Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one venting device which is connected to a fuel vapor filter, wherein the venting device includes at least one collecting container for receiving liquid fuel. The fuel tank is distinguished in that disposed within the collecting container is a delivery pump for emptying it into the delivery volume of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A double shut-off refueling valve responds to a full fuel tank level by closing the recirculation line and the canister line. The valve includes at least one float having one or more sealing surfaces corresponding with the recirculation line and the canister line, respectively. The sealing surface is on the top of a float in the float valve. When the fuel in the tank reaches a full level, the float moves upward to close the recirculation line and the canister line substantially simultaneously. In one embodiment, the valve is a float valve having a coaxial seal where the two valve openings corresponding to the recirculation line and the canister line are arranged concentrically. In other embodiments, the sealing surfaces can be, for example, a ribbon seal, two separate sealing surfaces, or any other seal configuration that corresponds with the orientation of the recirculation line and the canister line within the fuel system.

Abstract: A method for recovering vapor during an onboard refueling operation comprising the steps of: providing a flow path between a fuel tank and a purge canister; providing a valve in the flow path; providing a fuel level sensor for indicating the level of fuel in the fuel tank, and a vapor pressure sensor for indicating the pressure of the fuel vapor in the fuel tank; and actuating the valve to selectively open and close the flow path in response to signals received from the fuel level sensor and the vapor pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system for managing fuel-vapor emission from a fuel tank of a vehicle using a vortex-effect flow separator coupled in the fuel-vapor purging system of the vehicle. The warmer-flow outlet of the separator is coupled to the engine intake, and the cooler-flow outlet is coupled to the fuel tank. In this way, less fuel vapor is delivered to the engine intake.

Abstract: A device for delivering fuel has a fuel delivery unit placed inside a fuel tank and which consists of a swirl pot with a fuel pump situated therein for delivering fuel out via a flow line to an internal combustion engine, and with a ventilation system located inside the fuel tank and serves to withdraw fuel vapors from the fuel tank. This ventilation system consists of ventilation lines and a liquid trap for precipitating fuel. The ventilation lines are arranged with one end in the upper area of the fuel tank, and, with the other end, lead into the liquid trap. An activated charcoal filter located downstream from the liquid trap has a connection to the atmosphere. The liquid trap and the activated charcoal filter are situated next and at the height of the swirl pot. At least the liquid trap is mechanically connected to the swirl pot.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting a leak in an automotive fuel system. The functions of vacuum sensing, vacuum relief (high vacuum relief level) and pressure relief (high pressure relief level) are all performed by a single self-actuated diaphragm-seal valve mechanism.

Abstract: In an working machine in which: an engine and a fuel tank for the engine are mounted on a machine body; an air cleaner mounted outside the machine body has a cleaner case including a cylindrical case body and a lid body being mounted on one end of the case body, and a cleaner element being housed in the cleaner case and dividing the inside of the cleaner case into a pre-purification chamber and a post-purification chamber; and an air-outlet pipe is connected to an intake system of the engine with an intake duct interposed therebetween, a canister capable of absorbing a vaporized fuel generated in the fuel tank is attached to the fuel tank or the machine body; a purge joint communicating with the post-purification chamber is provided to the lid body of the air cleaner; and a purge conduit extending from the canister is connected to the purge joint. Accordingly, it is possible to take a vaporized fuel generated in the fuel tank into the engine by utilizing the lid body of the air cleaner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an engine are described. In one example, a system may include a variable venturi coupled in an intake of the engine; an exhaust gas recirculation system having an exhaust gas recirculation flow path, the exhaust gas recirculation flow path coupled to the variable venturi; and a vacuum-utilizing device or system coupled to the variable venturi. In another example, a method may include coordinating adjustment of an exhaust gas recirculation valve coupled to the exhaust gas recirculation system, a fuel vapor purging valve coupled to the fuel vapor purging system, and the variable venturi in response to operating conditions.

