Inlet Internally Extending Patents (Class 137/592)
  • Patent number: 6959724
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for controlling the discharge of pressurized fluids from the outlet of a pressurized vessel, and particularly directed to multiple fluid regulating devices within the vessel for storing and controlling the flow of fluid or gases out of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Charles Heiderman
  • Patent number: 6948523
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle has means for introducing air into and venting air from the tank, and a filler pipe for filling the tank with fuel. A recirculation conduit communicates with the filler pipe. The recirculation conduit is connected to the filler pipe within the volume enclosed by the tank, approximately in the region of the outlet end of the filler pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reiner Viebahn
  • Patent number: 6932100
    Abstract: A flapper valve for push-in snap-lock attachment to a spud to be welded to a fuel tank and attached to a flexible filler tube hose. The flapper has an annular flexible seal overmolded thereon, preferably of elastomeric material. The flapper has a pair of trunnions, one of which has an extension or spindle with a torsion spring received thereover with one end of the torsion spring slidably anchored to a post on the flapper to form a flapper subassembly. The opposite end of the torsion spring is deflected to fit in a slot or groove in the body when the trunnions are snapped into slots formed by deflectable fingers formed integrally on the exterior of the tubular valve body for pivoting the flapper. Deflector vanes are provided on the upstream side of the flapper to protect the seal from the end of a siphon hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Martin, Christopher W. Creager
  • Patent number: 6895998
    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 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohide Aoki, Hiroaki Kito, Hiroshi Nishi, Kenichiro Kaneko, Masayuki Nakagawa, Masahiro Ando
  • Patent number: 6860289
    Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a surge tank. The surge tank comprises a side wall including an interior surface. A bottom of tank is coupled to the side wall, wherein the side wall and the bottom of tank define an interior of the surge tank and an exterior of the surge tank. At least one inlet is configured to fluidly couple the exterior of the surge tank with the interior of the surge tank. A weir is fluidly coupled to the inlet at the interior of the surge tank. A flexible element is coupled to the weir proximate to the bottom of tank. An outlet is defined in the bottom of tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Donald Villwock, Joseph Richard Cochran
  • Patent number: 6840274
    Abstract: A vent apparatus (10) includes a tank mount (12) made of a weldable plastics material and a fuel system component such as a valve assembly (13). Valve a assembly (13) includes a valve housing (14) made of a nonweldable plastics material and a valve (21) movable in a valve chamber (24) formed in valve housing (14) to open and close an aperture (23) leading to a venting outlet (22). Tank mount (12) supports valve housing (14) in a position in a mounting aperture (16) formed in a fuel tank (18). Valve housing (14) is made by injecting on-weldable plastics material into a mold containing the pre-molded tank mount (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy Williamson, Thomas Blease, Jeffrey Devall, Dwight Smith
  • Patent number: 6807952
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly has a fuel tank with a fuel flow control device disposed at least partially in the fuel tank, and which communicates with a fuel filler pipe through which volatile fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fuel flow control device includes a fill tube that controls the manner in which fuel enters the fuel tank, preferably to reduce generation of fuel vapor when fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fill tube is a flexible tube and includes a float adjacent to an outlet end of the fill tube so that the outlet end of the tube is responsive to the level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank for at least some levels of fuel in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karim Amellal, Benedict R. Bonazza, George Earl Maroney, Steve L. Toth
  • Patent number: 6799595
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively draining melt material, such as molten salt, utilizes an unobstructed drain conduit detachably connected, as by screw threads, to a vessel containing the material. Two heaters are utilized for the conduit, a drain heater at the vessel and a plugging heater spaced from the vessel. The conduit is placed at the plugging heater and partially filled with a predetermined quantity of plugging material in flowable form. The plugging material is, typically, the same salt in particulate form and is retained in the conduit by any suitable closure. The plugging heater is energized to melt the plugging material and is then de-energized so that a solid plug of this material forms in the conduit. The conduit, including the plug, is removed from the closure and the plugging heater and is connected to the vessel when the drain heater is de-energized and when the vessel does not contain molten melt material, as when the vessel is empty or this material is solidified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jerry S. Salan, Michael A. Lateulere, John E. Brough, Wendell R. Lee
