Excess Fuel Returned To Tank Patents (Class 123/514)
  • Patent number: 12071918
    Abstract: A tank arrangement includes a tank container which encloses a tank space where the tank container has a bottom side and a top side which is disposed opposite from the bottom side. A swirl pot is disposed in the tank space and has a swirl pot opening. A suction jet pump has a nozzle, a propulsion jet line, and a suction jet line where the propulsion jet line and the suction jet line open into the nozzle and where the nozzle has an outlet opening. The nozzle is disposed on the top side of the tank container at a distance above the swirl pot opening with the outlet opening directed toward the swirl pot opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Bruhn, Lorenz Ehgartner, Marco Landwehr
  • Patent number: 12012893
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a gas turbine engine. This apparatus includes a lubricant reservoir, a heat exchanger, a lubricant circuit and a compressed air circuit. The lubricant reservoir includes an internal cavity for storing lubricant. The heat exchanger includes a heat exchange conduit and a compressed air passage. The heat exchange conduit is arranged in the internal cavity. The compressed air passage extends longitudinally through the heat exchange conduit. The lubricant circuit is fluidly coupled with the internal cavity. The compressed air circuit is fluidly coupled with the compressed air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eric S. Durocher, Gabriel Naccache
  • Patent number: 12012915
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel pump assembly includes a fuel pump received in a tank opening, an annular pump mounting ring securing the pump to the tank at the opening, and a cover assembly including an annular cover ring and a cover. The cover ring is removably attached onto the underlying pump mounting ring and the cover is removably attached onto the cover ring to overly at least part of the fuel pump. The cover system can include a flexible attachment element on the cover ring engaging a peripheral notch in the pump mounting ring and clip elements securing the cover to the cover ring. The cover can include a hinge to provide pivoting of the cover or a portion of the cover with respect to the cover ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan A. Rihtar
  • Patent number: 11988164
    Abstract: A start control apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes: a gas sensor configured to detect a gas concentration of the liquefied gas fuel in a gasified state at a position near a combustion chamber; a scavenging pump configured to perform scavenging from a position upstream of the combustion chamber to a position downstream of the combustion chamber; and a control unit configured to prohibit a start of the internal combustion engine and operate the scavenging pump when the gas concentration detected by the gas sensor before the start of the internal combustion engine is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventor: Takeshi Tokumaru
  • Patent number: 11970056
    Abstract: A plastic tank for a motor vehicle. The plastic tank includes a container wall composed of plastic, an opening arranged in the container wall, a removable cover member operable to close and open the opening, and a stiffening ring member, composed of an injection-moulded plastic, embedded into an edge of the container wall that surrounds the opening, the stiffening ring member being operable to directly or indirectly support the cover member when the opening is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA Energy Storage Systems GesmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Puchleitner, Manuel Bauer, Gregor Stiendl, Harald Humenberger
  • Patent number: 11964555
    Abstract: A work vehicle including a drive device (10) having an internal combustion engine (12) for driving a vehicle body (1) has: a first tank (32) that is disposed in front of or behind the drive device, and stores fuel (9) to be supplied to the internal combustion engine; a second tank (34) that is disposed below the drive device so as to be separated from the first tank by a predetermined distance, and stores the fuel to be supplied to the internal combustion engine; a first storage amount detection part (70) that is disposed in the first tank, and detects an amount of the fuel stored in the first tank; and a second storage amount detection part (80) that is disposed in the second tank, and detects an amount of the fuel stored in the second tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Kirita, Masamichi Tanaka, Yuuto Abe
  • Patent number: 11925796
    Abstract: A catheter pump is disclosed herein. The catheter pump can include a catheter assembly that comprises a drive shaft and an impeller coupled to a distal end of the drive shaft. A driven assembly can be coupled to a proximal end of the drive shaft within a driven assembly housing. The catheter pump can also include a drive system that comprises a motor and a drive magnet coupled to an output shaft of the motor. The drive system can include a drive assembly housing having at least one magnet therein. Further, a securement device can be configured to prevent disengagement of the driven assembly housing from the drive assembly housing during operation of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Adam R. Tanner, Richard L. Keenan, Doug M. Messner, Michael R. Butler
  • Patent number: 11927147
    Abstract: A pump unit may include a pump configured to increase a pressure of diesel fuel and discharge the diesel fuel to a fuel passage in which a filter is disposed, and a controller configured to control an operation of the pump. The controller may be configured to execute freeze avoidance control in which the operation of the pump is controlled using an index that indicates a degree of clogging of the filter caused by the diesel fuel freezing. In the freeze avoidance control, the controller may be configured to apply a higher load to the pump as the degree of clogging of the filter indicated by the index is higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukihiko Yato
  • Patent number: 11780323
    Abstract: A fuel tank system includes a fuel tank and a fuel pump assembly arranged in the fuel tank and including a fuel pump and a vacuum source. A fuel tank venting system includes a first vent valve arranged in the fuel tank. A storage vessel is arranged in the fuel tank and in fluid communication with the first vent valve. A first fluid line arranged in the fuel tank connecting the storage vessel to the vacuum source of the fuel pump assembly. A second fluid line connects the storage vessel to an evaporative emission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jason M. Andrzejewski, Timothy E. McCarthy, Marvin H. Miller, Clifford A. Lyons
  • Patent number: 11585300
    Abstract: A fuel system comprising a fuel tank, a mixing volume configured to mix fuel vapor and air, the mixing volume comprising an outlet configured to be fluidly coupled to an engine, and a fuel vapor line configured to fluidly couple the fuel tank to the mixing volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon P. Graus, Lindsay Edwards, Greg W. Fedelem
  • Patent number: 11520359
    Abstract: A pressure control unit includes a liquid storage chamber, an inflow port that allows the liquid to flow therein, and an outflow port that allows the liquid to flow out thereof, the pressure control unit controlling pressure of the liquid, wherein at least part of an outer wall of the liquid storage chamber is formed of a flexible film, a pressing plate that presses the flexible film, an urging member that urges the pressing plate, and a valve that opens and closes the outflow port. The pressing plate moves in a direction of expanding the liquid storage chamber, whereby the valve in contact with the pressing plate moves and makes a valve opening degree of the outflow port high. A range of motion of the valve when making the valve opening degree of the outflow port high is limited by a member other than the pressing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuya Yoshii, Koichi Kubo, Naozumi Nabeshima, Soji Kondo
  • Patent number: 11511621
    Abstract: A fuel tank unit includes a lid member configured to close an opening formed on a fuel tank. The fuel tank also includes an upper unit attached to the lid member and including a combination valve device configured to be introduced into the fuel tank via the opening formed on the fuel tank and configured to function as an evaporated fuel control valve and a full limit valve. The lid member includes a cylindrical protective case configured to protect the combination valve device of the upper unit when the combination valve device is introduced into the fuel tank via the opening. The protective case is configured to entirely enclose an outer circumferential surface of the combination valve device with a space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Junichi Noba, Kensuke Niwa, Tetsumasa Kawakami
  • Patent number: 11493011
    Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a fuel supply passage, a fuel pump, a pressure-regulating valve, and a housing. The fuel supply passage is in communication with the fuel injector. The fuel pump pumps the fuel to the fuel supply passage. The pressure-regulating valve regulates the pressure of the fuel in the fuel supply passage. The housing is disposed in the fuel tank. The housing accommodates the fuel pump and the pressure-regulating valve. The fuel supply passage is formed within the housing. The pressure-regulating valve is connected to an end portion of the fuel supply passage formed in the housing. The volume of the end portion of the fuel supply passage in the housing is configured to increase with increasing pressure of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaru Kamei, Takashi Kanie, Satoshi Ito, Takuma Uno
  • Patent number: 11466649
    Abstract: A pumping unit for feeding fuel, preferably diesel fuel, to an internal combustion engine has a pre-feed pump (3), which feeds the fuel to a high-pressure pump (2), is connected to a fuel storage chamber by means of an intake duct (49) and is provided with two gearings (40, 42) engaging with each other and made to rotate by an electric motor (37), a stator (38) of which is housed inside a containing chamber (48) formed in a pump body (32) of the pre-feed pump (3) and hydraulically connected to the intake duct (49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Antonio Scamarcio, Pietro De Carlo
  • Patent number: 11396856
    Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a fuel pump, a sub-tank configured to store a fuel, a leakage passage configured to return a part of a pressurized fuel discharged from the fuel pump into the sub-tank, and a fuel filter disposed at a bottom part of the sub-tank. The fuel filter includes a filter member that is configured to filter the fuel to be suctioned into the fuel pump. A downstream end of the leakage passage includes a linear passage part linearly extending from a position above the filter member toward the filter member. The fuel supply device also includes a direction change wall part configured to change the flow direction of the pressurized fuel jetted from the linear passage part so as to prevent the pressurized fuel from directly impacting the filter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinya Higashi, Koji Yoshida, Satoshi Nakamura, Masashi Go
