Automotive fuel cell siphon/refill tool

Abstract

A fuel siphon and refill tool for an automotive fuel cell, containing a DC electric fuel pump, AC/DC power inverter and several attachments. A plastic container housing a fuel pump, power inverter and push-button switch draws fuel from a vehicle fuel cell via the engine fuel rail, or fuel filter connection. The pump then pushes the fuel to an approved container through an open outlet hose. A plurality of sources including an AC extension cord, a cigar lighter receptacle, or a vehicle DC battery powers the pump. The tool may also be used to return fuel to the vehicle by siphoning the fuel from the said approved fuel container, and pushing the fuel into the vehicle fuel cell filler neck.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Does Not Apply

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

[0003] Does Not Apply

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is applied to an automotive fuel cell, specifically one with a fuel filler neck restriction, disallowing a siphon hose to be inserted.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Late model automotive fuel cells have a safety feature commonly known as a `roll-over ball` located in the fuel filler neck. This is designed to prevent fuel from escaping the cell in the event of a crash that involves the vehicle leaving it's upright position. In doing so, this safety feature prevents fuel removal devices, such as a siphon hose from being inserted into the filler neck far enough to retrieve fuel.

[0006] In the event of a failed fuel pump, which is located inside the fuel cell on almost all late model vehicles, an auto technician must remove the vehicle's fuel cell to access the fuel pump. It is very difficult and unsafe to remove a fuel cell that is full of fuel.

[0007] In the event of a contaminated tank of fuel, the tainted fuel must be removed to prevent damage to the engine.

[0008] The inventor of the present invention has recognized a need for a fuel removal method for the above-mentioned situations.

[0009] The operating model for the present invention was built on Sep. 27, 2003. It practices frequent, successful use in a GM dealership service department.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] OBJECTIVE: Create the ability to drain and refill a vehicle fuel tank.

[0011] PURPOSE: A tool to remove fuel from the vehicle fuel tank for service to the fuel pump or sending unit, or removal of contaminated fuel.

[0012] CLIENTELE: All dealership service departments, service stations, and do-it-yourselfers that need to remove fuel from a vehicle fuel tank.

[0013] DISCRIPTION: A handheld case containing a fuel pump, AC and 2 DC electrical hook-ups, outlet hose, inlet hose with quick connect fitting and 3 inlet hose attachments.

[0014] OPERATION: Connect the applicable fuel removal attachment to the quick connect fitting of the inlet hose of the tool. Fuel may be removed via the fuel filter (2 attachments) or the Schrader Valve located on the fuel rail of all port fuel injected vehicles. Insert the fuel outlet hose into an approved fuel container or fuel tanker. Electrical input may come from an AC source via an extension cord to the AC port on the left side of the tool. To use a DC source, pull the retractable cord from the right side of the tool. This cord has a cigar lighter port terminal, or a supplied alligator clip attachment may be connected for battery or jump-start post connection.

[0015] Push and hold the push-button switch on the right side of the tool until tank is empty.

[0016] To refill vehicle fuel tank, disconnect fuel removal attachment. Connect the open-end attachment to the quick connect of the inlet hose and insert it into the fuel container or tanker.

[0017] With the AC or DC power source still connected, push and hold the push-button switch to return fuel to the vehicle.

[0018] VARIATION: This pump may be powered by an AC power supply, such as an extension cord, or DC power from the vehicle battery or cigar lighter.

[0019] Fuel may be siphoned from the vehicle via the fuel filter or fuel rail Schrader Valve.

[0020] APPLICATION: All vehicles.

DISCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] 1. PLASTIC CONTAINER

[0022] 2. LIFT HANDLE

[0023] 3a. LATCH

[0024] 3b. HINGES

[0025] 4. PUSH-BUTTON SWITCH

[0026] 5. DC FUEL PUMP

[0027] 6. INLET PIPE

[0028] 7. INLET HOSE

[0029] 8a. QUICK-CONNECT (MALE)

[0030] 8b. QUICK-CONNECT (FEMALE)

[0031] 9a. INLET ATTACHMENT (FUEL RAIL)

[0032] 9b. INLET ATTACHMENT (FEMALE FUEL FILTER)

[0033] 9c. INLET ATTACHMENT (MALE FUEL FILTER)

[0034] 10a. FUEL RAIL

[0035] 10b. FUEL FILTER (FEMALE)

[0036] 10c. FUEL FILTER (MALE)

[0037] 11. FUEL INJECTORS

[0038] 12. OUTLET PIPE

[0039] 13. OUTLET HOSE

[0040] 14. APPROVED FUEL CONTAINER

[0041] 15. AC/DC POWER INVERTER

[0042] 16. DC EXTENSION CORD

[0043] 17a. CIGAR LIGHTER ADAPTER

[0044] 17b. CIGAR LIGHTER RECEPTACLE

[0045] 18. ALLIGATOR CLIPS

[0046] 19. VEHICLE STATIONARY DC BATTERY

[0047] 20. AC UTILITY EXTENSION CORD

BRIEF DISCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0048] FIG. 1. is an open overhead display view of the current invention. The lid of the plastic container (1) is open, revealing the backside of the push-button switch (4), AC/DC power inverter (15), DC fuel pump (5), inlet pipe (6), outlet pipe (12), DC extension cord (16) and wiring.