Abstract: An adsorption/desorption device is communicated with an upper space of a fuel tank via a vapor passage. The adsorption/desorption device is configured to selectively adsorb or desorb air components contained in vapor. The adsorption/desorption device and the vapor passage are not communicated to the external atmosphere. The fuel tank is provided with a pressure detecting device for detecting the internal pressure of the fuel tank. A pressure regulating device is provided to the vapor passage for controlling and maintaining the pressure applied to the adsorption/desorption device. When the internal pressure of the fuel tank is higher than the atmospheric pressure, the internal pressure of the fuel tank is pressure-fed to the side of the adsorption/desorption device via the pressure regulating device until the internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes in equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include a crankcase ventilation assembly having a fuel separator assembly. The fuel separator assembly may include a condensing unit and a vaporizing unit. The condensing unit may include a gas region and a liquid retaining region. A gas inlet may be in fluid communication with the gas region and a gas flow from the engine block including fuel vapor. The condensing unit may convert the fuel vapor to liquid fuel. The first gas outlet may be in fluid communication with an engine air inlet and provide a remainder of the gas flow thereto. The fluid region may store and provide the liquid fuel to the vaporizing unit through a liquid inlet. The vaporizing unit may convert the liquid fuel to fuel vapor and a second gas outlet may provide the fuel vapor to the air inlet.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control canister for an automotive vehicle includes a canister body and a bracket for attaching the body to a structural member of a vehicle. A number of fastener sets attach the bracket to the canister body, with each of the fastener sets including a closed-end hollow core boss having a generally cylindrical wall of uniform thickness and a number of buttresses applied to an outer surface of the generally cylindrical wall. The buttresses have the same uniform thickness as the generally cylindrical wall and are molded along with the cylindrical wall as one piece with an inner portion of the canister body.

Abstract: An evaporative fuel treatment apparatus for a motor vehicle of the present invention treats an evaporative fuel produced in a fuel tank mounted in a motor vehicle or an evaporative fuel in an evaporative fuel reservoir for temporarily storing the evaporative fuel produced in the fuel tank and returns the evaporative fuel to the fuel tank. The evaporative fuel treatment apparatus is activated, while the motor vehicle is parked, by use of electric power supplied from an outside of the motor vehicle or electric power supplied from a natural-energy power generator mounted in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: In a tank system, a venting line (6) connects the fuel tank to an activated carbon filter, and a recirculating line (10) opens into a filler head (3). In order to prevent the penetration of liquid fuel into the activated carbon filter, to permit the seal to be checked by applying a partial vacuum and to provide a filler head which can be manufactured inexpensively, an insertion body (22) is provided which forms a funnel (23) which is adjoined by a neck (24) which accommodates the fuel nozzle, which insertion body (22) has, in addition to the neck (24), two vertical blind holes (31, 32), open at the bottom, and a transverse duct (33) which connects the latter, wherein the first blind hole (31) is connected to the recirculating line (10), and a float (40), which clears or closes off the connection to the transverse duct (33), is guided in the second blind hole (32).

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle, with a fuel tank which has tank ventilation, the tank ventilation for adsorption of fuel vapors having an activated charcoal filter through which a flushing air flow can flow, and with a vehicle unit which has a vacuum pump, in particular a brake booster. It is provided that the delivery side of the vacuum pump produces compressed air for driving the flushing air flow and/or that the compressed air forms the flushing air flow.

Abstract: A liquid separator that can be used in a vehicle fuel system can have, among other components, an inlet portion, a deflector surface, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion can receive fluid from a fluid tube that communicates with a fuel tank. The deflector surface may cause a change-in-direction that separates liquid and fuel vapor from the fluid. The outlet portion can carry separated fuel vapor to a vapor tube that communicates with a canister. A space adjacent the inlet portion can be defined by a fuel system component such as partly by a fill tube or by a vessel.

