Measuring and testing – With fluid pressure – Leakage
Patent
1995-11-13
1997-07-01
Williams, Hezron E.
Measuring and testing
With fluid pressure
Leakage
73 497, G01M 332
Patent
active
056440723
ABSTRACT:
A portable emissions test apparatus for testing for vapor emitting leaks in a fuel holding system in a vehicle includes a pressurizing system and a pressure-monitoring system. The pressurizing system includes a first pressure regulator configured for connection to a source of pressurized gas for regulating a maximum first pressure in the apparatus downstream of the first pressure regulator, and a first surge protector connected to the first pressure regulator for controlling first surges from the first pressure regulator. The pressurizing system further includes an adjustable second pressure regulator operably connected to the first surge protector for adjustably regulating a second pressure of pressurized gas for operating the apparatus, the second pressure regulator including an adjustment knob positioned in a readily accessible position on the apparatus so that the pressure downstream of the second pressure regulator can be adjusted for changes in ambient atmospheric pressure. A line operably connects the second pressure regulator to the fuel holding system. The pressure-monitoring system includes a pressure sensor connected to the line for measuring the pressure of the atmosphere in the fuel holding system, a timer for indicating passage of a predetermined amount of time, and a switch for actuating the timer when the second pressure is reached in the atmosphere in the fuel holding system. The pressure-monitoring system also includes an indicator operably connected to the pressure sensor, the timer and the switch, the indicator being configured to indicate that a change in the pressure of the atmosphere over the predetermined time is acceptable or unacceptable.
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Exhibit A discloses an "all manual" fuel tank assembly leak tester made by or for K-Line Industries, the assignee of the present application, which has been used by Ford Motor Company for more than one year to pressure test fuel tank assemblies for fuel leaks. The leak tester includs two styles of special filler caps configured to interface a fuel tank filler neck and sealingly cover same, a pressure regulator, a pressure gage, hoses and connectors for connecting the hoses, and aluminum plugs to seal off all fuel vapor hoses and fuel lines to the fuel tank assembly.
Exhibit B discloses a photograph of the fuel tank assembly leak tester disclosed in Exhibit A.
Exhibit C discloses another "all manual" fuel tank assembly leak tester made by or for K-Line Industries, the assignee of the present application which tester was manufactured for Volkswagen Company over one year ago to pressure test fuel tank assemblies for fuel leaks. The lead components are listed on the disclosure.
Exhibit D discloses a photograph of the fuel tank assembly leak tester disclosed in Exhibit C.
Exhibit E is a publication entitled "OBD-II Evaporative System Monitor", published by B. Schwager of Ford Motor Company, dated Sep. 29, 1993, which discloses a method of testing a fuel tank including pressurizing the fuel tank system to 10 inches water with nitrogen, which is a non-combustible gas.
Chirco Peter R.
McKeon R. Clayton
K-Line Industries, Inc.
Larkin Daniel S.
Williams Hezron E.
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