Abstract: A method for forming a composite apex, the method comprising the steps of: forming a coextruded strip of a first compound and a second compound, wherein the second compound is a compound different than the first compound, wherein the apex is formed from winding the coextruded strip while varying the ratio of the first compound to the second compound.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel having one or more features for protecting edges of a support structure located radially between a wheel hub and an annular shear band. A softer material is provided along certain edges of the support structure for providing resistance to damages from incidental impact. One or more electrically conductive features may also be provided to reduce or prevent the accumulation of electrical charge on a vehicle using the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite tread with microchimneys, the method comprising the steps of providing a coextruded strip formed of a first compound and a second compound, wherein the first compound is a tread compound, and the second compound is electrically conductive, and then winding the coextruded strip onto a tire building drum to form a tread.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic device including: a stator and a rotor, in which the rotor can rotate relative to the stator about a first axis of rotation; and a shaft mounted on the rotor such as to rotate therewith. The shaft has a wheel carrier provided at a proximal end thereof and designed to receive a rim and a tire. The shaft includes a through-channel extending from the proximal end to an opposing distal end. The hydraulic device includes an air chamber formed at the distal end of the shaft and connected to the through-channel. The through-channel and air chamber are produced such as to allow a flow of air in order to control the pressure of a tire.

Abstract: A wireless tire pressure monitor system configured for transmitting tire pressure information of a tire of a vehicle is described. The wireless tire pressure monitor system comprises a vehicle-based receiver, at least one tire pressure sensor configured to be mounted inside the tire and configured to measure the air pressure within the tire, and a transmitter electronically connected to the tire pressure sensor and configured to transmit a signal comprising the tire pressure information to the vehicle-based receiver. The wireless tire pressure monitor system is configured to transmit the signal in a first transmission mode from the transmitter to the vehicle-based receiver when the tire is rotating, and transmit the signal in a second transmission mode from the transmitter to the vehicle-based receiver when the tire is stationary. Moreover a method of transmitting tire pressure information employing a wireless tire pressure monitor system is described.

Abstract: Devices are taught for filling a tire with air, gas or a liquid and repairing the tire. In one embodiment, the tire repair tool discloses an transmittal control section, with the transmittal control section comprising a proximal end, the proximal end having an opening, a distal end, with the distal end having a centralized opening to align with a punctureable seal at a proximal end of a gas cartridge; a passageway positioned between the proximal end of the gas cartridge and the distal end; and a puncture tool which can puncture the punctureable seal of the gas cartridge. The puncture tool is positioned at the distal end of the transmittal control section along the air passage way. An insertion tube comprises an air inlet at a distal end of the insertion tube which is connected to the opening of the proximal end of the transmittal control section.

Abstract: A commercial chain block system is disclosed herein including a block assembly including an elongated platform supported by a first-support-leg, and a second-support-leg extending lengthwise along opposing sides of the platform. The first-support-leg and the second-support-leg have a ramp at one end forming a 45 degree angle. The platform, the first-support-leg, and the second-support-leg are configured to support a tire of a vehicle upon a top-surface of the platform and assist in installing chains on tires of commercial vehicles.

Abstract: An upper deck frame assembly for a trailer chassis includes a flushed floor section defining a first floor height, and a header section, with a header, forward of the flushed floor section and defining a second floor height above the first floor height. A towing assembly may be secured to the header. A reduced size header section increases usable floor space, and the towing assembly is securable to the header.

Abstract: The drawbar attached to the second road vehicle comprises a coupling eye at its end, while the crossbar attached to the first road vehicle comprises a drawbar coupling intended to accept the coupling eye of the first road vehicle that locks when the two road vehicles are coupled. An automatic locking mechanism is provided to lock the coupling eye to the drawbar coupling automatically when it enters the drawbar coupling once the coupling eye and the drawbar coupling have been brought closer together.

Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a modular double pin load sensor coupled to a hitch receiver. An example disclosed apparatus to be coupled to a receiver tube includes a crossbar interface to be coupled to a crossbar of a hitch, a pin adapter coupled to the crossbar interface, a first load-sensing pin disposed within the pin adapter, and a second load-sensing pin disposed within the pin adapter.

Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.

Abstract: An All-Terrain Vehicle with a frame, a rear axle and at least a rear trailing arm. The rear trailing arm may attach to the vehicle frame frontward of the rear axle and may enter a wheel hub space frontwards of the rear axle and attach to an inset wheel hub. The rear trailing arm may attach to the wheel hub rearward of the rear axle. The trailing arm provides clearance when the wheel hub is moved vertically by an angle of 27 degrees. The trailing arm may have multiple individual pieces or be one unibody and have different portions connecting to the wheel hub, for example, some portions frontward of a wheel hub center axis and other portions rearward of the wheel hub center axis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pull-type machine, comprising: a chassis; a fully independent suspension system mounted to the chassis; and wheels mounted to the independent suspension system.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension can include an adapter mounting face, a spindle rigidly mounted relative to the adapter mounting face, a wheel mounting hub including a hub body rotatably mounted on the spindle by bearings, and an adapter that spaces a brake component away from the adapter mounting face. Another vehicle suspension can include a spindle, bearings, and a wheel mounting hub rotatably mounted on the spindle by the bearings, the wheel mounting hub can include a hub body and a wheel mounting flange, the hub body and the wheel mounting flange being separate components of the wheel mounting hub. A system for adapting a vehicle suspension to different suspension capacities can include multiple wheel mounting hubs including a same hub body internal configuration configured to be rotatably mounted on the spindle by the bearings, but the wheel mounting hubs including respective different wheel mounting flanges.

Abstract: A vibration damper in a wheel suspension of a vehicle, which damper is supported on a wheel-guide element of the wheel suspension via two resilient bearings which are provided laterally of a damper tube of the vibration damper and which are diametrically opposed in relation to the damper tube. Each bearing has a rubber-elastic bearing element in which a damper receptacle is supported which is force-transmittingly connected to the damper tube. The damper receptacle is supported on the damper tube via a releasable securing element.

Abstract: A vehicle incorporates a gravity-assist energy harvesting suspension system including one or more gravitational positive displacement pumps. The positive displacement pump has a cylinder and a reciprocating piston inside the cylinder. The piston is adapted for movement along a compression stroke and an opposite extension stroke in response to a gravitational bounce of the vehicle when in motion. A turbine comprising a rotor shaft and attached blades is mounted relative to a distal end of a fluid outlet hose connected to the pump. Fluid discharged through the outlet hose acts on the blades, thereby moving and imparting rotational energy to the rotor shaft. A generator is operatively connected to the turbine, and is adapted for converting the rotational energy generated by the rotor shaft to electrical energy.

Abstract: A suspension control system includes: a first electric current setting unit configured to set a first electric current based on an actual damping speed; a second electric current setting unit configured to set a second electric current based on a model damping speed; a weight coefficient setting unit configured to set a weight coefficient based on the actual damping speed; and a target electric current setting unit configured to set a sum of a first value and a second value as a target electric current of the damper, the first value being obtained by multiplying the second electric current by the weight coefficient, the second value being obtained by multiplying the first electric current by a value obtained by subtracting the weight coefficient from one. The first electric current setting unit is configured to make the first electric current smaller than the second electric current in a prescribed case.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension comprises a hub carrier on which a wheel hub is suitable for being mounted, a suspension arm having an outer end connected to the hub carrier by a ball joint and an inner end suitable for being attached to a suspended structure of the vehicle, and a shock absorber. At least one load responsive device is arranged on the suspension arm, the load responsive device comprising a sensor able to generate an output signal in response to a load applied to the suspension arm, wherein a control unit is configured to receive the output signal generated by the sensor and to adjust the stiffness of the shock absorber through a valve adapted to vary passage cross-sections of the fluid contained in the shock absorber.

Abstract: A road surface condition is determined appropriately. A road surface determining section (84) configured to determine a road surface state includes a threshold setting section (845) configured to set a threshold for determining the road surface state, so that a value of a desired control variable is multiplied by a coefficient determined in accordance with a result of the determination by the road surface determining section (84).

