US 2006/0037587 A1 · FUEL RETURN SYSTEMS

Abstract

A fuel return system for returning fuel from a fuel pump to first and second fuel tanks in an automotive vehicle includes an open T fitting having branches connected through couplings to the first and second fuel tanks. The couplings each have a low return, fuel flow orifice which is continually open and a high return, fuel flow orifice which is normally closed by a valve. The low pass through orifices prevent one tank from receiving extra fuel during idle and allow the first and second fuel tanks to siphon to the same fuel level when the vehicle is parked. The high flow through orifices open to prevent return fuel back pressure to the engine and have a cracking pressure responsive to the engine running at a level higher than idle.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A fuel return system for returning fuel to at least first and second fuel tanks connected by a fuel draw line to a fuel pump, the return fuel system comprising;

a fuel return line having an inlet end connected to the fuel pump and an outlet end;
an open split connection connected to the outlet end of the fuel return line;
first and second return line branches connected at upstream ends thereof to the open split connection and at downstream ends thereof to the first and second fuel tanks, respectively;
high return fuel flow and low return fuel flow orifices disposed upstream of the downstream end of each return line branch, and
a pressure responsive valve normally closing the high return fuel flow orifices while the low return fuel flow orifices are open, until return fuel pressure in the fuel return line exceeds a valve cracking pressure level.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fuel return systems

Life of this patent

Fuel return systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17