Fuel Flow Regulation Between The Pump And The Charge-forming Device Patents (Class 123/510)
  • Patent number: 7634986
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for delivering fuel to, for example, a common rail of a diesel engine fuel injection system. The fuel supply system includes a priming pump, a feed pump, a fuel filter disposed downstream of the feed pump, a return path, and a return valve. When the pressure of the fuel between the feed pump and the fuel filter exceeds a first set pressure, the return valve is placed in a first open position to open the return path to return the fuel from downstream to upstream of the feed pump. When the pressure of the fuel, as fed by the priming pump, exceeds a second set pressure, the return valve is placed in a second open position to open the return path to direct the fuel, as fed by the priming pump, to upstream of the fuel filter to prime the fuel filter directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Kuroda, Hiroyuki Shimai
  • Patent number: 7628140
    Abstract: A unitary high pressure seal provides a fluid seal against multiple surfaces, at least one of which is static and one of which is dynamically loaded. The seal includes a seal body and separated load and sealing lands. The load land interfaces with the static surface, e.g., a valve assembly barrel, to seal the body to that surface, whereas the sealing land dynamically provides a seal against a variably positioned surface, e.g., a valve head surface. In this manner, when the valve is closed, the load land is not affected by the dynamic loads on the sealing land, and leakage at the static surface is thus minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Timur T. Trubnikov
  • Patent number: 7628143
    Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a subtank in a fuel tank, a fuel pump in the subtank having a first pump unit suctioning fuel in the subtank to supply fuel to an external equipment and a second pump unit suctioning fuel outside the subtank to pump fuel into the subtank, and a filter connected to a first suction port of the first unit and a second suction port of the second unit and filtering supply fuel supplied to the equipment and pump fuel pumped into the subtank. The filter includes a case, a first filter, and a second filter. The first filter in a first passage of the case directing fuel in the subtank into the first port filters the supply fuel. The second filter in a second passage of the case directing fuel outside the subtank into the second port filters the pump fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Yamada, Masaaki Tanaka, Chiaki Kawajiri
  • Patent number: 7617814
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing configured to receive a portion of a fuel pump. The housing defines a first flow path, a second flow path and a third flow path. The first flow path is in fluid communication with a fuel outlet portion of the fuel pump. The second flow path is in fluid communication with the first flow path. The third flow path is in fluid communication with the second flow path. A side wall of the housing defines a venturi within the second flow path at a location downstream from an intersection of the third flow path and the second flow path. A flow control member is disposed within the second flow path at a location upstream from the intersection of the third flow path and the second flow path. The flow control member is configured to regulate the fuel flow within the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Leppert
  • Patent number: 7594499
    Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus is provided for supplying high-pressure fuel to a common rail of an accumulator fuel injection system. The accumulator fuel injection system includes an injector for injecting high-pressure fuel accumulated in the common rail into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The fuel feed apparatus includes a high-pressure pump for press-feeding fuel to the common rail, and a feed pump for pumping fuel from a fuel tank to the high-pressure pump. A fuel filter is provided downstream of the feed pump for filtering fuel pumped from the feed pump. A return passage is provided for returning fuel from a downstream of the feed pump to an upstream of the feed pump. A return flow control unit is provided for controlling fuel retuning through the return passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Suzuki, Hiroyuki Shimai, Mitsuru Nagai
  • Patent number: 7578283
    Abstract: An assembly is disclosed having a high pressure fuel source, a low pressure fuel source, and a housing. The assembly also has a piston disposed within the housing and dividing the housing into a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, and a fourth chamber. The first and second chambers are fluidly connected to the high pressure fuel source. The third chamber is selectively fluidly connected to the high pressure fuel source and the low pressure fuel source, and the fourth chamber is fluidly connected to the low pressure fuel source. The piston is movable from a first position when the third chamber is selectively connected to the high pressure fuel source. The piston is movable to a second position when the third chamber is selectively connected to the low pressure fuel source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley E. Bartley
