Specific Location Or Mounting Of Pump Patents (Class 123/509)
  • FEED UNIT
    Publication number: 20090013971
    Abstract: In a feed unit for feeding fuel from a fuel container of a motor vehicle a surge part (1) has a base plate (9) and an adjoining tubular section (10). The base plate (9) is fabricated in one piece with a nozzle (15) and a mixer pipe (16) of a suction jet pump (8) and has receptacles (21, 13) for a fine filter (3) and for supporting rods (22) of a fuel pump (2). The feed unit is of particularly simple design as a result of this and can be fabricated in a cost-effective way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Karl Eck, Dieter Hagist, Matthias Kadler, Martin Maasz, Oliver Schonert, Michael Teichert
  • Integrated fuel delivery system
    Patent number: 7475678
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a combustion engine has a fuel tank which defines an access hole preferably communicating through either the top wall or bottom wall of the tank. An associated top or bottom flange, both having a fuel channel for flowing fuel out of the tank, sealably covers the access hole. A fuel pump module is located in the fuel chamber of the tank and has a universal, structural, pod which engages either the top or bottom flange while preferably maintaining an axial upright position. The pod defines an axially extending first bore for housing a fuel pump and preferably an electric pump motor and a second bore defined by a cylindrical inner face and spaced radially outward from the first chamber for housing a reversible filter cartridge of the module. The pod also has a fuel discharge nozzle which generally defines a counter bore that communicates axially with the second bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Douyama, Kerry E. Grifka, Kevin L. Israelson, Ronald H. Roche
  • Fuel feed apparatus having fuel pump and filter
    Patent number: 7472693
    Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus supplies fuel in a fuel tank to an outside of the fuel tank. The fuel feed apparatus includes a fuel pump that is accommodated in the fuel tank. The fuel pump pumps fuel in the fuel tank. The suction filter connects with an inlet of the fuel pump. The suction filter is arranged in a bottom portion of the fuel tank. The suction filter removes foreign matters contained in fuel drawn into the fuel pump. The holder engages with a lateral portion of the suction filter. The holder restricts the suction lifter from moving in a lateral direction of the suction filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Izutani, Noriya Matsumoto, Keiichi Yamashita
  • Fuel accessory for fuel tank and method for internally attaching same
    Publication number: 20090000599
    Abstract: A fuel tank made of a plastic material and fitted with at least one fuel accessory attached to an inside surface of a wall thereof, wherein the fuel accessory is attached to a predetermined site at the inside surface by fusion welding. Further there is disclosed a fuel accessory for attaching to a site at an inside wall portion of a plastic material fuel tank, comprising a housing formed with an engaging surface attachable to the site. The engaging surface is fitted with a fusion melting element for fusion welding the fuel accessory to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Raval A.C.S. Ltd
    Inventors: Omer Vulkan, Yehoshua Kleinberg, Moshe Ehrman
  • Fuel system with pressure regulation and pressure relief
    Patent number: 7469683
    Abstract: A fuel supply system is provided for delivering fuel from a tank to an engine of a motor vehicle through a fuel line. The system is provided with a pressure relief valve to divert fuel from the fuel line during engine shut down conditions when fuel flow to the engine is not desired. The pressure relief valve has a fuel outlet that is provided with backpressure during engine operation. The backpressure enables the pressure relief valve to be set at a lower level because the backpressure is added to set point pressure to determine opening of the pressure relief valve. Lowering the set point of the pressure relief valve allows fuel to be diverted from the engine at a lower fuel line pressure. In one embodiment backpressure is provided by fluid communication from a jet pump supplying fuel from the fuel tank to a fuel system reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Mason, Werner Schneider, John Lennen, Martin Kling, Martin Ptacek, David Liskovec, Martin Sykora, Thomas Wieland, Erik Hahmann
  • FUEL PUMP MOUNTING FOR A MOTORCYCLE
    Publication number: 20080314670
    Abstract: A motorcycle having at least two wheels, a fuel tank for storing fuel, a fuel pump positioned in an opening in the fuel tank, and a retaining clip (e.g., a snap ring, circlip, a cotter pin, a hair pin, a clevis pin, a roll pin, an e-clip, a c-clip, a retainer spring, or a toothed washer) securing the fuel pump in the opening. In one embodiment, the opening is adapted to receive the fuel pump in an axial direction, and the opening is formed by a seal surface (e.g., substantially cylindrical in shape) that is substantially parallel to the axial direction. In this embodiment, the fuel pump includes a pump housing and a gasket (e.g., an O-ring) positioned between the pump housing and the seal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: BUELL MOTORCYCLE COMPANY
