Excess Fuel Returned To Tank Patents (Class 123/514)
  • Patent number: 7789074
    Abstract: A high-pressure return passage returns excess fuel in a delivery pipe that is connected to an injector to a fuel tank. An upstream end of the high-pressure return passage is connected to the delivery pipe via a high-pressure regulator. A vertically lower portion of the high-pressure return passage is vertically below the upstream end and the downstream end. A low-pressure return passage returns excess fuel in a main passage to the fuel tank. The switch valve switches the open state and the closed state of the low-pressure return passage. A control section controls the switch valve to the closed state after the engine is stopped and drives the fuel pump so as to execute a forced return process that flows fuel into the high-pressure return passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuchika Tashima
  • Patent number: 7779819
    Abstract: Control method for an overpressure valve in a common-rail fuel supply system, the method including the phases of: delivering fuel under pressure, via a high-pressure pump, to a common rail equipped with the overpressure valve that is set to discharge the fuel present in the common rail into a discharge line when the fuel pressure inside the common rail exceeds a safety value; piloting, during a diagnostic test, the high-pressure pump to increase the fuel pressure inside the common rail beyond the safety value in order to trigger operation of the overpressure valve; determining, during the diagnostic test, the flow of the high-pressure pump and/or the fuel pressure inside the common rail; and comparing the flow of the high-pressure pump and/or the fuel pressure inside the common rail during the diagnostic test with respective threshold values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Serra, Matteo De Cesare
  • Patent number: 7779818
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically priming a fuel system by bleeding/purging air or vapor therefrom. The system includes a bleed valve configured to automatically move between three positions in response to the pressure of the fuel in the system. When fuel pressure is in a first pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a first-closed position for preventing fuel from draining to the fuel tank and thereby drawing air into the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a second, higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to an open position for bleeding air out of the fuel system and into the tank, thereby priming the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a third, still higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a second-closed position so as to not interfere with the regulation of the pressure regulating valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Wilson, Mark A. McElroy, John A. Ward, Nathan T. Kelly, Lloyd A. Hendrix
  • Patent number: 7775191
    Abstract: A fuel injection system operates under a predetermined 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. The dynamic range is further increased when another predetermined constant pump speed is assigned. Thus, the system saves fuel and reduces exhaust emission in city driving when gas pedal is released including idle. The same system can instantly deliver additional fuel on-demand for extra power beyond engine rating producing a sport-car-like performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: TMC Company
    Inventor: Shou L Hou
  • Patent number: 7770555
    Abstract: A method, a device utilizing the method, and a motorcycle equipped with the device are provided, of controlling combustion of an engine to have an engine beat different from an equally-intervalled combustion. The method of controlling combustions of an engine having three or more pistons of cylinders per crankshaft includes causing simultaneous combustions of two cylinders among the three or more cylinders, the two cylinders having the same crank phase angle, causing a combustion of at least one -other cylinder, and in the process of said combustion offsetting a crank phase angle by a first crank phase angle, and repeating from the combustions of the first two cylinders further offsetting the crank phase angle by a second crank phase angle from the first crank phase angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20100186724
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine defining a cylinder bore, a fuel tank, a fuel supply assembly in fluid communication with the fuel tank and the cylinder bore, a fuel return assembly in fluid communication with the fuel supply assembly and the fuel tank, and a fuel filter assembly. The fuel filter assembly may include a filter casing having an inlet, an outlet and a bypass opening, and a filter media located within the filter casing. The filter media may be located between the inlet and the outlet, defining a dirty fuel region of the filter assembly between the inlet and the filter media and a clean fuel region between the filter media and the filter outlet. The bypass opening may be in fluid communication with the dirty fuel region and the fuel return assembly to draw gases out of the dirty fuel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Raj P. Ranganathan, Henry W. Harper, Robert D. Straub
