Vent Opening Or Closing On Tipping Container Patents (Class 137/43)
  • Patent number: 6789885
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a configuration for forming a ventilation aperture having a small cross section, whereby a sealing part is placed in a passageway and the ventilation aperture is formed between the sealing part and the inner wall of the passageway. In order to simplify manufacturing and, in particular, make possible the use of injection-molded plastic parts throughout, the invention suggests that the sealing part should have a cylindrical stopper that is made of an elastically deformable material and can be inserted into the passageway, and has in its surface shell at least one axially continuous, channel-like depression, the outside diameter of which, when in the unstressed state, is oversized in comparison with the inside diameter of the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: ARTECH GmbH design + production in plastic
    Inventors: Helmut Michele, Dirk Klein, Peter Busch
  • Patent number: 6782911
    Abstract: A vent valve for use in controlling discharge of fuel vapor from a fuel tank. The vent valve includes a housing for attachment to the fuel tank includes a wall defining a cavity therein. The float is contained in the cavity of the housing and is responsive to the level of liquid in the fuel tank. The level in the fuel tank rises, the float rises within the housing. When the level of liquid in the fuel tank drops, the float moves downwardly in the housing. A passage is provided in the housing which communicates with an external portion of the tank. The vent valve includes at least one vent positioned proximate to and communicating with the passage for providing venting passage of vapor therethrough and to the passage. The vent valve includes a vent assembly having a flexible diaphragm which is displaceably positioned proximate to the passage to control the flow of vapor through the vent and through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. DeCapua, Jeffrey E. Devall
  • Patent number: 6779544
    Abstract: A tank vent valve apparatus includes a valve housing formed to include an inlet port, an outlet port, and an interior region. The interior region is partitioned to define an intake chamber communicating with the inlet port, a discharge chamber communicating with the outlet port, and a float chamber containing a vent port valve and receiving liquid fuel and fuel vapor from the intake chamber. An interior wall defines a boundary between the float chamber and the discharge chamber and includes a valve seat formed to include a vent port therein. The vent port valve is buoyant and moves up and down along the interior wall as liquid fuel rises and falls in the float chamber to close and open the vent port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Devall
  • Patent number: 6758235
    Abstract: A fuel vapor control valve for use in a vehicle fuel system is provided. The control valve has a rollover valve assembly with a valve member defining a point-bearing surface, a housing with an opening, and a chamber. The housing is mountable to a fuel tank. The valve member is movable within the chamber and a sealing element is movably located on the point-bearing surface of the valve member. The sealing element may be metallic and is configured to releasably seal the opening when the valve member is urged in a direction towards the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Axel Frohwein, Lydie Regnier
  • Patent number: 6755206
    Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve comprises a casing, a cover having a cover supporting part for supporting an upper part of the casing, an O-ring disposed on an outer periphery of the casing, and a seal holding member. The seal holding part is constituted by a member made of a material having a high degree of shape stability, such as a polyamide, into which glass fibers are added. Further, the seal holding part is thermally welded to a welding end of a cover inner layer made of a modified polyamide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishi, Tomohide Aoki, Hiroaki Kito
  • Patent number: 6739350
    Abstract: Fuel tank comprising a canister containing a composition capable of retaining fuel vapours and which is associated with an overfill prevention device also located inside the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Joël Op De Beeck, Yannick Gerard, Stéphane Leonard, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Paul Wouters, Rufino Perez-Perez
  • Patent number: 6733048
    Abstract: A fuel tank connector for connecting a fuel tank and a pipe in communicating fashion includes a gas barrier member made of a synthetic resin and having a gas barrier property. The gas barrier member includes a tubular portion and a flanged portion provided on a peripheral side of the tubular portion, which extends beyond an opening of the fuel tank. The gas barrier member is made of a liquid crystal polymer, aromatic polyamide, a blended polymer of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and high-density polyethylene, a blended polymer of polyamide and polyethylene, a blended polymer of polyamide and high-density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Kurihara, Toshihide Kimisawa, Tsuyoshi Kato, Yasutomo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6719000
