Abstract: A fuel filler pipe assembly is provided which controls the release of fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank so as to limit the amount of fuel vapor released into the atmosphere. The assembly includes an outer tube which is partitioned into two conduits--one for carrying fuel to the vehicle's fuel tank and the other for carrying fuel vapors to an on board vapor capture device. Passage of fuel vapors to the vapor capture device is controlled by a valve which itself is controlled by the attachment and detachment of a fuel filler cap to the assembly such that attachment of the cap causes the valve to close while detachment causes it to open. In certain preferred embodiments, the assembly includes a second valve for preventing the passage of substantial quantities of liquid fuel to the vapor capture device.

Abstract: A system for controlling the release of fuel vapors and liquid fuel from a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The system includes: 1) a cap-controlled valve assembly which conducts fuel vapors to an on-board vapor capture device and which opens when the tank's fuel filler cap is removed or when the pressure in the fuel tank exceeds a predetermined value and which closes when the filler cap is replaced; 2) a first, normally-closed, flapper door and a flapper-door/fuel-nozzle seal, both of which are located in the region of the mouth of the vehicle's filler pipe, above the level at which fuel vapors pass into the cap-controlled valve assembly; 3) a second, normally-closed, flapper door and a flapper-door seal, both of which are located below the level at which fuel vapors pass into the cap-controlled valve assembly; and 4) a vent conduit which connects the fuel tank to the filler pipe assembly at a level between the first and second flapper doors.

Abstract: A fuel filler pipe assembly is provided which controls the release of fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank so as to limit the amount of fuel vapor released into the atmosphere. The assembly includes an outer tube which is partitioned into two conduits--one for carrying fuel to the vehicle's fuel tank and the other for carrying fuel vapors to an onboard vapor capture device. Passage of fuel vapors to the vapor capture device is controlled by a valve which itself is controlled by the attachment and detachment of a fuel filler cap to the assembly such that attachment of the cap causes the valve to close while detachment causes it to open. In certain preferred embodiments, the assembly includes a second valve for preventing the passage of substantial quantities of liquid fuel to the vapor capture device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the release of fuel vapors and liquid fuel from a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The system includes a vent path leading from the dome of the fuel tank to a vapor capture device such that when the fuel tank cap is in place the vent path is opened when the pressure in the dome exceeds a predetermined value, when the cap is removed the vent path is opened irrespective of the pressure in the dome, and upon insertion of the fuel nozzle into the filler pipe the vent path is closed.

Abstract: A fuel filler pipe assembly is provided which controls the release of fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank so as to limit the amount of fuel vapor released into the atmosphere. The assembly includes an outer tube which is partitioned into two conduits--one for carrying fuel to the vehicle's fuel tank and the other for carrying fuel vapors to an onboard vapor capture device. Passage of fuel vapors to the vapor capture device is controlled by a valve which itself is controlled by the attachment and detachment of a fuel filler cap to the assembly such that attachment of the cap causes the valve to close while detachment causes it to open. In certain preferred embodiments, the assembly includes a second valve for preventing the passage of substantial quantities of liquid fuel to the vapor capture device.

Abstract: A system for controlling the release of fuel vapors and liquid fuel from a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The system includes: (1) a cap-controlled valve assembly which conducts fuel vapors to an on-board vapor capture device and which opens when the tank's fuel filler cap is removed or when the pressure in the fuel tank exceeds a predetermined value and which closes when the filler cap is replaced; (2) a first, normally-closed, flapper door and a flapper-door/fuel-nozzle seal, both of which are located in the region of the the mouth of the vehicle's filler pipe, above the level at which fuel vapors pass into the cap-controlled valve assembly; (3) a second, normally-closed, flapper door and a flapper-door seal, both of which are located below the level at which fuel vapors pass into the cap-controlled valve assembly; and (4) a vent conduit which connects the fuel tank to the filler pipe assembly at a level between the first and second flapper doors.

Abstract: An in-tank, fuel pump assembly for fuel-injected engines is provided which includes a reservoir having a supply port for supplying fuel to the engine and a return port for receiving fuel returning from the engine. Within the reservoir are (1) an electrically-operated, high pressure pump, (2) a jet pump located at the bottom of the reservoir for entraining fuel into the reservoir, (3) a valve associated with the return port, and (4) a valve associated with the supply port. The output of the high pressure pump is routed to the jet pump and to the two valves whereby when the high pressure pump is not operating, both valves are closed, and when the high pressure pump is operating, both valves are open and the jet pump entrains fuel into the reservoir. The jet pump is sized to entrain more fuel into the reservoir than leaves the reservoir through the supply port thus producing a net flow of fuel from the bottom to the top of the reservoir.

Abstract: Fuel routing apparatus for use with fuel-injected engines is provided. In accordance with certain of its aspects, the apparatus automatically recycles fuel to the vehicle's engine when the fuel stream from the vehicle's storage tank is interrupted. In accordance with other aspects, the apparatus provides automatic hydraulic switching between fuel tanks for multiple fuel tank vehicles. In certain preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes a replaceable fuel filter and provides automatic bleeding of entrained air from the fuel stream which is delivered to the vehicle's engine.