  • Patent number: 7757672
    Abstract: A by-pass fuel system in which the plumbing of the fuel pump module is configured to ensure by-pass strained (and filtered) fuel remains separate from the reservoir fuel after by-pass such that it is not re-strained before re-entry to the fuel pump. The anti-clogging fuel pump module is plumbed such that the by-pass strained fuel is directed to the fuel pump separately with respect to the reservoir fuel, wherein it never mixes with reservoir fuel except after the reservoir fuel has passed through the strainer. Thus, the by-pass strained fuel only mixes with strained fuel from the strainer before its entry to the fuel pump. Accordingly, only reservoir fuel in the fuel pump module is passed through the strainer, whereby the clogging rate of the strainer is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Villaire, Robert Halsall, Mitchell E. Hart
  • Patent number: 7757670
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for a general purpose internal combustion engine is equipped with a sub-fuel tank that retains gasoline fuel supplied from a main fuel tank and houses the high-pressure pump in its interior. In other words, the pump is immersed in the gasoline fuel retained in the tank, so that if an air pocket should occur in the fuel supply pipe between the main fuel tank and pump, the air will be discharged from the sub-fuel tank to the exterior through a fuel return pipe etc., thereby ensuring that the pump does not suck in air. Since fuel injectors can therefore inject gasoline fuel immediately, starting performance is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Yamada, Shigeru Saito, Keiichiro Bungo, Yasunori Matsubara
  • Patent number: 7743751
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Yonemoto
  • Publication number: 20100101535
    Abstract: A fuel rail vent system for evacuating air from a fuel rail includes a first fuel reservoir and a first fuel line extending between the first fuel reservoir and the fuel rail. A fuel pump is configured in fluid communication with the first fuel reservoir to pump liquid fuel from the first fuel reservoir to the fuel rail through the first fuel line. A second fuel line separate from the first fuel line extends between the first fuel reservoir and the fuel rail. A primer system is configured for fluid communication with the first fuel reservoir to pump liquid fuel from the first fuel reservoir to the fuel rail through the second fuel line. A second fuel reservoir separate from the first fuel reservoir is configured for fluid communication with the fuel rail downstream of the fuel rail to receive any excess liquid fuel and/or fuel vapor upstream therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Kyle Achor, Michael Richards, Richard Harvey
  • Patent number: 7703443
    Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel supply device for installation within a fuel tank. The fuel supply device includes a fuel pump, a fuel filter, a reservoir cup or a sub-tank. The fuel pump and the fuel filter are disposed within the reservoir cup, so that the fuel within the reservoir cup is pumped by the fuel pump and is thereafter filtrated by the fuel filter. A first coupling device couples the reservoir cup to the fuel tank. A second coupling device couples the fuel filter to the reservoir cup. A third coupling device couples the fuel pump to the fuel filter, so that the fuel pump can swing about a swing axis. The second coupling device is positioned within a substantially vertical plane including the swing axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabuhsiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Osawa
  • Patent number: 7690362
    Abstract: A flange assembly 10 is provided for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle. The assembly 10 includes a flange 12 constructed and arranged to cover an opening in a fuel tank. The flange has an interior portion constructed and arranged to be exposed to fuel. The interior portion is in communication with an outlet 15 provided at an exterior of the flange. A plastic manifold 16 is mounted to the interior portion of the flange so as to communicate with the outlet. The manifold is constructed and arranged to mount at least one fuel supply component 22 thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Pike, Stephen J. Anderson, Paul F. Briggs
  • Patent number: 7690361
    Abstract: A system and method for metering fuel is provided which includes a fuel supply line and a metering valve in fluid connection with the fuel supply line to control a flow of fuel through the fuel supply line. The valve is movable into a closed position to block a primary flow of fuel and create a leakage fuel flow in the fuel supply line downstream of the metering valve. The system also includes a venturi apparatus fluidly coupled to the fuel supply line upstream of the metering valve. The venturi apparatus is further coupled to the fuel supply line downstream of the metering valve to direct the leakage fuel flow out of the fuel supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Vogt, Jung-Min C. Sung, Michael A. Lucas
  • Patent number: 7681556