  • Patent number: 7568468
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine having a fuel pump with a drive shaft is provided, the fuel pump conveying fuel into at least one fuel-collection line, the fuel being subsequently conveyed to at least one combustion chamber via at least one fuel-injection device. In the method, a quantity of the fuel conveyed by the fuel pump into the fuel-collection line is set by means of a valve device. The valve device is configured to selectively connect a discharge side of the fuel pump to a low-pressure region of the fuel pump (during deactivation phase), and selectively disconnect the discharge side from the low-pressure region (during supply phase). In supplying the quantity of fuel, a supply rate, defined as the number of supply phases of the fuel pump per rotation of the drive shaft, is determined as a function of at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Wolber, Thomas Frenz, Karsten Hinn, Timm Hollmann, Christian Wiedmann, Stefan Smetana, Laurent Nack
  • Publication number: 20090165752
    Abstract: A feed pump pumps fuel from a fuel tank. A filter portion includes a filter element for removing foreign matter contained in the fuel discharged from the feed pump. A high-pressure pump pumps the filtered fuel to the internal combustion engine. A return passage is connected with a passage between the filter element and the high-pressure pump for partially returning the filtered fuel to the fuel tank. A priming pump portion has an inlet port, which is connected with the return passage, and an outlet port, which is connected with the filter element. The priming pump portion draws fuel from the fuel tank to supply the fuel to the filter element when being operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiyuki YONEMOTO
  • Patent number: 7549410
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion system includes an Engine Management System (EMS), a fuel feed pump, a return line, a high-pressure pump, supplying fuel under pressure to a common rail, a hydraulically operated valve forming an outlet chamber connected to the common rail and a control chamber, the valve being designed such that, in its closed position, the valve prevents the flow out of the outlet chamber, and an electrically operated pilot valve. A nozzle with a resilient member that biases the nozzle towards closing is connected to the outlet of the hydraulically operated valve in such a way that pressure at the outlet of the hydraulically operated valve tends to overcome the force of the resilient member and open the nozzle. An electrically operated spill valve is connected between the outlet of the hydraulically operated valve and the return line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Sergi Yudanov
  • Patent number: 7527043
    Abstract: An engine with a high pressure common rail fuel system includes a bleed line to tank to facilitate evacuation of air and vapor from the fuel lines to assist in priming the fuel system. An anti-drainback valve prevents fuel vapor from migrating in a reverse direction through the bleed line toward the fuel pump during long periods of engine shut down. The inclusion of the anti-drainback valves helps facilitate short cranking times on the order of three seconds or less during engine start up, even after prolonged periods of engine shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Burkitt
  • Patent number: 7523746
    Abstract: A fuel delivery module 14 and fuel tank combination includes a fuel tank 16 for a vehicle. The fuel tank has a top wall 25 and a bottom surface 20. A fuel pump 18 is disposed in the fuel tank. The fuel pump has an axis A disposed generally at an acute angle ? with respect to the bottom surface of the fuel tank. A fuel filter 22 is disposed in the fuel tank generally adjacent to the fuel pump. A flange 23 is mounted to the top wall 25 of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Brusoe, Dieter Hagist
  • Patent number: 7513243
    Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus for a motor cycle allows the motor cycle to execute rapid jump traveling and accelerated drive just after the jump traveling. A fuel pump (P) and a fuel filter (F) connected to a pump suction path (Pa) of the fuel pump (P) are attached to a lid member (1) closing an opening portion (Ta) of a fuel tank (T). The fuel pump (P) provided with the fuel filter (F) is arranged so as to be inserted into the fuel tank (T) via the opening portion (Ta). The fuel filter (F) is arranged within a filter storage case (C) surrounding an entire outer periphery of the fuel filter (F) in an approximately sealed manner. A fuel supply hole (25) open to an inner side of the fuel tank (T) is pierced in a side wall (Cb1) along a gravity force direction (X) of the filter storage case (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuyuki Nakagawa, Hidefumi Yoshida, Yasuhiro Koito
