Abstract: A fuel filler tube assembly including a one-way valve or check valve. The tube assembly is adaptable for pre-assembly on either a metal or plastic fuel tank and employs a common check valve with an adapter tube for plastic tanks. The valve employs a flapper with spaced ribs for deflecting a siphon hose away from the valve seal; and, the ribs are spaced to maintain the flow stream of he fuel during refueling and facilitating opening of the flapper.

Abstract: A fuel vapor emission system for small engine gas tank which does not require redesign or retooling for manufacturing of the tank. A new filler tube has the lower end positioned to cause fuel to rise rapidly in the tube before the tank is full, signaling the operator to stop refueling and maintain a vapor dome in the tank when the filler cap is replaced. A vapor vent valve is disposed in a separate access opening and includes a float operated rollover valve. The vent valve opens when a predetermined positive pressure is reached in the tank; and, a reverse flow vacuum relief valve is disposed in the vent valve. The outlet of the vent valve is intended to be connected to either a storage canister or the engine air inlet.

Abstract: An improved differential gear mechanism is characterized by a lockout mechanism (129) operably associated with a latch member (119) that cooperates with a flyweight mechanism (53) to retard differentiating action in the differential gear mechanism. The lockout mechanism (129) includes a lockout member (131) positionable, in response to an input signal, in a normal condition and a lockout condition. In the normal condition, the lockout member (131) permits the latch member (119) to move freely between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the lockout condition, the lockout member (131) prevents the latch member (119) from moving into the locking position.

Abstract: A small engine fuel tank vapor emission system is described with a separate surge tank having a vapor vent/rollover valve and separate a vapor storage space which may be found in a common housing or remote from the surge tank. The surge tank is located at a level above the fuel tank and is connected to have its inlet receive vapor from the fuel tank. The outlet of the vapor vent/rollover valve is connected to supply vapor purge flow to the engine air inlet either directly or through the storage space, which may be charged with adsorbent.

Abstract: A coupling device (11) and method of assembly, the device being of the type including a plenum member (17) disposed at one axial end of the coupling housing (13,15), the method comprising configuring the plenum member (17) such that each of the required features (55,57,61,66) is disposed circumferentially between an adjacent pair of fastener holes (18H). Next, the input ring gear (R) is installed about the housing (13,15) of the coupling device (11), from an axial end opposite said plenum member (17), into assembly position adjacent said flange portion (18). Each of a plurality (N) of fasteners (89) is inserted through one of the fastener holes (18H) and into initial threaded engagement with the input ring gear (R). Finally, by means of a fastener driver, all of the plurality (N) of fasteners (89) are driven into full threaded engagement, substantially simultaneously, with the input ring gear (R).

Abstract: A package designed for monitoring fluid pressure in a manifold includes one or more pressure transducers and a microprocessor incorporated into a package to form a single, modular fluid pressure sensing device. The transducers may be arranged on one or more substrates to allow direct connection between the transducers and pressure ports in the manifold or be disposed on supports having support ports that couple with the pressure ports to carry fluid to the transducers. The package provides pressure-sensing capabilities without requiring reconfiguration of the manifold itself.

Abstract: A fuel tank assembly for small engines having a vapor storage canister disposed within the tank in the vapor dome with an atmospheric vent line to the canister through the tank wall and a canister vapor outlet line also through the tank wall. A liquid/vapor discriminator is disposed in the vapor dome of the tank with the discriminator outlet connected to the canister inlet. A fuel filler tube extends through the tank wall to a desired depth to prevent vapor from escaping through the filler tube when the fuel level rises to the lower end of the filler tube and alerts the operator by rapid rise of fuel in the filler tube.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve has a pressure transducer sensing valve outlet pressure integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding. Upon connection of the transducer and solenoid to an electronic controller, the controller generates a valve energization signal in response to a desired valve pressure output and the transducer input for providing closed loop control of the valve outlet pressure. An ASIC may also be integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding for providing integrated signal conditioning; and, the optional ASIC, if employed, may also include the circuitry for the electronic controller for providing a “smart” pressure control valve.

Abstract: On/off solenoid ball valves of the invention comprise at least one inlet port; at least one pressure control outlet port; at least one exhaust port; at least one check valve positioned between the pressure control outlet port and the exhaust port; and at least one bypass orifice positioned to allow inlet fluid flow to the pressure control outlet port irrespective of whether the valve is in the “on” or “off” position. Because of their ability to provide unique and controlled flows, valves of the invention are able to be used in applications previously off limits to on/off solenoid ball valves.

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism (11) and improved axle shaft (53) retention arrangement for the axle shaft. The mechanism includes a side gear (27) defining first internal splines, a coupling (35) defining second internal splines (35S), and a rotor (49) of a gerotor pump defining third internal splines (49S). The axle shaft includes external splines (55), an annular groove (57), and a collapsible and expandable retention ring (59) within the groove. The assembly operator aligns the external splines with the third internal splines (49S), then with the second internal splines (35S), and finally, with the first internal splines (27S), before exerting force (“F” in FIG. 3) on the axle shaft to collapse the retention ring by passing it through the third internal splines (49S) until the ring can expand (FIG. 4). The axle shaft is retained as the retention ring engages an inboard end (69) of the third internal splines.