  • Patent number: 6772790
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle has means for delivering fuel from the tank to the engine, means for the introduction of air into and the venting of air from the tank, and a filler pipe which can be closed at its intake end and which at its outlet end into the interior of the tank has at least one valve which can sealingly close at least upon a blowback of fuel thereto. At least one second valve is disposed in the filler pipe in the region of the outlet end thereof. The first valve in the filler pipe can be bridged by way of the second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reiner Viebahn, Christoph Adams
  • Publication number: 20040099315
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for circulating fluids, both gases and liquids, in a body of liquid. The system comprises a rotatable shaft having a tubular segment immersed in the body of liquid. The tubular segment of the shaft is in fluid communication with the fluid to be circulated. Means are provided for rotating the shaft. One or more tubular arms extend radially outwardly from the tubular shaft segment, and are in fluid communication with the tubular shaft segment. Each tubular arm comprises an extension spring which, under static conditions, is substantially straight but which upon rotation of the shaft is believed to be arcuately deflected by hydrodynamic force so as to impel fluid into the body of liquid. The system may be utilized for simply circulating the liquid, or for injecting a gas into the body of liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Francis C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6736164
    Abstract: A pressure control valve for a fuel tank with a spring-loaded valve body is intended to combine a maximum sealing effect with an unobstructed and reliable response. This is achieved in that the valve body comprises a foot part and a plate, the foot part being guided displaceably in the valve housing in the axis of symmetry, the plate having, in a staggered manner, a first groove and a second groove for holding a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring, the two sealing rings bearing against the sealing surface when the valve is closed and being flowed around in series when the valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Tesma Motoren-und Getrieaetechnik Ges.m.b.H.
    Inventor: Günther Pozgainer
  • Publication number: 20040079420
    Abstract: A flow diffuser adapted to be fitted to the exit end of the fill tube of a fuel tank having slot like apertures which are arranged to extend substantially at right angles to the axis of the fill. A deflector is filled into the base of the diffuser and is formed with an opening to allow the passage of a dipstick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Graham Mansfield Stuart
  • Patent number: 6722389
    Abstract: Liquid transfer apparatus transfers liquid between containers, and includes a liquid storage chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a passage connecting the storage chamber outlet to the pump chamber inlet; a suction pump mechanism for sucking air from the storage chamber via the pump chamber inlet; and a valve for selectively opening and closing the inlet of the liquid storage chamber, allowing liquid to flow into the storage chamber by a pump and opening of the inlet. A carry case stores the liquid transfer apparatus and three different adaptors, which can be connected to an aperture of a container for use with a liquid transfer apparatus. One adaptor has a radially adjustable thread engaging components to enable the adaptor to be connected to different sized apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Stevens Nominees (QLD) Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Alec Martin Stevens
  • Publication number: 20040050428
    Abstract: A spring loaded valve member with a poppet on one end is disposed in a fuel tank with the inlet end connected to the filler tube. The valve member has a spool valve attached to the poppet. The poppet is opened by fuel discharging from a refueling nozzle and the valve member movement limited by a float operated latch such that fuel flows through the spool valve ports. Upon the float rising in the tank, the latch is released permitting the force of the flowing fuel to further move the valve member to close the spool valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Publication number: 20040020540
    Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a surge tank. The surge tank comprises a side wall including an interior surface. A bottom of tank is coupled to the side wall, wherein the side wall and the bottom of tank define an interior of the surge tank and an exterior of the surge tank. At least one inlet is configured to fluidly couple the exterior of the surge tank with the interior of the surge tank. A weir is fluidly coupled to the inlet at the interior of the surge tank. A flexible element is coupled to the weir proximate to the bottom of tank. An outlet is defined in the bottom of tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Mobius Technologies, Inc., a California Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Donald Villwock, Joseph Richard Cochran
  • Patent number: 6675843
