Pumps – Combined
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-20
2001-01-30
Freay, Charles G. (Department: 3746)
Pumps
Combined
C123S557000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179577
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to electric fuel pumps, and more particularly, to an electric fuel pump and fuel filter assembly having a heater located at an inlet to the pump to heat fuel drawn through the filter into the pump if the fuel temperature is less than a predetermined value.
In automotive and marine applications, a vehicle or boat is exposed to a wide range of temperature conditions. An engine used to power the vehicle or boat is supplied fuel from a tank or reservoir which typically is not insulated so fuel residing in the tank is at close to ambient temperature. If the temperature is warm or hot, this can create certain problems, for example, vapor lock. The invention set forth in this application is directed to solving fuel delivery problems when the temperature is cool or cold.
Fuel delivery systems typically employ an electric fuel pump for drawing fuel from the tank or reservoir and delivering it, under pressure, to the engine. A fuel filter is often interposed in a fuel intake path to the pump to remove unwanted materials (dirt, dust, and debris) from the fuel. One type of fuel filter made by the Parker Hannifin Company is designed so that when a filter is installed, the inlet to the fuel filter is unblocked so fuel is drawn through the filter into the pump. If the filter is removed, the fuel inlet is blocked so no fuel can be drawn into the pump. The present invention is usable with this type of filter to provide a means of heating the fuel, when the filter is in place, so the fuel pumped to the engine is at a desired temperature.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of a fuel pump and fuel pump/fuel filter assembly used on vehicles and boats to provide fuel to an engine;
the provision of such pump or assembly to include a heater at an inlet to the pump for heating fuel drawn into the pump to a desired temperature;
the provision of such a pump or assembly in which a valve member for opening and closing the inlet is operable by insertion or removal of the filter to open or close the inlet, and a heater is provided with the valve member for heating the fuel;
the provision of such a pump or assembly in which the heater is carried by the valve member and positioned adjacent at the inlet to heat fuel as it flows into the inlet;
the provision of such a pump or assembly having more than one fuel inlet, each opened and closed by the same valve member, and a separate heater is provided for each inlet;
the provision of such a pump or assembly to include a temperature sensor sensing fuel temperature to operate the heater only if the fuel temperature is below a particular temperature;
the provision of such a pump or assembly to further include a water sensor located adjacent the fuel inlet to determine if fuel flowing into the pump is contaminated with water;
the provision of such a pump or assembly in which all the wiring for the various components are commonly routed through a fuel pump housing to simplify installation and removal of the assembly;
the provision of such a pump or assembly in which the fuel heater is insulated;
the provision of such a pump or assembly which is available in different sizes for use in a wide variety of vehicles and boats; and,
the provision of such a pump or assembly which is relatively low cost, easy to manufacture, and is readily installed in a fuel tank or reservoir.
In accordance with the invention, generally stated, an assembly for pumping fuel from a fuel source to an engine combusting the fuel comprises a housing, and a fuel pump mounted in the housing. One end of the housing defines a fuel inlet for the pump. A fuel filter is mounted externally of the housing and fuel drawn into the fuel pump flows through the filter. A valve member is fitted onto the end of the housing adjacent the fuel inlet for opening and closing the fuel inlet. The valve member is movable by the fuel filter during its installation to move the valve member to a position at which the fuel inlet is open. Removal of the filter causes the valve member to be moved to a position blocking the fuel inlet. A heater is carried on the valve member and is installed adjacent the fuel inlet. The heater heats fuel flowing into the fuel inlet, when the inlet is open, to a predetermined temperature as the fuel is drawn into the fuel pump. A thermal switch mounted on the valve member is electronically connected to the heater to activate the sensor when the fuel temperature is less than the predetermined temperature. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4424422 (1984-01-01), Bell et al.
patent: 4571481 (1986-02-01), Leary
patent: 4997555 (1991-03-01), Church et al.
patent: 5159915 (1992-11-01), Saito et al.
patent: 5231967 (1993-08-01), Baltz et al.
patent: 5378358 (1995-01-01), Park
patent: 5622623 (1997-04-01), Stone
patent: 5670042 (1997-09-01), Clausen et al.
patent: 5770065 (1998-06-01), Popoff et al.
patent: 5807481 (1998-09-01), Hodgkins et al.
patent: 5858227 (1999-01-01), Stone et al.
Freay Charles G.
Polster Lieder Woodruff & Lucchesi L.C.
UIS, Inc.
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