Abstract: An air cleaner for a vehicular engine includes a pre-filter which receives air flow containing particulates and a primary filter which receives the air from the pre-filter. The pre-filter removes a first proportion of particulates from the air, and the primary filter removes a second proportion of particulates from the air. The pre-filter is separately serviceable from the primary filter.

Abstract: The present invention involves an air induction system having a hydrocarbon adsorbing feature for adsorbing backflow of hydrocarbons from a vehicle engine. The air induction system includes an air filter for filtering ambient air, a clean air duct in fluid communication with the air filter, sensor mounted adjacent the clean air duct, and a hydrocarbon adsorber mounted to the clean air duct for adsorbing backflow of hydrocarbons from the engine. The hydrocarbon adsorber includes an outer body having an air inlet end and an air outlet end. The body is comprised of hydrocarbon adsorbing material and has a configuration of connected inner walls disposed therein and spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: An air induction system of an automotive internal combustion engine comprises an evaporative emission control device inserted into an air intake tube connecting an air cleaner canister and an intake manifold of the engine. The evaporative emission control device comprises a rigid tubular body that includes an upstream end and a downstream end. A hydrocarbon vapor absorbing element is disposed within the rigid tubular body such that the upstream face is recessed from the upstream end of the rigid tubular body, and the downstream face is recessed from the downstream end of the rigid tubular body. The extended ends of the rigid tubular body thereby protect the recessed faces from incidental contact. The air intake tube is formed of elastomeric material that provides flexible support for the evaporative emission control device to protect against damage due to vibration.

Abstract: The present invention involves an air induction system having a hydrocarbon adsorbing feature for adsorbing backflow of hydrocarbons from a vehicle engine. The air induction system includes an air filter for filtering ambient air, a clean air duct in fluid communication with the air filter, sensor mounted adjacent the clean air duct, and a hydrocarbon adsorber mounted to the clean air duct for adsorbing backflow of hydrocarbons from the engine. The hydrocarbon adsorber includes an outer body having an air inlet end and an air outlet end. The body is comprised of hydrocarbon adsorbing material and has a configuration of connected inner walls disposed therein and spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrocarbon trap positioned in the air intake system of a vehicle, upstream from the engine and wholly in the airflow. The hydrocarbon trap comprises a holder and a material for adsorbing the hydrocarbons, inserted inside the holder. The holder comprises a screen that is added at the end facing the engine. The screen is held in place with the help of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a locking ramp on the holder and corresponding locking tab on a clamping ring surrounding the holder.

Abstract: An air induction system of an automotive internal combustion engine comprises an evaporative emission control device inserted into an air intake tube connecting an air cleaner canister and an intake manifold of the engine. The evaporative emission control device comprises a rigid tubular body that includes an upstream end and a downstream end. A hydrocarbon vapor absorbing element is disposed within the rigid tubular body such that the upstream face is recessed from the upstream end of the rigid tubular body, and the downstream face is recessed from the downstream end of the rigid tubular body. The extended ends of the rigid tubular body thereby protect the recessed faces from incidental contact. The air intake tube is formed of elastomeric material that provides flexible support for the evaporative emission control device to protect against damage due to vibration.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards an air induction system in a motor vehicle and more specifically to an air filter in the air induction system. The air cleaner that functions to filter the ambient air before the air is delivered to the engine, is provided with a hydrocarbon adsorbing element. The hydrocarbon adsorbing element functions to act as a support screen for an air filter installed in the air cleaner and to adsorb hydrocarbons released by the engine. The hydrocarbon adsorbing element comprises a substrate coated with a hydrocarbon adsorbing chemical.

Abstract: An air induction system for an internal combustion engine comprises an air intake tube and a thermal pump coupled to the air intake tube. The thermal pump comprises a bladder that defines a variable volume gas chamber. Following engine operation, the bladder is inflated to draw air containing hydrocarbon vapors from the air intake tube and prevent their escape into the atmosphere. A preferred mechanism for the thermal pump comprises bimetallic springs that expand and contract in response to changes in temperature to inflate and deflate the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards an air induction system in a motor vehicle and more specifically to a methane storage device connectable to the air induction system. The methane storage device comprises a housing having an inner chamber. A reticulated material is located within the housing. The reticulated material is capable of trapping any hydrocarbon especially methane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrocarbon trap positioned in the air intake system of a vehicle, upstream from the engine and wholly in the airflow. The hydrocarbon trap comprises a holder and a material for adsorbing the hydrocarbons, inserted inside the holder. The holder comprises a screen that is added at the end facing the engine. The screen is held in place with the help of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a locking ramp on the holder and corresponding locking tab on a clamping ring surrounding the holder.