Having Fuel Vapor Recovery And Storage System Patents (Class 123/518)
  • Publication number: 20090194076
    Abstract: A system for managing fuel vapors generated in a fuel system of a vehicle, the fuel system including a fuel tank includes a flow separator comprising an inlet to which a gas flow having fuel vapors is admitted, at least two outlets, and an internal cavity, the inlet, the outlets, and the internal cavity configured to separate the gas flow, with at least one outlet flow becoming warmer and at least one outlet flow becoming cooler than the inlet flow; a first path coupling the warmer outlet to an engine of the vehicle; a second path coupling the cooler outlet to the fuel tank; and a third path coupling the fuel tank to the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, Michael Igor Kluzner, James Michael Kerns
  • Patent number: 7562651
    Abstract: A vapor canister having an integrated evaporative emission canister purge actuation monitoring system. The vapor canister has a plurality of sidewalls defining a housing with a valve body formed integrally on the housing and a cover mounted to the valve body so as to define a vent chamber between the cover and the valve body. The integrated valve body has a main flow passage and a canister port. An air filter assembly is disposed adjacent to the valve body on the housing and provides fluid communication between the main flow passage and the ambient air. A first one-way umbrella valve mounted to the valve body that is responsive to predetermined positive pressure in the main flow passage to control flow of fluid from a vapor canister to ambient air as well as a second one-way umbrella valve that is responsive to a predetermined negative pressure in the main flow passage to control the flow of ambient air through an air filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: MAHLE Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhouxuan Xia, Kevin Mulkeran
  • Patent number: 7549207
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for an actuator including a casing and a housing. The method includes setting a metallic ring in a molding die; injection molding a first flange portion of the casing using one annular hooking piece of the metallic ring as a part of a surface of the molding die so as to outsert-mold the metallic ring on a molded surface of the first flange portion, the molded surface being opposite to a first connecting end surface of the first flange portion; engaging the first flange portion with a second flange portion of the housing so as to be opposed to each other; and applying force to bend the metallic ring to form an other annular hooking piece, thereby crimping and fixing the first connecting end surface of the casing with a second connecting end surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeto Tsuge, Yasuo Kato
  • Publication number: 20090145399
    Abstract: A method for controlling a valve of a crank case scavenged internal combustion engine includes determining a valve control sequence, wherein the valve is controlled in consecutive periods of revolutions each having a period length of at least ten revolutions, and controlling the valve according to the valve control sequence to adjust the ratio of fuel to air in a combustible mixture delivered to an engine combustion chamber. Determining the valve control sequence for each period includes providing a number of valve shut-off positions, wherein the number of valve shut-off positions corresponds to an amount of fuel or air to be supplied to the engine during the corresponding period, and determining which revolutions of the period that the valve is to be closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Bo Carlsson, Mikael Larsson
  • Patent number: 7543573
    Abstract: A recovery system for fuel for motor vehicles includes a canister having an absorbent media such as activated charcoal. The canister includes an inlet in fluid communication with the blow-by vent of an internal combustion engine and an outlet in communication with the air intake manifold of the engine. Control valves may be incorporated into the system to control fluid flows. As a single vaporization temperature fuel or fuel constituent such as ethanol that has mixed with engine oil during startup vaporizes when the oil reaches its vaporization temperature, it is first absorbed in the activated charcoal and then slowly released and burned in the engine. The system has particular applicability to E85 fueled vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Olree
  • Patent number: 7540277
    Abstract: A fuel system (1) for a vibratory rammer (2) includes a tank arrangement (3), a diaphragm carburetor (4), a fuel line arrangement (5) and a venting line arrangement (6) for complementary venting of air from the fuel system (1) to the atmosphere. The fuel system (1) also includes a venting valve (7) which is open and closeable to the atmosphere. The tank arrangement (3) includes a primary fuel tank (8) and a secondary fuel tank (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Dynapac Compaction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Hedlund
  • Patent number: 7540276