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for supplying a fuel to an engine mounted on an upper frame of heavy construction/forest equipment is provided. The fuel supply system includes a junction tank unit for interflowing a fuel supply line which is connected to a lower end of a primary fuel tank and a fuel supply line which is connected to a lower end of a secondary fuel tank, the fuel supply lines being connected in parallel to each other, a water separator connected to the junction tank unit via a fuel supply line, a fuel supply line for supplying the fuel to an engine from the water separator, and a fuel recovery line for recovering a remaining fuel from the engine to the primary fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Soo Bong Hwang
  • Publication number: 20100065023
    Abstract: A by-pass fuel system in which the plumbing of the fuel pump module is configured to ensure by-pass strained (and filtered) fuel remains separate from the reservoir fuel after by-pass such that it is not re-strained before re-entry to the fuel pump. The anti-clogging fuel pump module is plumbed such that the by-pass strained fuel is directed to the fuel pump separately with respect to the reservoir fuel, wherein it never mixes with reservoir fuel except after the reservoir fuel has passed through the strainer. Thus, the by-pass strained fuel only mixes with strained fuel from the strainer before its entry to the fuel pump. Accordingly, only reservoir fuel in the fuel pump module is passed through the strainer, whereby the clogging rate of the strainer is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William L. Villaire, Robert Halsall, Mitchell E. Hart
  • Patent number: 7669570
    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 device to allow high pressure fuel from the fuel supply line to pressurize the injector return fuel line to backfill the injectors during a priming operation. A one-way valve is in communication with the diverter device to manage the pressurized fuel provided to the plurality of fuel injectors during the priming operation and to allow fuel to pass to the fuel tank during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Hubl, Henry W Harper
  • Publication number: 20100043752
    Abstract: A device includes two fuel injection systems and a pulsation damper. Each system includes fuel injection valves and first and second delivery pipes. While fuel is pumped to the two fuel injection systems with a common fuel pump, the device intermittently drives the fuel injection valves to open, thereby supplying the fuel within the delivery pipes from the fuel injection valves. The paths through which the fuel passes include a first passageway, which has the first delivery pipe and a communication path, and a second passageway which has a branch path and the second delivery pipe. An opposing portion opposite to the opening of a placement channel in the first delivery pipe includes the opening of the branch path in the first delivery pipe. This enables one pulsation damper to precisely suppress fuel pressure pulsations occurring in the two delivery pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji Yamanari
  • Publication number: 20100024780
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine and a method of operating the fuel delivery system are provided. An example embodiment of the method includes: transferring at least some fuel from a first fuel storage region to a second fuel storage region via a pump during a first condition; draining at least some fuel from the second fuel storage region to the first storage fuel region via gravity during a second condition; and delivering fuel from the first fuel storage region to a first fuel injector of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine; and delivering fuel from the second fuel storage region to a second fuel injector of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: James Hilditch
  • Publication number: 20100006072
    Abstract: A fuel supply device has a main line, a fuel pump, a first return line, a second return line, a valve mechanism, a first pressure regulator, and a second pressure regulator. The fuel pump is arranged in a fuel tank or in the vicinity of the fuel tank, and pressurizes the fuel in the fuel tank and supplies the furl to a fuel distribution pipe via the main line. The first return line returns the fuel from the fuel distribution pipe to the fuel tank. The second return line is branched from the main line in the vicinity of the fuel pump and returns the fuel from the main line to the fuel tank. The valve mechanism selectively connects and disconnects the second return line with respect to the main line. The first pressure regulator is arranged in the first return line. The second pressure regulator is provided in the second return line and adjusts fuel pressure to a lower level than the first pressure regulator does.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuchika Tashima, Toshio Yoshidome, Hiromasa Suzuki, Seiji Iwashita
  • Publication number: 20090308357