    Abstract: A non-return valve includes a main tube to be externally inserted into and joined to a fuel filling pipe, and a valve element to be provided on a downstream end of the main tube for allowing fuel to flow into a fuel tank and inhibiting a back flow out of the fuel tank. On an upstream side of the main tube, provided is a first inner tube including a first retaining portion relevant to the fuel filling pipe, an annular sealing member abutting on an inner periphery of the main tube and on an outer periphery of the fuel filling pipe, and a second inner pipe disposed more upstream than the first inner tube so as to sandwich the annular sealing member together with the first inner tube, the second inner tube including a second retaining portion relevant to the main tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignees: Piolax Inc., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Yonezawa, Hiroki Isobe
  • Patent number: 6648016
    Abstract: A valve assembly for admitting a tube or fuel into a vehicle fuel tank is disclosed. The valve assembly has a fixed housing with an inlet, an outlet, a middle section and an inner surface with an opening. At least one projection depends from the inner surface between the inlet and the outlet. The projection deflects the tube toward and through the opening. A piston element, which is slidably mounted to the housing, is normally urged in a direction to close the outlet and the opening until the tube or fuel urges the piston element in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Alfmeier Corporation
    Inventors: Markus T. Farrenkopf, Wade V. Williams, Ralf Leonhardt, Scott C. Gaynor, David Eisenbacher, Robert Petroskie
  • Publication number: 20030205277
    Abstract: An apparatus (16) for preventing stagnation in a fluid reservoir (2) comprised of: an inlet/outlet conduit (6); a manifold (8), which communicates the inlet/outlet conduit (6) to inlet check valves (10) and outlet check valves (12); the inlet check valves (10) being positioned on the manifold (8) and being oriented such that a fluid (14) will flow from the manifold (8) through the inlet check valves (10) to the reservoir (2) during reservoir filling and fluid flow is prevented through the inlet check valves (10) during reservoir draining; and the outlet check valves (12) being positioned on the manifold (8) and spaced from the inlet check valves (10) to provide fluid flow within the reservoir (2) in the general direction from the inlet check valves (10) to the outlet check valves (12), the outlet check valves (12) being oriented such that fluid flows from the reservoir (2) through the outlet check valves (12) into the manifold (8) during reservoir draining and fluid flow through the outlet check valves (12) i
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Spiros G Raftis, Michael J Duer
  • Patent number: 6637469
    Abstract: A container for holding a solid, liquid and/or gaseous phase product therein and for use within a transportable or stationary support structure. The container maximizes the compressed product volume contained therein and prevents liquid and/or contaminant entrainment during gaseous product delivery from liquid phase product. The system allows for product withdraw when the level is above the delivery valves using, at a minimum, two delivery legs linked by a compartment or housing that connects the delivery point and a container head space via a removable manway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Hoffman, Vladimir Yliy Gershtein, Alexandre De Almeida Botelho, Robert William Ford, Paul David Kottler
  • Patent number: 6619317
    Abstract: A rotomolded hydraulic reservoir includes a plastic container body defining a container cavity for receiving hydraulic fluid and forming a filter cavity in fluid communication with the container cavity. An insert, such as an aluminum bushing, is molded in the container body adjacent the filter cavity and a removable filter element positioned with the filter cavity and coupled to the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Schroeder Industries L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven R. Evanovich, Alfred L. Baum
  • Publication number: 20030136448
    Abstract: A valve assembly for admitting a tube or fuel into a vehicle fuel tank is disclosed. The valve assembly has a fixed housing with an inlet, an outlet, a middle section and an inner surface with an opening. At least one projection depends from the inner surface between the inlet and the outlet. The projection deflects the tube toward and through the opening. A piston element, which is slidably mounted to the housing, is normally urged in a direction to close the outlet and the opening until the tube or fuel urges the piston element in an opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Alfmeier Corporation
    Inventors: Markus T. Farrenkopf, Wade V. Williams, Ralf Leonhardt, Scott C. Gaynor, David Eisenbacher, Robert Petroskie
  • Patent number: 6581637
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a tank for storing an easily polymerizable compound, the tank fitted with a liquid inlet pipe 3, a liquid draw-off pipe 4 and a liquid recirculating pipe 5, is characterized in that, assuming terminal ends of the individual pipes 3-5 are located at the same height, the apex angle formed by a line joining the central points of the end openings of the pipe 3 and the pipe 4 at the central point of a horizontal cross section of the tank, or the apex angle formed by a line joining the central points of the pipe 5 and the pipe 4 at the central point of the horizontal cross section of the tank, is equal to or larger than 90°. A method of storing an easily polymerizable compound of the invention utilizes the aforementioned tank for storing the polymerizable compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Hamamoto, Takeshi Nishimura, Kazuhiko Sakamoto, Osamu Dodo
