Having An Adsorbent Canister Patents (Class 123/519)
  • Patent number: 6834642
    Abstract: A fuel cut valve is disposed at a higher position than a fill up level in a fuel tank and communicates with an evaporative passage communicating between the fuel tank and a canister through an orifice. Further, a volume chamber is disposed at a higher position than the filling up level in the fuel tank and communicates with the evaporative passage downstream of the orifice. Further, a liquid level restricting valve is disposed in the vicinity of the fill up level and communicates with the evaporative passage through the volume chamber. When the liquid level of fuel reaches the fill up level at refueling, the liquid level restricting valve is closed to prevent overfilling of fuel by restricting the volume of the fuel vapor passing through the orifice. During traveling of a vehicle, fuel vapor is fed to the canister through the fuel cut valve and the liquid level restricting valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Ichinohe
  • Patent number: 6830040
    Abstract: This invention provides an evaporative fuel control system for an internal combustion engine which system comprises an intake passage and a canister in communication with a fuel tank. The canister includes more than one chamber with activated carbon provided to absorb evaporative fuel. In this system, the canister is connected to the atmosphere via an open passage which is controlled by the atmosphere open/close valve situated in the open passage. The canister is also connected to the intake passage via a purge passage. The purge passage is controlled via a purge valve situated in the purge passage. The evaporative fuel control system comprises further a purge concentration detector which detects the concentration of a purge taken into the engine and a controller which diagnoses leakage after a predetermined amount of time set according to the concentration of the purge detected by the purge concentration detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Toyoda
  • Patent number: 6823850
    Abstract: An evaporative emission control and leak detection system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system is in fluid communication with a fuel tank, an engine, and a carbon canister and includes an integrated valve module that is connected to the carbon canister and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere. The module provides for venting of the system when the system is exposed to predetermined high negative and positive pressure conditions, and a predetermined low negative pressure condition. The module also includes a switch that is operable to indicate when the system is in a high or low negative pressure condition for leak detection verification of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Darrin W Hurley
  • Patent number: 6817346
    Abstract: In an evaporated fuel processing apparatus, a fuel tank is communicated with a canister via a vapor passage. A canister temperature sensor is disposed around a purge port of the canister for detecting a temperature of the canister. When a large quantity of gas is supplied upon supply of the fuel to flow from the fuel tank to the canister, the peak value of the canister temperature is detected. The fuel adsorbing state within the canister is estimated on the basis of the canister temperature obtained subsequent to detection of the peak value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Konishi, Junji Kato, Kazuyuki Yada, Yoshikazu Namura
  • Patent number: 6810861
    Abstract: A shut off valve is provided in an intake line farther upstream than a throttle valve of the intake passage and farther downstream than an air cleaner. This shut off valve is opened by a signal or the like from an ECU when an engine is operating. Further, the shut off valve closes when the engine is stopped so as to suppress evaporative fuel inside the intake passage from flowing outside through the air cleaner. The evaporative fuel trapped inside the intake passage passes through a bypass passage that provides communication between the intake passage and the canister, and is then adsorbed with an adsorbent in the canister. A blow-by passage is also connected to the intake passage that is closed off by the shut off valve. Because the blow-by passage is closed off by a blow-by valve, which is closed during normal operation when the engine is stopped, sticking of the shut off valve and the throttle valve and the like due to the inflow of blow-by gas into the intake passage is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Toyoda Boshoku Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Itakura, Naoya Kato, Masaki Takeyama, Yoshinori Inuzuka, Minoru Honda, Kouichi Oda
  • Patent number: 6810862
    Abstract: A diaphragm operated pressure responsive valve has its inlet connected to a fuel tank vapor line and the valving chamber openly connected to the storage canister and to the engine air intake manifold vapor purge control valve. The diaphragm is operable to vary the spring bias on a valve member disposed in the chamber for biasing closed the vapor line from the tank in the event of high vacuum from the engine purge control valves. A bleed bypass permits continued bleed flow of vapor from the tank to the valving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Rudolph Bergsma
  • Publication number: 20040206240