    Abstract: A fuel tank has a fuel-vapor discharge structure in which the piping connecting to external equipment is not obtrusive. The fuel-vapor discharge structure allows the passage of fuel vapor between an upper space in the fuel tank and an induction system. The communication passage can be formed by a communication tube arranged vertically within the interior of the fuel tank and a connecting tube located outside the fuel tank. A lower portion of the fuel tank includes a one-way valve which allows fuel vapor to flow from the fuel tank to the induction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Power Products Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Makino
  • Publication number: 20090133672
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting a leak in an automotive fuel system. The functions of vacuum sensing, vacuum relief (high vacuum relief level) and pressure relief (high pressure relief level) are all performed by a single self-actuated diaphragm-seal valve mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Adrian Crisan
  • Publication number: 20090126700
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted oil recovery system uses a conduit to transport oil from an engine lubricating system of the vehicle to a retort system, mounted upon the vehicle. The retort system distills the transported oil, through vaporization, into individual components. These vaporized components are further subjected to a slight cooling to separate water and fuel vapor from oil vapor. The oil vapor condenses and returned to the engine lubricating system of the vehicle. On the other hand, the vaporized water and fuel is transported to a fuel system of the vehicle for combustion thereof. The heat needed for vaporization is extracted from an exhaust system of the vehicle by mounting the retort system directly upon the exhaust system. The retort system captures the heat from the exhaust system of the vehicle to provide energy for the vaporization of the transported oil into individual components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Richard G. Weller
  • Patent number: 7530348
    Abstract: A fuel tank includes a canister and a fuel control valve arranged in an expanding room. The canister has two guiding pipes communicated respectively with an entrance of an engine and environment. The fuel control valve is communicated with the expanding room. A double-lane valve is arranged between the canister and the fuel control valve. The double-lane valve has an entrance communicated with the fuel control valve, an exit communicated with the canister, a first valve and a second valve arranged between the entrance and the exit. The second valve withstands a spring and is arranged on the first valve. The first valve can detect an expending press produced by volatilized fuel gas to control whether the fuel gas enter into the entrance of the engine. The second valve can detects a vacuum press of the fuel tank to control whether air enter into the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Sentec E & E Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Aaron Wang, Chun-Chao Huang
  • Patent number: 7520271
    Abstract: An evaporated fuel adsorbing mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes an adsorbing member provided in an intake passage of the internal combustion engine to adsorb evaporated fuel that flows back through the intake passage when the engine is stopped. The adsorbing member includes a connecting portion connected to an inner peripheral surface of the intake passage, an end portion that is away from the inner peripheral surface, and that is disposed downstream of the connecting portion in an intake-air flow direction in which intake air flows, and an upstream-side surface that faces toward an upstream side in the intake-air flow direction, and a downstream-side surface that faces toward a downstream side in the intake-air flow direction. The upstream-side surface and the downstream-side surface extend from the connecting portion to the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Haruhiko Saito
  • Publication number: 20090088953
    Abstract: According to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine by which the tank ventilation operation and an adjustment of the basic mixture can be carried out simultaneously, the engine is operated with an open tank ventilation valve. A first fuel amount correction value is determined for correction of a basic pilot control value for the amount of injected fuel. The regeneration gas volume flow rate is subsequently varied by a predefined change amount. A second fuel amount correction value is determined for correction of the basic pilot control value. Based on the first and second correction values and the flow rate change amount, a third fuel amount correction value is calculated by which the basic pilot control value would have to be corrected to again regulate the exhaust gas composition with a closed tank ventilation valve. Based on the third correction value the basic pilot control value is corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Wolfgang Mai, Jens Pache
  • Patent number: 7506639
    Abstract: A diagnostic control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided for shortening the time required for a failure diagnosis of an evaporation purge system. After introducing the inlet-pipe's negative pressure into the evaporation purge system 51, the evaporation control unit 52 diagnoses failure states concerning the evaporation purge system 51 such as a leak by detecting changes in inner tank pressure over a prescribed time. In order to shorten such failure diagnosis control time, a motor generator 12 is driven to assist the engine when introducing the inlet-pipe's negative pressure into the evaporation purge system 51. With such assist-driving, it becomes possible to reduce engine load, therefore, the throttle valve 67 of the engine 11 can be controlled to be on the closed side, making it possible to create sufficient inlet-pipe's negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Saito
