Having An Adsorbent Canister Patents (Class 123/519)
  • Patent number: 7287542
    Abstract: A vapor vent/tipping valve has a diaphragm with a bleed therethrough responsive to the differential pressure of bleed flow to control vapor venting to the canister and vapor recirculation to the filler tube. A dip tube causes rising fuel in the tank to close the dip tube and prevent vapor flow to the diaphragm bleed thereby starving the recirculation line and allowing nozzle discharge to create a vacuum in the filler and effect nozzle shutoff. Alternatively, float operated shutoff valves may be employed in the dip tube and vapor vent chamber inlet, the shutoff valves may include inertial members for closing the float valves to afford tipping/rollover protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Harold Allman, Daniel Lee Pifer, Russell Carl Jahnke
  • Publication number: 20070246023
    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: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Haruhiko Saito
  • Patent number: 7281525
    Abstract: A family of canisters that includes at least two canisters that are adapted to filter a flow of fluid from a fuel tank. Each canister includes a first portion that defines a first perimeter and a first area each common to all canisters of the family. A second portion defines a second perimeter and a second area each common to all canisters of the family. A cover portion defines a third perimeter and a third area each common to all canisters of the family. A body portion cooperates with the first portion, the second portion, and the cover portion to define an interior space having a volume, a characteristic dimension, and a characteristic length. The volume of each canister of the family is different and the ratio of the characteristic length to characteristic dimension of each of the canisters is between about 1.5 and 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Shears, Wayne L. Dombeck
  • Publication number: 20070227513
    Abstract: An evaporated fuel adsorbing apparatus includes a surge tank provided in an intake system for an internal combustion engine; a resonator connected with only the surge tank; and a fuel adsorbing member that adsorbs evaporated fuel. The fuel adsorbing member is provided in the resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicants: NIPPON SOKEN ,INC., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Osamu Fujishiro, Toshikazu Harada
  • Publication number: 20070227514
    Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment apparatus includes a canister, a fuel vapor supply tube and a booster pump. The booster pump compresses fuel vapors retained in the canister and feeds the fuel vapors in the form of a compressed gas to fuel injectors of an engine via the fuel vapor supply tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Terada
  • Publication number: 20070215123
    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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuhiro Ito, Naritoshi Muramatsu, Takenobu Haga, Hiroaki Mihara, Yasuhiro Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7267112
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system for small internal combustion engines, including a charcoal canister which is in fluid communication with the air space above the liquid fuel within the carburetor of the engine and the air space above the liquid fuel within the fuel tank of the engine. The charcoal canister contains charcoal media, and when the engine is not running, fuel vapors from the carburetor and the fuel tank migrate to, and are trapped within, the charcoal media of the charcoal canister. The charcoal canister may comprise a separate component, or may be integrally formed with an engine component such as the air cleaner, the carburetor, or the body of the fuel tank, for example. During running of the engine, vacuum within the carburetor induces a flow of atmospheric air through the charcoal canister to purge the collected fuel vapors from the charcoal media, and the fuel vapors pass into the engine for consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. Donahue, Todd L. Carpenter, J. David Kirk, Gregory C. Hintz
  • Patent number: 7261093
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions control fuel cap system comprises a closure adapted to mate with a fuel tank. The closure includes a passageway formed therein to conduct vapors from the fuel tank to the atmosphere. The closure includes a filter configured to capture hydrocarbons positioned in the passageway so that fuel vapor flowing from the fuel tank is scrubbed of hydrocarbons before being discharged to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: J Bradley Groom, Yip Cheung Kwok, Michael S. Brock
  • Patent number: 7255094
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel system includes a fuel vapor recovery canister containing a carbon bed configured to capture hydrocarbon material associated with fuel vapor discharged from the fuel tank into the canister. A purge vacuum is applied to the canister to draw fuel vapor carrying reclaimed hydrocarbon material from the canister into an intake manifold coupled to an engine so that the reclaimed hydrocarbon material can be burned in the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy James King
  • Patent number: 7249595
