For Inlet With Externally Engaged Flap Or Closure Member Patents (Class 141/350)
  • Patent number: 7293586
    Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly between a pivotable outer door and a pivotable inner door to prevent a user from pumping unleaded fuel into a diesel fuel tank. The nozzle inhibitor blocks full insertion of a small-diameter unleaded fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly yet allows full insertion of a large-diameter diesel fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: J Bradley Groom, Chad A. McClung, Michael S. Brock, Jeffrey E. Devall
  • Patent number: 7278452
    Abstract: The drink liquid, such as beer, soft drink, etc., stayed in stay portion 5 of filler during the filling operation is recovered without dropping of the quality. The filler is composed of cylinder rod 4 connected to the cap 3 of container 2, discharge hole 7 longitudinally penetrated through a center of the cylinder rod 4, a stay portion 5 secured at the upper part of the periphery of cylinder rod 4, through which the drink liquid passes, and a supply pipe 6 for drink liquid connected to the stay portion 5, and characterized in that the storage equipment 12 for stayed liquid having storage room 18 is secured on supply pipe 6, and pipe 11 for introducing pressurized air is also secured. It is connected to stay portion 5 through discharge hole 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Breweries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatake Taguchi, Kazutaka Yamamoto, Kaoru Ichihashi
  • Patent number: 7278453
    Abstract: A fuel inlet assembly is provided for receiving fuel from a fuel-dispensing nozzle. The fuel inlet assembly has a filler pipe and a restrictor secured to the filler pipe. The restrictor has a diametrical opening. The assembly also has a protrusion that is attached to the restrictor and extends at an angle across a portion of the diametrical opening below the restrictor. The protrusion is made of an electrically conductive material and is sized, shaped, and positioned so as to contact the fuel-dispensing nozzle when the nozzle is inserted into the diametrical opening, thereby creating an electrical ground path between the nozzle and the fuel inlet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Fluid Routing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Jansheski
  • Patent number: 7246642
    Abstract: A filler neck closure unit includes a frangible portion that is configured to break along a fracture line when an outer portion of the closure unit is hit by a strong blow. The closure unit includes an inner portion that remains coupled to a filler neck to block discharge of liquid fuel and fuel vapor from the filler neck and an outer portion that takes the blow and separates from the inner portion at the fracture line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Dean C. Foltz, Jason K. Jobe, Wallace D. Tallent
  • Patent number: 7222759
    Abstract: Disclosed is a container for containing a beverage and a grommet for use with a container, and a method of retaining liquid in a container and preventing reverse flow out of the container. The container is of the type for retaining a quantity of beverage including at least one wall containing a cavity therein, a rim defining a mouth, and a lid extending at least partially over the mouth. A valve port is provided in the lid. A grommet is provided for retention in the valve port including a flange and structures for retaining the grommet in the valve port. The grommet defines an aperture extending therethrough which communicates with the valve port. The beverage is passed through the aperture and valve port for retention in the cavity of the container. A tongue extends from the grommet into the valve port for movably blocking a portion of the valve port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur H. Bunn, William Midden, Keith Nybakke
  • Patent number: 7204279
    Abstract: A vehicle tank includes an intake tube, on the end of which is placed a filling-fixture containing an automatic tank closure. The filling-fixture is made of one piece with the intake tube. The automatic tank closure is integrated in an insert. The filling-fixture forms a recess on its upper end into which the insert can be placed. A fissure joint is sealed with the aid of a sealing element between the filling-fixture and the insert and the securement of the insert in its recess is assured by a retaining flange. The flange is circumferentially connected in a radially outlying area with the filling-fixture and the flange extends so far radially inward that it covers the fissure joint and an inward extending area of the upper side of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision Ag Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventor: Matthias Bäuerle
  • Patent number: 7191810
    Abstract: Sealing and safety device made from flexible elastomer material, for filing a hollow body with a liquid using a delivery nozzle, which includes an annular seal for surrounding the nozzle and preventing the exit of gases from the hollow body and also a valve capable of opening, in the event of excess overpressure in the hollow body, only towards the external atmosphere so as to create a passage allowing the escape of liquid and/or of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: Patrick Ganachaud, Jacques Covet
