Vent Opening Or Closing On Tipping Container Patents (Class 137/43)
  • Patent number: 4756328
    Abstract: A fuel tank protection valve includes a pendulum type weight that hangs within a bearing socket located below the vent line opening in a fuel tank vapor collection dome. When the vehicle tilts significantly from the horizontal, the weight pivots within the socket, kicking a float ball up to seal the vent line opening. The closing angle of the valve may be easily varied, without changing the shape or size of the bearing socket, by varying the offset from the socket pivot point of the bearing socket of an extension of the weight that actually engages the float ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Carl H. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 4753262
    Abstract: A roll-over vent valve for an automobile fuel tank comprises a novel means for minimizing the force required to re-open a corked shut-off element. The disclosed embodiment comprises a thin, slightly pliable, circular disc for the shut-off element which seats against an annular seat to close the vent passage in the event of roll-over. If the pressure in the tank headspace is sufficiently positive and the disc is closed against the seat in the absence of roll-over, an extra force is required to unseat the disc because of the pressure differential acting on the seated disc. The magnitude of force required to unseat the disc is significantly attenuated in the present invention by having the force act over a limited circumferential extent of the sealing contact of the disc against the seat. This peels the disc from the seat with complete unseating being accomplished by causing the force to act progressively around the perimeter of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: G.T. Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph Bergsma
  • Patent number: 4742840
    Abstract: A roll-over valve includes a valve body wherein a raised seat portion which a position sensitive ball rests on is disposed below an inlet opening via which fuel vapors enter into the valve body chamber. A ball follower has a top member disposed below the inlet opening and adapted to close the inlet upon being moved toward the inlet by the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Tsuchiya Seisakusho
    Inventors: Teruo Takahashi, Naotoshi Mitsui, Hideaki Togashi
  • Patent number: 4739898
    Abstract: A closure (e.g. cover, cap, lid, etc.) having anti-evaporation and spill-resistant features for use on a multi-serving capacity (e.g. 1, 11/2, 2 gallons) container for hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, soup) and near-boiling water and incorporating a filling passageway formation through which hot beverages and water may be introduced to fill a container while the closure is in place thereon. A light-weight floating ball normally seats on the upper side of a filling orifice and minimizes evaporation. A heavy-weight (e.g. steel) ball seats against the opposite side of the orifice and prevents the contents from gushing out in the event the container is overturned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Irvin L. Brown
  • Patent number: 4735226
    Abstract: A roll-over valve is provided for use in a vehicle fuel system having an outlet for discharging fuel vapor. The roll-over valve includes a hollow valve member that terminates in a distal tip. A roll-over ball is provided for moving the distal tip from an outlet-opening position to an outlet-closing position in response to tilting of the hollow valve member during vehicle rollover conditions. Weighted members in the form of weighted balls are disposed within the hollow valve member to counteract the lifting force that may be imposed upon the hollow valve member by the formation of a low pressure area over the distal tip due to high flow rates of vapor over the tip. The weighted balls aid in preventing the valve member from being urged upwardly to prematurely seal the outlet. The hollow valve member is formed to include a sealed chamber so that a buoyant force is created when fuel enters the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventor: Emil Szlaga
  • Patent number: 4716920
    Abstract: A fuel cap having a pressure-vacuum valve assembly for sealing a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The cap has a normally closed vent to vent the fuel tank, with a first valve member to open the vent when the pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined superatmospheric level. The cap also has a second valve member to open the vent when the pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level. The cap includes a roll-over valve disposed above the first and second valve members to close the vent when the vehicle and cap are rolled over to a substantially inverted orientation to prevent fuel from spilling out of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventor: Billy G. Crute
  • Patent number: 4702268
