Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable storage media are described in which exhaust gas is routed to a hydrocarbon retaining device during starting, and purged to the engine intake manifold. Various alternative approaches are described for controlling operation and diagnosing degradation. Further, various interrelated configurations are described.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel controlling apparatus for an all terrain vehicle can avoid the influence of disturbance and can be disposed efficiently. The evaporated fuel controlling apparatus includes a canister adapted to absorb evaporated fuel generated from a fuel tank, a purge path adapted to connect the canister and an intake system of an engine to each other, and a purge controlling section adapted to control a flow rate of the evaporated fuel to be supplied from the canister to the intake system of the engine through the purge path. At least the canister from among the canister, purge path and purge controlling section is mounted on a vehicle body front frame FrF which supports a steering mechanism.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery system and method for an automotive vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle fuel tank is vented to atmosphere via a passageway having a carbon canister to remove fuel vapors, a bladder, and a normally-closed isolation valve. When fueling the vehicle, the gases in the fuel tank displaced by entering fuel are introduced into the carbon canister where the fuel vapors are stored. The isolation valve is commanded to open to allow such flow through the carbon canister. When the vehicle is parked for a period of a day, it undergoes a diurnal temperature change which causes fuel to vaporize into the fuel system. According to an aspect of the present development, the isolation valve remains closed and the gases are contained within the bladder as it expands or contracts as the volume of gases increases or decreases in response to temperature changes.

Abstract: A method of using hydrocarbon fugitive gases diluted with air as a primary or supplementary fuel for an engine. The composition of the fugitive gases and air in ensured to fall outside the upper and lower explosive limit for the composition. The total volume of the composition is also calculated to be maintained within a predetermined percentage of the volume of the primary fuel supplied to said engine.

Abstract: A vent-on-demand fuel sump and vehicle fuel system having such a fuel sump are provided. The fuel sump may include a pressurized vessel and at least two sensors configured to detect a level of fuel within the vessel. A valve coupled to the vessel may be configured to release air and/or fuel vapor to the atmosphere. The fuel sump may also include a programmable electronic controller configured to modulate the valve between a closed position and an open position based on signals received from the sensors corresponding to the fuel level. The valve may be configured to remain in the closed position until the fuel level drops below a predetermined level and the controller sends a signal to open the valve to release air and/or fuel vapor from the vessel into the atmosphere. The vehicle fuel system having such a fuel sump may include a fuel container and an engine having an intake.

Abstract: A coupling is provided for attaching an evaporative emission device having a housing to a mounting surface of a motor vehicle. The coupling includes a pair of tracks fixed the mounting surface and a pair of matching rails fixed to the housing. The rails are sized to slide within the tracks until reaching a predetermined seated position within the rails. An aperture is fixed to the mounting surface and includes a shoulder with a manufacturing tolerance defined about a nominal location at the predetermined seated position. A resilient latch is formed on the housing and located so as to snap into the aperture at the predetermined seated position. The latch includes a inclined engaging surface to engage the shoulder over the entire tolerance range of the shoulder.

Abstract: A method of providing fugitive gases to an engine air supply. An air filter is positioned on the engine intake of said engine. The air filter creates a negative pressure in the engine intake downstream of the air filter. A source of fugitive gases pass to the engine intake and are collected by the negative pressure downstream of the air filter.

Abstract: A fuel tank vent system includes a carbon canister and an engine fuel system coupled to the carbon canister. Fuel vapor discharged from a fuel tank included in the engine fuel system flows during certain conditions into the carbon canister to encounter charcoal stored in the carbon canister. Hydrocarbon material associated with the discharged fuel vapor is captured by the charcoal and a stream of cleaned vapor is discharged from the carbon canister to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine (1) that is supplied with fuel from a fuel tank (4). A regeneratable filter device (6) is associated with the fuel tank (4) and can be connected to a vacuum storage device (20) for purging the filter device (6). To simplify and/or improve the regeneration of the filter device, the vacuum storage device (20) is arranged outside an intake tract of the internal combustion engine (1) and is associated with the fuel tank (4).

Abstract: Fuel is evacuated from a fuel rail by directing liquid fuel from the fuel rail to a fuel tank and then by directing gaseous fuel from the fuel rail to a fuel vapor canister.

Abstract: A method of operating the evaporative purge system for an engine of a vehicle propulsion system is provided. In one example, the method provides for charging and purging two fuel vapor canisters independently or at the same time. The method may provide for improved fuel vapor processing under some conditions.