    Inventors: Erik F. Buell, Matthew J. Sheahan
  • Electrostatic charge control for in-tank fuel module components
    Patent number: 7467549
    Abstract: A grounding arrangement for an in-tank fuel system includes a fuel level sensor assembly of a fuel module comprising a conductive card body and a resister card supported on the conductive card body. The resister card includes a conductive trace in conductive contact with the conductive card body. The card body is conductively connected to a conductive fuel module component. The trace is adapted to be connected to the ground plane of a vehicle. Other traces on the resister card are in the electrical circuit of the fuel level sensor assembly. The fuel module further includes a conductive blade having a knife edge and in conductive contact with a conductive fuel module component. The knife edge cuts through the insulation of an insulated conductor to allow the knife edge to be in contact with the conductive element of the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Forgue
  • Aircraft Fuel Tank Assembly
    Publication number: 20080308076
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank assembly includes a tank for holding fuel, a canister and a fuel pump assembly. The fuel pump assembly includes: an electric motor, a pump and an electronics unit. The electronics unit and canister are arranged so that, in use, a dry bay is defined between the electronics unit and the canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: AIRBUS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew David Reynolds, Michael David Ward
  • Fuel supply system with a cooling plate
    Patent number: 7458365
    Abstract: A fuel supply system is disclosed that includes an electric fuel pump, a controller for controlling operations of the fuel pump, and a cooling plate that is disposed in the fuel tank and cools the controller by contacting the controller. Moreover, the system includes a fuel outlet device that allows for a flow of the fuel onto the cooling plate for heat exchange between the fuel and the cooling plate. A fuel supply system is also disclosed that includes a sub tank disposed in the fuel tank and a fuel pump that is disposed in the sub tank, increases a pressure of the fuel, and moves the fuel. Furthermore, the system includes a controller for controlling operations of the fuel pump and a cooling plate that is disposed in the sub tank and cools the controller by contacting the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tadashi Hazama
  • Fuel supply apparatus for motor cycle
    Patent number: 7455053
    Abstract: To provide a fuel supply apparatus which is preferably applied to a motorcycle having a flat-shaped fuel tank with a shallow fuel tank, a lower opening portion (Tb) open at a bottom portion (Ta) of a fuel tank (T) is closed by a lid member (1), a fuel pump (P) is attached to a stay (2) provided in a rising manner on the lid member (1), a longitudinal axis (X-X) of the fuel pump (P) is arranged approximately in parallel to the lid member (1), a pump discharge path (Pb) of the fuel pump (P) is arranged close to a discharge pipe (3) provided in a rising manner on the lid member (1) and is connected by a fuel discharge piping (5), and a filter (4) connected to a pump intake path (Pa) is arranged between the fuel pump (P) and the lid member (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuyuki Nakagawa
  • Fuel supply device
    Patent number: 7455052
    Abstract: To incorporate a fuel pump inside a fuel tank having a complicated shape with a small width. A motorcycle may be an offroad model with a fuel tank having a complicated shape with a small width. The fuel pump includes a base plate which is fixed to a plate fitted on the upper surface of the fuel tank. A cylindrical and elongated pump body extends downwardly from the base plate. An intake pipe having a filter formed on the distal end thereof is connected to the pump body. The base plate of the fuel pump and a hose joint arranged on the upper surface of the base plate are covered by the front portion of the rider's seat. The upper portion of the fuel pump is exposed to the outside of the fuel tank. Thus, it is possible to easily have access to the fuel pump when performing the maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuichi Yagisawa
  • Fuel tank for motorcycle
    Patent number: 7451745
    Abstract: A fuel tank is provided for a motorcycle having a main body part and a downward swelling part that is opened upward and attached to a bottom part of the fuel tank. The inside of the downward swelling part is connected to the inside of the main body part, thereabove. A fuel pump is provided having a suction part disposed in the downward swelling element and a portion above the suction part installed in the main body part of the fuel tank. A fuel retaining member is also provided in the downward swelling part, whereby fuel retained by the fuel retaining member is sucked by the suction part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumi Okazaki, Toshiaki Takamura
  • Fuel supply apparatus
    Patent number: 7441548
    Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus particularly for the outboard motor is capable of decreasing the need to change the layout, etc., according to the specification of an engine to reduce the cost of production by preventing vapor from being discharged into an intake pipe. A low pressure fuel pump has its discharge flow rate adjusted to be greater than that of a high pressure fuel pump, and surplus fuel accumulating in a volumetric chamber is caused to circulate through the volumetric chamber, a first return passage, fuel piping, and an inflow passage under the action of the low pressure fuel pump, a check valve and a relief valve, whereby fuel remaining in the volumetric chamber is prevented from being locally warmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Onishi, Satoshi Kusumoto, Shinya Nose
  • FUEL PUMP HOUSING
    Publication number: 20080251149
    Abstract: A fuel pump housing includes a body that has a bottom portion. A fuel filter is located adjacent the bottom portion, and contacts the body so that electricity, such as static electricity, is conducted between the body and the fuel filter. A ground connection dissipates, or limits, electricity in both the body and the fuel filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: TI AUTOMOTIVE (NEUSS) GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Boutros, Gunter Moll, Markus Wierling
  • Fuel feed system for vehicle and vehicle for irregular ground provided therewith
    Publication number: 20080245344
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel feed system for a vehicle in which, even if a small fuel quantity remains in a fuel pump, an air inhaling phenomenon is not generated when a vehicle jumps or runs on an upward slope. In the fuel feed system, a fuel pump unit is accommodated in a fuel tank, and the fuel pump unit includes a fuel pump and a fuel filter connected to a lower-end fuel suction portion of the fuel pump. The fuel filter is shaped so as to extend outward from a region of the fuel pump as seen from the above, and a filter housing for covering at least one of an upper portion and a lower portion of the fuel filter, front and rear portions of the fuel filter, and right and left portions of the fuel filter is provided with the fuel pump unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kuji
  • Vehicle fuel supply device
    Publication number: 20080236550
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel supply device including a saddle-shaped fuel tank comprised of a main chamber and an auxiliary chamber. A reservoir is disposed within the main chamber. A main pump is provided within the reservoir. A sub-pump is detachably provided within the reservoir. The fuel in the reservoir is drawn up by an operation of the main pump to supply fuel to an engine. A portion of the drawn-up fuel is utilized to generate a negative pressure, the negative pressure is utilized to transfer the fuel in the auxiliary chamber to the reservoir, and the negative pressure is utilized to introduce the fuel in the main chamber into the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Takeaki Nakajima, Shoichi Hokazono, Shinya Murabayashi, Hideharu Yamazaki, Kenji Hirose, Takeshi Kumakura, Shukoh Terata
  • FUEL SUPPLY DEVICE OF MOTORCYCLE
    Publication number: 20080230037
    Abstract: A straddle type motorcycle includes a frame, an engine mounted on the frame and having a substantially vertical cylinder assembly and an intake air passage extended backward from a rear surface of the cylinder assembly, a fuel tank disposed above the cylinder assembly, and a fuel supply device. The fuel supply device includes a fuel pump disposed at a rear portion of the fuel tank, the fuel pump being overlapped with the cylinder assembly in a longitudinal direction of the motorcycle in a side view of the motorcycle, a fuel injector installed on the intake air passage, and a fuel hose connecting the fuel injector with the fuel pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Fujita
  • Fuel delivery module for low installation height applications
    Publication number: 20080216800
    Abstract: A fuel delivery module 14 and fuel tank combination includes a fuel tank 16 for a vehicle. The fuel tank has a top wall 25 and a bottom surface 20. A fuel pump 18 is disposed in the fuel tank. The fuel pump has an axis A disposed generally at an acute angle ? with respect to the bottom surface of the fuel tank. A fuel filter 22 is disposed in the fuel tank generally adjacent to the fuel pump. A flange 23 is mounted to the top wall 25 of the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Mike Brusoe, Dieter Hagist
  • FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20080216801
    Abstract: A fuel supply system provided in a fuel tank includes: a fuel pump that sucks fuel reserved within the fuel tank via a suction filter and discharges the sucked fuel; a pressure regulator that maintains pressure of the fuel discharged from the fuel pump within a predetermined range; a pump holder that holds the fuel pump and the pressure regulator; and a cushioning rubber extending in radial and axial directions of the fuel pump between the pump holder and the fuel pump for damping vibrations associated with driving of the fuel pump. Excess fuel is introduced in a flow path from the pressure regulator to the suction filter. The flow path includes: a gap defined between the pump holder and the cushioning rubber; and a gap defined between the cushioning rubber and the fuel pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeki KANAMARU, Hiroshi YOSHIOKA