    Abstract: A gas vent orifice (78, 148) is located within a gas vent passageway. A closure ball (80, 154) is located upstream of the orifice (78, 148). A piston (66, 166) is located downstream of the orifice (78, 148). The piston (66, 166) includes a projection (76, 170) which projects into the orifice (78, 148), for dislodging the closure ball (80, 154) from its seated position. A mass in the form of a spherical ball (74, 160) functions to move the piston (66, 166) to dislodge the closure ball (80, 154). The mass (80, 154) rests on a conical ramp (56, 126) and the slope of the ramp serves to direct the mass (80, 154) against the piston (66, 166). A steep sloped ramp (126) may be used in combination with a piston (166) having a cylindrical center portion (168). Or, a shallow ramp (56) may be used in combination with a piston (66) having a flat upper surface and radial legs (68, 70) which fit within radial slots (58) in the ramp (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: GT Development Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt Ambruster, Charles J. Green, John M. Morris
  • Patent number: 4697612
    Abstract: A valve arrangement for ventilating and venting fuel tanks for motor vehicles which includes a vacuum valve, an excess pressure valve as well as a safety valve that interrupts the connection of the interior of the tank with the atmosphere beginning with a predetermined position of the valve arrangement deviating from the installed position. The safety valve includes a mass member displaceably arranged in the housing of the valve arrangement whose weight force is directed opposite the closing force of the excess pressure valve in the normal position of the valve arrangement and which beginning with a predetermined and subsequently continuing housing displacement acts increasingly on the valve closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kleineberg, Dieter Scheurenbrand
  • Patent number: 4694847
    Abstract: A roll-over valve is provided for use in a vehicle fuel system having an outlet for discharging fuel vapor. The roll-over valve includes a hollow valve member that terminates in a distal tip and includes a side wall. The distal tip is formed to include a top aperture and the side wall is formed to include at least one side aperture. The top aperture and side aperture cooperate to prevent the formation of a low pressure area that might otherwise be formed over the distal tip to prevent the hollow valve member from prematurely sealing the outlet. A roll-over ball is provided for moving the distal tip from an outlet-opening position to an outlet-closing position in response to tilting of the hollow valve member during vehicle roll-over conditions. A ball is provided in the hollow valve member for closing the top aperture during a selected first range of tilting positions of the hollow valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventor: Emil Szlaga
  • Patent number: 4685584
    Abstract: A fuel cap for closing the filler neck of an off-road vehicle. The fuel cap includes a cover having an opening therethrough and a concentric housing extending downwardly into the filler neck and connected to the cover. A valve body having an upper and a lower chamber disposed therein is fitted into the housing and extends downwardly into the filler neck. The upper chamber and lower chamber have vent openings which cooperate with the opening in the cover to provide a vent path to allow the fuel tank to vent fuel vapor to the atmosphere. The lower chamber includes a floatation ball to seal one of the vent openings in the lower chamber to prevent fuel spillage when the vehicle is subjected to a bump, or is operated on a grade. The upper chamber includes a steel ball which seals one of the vent openings in the upper chamber to prevent fuel spillage when the vehicle is overturned to a substantially vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 4679580
    Abstract: A vapor vent control valve arrangement for a fluid tank is disclosed. The valve arrangement includes a solenoid operated valve with a normally-open parallel switch assembly and a normally-closed switch in an electrical circuit to activate the solenoid valve. An impact switch may also be provided as a safety precaution in the series circuit. The valve assembly is spring-biased to provide an over-pressure check valve function and also includes a back-pressure relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Devall, Ronald E. Reinke
  • Patent number: 4679581
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve configuration including a spring balanced, semi buoyant valve head containing within it a ball in a vertical channel. Closure of the valve head against a valve seat permits the escape of vapors through the veritcal channel until the presence of liquid fuel closes the ball against a second seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Mears
  • Patent number: 4666058
    Abstract: A cap for closing the filler neck of a vehicle is provided. The cap includes a valve body and a vent adapted to allow a maximum amount of fuel vapor to vent to the atmosphere. The cap also includes a ball disposed within the valve body to seal the vent when the vehicle is rolled over to a substantially inverted position to prevent fuel from leaking from the cap. The cap further includes a baffle to prevent fuel from splashing through the vent when the vehicle is operated on a rough and uneven surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 4655238
    Abstract: An improved roll-over valve includes a hollow valve housing, a valve member in the valve housing, and a base for retaining the valve member in the valve housing. A ball is provided for moving the valve member within the valve housing. The valve member is positioned within the hollow valve housing for movement generally along a longitudinal axis between an outlet-opening and -closing position. The valve member includes a ball-receiving cup configured to define a first inclined ramp portion. The base retains the valve member within the housing and includes a second inclined ramp portion. The base is coupled to the valve housing the present the first and second inclined ramp portions in opposing spaced-apart relation to define a ball-receiving space therebetween. The ball is positioned in the ball-receiving space in substantially camming relation to each of the opposing first and second inclined ramp portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventor: Emil Szlaga
