Fuel vapor recovery system for automotive vehicles
US4598686A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02M2025/0881
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device for the recovery of fuel vapors originating in the fuel system of a vehicle, particularly at the gas tank thereof or in the carburetor float bowl. In one arrangement, a fuel vapor line connects the fuel tank to an input port of a fuel vapor storage and recovery canister containing activated carbon or charcoal, with another port thereof, referred to as a "purge" port, being connected with either the engine intake manifold or else a vacuum port of the carburetor. Carried by the canister is a self-regulating electric heater assemblage adapted to heat air flowing into the canister through a large air port, thereby to also heat the charcoal. When the vehicle is idle, fumes from the gasoline tank can enter the input port of the canister to be adsorbed and stored by the charcoal. When the vehicle is operated, vacuum from the intake manifold draws air into the canister, causing the heated charcoal to release its stored fuel which is then burned in the engine. The heating action hastens the release of the stored fuel from the charcoal. Otherwise at low temperatures this release would occur very slowly. The end result is less pollution emitted into the atmosphere from the vehicle's …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.