IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,409,852
Granted Patent B2
US 7,409,852 · App. 11/546,300 · Granted Aug 12, 2008

System and method for testing fuel tank integrity

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,409,852
App. No.
11/546,300
Granted
Aug 12, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

The invention relates generally to a system and method for testing fuel evaporative systems, and more particularly to a stand-alone tank tester system (and method) for testing vehicle fuel tank integrity. Furthermore, a self-contained calibration tank with switchable leak sizes for calibrating the tank tester to multiple leak sizes is provided. Constant flow and vacuum methods for testing fuel tank integrity are also provided.

Claims (5)

1. A method for testing the integrity of a fuel tank, comprising:

pressurizing a fuel tank at a first predetermined pressurization rate to a predetermined pressure level; and

calculating the size of a leak in the fuel tank by:

(i) maintaining the predetermined pressure level in the fuel tank by applying pressure to the fuel tank at a second predetermined pressurization rate if a pressure in the fuel tank drops below the predetermined pressure level; and

(ii) measuring an amount of gas introduced to the fuel tank at the second predetermined pressurization rate, wherein the size of a leak is proportional to the amount of gas introduced to the fuel tank at the second predetermined pressurization rate.

Assignments (7)
MERGER Recorded Jan 15, 2014
From: ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PRODUCTS, INC.
To: OPUS INSPECTION, INC.
Reel/Frame 031973/0935 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jan 8, 2014
From: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: ENVIROTEST SYSTEMS HOLDINGS CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 031918/0377 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 21, 2011
From: ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PRODUCTS HOLDINGS INC.
To: ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 027423/0666 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 17, 2010
From: ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PRODUCTS HOLDINGS INC.
To: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 025386/0854 →
GRANT OF PATENT SECURITY INTEREST (SECOND LIEN) Recorded Sep 27, 2007
From: ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PRODUCTS HOLDINGS INC.
To: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 019892/0284 →
GRANT OF PATENT SECURITY INTEREST (FIRST LIEN) Recorded Sep 26, 2007
From: ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PRODUCTS HOLDINGS INC.
To: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 019872/0843 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 15, 2006
From: HERZOG, MICHAEL; SMITH, GORDON ERNEST; SULIK, CHARLES MICHAEL; PANDEY, ARUN R.; SHISHKIN, VALERIY MAKSIMOVICH; WEEDON, REX GRAHAM; DAVIS, MARK
To: ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PRODUCTS HOLDINGS INC.
Reel/Frame 018520/0402 →