  • Patent number: 4646772
    Abstract: A roll-over valve assembly is adapted for mounting on a fuel tank so as to expose internal portions of the valve mechanism to the tank headspace. Because liquid may slosh about in the tank, the valve includes a structure for shedding liquid fuel away from the main orifice so as to minimize intrusion of liquid fuel through the main orifice into an associated vapor control system to which the valve is connected. The roll-over valve further includes a relief and return vent valve mechanism which has a cooperative association with the tank headspace and the associated vapor control system. The valve assembly comprises a relatively small number of individual parts and it is cost effective for the various functions which it performs. The preferred embodiment utilizes a caged ball for closing the valve upon roll-over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: G.T. Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph Bergsma
  • Patent number: 4641154
    Abstract: Ink jet apparatus utilizing hot melt ink, having a reservoir system which contains the ink and maintains it in its melted phase when the apparatus is in use, and a tilt valve positioned above the reservoir, the valve having respective normally opened and closed positions, and providing both an air vent to the reservoir and a fill port for draining melted ink into the reservoir when in its normally opened position. Tilt valve may be placed into its closed position either by tilting the reservoir beyond a predetermined angle, or by automatic tilting of the valve actuator when the ink jet priming system is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Exxon Printing Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Mikalsen
  • Patent number: 4593711
    Abstract: A pressure and vacuum relief valve mechanism which can be installed in a vent opening in the top wall of a fluid storage tank. The valve mechanism includes a valve housing with a central bore therethrough. One end of the bore communicates with the vent opening to ambient atmosphere and the opposing end communicates with the interior of the tank above the stored fluid. A valve seat within the bore. A single, integral valve member is movable in the bore of the housing. The valve member has a valve component or head formed thereon cooperably engageable with the valve seat within the bore for relieving excessive vacuum in the tank interior. The integral valve member also includes a valve seat and a cooperating valve head for relieving excessive vacuum in said tank interior. These valving arrangements normally being biased closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Assignee: Mercury Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Carrol V. Morris
  • Patent number: 4579135
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve for preventing fuel from flowing from the vent of an automobile fuel tank comprising a valve compartment and a float vertically movable in the valve compartment, said float having a longitudinal hole communicating with vent holes made in the ceiling of the flat body or in the seat of a head fixed to the ceiling of the float body, thereby allowing the vapor of the fuel to ascend through the longitudinal hole of the float body and fill the upper space defined by the inner surface of the valve compartment and the outer surface of the head of the float thus to maintain the same pressure in the upper space as in the fuel tank at all times. Thus, the float can descend immediately when the automobile returns from an inclined position to the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nifco, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiyasu Sakata, Shigeru Kimura
  • Patent number: 4570657
    Abstract: A vent for a closed tank, such as a fuel tank, wherein the vent utilizes a normally closed valve, the valve being shiftable to egress and ingress venting positions by the flow of gas and air therethrough, the valve including spring counterbalanced support structure and gravity operated lock means preventing fluid loss through the vent upon the tank being tilted or overturned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: Russell L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 4555041
    Abstract: Tank valve apparatus providing the usual functions of excessive pressure venting and relief of normal over pressure and negative pressure conditions, and also adopted to instantaneously close the venting system on tanker truck rollover. This is done by an inertia valve which remains closed until the vehicle is righted. The apparatus also includes gravity sensitive flap closures which pivot to a position blocking large fuel surges against the tanker dome cap on vehicle rollover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Inventor: Herman D. Muehl
  • Patent number: 4545791
