Walbro Corporation

Geroge H Bucci

Paul F Briggs

David R Mroczka

A fuel pressure regulator and fuel filter module constructed to be connected to a vehicle fuel tank has a body with an integral, radially extending flange constructed to overlie and to be attached to the fuel tank and an integral depending skirt constructed to contain a fuel filter and to define in part an integral fluid passage communicating a fuel pump through the filter with a fuel line attached at one end to the module and through which fuel is delivered to an operating engine. Fuel discharged from the fuel pump flows through the fuel filter before entering the fuel line for delivery to the engine. An inlet of the fuel pressure regulator communicates with the fuel downstream of the fuel filter to bypass excess fuel delivered from the fuel pump through a bypass outlet of the regulator and into the fuel tank. Forming the module with the skirt, fluid passage and mounting flange in an integral, one-piece body of a plastic material substantially eliminates the escape of fuel vapors from the module because there are no seals or connections between separate bodies, as in previous modules, through which fuel vapors may permeate and escape to the atmosphere. Further, the one-piece module is stronger and is more durable during a vehicle crash than are multiple-piece modules which reduces the likelihood that fuel will leak from the fuel tank adjacent the module or through the module during or after such a crash.

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Southington, CT, United States of America

Geroge H Bucci