  • Patent number: 7168466
    Abstract: Fuel safety system, made of plastic, comprising a liquid fuel tank equipped with a fill tube provided with a guide for a delivery nozzle, which includes a sealing device, a normally-open float valve, for degassing and venting the tank, and a vapour breather pipe that also fixes the maximum level of liquid in the tank, the pipe connecting the top of this tank to a point located downstream of the sealing device and being completely located inside both the tank and the fill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research
    Inventors: Patrick Ganachaud, Jacques Covet
  • Patent number: 7165583
    Abstract: A capless filler neck creates a vapor-tight closure for a fuel system using a spring-loaded door and a latch structure that anchors the door to create a vapor-tight seal. The filler neck includes a spring that biases the door shut and a wedge arrangement that acts as the latching structure. The wedge arrangement includes a movable plate that selectively engages with the door to pull the door shut with sufficient force to form and maintain the vapor-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Walkowski, Kenneth M. Spink, Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 7163037
    Abstract: A capless filler tube closure door has a pair of spaced axles or pins which are guided by slots to initially upon being opened by a refueling nozzle move in translation away from the nozzle orifice seat and then pivot out of the way so as not to obstruct the nozzle. Upon nozzle removal as the door approaches the seat, it moves in linear translation to close on the seat to ensure uniform sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Walkowski
  • Patent number: 7152638
    Abstract: A fuel tank system includes a fill tube in communication with a tank, and a nozzle guide having surfaces oriented so as to guide a nozzle spout in the nozzle tube during a filling operation of said tank with a fuel. The system also includes a sealing device in the fill tube downstream from the nozzle guide, wherein the sealing device includes at least one lip configured to contact an outer surface of said nozzle spout during said filling operation that seals the fill tube from an outside environment during the filling operation. A vent valve is mounted on the tank, the vent valve being open during the filling operation and during periods of normal use of the tank and being closed at least when the tank is upside down or when the fuel reaches a predetermined level in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Patrick Ganachaud
  • Patent number: 7147019
    Abstract: A cover for a filler neck includes a body portion and a movable protective door that covers and exposes an opening in the filler neck. The protective door includes a ledge that protrudes from the plane of the door so that the door can be easily moved to an open position by pressing a tip of a fuel nozzle against the door. The door itself may be biased to move into a closed position automatically when the fuel nozzle is removed from the ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Walkowski, Robert P. Benjey, Russell C. Jahnke, Andrew W. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7128108
    Abstract: A non-spilling detachable pouring spout configured to transfer liquid from a non-vented filling container to a receiving container. This spout having a spout body defining an open passageway extending from an open first end to an open second end this open passageway having a generally tubular shaped hollow inner conduit positioned within the first hollow passageway, and defining a second hollow passageway. An intermediate sleeve is configured for attachment to the device and is further configured to seal against portions of the spout body and the inner conduit so as to variously control the flow of materials out of the spout body. The movement of said sleeve is controlled by movement of a child resistant sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: NITEC—Nielsen Idaho Tool and Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Roger B. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7128107
    Abstract: A device for dosed allocation of a flowable material component with at least one supply container for receiving the material component has an outlet and an associated removal device having an inlet via which the material component can be removed from the supply container in dosed charges by a screw and a controllable drive. The supply container and the removal device can be moved relative to each other to connect the outlet of the supply container to the inlet of the removal. The screw is disposed, without drive, in the region of the outlet of each supply container and comprises an outlet-side coupling means. The controllable drive is disposed in the region of the inlet of the removal device and comprises a drive shaft with a terminal coupling which can be connected to a coupling of the screw for secure mutual rotation therewith. A supply container and a removal means for such a device as well as container scales with a removal means of the above-mentioned type are also proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: AZO Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Baumann