  • Publication number: 20090071448
    Abstract: A vapor separator includes a fuel pump, and a container at least partially defining a fuel reservoir to hold fuel and a pump chamber to hold the fuel pump. A closure is carried by the container to close the fuel reservoir and at least partially defines a vapor chamber above a level of fuel in the fuel reservoir and in fluid communication with the pump chamber. A vapor vent device is carried by the closure to allow fuel vapor to vent out of the vapor separator from the vapor chamber and prevent liquid fuel from flowing therethrough when the vapor separator is declined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C
    Inventors: Roger N. Smith, David L. Speirs, Scott F. Stedry
  • Patent number: 7503314
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for an outboard marine engine includes a vapor separator (28) having a uni-directional vapor vent device (36) for preventing fuel leakage when the engine (12) is tipped on its side. The vapor separator (28) includes an enclosed interior chamber (50) which is filled with liquid fuel by a suction pump. A separate, high pressure pump transfers the liquid fuel from the interior chamber (50) to a fuel injection system (32) of the engine (12). The vapor vent device (36) includes a generally tubular casing having an enclosed top end permeated by an escape passage (84), and a float (94) slidably disposed within the casing (82) for movement toward and away from sealing engagement with the escape passage (84).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle D. Achor
  • Publication number: 20090031996
    Abstract: A canisterless evaporative emission control system for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel tank for the internal combustion engine wherein vaporized fuel is generated and a microcondenser device for processing the vaporized fuel received from the fuel tank. An inlet passageway establishes fluid communication between the fuel tank and the microcondenser device for delivering the vaporized fuel from the fuel tank to the microcondenser device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dennis B. Chung
  • Publication number: 20090025693
    Abstract: A filtration device for filtering air for use with a fuel vapor recovery system. According to one aspect, the device includes a housing defining a chamber having a rotational axis an upper end and a lower end, a cap closes the housing and includes at least one generally helical passageway helically extending generally toward the lower end of the chamber and includes at least one air inlet. According to another aspect, the device includes a non-circular filter element disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: STONERIDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Steinman, Jim Rockwell
  • Publication number: 20090013968
    Abstract: A fuel rail assembly for injection of fuel includes a fuel injector socket having a fuel injector assembly inserted, a collar surrounding said fuel injector assembly and providing a gap there between; and a seal sealing the gap between the collar and the fuel injector assembly thereby forming a secondary chamber. Fuel vapors that escape the primary seal of the fuel injector installed in the fuel injector socket are captured in the secondary sealed chamber and are directed to an evaporative control system. The collar is designed such that only minimum modifications are required to both current injectors and current injector sockets. By integrating the collar into a DIG fuel rail assembly in accordance with the invention current DIG internal combustion engines may be converted to PZEV DIG engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin R. Keegan, Jared I. Meeker, Kirk W. Caloroso
  • Patent number: 7472694
    Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery apparatus includes a canister including a housing formed to include a first port exposed to the atmosphere and a second port exposed to fuel tank fuel vapor. A carbon bed is located in an interior region of the housing between the first and second ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. King
  • Patent number: 7469684
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle, comprising of an engine, an air intake passage coupled to the engine, an exhaust passage coupled to the engine, a fuel vapor storage system fluidly coupled with the intake air passage and the exhaust passage, said fuel vapor storage system configured to store and release fuel vapors, a control system configured to during a first mode, route exhaust gas from the engine to the fuel vapor storage system via at least the exhaust passage, and during a second mode, route at least fresh air to the fuel vapor storage system to release fuel vapors from the fuel vapor storage system before being inducted into the engine via the air intake passage to be burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Leone, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7472015
