Patent ID: 6213726
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: B01D,B60K,F02M

Abstract:
A fuel pump module constructed to be disposed interiorly of a vehicle fuel tank comprising:an electric motor fuel pump having an inlet and an outlet;a housing enclosing the fuel pump and having at least one inlet through which fuel flows from the fuel tank into the housing;a secondary pump with an inlet within the housing to lower the pressure within the housing below the pressure outside of the housing and within the fuel tank and an outlet to the exterior of the housing and within the tank; andat least one filter enclosing the inlet of the housing whereby the fuel pump draws fuel into the housing through the filter and the secondary pump creates a pressure drop within the housing lower than the pressure outside the housing and within the tank and increasing the fuel level therein when the fuel pump is operating and when the fuel pump ceases operating and the level of fuel in the tank is below the increased level of fuel in the housing, fuel in the housing returns to the tank through the filter, at least under certain fuel conditions, thereby dislodging at least some contaminants from the filter.