    Abstract: An automatic residual fuel vent device for a carburetor, the device including a fuel supply passage (15) connecting a fuel tank (TF) and a float chamber (10), a negative pressure passage (17) connecting an intake passage (8) and a negative pressure operating chamber (53) of a diaphragm pump (PD), a fuel vent passage (16) connecting the float chamber (10) and the fuel tank (TF), a single changeover cock (CO) provided so as to straddle the fuel supply passage (16) and the negative pressure passage (17), a negative pressure surge tank (TS) provided in the negative pressure passage (17), and the diaphragm pump (PD), which is connected to the fuel vent passage (16) and is operated by negative pressure of the negative pressure surge tank (TS), residual fuel of the float chamber (10) being returned to the fuel tank (TF) by the diaphragm pump (PD) operated by negative pressure from the negative pressure surge tank (TS) in accordance with the changing over of the changeover cock (CO).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Masakatsu Kono, Keiji Iino, Yoshitaka Oota
  • Publication number: 20090308354
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. According to the invention, an injection valve member, which opens or closes at least one injection opening, is controlled by a control valve. The control valve opens or closes a connection from a control chamber into a fuel return line by the positioning of a closing element in a seat or by the opening of the seat. A bore is embodied in the closing element, and a pin is received in the bore. The diameter of the bore essentially corresponds to the diameter of the seat. The pin is supported on one side against a pressure rod, against a spring seat, or against the injector housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Nadja Eisenmenger
  • Publication number: 20090283074
    Abstract: An ECU reduces a fuel flow rate discharged from an electric pump to the filter when a fuel temperature and a fuel pressure in the filter detected by a sensor portion drop. Since a mechanical pump continues to be driven without respect to the fuel quantity discharged from the electric pumps when the fuel flow rate discharged from the electric pump is decreased, a suction pressure is generated at an inlet of the filter. The fuel in a recirculation passage is introduced into the filter through a branch passage. As the result, relatively high temperature fuel is introduced into the filter to melt a solidified fuel causing a clogging of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideki Narisako, Yukihiro Shinohara, Takashi Kikutani, Toshiyuki Yonemoto
  • 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: 7591248
    Abstract: In a fuel injection system, a fuel tank is disposed below an electronically controlled fuel injection apparatus. A fuel reservoir chamber for supplying fuel from the fuel tank is disposed above the electronically controlled fuel injection apparatus, and the fuel stored in the fuel reservoir chamber is supplied to the electronically controlled fuel injection apparatus via a fuel supply passage. The fuel reservoir chamber and the fuel tank are connected by a first fuel return passage through which vapor is ejected and fuel in the fuel reservoir chamber overflows. A second fuel return passage for returning surplus fuel from the electronically controlled fuel injection apparatus is connected to either of the fuel reservoir chamber and the first fuel return passage at the position above the connecting position at which the fuel reservoir chamber connects with the first fuel return passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizui, Ryoji Ehara
  • Patent number: 7584623
    Abstract: A device for supplying fuel to an onboard energy production installation (5) on a liquefied gas transport ship (1) from at least one liquefied gas tank (2) of the ship includes a liquid ejector (12) arranged in the tank in order to suck liquefied gas at the level of the bottom of the tank, a circulating pump (20) arranged above the tank, a liquid circuit (21, 22, 23, 24) connecting an outlet of the circulating pump to an inlet of the liquid ejector and an outlet of the liquid ejector to an inlet of the circulating pump to permit the closed-loop circulation of a stream of liquefied gas through the liquid ejector, and a feed line (28) connecting the liquid circuit to the energy production installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Gaztransport et Technigaz
    Inventors: Laurent Spittael, Pascal Raynaud, Jacques Dhellemmes
  • Publication number: 20090211559
    Abstract: A fuel supply circuit for a Diesel engine includes fuel injectors, a fuel tank, a main pump for delivering fuel to the injectors, and a variable flow charge pump for delivering fuel from the tank to an inlet of the main pump, and a surplus fuel line communicating unburned fuel from the injectors to an inlet of the charge pump. The circuit also includes a temperature sensor which senses a temperature of fuel discharged by the charge pump, and a pressure sensor which senses a pressure of fuel discharged by the charge pump. A bleed line communicates fuel from an outlet of the charge pump to the tank. A solenoid operated bleed valve and a pressure relief valve control flow through the bleed line. An electronic control unit controls the charge pump and the bleed valve as a function of the sensed parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Andy Blaine Appleton, Ronnie Franklin Burk
  • Publication number: 20090205616
