Fluid flow control mechansim

Details Fluid flow control mechansim Fluid flow control mechansim

2003-06-17

2004-09-14

Lee, Kevin (Department: 3753)

Fluid handling

Line condition change responsive valves

Direct response valves

C137S265000, C137S527000, C137S899000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06789568

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fuel systems for work vehicles. More particularly it relates to crossover fuel transfer assemblies for work vehicles having multiple fuel tanks. More particularly it relates to tractors having two tanks connected by a fuel crossover pipe.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Work vehicles, whether for agricultural or construction use, are often operated on very irregular ground. Typical work locations are much removed geographically from service providers, therefore robustness and simplicity of design are appreciated in order to limit service instances. Operators generally remain on the vehicle for hours at a time, with complex control systems at their command.
These vehicles sometimes travel long distances, requiring multiple fuel tanks to enable long operational periods. The fuel tanks are generally located on the left and right sides of the vehicle, with a fuel crossover pipe located between them. The fuel is transferred from the tanks to the engine in a centralized location, usually between the left and right tanks. When the vehicle is operating in a level (horizontal) position, this poses no problem. However, in many cases, work vehicles used for agricultural or construction operate in widely varying terrain conditions, uphill and downhill, and along the side of hills. This operation frequently results in fuel flowing naturally away from the intake pipe to the lower tank. When the fuel level falls below the fuel intake pipe, the vehicle ceases to function. This can occur even when there is substantial fuel in the tanks.
Inventors have sought to remedy this false out-of-fuel situation using different methods. Some have added a fuel intake pipe for each tank, which represents substantial extra piping. Manual switches that switch between the first and second tanks are common on trucks and delivery vans. However these methods do not provide an automatic means of keeping fuel near the fuel intake pipe, using very few extra components.
What is needed therefore is a system that compensates for the normal flowage of fuel away from the fuel intake point, keeping fuel continually available for consumption by the work vehicle engine, regardless of the pitch of the vehicle on a slope. What is also needed is a simple control mechanism with the least amount of parts. What is also needed is an automatic control mechanism that does not require manual intervention. It is an object of this invention to provide one or more of these benefits in one or more of the embodiments described below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, a crossover fuel assembly for a work vehicle is provided. The first embodiment uses a check valve assembly, a flexible polymeric or elastomeric tube, and a suction pipe assembly. In a second and third embodiment, the crossover fuel assembly is located between two fuel tanks. A fuel intake pipe may connect the suction pipe assembly to the fuel pump, creating a fluid connection between the fuel system and the engine. The check valve assembly may use a simple flapper valve located between the two fuel tanks to catch the fuel and prevent it from flowing to the tank farthest from the fuel intake pipe. In one embodiment, plastic tanks may be laterally disposed on the left and right side of the vehicle and generally disposed fore-and-aft between the front and rear wheels. Connections between the check valve assembly, the suction pipe assembly and the tanks may be made with flexible polymeric or elastomeric couplings with an opening at each end. Hose clamps may be used to clamp the flexible couplings to the assemblies and tanks.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3254697 (1966-06-01), Parks
patent: 4288086 (1981-09-01), Oban et al.
patent: 4664144 (1987-05-01), Lemmon
patent: 2003/0116192 (2003-06-01), Svendsen et al.
patent: 406001153 (1994-01-01), None

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