Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Having fuel vapor recovery and storage system
Patent
1996-07-01
1999-03-02
Miller, Carl S.
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Having fuel vapor recovery and storage system
7386102, 123516, F02M 3704
Patent
active
058757651
ABSTRACT:
A canister contains two cartridges of activated carbon for storing fuel in gasoline powered motor vehicles. A first cartridge operates to adsorb gasoline vapor produced in the fuel tank while the vehicle is not operating. The second cartridge operates to adsorb gasoline vapor from the fuel tank. Vacuum from the intake manifold or a vacuum pump draws fuel saturated air from the fuel tank and through the second cartridge thereby charging it with adsorbed fuel. Charging is terminated when fuel passes through the second cartridge without being adsorbed. Much or most of the fuel adsorbed is the lightest and most volatile fraction of the gasoline which is usually butane. Fuel vapor from both cartridges is combined with air to fuel the vehicle on initial startup thereby providing vaporized fuel to the vehicle engine and purging both cartridges of fuel. An air-fuel ratio sensor and a fuel vapor sensor are jointly achieved by comparing the transit time of sound in two chambers, one containing air and the other containing a mixture of air and fuel. The air-fuel ratio sensor measures the ratio of air to fuel provided to the engine during initial startup. The fuel vapor sensor senses the onset of vapor passage during charging of the second cartridge. The ratio of air to fuel provided to the engine during initial startup may also be ascertained by providing a mass flow sensor in the outlet of the fuel vapor source. During initial startup a valve controls flow of vapor from the canister to maintain a desired air-fuel ratio.
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Ethington Paul J.
Miller Carl S.
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