公开(公告)号：US06608484B2

公开(公告)日：2003-08-19

申请号：US09963107

申请日：2001-09-24

Applicant: Rodger P. Grantham ,  Glen K. Walker

Inventor： Rodger P. Grantham ,  Glen K. Walker

IPC: G01N2762

CPC classification number: B67D7/0476 ,  B67D7/3227

Abstract: A diagnostic fuel storage system is provided and includes a pressure sensor configured to monitor pressure at one or more diagnostic points within the system. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a diagnostic fuel storage system is provided comprising at least one storage tank, a filter system, at least one pump, and at least one pressure sensor. The storage tank includes a fuel vapor vent port. The filter system comprises a filter input port coupled to the fuel vapor vent port. The pump is positioned to cause fuel vapor to pass through the filter input port. The storage tank, the filter system, and the pump are arranged such that the storage tank and selected fuel vapor ducts in communication with the storage tank operate below atmospheric pressure. The pressure sensor is configured to monitor pressure at one or more diagnostic points within the storage tank, the selected fuel vapor ducts, and combinations thereof. In this manner, the pressure sensor is operative to provide an indication of operation above atmospheric pressure. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a diagnostic fuel storage system is provided comprising a plurality of fuel storage systems, a central data processor, and a communications link coupling the central data processor to each of the fuel storage systems. The central data processor is configured to process pressure data sensed by the pressure sensors.

Abstract translation: 提供诊断燃料存储系统，并且包括被配置为监测系统内的一个或多个诊断点处的压力的压力传感器。 根据本发明的一个实施例，提供一种诊断燃料存储系统，其包括至少一个储罐，过滤系统，至少一个泵和至少一个压力传感器。 储罐包括燃料蒸气排放口。 过滤系统包括连接到燃料蒸气排出口的过滤器输入端口。 泵被定位成使燃料蒸汽通过过滤器输入端口。 存储罐，过滤器系统和泵被布置成使得与储存罐连通的储罐和选择的燃料蒸气管道的运行低于大气压力。 压力传感器被配置为监测储存罐，所选择的燃料蒸气管道及其组合中的一个或多个诊断点处的压力。 以这种方式，压力传感器可操作以提供高于大气压的操作的指示。 根据本发明的另一个实施例，提供了一种诊断燃料存储系统，其包括多个燃料储存系统，中央数据处理器和将中央数据处理器连接到每个燃料存储系统的通信链路。 中央数据处理器被配置为处理由压力传感器感测的压力数据。