  • Patent number: 7096899
    Abstract: An automatic tank closure for a motor vehicle tank with a housing having a penetrating input opening and having an opening and closing closure flap with pivotal bearings, which is subjected to spring loading in the closing direction is provided. The closure flap is located within the input opening for the closing of the same and whereby in the closed position between the closure flap and the housing is placed a sealing surface with a sealing seat, which conically widens itself toward the interior of the tank and coacts with a sealing ring. The sealing ring is designed with at least one lip seal and sealingly coacts with the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen
    Inventors: Siegfried Vetter, Markus Stephan
  • Patent number: 7082973
    Abstract: Sealing and safety device made from flexible elastomer material, for filling a hollow body with a liquid using a delivery nozzle, comprising an annular seal for surrounding the nozzle and preventing the exit of gases from the hollow body and also a valve capable of opening, in the event of excess overpressure in the hollow body, only towards the external atmosphere so as to create a passage allowing the escape of liquid and/or of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Inergy Automative Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Patrick Ganachaud, Jacques Covet
  • Patent number: 7080671
    Abstract: A replacement fuel intake device is provided that is removably mountable within a base portion of a vehicle and contains a housing that is pivotal from a closed position to an open position. While in the closed position, the fuel intake passage to the fuel tank is sealed. While in the open position, the fuel intake passage is able to receive fuel from a fuel nozzle. The fuel intake device can be combined with a condensation capture apparatus that provides multiple coils in communication with a fume tube. The coils are cooled during fueling by the fuel passing around them from their placement inside the fuel intake pipe and act to condense fuel fumes into fuel for return to the fuel tank as the fumes rise toward the fume tube. The replacement fuel intake device can also include a pressurization and depressurization valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Paraphase, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk W. Watkins
  • Patent number: 7077178
    Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly between a pivotable outer door and a pivotable inner door to prevent a user from pumping unleaded fuel into a diesel fuel tank. The nozzle inhibitor blocks full insertion of a small-diameter unleaded fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly yet allows full insertion of a large-diameter diesel fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Poul Hedevang
  • Patent number: 7063113
    Abstract: A closure head for a fuel tank filler pipe allowing automatic opening of a shutter under action of thrust of a nozzle on a device integrated into the top of the filler pipe and closing of the shutter when the nozzle is withdrawn. The locking of the shutter is achieved by a mechanism connected to a bodywork flap such that locking and squashing of a seal are achieved upon the closing of the bodywork flap and the opening of the bodywork flap cannot unlock the shutter without the nozzle additionally being introduced into the system. A method for opening a filler head employs the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jerome Ropert, Guillaume Blanc-Brude, Dominique Girard, Thierry Rouxel
  • Patent number: 7055560
    Abstract: A protective cover for a filler tube for a fuel tank includes a body portion and a movable door that covers and exposes an opening in the filler tube. To guide the movement of the nozzle, the cover includes a nozzle guide that contacts the nozzle and acts as a fulcrum with a radius of rotation. When force is applied to the nozzle, the nozzle guide amplifies the force and causes the nozzle to act as a lever against the feature on a sliding door, allowing the door to slide open with minimal force from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Gaton Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald E. Sexton
  • Patent number: 7055557
    Abstract: A vehicle refueling system and a vehicle refueling method are disclosed. The refueling system includes a filler cup, a nozzle seal in the filler cup for sealing to a filler nozzle, a vapor re-circulation path from the gas tank to the filler cup, and an air relief module. The air relief module provides additional air to the filler cup region below the nozzle seal when the vapor re-circulation path does not provide sufficient make-up air to the filler nozzle during refueling operations. The refueling method includes providing air through an air relief module when the vapor flow through the vapor re-circulation path is not sufficient to perform a refueling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Russell Carl Jahnke, Daniel Lee Pifer
  • Patent number: 7048020
