Abstract: An assembly 10 which includes primary and secondary hydrocarbon material reception and storage devices 22, 24 in a cascaded and communicative relationship. Particularly, the device 24 receives and stores hydrocarbon emissions 20 which emanate from the device 22. Device 24 further includes a filter 50 through which purging air is communicated to the devices 22, 24. Further, device 24 includes a condensation removal portion 52 which allows condensation 92 to be vented from the device 24 and a selectively closeable vent portion 54 which allows the device 24 and the assembly 10 to be periodically tested.

Abstract: An assembly 10 which includes primary and secondary hydrocarbon material reception and storage devices 22, 24 in a cascaded and communicative relationship. Particularly, the device 24 receives and stores hydrocarbon emissions 20 which emanate from the device 22. Device 24 further includes a filter 50 through which purging air is communicated to the devices 22, 24. Further, device 24 includes a condensation removal portion 52 which allows condensation 92 to be vented from the device 24 and a selectively closeable vent portion 54 which allows the device 24 and the assembly 10 to be periodically tested.

Abstract: A method for controlling a clutch 24 for an engine-powered system 26 in an automotive vehicle 10 is provided. In one embodiment, the engine-powered system 26 is an air conditioner system. The method includes the step 58 of generating an engine roll signal responsive to an oscillating roll movement of an engine 22 of the vehicle 10 about a torque roll axis 32. The engine roll signal is indicative of an oscillating engine roll acceleration about the torque roll axis 32. The method further includes the step 66 of determining a direction of the oscillating roll movement utilizing the engine roll signal. Finally, the method includes the step 74 of actuating the clutch 24 responsive to an operational parameter of the engine-powered system 26 and the direction of the oscillating roll movement.

Abstract: An active bladder system and method for using same minimizes vapor formation in a fuel tank. A low-permeation, flexible conductive bladder (18) is contained within a fuel tank (12). The bladder (18) holds or contains the liquid fuel (25) in the fuel tank (12). The bladder (18) has air pressure applied to the outside of the bladder (18) to keep the bladder (18) against the fuel (25) to prevent vapor formation during engine running modes and diurnal cycles. A fuel delivery pump (23), external to the fuel tank, pressurizes the fuel to a desired pressure for use by an engine. The system is depressurized during refueling stages. Because vapor generation is minimized during running mode and diurnal cycles, no carbon canister or purge system is required by the present invention, resulting in cost savings and lower emissions levels. The present invention is compatible with conventional fueling infrastructures and may reduce fuel pump (23) current draw due to positive pressure on the bladder (18) during running modes.

Abstract: A fluid flow shut-off device has a number of valves which upon lateral tilting movement of the device selectively move to block flow, regardless of the direction of tilting movement.

Abstract: A fuel line for a motor vehicle engine contains a fuel flow shut-off device having a number of valves which upon lateral rollover of the vehicle and engine move to shut off fuel flow through the line, regardless of the direction of rollover.