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US 7,992,548 B2Granted
Crankcase vapor management system
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsJohn R. Bucknell, Michael Chapie, John S. Jackson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An engine assembly includes a vapor canister in selective fluid communication with a crankcase to store alcohol vapor when the temperature inside the crankcase causes alcohol accumulated in the crankcase to boil. The vapor canister is in selective fluid communication with an air induction system to recirculate the alcohol vapor through the engine in a metered fashion.
Claims9
A vehicle comprising:
- a canister;
- a vapor adsorbent material inside the canister;
- an engine having a crankcase;
- a first conduit providing selective fluid communication between the crankcase and the vapor adsorbent material;
- and
- a first valve that is configured to prevent fluid communication through the first conduit when the first valve is closed, and to permit fluid communication through the first conduit when the first valve is open;
- wherein the vehicle is configured such that the first valve automatically opens in response to the presence of at least one predetermined condition indicative of alcohol boiling in the crankcase.
4 more elements
An engine assembly comprising:
- an engine block defining a plurality of cylinders;
- a crankcase mounted with respect to the engine block;
- an air intake manifold in selective fluid communication with the plurality of cylinders;
- a canister;
- a vapor adsorbent material inside the canister;
- a first conduit providing selective fluid communication between the crankcase and the vapor adsorbent material;
- a second conduit providing selective fluid communication between the vapor adsorbent material and the air intake manifold;
- and
- a first valve that is configured to prevent fluid communication through the first conduit when the first valve is closed, and to permit fluid communication through the first conduit when the first valve is open;
- wherein the engine assembly is configured such that the first valve automatically opens in response to the presence of at least one predetermined condition indicative of alcohol boiling in the crankcase.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.