Abstract: A sleeve hydrocarbon trap is provided. In some examples, the sleeve hydrocarbon trap includes a hydrocarbon adsorbing sleeve, the sleeve adapted to be positioned in a sensor bore and the sleeve including one or more hydrocarbon adsorbing layers, and a cage adapted to retain the hydrocarbon adsorbing sleeve in the sensor bore.

Abstract: A canister attachment portion includes a canister passage communicating with an inside of a canister. An air passage has a first end connected to communicate with the canister passage and a second end connected with atmosphere. A pumping device increases and decreases an inside pressure of the canister, and one end of the pumping device is connected to communicate with the canister passage and the other end of the pumping device is connected to the air passage. A switching valve switches the canister passage to communicate with the air passage or the pumping device. A throttle is provided in the bypass passage. A housing defines the air passage and a bypass passage, and accommodates the pumping device, the switching valve and the throttle. The filter is provided in the air passage and is accommodated in the housing.

Abstract: A fuel vapor control valve comprising a housing fitted with an inlet port connectable to a fuel tank and an outlet port connectable to a fuel vapor recovery device. The inlet port and the outlet port are in flow communication via a first valve controlled passage admitting fuel vapor flow in a direction from the inlet port to the outlet port only when pressure within the fuel tank exceeds a threshold. A second valve controlled passage admits vapor flow in an opposite direction from the outlet port to the inlet port only when pressure within the fuel tank drops below pressure at the fuel vapor recovery device.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine (2) that is supplied with fuel from a fuel tank (7), and having a regeneratable filter device (6) for taking up fuel vapors from the fuel tank (7). To improve properties of fuel vapor retaining systems during operation of motor vehicles, the method includes carrying out a forced start of the internal combustion engine (2) promptly after a refueling process in order to regenerate the filter device (6).

Abstract: Fuel is recovered from a combustion engine without turning the combustion engine on. A controller initiates operation of a fuel pump of the combustion engine to cause the fuel pump to pump a predefined amount of fuel in the fuel line directly to a drain conduit.

Abstract: An active carbon filter unit for a tank system consists of a housing (13) in which two chambers (31, 32) are formed, carrying an active carbon filling, which form a section of a flow path which at its one end leads via a valve (6) and an air filter (7) into the ambient atmosphere and at its other end leads via a valve (9) and a non-return valve (10) to a connection for producing an underpressure or into the suction region of an internal combustion engine and via a connection (17) into the tank system. The valves (6, 9), the non-return valve (10) and a housing part (27) receiving the electrical connections thereof are part of a uniform control module (15), which is exchangeably inserted into a recess (14) of the housing (13).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and assembling a carbon canister for a fuel vapor management system of a vehicle includes injection molding a housing partially defining a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, and a baffle. The housing includes a first wall defining an interface between the first and second chambers and a second wall with a portion of the second wall defining an interface between the second chamber and the baffle with apertures proximate a first side of the housing. The method may include injection molding first and second retention plates, filling first, second, and third chambers with carbon pellets, installing the first retention plate into the second side of the housing proximate the first and second chambers to enclose the carbon pellets, and installing the second retention plate into the second side proximate the third chamber to enclose the carbon pellets in the third chamber.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling a dual-fuel engine that has an evaporated gas providing device for providing an evaporated gas into the engine and is operable with hydrocarbon fuel or non-hydrocarbon fuel, alternatively. One example method comprises operating the engine with one of the fuels on the basis of a driver's request, and in response to a determination of a cold engine operation, operating the engine with the non-hydrocarbon fuel for a specified period irrespective of the driver's request. If it is determined that an evaporated fuel is to be provided to the engine while the engine is operating with non-hydrocarbon fuel due the cold engine operation, then switching to operation with hydrocarbon fuel and thereafter providing evaporated fuel into the engine.