  • Structure of fuel pump installation area for two-wheeled vehicle
    Patent number: 7422243
    Abstract: A fuel pump installation area for a vehicle for enhancing the stiffness of the fuel pump built in a fuel tank and for enhancing the stiffness of an installation area of a tank installation stay on the fuel tank side. In a motorcycle in which a fuel tank is installed to the body frame and a fuel pump is provided within this fuel tank, the fuel pump is installed to the fuel tank via a pump installation member. To the pump installation member, a tank installation stay for fixing the fuel tank to the body frame is installed. The left and right side walls may be formed by depressing the center of the underside of the fuel tank upwardly over the front and the rear. Concave-shaped engaging members are installed by engaging left and right convex portions provided on the body frame with these engaging members, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kudo, Yoshitaka Yanagibashi
  • FUEL PUMP LAYOUT STRUCTURE IN MOTORCYCLE
    Publication number: 20080210203
    Abstract: A fuel pump layout structure in a motorcycle, including an engine, a fuel pump for the supplying fuel to the engine, a frame for supporting the engine and the fuel pump, and a rear suspension damper disposed behind the frame with a swing arm being swingably suspended from the rear suspension damper, wherein said fuel pump is disposed on one side of said rear suspension damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eiji SUGIYAMA
  • Fuel feed apparatus having control unit for fuel pump
    Patent number: 7418951
    Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus is provided for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine, which is controlled using an engine control unit. The fuel feed apparatus includes a pump module that is provided to the fuel tank. The pump module includes a fuel pump that is accommodated in the fuel tank for pumping fuel from the fuel tank. The fuel feed apparatus further includes a pressure detecting unit that is provided in a downstream of the fuel pump for detecting pressure of fuel. The fuel feed apparatus further includes a pump control unit that is provided separately from the engine control unit for controlling a driving signal of the fuel pump in accordance with a detection signal of the pressure detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tadashi Hazama
  • Fuel pump and tank assembly for an automotive vehicle
    Patent number: 7418950
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank having a plurality of side walls spaced apart by a floor. A flange extends downward from one of the plurality of side walls at an angle toward the floor. A fuel pump extends from the flange; the fuel pump and flange are arranged to fixedly position at least one inlet connected to the fuel pump at or in close proximity to the floor of the fuel tank. A fuel dam extends away from the floor and has at least one passage formed therein. The fuel dam is positioned so as to create an accumulated area of the fuel tank surrounding the at least one inlet. Fuel enters the accumulated area through the at least one passage and is received by the at least one inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Michael R Teets, Trevor Enge, Robert W Schmidt, Lavern M Bremmer
  • Fuel feed apparatus having sub-tank
    Patent number: 7415974
    Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus includes a lid member that plugs an opening of a fuel tank. A protruding member protrudes from the lid member into an inside of the fuel tank. A sub-tank is accommodated in the fuel tank. The sub-tank is axially movable relative to the lid member. A pump module is accommodated in the sub-tank. The pump module includes a fuel pump and a fuel filter. The fuel pump pumps fuel from the fuel tank. The fuel filter circumferentially surrounds the fuel pump for removing foreign matters contained in fuel discharged from the fuel pump. A supporting member connects the pump module with the sub-tank. The supporting member extends inwardly with respect to a substantially radial direction of the sub-tank. The supporting member defines a recess on a side of the lid member. The protruding member is adapted to be inserted in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Akiba, Hiroto Inoue, Akira Isayama, Naritoshi Muramatsu
  • Cylinder head for a direct injection internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7412970
    Abstract: A cylinder head for a direct-injection internal-combustion engine, has injection valves accommodated in openings in the cylinder head and secured in pairs by a respective fastening element formed as a hold-down device on the cylinder head. The hold-down device has two holding or fastening arms for the injection valves and is fastened to the cylinder head by way of a central fastening point. At the two ends of the hold-down device, dome-type receiving devices for a fuel connection piece of the injection valve are provided. The connection piece is at least radially elastically disposed in the receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Apel, Frank Dieterle