    Abstract: A two-stage vent valve 10 is incorporated into a vehicle fuel distribution system. The vent valve 10 is mounted to the top of a fuel tank of a motor vehicle in a vertically orientated position, so that a fluid inlet is in communication with the interior open air volume of the fuel tank, and an outlet is in communication with the exterior of the tank. The vent valve 10 utilizes a two-stage valve mechanism to allow vapor to escape from the fuel tank, while preventing the leakage of liquid fuel during such operating conditions where the vehicle has tilted due to a small downgrade, sloshing of fuel in a full or near-full tank, or the event of a roll-over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: G. T. Development Corporation
    Inventors: Alan K. Forsythe, Scott F. Coomes
  • Patent number: 6708713
    Abstract: The subject invention includes a fill limit control valve assembly (10) having a valve portion (16) and a float portion (18). The valve portion (16) includes a vent opening (28) for venting vapors from the fuel tank (12) to a vapor canister. A float (30) is movably supported by the float portion (18) for movement between an open position spaced from the vent opening (28) and a closed position seating a seal (56) against a seat (64) about the vent opening (28). A liquid fuel trap or discriminator member is disposed above the vent opening (28) to limit liquid fuel flow through an outlet connector (22). The liquid fuel trap includes a baffle barrier (32) surrounding the vent opening (28) and a return cup (34) having a base (36) overlying the baffle barrier (32) and a depending rim (38) surrounding the baffle barrier (32) for forcing the flow of vapor from the vent opening (28) through a U-turn. A stem (54) extends from the top end of the float (30) downwardly to a distal end (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Tesma International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gericke
  • Patent number: 6701950
    Abstract: A vent apparatus is adapted for use with a fuel tank to control venting of fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The vent apparatus comprises a fuel vapor vent outlet to discharge fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The vent apparatus comprises a normally open first valve module to serve as a fuel fill limit valve and close when the liquid level in the tank reaches a predetermined fill limit and a normally open second valve module to serve as a fuel fill limit valve and close when the liquid level in the tank reaches the predetermined fill limit. The first valve module and the second valve module cooperate to block communication between the fuel tank and the fuel vapor vent outlet when the vent apparatus is positioned in a non-tilted orientation relative to a horizontal and the level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank reaches the predetermined fill limit to close both valve modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Brock, J. Bradley Groom
  • Patent number: 6701952
    Abstract: A valve (30) fitted within a fluid tank, the valve comprising a housing fitted with one or more fluid inlet ports, and an outlet port. The housing accommodates a float-type valve member (32) axially displaceable within the housing responsive to fluid level within the tank, between an open position in which the outlet port (58) is open, and a closed position in which the outlet port is sealingly closed. The housing is integrally formed with a nozzle member (60) being in flow communication with the outlet port and having a main portion with an outlet thereof extending within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Raval A.C.S. Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Ehrman, Ehud Orenstein, Zohar Moalem, Yoav Livne, Valdimir Olshanetaky
  • Patent number: 6691725
    Abstract: A float operated fuel vapor vent valve for use in a vehicle fuel tank. The float has a membrane valve caged for lost motion movement on the top of the float. Upon refueling, the float rises and seals the membrane on a vent port valve seat. A projection extending downwardly from the top of the cage contacts the membrane to peel away a localized area of the membrane valve from the valve seat to ensure re-opening upon the float descending as fuel is withdrawn from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Maxim V. Zorine
  • Patent number: 6688330
    Abstract: A valve (10) for a fluid tank, comprising a housing formed with one or more inlet (28) and outlet (20) ports, side walls and a seating wall (14) portion supporting a float-type valve member. The valve member is axially displaceable within the housing responsive to fluid level within the tank, between an uppermost position and a lowermost position, and has a top and a bottom end and a bearing portion facing the seating wall portion of the housing. Either one or both of the seating wall portion of the housing and the bearing portion of the valve member, are fitted with one or more dampening members (46) for diminishing impacting noise of the valve member encountering the housing upon displacement into the lowermost position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Raval Agriculture Cooperative Societies Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Ehrman, Ehud Orenstein, Zohar Moalem, Yoav Livne, Valdimir Olshanetsky
