Abstract: An integrated air fuel module (10) for an internal combustion engine reduces or eliminates the escape of hydrocarbon evaporative emissions from the integrated air fuel module (10) system, sub systems and components. The integrated air fuel module (10) includes containment means (34), such as a valve (34) or carbon adsorber, that blocks the escape of evaporated hydrocarbon emissions from the air inlet (16) of an engine during engine off conditions. The module (10) provides a reduced number of potential external hydrocarbon leak and permeation paths to the surrounding atmosphere. Preferred geometries of the intake manifold (12) in the module (10) with the internal integration of other normally external systems, such as fuel injection (60) and positive crankcase ventilation (50) systems, accomplish the containment of evaporative emissions within or entering the air fuel module (10) between engine operating periods when the engine is shut down.

Abstract: An engine fuel injector includes an internal fuel passage in which pressure waves can develop upon opening and closing of an injection valve. A fuel pressure damper is associated with the fuel passage and operates to vary the internal volume of the fuel passage in a manner to reduce the amplitude of pressure variations and pressure waves in the fuel passage. A variety of fuel pressure damper embodiments are disclosed.

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

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

Abstract: An engine fuel injector includes an internal fuel passage in which pressure waves can develop upon opening and closing of an injection valve. A fuel pressure damper is associated with the fuel passage and operates to vary the internal volume of the fuel passage in a manner to reduce the amplitude of pressure variations and pressure waves in the fuel passage. A variety of fuel pressure damper embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An engine management system for an internal combustion engine for an automobile includes an architecture for a super ultra low evaporative emission capability. In the present architecture, the fuel rail and injectors are located within the intake manifold such that permeating and evaporative emissions are contained within the intake manifold and a sealing throttle body and/or shut-off check valve is located between the air cleaner/induction components and the throttle body prevent hydrocarbon emissions from reaching the atmosphere. Additionally, a shut-off valve and/or programmable valve train are included to prevent hydrocarbons from the PCV valve and fresh air supply line from being vented to atmosphere. A one way check valve is located between the air induction and cleaner and the PCV fresh air supply such that hydrocarbons that are produced within the intake manifold may pass into the PCV fresh air supply line.

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

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

Abstract: A liquid cooled fuel rail assembly includes an elongate tubular fuel conduit having a longitudinal central axis and a first diameter. The fuel conduit is configured for carrying fuel and defines at least one port, each port being configured to receive an intake end of a corresponding fuel injector. A first end plug is associated with a first end of the fuel conduit and defines a first bore and a second bore therethrough. The first end plug seals the first end of the fuel conduit. A second end plug is associated with a second end of the fuel conduit and defines a first bore and a second bore therethrough. The second end plug seals the second end of the fuel conduit. A fuel inlet is in fluid communication with the second bore of the first end plug. A fuel outlet is in fluid communication with the second bore of the second end plug. An elongate tubular coolant conduit has a second outside diameter that is less than the first outside diameter of the fuel conduit.

Abstract: A fuel rail has a high pressure inlet and a low pressure outlet. The high pressure inlet feeds pressurized fuel to a plurality of injectors along the fuel rail. A fuel return line, which is connected with the low pressure outlet, is positioned substantially centrally of and coaxial with the fuel rail. The fuel return line is non-circular in configuration having a width to height ratio greater than one. The configuration of the return fuel line and the flexibility of the walls thereof provide a damper that reduces the pressure pulsations in the high pressure fuel.

Abstract: A fuel injection system includes a fuel body having a compact fuel chamber connected through individual flexible fuel tubes with separate fuel injectors mounted on the separate cylinder inlet passages of an engine. The system may have an integral fuel pressure regulator or the regulator may be located separately, for example with the fuel pump in a vehicle fuel tank. The pressure regulator may include a unitized diaphragm and valve assembly which may be dropped into a housing with a valve seat in the fuel body and enclosed by cover and spring means to form an integrated system. The unitized assembly can also be used in other applications. Pulsation damping may be provided by a flexible wall of the fuel chamber. The flexible wall may be the pressure regulator diaphragm or a resilient wall designed for the purpose.