In some embodiments, a solenoid-actuated pump includes a first pumping chamber and a second pumping chamber, where the first pumping chamber delivers fluid from the pump to portions of a vehicle to facilitate the operation of the vehicle. The second (or "parasitic") pumping chamber implements a forced convection cooling method, which utilizes parasitic pumping loss to produce a flow within and/or around the solenoid coil to cool the coil and/or maintain the temperature of the coil during operation. In this manner, the second pumping chamber produces a flow that reduces thermally-related increases in electrical resistance of the solenoid coil of the solenoid-actuated pump.
F04B 9/109 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being liquid having plural pumping chambers
F04B 17/04 - Pumps characterised by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors driven by electric motors using solenoids
F02M 37/10 - Feeding by means of driven pumps electrically driven submerged in fuel, e.g. in reservoir
2.
ELECTROMAGNETIC SOLENOIDS HAVING CONTROLLED RELUCTANCE
An apparatus includes a housing, a solenoid coil disposed within the housing, a pole member, and an armature configured to move from a first position to a second position when the solenoid coil is energized. A contact surface of the armature is spaced apart from a contact surface of the pole member by a first distance when the armature is in the first position, and a second distance when the armature is in the second position. The housing, the pole member and the armature collectively define a flux path characterized by a first reluctance when the armature is in the first position and a second reluctance when the armature is in the second position. The difference between the first reluctance and the second reluctance is less than about thirty percent of the value of the first reluctance.
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a solenoid and a solenoid controller. The solenoid is configured to move an actuator a distance between a first position and a second position when a voltage is supplied to the solenoid. The solenoid controller is implemented in at least one of a memory or a processor, and includes a feedback module and an output module. The feedback module is configured to receive a feedback signal associated with a solenoid current after the voltage is removed from the solenoid. The feedback module is further configured to determine whether the distance is less than a maximum distance between the first position and the second position (i.e., a "stroke"). The output module configured to produce an output signal when the feedback module determines that the distance is less than the maximum distance.
G01D 5/20 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature
G05D 3/14 - Control of position or direction using feedback using an analogue comparing device
H01F 7/18 - Circuit arrangements for obtaining desired operating characteristics, e.g. for slow operation, for sequential energisation of windings, for high-speed energisation of windings
4.
FUEL PUMP MODULE HAVING A DIRECT MOUNTED JET PUMP AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLY
An apparatus includes a housing configured to receive a portion of a fuel pump. The housing defines a first flow path, a second flow path and a third flow path. The first flow path is in fluid communication with a fuel outlet portion of the fuel pump. The second flow path is in fluid communication with the first flow path. The third flow path is in fluid communication with the second flow path. A side wall of the housing defines a venturi within the second flow path at a location downstream from an intersection of the third flow path and the second flow path. A flow control member is disposed within the second flow path at a location upstream from the intersection of the third flow path and the second flow path. The flow control member is configured to regulate the fuel flow within the second flow path.
F02M 37/00 - Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatusArrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
5.
IN-TANK FUEL DELIVERY MODULE HAVING AN ACCESSIBLE FUEL FILTER
A fuel delivery module includes a fuel filter housing and a cover. The fuel filter housing defines a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a fuel filter. A first end portion of the fuel filter housing includes a flange configured to be disposed outside of and coupled to a fuel tank. A second end portion of the fuel filter housing is configured to be disposed within the fuel tank and includes an inlet connector configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a fuel pump. The cover is configured to be removably coupled to the first end portion of the fuel filter housing. The cover defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The first lumen is configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a fuel outlet line. The second lumen is configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a regulator.
An apparatus includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a mounting surface configured to support a mounting portion of a pressure regulator. The first portion defines a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the pressure regulator, and an opening configured to provide fluid communication between the cavity and an area outside of the first portion. The second portion includes a mounting surface configured to support the mounting portion of the pressure regulator. The second portion defines a cavity and an opening configured to provide fluid communication between the cavity of the second portion and an area outside of the second portion. The second portion is configured to be coupled to the first portion to form a fluid-tight seal.
A fluid transfer assembly includes a housing within which at least a portion of a pump element can be disposed. The housing includes a first surface and a second surface and defines a cavity therethrough. The housing is configured to be coupled to a reservoir such that the first surface is disposed within an interior volume of the reservoir and the second surface is disposed outside the interior volume of the reservoir. The housing includes a seal portion configured to fluidically isolate the first surface from the second surface. The cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the pump element such that movement of the pump element produces a fluid flow from an inlet opening defined by the first surface and an outlet opening defined by the second surface.
B67D 7/04 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants