel ratio during engine start and initial operation. Engine startability and initial operation are improved as compared to conventional engine control systems by compensating the engine air/fuel ratio during engine start and initial engine operation, using a direct measurement of the fuel volatility.

Abstract: An electronic returnless fuel system for a vehicle includes a fuel pump to pump fuel from a fuel tank. The electronic returnless fuel system also includes a fuel rail fluidly connected to the fuel pump to distribute the fuel to an engine of the vehicle and a pressure transducer to sense pressure of the fuel from the fuel pump to the fuel rail. The electronic returnless fuel system includes a controller electrically connected to the pressure transducer and the fuel pump to control the pressure of the fuel from the fuel pump to the fuel rail at a set operating pressure. The electronic returnless fuel system further includes a pressure relief valve interconnecting the fuel pump and the fuel rail set a predetermined amount below the set operating pressure to leak fuel back into the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method of reducing engine cold start up emissions and an apparatus for isolating a fuel sample for testing purposes. According to the methodology the driveability index of the fuel is sensed utilizing an onboard sensor and the sensed fuel driveability index is inputted to the engine controller for utilization by the engine controller in determining the fueling algorithm for minimizing emissions during the next cold start up of the engine. The sensor determines the driveability index by evaluating a fuel sample collected onboard during the previous running cycle of the engine. The fuel sample is pumped from the vehicle fuel tank to an onboard collection point by the vehicle fuel pump during the previous running cycle of the engine. The fuel sampling apparatus includes a sample cup, a cylinder having a bore and an inlet port for connection to the fuel pump and a piston rod defining an axial passage having an inlet port and a discharge port.

Abstract: An electronic returnless fuel system for a vehicle includes a fuel pump to pump fuel from a fuel tank. The electronic returnless fuel system also includes a fuel rail fluidly connected to the fuel pump to distribute the fuel to an engine of the vehicle and a pressure transducer to sense pressure of the fuel from the fuel pump to the fuel rail. The electronic returnless fuel system includes a controller electrically connected to the pressure transducer and the fuel pump to control the pressure of the fuel from the fuel pump to the fuel rail at a set operating pressure. The electronic returnless fuel system further includes a pressure relief valve interconnecting the fuel pump and the fuel rail set a predetermined amount above the set operating pressure and at least one jet pump disposed in the fuel tank and fluidly connected to the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A fuel tank cover assembly for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a cover adapted to close an opening in the fuel tank having a fuel reservoir disposed therein, a return guide rod extending from the fuel reservoir toward the cover, and a valve disposed between the cover and the return guide rod to allow one-way flow of fuel from the cover to the fuel reservoir.

Abstract: An electronic returnless fuel system for a vehicle includes a fuel pump to pump fuel from a fuel tank. The electronic returnless fuel system also includes a fuel rail fluidly connected to the fuel pump to distribute the fuel to an engine of the vehicle and a pressure transducer to sense pressure of the fuel from the fuel pump to the fuel rail. The electronic returnless fuel system includes a controller electrically connected to the pressure transducer and the fuel pump to control the pressure of the fuel from the fuel pump to the fuel rail at a set operating pressure. The electronic returnless fuel system further includes a pressure relief valve interconnecting the fuel pump and the fuel rail set a predetermined amount above the set operating pressure and at least one jet pump disposed in the fuel tank and fluidly connected to the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: An electronic returnless fuel system for a vehicle includes a fuel pump to pump fuel from a fuel tank. The electronic returnless fuel system also includes a fuel rail fluidly connected to the fuel pump to distribute the fuel to an engine of the vehicle and a pressure transducer to sense pressure of the fuel from the fuel pump to the fuel rail. The electronic returnless fuel system includes a controller electrically connected to the pressure transducer and the fuel pump to control the pressure of the fuel from the fuel pump to the fuel rail at a set operating pressure. The electronic returnless fuel system further includes a pressure relief valve interconnecting the fuel pump and the fuel rail set a predetermined amount below the set operating pressure to leak fuel back into the fuel tank.