초록 ▼

A system and method for controlling a vapor recovery system. The system uses a vapor sensor canister containing activated charcoal and two temperature probes. The sensor provides a differential temperature measurement that can be monitored and processed to determine hydrocarbon content in the vapor

A system and method for controlling a vapor recovery system. The system uses a vapor sensor canister containing activated charcoal and two temperature probes. The sensor provides a differential temperature measurement that can be monitored and processed to determine hydrocarbon content in the vapor recovery system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A vapor recovery system coupled to an internal combustion engine, said system comprising:a relatively large, vapor storage canister capable of significant hydrocarbon storage, with said vapor storage canister having a first opening communicating with atmosphere and a second opening;

[ I claim:] [1.] A vapor recovery system coupled to an internal combustion engine, said system comprising:a relatively large, vapor storage canister capable of significant hydrocarbon storage, with said vapor storage canister having a first opening communicating with atmosphere and a second opening;a fuel tank in communication with said second opening of said vapor storage canister;a relatively small, vapor sensor canister capable of minimal hydrocarbon storage, with said vapor sensor canister having a housing having a first opening communicating with said second opening of said vapor storage canister and said fuel tank and a second opening communicating with the engine;a differential temperature sensor coupled to said vapor sensor canister for measuring a temperature difference between said first opening and said second opening of said vapor sensor canister;a controller for estimating when fuel vapors passing through said vapor sensor canister from said fuel tank and said vapor storage canister have a hydrocarbon content below a predetermined threshold based on said differential temperature sensor.