  • Patent number: 11236715
    Abstract: A fuel-conveying system includes: a primary fuel pump, configured to supply fuel to an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, at a fuel pressure; a suction jet pump configured to convey fuel from a first region of a fuel tank of the vehicle to a second region of the fuel tank, the at least one suction jet pump having a nozzle; and a secondary fuel pump, decoupled from the primary fuel pump and configured to: supply, as required, the suction jet pump with a fuel jet, and set, independently of the primary fuel pump, a pressure of the fuel jet before the nozzle of the suction jet pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Marc Völker, Andreas Sausner
  • Patent number: 11215126
    Abstract: A control circuit for a dual fuel generator includes a primary fuel valve to control the supply of a primary fuel, a secondary fuel valve to control the supply of a secondary fuel, a primary fuel pressure switch to detect the primary fuel, a secondary fuel pressure switch to detect the secondary fuel, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a primary signal for availability of the primary fuel from the primary fuel pressure switch and a secondary signal for availability of the secondary fuel from the secondary and operate the primary fuel valve and the secondary fuel valve in response to the primary signal and the secondary signal. When the secondary fuel valve is open so that the secondary fuel is provided to the dual fuel generator, the control circuit is configured to ground the primary signal by connecting the primary fuel pressure switch to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Harrison Chiu, Peter Thompson, Seth Gudmundson, Zachary Meulemans
  • Patent number: 11174992
    Abstract: A vehicle has a fuel system that includes a controller that determines when the vehicle is in a refuel mode or a run mode based on a connection of a refuel nozzle to a vehicle connection of the vehicle. The controller controls a fuel pump input selector, a vehicle fuel pump, and a fill/run fuel selector such that fuel is pumped from a storage tank external to the vehicle into a vehicle fuel tank by way of the vehicle fuel pump in the refuel mode, and fuel is pumped to an engine of the vehicle from the vehicle fuel tank by way of the vehicle fuel pump in the run mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Blossman Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessie W. Johnson, David Alexander Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11168655
    Abstract: A fuel filter device includes a bag-shaped filter member filtering fuel that is drawn into a fuel pump, an inner frame member retaining the filter member in an expanded state, and a mounting member connected to the inner frame member and serving to communicate an internal space of the filter member with an outside. A valve chamber is defined by the inner frame member and the mounting member, and a check valve serving to prevent backflow of fuel is disposed in the valve chamber. The check valve includes a flat-plate shaped valve body having elasticity. The check valve opens against its weight when the fuel pump is operated, and the check valve closes due to its weight when the operation of the fuel pump is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kensuke Niwa, Koji Yoshida, Tatsuki Fukui, Hiroyasu Kariya
  • Patent number: 11067044
    Abstract: A fluid-conveying device for conveying a fluid from a tank includes: a first fluid-conveying pump; a swirl pot; and a second fluid-conveying pump having a drive region and a conveying region coupled to the drive region. The fluid is conveyable from the swirl pot by the first fluid-conveying pump, and the conveying region is configured and arranged so as to be drivable by the drive region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Fischer, Johannes Deichmann, Andreas Schmick, Karsten Gerst
  • Patent number: 11040357
    Abstract: A fluid application system includes a fluid supply line connected to a fluid supply, a plurality of nozzle assemblies connected in fluid communication with the fluid supply line, and a return line. Each nozzle assembly includes an inlet connected to the fluid supply line, a nozzle defining a spray outlet, a return line outlet, and an electrically actuated three-way valve fluidly connected between the inlet and each of the spray outlet and the return line outlet. The three-way valve is configured to alternately direct fluid from the inlet to the return line outlet and the spray outlet. The return line is connected in fluid communication with the return line outlet of each nozzle assembly, and is configured to direct fluid from the return line outlet to the fluid supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Capstan Ag Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey John Grimm, Andrew J. Holtz, Jesse Koch
  • Patent number: 10828982
    Abstract: A fuel tank system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a saddle fuel tank, a control module, a first and second solenoid, and a first and second vent line. The saddle fuel tank can have a first lobe and a second lobe. The first vent line can have a first vent port located in the first lobe of the saddle fuel tank. The first solenoid is configured to open and close the first vent port. The second vent line can have a second vent port located in the second lobe of the saddle fuel tank. The second solenoid is configured to open and close the second vent port. The control module sends a signal to the first and second solenoids to close the first and second vents upon reaching a full fuel condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Vaughn K. Mills