    Abstract: Disclosed is a canister for a motor vehicle. A liquid trap provided to an upper surface of a canister body is formed to have a circular configuration. A plurality of intake pipe nozzles are connected at an angle to a guide pipe which is installed through a center portion of the liquid trap, such that the intake pipe nozzles extending in a radial direction are separated one from another by a predetermined angle along a circumferential direction. A bottom wall of the liquid trap is formed such that an upper surface of the bottom wall is inclined downward from a center portion thereof toward an edge portion thereof. A diffusion device is disposed directly below the liquid trap to uniformly distribute evaporated gas to be introduced into the canister body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Won-Suk Oh, Ki-Kyung Bea, Hyun-Ki Kim
  • Publication number: 20040200356
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly has a cover adapted for attachment to a structural member of a vehicle to define an enclosure between the cover and structural member and a fuel tank is received within the enclosure. Preferably, a space exists between the fuel tank and the cover, and the space is communicated with a fuel vapor canister to remove fuel vapor from the space and prevent it from escaping to the atmosphere. Desirably, the cover shields the fuel tank from the atmosphere, debris, and adjacent vehicle components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Peter P. Kuperus
  • Patent number: 6782874
    Abstract: Provided is a more reliable abnormality detecting apparatus for a fuel evaporative emission control system, including: a canister provided to a purge passage; a purge control valve; a control unit for opening/closing the purge valve depending on an operation state; a unit detecting an air intake pipe pressure; a unit detecting an atmospheric pressure; a unit detecting at least one of a fuel temperature, a tank internal temperature, and an outside air temperature; a unit detecting a fuel tank pressure; a unit adjusting a purge amount depending on the air intake pipe pressure, when an abnormality decision enabling condition is valid; a unit detecting abnormality based on the fuel tank pressure, when abnormality decision enabling condition is valid; an abnormality decision enabling condition detecting unit for determining that the abnormality decision enabling condition is invalid when at least one of the fuel temperature, the tank internal temperature, and the outside air temperature is greater than its compari
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Norio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6779512
    Abstract: Gas containing fuel vapor is purged as purge gas from a canister to an intake passage of an engine through a purge line. An ECU renews a vapor concentration value representing the concentration of fuel vapor contained in the purge gas by a predetermined renew amount at a time in response to a deviation of a detected air-fuel ratio relative to a target air-fuel ratio. The ECU sets the amount of fuel supplied to the combustion chamber of the engine according to the renewed vapor concentration value such that the detected air-fuel ratio seeks the target air-fuel ratio. The ECU computes the ratio of air flowing through the intake passage to a predetermined maximum air flow rate, and sets the computed ratio as an engine load ratio. The ECU sets a smaller value of the renew amount for a greater value of the engine load ratio. As a result, the learning of the vapor concentration is reliably performed, and the accuracy of the air-fuel ratio control is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noritake Mitsutani
  • Patent number: 6772739
    Abstract: A method of managing pressure in a fuel system supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine. The method includes providing a fuel tank including a headspace, connecting to the headspace an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine, a fuel vapor collection canister, a purge valve, and a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus, detecting the vacuum that naturally forms in the headspace, and relieving excess pressure that forms in the headspace. The fuel vapor management apparatus includes a housing defining an interior chamber, excludes a diaphragm partitioning the interior chamber, and excludes an electromechanical actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Incorporated
    Inventors: Andre Veinotte, Paul Perry
  • Patent number: 6772740
    Abstract: A canister adsorbs evaporative fuel generated in a fuel tank. A purge gas circulation pump causes canister outlet gas to flow out from the canister. A high-concentration separation unit separates canister outlet gas into high-concentration treating gas and medium-concentration gas. A medium-concentration separation unit separates medium-concentration gas flowing out from the high-concentration unit into medium-concentration circulating gas and low-concentration canister inlet gas. Treating gas is introduced into the fuel tank. Circulating gas is caused to circulate upstream of the purge gas circulation pump. Canister inlet gas is caused to circulate upstream of the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Kojima, Hidefumi Aikawa
  • Patent number: 6773491
    Abstract: In an activated carbon filter for reducing vapor emissions from a fuel supply system including, in a filter housing, a first connecting section for communication with the atmosphere and a second connecting section for communication with the fuel supply system, an activated carbon filter section is disposed between the first and second connecting sections and a filter layer of a highly adsorptive filler material layer is disposed between the activated carbon filter section and the first connecting section to prevent any escape of vapors through the first connecting section to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Mattias Bohl
  • Patent number: 6772741