Abstract: A fuel system for a vehicle with an engine includes: a fuel tank for storing fuel: first and second ports disposed on a wall of the fuel tank, between which wall and a fuel fluid level a clearance is created when the fuel is contained in an allowable maximal amount in the fuel tank of the vehicle in a horizontal state, the first and second ports being positioned frontward and rearward, respectively, in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the first port and the second port being out of alignment in a lateral direction; a canister for adsorbing and releasing a fuel vapor; an inflow line for sending the fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank to the canister through the first and second ports; and a discharge line for sending the fuel vapor from the canister to an air-intake path to the engine.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a fuel burning engine of a vehicle and a method of operating the fuel delivery system is provided. As one example, the method includes separating a first fuel and a second fuel from a fuel vapor on-board the vehicle, said fuel vapor including at least an alcohol component and a hydrocarbon component and said first fuel including a higher concentration of the alcohol component than the fuel vapor and the second fuel; condensing the separated first fuel from a vapor phase to a liquid phase; delivering the condensed liquid phase of the first fuel to the engine; and combusting at least the condensed liquid phase of the first fuel at the engine.

Abstract: A method adjusts fuel injection to account for fuel puddling in the engine intake. The fuel is adjusted based on the ethanol content of the fuel in the puddle, and the make-up of the various fuel components in the puddle. In this way, it is possible to better account for the effects of these parameters on puddle evaporation.

Abstract: A robust method, an accordingly designed control device, and an internal combustion engine, enables the proper performance of a tank ventilation device during the operation of the internal combustion engine. For this purpose, the position of a pressure switch of the tank ventilation device is detected, which indicates the pressure present in the tank ventilation device, a controllable tank ventilation valve, which is disposed in a connecting line between a fuel vapor accumulator and an intake pipe of the internal combustion engine, is opened at least partially during the operation of the internal combustion engine, the position of the pressure switch is again detected after opening of the tank ventilation valve, the proper performance of the tank ventilation device; is analyzed based on a comparison of the position of the pressure switch before opening the tank ventilation valve to the position of the pressure switch after opening the tank ventilation valve.

Abstract: A tank venting device for a motor vehicle has a fuel tank, a fuel vapor accumulator for storing fuel vapors escaping from the fuel tank and a connection line, via which the fuel vapors may flow from the fuel tank into the fuel vapor accumulator. Furthermore, an overpressure line having an overpressure valve is provided, via which the fuel vapors may flow from the fuel tank into the fuel vapor accumulator when the overpressure valve is open. An attachment of the connection line on the fuel vapor accumulator and an attachment of the overpressure line on the fuel vapor accumulator are situated at different points on the fuel vapor accumulator. The operational reliability of a tank venting procedure may thus be increased and the adsorption capacity of the fuel vapor accumulator may be used better.

Abstract: An air duct 13 connected to the intake system of an engine 12 has a duct main body 13A and a cylindrical fuel adsorption filter 19 having air permeability. The fuel adsorption filter 19 is located in the duct main body 13A. The fuel adsorption filter 19 is arranged to be coaxial with respect to the duct main body 13A. A gap 21 is defined between the inner circumferential surface of the duct main body 13A and the outer circumferential surface of the fuel adsorption filter 19. An opening 22 for drawing air flow into the gap 21 is formed between an air flow upstream side of the gap 21 and an air passage area of the duct main body 13A.

Abstract: A microcondenser device for an evaporative emission control system associated with an internal combustion engine includes a housing having a lower wall and at least one side wall extending upward from the lower wall. The lower wall and the at least one side wall together defining a chamber in the housing. A thermoelectric element is supported by the at least one side wall in spaced relation relative to the lower wall. An inlet is defined in the housing for admitting fuel vapor into the chamber. A condensation outlet is defined in the housing for discharging liquid fuel that is condensed from the fuel vapor in the chamber. A porous heat sink element is received in the chamber for absorbing the fuel vapor admitted through the inlet. The porous heat sink element is in conductive thermal contact with the thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A method adjusts fuel injection to account for fuel puddling in the engine intake. The fuel is adjusted based on the ethanol content of the fuel in the puddle, and the make-up of the various fuel components in the puddle. In this way, it is possible to better account for the effects of these parameters on puddle evaporation.

Abstract: An emission control device for an air induction system of an internal combustion engine having high adsorption capacity, yet low flow resistance is disclosed. The AIS emission control device comprises a first case including an outlet-opening connected to an intake manifold of the engine; a second case including an inlet-opening for the intake air; and an adsorbent element positioned in a plane across the intake airflow, wherein the adsorbent element has an opening area such that the control device has a pressure drop of less than about 1 inch H2O at the air flow rate of about 300 cfm and % reduction in vapor emission of at least about 75% after one day of the vapor generation rate of about 220 mg/day.