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for regulating a fuel volume flow in a low-pressure circuit system for an internal combustion engine with a tail for providing the fuel, from which tank the fuel can be supplied via a feed line to a high-pressure pump by a feed pump. A fuel return line is also provided from the feed line, which fuel return line has a zero-feed throttle for throttling the returned fuel. In series with the zero-feed throttle is an overflow valve which interrupts the return of the fuel in the fuel return line during the starting phase of the internal combustion engine, and enables the return of the fuel during operation of the internal combustion engine. A device and a method for regulating a fuel volume flow in a low-pressure circuit system are therefore created, which device has a simple construction and permits a reliable starting phase at low feed volumes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Stanislaw Bodzak
  • Patent number: 7574994
    Abstract: A fuel injection system having a high-pressure accumulator, in which fuel may be stored at high pressure, at least one fuel injector via which the fuel located in the high-pressure accumulator may be injected into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine being connectable to the high-pressure accumulator. A high-pressure pump draws in fuel out of a leak fuel area, compresses it, and supplies it to the high-pressure accumulator, so that a high fuel pressure is built up therein during operation of the high-pressure pump. A return line having a regulating valve is implemented between the leak fuel area and the high-pressure accumulator, the regulating valve allowing a fuel flow from the leak fuel area into the high-pressure accumulator when the high-pressure pump is shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Scheurer, Roger Busch
  • Patent number: 7568471
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry W Harper, Peter Hubl, Bryan A Kuieck
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090151700
    Abstract: A return fuel passage is configured to communicate an outlet of a low-pressure fuel pump with a back pressure side of a fuel injection device. The return fuel passage is configured to partially return fuel from the back pressure side to the fuel tank to control fuel pressure at the back pressure side in response to fuel injection. In a starting operation a backpressure control valve communicates the outlet of the low-pressure fuel pump with the back pressure side and blocks the fuel tank from both the outlet of the low-pressure fuel pump and the back pressure side. In a normal operation, the backpressure control valve communicates the back pressure side with the fuel tank and blocks the outlet of the low-pressure fuel pump from both the fuel tank and the back pressure side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jun KONDOH
  • Publication number: 20090151705
    Abstract: A fuel system for an LPI engine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a reservoir disposed in a fuel tank, a recovery pipe inserted in the reservoir, and a fuel pump disposed in the reservoir and supplying LPI fuel, wherein liquefied fuel mixed with gaseous fuel recovered through the recovery pipe is separated in the reservoir and the liquefied fuel is pumped again by the fuel pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Jung Soo Park
  • Publication number: 20090151703
    Abstract: A fuel-feeding device may preferably include a pressure control valve capable of controlling a pressure of pressurized fuel that includes a housing having an inner cavity, a first movable dividing wall, a second movable dividing wall, a valve unit and a resilient member. The first and second movable dividing walls divide the housing cavity to a pressure controlling chamber, a back pressure chamber, and an open chamber positioned between the pressure controlling chamber and the back pressure chamber. The second movable dividing wall is arranged and constructed to move to a retracted position or an advanced position depending upon whether back pressure fuel is introduced into the back pressure chamber, thereby setting the resilient member to two different set loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki IKEYA
  • Patent number: 7543571
    Abstract: To provide a fuel pump mounting structural body that allows a mounting space for a fuel tank and the number of manufacturing processes to be reduced. A fuel pump mounting structural body accommodates a fuel pump unit in an opening portion disposed in a fuel tank. The structural body includes a step portion disposed in the opening portion. The step portion is formed one step lower than a wall surface of the fuel tank. A lid portion of the fuel pump unit is fittingly attached to the step portion and includes a delivery port for fuel. A guide member is disposed on a peripheral edge of the opening portion. The guide member includes a removably mounted holding member. The fuel pump unit is held in position by the fuel pump mounting structural body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Ueno, Tomoyuki Tagami
  • 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: 7527035
    Abstract: A fuel supply system comprises a piston pump having a working chamber and an adjustable throttle device, arranged upstream of the working chamber and adapted to modify the flow of fuel supplied to the working chamber. The invention is characterized in that the throttle device, in the closed position, allows a leakage volume to arrive at the working chamber. The piston pump comprises a leakage pump device which supplies at least a part of the leakage volume from the working chamber to a low-pressure zone located upstream of the throttle device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20090095259