    Abstract: The device according to the invention comprises a connector on-board the vehicle, connected to the fuel tank via a pouring conduit and provided with a closure valve, and a filling element adapted to be connected to this connector. The filling element is provided with at least one member for detecting the abutment of the filling element on a fixed part of the connector, this member being adapted to control the displacement of a hook for locking the aforementioned element on the connector, between a first position where the hook is disengaged with respect to the connector and a second position where the hook is in engagement on the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Christophe Durieux, Alain-Christophe Tiberghien
  • Patent number: 7048019
    Abstract: A method of forming a filler tube includes forming a funnel insert, forming a funnel portion in a first end of a filler tube, and joining the funnel insert and the funnel portion of the filler tube. The funnel portion includes a transition portion configured to induce a swirl to passing fuel for venting vapors from the gas tank during fuel filling. A fuel filler tube assembly includes the funnel portion including a tubular body defining a larger inlet and a smaller outlet, the position of the inlet relative the outlet and an internal configuration of the tubular body therebetween inducing a swirl to inventing vapors from fuel flowing through the tubular body. The larger inlet receives a funnel insert including a nozzle opening positioned to cooperate with the internal configuration of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Shelby Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Angelo Pacitto, Jr., Marvin F. Smith
  • Patent number: 7017336
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, which is adapted to be supplied with fuel from a fuel tank, is provided. A preliminary muffler and a main muffler are disposed in an exhaust gas section of the engine. A hydrolysis catalytic converter and optionally at least one oxidation catalytic converter are disposed in the preliminary muffler. A dosing mechanism supplies a urea-water solution to the hydrolysis catalytic converter from a UWS tank. A structural unit is provided that is comprised of a fuel tank, the UWS tank, and the preliminary muffler, with the structural unit being adapted to be secured in its entirety to the chassis frame of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventor: Erwin Stiermann
  • Patent number: 7011121
    Abstract: It comprises a protection assembly comprising two latches mounted on a shutter and two mortises, each latch having a catch and, when the shutter is in an obturating position, being able to assume an operating position in which its catch is engaged in a respective one of said mortises such that said latch fixes the shutter, each latch having a maneuvering portion adapted to cooperate with the edge of said spout of appropriate diameter for said latch to be driven to a withdrawn position by said spout when it meets a maneuvering portion during a thrusting movement into the end piece, the maneuvering portion of each latch being separated from the maneuvering portion of the other latch by a free space having a length smaller than said appropriate diameter and greater than an inappropriate spout diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: I.T.W. De France
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Bar, Dany Delafraye
  • Patent number: 7007726
    Abstract: A closure assembly and method for a capless fuel tank filler tube employs a housing with a flange adapted for mounting on a bulkhead having a nozzle size-discriminating and positioning aperture provided on the upper end of the filler tube. A sliding element in the housing has a nozzle opening offset from and normally closing the bulkhead aperture. Upon insertion of a refueling nozzle, a cam surface on sliding element causes the element to move to a position aligning the opening with the bulkhead aperture permitting the nozzle to be further inserted through the bulkhead. A projection on the sliding element may extend through a slot in the bulkhead for performing an auxiliary function such as releasing a flapper door latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Martin, Carl F. Binder
  • Patent number: 6991006
    Abstract: A closing mechanism for a filling tube of a fuel tank in an automobile, including: a first housing portion adapted to be fastened in an opening of the body of the automobile, a closing slide member which supported for linear or pivotal, movement transverse to the axis of the opening, the closing slide member and a portion of the housing portion together form a funnel-like guide means such that upon a movement of a fuel nozzle towards the guide means the closing slide member is moved into an open position whereby the nozzle can be moved further into the opening, a second housing portion having a first end connectable to the first housing portion and a second end attachable to the end of the filling tube, the second housing portion having a second opening aligned with the first opening, and a closing flap for the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rainer Gramss, Uwe Stapf
  • Patent number: 6983773