Abstract: A fuel system comprising a fuel tank having an opening. A cap is removably coupled to the fuel tank and operable for sealingly closing the opening to prevent ingress and egress of air through the opening. An overfill chamber is in communication with the fuel tank, and a hydrocarbon collection chamber is in communication with the overfill chamber. A valve is disposed between the hydrocarbon collection chamber and the overfill chamber. The valve includes a reference axis and is configured to permit fluid communication between the overfill chamber and the hydrocarbon collection chamber only when an angle between a vertical axis and the reference axis is less than about thirty-five degrees.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an evaporative emissions control apparatus for minimizing fuel vapor emissions from a fuel storage system in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an evaporative emissions control apparatus comprising a canister filled with a hydrocarbon adsorbent. The present invention is also directed an evaporative emissions control apparatus comprising a support substrate, which is coated with a hydrocarbon adsorbent slurry.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus has a frame, an engine disposed inwardly of the frame and configured to drive a generator, a fuel tank for storing fuel to be supplied to the engine, and a canister containing an adsorbent for adsorbing fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The canister includes a communicating tube, which places the canister in communication with the atmosphere. The canister is also in communication with an intake system. The canister is movably positioned in a space S between the frame and the intake system so as to prevent an increase in the size of the power generating apparatus when the canister is added to the power generating apparatus.

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 system, method, and article of manufacture for reducing the rate of fuel vapor formation within a fuel storage tank include a plurality of discrete independent floating particles or elements to reduce exposed evaporative surface area of fuel in the fuel storage tank while conforming to a changing fuel tank cross-section as fuel level changes. The elements or particles may have a self-tessellating geometry to facilitate formation of a single or multi-layer barrier or cover and be made or coated with a material that resists fuel wetting and degradation, such as a highly fluorinated polymer including polytetrafluoroethylene.

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 liquid vapor separator for a vehicle's fuel system, said liquid vapor separator comprising a body having an inlet connectable with a venting system of a fuel tank and a vapor outlet connectable to a fuel vapor treating device, and a condensation space for condensation of fuel droplets, said space being in flow communication with said inlet and with said outlet, and said condensation space extending at or being in flow communication with a filler neck of the fuel system.

Abstract: A vapor fuel recovery system for fuel tanks is provided. The vapor recovery system comprises: a canister that captures vapor fuel expelled from the fuel tank; a vent valve that controls ventilation of vapor fuel from the fuel tank to the canister; and a vent bypass disposed between the canister and the vent valve that controls the flow of vapor fuel from the fuel tank to the on-board recovery canister when a fuel level in the fuel tank is full. The bypass includes a bypass valve and at least one orifice.

Abstract: A fuel injection controller for an internal combustion engine. The engine includes a fuel vapor treatment device having a collector for collecting fuel vapor generating in a fuel tank; a purge line that introduces purge gas into an intake passage of the engine, the purge gas being a mixture of fuel vapor released from the collector and air; and a purge valve provided in the purge line to adjust flow rate of the purge gas. The fuel injection controller corrects an amount of fuel injected from an fuel injection valve based on an amount of fuel vapor contained in the purge gas flowing into a combustion chamber of the engine. The fuel injection controller comprises an estimation section for estimating the inflow amount of the purge gas flowing into the combustion chamber based on a passed amount of purge gas that has passed through the purge valve and a compensation value for compensating transportation delay.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of an improved hydrocarbon adsorbent coating for the treatment of evaporative emissions from a motor vehicle. More specifically, one or more hydrocarbon adsorbents, in accordance with the present invention, can be coated to any surface area of an air intake system to trap hydrocarbon vapors before they can escape to the atmosphere, through said air intake system. In another embodiment, one or more hydrocarbon adsorbents can be incorporated in the air filter of an air intake system.