    Abstract: A vapor recovery canister is provided and includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a first and second valve. The first and second valves are operable to restrict fluid flow into the canister, whereby the first valve is operable to selectively close the inlet port and the second valve is operable to selectively close the outlet port. In addition, the second valve includes at least one orifice formed therethrough for continuous fluid communication with an ambient air stream. In this manner, if both the first and second valves are in a closed position, an ambient air stream will be in fluid communication with an interior volume of the canister during a purging process through interaction of the orifice. The interaction of the orifice causes a high vacuum pressure within the canister, thereby increasing working capacity and reducing diurnal breathing loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Behr America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan T. Pittel, Ann Weimer, Chris G. Hadre
  • Patent number: 6769416
    Abstract: An evaporated fuel treating module 20 is an integration of a canister 5, a pressure sensor 6, a canister vent solenoid valve 7, an air filter 8 and a one way-valve 9 into a unit without connecting pipes. Further, in the evaporated fuel treating module 20, also a two-way valve 10 and a bypass solenoid valve 12 may be integrated into the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Itou, Takashi Sugimoto, Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6769415
    Abstract: An evaporative control system for conventional or hybrid vehicles includes a fuel tank for storing a volatile fuel and an engine having an air induction system. A primary canister contains a first volume of a first adsorbent material, a vapor inlet coupled to the fuel tank, a purge outlet coupled to the air induction system, and a vent/air inlet. A secondary canister is coupled to the vent/air inlet and contains a second volume of a second adsorbent material that is different than the first adsorbent material. The first and second adsorbent materials adsorb fuel vapors when the engine is not running to reduce breakthrough and desorb fuel vapors when the engine is running. The second adsorbent material adsorbs butanes and pentanes at low concentrations. The second adsorbent material includes activated carbon derived from a coconut shell and a heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sam Raghuma Reddy, R. Vance Mc Cabe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6769417
    Abstract: After an internal combustion engine 1 has started to operate, a changing timing is detected at which a humidity represented by the output signal of a humidity sensor 23 disposed downstream of a hydrocarbon adsorbent 12 changes to a tendency to monotonously increase from a low humidity to a high humidity. Data representing a total amount of moisture carried by an exhaust gas emitted by the internal combustion engine 1 to the hydrocarbon adsorbent 12 up to the changing timing is acquired as a deterioration evaluating parameter. The deteriorated state of the hydrocarbon adsorbent is evaluated based on the deterioration evaluating parameter. The changing timing is detected as a timing at which the relative humidity represented by the output signal of the humidity sensor 23 has changed from a low humidity to a high humidity by a preset value. The preset value is variably set in order to compensate for characteristic changes of the humidity sensor 23 and variations of individual humidity sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Ueno, Hideharu Yamazaki, Tetsuo Endo
  • Patent number: 6761748
    Abstract: An air filtration system for purifying an air stream, such as the intake air for an internal combustion engine, including a system plate (10), an unfiltered air zone (13), a filter housing (12) containing a filter element (16), and a filtered air zone (19). The filter element hermetically seals and separates the unfiltered air zone (13) from the filtered air zone. The unfiltered air zone (13) is configured by a first half shell (11), which is connected to the system plate (10) in a fixed, hermetically sealed manner. The filter housing (12) is also connected to the system plate in a fixed and sealed manner. The permanent, air-tight connection of the first half shell to the system plate allows the air filtration system to be manufactured in a simpler, more rapid and more cost effective manner by obviating the need for seals and connecting elements, as well as the need to assemble such parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Schenk, Thomas Reinhold, Manuel Aisa
  • Patent number: 6755184
    Abstract: An evaporative fuel system includes a canister connected to a fuel tank for receiving vapors therefrom and a conduit having a first end connected to the canister. A vent structure is connected to a second end of the conduit. The vent structure includes a housing, a first port formed in the housing and connected to the conduit, and a second port formed in the housing and connected to atmosphere. A chamber portion is formed by the housing and is in airflow communication with the second port. A tubular portion is formed by the housing and is in airflow communication with the first port and the chamber portion. The tubular portion extends into the chamber portion. A baffle is adjacent the second port and extends into the chamber. The baffle and the tubular portion together define a sinuous path portion of an air passageway extending between the first port and the second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Brian Joseph Seskes
  • Patent number: 6739350
