US 5,287,841 A · Flow divider and utilization system

Abstract

A flow divider (20) is located between a first fuel return line (18), leading from an engine to the flow divider (20), a second fuel return line (22) leading from a first flow divider outlet (46) to a first tank (A), and a third fuel return conduit (24) leading from a second flow divider outlet (48) to a second tank (B). Returned fuel enters the flow divider inlet (34) and flows into an inlet chamber (54). The fuel flows from the inlet chamber (54) through first and second orifices (50, 52). The first orifice (50) is in flow alignment with a first outlet (42). The second orifice (52) is in flow alignment with a second outlet (44). A first closure member (86) is located in a first outlet opening (104) and a second closure member (88) is located in a second outlet opening (106). The closure members (86, 88) are connected to a common member (90). A spring (82) normally biases the closure members (86, 88) towards the orifices (50, 52). Fuel pressure in the inlet chamber (54) exerts forces on the closure members (86, 88), moving them away from the orifices (50, 52) against the force of the spring (82). The closure members (86, 88) will move substantially equal amounts even if forces acting on the closure members (86, 88) are unequal. This is because the two closure members (86, 88) are connected to a common member (90).

Claims23

Dependent claims

A flow divider, comprising:

a housing;
an inlet chamber in said housing;
an inlet into said inlet chamber;
spaced apart first and second orifices leading out from said inlet chamber;
a first outlet in communication with the first orifice;
a second outlet in communication with the second orifice;
a first closure member in the first outlet adjacent the first orifice and a second closure member in the second outlet adjacent the second orifice;
a rigid connection between both closure members;
and
a spring operatively connected to the rigid connection, for rotating the rigid connection in a direction biasing the first closure member towards the first orifice and the second closure member towards the second orifice,
wherein liquid pressure within the inlet chamber acting on the closure members will swing the closure members in unison away from the orifices, against the spring, to provide equal flow restrictions to control liquid flow through the orifices from the inlet chamber to the first and second outlets.

8 more elements

A fuel system for a vehicle, comprising:

a first fuel storage tank;
a second fuel storage tank;
an engine having a pump;
a combiner including first and second inlets;
a first delivery conduit extending from the first tank to the first inlet;
a second delivery conduit extending from the second tank to the second inlet;
a third delivery conduit extending from the outlet of the combiner to the pump;
a flow divider including an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet;
a first return conduit extending from the engine to the inlet of the flow divider;
a second return conduit extending from the first outlet of the flow divider to the first tank;
a third return conduit extending from the second outlet of the flow divider to the second tank;
said flow divider including an inlet portion and an outlet portion separated by a divider wall;
said inlet portion including said inlet and an inlet chamber which is bounded by the divider wall, said divider wall including a first orifice aligned with the first outlet and a second orifice aligned with the second outlet;
a first closure member in the first outlet, and a second closure member in the second outlet;
a pivot member to which both closure members are rigidly connected;
a spring operatively connected to the pivot member, for rotating the pivot member in a direction biasing the first closure member towards the first orifice and the second closure member towards the second orifice, and
wherein fuel pressure within the inlet chamber acts on the closure members and swings them away from the orifices, to allow fuel to flow through the orifices from the inlet chamber to the first and second outlets, and then through the second and third return conduits back to the first and second tanks, respectively.

14 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Flow divider and utilization system

Life of this patent

Flow divider and utilization system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23