  • Publication number: 20090084361
    Abstract: A fuel injection priming system includes a fuel supply line connected to a fuel supply rail. A plurality of piezoelectric fuel injectors are connected to the fuel supply rail. An injector return fuel line is connected to the fuel injectors and in communication with a fuel supply line via a diverter valve to allow pressure fuel from the high pressure fuel pump return line to pressurize the injector return fuel line to backfill the injectors during a priming operation. A fuel restriction device is in communication with the diverter valve to restrict fuel flow through the injector return line to provide sufficient backfill for the fuel injectors during the priming operation and to allow fuel to pass to the fuel tank from the injector return fuel line during normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Henry W. Harper, Peter Hubl, Bryan A. Kuieck
  • Patent number: 7506637
    Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus connects with an injector and a reservoir tank. The reservoir tank is in upstream of the injector for accumulating fuel for the injector. A fuel pump press-feeds fuel in a fuel tank toward the reservoir tank in accordance with pressure in the reservoir tank. A press-feed pipe defines a fuel passage from the fuel pump to the reservoir tank. A branch pipe is provided to the press-feed pipe. The branch pipe defines a return passage that branches from the fuel passage. Fuel discharged from the fuel pump returns into the fuel tank through the return passage. A throttle unit is provided to the branch pipe for reducing a sectional area of the return passage. A relief valve is provided to the branch pipe for communicating the return passage when pressure in the return passage becomes equal to or greater than relief pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tadashi Hazama
  • Publication number: 20090044784
    Abstract: A fuel damper fixing clip includes a clip main body formed from a sheet member having a plurality of flat portions, and formed in a generally square cylindrical shape. The clip main body surrounds portions of the outer peripheries of a cup portion and a fuel damper and deforms in a tightening direction. The clip main body includes two ends overlapped on an outside and an inside surface thereof. Slits are disposed in the plurality of flat portions of the clip main body, and the collar portions of the cup portion and the fuel damper are disposed therein and locked in a diameter-reduced state of the clip main body in which the clip main body is tightened. A receiving hole is formed in one of the ends of the clip main body. A claw portion is disposed on the other end of the clip main body obliquely projecting in a direction opposite to the tightening direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Takeshi FUJII
  • Patent number: 7487759
    Abstract: A flow damper includes a valve body, a piston, a spring, and a cap. The valve body is fastened to the rail main body and has a fuel passage therein. The fuel passage communicates between a fuel hole of the rail main body and the injector. The fuel passage includes a piston sliding hole on its rail main body-side. The piston is slidably held on an inner circumferential surface of the piston sliding hole. The spring urges the piston in an opposite direction from a direction of fuel flowing through the fuel passage. The cap includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion. The small diameter portion is fitted into the inner circumferential surface of the piston sliding hole with a gap between the small diameter portion and the piston sliding hole. The large diameter portion is located between the valve body and the rail main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Ochiai
  • Patent number: 7481203
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a filter 19 for filtering fuel. The filter 19 has an internal wall 20 defining a pocket 14. A fuel pump 12 is provided in the pocket 14 for pumping filtered fuel to an engine. A pump spacer structure 10 surrounds at least a portion of the fuel pump and positions the fuel pump within the pocket The pump spacer structure 10 has a portion 18 that engages the internal wall 20 of the filter 19. Dampening structure 22 is provided between the pump spacer structure 10 to dampen vibration generated by the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery John Milton
  • Publication number: 20090000602