Abstract: A suspension system for use between a frame and a beam axle includes a ride-height adjustment mechanism connectable between the frame and the beam axle. The adjustment mechanism includes an upper spring seat configured to mount to the frame and a lower spring seat configured to mount to the beam axle. A spring is interposed between the upper and lower spring seats. An electromechanical actuator arrangement is configured to move the upper spring seat relative to the frame or the lower spring seat relative to the beam axle so that a distance between the frame and the beam axle can be increased or decreased.

Abstract: An active suspension system is configured in a strut arrangement. The active suspension system comprises a hydraulic actuator and a hydraulic pump/electric motor assembly, wherein the actuator movement is preferably in lockstep with the hydraulic motor-pump and electric motor-generator combination. Torque in the electric motor is instantaneously controlled by a controller to create an immediate force change on the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is configured so that it can be used as a strut whereby the actuator has sufficient structural rigidity to carry the applied suspension loads while capable of supplying damper forces in at least three quadrants of the force velocity graph of the suspension actuator operation. Embodiments disclosed include low cost active suspension systems for a MacPherson strut application.

Abstract: A roll stabilizer for a motor vehicle having a housing (137, 237) with a first stabilizer element (110, 210) coupled to the housing and an electric motor (150, 250) located in the housing (137, 237). The transmission (160, 260) is coupled to the electric motor (150, 250) on a drive side, and the output side of the transmission (160, 260) is coupled to a second stabilizer element (115, 215) such that the stabilizer elements are electromechanically rotatable with respect to one another. The electric motor is designed as a Vernier motor.

Abstract: A switchable stabilizer assembly of a vehicle, in particular for roll stabilization. The stabilizer assembly includes a first stabilizer half and a second stabilizer half, both coupled to a wheel of the vehicle, where the first and second stabilizer halves are coupled rotatably relative to each other about their longitudinal axis by a hydraulic actuator. The actuator has at least two working chambers filled with a hydraulic medium and has at least one fluid-conducting connection of variable flow cross section between the at least two working chambers. The working chambers are not elastically deformable. Instead, a spring element is arranged in the at least two working chambers and/or in at least two further working chambers of the actuator and is supported between a rotor and a stator of the actuator. The flow cross section of the fluid-conducting connection can be varied depending on the vibration frequency of the stabilizer assembly.

Abstract: An air quality system for a vehicle comprises a chemical detection apparatus comprising a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors for sensing a plurality of airborne materials in a compartment of the vehicle. The plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors are configured to adjust a characteristic electrical signal in response to changes in the presence of the plurality of airborne materials. The chemical detection apparatus further comprises a processor coupled to the nanofiber chemical sensor, wherein the processor is configured to monitor the characteristic electrical signals from the nanofiber chemical sensors and generate a detection signal in response to a changes in the characteristic electrical signals. The processor is in communication with a controller configured to control at least one vehicle system in response to the detection of one or more of the airborne materials.

Abstract: A temperature control system to be installed in an electric vehicle includes a water circuit, a coolant circuit, a radiator, a heat exchanger, a water pump, and a controller. The water circuit circulates cooling water to cool an electric device. The coolant circuit circulates a coolant to control a temperature of a cabin or battery of the electric vehicle. The radiator is disposed in the water circuit. The heat exchanger is disposed in the coolant circuit and receives heat released from the radiator through cooling air delivered from the radiator. The water pump regulates a flow rate of the cooling water circulating in the water circuit. The controller increases the number of rotations of the water pump to a greater value in a condition where an increase in temperature of the cabin or the battery is requested than in a normal condition where the increase in temperature is not requested.