Abstract: An improved differential gear mechanism is characterized by a lockout mechanism (63) operably associated with a flyweight mechanism (53) and including a lockout member (65, 101) positionable, in response to an input signal, in a normal condition and a lockout condition. In the normal condition, the lockout member (65, 101) permits a flyweight stop surface (57) to move from the retracted position to the extended position. In the lockout condition, the lockout member (65, 101) prevents the flyweight stop surface (57) from moving from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: A differential having means (35) operable to limit rotation of an output gear (23) relative to a gear case (11), and actuation means (55) for actuating the rotation limiting means, from an unactuated (FIG. 1) to an actuated condition (FIG. 4). The rotation limiting means includes a member (47), toward one axial end of the gear case and moveable between a first position, the unactuated condition of said rotation limiting means, and a second position, the actuated condition. A sensor assembly is adjacent the one axial end of the gear case and includes a sensor element (71) and a wall-like member between the rotation limiting means and the actuation means. The wall-like member includes a non-ferromagnetic portion (73) between the sensor and the moveable member. Movement between the first and second positions results in a corresponding change in the electromagnetic flux (F) coupling the sensor element and the moveable member.

Abstract: A capless seal door for a fuel tank filler tube employs a door valve with a flexible annular seal which, upon closing against a seat on the undersurface of a nozzle-receiving orifice formed in a bulkhead across the tube, initially wipes on the seat and is subsequently compressed thereon.

Abstract: A vapor vent/tipping valve has a diaphragm with a bleed therethrough responsive to the differential pressure of bleed flow to control vapor venting to the canister and vapor recirculation to the filler tube. A dip tube causes rising fuel in the tank to close the dip tube and prevent vapor flow to the diaphragm bleed thereby starving the recirculation line and allowing nozzle discharge to create a vacuum in the filler and effect nozzle shutoff. Alternatively, float operated shutoff valves may be employed in the dip tube and vapor vent chamber inlet, the shutoff valves may include inertial members for closing the float valves to afford tipping/rollover protection.

Abstract: A combination fuel vapor storage canister and vapor vent/tipping valve in a common housing with ports for connection to a fuel tank, a purge line and an atmospheric vent. The vapor vent/tipping valve includes a pressure relief valve which prevents vapor venting until a predetermined vapor pressure is reached; and, the pressure relief valve may also include a vacuum relief valve.

Abstract: A fuel tank component has a weldable connector that is connected to a housing via a secure chemical bond. The connector and the housing are modified so that they bond to each other. The interface between the connector and the housing may be stepped to increase its surface area and thereby increase the strength of the chemical bond. The chemical bond in the inventive valve eliminates the need to include complex interlocking geometries in either the connector or the housing and reduces the complexity of the tooling needed to mold the component.

Abstract: A fuel vapor emission system for small engine gas tank which does not require redesign or retooling for manufacturing of the tank. A new filler tube has the lower end positioned to cause fuel to rise rapidly in the tube before the tank is full, signaling the operator to stop refueling and maintain a vapor dome in the tank when the filler cap is replaced. A vapor vent valve is disposed in a separate access opening and includes a float operated rollover valve. The vent valve opens when a predetermined positive pressure is reached in the tank; and, a reverse flow vacuum relief valve is disposed in the vent valve. The outlet of the vent valve is intended to be connected to either a storage canister or the engine air inlet.

Abstract: A small engine fuel system has a tank with an integrally formed filler tube having the lower end located at a level below the upper portion of the tank wall which is formed of vapor impermeable material which may include HDPE interspersed with EVOH or polyamide. In one exemplary embodiment the filler neck is disposed in a depression in the upper portion of the tank wall; and in another exemplary embodiment the filler tube has an insert which extends into the tank to a position below the upper portion of the tank wall to form a vapor space. The tank includes a fill limiting vapor vent/tipping valve with its outlet connected to a storage canister which outputs to the engine and which has an atmospheric air vent.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve with the armature disposed within the coil axially between first and second flux collectors. A flux director surrounding the armature has annular portions thereof contracting one of the flux collectors and has a plurality of fingers spaced circumferentially about the annular portion and extending inwardly toward the armature to increase and distribute the flux thereto for minimizing magnetic side loading due to eccentricity.

Abstract: A lead frame has slots therein for bayonet type connection to electrical terminals provided on a solenoid valve or group of valves. Projections on the lead frame are disposed between the slots and upon bayonet connection to the terminals closely interfit a web disposed between the terminals on the solenoid. Preferably, support stanchions are provided for the terminals and may be integrally molded with the web.