    Abstract: A liquid reservoir, such as an oil tank, for use in missiles or aircraft which are subjected to extreme flight attitudes. The reservoir has a wall rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the reservoir, and the liquid content of the reservoir is rotated about the longitudinal axis to provide, by centrifugal force, a central space within the reservoir which is essentially free of liquid. Air is vented from the reservoir through a fixed vent located within the central space created when the liquid content is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: MTU Motoren-Und-Turbinen Union Munchen GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Schweikl, Olaf Krauss
  • Patent number: 4508131
    Abstract: Safety valving for cargo tanks used for bulk transportation of hazardous commodities, such as for instance flammables. The valving provides automatic differential pressure relief for the tank, and overturn protection, with the automatic differential pressure relief including port means in the housing for the valving, adapted for communicating the interior of the associated tank with the exterior atmosphere, and comprising poppet type closure means coacting with the port means and biased to normally closed condition, but being openable to provide automatic differential pressure relief. The overturn protection section comprises an angle responsive closure means responsive to predetermined angular orientation of the valving relative to the vertical, and operative to close the associated port means of the valving against inadvertent escape of the tank's contents, when the tank is at least in partially overturned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Allegheny Valve Company
    Inventor: Joseph H. DeFrees, deceased
  • Patent number: 4492244
    Abstract: A liquid fuel tank for a vehicle is provided with a fuel outlet duct in a circuit about the base of the tank and fuel outlet duct vents connected to the outlet duct and extending above the highest part of the tank. During normal operation of the tank, a non-return air vent allows the flow of fuel from the outlet duct. In the event of an accident, or some other occurrence which results in the tank being tilted, further fuel flow from the outlet duct is cut off by air drawn into the fuel outlet duct from the outlet duct vents. The angle through which the tank must be tilted to allow air from the outlet duct vents to be drawn into the outlet duct may be predetermined by the extent of the circuit about the base of the tank of the outlet duct. Such a non-spill fuel tank, which is self contained in operation, is suitable for use in on-road and off-road wheeled and tracked vehicles, hovercraft, and aircraft which are in danger of being blown over when on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Secretary of State for Her Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom and Britain
    Inventors: Bryan P. Chinn, John S. Armour, Peter M. F. Watson, Graham L. Donne
  • Patent number: 4487215
    Abstract: Venting gas flow from a fuel tank or the like enters through tangential inlets into a spin chamber, influencing a closure ball in said chamber to spin or orbit around an upper conical wall portion of the spin chamber. The spinning action keeps the closure ball from seating in an outlet opening formed at the upper end of the spin chamber. The closure ball does seat in response to liquid rising in the spin chamber or tilting of the spin chamber beyond a predetermined angle of tilt. A vibrating mass positioned on the outlet side of the outlet opening includes a central striker portion which contacts the closure ball whenever it tends to seat in response to shock forces or some condition other than the presence of liquid activated buoyancy forces or tilt activated gravity forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: GT Development Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Green
  • Patent number: 4457325
    Abstract: A fuel tank cap (10,130) having a venting valve (56,56A) adapted to relieve pressure and temperature in the tank and prevent spilling fuel from the tank. A cover plate (28,28A) is automatically (34,34A) removed from the cap by excessive temperature so as to allow fluid in the tank to escape. The valve body (56) has a spin chamber (98), having generally circular cross sections (102,104) and at least one tangentially directed side wall inlet opening (106). The chamber cross sections decrease in diameter upwardly of the inlet opening (88) to a point below a circular outlet opening whereby gas venting through the chamber spins a light weight buoyant ball (94) around the chamber so as to prevent the ball from closing during venting. The ball (94) is lifted onto a seat (92) at the outlet to close it when liquid enters the chamber to a predetermined level. A heavy ball (96) in the chamber holds the light ball (94) on the seat when the chamber has been tilted a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignee: GT Development Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Green
  • Patent number: 4423746
    Abstract: A device for venting fuel tanks, especially of automotive vehicles, of the type having a volume equalizing vessel arranged in an upper zone of the interior of the fuel tank that communicates with the atmosphere is provided with inertial operated blocking members for sealing orifices into the equalizing vessel that are disposed at an upstream side of the orifices into the equalizing vessel relative to the interior of the tank. Additional venting conduits may be provided that are preferably inclined height wise and may either be mounted interiorly of the equalizing vessel so as to extend outwardly through an end wall thereof into close proximity with an end wall of the fuel tank or may be externally formed as a unitary formation of the equalizing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Scheurenbrand, Manfred Stotz
