Abstract: A system for sensing a fuel level includes sensors that sense the fuel level and a voltage source that applies a constant voltage to the sensors for a predetermined time. The system includes a control module that measures outputs of the sensors at a beginning and at an end of the predetermined time. The control module determines a number of the sensors that are submersed in fuel or air based on the outputs and calculates the fuel level based on the number of the sensors that are submersed in fuel or air.

Abstract: A fuel pump controller includes a detecting device for detecting environmental vibrational energy and converting the environmental vibrational energy into an electrical signal. A motor controller is coupled to a fuel pump motor wherein the electrical signal is used by the controller to command the fuel pump motor to operate at one of a plurality of speeds wherein the commanded speed is at least in part a function of the environmental vibrational energy.

Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank having a plurality of side walls spaced apart by a floor. A flange extends downward from one of the plurality of side walls at an angle toward the floor. A fuel pump extends from the flange; the fuel pump and flange are arranged to fixedly position at least one inlet connected to the fuel pump at or in close proximity to the floor of the fuel tank. A fuel dam extends away from the floor and has at least one passage formed therein. The fuel dam is positioned so as to create an accumulated area of the fuel tank surrounding the at least one inlet. Fuel enters the accumulated area through the at least one passage and is received by the at least one inlet.

Abstract: A fuel pump controller includes a detecting device for detecting environmental vibrational energy and converting the environmental vibrational energy into an electrical signal. A motor controller is coupled to a fuel pump motor wherein the electrical signal is used by the controller to command the fuel pump motor to operate at one of a plurality of speeds wherein the commanded speed is at least in part a function of the environmental vibrational energy.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the level of fuel contained in the tank of a motor vehicle includes a first resistive element disposed in the tank and having a first predetermined length. The first resistive element generates a variable resistance in response to electrical current and fuel passing therethrough. A second resistive element is also disposed in the tank and has a second predetermined length. The second resistive element generates a fixed resistance in response to the electrical current and fuel passing therethrough. A microprocessor coupled to the first and second resistive elements determines the level of fuel contained in the tank based on the variable resistance, the fixed resistance and the first and second predetermined lengths.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the level of fuel contained in the tank of a motor vehicle includes a fuel pump disposed in the tank for creating a flow of fuel in the tank. An elongated tube is placed vertically in the tank. The system also includes a venturi tube coupled between the fuel pump and the elongated tube for creating a vacuum as a result of a portion of the flow of fuel therethrough from the fuel pump thereby drawing fuel vapor from the elongated tube at a varying pressure, the pressure decreasing as the amount of fuel vapor in the tank increases. A controller is coupled to the elongated tube for determining the level of fuel in the tank based on the pressure.