Abstract: A four-pass carbon canister includes a cover sealingly coupled to an injection-molded housing having a first chamber, a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber, a baffle fluidly coupled to the second chamber, and a third chamber fluidly coupled to the baffle. The three chambers are filled with carbon pellets to absorb carbon pellets provided to the carbon canister from the fuel tank. The carbon canister is periodically purged by drawing fresh air into the carbon canister, with the fresh air desorbing the hydrocarbons and then provided to and consumed in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Ventilation system for a fuel tank comprising a pump, an active liquid/vapor separator (LVS) that can be drained using the pump, in which a roll-over valve (ROV) that is normally open brings, by default, the internal volume of the LVS into communication with the pump and only blocks this communication when the level of fuel in the valve reaches a certain height or when the tank is tilted beyond a certain angle, or even overturned.

Abstract: A system for venting vapors from a fuel tank of an engine, an engine with such a system, and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, such a system includes a coupling device having first, second, and third ports that are connected at a junction, where the first and second ports are respectively configured to be at least indirectly coupled to the tank and a carburetor, respectively, and where the third port is in communication with an outside environment via a filter. The system further includes an obstruction that is formed at a location downstream of the junction en route toward the carburetor, the location being either within the coupling device or at a position downstream of that device, such that at least some of the vapors can proceed from the tank to the carburetor and at least some air from the environment is able to proceed toward the tank.

Abstract: A fuel vapor processor has a fuel tank configured to reserve fuel, a canister containing adsorbent capable of adsorbing fuel vapor vaporized in the fuel tank, a separator receiving a fuel vapor containing gas from the fuel tank, a regulator controlling the volume of the fuel vapor containing gas supplied to the separator, and a suction unit capable of removing the fuel vapor from the canister. The separator selectively passes the fuel vapor therethrough in order to divide the fuel vapor containing gas into a first gas mainly containing the fuel vapor and a second gas having a fuel vapor density lower than the first gas. The suction unit suctions the first gas from the separator in order to return the first gas into the fuel tank. The second gas is introduced into the canister or is released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Described herein is a control system for controlling the emissions of fuel vapors from a vehicle comprising a first adsorption system and a second adsorption system. The first adsorption system is formed by a canister preferably filled with activated carbons having a grain size greater than 4 mm. The second adsorption system is made up of a tubular housing, which has a ratio between the equivalent diameter D and the axial height H of between 1:2.5 and 1:4.5 and is filled with activated carbons having a grain size greater than 4 mm.

Abstract: A fuel tank that stores a liquid fuel is equipped with a float member floating on the fuel stored in the fuel tank. In this fuel tank, the float member is so formed as to cover a liquid surface of the liquid fuel.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes a vapor canister in selective fluid communication with a crankcase to store alcohol vapor when the temperature inside the crankcase causes alcohol accumulated in the crankcase to boil. The vapor canister is in selective fluid communication with an air induction system to recirculate the alcohol vapor through the engine in a metered fashion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine, a fuel tank and a tank ventilation device. The fuel tank is connected via a first and second tank ventilation lines to an intake tract of the internal combustion engine. A hydrocarbon store has first and second chambers separated by a diaphragm. The first chamber is connected in communicating fashion to the first tank ventilation line and the second chamber is connected in communicating fashion to the second tank ventilation line. Valves are arranged in the first tank ventilation line upstream and downstream of the first chamber. A valve is arranged in the second tank ventilation line between the second chamber and the intake tract.

Abstract: During operation of an internal combustion engine system which has at least one sensor for measuring a hydrocarbon content of a gas stream in a line, a temperature is determined at the at least one sensor. If the temperature is greater than a prespecified temperature, the flow of gas through the line is interrupted.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery system and method for an automotive vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle fuel tank is vented to atmosphere via a passageway having a carbon canister to remove fuel vapors, a bladder, and a normally-closed isolation valve. When fueling the vehicle, the gases in the fuel tank displaced by entering fuel are introduced into the carbon canister where the fuel vapors are stored. The isolation valve is commanded to open to allow such flow through the carbon canister. When the vehicle is parked for a period of a day, it undergoes a diurnal temperature change which causes fuel to vaporize into the fuel system. According to an aspect of the present development, the isolation valve remains closed and the gases are contained within the bladder as it expands or contracts as the volume of gases increases or decreases in response to temperature changes.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a hydrocarbon concentration of a gas stream in a line includes at least one sensor for measuring a hydrocarbon concentration, the position of said sensor being set off in relation to the line.

