Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Fuel flow regulation between the pump and the charge-forming...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-17
2001-07-10
Miller, Carl S. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Fuel flow regulation between the pump and the charge-forming...
C123S456000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257208
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention relates to a system for supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine, and, more specifically, addresses the problem of controlling the temperature of the fuel at the vapor separator in such a system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art is replete with systems employing components for controlling the fuel temperature in a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine. Examples of such systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,239, to Kelch and U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,851 to Bourbonnaud et al. However, there remains a need for alternative methods of controlling the temperature of the supply of fuel to wide variety of internal combustion engines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
The subject invention controls fuel temperature while supplying fuel from a fuel tank to an array of fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine by pumping the fuel with a high pressure pump, flowing the fuel through a fuel line from the fuel tank to the high pressure pump, and flowing the fuel through a vapor separator in the fuel line between the tank and the high pressure pump. The method is characterized by recirculating fuel from the vapor separator to the fuel line for leveling fuel temperatures.
The invention is practiced in a fuel supply system comprising; a fuel tank, a high pressure pump for supplying fuel to a fuel injection array, a fuel line for fuel flow from the tank to the high pressure pump, and a vapor separator in the fuel in between the tank and the high pressure pump. The system is characterized by a recirculation line for recirculating fuel from the vapor separator to the fuel line for leveling fuel temperatures.
Accordingly, the subject invention provides a system wherein the temperature of the fuel is controlled, yet with very little additional cost.
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Federal-Mogul World Wide Inc.
Howard & Howard
Miller Carl S.
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