    Abstract: A method for operating fuel system that supplies fuel to a plurality of injectors in an internal combustion engine via a first pump and a second pump with a bypass circuit coupled between the first and second pump for returning fuel to a fuel tank, the pumps connected in series, is provided. The method includes before actuating fuel injectors during an engine start, operating the first pump, where fuel is driven through the bypass circuit that generates a fuel pressure that is delivered to the injectors that is greater than the fuel pressure delivered to the injectors during the moderate pressure mode of operation when the bypass regulator is maintaining a constant fuel line pressure. The method also includes during actuation of the fuel injectors after an engine start, operating the first and second pumps, where fuel pressure is regulated at a specified regulator pressure via bypass flow in the bypass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Dequan Yu
  • Publication number: 20090078237
    Abstract: A high-pressure return passage returns excess fuel in a delivery pipe that is connected to an injector to a fuel tank. An upstream end of the high-pressure return passage is connected to the delivery pipe via a high-pressure regulator. A vertically lower portion of the high-pressure return passage is vertically below the upstream end and the downstream end. A low-pressure return passage returns excess fuel in a main passage to the fuel tank. The switch valve switches the open state and the closed state of the low-pressure return passage. A control section controls the switch valve to the closed state after the engine is stopped and drives the fuel pump so as to execute a forced return process that flows fuel into the high-pressure return passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuchika TASHIMA
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7506638
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for supplying liquid gas fuel to an engine is disclosed. The fuel can be supplied solely to the engine or together with diesel fuel. The fuel delivery system includes an injector (20) for receiving the liquid gas, and for ejecting the liquid gas in vapour form to the engine E. A bubble preventing mechanism (40, 44, 48; 8, 203, 209, 208) is supplied for preventing the liquid gas from bubbling or boiling in the injector which would impair the ejection of fuel from the injector. The preventing means comprises cooling means which may use a coolant to cool the injector. In one embodiment, the coolant is in the form of bubbled vapour which is directed away from the injector (20) and enters a chamber (206) in which the injector (20) is located, so that the vapour cools the injector (20). The vapour (20) can pass to a vapour block (208) for supply to the intake air of the engine so the vapour is supplied back to the engine together with fuel ejected by the injector (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventors: Andrei Vadimovitch Shinkarenko, James Richard Hunt
  • Patent number: 7484522
    Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively simple way to automatically turn on and off the fuel to a starter/generator cooling system during engine start. The present invention takes advantage of a fuel pressure rise provided by an engine fuel boost pump during the period from engine start to engine idle conditions. This pressure rise is used to stroke a shutoff valve in a fuel return to tank valve (FRTTV), which shuts off the starter generator cooling fuel flow. This shutoff occurs automatically with no other external input from, for example, an engine controller. A check valve is also included that prevents back flow through the FRTTV in the event of an engine start with no aircraft pumps running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Chris D. Eick, Paul W. Futa, Jr., Mitchell J. Laidlaw, Anthony C. Libera, Donald M. Purcell
  • Patent number: 7481204
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael Brian Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20090013972
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically priming a fuel system by bleeding/purging air or vapor therefrom. The system includes a bleed valve configured to automatically move between three positions in response to the pressure of the fuel in the system. When fuel pressure is in a first pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a first-closed position for preventing fuel from draining to the fuel tank and thereby drawing air into the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a second, higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to an open position for bleeding air out of the fuel system and into the tank, thereby priming the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a third, still higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a second-closed position so as to not interfere with the regulation of the pressure regulating valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Wilson, Mark A. McElroy, John A. Ward, Nathan T. Kelly, Lloyd A. Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20090007527
