Manual emergency gas release system

Abstract

A vehicle fuel system is provided that includes a fuel tank and a manual vent system. The manual vent system includes an emergency valve and an actuator. The manual vent system is configured to cause the emergency valve to open after the actuator has been actuated.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A manual vent system for a vehicle fuel system, comprising:
 an emergency valve; and   an actuator,   wherein the emergency valve is configured to open after the actuator has been actuated.   
     
     
         22 . The manual vent system of  claim 21 , further comprising a connection between the actuator and the emergency valve. 
     
     
         23 . The manual vent system of  claim 22 , wherein the connection comprises a cable disposed in a sheath. 
     
     
         24 . The manual vent system of  claim 22 , wherein the connection comprises a time lag to delay the opening of the valve for a short duration. 
     
     
         25 . The manual vent system of  claim 22 , wherein the connection is configured such that if severed the emergency valve is caused to open. 
     
     
         26 . The manual vent system of  claim 21 , further comprising a controller adapted to receive a wireless signal and in response to cause the valve to open. 
     
     
         27 . The manual vent system of  claim 26 , wherein the controller is configure to provide a time lag to delay the opening of the valve for a short duration. 
     
     
         28 . The manual vent system of  claim 22 , wherein a signal provided along the connection actuates a mechanism disposed adjacent to the valve to open the valve. 
     
     
         29 . The manual vent system of  claim 22 , wherein the connection is disposed in a fire resistant structure. 
     
     
         30 . The manual vent system of  claim 21 , further comprising a secondary actuator disposed adjacent the valve, the secondary actuator configured to open the valve when actuated. 
     
     
         31 . The manual vent system of  claim 24 , wherein the time lag is selectable by the actuator. 
     
     
         32 . A vehicle comprising:
 a manual vent system comprising:
 an emergency valve; 
 an actuator; and 
 a connector configured to connect the valve and the actuator, 
 wherein severing the connector causes the emergency valve to open. 
   
     
     
         33 . The vehicle of  claim 32 , wherein the connector comprises an electrical wire configured to convey current between the actuator and a controller. 
     
     
         34 . The vehicle of  claim 32 , wherein a signal provided along the connector actuates a solenoid disposed adjacent to the valve to open the valve. 
     
     
         35 . The vehicle fuel system of  claim 33 , wherein the electrical wire is disposed in a fire resistant structure. 
     
     
         36 . The vehicle fuel system of  claim 33 , further comprising a mechanical actuator disposed at the valve and coupled with the valve to open the valve in the event the electrical wire is compromised. 
     
     
         37 . A method of opening an emergency valve of a vent system, the method comprising:
 indicating, by the vent system through a connection, an application of force caused by a movement of an actuator of the vent system, wherein the connection includes one or more of an electrical and a mechanical connector connecting the emergency valve and the actuator; and   opening the emergency valve, by a valve opening device in response to receipt of the indication, to release gas stored in a vehicle fuel tank.   
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the connection comprises an electrical wire configured to convey current between the actuator and the controller. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein a signal provided along the electrical wire actuates a solenoid disposed adjacent to the valve to open the valve. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the electrical wire is disposed in a fire resistant structure.