    Abstract: A liquid fuel detection system for a fuel vapor system of a vehicle providing fuel vapor to an engine operating in closed loop includes an oxygen sensor that generates an oxygen signal based on an oxygen level in engine exhaust. An engine speed sensor generates a speed signal based on a speed of the engine. And a control module receives the oxygen signal and the speed signal, determines a fuel control factor based on the oxygen signal, determines a long term modifier based on long term changes of the fuel control factor, and detects the presence of liquid fuel in the fuel vapor system based on the fuel control factor, the speed signal, and the long term modifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Mc Lain, Wenbo Wang
  • Publication number: 20080308072
    Abstract: A tubular separation system for separating a mixture of hydrocarbons and air at a fuel tank in an automotive vehicle, comprises; a fuel tank containing hydrocarbon fuel and a mixture of hydrocarbon fuel vapor and air; a fuel filler pipe connected to the fuel tank for conveying hydrocarbon fuel from a source of hydrocarbon fuel into the fuel tank; a separation module comprising a membrane for separating the hydrocarbon vapor from air; a first tubular member between the fuel tank and the separation module for conveying the mixture of air and hydrocarbon fuel vapor from the fuel tank to the separation module; a second tubular member between the separation module and the fuel tank for conveying hydrocarbon fuel vapor, separated from the mixture of air and hydrocarbon fuel vapor, from the separation module to the fuel tank; and a third tubular member between the separation module and the fuel filler pipe for conveying air, separated from the mixture of air and hydrocarbon fuel vapor, from the separation module to
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Raja Banerjee, James T. Dumas, Randy C. Foster, Donald L. Gepper
  • Publication number: 20080295809
    Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel tank and a liquid separator. The fuel tank includes an interior in which liquid fuel and fuel vapor are contained, and has at least one vent in fluid communication with a vapor dome in the interior of the fuel tank. The liquid separator is in fluid communication with the at least one vent in the fuel tank, and has a fuel port disposed at a lower elevation than the at least one vent to enable the liquid separator to be passively aspirated under negative pressure conditions within the fuel tank. The liquid separator may be placed inside or outside the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: TI Group Automative Systems Technology Center GmbH
    Inventors: Andrej Hochstein, Martin Stickel
  • Patent number: 7458366
    Abstract: A fugitive hydrocarbon treatment module and system for controlling the emission of hydrocarbons from the air intake system of an engine includes a zeolite adsorber unit positioned in the air intake system such that all gases flowing to and from the engine through the air intake system pass through the adsorber, so as to allow hydrocarbons borne by the gases to be adsorbed upon the substrate of the adsorber unit when the engine is shut down and desorbed from the adsorber unit when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Luley, Christian Thomas Goralski, Jr., Philip J. Johnson, Andrew George Bellis, Gregory Scott Horne
  • Publication number: 20080276912
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool has at least one operating medium tank having at least one opening. At least one connecting conduit is arranged external to the operating medium tank. At least one connecting member is inserted into the opening, wherein the at least one connecting conduit is connected to the at least one connecting member. Securing devices that secure a rotational position of the at least one connecting member in the opening are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jens Knaub, Helmut Zimmermann, Markus Keller
  • Patent number: 7444998
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of proposed hydrogen-oxygen and hydrogen-air engines are usable in automotive, power-producing, and other industries. The engines comprise cylinders; water dissociation units, including thermo-impact transformers and possibly electrolyzers; ionic dividers separating hydrogen and oxygen ions; injection chambers configured to inject hydrogen and oxygen/air doses in response to an operator's action and according to proposed dosing methods accounting a hydrogen-oxygen optimal ratio suitable for an explosive plasma reaction in the cylinders, increasing engines torque, eliminating/reducing pollutions. Determination of optimal ratios for hydrogen-air mixtures is also discussed. The dosing methods include algorithms for computing termination injection pressures for hydrogen-oxygen /air doses. Different hydrogen-oxygen/air delivery system are described in conjunction with modified dosing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventors: Yuriy Yatsenko, Aleksandr Smushkovich
  • Patent number: 7438058
    Abstract: In order to discharge air cleaned free from evaporated fuel vapor in a canister installed under the front seat floor, have none of the air coming inside a passenger room and inhibit water, dirt and dust from being absorbed in a drain pipe in a canister, the following drain pipe in a canister is invented. The drain pipe in canister is connected with a canister body installed under a front seat floor of a vehicle. The drain pipe in the canister comprises a first part extending from the canister body up to an upper portion of an engine room disposed on a front side of a passenger room, and a second part extending from the first part to a portion under a floor of the passenger room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuhiro Ito, Naritoshi Muramatsu, Takenobu Haga, Hiroaki Mihara, Yasuhiro Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20080251053