  • Patent number: 6679282
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve being attached to a fuel tank, the valve permitting a vaporized fuel to flow out and inhibiting a liquid fuel from flowing out. The valve includes a cover and a case. For example, the cover is bonded to an upper portion of a fuel tank, is independent of the fuel tank, and includes a connecting surface to be connected to the fuel tank and a flow-out passage in which a vaporized fuel flows out. The connecting surface has a connector portion formed of a resin exhibiting a good bondability to the fuel tank. The case is screwed to the cover, and includes an evaporator opening and a floating valve. The evaporator opening communicates with the flow-out passage. The floating valve opens or closes the evaporator opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohide Aoki, Hiroaki Kito, Hiroshi Nishi, Kenichiro Kaneko, Masayuki Nakagawa, Masahiro Ando
  • Patent number: 6672571
    Abstract: A fuel removal system for a carburetor with a float bowl carried by a body having a channel extending from the float bowl to the exterior of the carburetor body. An outlet tube is positioned within the channel and is movable from a first position wherein liquid fuel can be removed from the fuel bowl to the exterior of the body, and a second position wherein the outlet tube does not communicate with the float bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management LLC
    Inventors: Bryan K. Gangler, Albert L. Haas
  • Patent number: 6644515
    Abstract: A filter-valve assembly for exhausting fumes from a liquid container includes a mounting-valve assembly having a valve poppet that is moved to an open position in response to a filter-cartridge assembly being attached to a valve-assembly housing by a filter-cartridge attaching mechanism and is moved to a closed position in response to the filter-cartridge assembly being detached from the valve housing. The filter-cartridge assembly includes a coalescing filter and a carbon filter, with an orientation-activated capsize valve located in a coalescing-filter housing for preventing spills upon capsizing and litmus-like material at an exit opening of a carbon-filter housing for indicating a need to replace the carbon filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Michael C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6634341
    Abstract: A high flow rate fuel vapor vent and rollover valve assembly with a float valve that provides a progressive closing of a vapor outlet to control the venting of fuel vapors from a fuel tank and the addition of liquid fuel to the tank. The float closes a portion of the vapor outlet in response to liquid fuel at a first level in a vehicle fuel tank. A body completely closes the vapor outlet in response to rollover attitudes of the vehicle. One or more separate baffles are constructed and arranged to prevent the escape of liquid fuel through the vapor outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventors: Lynwood F. Crary, Mark R. Johansen
  • Patent number: 6612324
    Abstract: A fill limit vapor valve assembly includes a housing, a float disposed in the housing, and a bypass valve. The bypass valve includes a vertical passage enveloping a weighted metering rod. The includes a substantially cylindrical upper portion, a substantially cylindrical bottom portion, and a seat portion that rests on a shoulder of the float. As the float raises and lowers, the substantially cylindrical upper portion varies the size of a second opening to control the flow rate of fuel vapor from the fuel tank to an emission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Emil Szlaga
  • Patent number: 6609537
    Abstract: A device for ventilating and venting a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, has a ventilating device which compensates the pressure in the fuel tank, a separating container for separating fuel from a gas contained in the fuel tank. The operating ventilating device is connected to the separating container, the ventilating device and the separating container being arranged in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Hermann Horrer, Michael Koenig, Dieter Scheurenbrand, Timo Wiedel
  • Patent number: 6604539
    Abstract: A known fuel tank for a motor vehicle, in which an expansion tank is arranged outside the fuel tank, requires a relatively large space. A fuel tank for a motor vehicle which requires little space is provided by having the expansion tank installed inside the fuel tank, and by having all valves for venting the fuel tank, for limiting a filling level, for controlling a limit pressure defined in the fuel tank, and/or for protecting against leakage in the event of a rollover arranged on the expansion tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manfred Strohmayer, Norbert Linz
  • Patent number: 6591855
    Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve includes a full fuel control valve and an overfill prevention valve inside a casing. The overfill prevention valve is equipped with first and second floats. The second float is disposed in the storage chamber inside the first float of the full fuel control valve while being allowed to move up and down. The second float is configured such that a second connection conduit is closed by a second valve element as a result of a rising movement when the fuel level exceeds a second liquid level located above a first liquid level, and the second valve element is connected to a first connection conduit through a second connection conduit to reduce the force with which the first valve element of the first float is pressed against a first seat as a result of the fact that the fuel level has dropped below the second liquid level but is still above the first liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishi, Tomohiro Sugizaki, Tomohide Aoki
  • Patent number: 6592100
    Abstract: A float valve mounted to a tank body made of a synthetic resin. A welding flange provided on a cover made of a synthetic resin having a large swelling rate is welded to an outer periphery of an opening defined in an upper wall of a tank body made of a synthetic resin having a large swelling rate, so that the cover covers the opening, and a fixing flange provided at an upper portion of a protector having a small swelling rate for supporting the float case of the float valve by a concavo-convex engagement is fixed between the outer periphery of the opening of the tank body and the welding flange of the cover. The protector is formed of the synthetic resin having the small swelling rate and, hence, it is possible to reliably prevent the float case from being dropped out due to the swelling of the protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Chou, Masaaki Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 6581621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve and a fuel tank provided with a valve for a motor vehicle. Bleeder valves for integrated compensation volumes for fuel tanks are known in the prior art. One disadvantage of known valves is that if the tank is filled slowly during the refueling operation, the fuel compensation volume can fill. The invention aims to provide a valve with a compact construction. To this end a pressure valve (28) is located on the valve (1, 3) which opens if there is a predetermined excess pressure in the fuel tank (30), a refueling venting opening (38) is configured in the valve (1, 3) so that a sealing plate (5) can close the refueling venting opening. The sealing plate (5) has an operational venting opening (42), which can be closed by a displaceable closure element (15) that is displaced according to a position of a float (26) that is located on a float lever (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Klaffki, Marietta Gehring
  • Patent number: 6578597
    Abstract: A vent module is adapted to be mounted in a top wall of a fuel tank to vent fuel vapor from the tank to a vapor recovery canister located outside the tank. An outer shell is positioned around the vent module to define a fuel vapor transfer passageway arranged to conduct liquid fuel droplets into a liquid fuel accumulation chamber. A fuel vapor transfer port is formed in the outer shell to admit fuel vapor into the fuel vapor transfer passageway. A fuel vapor inlet port is formed in the vent module to lie below the fuel vapor transfer port. Liquid fuel entrained in fuel vapor is shed as fuel vapor flows laterally from the fuel vapor transfer passageway into the vent module through the fuel vapor inlet port so that “demoisturized” fuel vapor flows into the vent module and liquid fuel droplets fall into the liquid fuel accumulation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: J Bradley Groom, Dennis M. DeCapua
  • Patent number: 6564822
    Abstract: A fuel cutoff apparatus is provided with an outer casing and an inner float disposed inside the outer casing so as to be vertically movable therein. A plurality of openings are provided in a side face of the outer casing. A valve opening is provided at a top portion of the outer casing and a valve body is provided at a top portion of the inner float. There is also provided a plate that closes a bottom surface of the outer casing and an exhaust port for exhausting fuel provided in the plate closed by a valve protrusion provided on a bottom portion of the inner float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuharu Muto, Norikazu Sugimura
  • Patent number: 6564821
    Abstract: An over filling and roll over valve includes a housing, in which a valve assembly is located. The valve assembly includes a first stage member and a second stage member, being coaxially and relatively displaceable within the housing. The first stage member has a slit-like aperture at a bottom and an outlet aperture at the top. The inlet and the outlet apertures are in flow communication. The second stage member is a float provided with a flexible membrane strip for closing the slit-like aperture of the first stage member. The valve assembly is provided with at least one anchoring member extending between the first stage member and the second stage member and permitting a limited freedom of relative movement therebetween in such a manner that displacement of the second stage member into its second position entails positive displacement of the first stage member into its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Raval - Agriculture Cooperative Societies Ltd.