  • Patent number: 10753327
    Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a sub-tank, a fuel pump, a transfer jet pump, a reduction valve, and a partition wall. The sub-tank is disposed within the fuel tank and forms a container configured to store fuel. The fuel pump is disposed in the sub-tank and is configured to pump fuel from the sub-tank. The transfer jet pump is configured to pump fuel from the fuel tank into the sub-tank. The reduction valve generates heat during operation. The partition wall divides an interior of the sub-tank into a first chamber and a second chamber. The fuel pump is disposed in the first chamber. Fuel passing through the reduction valve is discharged into the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideaki Nishibu, Takuhito Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 10738749
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of de-icing a component of an engine assembly having a common-rail fuel injection system, including: pressurizing fuel to circulate the fuel through the common-rail injection system; drawing a portion of the fuel upstream of common-rail injectors of the common-rail injection system and directing a remainder of the fuel toward the common-rail injectors; and transferring heat from the drawn portion of the fuel to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Sebastien Bergeron, Etienne Plamondon, Jean-Gabriel Gauvreau, Benjamin Renaud
  • Patent number: 10690096
    Abstract: A suction filter includes a filter screen and a filter opening portion while the filter opening portion communicates between a cavity and an outside of the filter screen. A connector includes: a connector main body, which is shaped into a tubular form; a connector inlet, which is connected to the filter opening portion; a connector outlet, which is connected to a suction inlet of a fuel pump; and a connector opening portion, which communicates between an inside and an outside of the connector main body. A jet pump includes: a jet pump main body, which is shaped into a tubular form; a jet pump inlet, which is connected to the connector opening portion; a jet pump outlet, which is formed at the other end of the jet pump main body; and a jet nozzle, which discharges the fuel from a nozzle outlet toward the jet pump outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Norihiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10670188
    Abstract: A system for filling an LPG vehicle with LPG using an auxiliary bombe is provided. The system may be configured for easily filling a main bombe with LPG even in the hot season (summertime) or the like during which the outside temperature rapidly rises, by using an auxiliary bombe in addition to using the main bombe. The system may also be capable of always smoothly refilling the main bombe with LPG by moving a portion of the LPG in the main bombe to the auxiliary bombe, when the pressure in the main bombe is higher than the LPG filling pressure of a filling gun in the hot season during which the outside temperature rapidly rises, so that the pressure in the main bombe becomes lower than the filling pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chang Han Kim, Jae Hwa Park, Jong Ki Kim, Jae Min Lee, Keun Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 10648437
    Abstract: A fuel pump includes a mechanical regulating valve arranged in a pump body which modulates the pressure in a high pressure space so that the pressure matches the engine demand. Modulation by the regulating valve requires adjustment of the inlet fuel quantity, adjustment of the volume of the high pressure space, and control of a return fluid communication enabling fuel to exit the high pressure reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: DELPHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS LUXEMBOURG SA
    Inventors: Arnaud Leblay, Adrien Bossi, Guy Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10619599
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for propane and other LPG fuels is disclosed for internal combustion engines such as spark-ignited direct-injection (SIDI) engines, with features that help manage both liquid and gaseous phases of the LPG fuel. Preferably adapted for use with replaceable fuel canisters, the ECM-managed system has a hot-soak vapor purge system as well as various sensors and valves to prevent excessive boil-off and to otherwise manage the heat and the related liquid-vapor balance of the fuel supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: EControls, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Walser, Kennon Guglielmo
  • Patent number: 10549631
    Abstract: An in-tank fuel pump assembly may have a mounting flange with a plurality of first coupling features, a fuel pump, a carrier connected to the fuel pump, a plurality of second coupling features on at least one of the carrier and the fuel pump, and a plurality of supports each connected to one or the first and second coupling features to locate the pump relative to the mounting flange. In some embodiments, at least one coupling feature is movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Walbro LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Hanby, Kevin L. Israelson, Douglas W. Salowitz, Jr., Roger N. Smith, David L. Speirs, Russell R. Speirs
  • Patent number: 10520136