    Abstract: The invention provides a fuel tank venting system for an engine. The fuel tank venting system includes a fuel tank, a carburetor, and a fuel tank vent passageway. The carburetor is coupled to the fuel tank. The fuel tank vent passageway is in fluid flow communication with the fuel tank and at least partially disposed inside the carburetor. The fuel tank venting system may further include an air filter and a roll-over valve. The air filter may include a carbon-impregnated foam element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Peter D. Shears, John Gulke, Wayne Dombeck, Jacob Schmalz
  • Publication number: 20080251523
    Abstract: A ventilation device (1) for a fuel container (2) with a liquid trap (3) and a suction jet pump (8) which is provided for emptying the liquid trap (3) has a filling-level limit switch (11) for detecting the filling level of fuel in the liquid trap (3). A valve (10) which is connected to the filling-level limit switch (11) is connected upstream of the suction jet pump (8). The suction jet pump (8) is first activated by means of the valve (10) when the intended filling level of fuel in the liquid trap (3) is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Krogull, Knut Meyer, Frank Reiter
  • Publication number: 20080184972
    Abstract: A liquid vapor separator for a vehicle's fuel system, said liquid vapor separator comprising a body having an inlet connectable with a venting system of a fuel tank and a vapor outlet connectable to a fuel vapor treating device, and a condensation space for condensation of fuel droplets, said space being in flow communication with said inlet and with said outlet, and said condensation space extending at or being in flow communication with a filler neck of the fuel system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Raval A.C.S. Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Ehrman, Omer Vulkan
  • Patent number: 7407534
    Abstract: A pipe for adsorbing fuel evaporation gas in automobiles. An aluminum pipe portion is etched with acid or base so as to increase its surface area and improve its coating properties. The pipe is subjected to a thermal treatment to further improve its coating properties due to creation of an oxidation layer through such etching process, and then is coated at the surface thereof with zeolite slurry with improved adhesion, thereby effectively adsorbing the evaporation gas in terms of performance, endurance and layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sung Mu Choi
  • Publication number: 20080173283
    Abstract: A fuel cell powered vehicle is disclosed having a fuel tank, wherein the fuel tank is disposed on an undercarriage of the vehicle and has a substantially conical shape to militate against interference with a function of a suspension system of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: David A. Young, James W. Dandalides
  • Patent number: 7401599
    Abstract: A vapor-liquid separator is disclosed which is capable of improving a dischargeability of a separated liquid and of suppressing a reversed flow. The present vapor-liquid separator comprises a cylindrical separator main body, an introducing part for introducing the vapor-liquid mixed fluid into the separator main body in the tangential direction, a liquid discharging part for discharging a separated liquid, a gas exhausting part for exhausting the separated gas, a storing part for storing a liquid passed through the liquid discharging part, a stored-liquid discharging part provided in the storing part to discharge a stored liquid and a communicating part for communicating the storing part with an upstream side of a vapor-liquid separation region of the separator main body and/or the introducing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20080156301
    Abstract: A dust separation device for separating contaminants from a fluid. The device may include at least one spiral fin disposed in an inlet tube for directing at least a portion of the contaminants in a spiral flow, and a deflector for deflecting at least a portion of the contaminants into a into a collection chamber. A fuel system for an internal combustion engine and a method of separating contaminants from a fluid are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: STONERIDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Jim Rockwell, Robert J. Steinman
  • Patent number: 7383826
    Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment apparatus connects with a fuel tank, which produces fuel vapor to be purged into an intake passage of an internal combustion engine through a purge passage. The fuel vapor treatment apparatus includes a state measuring unit that includes a measurement passage provided separately from the purge passage. When the measurement passage is blocked from the intake passage, the state measuring unit measures a state of fuel vapor by detecting a physical quantity of the fuel vapor in the measurement passage. The physical quantity is correlative to the state of fuel vapor. The fuel vapor treatment apparatus further includes a diagnosis unit for diagnosing a malfunction of at least one of components of the state measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken Inc.