    Abstract: A fuel feeding device 10 has a first shutter mechanism 20 that has a first closing member 21 to open and close a first seal opening UP1, a second shutter mechanism 30 that has a second closing member 31 to open and close a second seal opening UP2, and a coupling mechanism 40 that guides the second closing member 31 to be opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing action of the first closing member 21. In the process of fuel supply, when a fuel supply gun presses open the first closing member 21, the second closing member 31 moves in conjunction with the first closing member 21 via the coupling mechanism 40 to open the second seal opening UP2. In the fuel feeding device 10 for a fuel tank, the opening and closing mechanism of the closing member arranged in an inlet pipe IP is substantially free from any significant trouble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6945284
    Abstract: A two-position fill valve for filling a pressurized dispensing container is disclosed. The valve includes a generally cylindrical body having a first end and a second end. The fill valve provides substantial improvements in both retaining area and fill area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Longwood Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Hurd, Robert J. Ianarelli, Jeffrey T. Darling, Luis B. Carpio
  • Patent number: 6945290
    Abstract: A check valve assembly is designed for insertion in an existing fuel tank filler tube having a mechanical nozzle seal and a vapor recirculation port. The insert has an integrally formed ground strap/tab for grounding a refueling nozzle and an attached flexible flapper positioned adjacent the recirculation port by an integrally formed spring tab. The insert has friction tabs for engaging the inner surface of the filler tube for retaining the check valve assembly in the filler tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert P. Benjey, Darryl C. Weber, Steven H. Verzyl
  • Patent number: 6926047
    Abstract: The fuel intake device is provided that is mounted within a base portion of a vehicle and is pivotal from a closed position to an open position. While in the closed position, the fuel intake passage to the fuel tank is sealed. While in the open position, the fuel intake passage is able to receive fuel from a fuel nozzle. The fuel intake device can be combined with a condensation capture apparatus that provides multiple coils in communication with a fume tube. The coils are cooled during fueling by the fuel passing around them from their placement inside the fuel intake pipe and act to condense fuel fumes into fuel for return to the fuel tank as the fumes rise toward the fume tube. The fuel intake device can also include a pressurization and depressurization valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Paraphase, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk W. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6923224
    Abstract: A filler neck closure assembly includes a housing formed to include a vent chamber arranged to receive a fuel-dispensing pump nozzle therein during fuel tank refueling. A flow control valve assembly is provided to regulate flow of ambient air and/or fuel vapor through the vent chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. McClung, Jeffery Griffin, Lowell R. Bell
  • Patent number: 6880594
    Abstract: A flapper door is spring biased closed against a valve seat on the underside of a filler tube bulkhead having a refueling nozzle aperture. The valve seat has an annular tapered surface and a resilient annular seal on the flapper door contacts the valve seat in wiping engagement. A pneumatic dampener retards the speed of closure of the flapper door onto the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 6871680
    Abstract: A spill-proof pour spout for transferring fluid from a container to a vessel comprising a base having an inner sleeve extending outwardly therefrom, a conduit member located in the inner sleeve, and an outer sleeve slidingly engaging the inner sleeve. The conduit member has a fluid tube, and air tube and an end cap. The outer sleeve is in a first closed position wherein the outer sleeve contacts the end cap preventing fluid flow from the pour spout. The pour spout can only be opened by rotating the outer sleeve to a first or second indexing position. By rotating the outer sleeve either clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve is adapted to be slid to a first open position permitting fluid to flow at a first flow rate through the fluid tube and out of the pour spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Midwest Can Company
    Inventor: John Trippi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6871679
    Abstract: A bag with a flexible wall which delimits a closed chamber of the bag for a store of a substance, for example a liquid, gaseous, pasty or pulverulent substance, for example a bag with a wall made from single-layer or multilayer (plastic) sheet material. A female element with a body through which a bore extends is attached to the inner side of the wall, which bore extends from an insertion opening for a male element, which is covered in a sealed manner by the wall of the bag, in the vicinity of the wall of the bag, to an opening in the chamber of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: IPN IP B.V.