Abstract: An air-cleaner includes a housing attached to an induction system of an internal combustion engine. The air-cleaner includes a filter element located within the housing and separating the internal of the housing into a dust side and clean side, the dust side having an introduction portion for introducing an external air into the housing, the clean side having a feeder portion for feeding a filtered air to an engine. The air-cleaner includes a plate-shaped adsorption element including an adsorbent to adsorb a vaporized fuel returned from an engine side and permitting an air to pass therethrough, the adsorption element arranged to cross the direction of an air flow and fitted to occupy the entire surface of the clean side in the housing. The adsorption element defines a port connecting the filter element and the feeder portion, and includes a valve disc to open or close the port. The valve disc is controlled to open during air inspiration for permitting an air to flow toward the feeder portion.

Abstract: A fuel vapor control device include a fuel tank for storing fuel, a canister for adsorbing fuel vapor produced in the fuel tank, and an evaporation path communicating between the fuel tank and the canister. The tank has a resiliently deformable wall portion that can resiliently deform in response to an amount of the fuel vapor in the fuel tank, so that volume of the fuel tank can be varied. A pressure regulating valve can perform a relief function for opening the evaporation path during the expansion of volume of the fuel tank to a set volume. The pressure regulating valve closes the evaporation path if pressure inside the fuel tank is lower than the set value. On the other hand, the pressure regulating valve opens the evaporation path if the pressure inside the fuel tank is equal to or higher than the set value.

Abstract: The compressed fuel supply system is a simple low cost fuel fumes delivery system that will replace the present day liquid fuel delivery system used on the present day internal combustion engines. The system will deliver a constant supply of fuel fumes for all ranges of required engine performance. This invention is designed for the standard modern internal combustion engine (5). Equipped with such standard equipment as fuel injectors (4), oxygen sensor/control unit (7) installed in the engine exhaust manifold. An air inlet control valve (6) located on the engine inlet manifold.

Abstract: A particulate matter-removing filter being resistant to clogging and ash blocking, requiring no special means such as back-washing and heating combustion, and being formed of inexpensive materials; and exhaust emission controlling method and device using this. (1) A particulate-matter-containing exhaust emission controlling filter which uses as a basic unit a pair of porous corrugated sheet and a porous flat sheet that support an exhaust emission controlling catalyst, has a molding formed by laminating the porous corrugated sheets so that their ridge lines alternately cross perpendicularly, has one of side surfaces, perpendicularly crossing the corrugated sheet ridge lines, of the molding or mutually-adjoining two surfaces that are the perpendicularly-crossing side surfaces sealed, and has exhaust gas in-flow passage and out-flow passage respectively formed between porous corrugated sheets via a porous flat sheet.

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 marine vessel propulsion device includes an engine, an intake pathway which has a gas flow hole in the inner surface thereof and is arranged to supply air to the engine, and an air restrictor disposed on the upstream side with respect to the gas flow hole of the intake pathway. The air restrictor has a vent hole, and is arranged to restrict the amount of air to flow into the engine via the intake pathway. The vent hole of the air restrictor is arranged at a position which is near the inner surface of the intake pathway and corresponds to the gas flow hole.

Abstract: An oil separator is provided to deposit gas fuel contained in the oil components for connection to a gas fuel line to a gas-powered combustion engine, which is a housing with an inlet opening and an outlet opening for gas fuel, one recorded in the cabinet, which gas fuel then is flowable through the filter element, the sealing between a with the airflow associated stream dream and a receipt with the airflow associated outlet opening starting area is, and one in the inlet opening in the direction of gravity below an outlet with the airflow associated oil collection tank to record in the entrance area by gravity separation from the remote oil gas fuel includes. Furthermore, the oil separator a second oil collection tank to record from the filter element expiring contain oil.

Abstract: To improve environmental protection from hydrocarbon emissions particularly from vehicles a heater for fluids comprising heating elements of an electrically conductive monolith, wherein the heater comprises a passageway for the fluid to be heated with a defined flow direction of the fluid during heating operation, the heater comprising at least two heating elements arranged side by side inside the passageway, so that they are arranged in parallel with respect to the fluid flow, is proposed improved in that one of the at least two heating elements is a controlled heating element, which has a slightly larger heating power, and a temperature sensor is provided at or close to the downstream end of the controlled heating element, and wherein the temperature sensor is connected to a control means for temperature control during heating operation of the heater; and a method of operating such

Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one venting device which is connected to a fuel vapor filter, wherein the venting device includes at least one collecting container (4) for receiving liquid fuel (21). The fuel tank is distinguished in that disposed within the collecting container (4) is a delivery pump (8) for emptying it into the delivery volume (23) of the fuel tank (1).