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel supply device 1 according to the present invention includes a fuel pump 7 for sucking fuel 5 in a fuel tank 2 via a suction filter 12 and supplying the same to a fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine; a fuel holding chamber 102 for holding excessive fuel returned from the fuel supply system; a filter storage chamber 103 for storing the filter 12; and communicating means 105a, 105b and 105c for communicating the fuel holding chamber 102 and the filter storage chamber 103 and distributing the fuel held in the fuel holding chamber 102 to the filter storage chamber 103, and even when the fuel 5 in the fuel tank 2 is unevenly distributed due to a centrifugal force or the like and hence the vehicle fuel supply device 1 is not soaked in the fuel 5, the fuel held in the fuel holding chamber 102 is distributed to the filter storage chamber 103 by the communicating means 105a, 105b and 105c so that fuel can be supplied to the fuel supply system of the internal combustion engine without prob
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideo Mitsudou
  • Patent number: 7469682
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a fuel pressure regulator assembly and method for regulating the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel rail at a predetermined pressure. The fuel pressure regulator includes a housing and fuel cover for containing the fuel pressure regulator and submersing the fuel pressure regulator in fuel at all times. A valve element allows excess fuel to exit the fuel pressure regulator and return to the fuel tank for reuse. The fuel component assembly also allows for a method of reducing turbulent fuel flow and for controlling noise and hydrocarbon emissions. The method is achieved by providing a containment assembly that submerges the pressure regulator in fuel for containing and directing fuel flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Anderson, Paul F. Briggs, Jeffery J. Milton, James A. Wynn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7469683
    Abstract: A fuel supply system is provided for delivering fuel from a tank to an engine of a motor vehicle through a fuel line. The system is provided with a pressure relief valve to divert fuel from the fuel line during engine shut down conditions when fuel flow to the engine is not desired. The pressure relief valve has a fuel outlet that is provided with backpressure during engine operation. The backpressure enables the pressure relief valve to be set at a lower level because the backpressure is added to set point pressure to determine opening of the pressure relief valve. Lowering the set point of the pressure relief valve allows fuel to be diverted from the engine at a lower fuel line pressure. In one embodiment backpressure is provided by fluid communication from a jet pump supplying fuel from the fuel tank to a fuel system reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Mason, Werner Schneider, John Lennen, Martin Kling, Martin Ptacek, David Liskovec, Martin Sykora, Thomas Wieland, Erik Hahmann
  • Patent number: 7458362
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Hazama, Toshihiko Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 7458365
    Abstract: A fuel supply system is disclosed that includes an electric fuel pump, a controller for controlling operations of the fuel pump, and a cooling plate that is disposed in the fuel tank and cools the controller by contacting the controller. Moreover, the system includes a fuel outlet device that allows for a flow of the fuel onto the cooling plate for heat exchange between the fuel and the cooling plate. A fuel supply system is also disclosed that includes a sub tank disposed in the fuel tank and a fuel pump that is disposed in the sub tank, increases a pressure of the fuel, and moves the fuel. Furthermore, the system includes a controller for controlling operations of the fuel pump and a cooling plate that is disposed in the sub tank and cools the controller by contacting the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tadashi Hazama
  • Patent number: RE41335
    Abstract: Improved internal combustion engine, particularly, an improved two-stroke, diesel aircraft engine. A first improvement includes a wrist pin/connection rod assembly. A plurality of fasteners extend through a wall of a wrist pin and into a wrist pin insert to secure the wrist pin to a cradle-like portion of a connecting rod. A second improvement includes a fuel injection system which cools fuel injectors with overflow fuel from a fuel pump. The overflow fuel is warmed as it cools the fuel injectors, thereby preventing ice-build up on a fuel filter in cold weather as the overflow fuel is recirculated to the fuel pump. A third improvement includes a new cylinder head cooling arrangement. The cylinder head and a cooling cap define an annular cooling passageway. Cooling fluid flows through the annular cooling passageway to cool the cylinder head. The cooling cap includes an inlet port and an outlet port which are not diametrically opposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: DeltaHawk Engines, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Doers