  • Patent number: 6575190
    Abstract: A non-return valve for a fuel tank, the valve comprising a substantially tubular body and a deformable shutter member fixed to said body, said shutter member being formed integrally by molding a plastics material and being shaped in such a manner as to return under its own elasticity into a shut position, with the valve body serving as a seat, whenever the shutter member is at rest and the pressure of fuel is no longer sufficient to overcome the elastic return action of the shutter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Alexis Rosseel, Patrice Baudoux
  • Patent number: 6575193
    Abstract: A control valve device has a valve seat having a pressure inlet hole, a first through hole communicating with the pressure inlet hole, an inflation hole, an outlet hole communicating with the inflation hole, and a second through hole communicating with the inflation hole. A non-return valve is inserted in the pressure inlet hole. A one-way check valve is inserted in the outlet hole. A safety valve is disposed on the valve seat to communicate with the inflation hole. A first nut is disposed on the valve seat. The first nut has a through aperture communicating with the pressure inlet hole. A second nut is disposed on the valve seat. A pressure pipe is inserted through the pressure inlet hole and the first through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Hung-Shen Chang, Yueh-Jen Chen Jiang
  • Patent number: 6530393
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle has at least one reservoir which is arranged within the fuel tank, and a fuel pump associated with the reservoir. A filling conduit for filling the tank with fuel is of such a design that at least a partial flow of the fuel flowing through the filling conduit can be fed directly to the reservoir. The filling conduit opens at its delivery end into an open catch receptacle which communicates with the reservoir by way of at least one discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Georg Reinelt
  • Publication number: 20030019529
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle has at least one reservoir which is arranged within the fuel tank, and a fuel pump associated with the reservoir. A filling conduit for filling the tank with fuel is of such a design that at least a partial flow of the fuel flowing through the filling conduit can be fed directly to the reservoir. The filling conduit opens at its delivery end into an open catch receptacle which communicates with the reservoir by way of at least one discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Georg Reinelt
  • Patent number: 6508271
    Abstract: A rotomolded hydraulic reservoir includes a plastic container body defining a container cavity for receiving hydraulic fluid and forming a filter cavity in fluid communication with the container cavity. One or more fluid return lines extend to a depth below the normal fluid level in the container cavity, with the filter cavity forming one of the return lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Alco Industries
    Inventors: Steven R. Evanovich, Alfred L. Baum
  • Patent number: 6491181
    Abstract: A treatment tank for a water conditioning apparatus includes a tank head with a wall with an interior surface and a noncircular rim that defines a first through hole in the wall. A generally cylindrical flange defines a first aperture and has a first nipple portion with a periphery and a noncircular portion radially extending from the periphery of the nipple portion. The noncircular portion is configured to matingly engage the noncircular rim so that contact between the noncircular rim and the noncircular portion prevents rotation of the flange relative to the tank head. A first fastener is engageable on the first nipple portion to secure the flange on the tank head through contact between the fastener and the tank head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley S. Martin, Mark E. Wichmann, Andrew J. Kajpust
  • Publication number: 20020170607
    Abstract: A control valve device has a valve seat having a pressure inlet hole, a first through hole communicating with the pressure inlet hole, an inflation hole, an outlet hole communicating with the inflation hole, and a second through hole communicating with the inflation hole. A non-return valve is inserted in the pressure inlet hole. A one-way check valve is inserted in the outlet hole. A safety valve is disposed on the valve seat to communicate with the inflation hole. A first nut is disposed on the valve seat. The first nut has a through aperture communicating with the pressure inlet hole. A second nut is disposed on the valve seat. A pressure pipe is inserted through the pressure inlet hole and the first through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Hung-Shen Chang, Yueh-Jen Chen Jiang
  • Patent number: 6470911