  • Fuel System With Direct Connection Between Fuel Pump, Jet Pump and Fuel Filter
    Publication number: 20080190397
    Abstract: Fuel system comprising a fuel tank, a main fuel supply pump (2), a fuel filter (4) comprising a housing and a filter element, a reservoir (10) within the fuel tank and a jet pump (3) for filling said reservoir, wherein a one piece connector (1) directly connects the main fuel supply pump (2), the fuel filter (4) and the jet pump (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: INERGY AUTO. SYSTEMS RESEARCH (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Larry Tipton, Paul Daniel Reuther
  • Fuel pickup return line and separator
    Patent number: 7410022
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and assemblies for providing improved fuel management to fuel injected engine systems of off-road vehicles, such as snowmobiles, personal watercraft, motorcycles, utility vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles. The fuel-injected engine systems can return fuel after passing through a pressure regulator located either upstream or downstream of the engine. Fuel may be returned to the fuel pump through various routes, rather than simply returning the fuel into the fuel of the fuel tank. Fuel may be returned directly to the fuel pump upstream of all fuel pickups or upstream of some fuel pickups and downstream from other fuel pickups. Some embodiments include a vapor separator located downstream of the pressure regulator but somewhere upstream of the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Berg, Douglas M. Corneliusen, Scott E. McKinster
  • FUEL PUMP MODULE AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20080184970
    Abstract: A fuel pump module includes a cylindrical sub-tank having an open portion at one end and a bottom portion at the other end, and a fuel pump located in the sub-tank. The bottom portion of the sub-tank is provided with an introducing passage from which fuel is introduced into the sub-tank, and a bottom portion of the fuel pump is provided with a suction port through which the fuel outside of the sub-tank is drawn into the sub-tank In the fuel pump module, a guide member is provided in at least one of the sub-tank and the fuel pump to guide the suction port of the fuel pump to the introducing passage of the sub-tank when the fuel pump is inserted from the open portion of the sub-tank toward the bottom portion of the sub-tank and is assembled to the sub-tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryuji IGARASHI, Katsuhisa YAMADA
  • Low pressure jet by-pass system for fuel pump
    Publication number: 20080173282
    Abstract: By-pass structure (45) is connected between a high pressure portion of a fuel pump (16) and an inlet of a jet nozzle (24) of a jet assembly (18) of a fuel delivery module (10) of a vehicle. The by-pass structure is constructed and arranged such that under certain conditions when the flow of fuel from the low pressure portion of the fuel pump alone is insufficient to operate the jet pump assembly, fuel is selectively permitted to flow through the by-pass structure from the high pressure portion of the fuel pump to the inlet of the jet nozzle ensuring that a sufficient flow of fuel is present at the jet assembly to draw fuel into the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Briggs, Matthias Nederegger
  • Fuel supply device for motorcycle and motorcycle
    Patent number: 7401597
    Abstract: A fuel supply device for a motorcycle facilitates a narrower vehicle width to improve maneuverability. A fuel tank is disposed above a body frame, and a first fuel pump is fixed to a part of the fuel tank facing the body frame and positioned inside of the fuel tank via a mount seat. The first fuel pump is disposed such that at least a portion of the mount seat overlaps the vehicle body frame as viewed from above the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Munetaka Koike, Shidehiko Miyashiro
  • Snowmobile with improved fuel tank structure
    Patent number: 7401816
    Abstract: A snowmobile includes a seat for the rider behind an engine and an air cleaner, and an elongate fuel tank below the seat. The height of the ceiling of the fuel tank at a location corresponding to the rider seating position is lower than the height of the ceiling of the fuel tank at other portions thereof. A raised ceiling portion is provided in the fuel tank by raising upwards the front side of the fuel tank. A fuel pump is provided in the raised ceiling portion of the fuel tank. The fuel pump is attached to the ceiling of the fuel tank, and a fuel supply pipe for supplying fuel from the fuel tank resides between the fuel pump and the front side of the fuel tank. The snowmobile having such fuel tank stabilizes vehicle body during operation, enhances the seating comfort, and easily incorporates a fuel pump therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohisa Abe, Kozo Yamada
  • Fuel Tank With Low Profile Fuel Reservoir
    Publication number: 20080169033
    Abstract: Fuel tank comprising a reservoir and a fuel pump sucking fuel out of said reservoir, wherein said reservoir has a low profile and wherein the fuel pump is mounted horizontally or inclined into or onto said low profile reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: INERGY AUTO. SYSTEMS RESEARCH (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Larry Tipton, Paul Daniel Reuther