    Abstract: Fuel tank comprising a canister containing a composition capable of retaining fuel vapours and which is associated with an overfill prevention device also located inside the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Joël Op De Beeck, Yannick Gerard, Stéphane Leonard, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Paul Wouters, Rufino Perez-Perez
  • Publication number: 20040094133
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for monitoring the operational status of a cyclically operated valve (5, 19), which valve is operated to allow a fluid or gaseous medium to flow from a first conduit (1, 18) to a second conduit (3, 20) due to a pressure difference between said conduits, whereby the valve (5, 19) operated using predetermined duty cycles. The method involves measuring pressure oscillations caused by the valve (5, 19) and generating an output signal, performing a frequency analysis on the signal to determine an amplitude for the signal at an oscillation frequency, comparing the amplitude of the oscillations to an expected amplitude for the oscillation frequency, and generating an error signal is if the difference between the calculated and the expected amplitudes exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Anders Lingenhult, Erik Sandberg
  • Publication number: 20040094132
    Abstract: It is an object to provide an evaporative fuel processing apparatus capable of enhancing a purging efficiency by heating a part of activated charcoal which can be heated more effectively and also restraining an increase in temperature of the activated charcoal to prevent a deterioration in adsorbing performance, and restraining electricity consumption. Heating devices (16a) and (16b) are placed at almost the midpoints of the adsorption material layers (7a) and (7b) respectively in a canister (1) to heat an adsorption material (4) for a predetermined time before start of purging. Accordingly, heating the part hard to purge can prompt the purging, thereby enhancing the purging efficiency and increasing the adsorbing capacity. Furthermore, the heating is stopped during the purging, so that the increase in temperature of the adsorption material (4) can be prevented, thereby preventing a deterioration in adsorbing performance at the time of adsorption of evaporative fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fujimoto, Ryuji Kosugi, Ryuji Kanemoto, Tokio Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6736115
    Abstract: An air induction system for an internal combustion engine comprises an air intake tube and a thermal pump coupled to the air intake tube. The thermal pump comprises a bladder that defines a variable volume gas chamber. Following engine operation, the bladder is inflated to draw air containing hydrocarbon vapors from the air intake tube and prevent their escape into the atmosphere. A preferred mechanism for the thermal pump comprises bimetallic springs that expand and contract in response to changes in temperature to inflate and deflate the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffry Marvin Leffel, Gregory Scott Green
  • Patent number: 6732718
    Abstract: In a double-acting diaphragm pump, a diaphragm is provided to divide a pump body into two pump chambers. An electromagnetic-type reciprocating actuator is provided in a housing hermetically integrated with the pump body. Different from an electric-type pump, the actuator is integrally mounted on the double-acting diaphragm pump and an entire system is hermetically sealed. Therefore, even if the diaphragm is torn, fuel vapor is prevented from leaking outside. Additionally, four check valves are provided to control the discharge of vapor from a canister side to an engine side. These check valves may employ a reed to control vapor flow or a spring and plate to control flow. In addition, since the pump may be a double-acting type, a large discharge volume is obtained and the pump can be made smaller. The pump may also be a non double-acting type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Masao Kano, Yasunori Kobayashi, Hideaki Itakura, Noriyasu Amano
  • Patent number: 6732719
    Abstract: A controller for purging an optimal amount of vaporized fuel in accordance with the operating conditions of an engine. The controller presumes the flow rate of the purged gas to be that when a purge valve is fully opened and uses the presumed value to calculate a target flow rate ratio. The controller than uses the target flow rate ratio and the actual intake pressure to calculate a duty ratio. This achieves a purged gas flow rate which compensates for a deviation that results from a characteristic of the purge valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noritake Mitsutani
  • Patent number: 6729311
    Abstract: An aeration and deaeration device for the fuel tank (1) of an internal combustion engine (6) in which the aeration and deaeration are performed through an adsorption filter, the adsorption filter can be regenerated by backwashing with atmospheric air, the backwashing air is sent to the air intake area of the internal combustion engine, the composition of the backwashing air is determined and taken into account in control of the combustion process taking place inside the engine, should permit backwashing of the adsorption filter which has an influence on the composition of the engine exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Auernhammer, Dirk Bartz, Horst Hauke, Ivano Morgillo, Hagen Zelssmann
  • Publication number: 20040079344
    Abstract: An invention for controlling hydrocarbon emissions diffusing from a throttle body through an air path of an air induction system after engine shut-off. The invention includes a pourous membrane loaded with carbon positioned in fluid communication with the emissions for adsorbing the emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Gimby, Neville J. Bugli
  • Patent number: 6718953