[0049] The inlet hose (7) is curled and the female quick connect (8b) end is lying near, but not attached to, all three inlet attachments (9a/b/c).

[0050] The outlet hose (13) is curled and lying open.

[0051] The DC extension cord (16) is in a retracted position with the cigar lighter adapter (17a) end lying near, but not attached to, the cigar lighter receptacle (17b) with alligator clips (18).

[0052] FIG. 2. is a right side rear angle view of the current invention in use. The plastic container (1) is exposing the lift handle (2), latch (3a) and push-button switch (4).

[0053] The inlet hose (7) is connected to the vehicle fuel rail (10a) via the fuel rail inlet attachment (9a).

[0054] The outlet hose (13) enters an approved fuel container (14).

[0055] The DC extension cord (16) is extended and attached to the cigar lighter receptacle (17b). The alligator clips (18) are attached to the vehicle DC battery (19).

[0056] FIG. 3. is a left side front angle view of the current invention in use. The plastic container (1) reveals the external view of the lift handle (2) and the AC/DC power inverter (15), with an AC extension cord (20) lying near, but not attached.

[0057] The inlet hose (7) is extended, but not attached to, all three inlet attachments (9a/b/c). Each inlet attachment (9a/b/c) is near, but not attached to, it's respective component (10a/b/c).

[0058] FIG. 4. is an electrical schematic of the wiring of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] A 6".times.12" plastic box, 4" deep with a pivoting handle on top for carrying, and a lid that is hinged on the left and a snap clip on the right to keep the lid closed.

[0060] On the inside are an AC/DC power converter, a 12-volt DC electric fuel pump, and a push-button switch. Two wires from the power inverter, positive and negative DC current, connect to the respective polarities of the fuel pump. A push-button switch interrupts the positive wire. A two-wire DC extension cord is spliced in at the respected polarities of the power converter and then exits a hole in the lower right hand side of the box. A steel inlet tube is threaded on to the inlet side of the pump and exits a hole in the top center of the box. A steel outlet tube is threaded on the outlet side of the pump and exits a hole in the bottom center of the box.

[0061] On the outside, the two-blade AC wall plug-in terminals protrude through an oval hole cut in the upper left hand side of the box. The DC extension cord spans a predetermined length from the lower right hand side of the box to an auxiliary socket adapter (such as a cigar lighter). A large round button of a DC push-button switch protrudes the upper right hand side of the box. On the bottom of the box, a pump outlet tube comes out of the box and ends. A predetermined length of clear plastic tube attaches to the outlet tube with a steel clamp. The pump inlet tube comes through the top center of the box and ends. Attached to the inlet tube, with a steel clamp, is a predetermined length of clear plastic tubing. On the other end of the tube is the female end of a fluid-sealed metal quick-connect fitting.

[0062] There are three fluid hose attachments and one electrical attachment to the tool, all of which are stored within the box when not in use. The first hose attachment is the male end of a sealed quick-connect fitting attached to a predetermined length of fuel approved rubber hose by a steel clamp. At the other end of the hose is a threaded metal fitting attached by a steel clamp. This fitting is designed to attach to a port fuel injected engine's fuel pressure test port located on the fuel rail. The second is a male end of a sealed quick-connect fitting attached to a predetermined length of fuel approved rubber hose by a steel clamp. At the other end of the hose is a threaded metal fitting attached by a steel clamp, which is designed to attach to the engine side of a threaded fuel filter. The third hose attachment is made of the male end of a sealed quick connect-fitting attached to a predetermined length of fuel approved rubber hose by a steel clamp. The other end of the hose is a plastic sealed quick-connect fitting attached by a steel clamp, which is designed to attach to the engine side of a quick-connect fuel filter. The electrical attachment is an auxiliary power receptacle (much like a cigar lighter outlet). A predetermined length of a two-wire harness comes off of the receptacle. At the other end of the harness, each of the two wires attach to a spring-loaded metal retaining clip designed to clamp onto the vehicle's battery post (much like an alligator clip).

Claims

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

1. A siphon system for automotive fuel, said system comprising a portable container housing a fuel pump and control switch, said fuel pump being electrically powered and having a plurality of means for receiving electrical power.

2. A siphon system for automotive fuel, said system comprising a portable container housing a fuel pump and control switch, said fuel pump being linked to an automobile's fuel system by an inlet tube.

3. A siphon system for automotive fuel, said system comprising a portable container housing a fuel pump and control switch, said fuel pump being linked to an outlet tube for dispensing said automotive fuel.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein the said fuel pump has means of receiving a plurality of DC electric power.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein the said portable container houses an AC/DC power inverter, furthermore allowing the said fuel pump means of receiving AC electric power.

6. A system according to claim 2 wherein the said inlet tube has a plurality of means of retrieving said automotive fuel from said automobile's fuel system.

7. A system according to claim 2 wherein the said inlet tube has a plurality of means of attaching to said automobile's fuel system.

8. A refill system for automotive fuel, said system comprising a portable container housing a fuel pump and control switch, said fuel pump being linked to said dispensed automotive fuel by said inlet tube.

9. A refill system for automotive fuel, said system comprising a portable container housing a fuel pump and control switch, said fuel pump being linked to said automobile's fuel system by said outlet tube.