    Abstract: A fuel mixing device includes a fuel passage adapted to communicate fuel from at least one of a first fuel source or a second fuel source provided at a higher pressure than the first fuel with at least one of a first fuel path or a second fuel path. The device also includes a control valve permitting fuel flow through the second fuel path and out of the device when the first fuel is provided in the fuel passage so that the first fuel flows out of the device through both the first and second fuel paths, and the valve prevents fuel flow through the second fuel path and out of the device when the second fuel is provided in the fuel passage so that the second fuel flows out of the device only through the first fuel path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Takashi Horikawa
  • Publication number: 20090000601
    Abstract: A compact vehicle fuel supply device that reduces noise caused by excess fuel discharge from a pressure regulator in a simple manner is provided. The device includes a fuel tank, a fuel pump provided in the fuel tank to raise the pressure of fuel in the fuel tank, a case that accommodates the fuel pump, the pressure regulator supported by the case to regulate fuel emitted from the fuel pump at a prescribed pressure and discharge excess fuel from an outlet, and a noise silencing cup provided to cover the outlet of the pressure regulator and having a discharge hole used to discharge the excess fuel into the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Minoru TAKATA
  • Publication number: 20090000600
    Abstract: A flow regulating valve for a diesel engine in which a unitary valve element has three positions for controlling flow from a unit injector fuel injection system in response to valve inlet pressure. The valve has a first position wherein flow is blocked below about 10 psi, a second position between about 10 psi and 20 psi wherein flow is substantially unrestricted, and a third position above about 20 psi wherein flow is restricted to minimize return flow to a fuel supply and minimize fuel cooling requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: MICHAEL BRIAN SULLIVAN
  • Patent number: 7448364
    Abstract: In a fuel cutoff valve of the invention, an opening at a lower end of a cylindrical bottom member defines a full level of fuel. The opening of the cylindrical bottom member has a flange that is protruded in a horizontal direction. This structure of the invention effectively interferes with invasion of the air into a casing of the fuel cutoff valve in the course of fuel supply to the full level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Kaneko, Shoji Horiba
  • Patent number: 7444995
    Abstract: Prior art fuel line check valves remain closed after engine off and cool down. Diurnal heating and the resultant pressure increase in the fuel line causes fuel vapor emissions through small openings in the fuel line (e.g., at the injector tips). The invention provides a check valve for a vehicle fuel line which opens in response to engine cooling and remains open while the engine is off to relieve subsequent increasing pressure in the fuel line due to diurnal heating thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Burke, William L. Villaire, Dennis P. McGrath, John G. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20080257313
    Abstract: An engine control fuel pump apparatus is provided with a low load fuel pump control section, a high load fuel pump control section and a subordinate pump drive section. The low load fuel pump control section controls a main fuel pump for supplying fuel to an engine when an engine operating condition indicates that the engine is operating with a low load. The high load fuel pump control section controls the main fuel pump and a subordinate fuel pump for supplying fuel to the engine when an engine operating condition indicates that the engine is operating with a high load. The subordinate pump drive section drives the subordinate fuel pump for a prescribed period of time when a rotational speed of the engine is equal to or higher than a prescribed rotational speed while the engine is operating in an low load operating region in which the low load fuel pump control section controls the main fuel pump for supplying fuel to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takanobu Yahata
  • Publication number: 20080251052
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel conveying device including a valve housing in which a pressure release valve and a non-return valve are arranged parallel to one another, the pressure release valve having a first inlet, which downstream of a valve seat opens into a valve chamber in which a valve body is movably arranged and which is in fluid connection with a second inlet for the non-return valve via a first outlet. The device improves the control response of the pressure release valve by providing the first outlet at the periphery of the valve chamber and in the axial direction with respect to a valve axis such that when the pressure release valve is open the flow from the valve chamber into the second inlet is a substantially radial flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Schelhas, Andreas Herforth, Zdenek Liner, Michael Dufek, David Krenovsky
  • Patent number: 7410022
