Patent ID: 6305405
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A multi-tank fuel storage arrangement for a vehicle for complete emptying of the tanks, the arrangement comprising:a plurality of separate fuel storage tanks adapted to be carried on a vehicle;a fuel pump;piping extending from the fuel pump to each fuel storage tank, with the piping for each tank terminating at a fuel inlet opening positioned adjacent to the bottom of the tank;a valve at each fuel inlet opening, with each valve having a movable valve member mounted for movement between a first position, constituting an open position, unblocking the fuel inlet opening for flow of fuel from the tank to the pump when the level of the fuel in the tank is above a predetermined level and a second position, constituting a closed position, blocking substantially but not completely the flow of fuel from the tank to the pump when the level of the fuel in the tank is below a predetermined level, anda float for each tank for moving the respective movable valve member between its open and closed positions,whereby fuel may continue to be emptied from each of the tanks after the respective float has moved the respective valve member to its closed position through a gap defined between a pair of sealing surfaces of each respective valve until the fuel level is drawn down to a level equal to a bottom of the fuel inlet while limiting a flow of air through the gap to the pump to a value that would not adversely affect its operation.