    Inventors: Ehud Orenstein, Zohar Moalem, Yoav Livne, Vladimir Olchinski
  • Patent number: 6557578
    Abstract: A fuel vapor treating apparatus includes a lower valve casing and an upper valve casing. A float is provided in the lower valve casing and a valve portion is provided in the float for sealing the flow of fuel. A valve port is provided between the lower valve casing and the upper valve casing and is opened and closed by the valve portion. A vent passage portion is provided in the upper valve casing. A space portion is provided between the vent passage portion and the valve port. A valve portion of the float moves vertically in accordance with a liquid level in a fuel tank and opens and closes the valve port, whereby the fuel tank is brought into communication with the vent passage portion. A vent port is provided in a partition that separates the space portion from the vent passage portion. And, a second float is provided to open and close the vent port. The fuel vapor treating apparatus reliably stops fuel leakage from the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimamura, Norikazu Sugimura, Hidemi Masuda, Koji Sugiura
  • Patent number: 6532983
    Abstract: Combination of a float valve for venting a fuel tank allowing venting in the inclined position, preventing the ejection of liquid, fulfilling the OPD and ROV functions and the function of degassing during filling, and of a capacity equipped with a draining system capable of trapping small quantities of liquid fuel entrained with the gases and of returning them to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Management
    Inventor: Patrick Ganachaud
  • Patent number: 6530364
    Abstract: The invention concerns a ventilating device for a motor vehicle fuel tank wherein a valve (12) is equipped with a ball (20) arranged in a chamber (14) wherein emerges an intake orifice (16) which opens into the center of a lower wall (19) concave upper surface (22) of the chamber (19), the ball (20) being supported on the concave upper surface (22). The invention is characterised in that the slope, relative to the horizontal, of the concave upper surface (22) decreases in the direction radially away from the axis (A1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques C.O.M.E.T.
    Inventor: Christian Romanek
  • Patent number: 6508263
    Abstract: The float has an elastomeric valve disk with an annular bead rim caged for limited lost motion movement on the top of the float. A rigid backing plate for the valve disk is pivoted on a curved surface on the top of the float to ensure self-alignment of the valve disk on the vent port seat when the float is moved upward by the rising liquid level for closing the vent during refueling. As fuel is used from the tank, the float drops and the angled top of the cage contacts the bead rim on the valve disk and effects a peel-away re-opening of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Russell C. Jahnke, Maxim V. Zorine
  • Patent number: 6494227
    Abstract: A valve for preventing fuel leaking from a fuel tank includes a housing that has a passage that communicates with the outside. In the housing there is a float that is used to open and close the passage by being moved axially along the housing. The valve is provided with a device to guide the float to close the passage. The device includes a gap formed between the housing and the float that increases in size with increasing distance from the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignees: Nifco Inc., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Hattori, Taiki Aoyama
  • Patent number: 6450192
    Abstract: A device for ventilating a motor vehicle fuel tank comprises a chamber (24) communicating with the tank and, through a top outlet (30), with a discharge duct (28). The device further comprises, inside the chamber (24), a float (32) controlling a needle valve (40) for closing the top outlet (30) when the fuel level exceeds a predetermined threshold in the chamber (24). The device also comprises, between the tank and the float (32), flow restricting elements (66,68) for limiting the fuel displacement speed before it comes into contact with the float (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques C.O.M.E.T.
    Inventor: Christian Romanek
  • Patent number: 6443177
    Abstract: A device (10) for venting a fuel tank has a chamber (17) communication on the one had with the tank and on the other hand, through an outlet orifice (19), with a pipe (20) for opening to atmosphere. A float (25) has an external skirt (27) delimiting an internal space in the float (25) and a needle (28) adapted to close off the outlet orifice (19) when the fuel level exceeds a predetermined threshold in the chamber (17). The float (25) has a least one partition (29) adapted to divide the internal space in the float (25), with a height substantially equal to the height of the external skirt (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: I.T.W. de France
    Inventor: Christian Romanek
  • Publication number: 20020117205
    Abstract: A vent valve for a fuel tank having a sending unit positioned therethrough including a floating body floatable within the fuel tank and a valve positioned with respect to the floating body. A vent hose is positioned with respect to the valve, the vent hose extending between the floating body and the sending unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Eric G. Parker, Kenneth LeVey, David R. Nowak
  • Patent number: 6439258