    Abstract: A combination fuel vapor storage canister and vapor vent/tipping valve in a common housing with ports for connection to a fuel tank, a purge line and an atmospheric vent. The vapor vent/tipping valve includes a pressure relief valve which prevents vapor venting until a predetermined vapor pressure is reached; and, the pressure relief valve may also include a vacuum relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Andrew W. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7246608
    Abstract: A fuel vapor processing apparatus includes a canister, a purge passage, a detection passage including an atmosphere passage and a restrictor, a passage changing valve for changing the connection passage of the detection passage between the purge passage and the atmosphere passage, a pump connecting with the detection passage on the opposite side of the passage changing valve across the restrictor, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure between the restrictor and the pump, and an ECU for computing the concentration of fuel vapor. When the passage changing valve causes the purge passage to connect with the detection passage and the pump reduces pressure in the detection passage to pass the air-fuel mixture through the restrictor, the pressure sensor detects the pressure during a detection period of time that elapses after the air-fuel mixture passes through the restrictor until the air-fuel mixture reaches the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., DENSO Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masao Kano, Shinsuke Takakura, Noriyasu Amano, Sinsuke Kiyomiya, Yuusaku Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20070151610
    Abstract: In a fuel vapor release suppression system for a fuel tank, a main tank and a sub tank communicate with each other, and the sub tank and a canister communicate with each other. When the main tank has a higher temperature, fuel vapor of the main tank is supplied to the sub tank where the fuel vapor is liquefied. When the main tank has a lower temperature, fuel vapor of the sub tank is supplied to the main tank. At this time, low concentration fuel vapor is supplied from the canister to the main tank, thereby accelerating generation of fuel vapor corresponding to sub tank fuel vapor pressure, so that the sub tank fuel vapor pressure decreases. Therefore, liquefaction is accelerated in the sub tank when the main tank temperature increases. Thus, fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank is effectively liquified irrespective of ambient air temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gaku Hatano, Koichi Hidano, Masakazu Kitamoto, Shigeo Hidai, Shoji Uhara, Hiroshi Kitamura, Takahiro Imamura
  • Patent number: 7228851
    Abstract: A canister includes a casing that has a tank port connected to a fuel tank, an atmospheric port connected to an atmospheric passage communicating with atmosphere, and a purge port connected to an intake passage of an engine. An adsorbent is charged in the casing for adsorbing fuel vapor. A support member defines an accommodation chamber in the casing. The support member supports the adsorbent. A pump is supported by the support member. The pump is accommodated in the accommodation chamber. The pump introduces atmospheric air into the accommodation chamber through the atmospheric passage. A motor is accommodated in the accommodation chamber. The motor drives the pump. A damping member is located between the pump and the support member for absorbing sound and vibration transmitted from the pump to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakamura, Masao Kano
  • Patent number: 7228850
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel system includes a fuel vapor recovery canister containing a carbon bed configured to capture hydrocarbon material associated with fuel vapor discharged from the fuel tank into the canister. A purge vacuum is applied to the canister to draw fuel vapor carrying reclaimed hydrocarbon material from the canister into an intake manifold coupled to an engine so that the reclaimed hydrocarbon material can be burned in the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy James King
  • Patent number: 7225795
    Abstract: A small engine fuel system has a tank with an integrally formed filler tube having the lower end located at a level below the upper portion of the tank wall which is formed of vapor impermeable material which may include HDPE interspersed with EVOH or polyamide. In one exemplary embodiment the filler neck is disposed in a depression in the upper portion of the tank wall; and in another exemplary embodiment the filler tube has an insert which extends into the tank to a position below the upper portion of the tank wall to form a vapor space. The tank includes a fill limiting vapor vent/tipping valve with its outlet connected to a storage canister which outputs to the engine and which has an atmospheric air vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Vaughn K. Mills
  • Patent number: 7216636
    Abstract: An evaporative emission control and leak detection system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes an integrated valve module in fluid communication with a carbon canister and atmosphere. The module is arranged to vent the system when exposed to predetermined high negative and positive pressure conditions. The module includes a switch mechanism having a spring biasing member arranged to bias the switch mechanism to an open position. The switch is operable to indicate when the system is in a low negative pressure condition. The switch also includes a negative pressure valve coupled to a fluid passage between the canister, the atmosphere and the switch, and a positive pressure valve coupled to a fluid passage between the canister and atmosphere that bypasses the negative pressure valve and switch. The negative and positive pressure valves are positioned in a stacked arrangement in the integrated valve module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Darrin W Hurley