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and assemblies for providing improved fuel management to fuel injected engine systems of off-road vehicles, such as snowmobiles, personal watercraft, motorcycles, utility vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles. The fuel-injected engine systems can return fuel after passing through a pressure regulator located either upstream or downstream of the engine. Fuel may be returned to the fuel pump through various routes, rather than simply returning the fuel into the fuel of the fuel tank. Fuel may be returned directly to the fuel pump upstream of all fuel pickups or upstream of some fuel pickups and downstream from other fuel pickups. Some embodiments include a vapor separator located downstream of the pressure regulator but somewhere upstream of the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Berg, Douglas M. Corneliusen, Scott E. McKinster
  • Patent number: 7406954
    Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump (10) used in a fuel system includes an electric motor (14) having a drive shaft (16) to which is attached a pumping element (18). A fuel inlet passage allows low-pressure fuel to be drawn into the pump, and a fuel outlet passage (24) allows high-pressure fuel to be pumped to an internal combustion engine (E). A check valve assembly (30) is installed in the outlet passage and includes a check valve (36) which, when the pump is off, blocks an inlet (38) into the outlet passage to prevent fuel flow through the passage and into the pump resulting in a decrease in pressure in the fuel system. When the pump is operating, the check valve is forced away from the inlet to open the valve and allow fuel to freely flow through the passage. The fuel flows both around and through the check valve as it flows through the outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Airtex Products
    Inventors: Todd Breuer, Robert Gardner
  • Publication number: 20080178850
    Abstract: A fuel system for a carburetor that supports operation of an engine includes a body with a bore, a fuel source communicated with the bore and from which fuel is supplied to the bore for delivery to the engine, a drain unit and a control. The drain unit is communicated with the fuel source to selectively receive fuel from the fuel source and has a fuel chamber and an actuator operable to vary the volume of the fuel chamber. The control is communicated with the actuator to permit fuel flow from the fuel source to the fuel chamber when the engine is shut down and to cause fuel to flow from the fuel chamber to the fuel source prior to starting the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Bejcek, John C. Woody
  • Patent number: 7404388
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system which can automatically switch passages of a fuel supply line and a fuel return line when the pressure in a fuel return line becomes higher than a predetermined pressure. Even when the fuel supply and return lines are incorrectly connected, the present system can prevent the problem of damage to a fuel supply system and fuel leakage which may be caused by an increased fuel pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sung-Hoon Bang
  • Publication number: 20080156290
    Abstract: A flow damper includes a valve body, a piston, a spring, and a cap. The valve body is fastened to the rail main body and has a fuel passage therein. The fuel passage communicates between a fuel hole of the rail main body and the injector. The fuel passage includes a piston sliding hole on its rail main body-side. The piston is slidably held on an inner circumferential surface of the piston sliding hole. The spring urges the piston in an opposite direction from a direction of fuel flowing through the fuel passage. The cap includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion. The small diameter portion is fitted into the inner circumferential surface of the piston sliding hole with a gap between the small diameter portion and the piston sliding hole. The large diameter portion is located between the valve body and the rail main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroaki OCHIAI
  • Patent number: 7383822
    Abstract: A fuel pump module has a fuel pump with an outlet located within a fuel reservoir, a fuel filter casing within which a fuel filter receives fuel from the fuel pump fuel outlet. A fuel discharge housing attaches to the fuel filter casing such that fuel passing from the filter and into the discharge casing then discharges from either a casing fuel outlet or a bleed orifice. The casing fuel outlet leads to the engine while the bleed orifice discharges fuel into a sump formed into the reservoir's bottom wall under the bleed orifice. The sump retains a quantity of fuel so that during low fuel levels within the reservoir, when the engine is off, the fuel filter maintains its prime condition from fuel in the sump to lessen the filter prime time during engine starting. Selective placement of fuel valves also decreases fuel system prime times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Dhyana Ramamurthy, Kingo Okada, Hideto Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080127948