  • Patent number: 4390107
    Abstract: A fuel tank cap for use in a motor vehicle including a cap body having a path communicating the interior of a fuel tank with the atmosphere and having incorporated therein a sensor valve unit. The sensor valve unit includes a valve housing having an upper wall with a first through-opening therein open to the path for communication with the atmosphere, a peripheral wall with a second through-opening at a predetermined position which is open to the housing interior and communicates with the fuel tank interior, an upright funnel shaped bottom wall, a weight ball movably positioned on the bottom wall, and a valve body resting on the weight ball so as to be moved upwards for closing the first through-opening when the weight ball rolls over the bottom wall and thereby carries out an upward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masakazu Hukuta
  • Patent number: 4378815
    Abstract: A pressure control device with a fluid discharge prevention mechanism such that operation is reliable, size is small, weight is light, and cost is low. The pressure control device according to the present invention comprises a novel valve body housing a weight and a fluid discharge prevention valve together, a vessel body with a tank-communicating port, and a lid with an atmosphere-communicating port. The top circumferential surface of the valve body serves also as a vacuum pressure regulation valve in cooperation with the vessel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Mochida, Michiaki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 4352364
    Abstract: A nonspill vented closure assembly is provided for a wet cell type of storage battery which normally provides a venting hole to the interior of the battery, and which includes a tiltable weight that lifts a valve to close the vent hole whenever the battery is tilted with respect to the vertical beyond a certain angular displacement, so as to prevent leakage of the liquid electrolyte through the closure assembly. The closure assembly includes a tubular casing which is threaded into the normal fill hole of the battery. A lead weight which constitutes the tiltable mass is supported in the casing. A valve stem connects the lead weight to a valve member, and it serves to move the valve member against an annular valve seat surrounding an orifice in the lower end of the casing whenever the lead weight is tilted. The valve stem includes a ball at its upper end which extends into a cavity in the bottom of the lead weight, and which is held in the cavity by a plastic disc which forms a bearing surface for the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1982
    Assignee: Concorde Battery Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Orsino, Ernest R. Sawyer, Ronald J. Hollet
  • Patent number: 4351350
    Abstract: A valving assembly for a liquid-containing tank comprises a housing which includes vent and valve passageways extending axially therethrough. A roll-over valve is supported in the vent passageway by a spring which is calibrated normally to open the vent passageway to normalize the pressure inside the tank. Movement of the roll-over valve is assisted by the spring to close the vent passageway and prevent movement of the liquid from the tank when the tank is tilted. An excessive pressure valve is disposed in the valve passageway and urged by a spring normally to close the valve passageway. The spring is calibrated to provide movement of the excessive pressure valve member to open the valve passageway when the vent passageway is closed and superatmospheric pressure within the tank exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventor: Billy G. Crute
  • Patent number: 4325398
    Abstract: A tank venting, pressure and temperature relieving, and spill preventing valve for fuel tanks. The valve has a spin chamber, having generally circular cross sections and at least one side wall inlet opening that is tangentially directed with respect to the circumferences of the cross sections. There is a circular outlet at a normally upper and open end of the chamber. The chamber cross sections decrease in diameter upwardly of the inlet opening to below the outlet opening whereby gas venting through the chamber spins a light weight, bouyant ball around the chamber so as to prevent the ball from closing during venting. The ball valve is adapted to be lifted to seat on the outlet to close it when liquid enters the chamber to a predetermined level. A heavy ball in the chamber holds the light weight valve ball on the seat when the chamber has been tilted a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Assignee: G. T. Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Green
  • Patent number: 4322086
    Abstract: A hydraulic oil reservoir for a mobile vehicle having the oil container of the reservoir formed in a beam of a horizontally disposed frame of the mobile vehicle. A vent assembly for the oil reservoir is comprised of a porous plug vent interconnected through a pair of hoses to two spaced openings in the top wall of the oil container. The interconnection of the two openings in the top wall of the reservoir enables the reservoir to be vented adequately while reducing the likelihood of oil expulsion through the vent when the vehicle is operated on a hillside terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Clarence C. Bennink