Abstract: A roof top air conditioner unit for a vehicle, in particular a recreational vehicle, wherein the roof top air conditioner at least in part is made of expanded polypropylene (EPP). At least one stabilizing and/or connecting element of the roof top air conditioner unit is mold in the section of the roof top air conditioner unit made of EPP. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a method for producing, assembling and installing such roof top air conditioner units and a vehicle having such a roof top air conditioner assembly.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process for controlling a vehicle interior includes detecting a previously defined situation that relates to an undesirable environmental condition of the vehicle interior, and assessing both a risk level and an urgency level, based on a vehicle sensor input. The process also includes generating a vehicle command based upon the detected previously defined situation, the assessed risk level, and assessed urgency level, and executing the generated vehicle command to control at least one of an engine, a window, and a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit to modify an environmental condition of the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A cooling device for the redundant cooling of a control unit for a vehicle. The control unit has a first electronic component and a second electronic component that is redundant with respect to the first electronic component. The cooling device has a first cooling circuit for cooling the first electronic component and a second cooling circuit, fluidically separated from the first cooling circuit, for cooling the first and/or second electronic component.

Abstract: An operating method for an electric heater having at least one control unit with at least one temperature sensor measuring a reference temperature, and at least one heating element having a positive temperature coefficient mode above a critical temperature and a negative temperature coefficient mode below the critical temperature, may include heating a fluid passing the electric heater to an outlet temperature by the at least one heating element, and operating the electric heater in one of a normal mode or a protection mode. In the normal mode, the at least one heating element may be supplied with at least one of a direct current and a direct voltage. In the protection mode, electrical power supplied to the at least one heating element may be regulated by pulse width modulation. The electric heater may be operated in the normal mode if the reference temperature is less than or equal to the critical temperature, and in the protection mode if the reference temperature is greater than the critical temperature.

Abstract: A clutch and a compressor including the same, and may include a hub fastened to a rotary shaft of a compressor and rotatable with the rotary shaft in a state where its position has been fixed, a disk fastened to the hub and rotatable with the hub, a pulley rotated by receiving power from a driving source of the compressor, an elastic member fastening the hub and the disk, fastening the hub and the disk so that the disk approaches or is away from the pulley based on the hub, a field coil assembly magnetized when power is applied to contact or space the disk and the pulley, an attenuation member interposed between the elastic member and the disk, thereby reducing the noise and vibration due to the contact and spacing between the disk and the pulley by the elastic member and the attenuation member.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle device includes a high-temperature side heat exchanger, an expansion valve for decompressing the refrigerant flowing out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger, a low-temperature side heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve and coolant, a high-temperature coolant circuit in which the coolant circulates to the high-temperature side heat exchanger, a low-temperature coolant circuit in which the coolant circulates to the low-temperature side heat exchanger, a battery and a low-temperature side radiator configured to exchange heat with the coolant in the low-temperature coolant circuit; and a heat transfer portion configured to transfer heat from the high-temperature coolant circuit to the low-temperature coolant circuit such that the coolant dissipates heat in the battery and the low-temperature side radiator.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for detecting malodor within a cabin of an autonomous vehicle, wherein initiation of a remediation system and/or dispatch of the autonomous vehicle to a service hub for mitigating the malodor is based upon sensor signals that monitor the cabin of the autonomous vehicle. The remediation system can include devices such as an HVAC system or a window, which are operated to reduce the concentration of airborne molecules in the cabin of the autonomous vehicle when the concentration of airborne molecules exceeds an air quality threshold. A dispatch protocol may be initiated to dispatch the autonomous vehicle to a service hub when the malodor is associated with certain predefined incidents or when remediation fails to reduce the concentration of airborne molecules below the air quality threshold.

Abstract: An air sanitizing apparatus for a vehicle comprising: an ozone generator; a negative ion generator; and an ultraviolet radiation source. The air sanitizing apparatus further includes a rotating feature and a motor operably connected to the rotating feature, the rotating feature configured to move the air sanitizing apparatus along a track system. The air sanitizing apparatus can includes a first end portion; a second end portion; a middle portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion, the middle portion rotatable relative to the first end portion and the second end portion about an axis that extends through both the first end portion and the second end portion. The ozone generator, the negative ion generator, and the ultraviolet radiation source are all disposed at the middle portion.

Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame including: right and left side frame sections, a cabin frame section surrounding a riding space where seats are provided, a cross frame section extending in a rightward and leftward direction at a location that is forward of the seats and connecting the side frame sections to each other, and a front frame section supporting a hood at a location that is forward of the cross frame section; a frame upper cover section disposed rearward of the hood and covering the cross frame section from above; and a windshield assembly which is detachably mountable on the vehicle body frame, at a location that is forward of the seats. A groove extending in the rightward and leftward direction is provided in an upper surface of the frame upper cover section, and a lower end portion of the windshield assembly is disposed at the groove.

Abstract: An automatic sun visor assembly is disclosed for use in automobiles or in other equipment with windows or windshields. The invention is designed to automatically adjust the position of a visor to provide maximum protection from sunlight and to enhance safety by preventing direct sunlight from interfering with the operator's or the passenger's vision. The invention utilizes motors that include interfaces that allow their control by electronic controllers for automatically adjusting visor's position and orientation based on sensing of environmental conditions such as position of the sun, vehicle orientation and the position of operator's eyes. Specifically, the invention utilizes three motors that enable controlling visor position in three spatial dimensions. The use of an extendable spring wire in the invention enables the visor to stretch out and block direct sunlight from entering at angles where the traditional visors are unable to reach.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bodywork part (1) of a motor vehicle which comprises a main body (2) of plastic material and at least one structural reinforcement (5) fastened at least partially to a first part (3) main body (2). The piece(1) further comprises at least one connecting member (7) of the first part (3) and of a second part (4) of the main body (2) comprising an end (8), a portion of which forms a lock loop (9) around a clamping element (13) so as to secure the connecting member (7), the structural reinforcement (5) and the first part (3).

Abstract: An open roof construction for use in a vehicle includes, at least one movable element, movable along a stationary guide extending underneath opposite lateral edges of a roof opening. A drive motor drives the movable element, where a drive cable at least partly guided in the stationary guide connects between the drive motor and the movable element. The drive cable is guided in a channel in the stationary guide. The drive cable includes, connected at one end, a drive cable plate. The cable plate connects with the movable element, the cable plate being slidably engaged with at least one wall of the stationary guide, wherein the cable plate further includes at least one separate slide shoe slidably engaging the at least one wall of the stationary guide. The slide shoe is capable of biasing the drive cable plate with respect to the at least one wall of the stationary guide.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle top, having a top cover and a top linkage displaceable between a closed position, and a storage position, the top linkage having a link assembly on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, each link assembly having two main links pivotably mounted on a main bearing attachable to a vehicle body and which form a multi-bar linkage together with a roof middle link, and the top linkage having transverse bows via which the two link assemblies are connected. The link assemblies may each have a fabric deflection lever which is pivoted into a straightened position by the top cover when the top is in the closed position and which is pivoted into a bent position in such a manner that the top cover is deflected around the free end of the deflection lever when the top is in the storage position.

Abstract: A quick release system for a vehicle cover includes a housing and a locking member received within the housing, the locking member including a keyhole opening and a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism biases the locking member to a first, locked position within the housing whereby a locking pin received though the keyhole opening cannot be removed via an axial force exerted on the locking pin. The locking member is movable against the bias of the biasing mechanism to a second, clearance position whereby the locking pin can be withdrawn from the locking member.

Abstract: A locking device for fixing a top of a convertible vehicle at a front header of a convertible vehicle, including an actuating portion and an engagement portion, said actuating portion having a locking hook that can be pivoted between a cleared position and a closed position in which it is engaged with the engagement portion. A securing element is provided that assumes a rest position during normal operation and is pretensioned in the direction of a blocked position using a spring and that is secured in the rest position using a retaining element that can be adjusted by way of a trigger element in such a manner that the securing element is released and that the spring shifts the securing element into its blocked position so that it secures the locking hook in the closed position thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a battery housing for a vehicle battery, with side walls which laterally delimit an interior of the battery housing, with a mounting frame running externally around the side walls for mounting the battery housing on a chassis of an electric vehicle, and with a floor structural element delimiting the interior of the battery housing at the bottom, wherein a first reinforcing profile for reinforcing the floor structural element is arranged on said floor structural element, and/or a second reinforcing profile for reinforcing the mounting frame is arranged on said mounting frame. The invention also relates to a chassis for an electric vehicle, with a chassis floor structural element running in particular horizontally, and with a battery housing for a vehicle battery which is arranged above or below the chassis floor structural element, and a third reinforcing profile for reinforcing the chassis floor structural element is arranged on said chassis floor structural element.