    Abstract: A device for delivering fuel having a delivery unit, a main filter with a filter housing situated downstream of the delivery unit, and a drive line for driving a suction jet pump embodied in the filter housing of the main filter. As a result, the assembly and manufacture costs of the device are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Braun, Thomas Wieland, Petr Simek, Pavel Motka
  • Publication number: 20080121216
    Abstract: A high volume high pressure common rail pump for a fuel system includes pairs of pump head assemblies in phase with each other but oriented in opposition to one another about a rotating cam shaft. Pump pistons in the pump head assemblies simultaneously undergo pumping strokes via a shared two lobe cam of the rotating cam shaft. The pump may include two pairs of pump head assemblies, and each head assembly may include two pump pistons. The cam shaft includes two cams sufficiently out of phase with one another that the cam shaft always has a positive torque even when the cam lobes are symmetrical. In addition, because the pumping is done simultaneously on opposite sides of the cam shaft, the forces on the cam shaft are balanced and its support bearings experience less wear and tear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Scott F. Shafer, Timur Trubnikov, William John Love, Heather Rebholz, Jianhua Zhang
  • Patent number: 7370640
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel feed unit (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising a volume flow reducing valve (13, 14) that is mounted in a pump fluid line (11, 12) leading to a suction jet pump (5, 6). Said volume flow reducing valve (13, 14) reduces the fuel volume flow supplied to the suction jet pump (5, 6) when the feed pressure of the fuel pump (4) increases, thereby avoiding unnecessary feed of fuel to the suction jet pump (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Lothar Dickenscheid
  • Publication number: 20080053413
    Abstract: The present invention provides an evaporative emissions control system for small internal combustion engines. The fuel tank of the engine includes a filler neck closed by a fuel tank cap which seals the fuel tank in a manner in which air and/or fuel vapors are not permitted to pass between the filler neck and the fuel tank cap. The fuel tank cap includes a first, one-way vacuum relief valve therein which operates to allow atmospheric make-up air to enter the fuel tank to replace a decreasing amount of fuel in the fuel tank during running of the engine, or otherwise as needed. The fuel tank cap additionally includes a second, one-way pressure relief valve having a first cracking threshold which operates to relieve high pressures within the fuel tank. Additionally, the fuel supply line between the fuel tank and the carburetor includes a fuel flow inhibiting or blocking member having a second cracking threshold greater than the first cracking threshold of the pressure relief valve of the fuel tank cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: TECUMSEH PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald J. Donahue, Barry P. Schleicher
  • Publication number: 20080047531
    Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump (10) used in a fuel system includes an electric motor (14) having a drive shaft (16) to which is attached a pumping element (18). A fuel inlet passage allows low-pressure fuel to be drawn into the pump, and a fuel outlet passage (24) allows high-pressure fuel to be pumped to an internal combustion engine (E). A check valve assembly (30) is installed in the outlet passage and includes a check valve (36) which, when the pump is off, blocks an inlet (38) into the outlet passage to prevent fuel flow through the passage and into the pump resulting in a decrease in pressure in the fuel system. When the pump is operating, the check valve is forced away from the inlet to open the valve and allow fuel to freely flow through the passage. The fuel flows both around and through the check valve as it flows through the outlet passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Todd Breuer, Robert Gardner
  • Patent number: 7318846
    Abstract: A mixture formation means for the reformer of a fuel cell system or for a heater. The fuel feed includes a pressure impulse injection means and the mixture formation area is a swirl chamber having a discharge nozzle connected to the pressure impulse injection device. Also included is a fuel heater for preheating the fuel before injection in order to achieve complete vaporization of the fuel, such as diesel fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Enerday GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Boltze, Christian Wunderlich, Matthias Jahn
  • Patent number: 7318414