    Abstract: A check valve attached to an inner wall of a main body of a fuel tank ensures a sufficient seal of the main body from outside, without increasing the required number of parts. The check valve communicates with a fuel conduit of a fuel inlet pipe and functions to prevent liquid fuel and fuel vapor in the main body from flowing through the fuel inlet pipe and being released to the outside. The check valve is opened by a flow of fuel in the fuel inlet pipe and allows the flow of fuel to be introduced into the main body. The check valve includes a casing with a fuel outlet, a valve disc, and a fixation plate. The valve disc is movable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the fuel outlet of the casing. The fixation plate has one end inserted in an end of the casing and the other end welded to the main body. This arrangement enables the main body to be securely sealed from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsushi Miura, Hiroyuki Sato, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6460562
    Abstract: A fuel tank system for a vehicle, the fuel tank system having multiple independent tanks fluidly connected to a single fuel filling port on the vehicle, and a T-connector for directing the fuel to the multiple tanks. The fuel filling port is fluidly connected to the tanks through the T-connector, which is configured to direct the fuel to one of tanks until that tank is filled, and then to divert the fuel to the second tank. The second tank includes a vapor vent, and both tanks are connected by a vapor line, the vapor venting system configured so that a nozzle shut-off back pressure is not developed until the second tank is filled to its fill line. The configuration of the dual tanks and their fluid connection to the fuel inlet port allows the tanks to be substantially filled independently of relative fill levels between tanks, fuel and ambient temperature, fuel reid vapor pressure, or vehicle attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Hart
  • Publication number: 20020121305
    Abstract: A device for preventing the inadvertent rotation of a temperature selection dial associated with the temperature controller of a water heater. The device includes a spring-loaded prong that extends across the face of a rotatable dial so as to prevent rotation of thereof. The force required to pry the prong off of the dial is selected to be greater than what a small child is typically capable of exerting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: INVENSYS ROBERTSHAW CONTROLS COMPANY
    Inventor: David Michael Firestine
  • Publication number: 20020117122
    Abstract: A domestic gas storage water heater utilizes a plastic non pressure tank to deliver mains pressure hot water. The heater may be external or internal of the tank and has a heat out put of about 4-10 Mega joules per hour. A pressure transfer module uses the mains pressure of the incoming cold water to deliver hot water from the tank at mains pressure. The tank may be of larger storage capacity than conventional gas heaters and the arrangement ensures that the heated water in the tank is stratified into layers of different temperature. This enables an uninterrupted supply of hot water to be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Aquabeat Pty Ltd
    Inventor: David Lindner
  • Patent number: 6415812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control equipment for keeping light oil vapor at stable pressure and constant temperature, it mainly supply a device for keeping temperature constant and pressure stable so as to stay the light oil in a steel bottle at a fixed saturated vapor pressure and not to let the saturated vapor pressure of the light oil be influenced by an outside temperature of background; it's structure comprises: a pressure stabilizing device, which can adjust the saturated vapor pressure of the oil vapor in a light oil tank, is utilized to control air pumping by a pressure switch and a resistor air motor, wherein a check valve therein prevents air from flowing back, a hollow pressure stabilizing tube at it's upper side is utilized to buffer air and then carry it into the light oil so as to reach the purpose of pressure stabilization; a constant temperature maintaining device, which keeps temperature constant by a temperature-controlled relay, when temperature is too high, the temperature-contro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Jui Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 6405753
    Abstract: A fuel tank cover assembly for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a cover adapted to close an opening in the fuel tank having a fuel reservoir disposed therein, a return guide rod extending from the fuel reservoir toward the cover, and a valve disposed between the cover and the return guide rod to allow one-way flow of fuel from the cover to the fuel reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Elizabeth Beyer, Dale Richard Jones, Douglas James Golla, Matthew L. Catlin, Michael Froats, Michael Joseph Niemiec, Ulf Sawert, Jeffrey W. Beyer
  • Patent number: 6374851
    Abstract: A container (10) for holding a supply of compressed fluid such as carbon dioxide has a length of tube (12) formed into a multi turn helical coil (14). A first valve (16) is provided at the lowest end (18) of the coil (14) for controlling the flow of fluid out of the container (10). A thermal insulating setable foam (20) envelopes the tube (12) and coil (14), though not the valve (16) which is disposed outside of the foam (20). A strap (26) extends about the coil (14) to bind the turns of the coil (14) together for added safety and strength. Coil (14), and setable foam (20) are disposed within a heat insulating housing (28). Inlet valve (22) is attached to an upper end of the tube (12) proximate the highest one of the turns of the coil (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Emerald Enterprises PTY LTD