    Abstract: A tank vent control system includes a valve container adapted to be mounted in a vehicle fuel tank and formed to include an interior chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, and a valve positioned to move up and down in the interior chamber to control the flow of liquid fuel and fuel vapor from the interior chamber through the chamber outlet. The valve includes an outlet closure sized to engage and close the chamber outlet and an exterior wall. The valve container includes a lower interior portion bounding a lower region of the interior chamber and surrounding the exterior wall of the valve to define a vent passage therebetween communicating with the chamber inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Decapua
  • Patent number: 6439206
    Abstract: In the fuel evaporative emission controller, mounting of the piping is simplified, and the amount of piping such as rubber hoses is minimized, reducing the cost and the fuel permeation. The fuel evaporative emission controller includes a valve structure integrating a fuel-level sensing valve and a fuel cut valve. It further includes a vent line and an evaporate line both provided in the valve structure. In the fuel evaporative emission controller having the vent line connected to the canister, the valve structure has an opening for communicating the vent line and evaporate line with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimamura, Hiroshi Osaki
  • Patent number: 6431195
    Abstract: A vent valve for a fuel tank having a sending unit positioned therethrough including a floating body floatable within the fuel tank and a valve positioned with respect to the floating body. A vent hose is positioned with respect to the valve, the vent hose extending between the floating body and the sending unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Parker, Kenneth LeVey, David R. Nowak
  • Patent number: 6431200
    Abstract: A vent apparatus is adapted to be coupled to a fuel tank and includes a valve housing made of a non-weldable plastics material and containing a valve. The vent apparatus further includes a tank mount made of a weldable plastics material and coupled to the valve housing. The tank mount is adapted to be welded to an underlying fuel tank to support the valve housing within a mounting aperture formed in the fuel tank. The tank mount is coupled to the valve housing by a retainer ring formed to include an annular channel opening toward the valve housing. The valve housing includes an annular upper flange extending into an upper region of the annular channel formed in the retainer ring. The tank mount includes an annular lower flange extending into a lower region of that annular channel to mate with the overlying annular upper flange and trap a flange seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Brock, Jeffrey E. Devall
  • Patent number: 6425379
    Abstract: An evaporative emission control system is provided which includes an upper valve casing defining a vent conduit, a lower valve casing disposed under the upper valve casing, and a float disposed within the lower valve casing. The float is vertically movable depending upon a liquid level of fuel in a fuel tank, and includes a valve portion that faces the upper valve casing. A valve port formed between the upper valve casing and the lower valve casing is opened and closed by the valve portion of the float. The upper valve casing defines a space between the vent conduit and the valve port. A flow restricting device is disposed in the space of the upper valve casing so as to obstruct flow of fuel from the valve port to the vent conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimamura, Norikazu Sugimura, Koji Suguira, Hidemi Masuda
  • Patent number: 6422261
    Abstract: A fuel system apparatus for installation on a fuel tank. The apparatus includes a first portion extending at least partially interiorly of the fuel tank and the apparatus is installed on the fuel tank. A second portion is positioned at least partially extending into the fuel tank when the apparatus is installed on the fuel tank. A mount is provided which is at least partially retained between the first portion and the second portion. The mount at least partially extends from between the first portion and the second portion. The mount in size and dimension or at least substantially corresponding to an opening in the fuel tank to which the apparatus is attached. The mount is attachable to the fuel tank and prevents permeation of hydrocarbon vapor therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis DeCapua, Jeffrey Devall, Gregory Brown
  • Patent number: 6412511
    Abstract: A fuel tank valve for connection to a degassing circuit to define a passage for a flow of gas leaving the tank, the valve being characterized by the fact that it has at least one moving member (18; 55) capable of being controlled in displacement to modify the configuration of said valve (1; 42), and by the fact that the valve has a first moving closure element (26; 65) having an orifice (29; 67) and suitable for being moved by the moving member (18; 55) from a first position towards a second position, the transition from the first position to the second position reducing the flow section made available to the flow of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventor: Alexis Rosseel
  • Patent number: 6408867
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel cutoff valve that reduces the emission of fuel vapors from within fuel tanks. The fuel cutoff valve is mounted by partial insertion into a fixation hole provided in an upper tank wall of a fuel tank. The fuel cutoff valve comprises a cover, a casing, a float, and a spring. In the cover, a matrix of polyacetal having excellent resistance to fuel permeation reduces emission of fuel vapors into the atmosphere, while a dispersed phase of polyethylene in the matrix allows welding to fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohide Aoki, Hiroaki Kito, Hisatsugu Goto, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6405747