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 fuel system includes a fuel tank and a liquid separator. The fuel tank includes an interior in which liquid fuel and fuel vapor are contained, and has at least one vent in fluid communication with a vapor dome in the interior of the fuel tank. The liquid separator is in fluid communication with the at least one vent in the fuel tank, and has a fuel port disposed at a lower elevation than the at least one vent to enable the liquid separator to be passively aspirated under negative pressure conditions within the fuel tank. The liquid separator may be placed inside or outside the fuel tank.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device called as Fuel Stabilizer (10), which when installed with the existing Internal Combustion Engine System, but away from the engine prepares a judicious fuel air mixture for efficacious supply of the fuel-air ratio. Use of this fuel stabilizer (10) also minimizes or eliminates the production of poisonous gases in the exhaust which have direct environmental implication. This fuel stabilizer (10) saves up to 75% of fuel consumption in contrast of the existing Internal combustion Engines.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a failure in a Stage II fuel vapor recovery system is disclosed.

Abstract: A dry air fuel vent breather to remove the moisture from air entering a fuel system is provided. When air flows in to the breather from the outside, it is forced through a desiccant cartridge. When air is exhausted from the system, it bypasses the desiccant cartridge.

Abstract: In a power output apparatus, when the fuel vapor concentration is high and the target purge rate is high, an operating point on a purge priority operating line is selected as a target operating point of an engine. As a result, the intake manifold negative pressure greater than that when an operating point on an optimum fuel efficiency operating line is selected, so that the flow rate of purge gas released from a canister is increased. When the fuel vapor concentration does not fall within a high-concentration range, the necessity to immediately purge fuel vapor trapped in the canister into the intake pipe is low, and thus an operating point on the optimum fuel efficiency operating line is selected to keep the engine operating at high fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A leak diagnostic apparatus is provided for an evaporative emission control system that purges fuel vapor from an inside of a fuel tank to an intake passage of an internal combustion engine. The leak diagnostic apparatus is basically provided with a pressure detecting device and a leak determining device. The pressure detecting device is configured and arranged to detect a pressure inside the evaporative emission control system, which includes the fuel tank. The leak determining device sets a leak determination threshold value in accordance with a deformation amount of the fuel tank, and determines if a leak exists by comparing the pressure inside the evaporative emission control system while the evaporative emission control system is sealed to the leak determination threshold value.

Abstract: A flow-restricting plug is provided for installation within a vapor recirculation pipe that communicates with a fuel filler pipe. The plug is manufactured of fuel-impervious material and has a cylindrical shape adapted to be mounted by press fit within the vapor recirculation pipe. A flow passage of tortuous shape is formed along the outer circumferential surface of the plug between the opposed ends thereof. The tortuous shape of the flow passage permits the flow of fuel vapor through the plug but prevents the flow of liquid fuel through the plug.

Abstract: An inlet conduit for an engine air induction system, comprising: a plurality of openings located about the inlet conduit; a hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member disposed on an exterior surface of the inlet conduit, the hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member covering the plurality of openings; and a covering member secured over the hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member, the covering member sealing the hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member to the inlet conduit, wherein hydrocarbon vapors present in the air induction system after engine shut-down are substantially retained in the hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member until air flows through the air induction system after the engine starts.

Abstract: An emission control module (14) includes a housing (52) that includes an atmospheric air opening (102) and a vapor emission inlet (104) for communication with a vapor region (32) of a fuel reservoir (16). A hydrocarbon filter (56) is disposed between the atmospheric air opening (102) and the vapor emission inlet (104) to passively filter vapor emissions within the vapor region (32). The housing (52) is configured for purging of the hydrocarbon filter (56) due to a low-pressure draw from the vapor emission inlet (104).