    Inventor: Andrew Coventry
  • Patent number: 6360765
    Abstract: A metal fuel tank (1) with two tank shells (1a, 1b) which are welded together, an electrically driven fuel supply unit (2) inside the tank, and also with lead-in ducts for at least one metal fuel line (3) and for a connection device for supplying electricity to the fuel supply unit (2). The tank (1) is produced in such a way as to mount the fuel supply unit (2) from inside the tank (1) before the tank shells (1a, 1b) are welded together, and to have the lead-in ducts running through at respectively separated points through the tank shells (1a, 1b) which are created using gas-tight means of connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Tesma Motoren und Getriebetechnik
    Inventor: Gunther Pozgainer
  • Patent number: 6340031
    Abstract: A first spring guide fitting the outer periphery of one end portion of a coil spring is provided at an end wall portion of a valve casing, and a second spring guide fitting the inner periphery of the other end portion of the coil spring is provided at a valve element so that the first and second spring guides do no interfere with each other. Further, a valve element of the check valve is provided with an elastic sealing member having a lip portion to be seated on a valve seat portion of the valve casing. Moreover, the valve element is formed with a bypass hole communicating upstream and downstream sections of the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Matsumoto, Hiroshi Kitamura, Masaaki Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 6338362
    Abstract: A positive sealing inlet (PSI) valve assembly is provided for an automotive fuel tank fill tube. The PSI valve assembly includes a tubular housing having an interior and an exterior and this housing is fluidly mounted in series with the fuel tank fill tube. The housing includes a wall extending across the interior of the housing adjacent one end and this wall includes a through opening. A flapper valve is movable between an open and a closed position. In its closed position, the flapper valve overlies and closes the wall opening. Conversely, in its open position, the flapper valve is positioned away from the wall opening to permit nozzle insertion through the wall opening. The PSI valve is pivotally connected to a valve holder and this valve holder is mounted entirely within the interior of the housing. A spring is operatively disposed between the valve holder and flapper valve and urges the vent valve towards its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Pilot Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David John Gabbey, Daniel Paul Cunkle
  • Patent number: 6311744
    Abstract: A hose fitting for filling tank cars comprising a t-shaped pipe defining a bore therethrough, the t-shaped pipe comprising a body member with one or more pairs of opposingly directed tubular legs, and an intermediate leg extending substantially perpendicular from the body member, the intermediate leg comprising an intermediate leg end adapted to couple with a hose; and one or more tube extensions for coupling with the tubular legs, each of the one or more tube extensions connected to one of the tubular legs by a connecting wire so that the tube extensions remain connected to the tubular legs when the tube extensions are uncoupled from the tubular legs. A method for filling tank cars with pellet-shaped particles is also provided, the method comprising transporting the t-shaped pipe to the roof of a tank car, the tank car roof having one or more openings for receiving materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Chester Cary
  • Patent number: 6308736
    Abstract: A pressure vessel including a mounting block for supporting and retaining an inlet and an outlet tube to the pressure vessel. The mounting block includes a valve that communicates with an interior of the vessel and fastens the mounting block to a top of the pressure vessel. The mounting block enables access to the interior of the housing for accessories such as the valve, a sight glass, or a pressure switch, and the accessories can be either permanently or removably attached to the pressure vessel at the top or sides thereof. The mounting block may accommodate more than one valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Automotive Fluid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Lafer, Robert J. Slais
  • Patent number: 6305408
    Abstract: A fuel feeding mechanism of the present invention has an inlet filler pipe that runs from a filler opening formed in an outer side member of an automobile to a fuel tank. The inlet filler pipe has a flange. The inlet filler pipe is attached to an outer wheel house across a seal cup that is held between the flange of the inlet filler pipe and the outer wheel house. The inlet filler pipe is inserted from outside of the automobile through the filler opening toward the fuel tank and is attached to the outer wheel house. This arrangement enhances workability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisatsugu Goto, Tomokazu Hori, Tomohide Aoki
  • Patent number: 6296014