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling discharge of fuel vapor from within a vehicle fuel tank, which apparatus includes at least a primary and auxiliary liquid separating chamber positioned above a float chamber below a valve outlet. The apparatus includes at least one baffle arranged to intercept and direct filtered fuel droplets from the vapor flow and return the liquid fuel to the fuel tank. The primary and auxiliary liquid separation chambers and associated baffle are positioned to facilitate flow of fuel vapor from the tank yet return liquid fuel to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. King, Gregory P. Brown
  • Patent number: 6405766
    Abstract: A float operated fuel tank vapor vent valve having a reduced diameter portion on the bottom of the float which forms a tapered surface. The tapered surface contacts a plurality of spaced resilient fingers when the float drops suddenly; and the float motion is thus arrested silently by deflection of the resilient fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 6394123
    Abstract: A reservoir for a liquid circuit has a partition dividing it into an upper chamber and a bottom chamber from which liquid is drawn via an outlet conduit. An inlet conduit for returning liquid to the reservoir opens into a deaerator which is mounted on the partition so that the liquid is returned into the bottom chamber and the separated gas is discharged through a degassing orifice which opens into the upper chamber. The deaerator is provided with a valve which closes the degassing orifice when the reservoir is inverted or subjected or negative gravity, thus ensuring the continuing supply of liquid to the circuit under all operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Techspace Aero
    Inventors: Philippe René Oswald Menu, Alain Pascal Jacques Hemmer, Albert René Maurice Joseph Cornet
  • Patent number: 6386222
    Abstract: A tank venting system includes a vent apparatus for controlling discharge of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through an aperture formed in a fuel tank. The vent apparatus includes a vent valve, a vent valve mover, and a liquid fuel sensor positioned to lie in the fuel tank and configured to operate a control module and a solenoid to control operation of the vent valve mover so as to move the vent valve between opened and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 6382231
    Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve and a method for making the same having a simpler mounting operation and excellent sealing properties are disclosed. The fuel cutoff valve includes a cover, a casing made of a different resin than the cover wherein the casing includes a valve chest and a valve body accommodated in the valve chest. The casing is used as an insert member having a plurality of sealing ribs projecting substantially vertically towards the cover, and a stopper formation forming a substantially horizontal step at substantially right angles to the sealing ribs, and the cover is integrally formed therewith so as to enclose the sealing ribs and stopper formation of the casing. The fuel cutoff valve may also be constructed such that the cover is used as the insert member as opposed to the casing. The stopper formation can be a rib, a recess or a through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Sugizaki, Masanori Nojiri
  • Patent number: 6371152
    Abstract: A float type vapor vent valve for a vehicle fuel tank. A relatively thin flexible valve member has one end anchored to the float but permitted relative movement with respect to the float in a direction parallel to that of float movement, with the opposite end of the flexible valve member anchored to the float in spaced arrangement from the one end, but permitted limited movement with respect to the float in a direction normal to that of float movement. The flexible arm is bowed in one version and has a flat configuration in another version.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 6347640
    Abstract: According to the invention, in the case of a multifunctional valve for a vehicle container, comprising a first opening which can be closed by means of a first closing body as a function of the filling level of the container and is intended for ventilating the tank as it is being filled, a second opening which can be closed by means of a second closing body and is intended for ventilating the tank during operation, the two closing bodies automatically going into their closing position if the vehicle takes up an excess sloping position or undergoes a roll-over action, the two closing bodies (13, 18) can be brought into the closing position by a respectively assigned first or second float body (11, 17) which are of lower density than the medium in the container, and in the event of a roll-over action, a mechanical device (ball 19) acts upon the two float bodies (11, 17) to counter their buoyancy and keep the closing bodies (13, 18) in the closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Vdo AG
    Inventor: Knut Meyer
  • Patent number: 6343590
    Abstract: In order to reduce a discharge amount of an evaporated fuel to the atmosphere and make it possible to manufacture an automobile in accordance with a module production, in a canister module, a fill check valve, a cut off valve, a positive and negative pressure check valve and the like are previously assembled in a module main body in an integral manner and the canister module is covered with a cover portion of a canister case having an absorbent storage chamber on an evaporated fuel outlet side and the cover portion is welded to a module main body so as to keep an airtight condition, thereby forming a passage portion surrounded by the cover portion and the module main body. Accordingly, a rubber hose is omitted and a transmitting amount of the evaporated fuel to the atmosphere is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Nagai, Kazumi Haruta