    Abstract: A fuel injection system operates under a substantially constant pump speed and creates multi-pressure levels by diverting the fuel flow. Fuel pressure can be switched from one steady pressure level to another level on-demand instantly. This superimposes and overlaps typical fuel injection events in the linear operating ranges under different pressure levels, significantly increasing the fuel injection dynamic range. Lower fuel injection when idle or during city driving reduces fuel consumption per mile traveled and reduces exhaust emission that causes smog in metropolitan areas. The system delivers additional power to the engine instantly at peak load on-demand, reduces idle speed with the engine running smoothly, does not change fuel tank temperature, and may enhance the life of the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: TMC Company
    Inventor: Shou L. Hou
  • Publication number: 20070295312
    Abstract: In a fuel cutoff valve of the invention, an opening at a lower end of a cylindrical bottom member defines a full level of fuel. The opening of the cylindrical bottom member has a flange that is protruded in a horizontal direction. This structure of the invention effectively interferes with invasion of the air into a casing of the fuel cutoff valve in the course of fuel supply to the full level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Kaneko, Shoji Horiba
  • Patent number: 7306715
    Abstract: A pump module includes a fuel pump, a fuel filter having a filter casing and a filter element, a fuel outlet, and a pressure regulator. The filter casing covers at least a part of the outer circumference of the fuel pump, and accommodates the filter element. The fuel outlet is disposed outside the outer circumference of the filter casing, and includes an outflow passage for flowing the fuel from a discharge opening disposed on a sidewall of the outer circumference of the filter casing. The outflow passage includes a retrieve passage extending from the discharge opening to the sidewall of the outer circumference of the filter casing. The pressure regulator is disposed outside the outer circumference of the filter casing, and includes a regulator inlet for introducing the fuel, the regulator inlet being opened to the retrieve passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kato, Kouji Izutani, Katsuhisa Yamada, Masaaki Konishi
  • Patent number: 7303378
    Abstract: The fuel supply apparatus according to the invention is improved in a simple manner in that it is provided with short fuel lines. According to the invention, the drive line of the suction jet pumps is connected to a pressure line downstream of the fuel supply pump and has at least one check valve or a siphon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Kleppner, Hans-Peter Braun, Wolfgang Gabauer, Oliver Wahl, Thomas Wieland, Erich Eiler, Ludger Kuermann, Juergen Weikert
  • Patent number: 7299791
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a filter 19 for filtering fuel. The filter 19 has an internal wall 20 defining a pocket 14. A fuel pump 12 is provided in the pocket 14 for pumping filtered fuel to an engine. A pump spacer structure 10 surrounds at least a portion of the fuel pump and positions the fuel pump within the pocket The pump spacer structure 10 has a portion 18 that engages the internal wall 20 of the filter 19. Dampening structure 22 is provided between the pump spacer structure 10 to dampen vibration generated by the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffery J. Milton
  • Patent number: 7281524
    Abstract: A fuel delivery device in which a preliminary filter and a throttle are provided in a drive line of a suction jet pump. The throttle is integrally formed with or connected to a preliminary filter to thereby reduce the manufacturing costs and simplify installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Braun
  • Patent number: 7278408
    Abstract: A returnless fuel system module includes a fuel pump in a fuel pump cavity, a fuel pressure regulator in a fuel pressure regulator cavity, first and second transfer passages therebetween, and a heat exchanger integrally formed in the housing in thermally conductive relation with at least the bypass relief passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffery M. Konopacki
  • Publication number: 20070227511
    Abstract: In a fuel supply system, a fuel pump supplies fuel from a fuel tank to a fuel supply piping and to a back pressure introducing passage. A pressure regulator has a fuel pressure regulating chamber communicated to the fuel supply piping, and a back pressure chamber communicated to the back pressure introducing passage. When a fuel pressure in the fuel pressure regulating chamber is larger than a relief pressure that bulges the diaphragm toward the back pressure chamber, a relief valve opens a relief port to return the fuel from the fuel pressure regulating chamber to the fuel tank. The relief pressure is adjusted by controlling a fuel pressure in the back pressure chamber of the pressure regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tadashi Hazama, Toshihiko Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 7275523