  • Patent number: 4299247
    Abstract: A fuel tank vent apparatus includes an upper housing for enclosing a movable weight in the form of a metal ball. The lower part of the apparatus is provided with venting ports closable by a push rod operated piston, wherein such push rod is spring biased upwardly toward the aforementioned metal ball. For a normal, upright position of the apparatus, the ball is centered in its housing by a ramp and urges the push rod downwardly against spring bias whereby ports into the tank are open allowing venting. However, if the apparatus becomes inclined to a predetermined angle, the ball is supported to a greater extent by the ramp surrounding the push rod, allowing the biasing spring to urge the push rod upwardly for moving the piston and closing the vents. Thus, should a vehicle containing this vent apparatus overturn or otherwise be oriented at greater than a predetermined angle whereby fuel would be apt to escape, the vent will be closed in response to spring bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Inventor: Russell D. Keller
  • Patent number: 4287913
    Abstract: An oil tank suitable for an aircraft mounted gas turbine engine is divided into three series connected chambers. Aerated oil after engine use is fed into the first chamber and de-aerated oil withdrawn from the third chamber for engine use. The chambers are interconnected in such a manner that when the tank is inverted, a reservoir of oil is retained within the third chamber to provide a continued supply of oil to the oil outlet for a finite time period and insufficient oil flows into the first chamber from the second to obstruct an air vent provided in the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Limited
    Inventors: George H. Bennett, Alfred W. Osborn, Clive N. Bunyan, Ronald A. Midgley
  • Patent number: 4285440
    Abstract: A vented fuel reservoir filler cap having a check valve positioned intermediate an inner surface of that cap and an annular gasket seated in the cap so that both the gasket and check valve will in turn be captured between the cap inner surface and the fuel reservoir filler when the cap is in the reservoir closing position is disclosed with the check valve comprising a disc-like support with an elongated valve cavity carried by the support and having openings near opposite ends thereof with a valve member captive within the valve cavity and movable between a position near one cavity end for closing the valve and a position near the other cavity end allowing the valve to remain open. The spit resistant characteristics of the cap are enhanced by providing a baffle intermediate the check valve and an aperture in the fuel cap for venting the reservoir and may be further enhanced by providing another baffle on the side of the check valve opposite the first baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Gar M. Adams
  • Patent number: 4274431
    Abstract: A fuel tank vent apparatus is described with an improved gravity actuated valve for preventing liquid fuel spillage. A weight pivotally supported above the valve acts as a plumb weight for operating a movable valve member connected thereto to close the valve when the vent apparatus is tipped. In the one embodiment the plumb weight is hung on a chain that is also connected to the valve member. The fuel vent apparatus is especially useful on the fuel tank of an automobile or truck in that it enables gaseous fuel vapor to be vented from the tank through a passageway, thereby preventing pressure buildup within the tank while also employing in such passageway the gravity operated valve which is closed when the truck turns over or tips at an angle greater than a predetermined angle to prevent the leakage of liquid fuel through such vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Inventor: Russell D. Keller
  • Patent number: 4253501
    Abstract: A transfer device for withdrawal of aliquots from a container of bulk solution is provided with a body having a tapered chamber, a first passage venting the smaller end of the chamber to the surrounding air, a second passage communicating at one end with the larger end of the chamber, and a third passage having one end for withdrawal of fluid therefrom. A tapered valve element is received within the chamber for movement between first and second conditions in response to changes in the presence differential between the first and second passages. The first condition provides a fluid seal between the first and second passages by engagement of the valve element with the walls of the chamber for pressures within the second passage greater than that within the first passage, and the second condition provides a fluid path from the first passage to the second passage for pressures within the second passage somewhat less than that within the first passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1981
    Assignee: IMS Limited
    Inventor: Robert W. Ogle
  • Patent number: 4250360