  • Electrostatic discharge solution for grounding struts and spring in fuel supply unit
    Patent number: 7398769
    Abstract: A fuel supply unit (40) for vehicles includes a flange assembly (28) and a reservoir assembly (38). The flange assembly includes a flange (36), at least a pair of metal struts (26) extending from the flange, and electrically conductive spring structure (20). The spring structure includes a first and second spring members (24, 26) having coils. Each coil receives at least a portion of an associated strut. A central leg member (30) joins the first and second spring members. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir (42), a fuel pump (44) in the reservoir, a fuel filter (46) in the reservoir and associated with the fuel pump for filtering fuel. The fuel filter has an electrically conductive portion (48). The struts are coupled with the reservoir with the spring members being disposed between the flange and the reservoir. The central leg member contacts the electrically conductive portion of the fuel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Parag Athalye
  • Pump module having sub-tank and elastic member
    Patent number: 7389768
    Abstract: A pump module, which is mounted to a fuel tank, includes a sub-tank, a fuel pump and an elastic member. The sub-tank is accommodated in the fuel tank. The fuel pump is accommodated in the sub-tank to pump fuel drawn into the sub-tank. The elastic member is formed of an elastomer, and is interposed between a bottom portion of the sub-tank and a bottom portion of the fuel tank. The elastic member makes contact with fuel. The elastic member internally has spaces to release stress that arises in the elastic member due to swelling caused by contacting with fuel. The elastic member is formed in a sheet. The elastic member is mounted to the sub-tank via an outer periphery of the elastic member. The spaces are arranged in a substantially circumferential direction of the sub-tank, or are arranged in a substantially radial direction of the sub-tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuo Hayakawa, Hideto Takahashi, Tadashi Hazama
  • Fuel Supply Unit for a Motor Vehicle
    Publication number: 20080142097
    Abstract: A fuel-supply unit for a motor vehicle has a fuel container (2) that has several chambers (6, 7). The unit has a transfer pump (5) that is located inside the fuel container (2) for exclusively supplying ejector pumps (9, 10), which are positioned in the chambers (6, 7), with fuel as the pumping fluid. A primary fuel pump (4) that is located outside the fuel container (2) supplies an internal combustion engine (1) of the motor vehicle with fuel. The transfer pump (5) is operated discontinuously to prevent unnecessary power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Bernd Rumpf
  • Jet pump, fuel feed apparatus having the same, and method for welding the same
    Patent number: 7387112
    Abstract: A jet pump is provided for supplying fuel from a fuel tank into a sub-tank, which is accommodated in the fuel tank. The jet pump includes a welded portion adapted to being welded to an outer wall surface of a bottom portion of the sub-tank. A swirl portion defines therein a swirl chamber. A jet nozzle generates negative pressure by jetting swirl-flowing fuel passing through the swirl chamber so as to draw fuel from the fuel tank into the sub-tank. A pressure-receiving portion defines a clearance with respect to the swirl portion. The pressure-receiving portion extends from the welded portion in a direction to distant from the sub-tank. The pressure-receiving portion is applied with force toward the welded portion when the welded portion is welded to the sub-tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Oohashi, Kenji Okabe
  • In-tank fuel supply unit with attachable jet pump assembly and filter
    Patent number: 7387111
    Abstract: An in-tank fuel supply unit is provided for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to an engine. The fuel supply unit generally comprises a fuel delivery module and a jet pump assembly selectively attachable to the fuel delivery module. The fuel delivery module has a housing defining a reservoir and includes a fuel pump for pressurizing fuel in the reservoir. The jet pump assembly has a suction tube defining a suction chamber and a nozzle situated inside the suction chamber. The nozzle receives pressurized fuel from the fuel pump and sprays the fuel from a nozzle tip at high velocity to draw additional fuel into the suction chamber through an inlet formed in the suction tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: DeQuan Yu, David Zultowski, Vipin F. Patel, Jason Nicholas Schultz, Matthew Edward Wiethoff
  • Apparatus for pumping fuel from a tank to an internal combustion engine, and method for pressure detection
    Patent number: 7383821