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a marine engine provides first, second, and third reservoirs of a fuel vapor separator and first, second, and third pumps to cause fuel to be drawn from the fuel tank and provided to the combustion chambers of an internal combustion chamber. A flow directing component is provided to inhibit recirculated fuel from mixing directly with fuel within the fuel vapor separator that has not yet been pumped to a fuel rail. The flow directing component receives recirculated fuel and also receives fuel from a second reservoir through an orifice formed through a surface of the flow directing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Torgerud
  • Patent number: 6711894
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a preparation device for fuel, for the purpose of providing a starting fuel which comprises low-boiling fuel constituents. A catalytic converter is accommodated in an exhaust train of the internal combustion engine. After-treatment of the exhaust gases is carried out by a secondary air device, by means of the combustion being carried out with an excess of starting fuel for rich-burn operation during the cold start and the subsequent warm-up phase. The system is provided for spark-ignition mixture-compressing or spark-ignition direct injection internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Ralf Bruenemann, Eberhard Holder, Roland Kemmler, Christoph Koehlen, Martin Matt
  • Publication number: 20040055582
    Abstract: In a fuel vapor processing system, a float valve and a check valve are provided in upper parts of a fuel tank to conduct fuel vapor to a canister via a fuel vapor passage. The check valve includes a low set-pressure valve and high set-pressure valve, and operates in two stages so that the internal pressure of the fuel tank can be favorably controlled by the opening of the low set-pressure valve when the fuel tank is being filled to full so that the sensor associated with the fill nozzle can successfully detect a tank full state, and any excessive rise in the internal pressure of the fuel tank typically caused by a high temperature of the surrounding environment can be avoided by the opening of the high set-pressure valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taiki Yanase, Hisayuki Goma
  • Patent number: 6701902
    Abstract: A canister for a vehicular evaporative emission control system has activated carbon and heating means. The heating means heats the activated carbon particles. The activated carbon particles are characterized by the following properties. Pore volume is 0.28 ml/ml or more. Average pore radius is in a range of 10.5 Angstroms to 12.0 Angstroms. Particle diameter of the activated carbon is in a range of 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm. The activated carbon particles provide high performances on both of adsorption and desorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc., Kuraray Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Koyama, Masao Kano, Noriyasu Amano, Hideaki Itakura, Susumu Abe
  • Patent number: 6701901
    Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: Paul D. Perry, John A. Gurd
  • Publication number: 20040040546
    Abstract: A fuel vapor control system that is adapted for use with internal combustion engines includes a fuel tank, an evaporative emission control device containing activated carbon and including a first orifice that fluidly communicates with the fuel tank via a vent line. A second orifice in the control device is open to the atmosphere. A purge tube is between a filter element and a venturi section of the engine and fluidly communicates with a third orifice in the control device via a vapor line. Fuel vapors are absorbed by the activated carbon when the engine is not running, and the carbon releases the fuel vapors to the engine via the purge tube when the engine is running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Peter D. Shears, Harold Milton Haskew
  • Patent number: 6698475
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle comprises at least one fuel filling opening, at least one fuel delivery pump, at least one operational vent and at least one refueling vent valve. The vent and vent valve are connected to a fuel vapor filter by way of at least one vent conduit. At least one bead removal container is connected on the upstream side of the fuel vapor filter. At least one bead removal container and the refueling vent valve are combined to form a functional unit in the form of a vent unit adapted to fit into an opening through the wall of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Schaefer, Holger Woblick, Horst Hildebrand
  • Patent number: 6695896
    Abstract: An evaporated fuel treatment apparatus is provided for reducing a refilling time, ensuring satisfactory adsorption/desorption performance for an evaporated fuel, and reducing the manufacturing cost through a simplified structure. The evaporated fuel treatment apparatus comprises a casing having formed therein a first chamber in communication with the fuel tank, a second chamber in communication with the first chamber, and a third chamber in communication with the second chamber and the atmosphere. Active carbons are contained in the first chamber and second chamber for adsorbing fuel components in an evaporated fuel introduced from the fuel tank. An adsorbent is contained in the third sub-chamber for adsorbing fuel components in the evaporated fuel introduced from the second chamber. The adsorbent has an air-flow resistance which is set smaller than that of the active carbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Hara, Hiroaki Mihara
  • Patent number: 6695895