    Inventor: Laurens Last
  • Patent number: 6866161
    Abstract: A fueling device 10 of a fuel tank comprises a cover 20 which is provided with an operation lever 26 operated to open and close a filling opening SCc, and which opens and closes the filling opening SCc according to the opening/closing operation of the operation lever 26, a fuel cap 30 having a structure such that it is fitted in a buried state in an inlet pipe IP and taken out from the inlet pipe, a gasket GS interposed between the fuel cap 30 and the inner wall of inlet pipe IP, and a spring 70 interposed between the fuel cap 30 and gasket GS and pressing the gasket GS against the sealing surface by a force acting in the direction of closing the cover 20 via the fuel cap 30, while increasing the pressing force. The fueling device 10 has high sealing property against large external forces applied to the upper part of fuel filler pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 6789586
    Abstract: A cover structure is provided for the end of a fuel system filler tube. The cover structure includes a closure mechanism that opens and closes as a refueling nozzle is inserted or removed. The cover structure is attached to the filler tube assembly by frangible connections, and will separate from the filler tube assembly in the event of a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Levey
  • Publication number: 20040163732
    Abstract: Closing means for a filling tube of a fuel tank in an automobile, comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Rainer Gramss, Uwe Stapf
  • Patent number: 6722407
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-piece capless fuel-filling device and method of attaching the same to a vehicle. The capless fuel-filling device includes two primary components, an exterior housing member and an interior housing member. The exterior housing member is first placed within an opening formed in a vehicle body panel and attached thereto. Next, the interior housing member is attached to the exterior housing member or the interior side of the body panel. Either the internal housing member or the external housing member includes a valve for enabling and restricting insertion of a refueling nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Henry
  • Patent number: 6705481
    Abstract: A fuel tank closure for attachment on the tank filler pipe of a motor vehicle including a movable closure part which selectively opens or closes the access to the interior of the tank filler pipe. Furthermore, the fuel tank closure includes a coupling part for actuating the closure part. The fuel tank closure has a guide pipe which extends into the interior of the tank filler pipe. The guide pipe keeps open a “no-lead flap” which prevents fueling the motor vehicle with leaded fuel. Furthermore problem-free refueling is ensured by the guide pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Temtec Fahrzeutechnick
    Inventor: Angelika Barbara Marie Temmesfeld
  • Patent number: 6691750
    Abstract: A filler neck closure assembly includes a nozzle receiver associated with a vehicle fuel tank and a fuel-discharge control collar adapted to receive therein a fuel-dispensing pump nozzle inserted into the nozzle receiver during fuel tank refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Dean C. Foltz
  • Publication number: 20040025967
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-piece capless fuel-filling device and method of attaching the same to a vehicle. The capless fuel-filling device includes two primary components, an exterior housing member and an interior housing member. The exterior housing member is first placed within an opening formed in a vehicle body panel and attached thereto. Next, the interior housing member is attached to the exterior housing member or the interior side of the body panel. Either the internal housing member or the external housing member includes a valve for enabling and restricting insertion of a refueling nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Henry
  • Patent number: 6681817
    Abstract: The fueling device includes a casing main body with an inlet opening. The casing main body is mountable in the fuel passage of the fuel filler pipe. A cap main body for opening and closing the inlet opening is engageable with the casing main body. A shutter is disposed in the fuel passage on the fuel tank side and is urged closed by a biasing member. A seal ring is mounted on the shutter, which is seated on a seat surface of the casing main body so as to seal the interior of the fuel tank in an air-tight manner against the outside by compression of the seal ring between the shutter and the seat surface. Engagement catches that fasten the cap main body to the casing main body operate to connect the cap main body and the shutter in such a manner that rotational force of the cap main body is converted into force in the direction in which the seal component is pressed to the seat surface to compress the sealing ring therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6648033