    Abstract: An apparatuses for pumping fuel to an internal combustion engine has a feed pump, a pressure line leading from the feed pump to the internal combustion engine, a check valve, and a pressure sensor connected to the pressure line is operatively connected to the pressure line downstream of the feed pump and upstream of the check valve. The measurement signal of the pressure sensor is used as a controlled variable for regulating the feed pump and/or for a leak diagnosis in the pressure line and/or for a tank leak diagnosis. The apparatus according to the invention is simplified because only a single pressure sensor is provided for the pressure change in the pressure line and in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Gras, Christian Sobottka, Karl-Bernhard Lederle
  • Fuel pump module for electronic returnless fuel system
    Patent number: 7383822
    Abstract: A fuel pump module has a fuel pump with an outlet located within a fuel reservoir, a fuel filter casing within which a fuel filter receives fuel from the fuel pump fuel outlet. A fuel discharge housing attaches to the fuel filter casing such that fuel passing from the filter and into the discharge casing then discharges from either a casing fuel outlet or a bleed orifice. The casing fuel outlet leads to the engine while the bleed orifice discharges fuel into a sump formed into the reservoir's bottom wall under the bleed orifice. The sump retains a quantity of fuel so that during low fuel levels within the reservoir, when the engine is off, the fuel filter maintains its prime condition from fuel in the sump to lessen the filter prime time during engine starting. Selective placement of fuel valves also decreases fuel system prime times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Dhyana Ramamurthy, Kingo Okada, Hideto Takahashi
  • Fuel vent tank for marine craft
    Patent number: 7380542
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing discharge of fuel from vent line when fueling a boat or other marine craft. A collection tank is mounted in the vent line from the main fuel tank, upstream of the overboard vent of the vessel. The collection tank includes a small, secondary reservoir within the main volume of the tank. Fuel escaping the main tank through the vent line enters the collection tank through two fitting, one being located in the bottom of the collection tank within the secondary reservoir and the other being located outside the reservoir; air displaced from the tank escapes to the overboard vent through an outlet fitting in the top of the collection tank. A float switch or other liquid level sensor is located within the secondary reservoir and is operatively connected to a warning light or other alarm device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Allen Gene Herrington
  • Fuel feed apparatus having electric connector
    Patent number: 7367325
    Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus is provided to a fuel tank. The fuel feed apparatus includes a lid member, a pump module, and an electric connector. The lid member plugs an opening of the fuel tank. The pump module is accommodated in the fuel tank for pumping fuel from the fuel tank. The electric connector is provided to the lid member. The electric connector includes at least one terminal and at least one sheath. The at least one terminal electrically connects with the pump module. The at least one sheath covers the at least one terminal partially on a side of the pump module. The at least one sheath has an outer periphery that is surrounded by a recess. The at least one sheath has an end on an opposite side of the pump module. The recess is concaved from the end of the at least one sheath toward the pump module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Sakamoto, Takashi Akiba
  • Fuel feed apparatus having canister
    Patent number: 7367324
    Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus is provided to a fuel tank. The fuel feed apparatus includes a lid member, a canister, and a fuel pump. The lid member covers a through hole of the fuel tank. The canister connects with the lid member. The canister is accommodated in the fuel tank for removably absorbing fuel vapor in the fuel tank. The canister has a cross section, which is in a substantially semicircle shape. The canister has an outer peripheral wall that partially defines a remaining space on the lateral side of the canister. The fuel pump is received in the remaining space on the lateral side of the canister in the fuel tank for pumping fuel in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Izutani, Keiichi Yamashita, Noriya Matsumoto, Koji Miwa
  • Fuel level measurement and run time interpolation
    Patent number: 7360529
    Abstract: At least one aspect of the invention provides an improved fuel sensing system for a generator, in addition, one or more other aspects of the invention provide improved systems and methods for determining remaining run-time of a generator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: William Ziegler, Craig L. Bennett
  • Jet pump assembly of a fuel system for a combustion engine
    Patent number: 7353807
    Abstract: A fuel system has a jet pump assembly that fills a fuel reservoir for providing a reliable source of fuel to an electric motor fuel pump located in a fuel tank for a combustion engine. The electric fuel pump preferably delivers fuel at a controlled pressure to a series of fuel injectors of the engine. A small portion of the fuel exiting the electric fuel pump is diverted to the jet pump assembly that aspirates fuel from the fuel tank and into the reservoir. A biased normally closed pressure responsive valve prevents fuel flow to the jet pump when the electric fuel pump is running under impaired conditions, thus providing all the fuel to the combustion engine typically during cold engine start conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Paul J. Paluszewski
