Abstract: Disclosed herein are liquid containment systems, methods for making such systems, and vehicle fuel storage systems having vapor recirculation capabilities. Presented is a liquid containment system for stowing hydrocarbon-based liquids. This system includes a vapor canister coupled to a liquid container to receive hydrocarbon vapor from the container. A fill conduit coupled to the container has an opening for receiving a fill nozzle. A vapor recirculation transmits vapor from the container to the fill conduit. A multi-stage check valve, which is coupled to the container and recirculation conduit, has a housing and a plunger with a bleed hole. The plunger seats against the housing such that vapor passes from the container through the bleed hole to the fill conduit via the recirculation conduit. Responsive to increased in-tank pressure, the plunger unseats from the housing such that vapor passes through the bleed hole and around the plunger to the fill conduit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle filler pipe flame arrester and fuel flow straightener configured to effectively quench a moving flame front, while providing laminar fuel flow therethrough. A multi-channel (or multi-cell) configuration, most preferably a honeycomb configuration, provides effective flame arresting due to its heat sink capacity and large effective surface area for flame arrestment, while attendantly limiting availability of fuel and oxygen to the flame, thereby providing quenching of a flame wave as it propagates through the channels. Service station pump nozzle shut-off sensor disruption is avoided because the channels encourage laminar flow of the fuel through the multi-channel filler pipe flame arrester and fuel flow straightener.

Abstract: A low fuel vapor emissions fuel system which reduces the need for FVCS and further obviates both the fuel pump and its return fuel line, composed generally of a rigid tank, a flexible fuel bladder within the tank, a filler pipe connecting between the fuel bladder and an exterior body location, a filler cap which removably seals the filler pipe, a fuel line from the fuel bladder to the engine, an air compression system for selectively pressurizing the cavity between the fuel bladder and the tank, and a fuel level sensor. In operation, when the ignition key is turned on, the air pump pressurizes the cavity between the tank and the fuel bladder. A program of the vehicle computer monitors the air pressure to provide a nominal fuel pressure for the engine. The air pump system further includes a vent valve, which also includes an over pressure relief valve.