    Inventors: Masao Kano, Shinsuke Takakura, Noriyasu Amano
  • Patent number: 7383856
    Abstract: A fuel tank contains a system for the removal of air, which includes an air removal line to connect the interior of the tank with the outside ambient atmosphere, whereby this line forms a siphon, and at the deepest location of the air removal line a connection section is provided with a suction opening connected to a suction source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Josip Marti{hacek over (s)}, Jan Kürbis
  • Publication number: 20080120015
    Abstract: A liquid fuel detection system for a fuel vapor system of a vehicle providing fuel vapor to an engine operating in closed loop includes an oxygen sensor that generates an oxygen signal based on an oxygen level in engine exhaust. An engine speed sensor generates a speed signal based on a speed of the engine. And a control module receives the oxygen signal and the speed signal, determines a fuel control factor based on the oxygen signal, determines a long term modifier based on long term changes of the fuel control factor, and detects the presence of liquid fuel in the fuel vapor system based on the fuel control factor, the speed signal, and the long term modifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Kurt D. Mc Lain, Wenbo Wang
  • Patent number: 7370641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monolith retainer for a fuel canister. The retainer has a head portion for retaining a monolith within a chamber of the fuel canister and a plurality of resiliently biased leg members, which extend from the head portion along a length of the monolith being retained. The legs are resiliently biased toward the inner wall of the chamber such that, when the monolith resides within the chamber, contact feet of the resiliently biased leg members abut against the monolith. A support ridge is also provided for preventing the monolith from traveling too far into the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pawel Zuchara, Jaroslaw Ziolkowski
  • Patent number: 7367324
    Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus is provided to a fuel tank. The fuel feed apparatus includes a lid member, a canister, and a fuel pump. The lid member covers a through hole of the fuel tank. The canister connects with the lid member. The canister is accommodated in the fuel tank for removably absorbing fuel vapor in the fuel tank. The canister has a cross section, which is in a substantially semicircle shape. The canister has an outer peripheral wall that partially defines a remaining space on the lateral side of the canister. The fuel pump is received in the remaining space on the lateral side of the canister in the fuel tank for pumping fuel in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Izutani, Keiichi Yamashita, Noriya Matsumoto, Koji Miwa
  • Patent number: 7360530
    Abstract: A housing 11 accommodates a pleated filter element 14. A fuel adsorbent member 16 is arranged in the housing 11 at a position downstream from the filter element 14. The fuel adsorbent member 16 adsorbs evaporative fuel leaking from an engine. The fuel adsorbent member 16 includes holding pleats 16g. Each of the holding pleats 16g is received in the space between an adjacent pair of the element pleats 14a of the filter element 14. This maintains the interval between the element pleats 14a. The holding pleats 16g are formed by folding the fuel adsorbent member 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouichi Oda, Koushin Wakayama
  • Patent number: 7350511
    Abstract: A system for reducing escape to the atmosphere of hydrocarbon fuel vapors from a fuel tank for a combustion engine powered device including at least one functional member that directly communicates with the fuel tank and is constructed to receive and retain hydrocarbon vapors therein. The functional member may further include a bed of activated carbon-based material for adsorbing and purging of the hydrocarbon vapors. The functional member is otherwise useful to the device beyond the vapor handling function and may be incorporated into a handlebar assembly, frame component, housing, cover, and the like thereby reducing component parts and reducing cost and complexity of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Roche, Mark S. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7350512
    Abstract: A system and method for evaluating the integrity of a leak detection test for a purge valve of a fuel system in a vehicle reduces or eliminates false failures. The method is executed on an engine control module (ECM) and is configured to determine when vehicle soak conditions meet first criteria conducive to fuel vapor condensation in the fuel tank. The first criteria include a predetermined temperature drop in ambient air temperature between successive drive cycles. The ECM is further configured to determine when a vehicle maneuver meets second criteria indicative of the capability of the maneuver to initiate fuel slosh in the fuel tank, to thereby establish a trigger event. The ECM is further configured to determine, after the trigger event, the maximum slope of a fuel tank vacuum increase. The ECM is still further configured to produce a slope ratio as a function of the maximum vacuum increase slope and a reference vacuum slope corresponding to a slope that is unaffected by any slosh/condensation events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Meacham, Timothy K. Sheffer, Mitchell G. Ober, Kenneth M. Simpson, Carol Galskoy
  • Patent number: 7347192
    Abstract: A fuel vapor pressure management apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a housing, a pressure operable device, and a printed circuit board. The pressure operable device moves between first and second configurations with respect to the housing. The printed circuit board is supported by the housing and includes a delay and a sensor. The delay commences upon internal combustion engine shutdown and concludes after a preset period. And the sensor indicates movement of the pressure operable device in the first configuration after the conclusion of the preset period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Continential Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Perry, Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 7347194