    Abstract: A device designed to effect automatic activation or deactivation of electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated control means, comprising a body freely movable in an air-tight housing and in its normal position sealing an aperture, a spring-biased control member arranged in a conduit one end of which is connected to the chamber and the opposite end of which is closed by said control member, which member may be displaced in said conduit between an activating and a deactivating position, said displacement effected by the pressure differential or the pressure blance in said conduit on the opposite side of said control member arising as a consequence of said body being forced from its aperture-sealing position upon tilting of the housing past a predetermined angle or upon acceleration or retardation of a certain magnitude of said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Inventor: Gustav E. Svensson
  • Patent number: 4197870
    Abstract: An apparatus for ventilating a liquid tank in which ventilation pipes are arranged so that the orifice of at least one ventilation pipe is above the liquid level and the orifice of at least one ventilation pipe is below the liquid level. The remaining ends of the ventilation pipes connected to separate chambers which are sealed off from the tank interior. These chambers are associated with a rotary slide valve which can be controlled by the flight attitude. The control slots of this valve are staggered (offset) in such a way that with simultaneous free flow passage via at least one ventilation pipe located above the liquid level, flow passage via at least one ventilation pipe located below the liquid level is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: Motoren-und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Hildebrandt, Joachim Popp
  • Patent number: 4195652
    Abstract: A liquid level control for a transmission sump wherein excess fluid is stored in an external reservoir. The external reservoir is connected to a vacuum source, such as the engine manifold, above the liquid level in the external reservoir. The external reservoir is connected through a passage to the transmission sump. The passage is connected to the external reservoir at a position above the liquid level, such that the vacuum in the external reservoir can be imposed upon the passage and terminates in the transmission sump at the desired level. The vacuum is thus transmitted to the transmission sump to withdraw liquid when the level therein is above the desired level whereby the sump liquid level is determined at a substantially constant level dependent upon the position of the passage in the transmission sump. If the sump level is below the passage terminus, fluid enters the sump, from the external reservoir, through a fill passage connected at the bottom of the external reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Lyle B. Smith
  • Patent number: 4162021
    Abstract: A pressure-vacuum cap for a chamber such as an automobile gas tank having a normally upwardly extending filler neck formed with a peripherally and radially extending, upwardly facing sealing surface concentric with the longitudinal axis of the neck, the cap comprising a cover, a concentric housing extending downwardly from the cover into the filler neck and a gasket or gaskets providing a seal between the housing and the sealing surface, the housing providing a valve body having a centrally disposed, concentric passageway extending axially therethrough and in communication with the chamber. A pressure-vacuum valve assembly is disposed in that passageway for normalizing the pressure in the chamber, venting the chamber to atmosphere when the pressure in the chamber exceeds a predetermined superatmospheric level and when the pressure in the chamber drops below a predetermined subatmospheric level. The cap also provides, in addition to the pressure-vacuum valve assembly, a roll-over valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1979
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Billy G. Crute
  • Patent number: 4161069
    Abstract: An elongated flexible level assembly usable as a transit or the like includes a pair of float assemblies each having a flow passage thereinto adjacent the lower end, a pair of valve seats within the chamber of the housing in spaced relationship above the flow passage thereinto and valve members reciprocable in the chamber to seal the flow passage through the valve seats. Indicator means is provided on the housing intermediate the two valve seats, and the housing is transparent at least about the indicator means so as to permit viewing of the water level therein. A flexible conduit interconnects the flow passages of the two float assemblies and liquid is introduced into the assembly in a volume sufficient to fill the conduit and the two float asemblies to the level of the indicator means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1979
    Inventor: Angelo Cubeta
  • Patent number: 4126151
    Abstract: A frangible member isolates a rupture disc from a pressurized fluid system. Under abnormal conditions such as might be encountered in a crash or derailment, the frangible member breaks and thereby permits direct contact of the rupture disc with the fluid system. If the pressure is sufficient, this causes the rupturing of the disc and the venting of the fluid system down to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1978
    Assignee: Calspan Corporation
    Inventor: Wendell A. Bullerdiek
  • Patent number: 4114636