    Abstract: A fuel tank fill tube assembly is disclosed for use with a conventional gasoline fill nozzle. The assembly includes a fill tube having a first tubular and cylindrical main body with a predetermined inside diameter. The fill tube further includes an enlarged diameter inlet portion joined at one end to one end of the main body. This inlet portion has a second predetermined diameter which is greater than the diameter of the main body. Both the main body and inlet portions are coaxial with each other. The inlet portion is dimensioned so that the gas fill nozzle is insertable through the inlet portion and, upon insertion, a free end of the gasoline fill nozzle is positioned within the interior of the main body. Additionally, the diameter of the main body is configured so that, upon fuel flow from the gasoline fill nozzle into the interior of the main body, a liquid seal is formed by the fuel flow from the gasoline fill nozzle within the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Martinrea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David John Gabbey, Larry Martin Vandervoort
  • Patent number: 6637477
    Abstract: A filler neck for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The inventive filler neck comprises a housing (12, 14) which has an outer closure (30) that can pivot between a closed and opened position and which has a second closure element (50) that is accommodated inside the housing. Said second closure element is interactively connected to a ventilating valve (16) which, in order to equalize pressure, automatically opens in the instance of excess pressure inside the fuel tank and opens when inserting the dispensing nozzle (100), said dispensing nozzle causing the closure element (50) to swivel open. The inventive filler neck is characterized by a lever (1) which is pivotally mounted on the housing (12). Said lever is actuated by the dispensing nozzle (100) when the same is inserted, and opens the ventilating valve (16) before the dispensing nozzle (100) causes the second closure element (50) to swivel open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Tesma Motoren und Getriebetechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Maier
  • Publication number: 20030150520
    Abstract: A spill-proof pour spout for transferring fluid from a container to a vessel comprising a base having an inner sleeve extending outwardly therefrom, a conduit member located in the inner sleeve, and an outer sleeve slidingly engaging the inner sleeve. The conduit member has a fluid tube, and air tube and an end cap. The outer sleeve is in a first closed position wherein the outer sleeve contacts the end cap preventing fluid flow from the pour spout. The pour spout can only be opened by rotating the outer sleeve to a first or second indexing position. By rotating the outer sleeve either clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve is adapted to be slid to a first open position permitting fluid to flow at a first flow rate through the fluid tube and out of the pour spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: John Trippi
  • Patent number: 6598630
    Abstract: A spill-proof pour spout for transferring fluid from a container to a vessel comprising a base having an inner sleeve extending outwardly therefrom, a conduit member located in the inner sleeve, and an outer sleeve slidingly engaging the inner sleeve. The conduit member has a fluid tube, and air tube and an end cap. The outer sleeve is in a first closed position wherein the outer sleeve contacts the end cap preventing fluid flow from the pour spout. The pour spout can only be opened by rotating the outer sleeve to a first or second indexing position. By rotating the outer sleeve either clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve is adapted to be slid to a first open position permitting fluid to flow at a first flow rate through the fluid tube and out of the pour spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Midwest Can Company
    Inventor: John Trippi, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030121563
    Abstract: A cover structure is provided for the end of a fuel system filler tube. The cover structure includes a closure mechanism that opens and closes as a refueling nozzle is inserted or removed. The cover structure is attached to the filler tube assembly by frangible connections, and will separate from the filler tube assembly in the event of a crash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Levey
  • Patent number: 6539990
    Abstract: A closure mechanism is provided for the end of a fuel system filler tube. The closure mechanism has an arm that opens and closes as a refueling nozzle is inserted or removed. The mechanism has channels that direct away any liquids that accumulate near the filler tube end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Levey, Eric Parker
  • Patent number: 6474376
    Abstract: The fueling device includes a casing main body with an inlet opening. The casing main body is mountable in the fuel passage of the fuel filler pipe. A cap main body for opening and closing the inlet opening is engageable with the casing main body. A shutter is disposed in the fuel passage on the fuel tank side and is urged closed by a biasing member. A seal ring is mounted on the shutter, which is seated on a seat surface of the casing main body so as to seal the interior of the fuel tank in an air-tight manner against the outside by compression of the seal ring between the shutter and the seat surface. Engagement catches that fasten the cap main body to the casing main body operate to connect the cap main body and the shutter in such a manner that rotational force of the cap main body is converted into force in the direction in which the seal component is pressed to the seat surface to compress the sealing ring therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa