Abstract: A method tests the state of an internal reinforcement element connecting two opposed walls of a liquid tank including an initial amount of liquid measurable by a level sensor. The method includes: a) determining a first threshold based on the initial amount of liquid and an initial internal pressure of the liquid tank; b) monitoring a level sensor output and a pressure sensor output; c) if the pressure sensor output is above the first threshold, determining a second threshold and a third threshold; d) comparing the level sensor output to the second and third thresholds; e) if the level sensor output is above the second threshold, sending a first predetermined signal indicating that the internal reinforcement element is broken, and/or if the level sensor output is below a third threshold, sending a second predetermined signal indicating that the internal reinforcement element is broken.

Abstract: A method tests the state of an internal reinforcement element connecting two opposed walls of a liquid tank including an initial amount of liquid measurable by a level sensor. The method includes: determining a first threshold based on the initial amount of liquid and an initial internal pressure of the liquid tank; monitoring a level sensor output and a pressure sensor output; if the pressure sensor output is above the first threshold, determining a second threshold and a third threshold; comparing the level sensor output to the second and third thresholds; if the level sensor output is above the second threshold, sending a first predetermined signal indicating that the internal reinforcement element is broken, and/or if the level sensor output is below a third threshold, sending a second predetermined signal indicating that the internal reinforcement element is broken.

Abstract: Determining the thermodynamic state of fuel includes opening the venting connection to release the tank pressure while monitoring the derivative pressure (dP/dt), closing the venting connection when one of the following conditions is met, the derivative pressure (dP/dt) is lower than a predetermined threshold DP1 or the opening time ?t1 reaches a predetermined value, if the closing of the venting connection occurs when the opening time ?t1 reaches the said predetermined value, determining that the fuel is boiling and aborting the method if the closing of the venting connection occurs when the derivative pressure (dP/dt) is lower than the said threshold DP1, measuring an initial tank pressure at the closing of the venting connection, measuring the final tank pressure after a closure time ?t2, calculating the pressure variation (?P/?t2), comparing the pressure variation (?P/?t2) with a first threshold PV1, if the pressure is lower then aborting the method.

Abstract: A method for controlling a pressure inside a fuel tank system on board a vehicle, the fuel tank system having a fuel tank and a venting circuit having at least one controllable pressure relief valve, the vehicle having a source of energy adapted to activate said at least one pressure relief valve so as to move it from a closed position to a pressure relief position. The method entails: detecting a key off event indicative of the vehicle shut-down; determining an amount of energy available at the source of energy; starting at least one pressure relief operation by verifying whether the amount of energy available is lower than a first predetermined threshold amount and, if the verification is positive, activating the at least one pressure relief valve; and terminating the at least one pressure relief operation.

Abstract: Determining the thermodynamic state of fuel includes opening the venting connection to release the tank pressure while monitoring the derivative pressure (dP/dt), closing the venting connection when one of the following conditions is met, the derivative pressure (dP/dt) is lower than a predetermined threshold DP1 or the opening time ?t1 reaches a predetermined value, if the closing of the venting connection occurs when the opening time ?t1 reaches the said predetermined value, determining that the fuel is boiling and aborting the method if the closing of the venting connection occurs when the derivative pressure (dP/dt) is lower than the said threshold DP1, measuring an initial tank pressure at the closing of the venting connection, measuring the final tank pressure after a closure time ?t2, calculating the pressure variation (?P/?t2), comparing the pressure variation (?P/?t2) with a first threshold PV1, if the pressure is lower then aborting the method.

Abstract: A method for controlling a pressure inside a fuel tank system an board a vehicle is provided. The fuel task system comprises a feel tank and a venting circuit having at least one controllable pressure relief valve. The vehicle comprises a source of energy adapted to activate the pressure relief valve so as to move it from a closed position to a pressure relief position. The method composes detecting a key off event indicative of the vehicle shut-down; determining an amount of energy available at the source of energy; starting at least one pressure relief operation comprising: verifying whether the amount of energy available is lower than a first predetermined threshold amount, and if the verifying is positive, activating the pressure relief valve. The method further composes terminating the pressure relief operation.