    Abstract: A vehicle has a fuel system that includes a controller that determines when the vehicle is in a refuel mode or a run mode based on a connection of a refuel nozzle to a vehicle connection of the vehicle. The controller controls a fuel pump input selector, a vehicle fuel pump, and a fill/run fuel selector such that fuel is pumped from a storage tank external to the vehicle into a vehicle fuel tank by way of the vehicle fuel pump in the refuel mode, and fuel is pumped to an engine of the vehicle from the vehicle fuel tank by way of the vehicle fuel pump in the run mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Blossman Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessie W. Johnson, David Alexander Kennedy
  • Patent number: 10519908
    Abstract: A merge and discharge unit has: a reservoir unit in which fuel can be collected; a first merge unit for merging into the reservoir unit the fuel from an upstream site upstream of the merge and discharge unit on a fuel supply route; a second merge unit for merging into the reservoir unit the fuel from a first fuel return route; a first discharge unit for discharging a portion of the fuel of the reservoir unit into a downstream site downstream of the merge and discharge unit on the fuel supply route; and a second discharge unit for discharging a remaining portion of the fuel of the reservoir unit into a second fuel return route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Ono, Takahiro Hisada, Mamoru Kawaguchi, Daisuke Yasunobe, Norifumi Adachi, Hisashi Tsukatani, Mitsuhisa Kanata
  • Patent number: 10519905
    Abstract: A fuel system for a motor vehicle includes a fuel pump having a first pump outlet connectable to an engine fuel inlet and a second pump outlet, a fuel pump module including an internal volume, a fuel pump module outlet is arranged in the internal volume fluidically connected to the second pump outlet, and a fuel valve is fluidically connected to the second pump outlet. The fuel valve is operable to fluidically isolate the fuel pump from the fuel pump module when fuel in the internal volume reaches a selected fuel level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dale F. Klein, Manoharan Thiagarajan, William L. Villaire, Kristin M. DeMare, Edward J. Strzelecki, Jeffery J. Milton
  • Patent number: 10358013
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a drive motor arranged in an engine compartment, a fuel-operated vehicle heater arranged in the engine compartment, a fuel tank, a fuel line (22) leading from the fuel tank to the vehicle heater, as well as a cooling air line arrangement (46). The cooling air line arrangement (46) envelops the fuel line (22) in at least some areas for providing a cooling air flow duct (50) for cooling air flowing around the fuel line (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Günter Eberspach, Hans Jensen
  • Patent number: 10253733
    Abstract: A fuel system includes a cooling fuel supply line that conveys a flow of cooling fuel from a storage tank to a mixing device. An upstream fuel return line conveys a flow of heated fuel to the mixing device from an internal combustion engine. The flow of the heated fuel from the upstream fuel return line mixes with the flow of cooling fuel from the cooling fuel supply line in the mixing device to form a flow of mixed fuel. A downstream fuel return line conveys the flow of mixed fuel from the mixing device to the storage tank. The mixing device includes a flow restrictor operable to generate a low pressure zone relative to a fluid pressure of the flow of cooling fuel in the cooling fuel return line that draws the flow of the cooling fuel through the cooling fuel supply line and into the mixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William L. Villaire, Edward J. Strzelecki, Manoj R. Chaudhari, Peter Hubl
  • Patent number: 10233874
    Abstract: A fuel heating apparatus includes a fuel filter head having an upper side, a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet. A fuel filter is disposed on the fuel filter head including an unfiltered fuel plenum and a filtered fuel plenum inside the fuel filter. A heating element is disposed inside the filtered fuel plenum inside the fuel filter. One or more temperature sensors are included inside the fuel filter in some embodiments. The heating element and temperature sensor are connected to a thermostat to regulate the temperature inside the fuel filter to prevent gelling of fuel. Additionally, in some embodiments, a heat exchanger is disposed on the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine. A working thermal fluid passes through the heat exchanger in thermal contact with the fuel. Heat transfer between the working thermal fluid and the fuel preheats the fuel prior to delivery to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: CT Energy Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Todd E. Smith, Calvin Whitaker, Frederick M. Shofner, Rick P. Dye
  • Patent number: 10173884
    Abstract: A fueling data collection unit associated with a fuel transfer apparatus and for use with a system for managing fueling transactions of a fleet operator using fuel transfer apparatuses at one or more locations includes a fueling data interface module and a temperature compensation module. The temperature compensation module compensates for a volume variance of the fuel as a result of temperature variance from the standard temperature data to determine a volume correction factor at the measured fuel temperature, while the temperature compensation module uses the measured fuel temperature to determine a compensated, more accurate volume and/or mass of fuel dispensed through the fuel meter. In this way, the fuel data collection unit can accurately measure the volume and/or mass of fuel being delivered. This allows the provider and the recipient to more accurately sell/buy what was actually delivered and can avoid over-filling a fueling order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: QT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Gerasimos A. Portocalis, David A. Conley, Steven T. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10082115