Abstract: A method of operating a boosted engine system is described in which an ejector coupled with a fuel vapor purging system can generate vacuum during both purging and non-purging conditions, and during both boosted and non-boosted conditions. The vacuum can therefore be used to power vacuum actuated brakes, and/or other vacuum actuators, irrespective of the purging conditions, and irrespective of boost levels.

Abstract: A fuel vapor storage and recovery system of an internal combustion engine includes a fuel tank and a filter device arranged in a tank venting line. A heat exchanger is disposed in the tank venting line. The heat exchanger cools the fuel vapors flowing from the fuel tank to the filter device and heats air that is aspirated for scavenging the filter device.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system between a fuel tank and an engine intake manifold includes a T-fitting to provide a vacuum break. The first and second ends of the T-fitting are connected in line with a vapor recovery hose, and the third end draws outside air into the T-fitting and may have a filter attached thereto. A flow restrictor also is provided in the first end of the T-fitting, to limit the flow of vapor from the fuel tank and maintain adequate vapor space in the tank.

Abstract: A venting valve comprises a cover including a flow path in fluid communication with an evaporative emissions system and a liquid discriminating and vapor permeable membrane connected to the cover. At least a portion of the outer surface of the membrane comprises a plurality of alternating curved crests and valleys. In other embodiments, the membrane comprises a first and second layer defining a gap therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the membrane is spirally wound. In other embodiments, the venting valve includes at least one protrusion configured to support and shape the membrane, wherein at least a portion of the membrane is curved.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for adsorbing hydrocarbons from the air intake system of an internal combustion engine. The devices, systems and methods include a hydrocarbon absorbent material, and a structural element configured to hold the hydrocarbon absorbent material within a clean air tube of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a tank vent valve (28) of a tank vent device (102) for an internal combustion engine (101) of a motor vehicle (100), the tank vent valve (28) is disposed in a vent line (27) between a fuel vapor reservoir (25) and an intake manifold (4) of the internal combustion engine (101). According to the method, the internal combustion engine (101) is switched off, and the tank vent valve (28) is opened when the internal combustion engine (101) has been switched off, if a signal is sensed according to which a start of the internal combustion engine (101) is expected to be imminent.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon vapour filter system for capturing vapour released from a fuel tank. The system contains a vapour line in vapour-tight communication with the fuel tank, having a vapour capture segment for capturing fuel vapour, and in the preferred embodiment a purging stage releasing the fuel vapour. During engine operation captured fuel vapour can be released from the vapour capture line into air drawn into the engine intake manifold.

Abstract: A fuel vapor storage and recovery apparatus includes a fuel vapor storage canister, said fuel vapor storage canister comprising at least first and second vapor storage compartments filled with an absorbent material, for instance filled with activated carbon, at least a vapor inlet port, an atmospheric vent port and a purge port. Said fuel vapor storage canister defines an air flow path between said vapor inlet port and said atmospheric vent port during shut-off of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. During purging cycles there is defined an air flow path between said atmospheric vent port and said purge port wherein said first and second vapor storage compartments are arranged in concentric relationship and wherein said first and second vapor storage compartments in flow direction are separated from each other by an air gap diffusion barrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, said fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, during boost, when the fuel vapor recovery system is commanded to be sealed from the intake, indicating degradation based on a pressure value at a venturi in the fuel vapor recovery system.

Abstract: An on-board refueling vapor recovery system includes a shutoff mechanism that closes a first vapor path between the fuel tank and the filler cup when liquid fuel in the tank reaches a predetermined level and a vent line closure that closes a second vapor path between the canister and the filler cup, wherein closure of the first vapor path and the second vapor path reduces pressure in the filler cup to induce shutoff of a fuel nozzle.

Abstract: A retention assembly secures a hydrocarbon trap within an air intake path of an internal combustion engine. The hydrocarbon trap is positioned within a first air tube, such as an outlet duct of a clean air filter. A second air tube, such as an inlet portion of a clean air duct assembly, is fitted over a portion of the first air tube to enclose the hydrocarbon trap within the first air tube. A clamp is fitted over both the first and second air tubes. A plurality of radially-extending, circumferentially-spaced protrusions that are formed on an inner surface of the second air tube pass through a respective plurality of apertures formed in the first air tube and, under radial compression exerted by the clamp, engage an outer surface of the hydrocarbon trap, thereby securing the trap within the first air tube.