Abstract: An air control module comprises a canister purge valve, a vapor blocking valve, a canister vent valve and a housing, wherein at least a portion of the canister purge valve, the vapor blocking valve, and the canister vent valve are disposed within the housing. The housing may optionally include three ports fluidly coupled to the canister purge valve, the vapor blocking valve, and the canister vent valve respectively. The canister purge valve may be fluidly coupled to an atmospheric vent and an evaporation canister (which may be mechanically coupled to the housing of the air control module) for controlling the passage of fuel vapor from the evaporator canister to an engine. The vapor blocking valve may be fluidly coupled to a fuel tank and the evaporation canister, while the canister vent valve may be fluidly coupled to an engine and the evaporation canister. The housing may optionally include an air filter fluidly coupled to the canister vent valve.

Abstract: In a fuel injection system, a fuel tank is disposed below an electronically controlled fuel injection apparatus. A fuel reservoir chamber for supplying fuel from the fuel tank is disposed above the electronically controlled fuel injection apparatus, and the fuel stored in the fuel reservoir chamber is supplied to the electronically controlled fuel injection apparatus via a fuel supply passage. The fuel reservoir chamber and the fuel tank are connected by a first fuel return passage through which vapor is ejected and fuel in the fuel reservoir chamber overflows. A second fuel return passage for returning surplus fuel from the electronically controlled fuel injection apparatus is connected to either of the fuel reservoir chamber and the first fuel return passage at the position above the connecting position at which the fuel reservoir chamber connects with the first fuel return passage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of an improved hydrocarbon adsorbent coating for the treatment of evaporative emissions from a motor vehicle. More specifically, one or more hydrocarbon adsorbents, in accordance with the present invention, can be coated to any surface area of an air intake system to trap hydrocarbon vapors before they can escape to the atmosphere, through said air intake system. In another embodiment, one or more hydrocarbon adsorbents can be incorporated in the air filter of an air intake system.

Abstract: In a procedure for the functional diagnosis of an activateable fuel tank ventilation valve of the fuel tank system of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, whereby in specifiable time intervals when the fuel tank ventilation valve is activated to open, regeneration gas is added to the air drawn into the combustion chamber, whereby fuel is delivered to the combustion chamber, whereby the fuel, the air, respectively the fuel, the air and the regeneration gas are combusted in the combustion chamber and whereby by comparison of at least one operating parameter, which characterizes the combustion of fuel and intake air with the corresponding operating parameter, which characterizes the combustion of fuel, intake air and regeneration gas, inference can be made about the functional capability of the fuel tank ventilation valve, the HC-concentration of the regeneration gas is specifically affected by changing the regeneration gas stream.

Abstract: The tank venting device has a fuel vapor reservoir connected to a fuel tank to deliver escaping fuel vapors to the fuel vapor reservoir, and is connected to the internal combustion engine in such a manner that during a tank venting operation the fuel vapors contained in the fuel vapor reservoir are delivered as regeneration gas. To check the operability of the venting device the fuel concentration in the regeneration gas is ascertained at a minimum of two different points in time during the venting operation. The fuel concentration values in the regeneration gas are compared with respective reference values representing the regeneration gas fuel concentration in the situation in which no additional fuel vapors are delivered during the venting operation. The assessment of the venting device operability is carried out by comparison of the values ascertained for the fuel concentration in the regeneration gas with the reference values.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with a variable valve train capable of altering opening and closing timings and/or opening amounts of at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is characterized in that the internal combustion engine is further provided with a negative pressure mechanism that operates using intake pipe negative pressure generated in an intake passage of the internal combustion engine, a throttle valve for adjusting the flow rate of intake air flowing through the intake passage, and negative pressure generating device that controls at least one of the variable valve train and the throttle valve to generate the intake pipe negative pressure, when the intake pipe negative pressure for operation of the negative pressure mechanism is insufficient.