Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a fuel pump, a controller, and a boost circuit. The fuel pump has an electric motor that includes a winding configured to operate with a maximum efficiency at a first voltage for an expected load. The controller includes a pulse width modulator for generating a driving signal for the electric motor. Under normal operating conditions, the boost circuit acts as a pass-through and the driving signal is modulated at the first voltage to control the pump output. However, when a load greater than the expected load is applied to the electric motor, the boost circuit acts to scale the driving signal to a second voltage that is greater than the first voltage. The second voltage drives the electric motor at a voltage beyond the maximum efficiency but provides overall improved system efficiency.

Abstract: A fuel pump includes a housing, and a motor. A single sided impeller has first and second impeller flow channels each including a plurality of vanes. The impeller defines a flow passageway extending therethrough. A cover is attached to the housing and has a cover surface that defines first and second cover flow channels. The cover flow channels receive fuel from inlets formed in the cover. The first and second cover flow channels are aligned with the first and second impeller flow channels and receive fuel through the inlets and deliver fuel to outlets. A body is positioned within the housing and defines an impeller chamber to receive the impeller, and a first outlet passageway fluidically connected to the first cover flow channel and impeller flow channel. A second outlet passageway formed within the cover is fluidically connected to the second cover flow channel and impeller flow channel.

Abstract: A fuel flange assembly for a vehicle fuel system provides Electro Static Dissipation without an undue increase in cost or reduction in the durability of the tank components. The fuel flange assembly generally includes a fuel tube, a tank flange, and a pressure control device. The fuel tube is constructed of a conductive polymer and has an inlet and an outlet. The fuel tube includes a portion defining a housing positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The tank flange is constructed of a non-conductive polymer. The pressure control device is fitted within the housing and includes a conductive outer casing engaging the fuel tube and forming an electrical pathway.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system is provided with a fuel solenoid valve to minimize fuel leakage and evaporative emissions during diurnal cycles by preventing pressure buildup as the temperature of the fuel system rises. The fuel solenoid valve is located between a pressurized side of the delivery system and a fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fuel solenoid valve is closed when the engine is running or when the engine is off and the rail is hot. When the fuel rail cools down, the solenoid valve opens to bleed a desired amount of fuel thereby creating a fuel vapor space. Thereafter, during hot soak conditions of the diurnal cycles when the fuel rail is hot again while the engine is off, the pressure will rise due to the thermal expansion of the fuel and the created fuel vapor space minimizes further rising of the fuel pressure. Further, by adjusting the solenoid valve opening time, the pressure rising limit may be set at a desired pressure to minimize injector leakage.

Abstract: An in-tank fuel supply unit includes a fuel filter attached to a fuel delivery module for in-tank placement that does not limit the capacity of the unit or increase the size of the unit in a manner that creates undesirable packaging issues. The fuel supply unit generally comprises a fuel delivery module having a housing and a fuel pump. A fuel filter is rigidly attached to a side of the housing such that the fuel delivery module and fuel filter are placed within the fuel tank through the opening as a single unit. The fuel delivery module and fuel filter form an L-shape which permits the entire unit to be inserted through the standard opening which is sized for the fuel delivery module alone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling the speed of a motor by altering the magnetic field of the motor. The system includes field modification module, and a motor having field windings and a rotor. The field windings are configured to receive a driving signal that generates a magnetic field causing a rotation of the rotor. The field modification module is proximate the motor and alters the magnetic field in response to an input signal thereby controlling the speed and torque of the rotor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling speed of the fuel pump. The system includes a fuel pump, a controller, and a field modification module. The fuel pump is configured to receive a driving signal causing the fuel pump to pump fuel. The controller is configured to determine a desired fuel pump speed and generate a control signal based on the desired fuel pump speed. The field modification module is located proximate the fuel pump and is in communication with the controller to receive the control signal. The field modification module generates a flux in response the control signal thereby controlling speed and torque of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A mechanical returnless fuel system comprises a fuel pump having an output for supplying fuel to fuel injectors of an automotive engine. The fuel system includes a pressure regulating valve that returns a portion of the pump output in excess of engine fuel usage to the fuel supply. The pressure regulating valve results in a fuel pressure that varies as a function of engine fuel demand. During operation, a controller determines a projected engine fuel demand, then determines an estimated fuel pressure based upon the projected engine fuel demand. The controller utilizes the estimated fuel pressure to provide a more accurate calculation of the opening time for the fuel injectors and thereby improve engine control.

Abstract: A pressure regulated valve is provided for a mechanical returnless fuel system for an automotive vehicle that includes a fuel pump for supplying fuel from a fuel supply to an engine. The pressure regulating valve includes a conduit in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The valve includes a valve seat and a valve body having a frustoconical seal surface. A spring biases the valve body to close the valve body against the valve seat. During operation, increased fuel pressure from the pump opens the valve body to discharge excess fuel to the fuel supply.

Abstract: A fuel volume accumulator is provided to hold rail pressure for hot engine restart and then reduce fuel pressure when the engine is off thereby minimizing evaporative emissions during diurnal cycles by preventing pressure build up as a temperature of a fuel system rises. The fuel volume accumulator comprises a fuel inlet body, and a moving element adapted to communicate with an inner surface of the fuel inlet body to define a fuel chamber. The fuel chamber is adapted to expand with substantially minimal pressure resistance until the extent of its volume is encountered. The fuel inlet body is in open communication at a first end with a fuel pump via a check valve and a fuel rail via an orifice which restricts fuel flow to substantially maintain a quick fuel rail re-pressurization.

Abstract: A system for driving a compressor is disclosed. The system includes an internal combustion engine in communication with the compressor for selectively driving an input shaft of the compressor; an electric motor in communication with the compressor for selectively driving the compressor when the compressor is not being driven by the engine; and a gear assembly operatively connected to a motor output of the electric motor shaft for changing a rotational speed of the motor output shaft.

Abstract: A system for driving a compressor is disclosed. The system includes an internal combustion engine in communication with the compressor for selectively driving an input shaft of the compressor; an electric motor in communication with the compressor for selectively driving the compressor when the compressor is not being driven by the engine; and a gear assembly operatively connected to a motor output of the electric motor shaft for changing a rotational speed of the motor output shaft.