    Abstract: A check valve attached to an inner wall of a main body of a fuel tank ensures a sufficient seal of the main body from outside, without increasing the required number of parts. The check valve communicates with a fuel conduit of a fuel inlet pipe and functions to prevent liquid fuel and fuel vapor in the main body from flowing through the fuel inlet pipe and being released to the outside. The check valve is opened by a flow of fuel in the fuel inlet pipe and allows the flow of fuel to be introduced into the main body. The check valve includes a casing with a fuel outlet, a valve disc, and a fixation plate. The valve disc is movable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the fuel outlet of the casing. The fixation plate has one end inserted in an end of the casing and the other end welded to the main body. This arrangement enables the main body to be securely sealed from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsushi Miura, Hiroyuki Sato, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6283147
    Abstract: A non-return valve for a fuel tank, the valve including a bistable closure member. The closure member is made of an elastomeric plastics material and in the closed position it has an umbrella-configuration, and in the open position it has an inverted umbrella-configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventor: Alexis Rosseel
  • Publication number: 20010015226
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a tank for storing an easily polymerizable compound, the tank fitted with a liquid inlet pipe 3, a liquid draw-off pipe 4 and a liquid recirculating pipe 5, is characterized in that, assuming terminal ends of the individual pipes 3-5 are located at the same height, the apex angle formed by a line joining the central points of the end openings of the pipe 3 and the pipe 4 at the central point of a horizontal cross section of the tank, or the apex angle formed by a line joining the central points of the pipe 5 and the pipe 4 at the central point of the horizontal cross section of the tank, is equal to or larger than 90°. A method of storing an easily polymerizable compound of the invention utilizes the aforementioned tank for storing the polymerizable compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Kei Hamamoto, Takeshi Nishimura, Kazuhiko Sakamoto, Osamu Dodo
  • Publication number: 20010013367
    Abstract: A check valve attached to an inner wall of a main body of a fuel tank ensures a sufficient seal of the main body from outside, without increasing the required number of parts. The check valve communicates with a fuel conduit of a fuel inlet pipe and functions to prevent liquid fuel and fuel vapor in the main body from flowing through the fuel inlet pipe and being released to the outside. The check valve is opened by a flow of fuel in the fuel inlet pipe and allows the flow of fuel to be introduced into the main body. The check valve includes a casing with a fuel outlet, a valve disc, and a fixation plate. The valve disc is movable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the fuel outlet of the casing. The fixation plate has one end inserted in an end of the casing and the other end welded to the main body. This arrangement enables the main body to be securely sealed from the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Applicant: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsushi Miura, Hiroyuki Sato, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6273123
    Abstract: A draw and return tube fuel assembly having a draw tube and a return tube welded to a flange. The tubes may be extruded in a variety of diameter sizes such that the assembly can be manufactured to connect to any size draw and return fuel line connectors. The method of manufacturing the draw and return tube assembly with extruded tubing eliminates the steps of heating, flaring and cleaning and thereby eliminates the corresponding hazardous materials created as a byproduct of these eliminated steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Neal L. Keefer, Kenneth A. Watson
  • Patent number: 6273118
    Abstract: A draw and return tube assembly, and a process of manufacturing the same, provides a unitized triangular shaped assembly, wherein the draw and the return tubes are each secured to a flange and are secured to one another by a weld at a position opposite the flange. The triangular shape allows the assembly to withstand large external forces without undergoing deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Watson
  • Patent number: 6260578
    Abstract: A spud assembly for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a flange tower adapted to be at least partially disposed in a fill spout of a fuel tank. The spud assembly also includes a bead flange extending from the flange tower for engagement with a tank filler neck tube to retain the tank filler neck tube thereto. The spud assembly further includes a check valve disposed within the flange tower to allow fuel to enter the fuel tank from the tank filler neck tube and prevent fuel from exiting the fuel tank to the tank filler neck tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Albert Kuehnemund, Darrel B. Smith, Gary Francis Stack
  • Patent number: 6253788
    Abstract: A check valve for use in a filler pipe of a motor-vehicle fuel system, having a housing fixed in the interior of the pipe and a movably mounted flap closure which is opened by the flow of fuel through the filler pipe to the fuel tank, and closes again automatically when fueling stops. According to the invention, a configuration that is particularly favorable in terms of flow dynamics is provided wherein the flap closure comprises two valve flaps which are movably mounted jointly in the region of the center of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Tesma-Motoren-und Getriebetechnik Ges. m.b.H.
    Inventor: Sandor Palvölgyi