    Abstract: An electronic fuel injection system for land vehicles, comprising: a fuel tank, at least one pump, a fuel sump, wherein the at least one pump is operatively coupled to and between the fuel tank and the sump, and an engine, wherein the engine is operatively coupled to the fuel sump. A fuel sump system for land vehicles, comprising: an inlet from a pump, wherein the pump is operatively connected to a fuel tank, a fuel pump system, a regulator operatively coupled to the fuel pump system, an outlet operatively coupled to an engine, and a float component, coupled to the inlet. An electronic fuel injection system for land vehicles, comprising: a fuel tank, at least one pump, a fuel sump, wherein the at least one pump is operatively coupled to and between the fuel tank and the sump, and an engine, wherein the engine is operatively coupled to the fuel sump and wherein the electronic fuel injection system does not require a return line from the engine to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: EDELBROCK, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Samuel Simons, Chadron Michael Magana, Jamie Wagner
  • Patent number: 10012189
    Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a cover member attached to an opening of a fuel tank, a pump unit including a pump, and a connecting portion which connects the cover member and the pump unit. The pump unit is connected so as to be relatively movable with respect to the connecting portion when a connecting shaft which is formed as part of one of the connecting portion or the pump unit, is inserted into the connecting hole formed as part of the other of the two. The connecting hole has an elongated hole portion that allows the connecting shaft to move in the upward and downward directions, and allows the pump unit to be relatively movable with respect to the connecting portion. The pump unit includes an engagement portion abutting a lower terminal end of the connecting portion when the fuel supply device is attached to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayuki Kondo, Koji Yoshida, Tatsuki Fukui, Shinya Higashi, Takuya Kono, Yuichi Murakoshi, Akihiro Yano
  • Patent number: 9964081
    Abstract: A fuel system includes an air residence chamber operative to receive fuel from a fuel tank and allow degassed air to separate from fuel to an upper portion, and a boost pump including a boost pump inlet and a boost pump outlet. The boost pump inlet is in fluid communication with a lower portion of the air residence chamber to pump fluid from the air residence chamber. The system also includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the boost pump outlet. The accumulator includes a reservoir having a reservoir inlet in fluid communication with the boost pump outlet and a reservoir outlet. The accumulator also includes a piston slidably disposed in the reservoir. The piston is operative to push fluid through the reservoir outlet when a pump pressure of the boost pump drops below a predetermined pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Steven A. Heitz
  • Patent number: 9938942
    Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a fuel pump having a bottom inlet end configured to pick up fuel and a top discharge end configured to discharge fuel at a pressure higher than that of the inlet end. A housing defines a pressure vessel in fluid communication with the discharge end of the fuel pump. The fuel pump is secured with respect to the housing so that the pressure vessel is laterally adjacent the fuel pump and the pressure vessel and the fuel pump have overlapping heights. Exactly one check valve is positioned between the discharge end of the fuel pump and the pressure vessel, and the check valve is spaced laterally away from the discharge end of the fuel pump at an inlet to the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Mason, Hans-Peter Braun
  • Patent number: 9850865
    Abstract: A swirling wall structure-extends from a lower side toward an upper side in a sub-tank, and a fuel flow, which is outputted into an inside of the sub-tank from a flow outlet of a diffuser passage opened toward a lateral side, is swirled by the swirling wall structure. The swirling wall structure-includes a curved wall surface and a U-turn wall surface. The curved wall surface is curved about a longitudinal axis, which extends from the lower side toward the upper side in the sub-tank, to bend the fuel flow outputted from the flow outlet. The U-turn wall surface extends continuously from the curved wall surface to make a U-turn of the fuel flow, which is bent by the curved wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norihiro Hayashi, Kiyomori Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9828931
    Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel supply line in communication with a fuel tank and a fuel pump system. A fuel rail is connected to the fuel supply system and a plurality of fuel injectors. A return line extending from the fuel rail to the fuel tank. A by-pass passage extending from the supply line to the return line and including a pressure release valve having a pre-set activation pressure. A fuel temperature sensor for sensing a feed temperature of the fuel in the fuel supply system. A pressure control module that sets a first pressure set point in the fuel rail below the pre-set activation pressure when the feed temperature is below a predetermined temperature and sets a second pressure set point above the pre-set activation pressure of the pressure release valve when the feed temperature is above the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: William L. Villaire, Philip A. Yaccarino, Peter Hubl, Mitchell E. Hart