    Abstract: Concentration measurement is performed multiple times from a period in which pressure in a purge device increases due to generation of fuel vapor after operation of an engine is stopped. A concentration stabilization period, in which a change in the fuel vapor concentration is equal to or less than a reference value, is calculated based on results of the multiple times of the concentration measurement. Leak diagnosis is performed during the concentration stabilization period. As a result, even if a period for the pressure in the purge device to stabilize fluctuates due to an environment in which a vehicle is located, the leak diagnosis can be performed immediately when the pressure in the purge device stabilizes and a state suitable for the leak diagnosis is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuki Sato
  • Publication number: 20080060618
    Abstract: A vapor separator tank for which the separate connection to a canister is not necessary. The inside of a chassis, made of resin, of the vapor separator tank is divided by a wall into a fuel accumulating chamber and a canister chamber. A communication passage is integrally provided on the upper lid of the chassis, and the communication passage communicates the fuel accumulating chamber with the canister chamber. A check valve is provided in the communication passage at the portion thereof connecting to the fuel accumulating chamber. Fuel is supplied from a fuel tank to the fuel accumulating chamber, and when the pressure of evaporated gas in the fuel accumulating chamber reaches a prescribed value, the check valve opens, and the evaporated gas is ejected to the canister chamber. A first outlet connected to an intake pipe of an engine is provided on the uppermost surface of the canister chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: MIKUNI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masayuki Daikuhara
  • Patent number: 7341048
    Abstract: A concentration-detecting unit detects concentration of fuel vapor flowing in a concentration-detecting passage branched from a purge passage. The concentration-detecting passage communicates with a communicating passage of a canister. Air including the fuel vapor of which concentration is detected by a concentration-detecting unit is returned to the communicating passage of the canister. The fuel vapor is adsorbed by an absorbent accommodated in a accommodating chamber to restrict a discharge of the fuel vapor into atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Koyama, Kenji Nagasaki, Shinsuke Kiyomiya
  • Publication number: 20080029070
    Abstract: A first valve port 12 is so set as to have the seal diameter X smaller compared with that of a second valve port 14. Because the pressure reception area of a first valve body port 16 is small, the attachment force of the first valve body portion 16 is reduced with respect to a valve seat 12a. It thus becomes possible to open the first valve port 12 as the attachment of the first valve body portion 16 is released with respect to the valve seat 12a without increasing the weight of the float 15. After the first valve port 12 is opened, the pressure difference is reduced between inside of a fuel tank 20 and a connecting pipe on the side of a canister, and the attachment force acting on a second valve body portion 22 is also reduced. In this manner, the second valve body portion 22 is opened with certainty. As a result, it becomes possible to go through the operation of opening the second valve port 14 that is larger in diameter than the first valve port 12 without increasing the weight of a sub float 21.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Koichi Yoshihara
  • Publication number: 20080029071
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a vapor-liquid separator capable of improving a dischargeability of a separated liquid and of suppressing a reversed flow. The present vapor-liquid separator (1) comprises a cylindrical separator main body (2), an introducing part (3) for introducing the vapor-liquid mixed fluid into the separator main body (2) in the tangential direction, a liquid discharging part (4) for discharging a separated liquid, a gas exhausting part (5) for exhausting the separated gas, a storing part (7) for storing a liquid passed through the liquid discharging part (4), a stored-liquid discharging part (9) provided in the storing part (7) to discharge a stored liquid and a communicating part (11) for communicating the storing part (7) with an upstream side of a vapor-liquid separation region of the separator main body (2) and/or the introducing part (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Saito
  • Patent number: 7318424
    Abstract: A fuel system comprising a fuel tank having an opening. A cap is removably coupled to the fuel tank and operable for sealingly closing the opening to prevent ingress and egress of air through the opening. An overfill chamber is in communication with the fuel tank, and a hydrocarbon collection chamber is in communication with the overfill chamber. A valve is disposed between the hydrocarbon collection chamber and the overfill chamber. The valve includes a reference axis and is configured to permit fluid communication between the overfill chamber and the hydrocarbon collection chamber only when an angle between a vertical axis and the reference axis is less than about thirty-five degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Callahan, Juris Julijs Pruzinskis, Brent J Ertl, Hans Henning Bishop
  • Patent number: 7311088
    Abstract: An emission control module (14) includes a housing (52) that includes an atmospheric air opening (102) and a vapor emission inlet (104) for communication with a vapor region (32) of a fuel reservoir (16). A hydrocarbon filter (56) is disposed between the atmospheric air opening (102) and the vapor emission inlet (104) to passively filter vapor emissions within the vapor region (32). The housing (52) is configured for purging of the hydrocarbon filter (56) due to a low-pressure draw from the vapor emission inlet (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas John Callahan, Brent J. Ertl, Juris J. Pruzinskis, Michael P. Farrey, Hans Bishop