  • Patent number: 7213580
    Abstract: A fuel system for a vehicle having a generator includes a fuel reservoir which taps into the main fuel tank. A solenoid pump pumps fuel from the main fuel tank to the reservoir which in turn feeds fuel to the generator. A fuel shut-off valve is provided in the reservoir to prevent overfilling of the reservoir without the need for a fuel level sensor or pump control electronics. The valve is operable to close upon the fuel level reaching the closing height of the valve. Closing of the valve causes the pump to idle, thus stopping the flow of fuel into the reservoir. Fuel is still allowed to flow from the reservoir to the generator, thus allowing uninterrupted running of the generator. When the fuel level in the reservoir dips below the closing height of the valve, the valve opens and the pump again starts pumping fuel into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff W. Beyer, John G. Fischer, Sharon E. Beyer
  • Patent number: 7213584
    Abstract: A canister, a cut valve which closes a fresh air intake of the canister, and a pressure sensor which detects a pressure in a fuel vapor path shut off by closing a purge control valve and the cut valve are disposed at the inside of a fuel tank, and a fuel supply control unit which controls the cut valve and the purge control valve, and which carries out a leak diagnosis on the basis of a detected result of the pressure sensor is disposed at the inside of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Ohhashi, Hiroshi Okada, Masato Kumagai
  • Patent number: 7213583
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly for small engines having a vapor storage canister disposed within the tank in the vapor dome with an atmospheric vent line to the canister through the tank wall and a canister vapor outlet line also through the tank wall. A fuel vapor vent valve is disposed in the vapor dome of the tank with the vent valve outlet connected to the canister inlet. A fuel filler tube extends through the tank wall to a desired depth to prevent vapor from escaping through the filler tube when the fuel level rises to the lower end of the filler tube and alerts the operator by rapid rise of fuel in the filler tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Vaughn K. Mills
  • Patent number: 7214258
    Abstract: An evaporated fuel processing device (10), in particular for an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle, comprises a tank port (12) and an atmospheric port (22); a first adsorbent chamber (14) between the tank port (12) and the atmospheric port (22); and a second adsorbent chamber (18) between the first adsorbent chamber (14) and the atmospheric port (22), the first and second adsorbent chambers (14, 18) being filled with an adsorbent material (16). According to an important aspect of the invention, at least two elongate flow passages (26, 26?) are arranged in parallel between the first adsorbent chamber (14) and the second adsorbent chamber (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mostafa Abidi, Remi B Loevenbruck, Karine Pelletier, Thomas Leonard, Ennio De Biasio
  • Patent number: 7210466
    Abstract: A vapor control system includes a vapor receiver having an inlet through which vapor is received, an outlet through which vapor is discharged, and a control valve having a first inlet in communication with the outlet of the fuel receiver, a second inlet in communication with a pressure source and an outlet. The control valve also includes a valve having a closure moveable between a first position, preventing communication between the first inlet and the outlet, and a second position permitting communication between the first inlet and the outlet in response to a pressure signal over a threshold pressure provided from the pressure source through the second inlet. Movement of the closure to its second position permits routing of vapor from the vapor receiver, through the first inlet and out of the outlet of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ronald H. Roche
  • Patent number: 7210465
    Abstract: A fuel supply device for a fuel returnless system is disposed in a fuel tank and includes: a fuel pump that draws, pressurizes, and discharges fuel in the fuel tank; a pressure regulating valve that regulates the pressure of the pressurized fuel and drains a surplus of the pressurized fuel into the fuel tank; an intake filter that removes foreign matters contained in fuel drawn into the fuel pump; and a pressurized fuel return passage through which a part of the pressurized fuel is returned to a fuel intake passage extending from an interior of the intake filter to a pump intake port of the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Ikeya
  • Patent number: 7204238
    Abstract: A fuel tank with ventilation system and activated carbon filter which, on the one hand, is connected by a first line (22) to the fuel tank and by a second line (25) to an internal combustion engine, and, on the other hand, by a third line (26) to the atmosphere, should have as simple and compact a ventilation system as possible, which fulfills all functions in full measure. To this end, a controlled two-way valve unit (23) is provided, whereof the first path connects the first line (22) to the third line (26) and the second path connects the second line (25) to the third line (26), and an electronic control unit (28) is provided, which on the input side is connected to a refueling sensor (7) and to a liquid level sensor (13) and on the output side is connected to the controlled two-way valve unit (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Tesma Motgoren-Und Getriebetechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Pozgainer, Sandor Palvölgyi
  • Patent number: 7185640
    Abstract: A fuel tank for an engine that includes an air cleaner assembly and an air-fuel mixing device. The fuel tank includes a first tank portion and a second tank portion connected to the first tank portion to define a fuel chamber. A canister is at least partially formed as part of the second tank portion and a first flow path is at least partially formed as part of the first tank portion. The first flow path provides fluid communication between the fuel chamber and the canister. A second flow path is at least partially formed as part of the second tank portion to provide fluid communication between the canister and at least one of the air-fuel mixing device and the air cleaner assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Shears, John Gulke
  • Patent number: 7182072
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the introduction of purge fuel vapor into a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is provided. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a schedule for opening and closing an on-off, pulse-width-modulated, purge control valve is predetermined, and the purge control valve is opened and closed according to the predetermined schedule. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a predetermined schedule can include a repeating sequence of on-pulse frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Clemens
  • Patent number: 7165536
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system for small internal combustion engines. The system generally includes a charcoal canister and a carburetor with a fuel circuit shutoff valve. The charcoal canister is in fluid communication with the air space above the liquid fuel within the engine fuel tank, and optionally, with the air space above the liquid fuel within the fuel bowl of a fuel bowl-type carburetor. The charcoal canister contains charcoal media which absorbs fuel vapors when the engine is not running. During running of the engine, vacuum within the carburetor induces a flow of atmospheric air through the charcoal canister to purge the collected fuel vapors from the charcoal media, and the fuel vapors pass into the engine for consumption. The carburetor of the engine, which may be either a fuel bowl-type carburetor or a diaphragm carburetor, includes a fuel circuit shutoff valve controlled either by a vacuum signal produced within the engine or by a user-actuated mechanical linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: J. David Kirk, Ronald J. Donahue, Todd L. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7163004
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation system for a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine, the device comprising a filter. The aim of the invention is to functionally improve one such device, simultaneously reducing the structural volume thereof by saving filter volume. To this end, the inventive device is characterized by at least one of the following features: a first stop valve leading to the atmosphere communicates with the same via an air intake filter of the internal combustion engine; and the inner chamber of the tank and the air-guiding region located between the tank and the stop valves are connected to a pump which sucks air from the atmosphere into said region via the air intake filter of the internal combustion engine, if one such pump is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Reiners
  • Patent number: 7159576
    Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus includes a lid module that includes a canister accommodated in a fuel tank. The canister defines a space in the vicinity of a lateral periphery of the canister in the fuel tank. The fuel feed apparatus further includes a pump module that is located in the space. The fuel feed apparatus further includes a connecting member that is axially slidable with respect to the lid module and the pump module along the lateral periphery of the canister and a lateral periphery of the pump module. When the lid module is connected to the fuel tank by moving the lid module toward the pump module along the connecting member, the connecting member hooks to the pump module, so that the connecting member is restricted from moving in a direction, in which the lid module moves toward the pump module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiichi Yamashita, Kouji Izutani, Noriya Matsumoto, Koji Miwa
  • Patent number: 7159579