  • Patent number: 9644583
    Abstract: A fuel pipe protective structure includes a fuel pipe, a connecting member, and a protective member. The protective member is to protect a connection between the fuel pipe and the connecting member. The protective member includes a base and a cover. The base is to be connected to a vehicle body wall that defines an engine compartment. The cover is to be interposed between the connection and an internal combustion engine so as to cover the connection. The cover includes a guide. The guide is configured to cause the protective member to be plastically deformed in order to displace the connection in a receding direction in which the connection moves to avoid being caught by the internal combustion engine in a case where the internal combustion engine moves toward a vehicle interior upon collision of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya Ishiki, Eiji Nishijima
  • Patent number: 9617927
    Abstract: A method for supplying fuel to a direct injection fuel pump of an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, pressure and/or temperature of a fuel supplied to the direct injection fuel pump may be adjusted to ensure liquid fuel is supplied to the direct injection fuel pump so that the possibility of engine air-fuel ratio errors may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 9546752
    Abstract: A device for detecting fuel leaks in a vehicle is provided. The device includes a body configured to be mounted in sealing engagement around a portion of a fuel line in the vehicle; and a collection chamber configured to collect fuel that leaks from the fuel line within the body. The body is configured to direct the fuel leaked from the fuel line to the collection chamber. At least a portion of the body or collection chamber is transparent to enable presence of the fuel leaked from the fuel line to be visually verified. The collection chamber is operatively connected to a drain connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael E. Iden, Thomas A. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9541024
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring fuel level indicator noise in a sealed fuel tank system. In one example, the method includes comparing the outputs of a fuel level indicator and fuel tank pressure sensor in a sealed tank. If the outputs of both the fuel level indicator and the fuel tank pressure sensor outputs are noisy, then it may be determined that the fuel level indicator noise is mechanical in nature. However, if the fuel level indicator output is noisy while the fuel tank pressure sensor output is not noisy in the sealed tank, then it may be determined that the fuel tank pressure sensor noise is electrical in nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 9506433
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine may include a first tank and a second tank connected to each other via a fuel line. A first pump and a first fuel filter may be arranged between the first tank and the second tank. A second fuel pump and a second fuel filter may be arranged between the second tank and the engine. The first fuel filter may have a water separator. A first return line may be fluidly connected to the engine on an inlet side and to the second tank on an outlet side and/or the first fuel filter on a raw side. A preheating valve may be arranged in the first return line and be configured to distribute the fuel flowing back from the engine to the first fuel filter and/or the second tank. A second return line may connect the first and second tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Gänswein, Joern Wetzel, Stefan Jauss
  • Patent number: 9422892
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for injecting liquid and gaseous fuel, such as propane, to an engine. In one example, under a first condition, liquid fuel from a bottom of a fuel tank is injected; under a second condition, liquid fuel from a the bottom of the fuel tank is vaporized and injected to the engine as vaporized liquid fuel; and under a third condition, gaseous fuel from a top of the fuel tank is injected to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 9416758
    Abstract: Embodiments may provide a fuel filter that may include a plurality of return fuel conduits axially traversing a filter medium. Each conduit may include an inlet in fluidic communication with the fuel recirculation passage. Each conduit may have a return fuel line exit port adjacent to a distal end of the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Myers, Paul Victor Budgen
  • Patent number: 9394866
    Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a fuel pump configured to pump fuel from a first fuel storage location to an engine. A jet pump is configured to receive an auxiliary supply of fuel from the fuel pump and to return the auxiliary supply of fuel plus an additional flow of fuel drawn from a second fuel storage location to the first fuel storage location. A jet pump supply line has an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the fuel pump and has an outlet coupled to an inlet of the jet pump. A jet pump return line has an input coupled to an outlet of the jet pump and has an outlet adjacent to the fuel pump. A shut-off valve operates to selectively limit fuel flow through the jet pump return line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Paul E. Fisher, Paul Mason