    Abstract: An air inlet and outlet valve is located in the bottom of a tank so that the operator need not climb to the top of the tank to operate the valve. A conduit extends from the valve to the top of the tank. A stilling well is mounted inside the top of the tank. A ball which is lighter than the lading is mounted in the stilling well. The stilling well includes openings allowing air to enter or leave the tank through the conduit when the ball is in an unseated position in the stilling well. Lading contacting the ball moves the ball into a seated position which blocks the entrance to the conduit and prevents lading from entering the conduit, going down through the conduit to the valve at the bottom of the tank, and discharging from the conduit when the operator opens the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Gunter R. Behle
  • Patent number: 4095609
    Abstract: A roll-over valve utilizing a caged ball for positionally responsive actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1978
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Frank J. Martin
  • Patent number: 4064952
    Abstract: A device attachable to a power drill for the collection and removal of material released during drilling procedures. A collecting tube is mounted by a clamp parallel to the longitudinal axis of the power drill, and is movable relative to the power drill. A spout surrounds the drill bit near the tip area. Pressure is applied to the collecting tube or to the spout in closing the drill bit by a spring, so that the collecting tube can have relative motion in the opposite direction, in accordance with the progress of the drilling. The collecting tube is adapted to the contour of the power drill and has a bend in the vicinity of the spout. The collecting tube has, furthermore, a storage space for the material released during the drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1977
    Inventor: Helmut Lechner
  • Patent number: 4058149
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle assembly having a system for receiving the vapors displaced from a motor vehicle gasoline tank when it is being filled, an interlock system for preventing the dispensing of gasoline until the vapor receiving bellows is in contact with the fillpipe of the vehicle gasoline tank, and an attitude control valve system to prevent vapors from the underground storage tanks from being displaced back into the atmosphere through the vapor receiving system. The control valve design permits automatic closing of the valve when the nozzle is moved into a vertical position and opening when moved into a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1977
    Assignee: Sun Oil Company of Pennsylvania
    Inventor: William B. Hansel
  • Patent number: 4050471
    Abstract: A valving mechanism or closing apparatus for ventilation lines of fuel tanks in motor vehicles is provided which comprises a housing and closing elements contained in the housing, which closing elements are movable in accordance with the vehicle position. The closing elements are formed as movable members, one above the other, with the lower member being a mass body lying against a guide wall of the housing and being freely movable to a certain extent, while the upper element acts to close an exit opening of the housing, thereby closing the ventilation line. The lower mass body element may be conically configured to match the conically configured guide wall of the housing, or the mass body may be a ball shaped body which moves along the guide wall of the housing. The upper element may also be a floating body such that an overflow of gasoline into the housing causes the floating body to close the exit opening, thereby preventing discharge of fuel out of the ventilation line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Assignee: Dr. -Ing. H.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sigmund Anhegger, Hans Colell
  • Patent number: 4033475
    Abstract: In a vented cap for closing the filler neck of a liquid containing tank, the cap including a valve housing providing a venting passageway extending therethrough, the improvement comprising a roll-over valve member for closing the passageway when the filler neck is tilted. The valve housing provides a valve seat in the passageway facing inwardly and against which the valve member moves. The housing also provides a tubular portion extending inwardly from the valve seat, the valve member being moveable in that portion between a position in closing engagement with the seat and a position away from the seat. The tubular portion is provided with at least one vent port located between the positions of the valve member, the port being of a size sufficient readily to pass vapor therethrough and insufficient readily to pass liquid therethrough. When liquid enters the port from the tank, a pressure differential is created to drive the valve member into its closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Evans
  • Patent number: 4023583
    Abstract: A valve apparatus for limiting the pressure of gases in an enclosed tank. The valve has a body mounted on the tank wall structure providing a passage into the tank chamber. A breather intake valve surrounds the body and allows air to flow into the tank chamber when sub-atmospheric pressure is present in the tank chamber. A valve assembly located in the passage operates to allow excessive gas pressure to escape from the tank chamber. The valve assembly has a first valve that closes, should the tank partially or totally overturn, to prevent liquid from flowing out of the tank and a second valve that is normally biased closed to prevent the escape of gases and vapor from the tank chamber to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1977
    Assignee: Brown-Minneapolis Tank & Fabricating Co.
    Inventor: Lindley A. Parkinson