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A filter, for use in removing residual fuel vapors from within an engine's intake system, includes a filter element having a plurality of fibers, for placement in communication with an intake air flow passage. Each of the fibers has an internal cavity formed therein, and a longitudinally extending s

A filter, for use in removing residual fuel vapors from within an engine's intake system, includes a filter element having a plurality of fibers, for placement in communication with an intake air flow passage. Each of the fibers has an internal cavity formed therein, and a longitudinally extending slot formed therein extending from the internal cavity to the outer fiber surface. The filter also includes a hydrocarbon-absorbing material disposed within the internal cavities of the fibers. The hydrocarbon-absorbing material may be a solid material such as, e.g., carbon, or may be a liquid such as a relatively non-volatile organic solvent. Alternatively, the material may be a combined solid and liquid. In one embodiment, each of the elongated fibers includes a central stem and a plurality of lobes extending outwardly from the central stem, with a longitudinally extending slot defined between adjacent lobes. Specific useful filter configurations are detailed.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An air intake for an internal combustion engine comprising:an intake air flow passage; a filter element disposed within said air flow passage to remove fuel vapors from said passage, said filter element comprising a plurality of fibers; each of the fibers having an outer surface; each of the fibe

1. An air intake for an internal combustion engine comprising:an intake air flow passage; a filter element disposed within said air flow passage to remove fuel vapors from said passage, said filter element comprising a plurality of fibers; each of the fibers having an outer surface; each of the fibers further having a longitudinally extending internal cavity formed therein, and having a longitudinally extending slot formed therein extending from the internal cavity to the outer fiber surface; and a hydrocarbon-absorbing material disposed within the internal cavities of the fibers, wherein said filter element is configured so as to be in a blocking relation across said air flow passage when said engine is not in operation such that any fuel vapor in said air flow passage must contact said filter element, and to provide a pressure drop of less than 5 inches of mercury at a flow rate of 5000 ft3 per minute when said engine is in operation and drawing air through said air flow passage.