    Abstract: A fuel vapor handling apparatus supplies a purging air to a canister by using a purge pump and purges fuel desorbed from the canister into an intake pipe. A controller intermittently operates the purge so that the canister internal temperature recovers from a reduced level caused by the latent heat of vaporization of fuel during an operating period of the purge pump. Therefore, desorption of fuel from the canister during an operating period is facilitated. Since the actual operating time of the purge pump is reduced, the life of a motor that is a power unit of the purge pump becomes longer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Hyodo, Mamoru Yoshioka, Takanobu Kawano, Hideaki Itakura, Masaki Takeyama, Naoya Kato
  • Publication number: 20040031469
    Abstract: An evaporative emission control system for a 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 to desorb the adsorbed butane and/or pentane isomers without being heated. A method for reducing bleed emission to below about 3 mg per day uses the scrubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Sam R. Reddy
  • Patent number: 6689196
    Abstract: A fuel adsorption layer formed in a canister is partitioned into an upper adsorption layer and a lower adsorption layer by a partition plate in which a heater is embedded. The relation between a heating value of the heater and thickness X of the upper and lower adsorption layers is set so that the temperature of a part closest to the heater heating face of the fuel adsorption layer is lower than a fire point of the fuel, and the temperature of a part farthest from the heater heating face is higher than the boiling point of the fuel. With the configuration, by heating the fuel adsorption layer by the heater, the desorption performance of activated carbon is improved, and almost all of the fuel vapors adsorbed can be desorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignees: Nippon Soken Inc., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyasu Amano, Hideaki Itakura, Masaki Takeyama, Naoya Kato, Nobuhiko Koyama
  • Publication number: 20040020476
    Abstract: An evaporative fuel system is provided. The evaporative fuel system includes a fuel tank and a conduit having a first end connected to the fuel tank and a second end. A vent structure is connected to the second end of the conduit. The vent structure includes a housing and an air passageway defined in the housing wherein at least a portion of the air passageway is a sinuous path. A first port is formed in the housing for connecting the air passageway to the conduit. A second port is formed in the housing for connecting the air passageway to atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Brian Joseph Seskes
  • Publication number: 20040007135
    Abstract: A canister for treating evaporated fuel comprises a casing which is provided with a fuel vapor inlet, a purge port and a port communicating with atmosphere and in which an adsorbent is accommodated, an air passage disposed inside the casing so as to communicate with the atmosphere communication port, the air passage having a shape for flowing the sucked air in a zigzag manner in the casing, and a filter element arranged between the air passage and the adsorbent disposed inside the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kouichi Ikuma, Kazuhiro Yamaguchi, Noritomo Endo, Kazuya Matsuura
  • Patent number: 6675779
    Abstract: A tank venting apparatus or a fill-limit and tank ventilation valve is disclosed for use with a fuel tank. The valve has a housing which contains a first valve assembly, second valve assembly, third valve assembly and fourth valve assembly. The first valve assembly primarily communicates with the fuel tank. The fourth valve assembly communicates with a vapor recover canister and a filler neck to the tank. The first valve assembly also communicates with the third valve assembly and the second valve assembly. The second valve assembly generally communicates with the first valve assembly and the third valve assembly. The third valve assembly communicates with the first valve assembly, second valve assembly and fourth valve assembly. The third valve assembly prevents passage of liquid fuel from the tank to the canister. The fourth valve assembly manages flow from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy King, Darrin Hurley
  • Patent number: 6672291
    Abstract: A vapor purge system that permits evaluation of the system with a minimum number of hoses and connections, and without the use of additional components. The system includes a valve having first and second ports in communication with a first chamber and a third port in communication with a second chamber, the first and second chambers being defined by a metering member that divides an internal volume of a housing. A first conduit connects a diagnostic member having first and second operative states with the first chamber, the connection being made through the second port. The first operative state prohibits communication with an exterior of the valve, and the second operative state permits communication with the exterior. The diagnostic member provides the ability to reliably measure flow through the valve. The system can use three (3) hoses including five (5) connections from a vapor supply port connected with the first port to the third port operatively connected with a manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Balsdon, Alfred Schneider
  • Patent number: 6634342