Abstract: A plastic fuel tank and a process for manufacturing a fuel tank, the fuel tank including an upper wall, a lower wall, and at least one kiss point formed by welding together a multiplicity of contact points of the upper and lower walls and an accessory. Both the upper and lower walls show a concave recess in the kiss point area so that the weld of the kiss point is located in between planes defined by the upper and lower walls respectively; a bottom of the upper concave recess extends substantially beyond the weld of the kiss point, while a bottom of the lower concave recess does not; the accessory is at least partially located under the extension of the bottom of the upper concave recess.

Abstract: A plastic fuel tank and a process for manufacturing a fuel tank, the fuel tank including an upper wall, a lower wall, and at least one kiss point formed by welding together a multiplicity of contact points of the upper and lower walls and an accessory. Both the upper and lower walls show a concave recess in the kiss point area so that the weld of the kiss point is located in between planes defined by the upper and lower walls respectively; a bottom of the upper concave recess extends substantially beyond the weld of the kiss point, while a bottom of the lower concave recess does not; the accessory is at least partially located under the extension of the bottom of the upper concave recess.

Abstract: A method for generating a gauging curve for a hollow body containing a liquid. The curve including a set of measurement points for a liquid level inside the hollow body, and the curve approaching an optimum gauging curve. The method includes, for several different partial filling volumes of the hollow body, calculating an average center of mass of a corresponding free liquid surface for various inclinations of the hollow body, in terms of both amplitude and direction. The method further includes generating a gauging curve that passes substantially through each of the average centers of mass.

Abstract: Single piece dual jet pump comprising at least one pressurized fluid inlet orifice and 2 separate outlet orifices which are built has two separate jet pumps. Fuel system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a reservoir within said tank, a pump for supplying the engine with fuel drawn from the reservoir and such a single piece dual jet pump designed to allow the filling of the reservoir with fuel from at least two different locations in said tank outside the reservoir.

Abstract: Method for simulating the gauging of a hollow body intended to contain a liquid and that comprises the following steps: for several different partial filling volumes of said hollow body, calculating the centre of mass of the corresponding free liquid surface; and generating a gauging curve that passes substantially through each of said centres of mass.

Abstract: Single piece dual jet pump comprising at least one pressurized fluid inlet orifice and 2 separate outlet orifices which are built has two separate jet pumps. Fuel system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a reservoir within said tank, a pump for supplying the engine with fuel drawn from the reservoir and such a single piece dual jet pump designed to allow the filling of the reservoir with fuel from at least two different locations in said tank outside the reservoir.

Abstract: Fuel system comprising a fuel tank, a main fuel supply pump (2), a fuel filter (4) comprising a housing and a filter element, a reservoir (10) within the fuel tank and a jet pump (3) for filling said reservoir, wherein a one piece connector (1) directly connects the main fuel supply pump (2), the fuel filter (4) and the jet pump (3).

Abstract: Fuel reservoir having a bottom (5) and a valve integrally molded with said bottom and comprising:—a disk or flap (1) having a hole (2) in it;—at least one post (3) that fits through the hole (2) in the disk and which is integrally molded with the reservoir's bottom (5); and—at least one hole (4) through the reservoir's bottom (5) which is positioned close to the post (3) and in a way such that the disk (1) covers it when positioned in its relief position.

Abstract: Fuel system comprising a fuel tank, a main fuel supply pump (2), a fuel filter (4) comprising a housing and a filter element, a reservoir (10) within the fuel tank and a jet pump (3) for filling said reservoir, wherein a one piece connector (1) directly connects the main fuel supply pump (2), the fuel filter (4) and the jet pump (3).

Abstract: Fuel tank comprising a reservoir and a fuel pump sucking fuel out of said reservoir, wherein said reservoir has a low profile and wherein the fuel pump is mounted horizontally or inclined into or onto said low profile reservoir.