    Abstract: An emissions control canister including an insert tube and a final scrubber inside the tube. Because a scrubber formed as a carbon monolith is relatively fragile and easily damaged, a flexible, porous, resilient sling is provided for installing and retaining scrubber within cylindrical tube in lieu of either seals or elastomeric gaskets. An end of the scrubber is placed on a center portion of the sling, and the straps are folded alongside the cylindrical surface of the scrubber to form a sub-assembly. The sling is die-cut from planar stock of either a loose, thick, woven polyester fabric or an open-cell resilient foam. Advantages of the sling over a resilient elastomeric gasket are cost, ease of assembly, and the outer surface of the scrubber is made available as additional vapor adsorption area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Meiller, Brian A. Tinch
  • Patent number: 7159578
    Abstract: A fuel delivery module assembly for a vehicle which includes a fuel delivery module for supplying fuel from a fuel tank, a flange for attachment to a fuel tank and an emissions canister for controlling evaporative emissions. The fuel delivery module includes a reservoir for retaining fuel and a fuel pump for supplying fuel from the reservoir. The emissions canister is coupled to the fuel delivery module in a sliding relationship and is arranged such that the emissions canister can be displaced along a slide axis relative to the fuel delivery module between an installed position, in which the reservoir and emissions canister overlap parallel with the slide axis, and an installation position, in which the reservoir and emissions canister substantially do not overlap parallel with the slide axis. The invention also provides a fuel tank assembly comprising such a fuel delivery module assembly and to a method of positioning such a fuel delivery module assembly within a fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Zoltan Horvath, Pal Biegelbauer, Tamas Vitalis, Karoly Balazs, Mihaly Soos, Viktor Nyeste, Zsolt Kariko
  • Patent number: 7161258
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, an amount of electricity to be generated by an alternator (a target charging voltage) is set based on a vapor concentration of vaporized fuel when a purge execution condition is met for purging the vaporized fuel collected by a canister, whereby a fluctuation in rotation in an idling operation state is suppressed, an appropriate purging treatment of the vaporized fuel is allowed, and the drivability is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kanai
  • Patent number: 7150265
    Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of: determining presence of abnormality in a low-pressure fuel system; ceasing an intake manifold injector when determination is made of abnormality in the low-pressure fuel system; increasing the target purge rate when the engine operation state attains an injection partaking state between an in-cylinder injector and an intake manifold injector; reducing the VVT overlap; and retarding the ignition timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Shibagaki
  • Patent number: 7143751
    Abstract: An air intake apparatus used for a canister of a fuel system includes a device and system to prevent the accumulation of dust and/or foreign substances from building up in the air filter. An air intake hole, for supplying air to an air filter used for a canister, is positioned in a fuel inlet space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Yeoun Kwan Sung
  • Patent number: 7134426
    Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment device for suppressing emission of fuel vapor from a fuel tank or the like of an automotive vehicle. The fuel vapor treatment device comprises a casing having a charge port connected to a fuel tank, a purge port connected to an intake section of an engine, and an atmospheric air port through which atmospheric air is introduced. Fuel vapor adsorbing material is filled in the casing. Additionally, an adsorbing material cartridge is disposed in a part of the casing and includes a cylindrical cartridge main body section having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the casing. Fuel vapor adsorbing material is filled in the cartridge main body section. Air introduced from the atmospheric air port is flowable through the inside of the cartridge main body section to the fuel vapor adsorbing material in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Mahle Filter Systems Japan Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Uchino, Masaru Nakano, Eiji Yamada, Hiroyuki Yoshida, Hiroaki Okada
  • Patent number: 7118716
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon emissions scrubber for use in an evaporative emissions control system of a motor vehicle includes a scrubber element having an elongate body. The body defines a plurality of passageways for the flow of fluid therethrough. The plurality of passageways are one of coated with or constructed of a sorbent material. The sorbent material is adsorptive of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, INC
    Inventors: Thomas C. Meiller, Charles H. Covert, Susan S. LaBine
  • Patent number: 7114492
    Abstract: Method and system of purging evaporative emission control canister using heated purge air comprises a scrubber containing an activated carbon fiber material or carbon monolith selected to adsorb butane and/or pentane isomer vapors in low concentrations in air passing through the scrubber and to desorb the adsorbed butane and/or pentane isomers when purged with exhaust heated purge air. A method for reducing bleed emission to almost zero mg per day uses exhaust heated air purging of the scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Sam R. Reddy