Abstract: An engine mount which connects an engine to a vehicle body is provided. The engine mount includes a housing which defines a body of the engine mount and a main rubber body that is installed within the housing and defines a space portion that accommodates a fluid that flows through a nozzle plate. A core is inserted into and fixed to the main rubber body and an a fixing bolt is coupled to the core. A lower support bracket is coupled to the vehicle body and the fixing bolt is inserted therein. A damper that attenuates vibration is disposed at a lower side of the core or at first and second ends of the lower support bracket of the of the engine mount.

Abstract: A driveline for a tractor including a transmission; a differential; a driveshaft configured to transfer torque from the transmission to the differential; and an auxiliary drive system. The auxiliary drive system includes a motor and an electrical energy storage device. The motor is powered by the electrical energy storage device and configured to apply torque to the driveshaft.

Abstract: A wheel support bearing assembly includes a wheel support bearing and a power unit. The power unit is that of an outer rotor design in which a stator is located at an outer periphery of the wheel support bearing and a rotor is located radially outward of the stator. A radial extension of the entire power unit is sized to be radially inward of a peripheral section of a brake rotor. An entirety of the power unit, excluding a mount part thereof to a hub flange, is sized to be situated in an axial range between the hub flange and a mount surface, on an inboard side of the wheel support bearing. The rotor includes an outer shell magnetic body, which is made from soft magnetic material and forms an outer shell of the power unit, and permanent magnets that are provided to the outer shell magnetic body.

Abstract: Provided is fluid reservoir comprising a body having an inlet, an outlet, a fill aperture, and a fluid level indicator assembly. The fluid level indicator assembly is configured such at least an upper portion thereof extends external and above the body of the coolant reservoir. The fluid level indicator assembly includes a housing having a lower portion which extends into an interior volume of the body, and an upper portion, which is the portion that extends external and above the body.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided that includes a fuel tank, a heat detector, and a control circuit. The digital heat detector is disposed in proximity to the fuel tank. The control circuit is coupled with the digital heat detector and is configured to detect that a thermal event has occurred. The fuel system is configured to implement an emergency countermeasure in response to the detection of the thermal event.

Abstract: A liquid container for a motor vehicle, having a first half-shell and a second half-shell, the half-shells delimiting a storage volume for accommodating liquid, the first half-shell having a first support layerand a first barrier layer, the second half-shell having a second support layerand a second barrier layer, the first barrier being situated on a side of the first support layer facing the storage volume, and the second barrier layer being situated on a side of the second support layer facing the storage volume.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for supplying a fuel from a fuel tank to an engine includes a fuel pump for delivering a fuel from the fuel tank, a fuel pipe for flowing therethrough the fuel from fuel pump, a canister including an activated carbon capable of adsorbing and desorbing vaporized fuel generated in the fuel tank, a heat exchanging mechanism for performing heat exchange between the fuel pipe and the canister on a downstream side of the fuel pump, and a return pipe for returning the fuel from the fuel pipe to the fuel tank on a downstream side of the heat exchanging mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for inferring a current operational state of one or more fuel tank grade vent valves. In one example, a method comprises predicting an upcoming fuel slosh event in a fuel tank positioned in a fuel system of a vehicle, and in response to such a prediction, sealing the fuel system within a threshold duration of the upcoming fuel slosh event and diagnosing a grade vent valve as a function of fuel level in the tank at the time of the fuel slosh event and a pressure monitored in the fuel system during the fuel slosh event. In this way, issues related to fuel tank overpressurization and/or release of undesired evaporative emissions to atmosphere may be reduced or avoided.