  • Delivery unit
    Patent number: 7350509
    Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery unit (2) comprising a swirl pot (5), a fuel pump (6) placed therein, and a filter, which is placed on the bottom (7) of the swirl pot (5) and which is radially flowed against. This filter is formed by shaped elements axially protruding from the bottom (7) of the swirl pot (5) whereby forming an axially extending gap (11, 11a, 11b) between every two adjacent shaped elements (10), and the filter surrounds an inlet opening (13) located in the bottom (7) of the swirl pot (5). At least one flow-through area (12) is situated perpendicular to the gaps (11, 11a, 11b) and perpendicular to the flow-through direction, this at least one area (12) connecting at least two adjacent gaps (11, 11a, 11b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torsten Barz, Joachim Hoffmann
  • Fuel injector clamp with retaining sleeve
    Patent number: 7347189
    Abstract: The following describes an apparatus for and method of clamping a device, such as a fuel injector, to a platform, such as a cylinder head, and thereafter removing the device from the platform together with the clamp. A retaining sleeve is deformed such that the retaining sleeve is held in place between the clamp and a ledge on a fastener disposed within the clamp. The retaining sleeve secures the fastener to the clamp during removal of the fastener, thereby providing that the clamp assembly and the device, such as a fuel injector, are removed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony M. Anello, Daniel W. Jensen
  • Fuel tank
    Patent number: 7343903
    Abstract: A fuel tank in which at least a part of a fuel storing unit is formed of a flexible film is provided with a main chamber having a variable volume by deforming according to a storing amount of a fuel, a sub-chamber having a volume which is kept substantially constant, and a fuel pump housed inside the sub-chamber. The main chamber and the sub-chamber are integrally formed to form the fuel storing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Murabayashi, Shoichiro Kumagai, Koichiro Toyoda, Tohru Wako, Yoshinobu Terada, Manami Endo, legal representative, Yasunobu Endo
  • In-tank fuel delivery assembly with a pivotably mounted emissions canister
    Patent number: 7341046
    Abstract: A fuel delivery assembly including a fuel pump module having a mounting flange and a reservoir housing carried by the mounting flange, and an emissions canister pivotally mounted to the reservoir housing of the fuel pump module, wherein the emissions canister is pivoted relative to the reservoir housing when the assembly is inserted through an access opening of a fuel tank and assembled thereto. Preferably, the assembly is positioned within the fuel tank so that respective bearing surfaces of the fuel pump module and emissions canister are in substantially the same plane against the bottom of the fuel tank, and a longitudinal axis of the emissions canister is approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fuel pump module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: TI Automotive Fuel Systems SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Leymarie, Robert Renaud
  • Vehicle fuel tank assembly
    Patent number: 7341047
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank having a fuel pump receiving opening, a fuel pump, a mounting ring, at least one attachment member (a clip) and a fuel pump cover. The fuel pump is disposed in the fuel pump receiving opening such that a portion of the fuel pump is exposed. The mounting ring secures the fuel pump to the fuel tank. The at least one attachment member has a ring attachment portion connected to the mounting ring and a cover attachment portion. The fuel pump cover is connected to the cover attachment portion of the attachment member to substantially cover at least the exposed portion of the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kitaru Sone, Todd Marentette
  • Fuel pump module for electronic returnless fuel system
    Publication number: 20080041345
    Abstract: A fuel pump module has a fuel pump with an outlet located within a fuel reservoir, a fuel filter casing within which a fuel filter receives fuel from the fuel pump fuel outlet. A fuel discharge housing attaches to the fuel filter casing such that fuel passing from the filter and into the discharge casing then discharges from either a casing fuel outlet or a bleed orifice. The casing fuel outlet leads to the engine while the bleed orifice discharges fuel into a sump formed into the reservoir's bottom wall under the bleed orifice. The sump retains a quantity of fuel so that during low fuel levels within the reservoir, when the engine is off, the fuel filter maintains its prime condition from fuel in the sump to lessen the filter prime time during engine starting. Selective placement of fuel valves also decreases fuel system prime times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Dhyana Ramamurthy, Kingo Okada, Hideto Takahashi