    Abstract: Fuel system for a vehicle with a heat enigine, comprising a hollow body made of plastic, designed to contain or to transport fuel, and means of covering this hollow body by means of a rigid jacket surrounding the hollow body. The covering means form, with the surface of the hollow body, a confined space fitted with a device for flushing by means of air. The air which entrains any emitted vapours is purified before being discharged into the atmosphere or is mixed with the air blown out by the engine. The invention is applicable to a double jacket for a fuel tank made of plastic or to a fuel pipe fitted with a concentric channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Paul Wouters, Stéphane Leonard, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Joël Op De Beeck, François Dougnier, Yannick Gerard
  • Publication number: 20030192512
    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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Luley, Christian Thomas Goralski, Philip J. Johnson, Andrew George Bellis, Gregory Scott Horne
  • Publication number: 20030150432
    Abstract: A canister purge valve, and an emission control system, for regulating a fuel vapor flow between a fuel vapor collection canister and an intake manifold of an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The canister purge valve includes a body having a passage extending between a first port and a second port, a seat defining a portion of the passage, a member movable with respect to the seat, and an actuator that moves the member. The first port of the body is adapted to be in fluid communication with the fuel vapor collection canister, and the second port of the body is adapted to be in fluid communication with the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. The member moves generally along an axis between a first configuration that prohibits fuel vapor flow through the seat and a second configuration that permits fuel vapor flow through the seat. And the actuator includes a piezo-electric element that moves the member from the first configuration to the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Everingham
  • Publication number: 20030145731
    Abstract: A storage apparatus has a container having an inlet, an outlet and a regeneration air opening. Active carbon is provided as the storage medium in the container. Furthermore, a monolith is disposed in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Ennio De Biasio
  • Patent number: 6599350
    Abstract: A filtration device for use in filtering air used to purge a vapor storage canister used in connection with a fuel vapor recovery system of an automobile. The device includes a housing. In some instances, the housing may be integral to another component. The housing has a chamber having an arcuate inner surface. Air flowing into the chamber through an inlet port strikes the arcuate interior surface and is redirected such that the air rotates in said chamber. The centrifugal force of the rotating air filters out any contaminants of sufficient mass contained therein. The filtered air is removed via an outlet port positioned near the longitudinal-axis of the chamber. Contaminants removed from the air fall due to gravity or a secondary air flow pattern into a collection portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hi-Stat Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James Rockwell, Mason B. Mount
  • Patent number: 6589319
    Abstract: A canister having a liquefied fuel treating function capable of flexibly coping with layout restrictions without the need to bend the purging path in the middle. The canister having the liquefied fuel treating function includes a liquid storing case having an introducing path communicating with a fuel tank, and a purging path communicating with air inlet pipes of an engine; and a sucking path, provided in the liquid storing case, and sucking the liquefied fuel stored in the liquid storing case; which sucks up the liquefied fuel onto the purging path side by use of the flow of a fluid through the purging path; wherein the sucking direction of the liquefied fuel within the sucking path is caused to substantially agree with the flow direction of the fluid in the purging path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Toyo Roki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouichi Ikuma, Takashi Sakagami, Takenori Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20030116021
    Abstract: An HC adsorbing sheet inside an air cleaner is disposed such that a large amount of activated carbon is contained on the side of an engine and that a small amount of activated carbon is contained on the other side of the engine. Thus, the HC adsorbing sheet can efficiently adsorb evaporative fuel. That is, by changing the amount of activated carbon contained in accordance with differences in concentration of evaporative fuel, it becomes possible to prevent the pressure loss in an intake system from increasing. On the other hand, one end of a second intake pipe extends to a region where the amount of activated carbon contained in the HC adsorbing sheet is large, whereby it becomes possible to concentratively supply activated carbon with intake air in the region where the large amount of activated carbon is contained. Therefore, the efficiency in purging evaporative fuel can be prevented from declining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: TOYODA BOSHOKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouichi Oda, Takanobu Kawano, Masaki Takeyama, Naoya Kato
  • Patent number: 6581580
    Abstract: A vapor evacuation system that is used to intermittently remove hydrocarbon vapors from vehicle components to an available vapor storage canister using an electrically controlled small flow rate vapor-handling pump. The vapor-handling pump is intermittently turned on and off as a function of ambient temperature or inlet manifold temperature and as a function of time since last engine-on operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Karl Trumpy, Philip J Johnson