    Abstract: To decrease height of a center tank chamber of a fuel tank for a motorcycle, the tank is formed to have a center tank chamber, and one side and another side tank chambers comprising an inclined parts extending to lower sides of one side and another side from a bottom part of the center tank chamber respectively, a fuel supply unit, where a fuel pump having a fuel filter on the low pressure side is attached to a closing plate through a supporting body 2, is inserted into the fuel tank from a unit inserting hole at the bottom part, a longitudinal axial line of the fuel pump is arranged along the inclined part, and a pump suction passage is provided in the one side tank chamber positioned lower than the bottom part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Kimura, Mitsuyuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7246607
    Abstract: Prior art fuel line check valves remain closed after engine off and cool down. Diurnal heating and the resultant pressure increase in the fuel line causes fuel vapor emissions through small openings in the fuel line (e.g., at the injector tips). The invention provides a check valve for a vehicle fuel line which opens in response to engine cooling and remains open while the engine is off to relieve subsequent increasing pressure in the fuel line due to diurnal heating thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Burke, William L. Villaire, Dennis P. McGrath, John G. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7210463
    Abstract: A pump having least one pump element with a pump piston guided in a sealed fashion in a cylinder bore (26) of a housing part delimiting a pump working chamber in the cylinder bore, and driven into a stroke motion. The working chamber is connected to an inlet conduit through by an inlet valve opening into the pump working chamber and to an outlet conduit through an outlet valve opening out from the working chamber. The inlet valve has a valve element acted on in a closing direction by a valve spring. The inlet conduit includes a first blind bore which adjoins the pump working chamber and has a smaller diameter than the cylinder bore a valve seat is formed at the transition from the cylinder bore to the first blind bore, and a second blind bore, as another part of the inlet conduit, feeds into the first blind bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Haberer
  • Patent number: 7210465
    Abstract: A fuel supply device for a fuel returnless system is disposed in a fuel tank and includes: a fuel pump that draws, pressurizes, and discharges fuel in the fuel tank; a pressure regulating valve that regulates the pressure of the pressurized fuel and drains a surplus of the pressurized fuel into the fuel tank; an intake filter that removes foreign matters contained in fuel drawn into the fuel pump; and a pressurized fuel return passage through which a part of the pressurized fuel is returned to a fuel intake passage extending from an interior of the intake filter to a pump intake port of the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Ikeya
  • Patent number: 7201153
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a fuel system for an internal combustion engine (10) that includes a fuel tank (13), a fuel pump (12) and a fuel filter (19) located in a flow duct (14) between the fuel pump and the fuel consumers (11) of the engine. The flow duct (14) includes a valve chamber (20), located downstream of the fuel filter, and having a valve cone (24) movably arranged in the chamber between an upper valve seat (20b) and a lower valve seat (27). The upper part of the valve chamber (20) has an outlet (22) for bleeding to the fuel tank (13). The valve cone (24) is provided with an inner passage (25) with a valve seat (25a) which, under normal fuel pressure, interacts with a bleed cone (26) that is movable in the passage (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Anders Larsson
  • Patent number: RE39599
    Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus comprising a fuel pump 4 disposed within a fuel tank 1 for pumping fuel to an injector, a pressure regulator 6 for discharging an excess amount of fuel out of the fuel from the fuel pump 4 into the fuel tank 1 as an excess fuel, a fuel filter 5 disposed within a flow path connected between the fuel pump 4 and the pressure regulator 6 upstream of the pressure regulator 6 and having a filter element 12 accommodated within an electrically insulating housing 13 for filtering the fuel discharged from said fuel pump 4, characterized by a grounding device comprising an electrically conductive protector 24 or an electrically conductive member 25 for providing an earth to the filter element 12, whereby an electrostatic electricity generated while the fuel is passing through the filter element can be ensured to be dissipated, allowing a stable fuel supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeki Kanamaru