  • Patent number: 7107759
    Abstract: A canister communicates with an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine through a purge pipe. The canister absorbs fuel vapor evaporated in a fuel tank. The absorbed fuel vapor is purged into the intake manifold when the engine is on. A gas leak check module communicates with the canister for drawing air by an air suction pump 43. When the engine is off, the air suction pump is driven and draws hydrocarbon floating at a vicinity of an intake port through the purge pipe. Thus, the hydrocarbon floating at the vicinity of the intake port is absorbed in the canister so that emission of hydrocarbon is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiki Annoura, Hideki Suzuki, Koichi Hoshi, Takaaki Itoh
  • Patent number: 7104258
    Abstract: A general-purpose engine includes a canister which adsorbs fuel vapor that has evaporated within a fuel tank. The fuel vapor is desorbed from the canister and guided to an intake system communicating with an engine main body. The engine main body includes a crankcase and a cylinder block joined to the crankcase to have an upwardly inclined cylinder axis (C). The canister is disposed to one side of the crankcase and beneath the cylinder block to avoid any increase in the dimensions of the general-purpose engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Yamada, Shosaku Chiba, Katsuya Tajima, Eiichi Utsugi
  • Patent number: 7100580
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas filtering and recirculating device for a general machine having an engine and a fuel tank provided above the engine, which is mountable above the fuel tank and comprises at its one end an air outlet in fluid communication with atmosphere and an oil drain below the air outlet and above the fuel tank such that the oil drain is proximate the fuel tank, enabling the gas filtering and recirculating device to completely filter and absorb gas generated by fuel in the fuel tank and prevent the gas from discharging into the atmosphere via an air outlet in the fuel tank and causing air pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsang-Mao Lin, Chun-Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7097697
    Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment device for an automotive vehicle includes a casing having a charge port connected to a fuel tank, a purge port connected to an intake side of an engine, and an atmospheric air port through which atmospheric air is introduced. Fuel vapor adsorbing material is filled in the casing. A filter is disposed in the casing and between the atmospheric air port and the fuel vapor adsorbing material to trap dust contained in atmospheric air. A baffle plate is disposed in the casing and between the atmospheric air port and the filter to change flow of atmospheric air introduced through the atmospheric air port into a generally radial direction. Additionally, an annular space is formed around the baffle plate so that atmospheric air from the baffle plate flows through the annular space to the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignees: Mahle Filter Systems Japan Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Souichirou Kaku, Hideyuki Matsushima
  • Patent number: 7086390
    Abstract: A fuel tank for an engine that includes an air cleaner assembly and an air-fuel mixing device. The fuel tank includes a first tank portion, a second tank portion connected to the first tank portion to define a fuel chamber, and a canister at least partially formed as part of the first tank portion. A first flow path is at least partially formed as part of the first tank portion. The first flow path provides fluid communication between the fuel chamber and the canister. A second flow path is at least partially formed as part of the first tank portion to provide fluid communication between the canister and at least one of the air-fuel mixing device and the air cleaner assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Shears, John Gulke
  • Patent number: 7086389
    Abstract: A general-purpose engine includes a canister for adsorbing fuel vapor that has evaporated within a fuel tank. The fuel vapor, which has desorbed from the canister, is guided to an intake system communicating with an engine main body. A housing recess is formed in a base of the fuel tank, recesses toward the interior of the fuel tank, and houses the canister. Thus, an external impact to the canister can be avoided while also avoiding any increase in the dimensions of the general-purpose engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Yamada
  • Patent number: 7077112
    Abstract: A fuel vapor leak detecting apparatus, includes: a valve which is in a vapor purge system including a canister that is communicated with a fuel tank and an internal combustion engine, and which controllably closes the vapor purge system; a pressurizing section which introduces atmospheric air into the vapor purge system to pressurize the vapor purge system; and an internal-pressure measuring section which detects an internal pressure of the vapor purge system. The pressurizing section supplies the air for a predetermined time in a state where the vapor purge system is closed. When the internal pressure measured by the internal-pressure measuring section at the air supply is equal to or lower than a preset criterion pressure, it is judged that leak occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tateki Mitani, Shigeki Kanamaru, Hiroshi Yoshioka, Kazushi Ishii
  • Patent number: 7059306
    Abstract: An evaporative emission control system for a hybrid vehicle comprises a scrubber containing an activated carbon fiber material selected to adsorb butane and/or pentane isomer vapors in low concentrations in air passing through the scrubber and apparatus for resistive heating of the activated carbon fiber material to help desorb the adsorbed butane and/or pentane isomers during a period when the internal combustion engine is operating for combustion of the desorbed vapor in the engine. The fibers are conductive and heat by resistive heating when electric current is passed through the fibers by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sam R Reddy
  • Patent number: 7055505
    Abstract: An integrated fuel management system and method for controlling the fuel storage and delivery in a vehicle. The fuel management system includes a fuel storage tank for storing fuel in a vehicle, a vapor collection canister located within the fuel storage tank, a vent actuator coupled to the vapor collection canister for venting gas from the canister during a vent operation, and a purge actuator is coupled to the vapor collection canister for purging fuel vapor from the vapor collection canister during a purge operation. A variable speed fuel pump is disposed within the fuel storage tank for delivering fuel to a fuel delivery line for an engine. The fuel management system has a controller provided in a module disposed in communication with the fuel for controlling the amount of fuel pumped with the variable speed fuel pump to deliver fuel to the fuel delivery line and further controlling the purge and vent actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: John Washeleski, Randall L. Perrin, John E. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7055514
    Abstract: Operating method and apparatus for operating an engine controller for an internal combustion engine, including operating in a first operating mode, acquiring at least one state variable (CL, Adap_Fenst_fac, Adap_Fenst_Add) of the internal combustion engine and changing over from the first operating mode into a second operating mode. The changeover from the first operating mode into the second operating mode take place as a function of the determined state variable (CL, Adap_Fenst_fac, Adap_Fenst_Add) of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Rainer Hannbeck Von Hanwehr, Hans-Dieter Heidenfelder
  • Patent number: 7051717
    Abstract: An emissions control canister including an insert having an elongate well and flange. The insert extends into a chamber such that a carbon adsorption column is a hollow cylinder around the insert. After vapors flow through the column of adsorbent, flow is directed through holes in the flange and out through an atmosphere port. The flow path through the hollow cylinder has an increased L/D ratio and improves emission performance. In a second embodiment, a cylindrical tube surrounds the exit port and extends into the insert, forcing vapor flow along a tortuous path between the cylindrical wall and the insert. In a third embodiment, a final scrubber is added inside the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Meiller, Alexander E. Shneydman
  • Patent number: 7051718
    Abstract: A housing of a fuel vapor leak check module is arranged close to a canister by inserting a canister port into the canister. A distance between the canister and the leak check module is reduced. A centerline of the canister port is approximately parallel to a centerline of an atmospheric vent port. A brushless motor of which axial length is relatively short drives a pump so that the housing is formed stepwise at the side opposite to the canister. A connector is disposed on the housing accommodating the pump to reduce a dead space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masafumi Tsuruta, Masao Kano
  • Patent number: 7047952
    Abstract: A canister comprises a tank port communicated with an upper air chamber in a closed fuel tank, a purge port communicated with an intake passage of an engine, an atmospheric port opened to the atmosphere, and a main adsorbent chamber containing activated carbon, and the canister is further provided with a partition plate between the tank port and the purge port for preventing both ports from being directly communicated with each other, so as to form a first chamber between the main adsorbent chamber and the tank port, and a second chamber between the main adsorbent chamber and the purge port, and a purge buffer plate is further provided in the main adsorbent chamber between the tank port and the purge port, for communicating between the first and second chambers with each other, the first chamber serves as an air chamber containing no activated carbon while the second chamber contains activated carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignees: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tokio Yamauchi, Takashi Nagai, Masamitsu Hayakawa, Yukihiko Kaneda, Yojiro Iriyama
  • Patent number: 7047948
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle having a chamber delimited by a wall and having an activated carbon filter located to ventilate the volume of the fuel chamber located above the level of fuel in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marc Gerhardt, Thomas Zapp