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

Abstract: A combination vapor vent/rollover valve and surrounding storage canister are disposed in a common housing for positioning inside a small engine fuel tank. In one embodiment described, the canister surrounds the vapor vent/rollover valve which may include a gravity pressure relief valve and a vacuum relief valve. In another embodiment a pressure relief valve and adjacent storage canister are disposed in a common housing for positioning inside a small engine fuel tank.

Abstract: A manifold assembly includes a pressure feed orifice that directly connects an inlet circuit to a control circuit of the manifold. This direct connection between the pressure inlet to the control circuit allows air to be bled out of the manifold assembly. Low pressure fluid in the assembly pushes out air through the orifice out of the assembly, ensuring prompt solenoid response during manifold assembly operation.

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.

Abstract: A float assembly for a multifunction fuel vapor vent valve with a float having a recess formed in the upper surface of the float with a slot formed in the side of the float and communicating with the recess. A raised surface portion is formed in the bottom of the recess and downwardly extending projections are formed in the slot at the recess. A flexible wafer like valve disk is inserted in the slot and deformed or curled to pass under the projections and over the raised surface and into the recess. When fully received in the recess the disk returns to its flat configuration; and, the downward projections prevent removal without distortion. Radially inwardly projections about the recess retain the disk for limited lost motion in the direction of float movement.

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.

Abstract: A three-prong integrally formed resilient seal for sealing the juncture of three gasketed members. The seal has a common region having an embedded strain distributor of stiffer material than the remainder of the seal which is integrally formed, preferably by insert molding as a one-piece member.

Abstract: A method of mechanical twist lock attachment of a pass-through valve or fitting over an aperture in a plastic fuel tank having an embedded vapor barrier layer. A ring having circumferentially spaced internal lugs is secured to the tank by weldment around an aperture in the tank wall exposing an edge of the barrier layer. A seal ring on the pass-through is located in the aperture to seal the exposed vapor barrier edge. Outwardly extending projections on the pass-through attach the pass-through by twist locking engagement with the projections on the ring.

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.

Abstract: A float operated fuel vapor vent valve has body structure with an annular mounting flange formed of material weldable to a fuel tank and the flange is spin welded to the tank. The float has surfaces thereon which slidably engage corresponding surfaces in the float chamber to prevent relative rotation of the float with respect to the valve body during spin welding. An optional pressure relief valve in the vent outlet also has surfaces slidably engaging the vent passage to prevent relative rotation during spin welding.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control valve (c) for internal gas pressure of a liquid tank co-operating with an orifice (10) provided in the upper part thereof, allowing through a gas flow outside the tank when the difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, and an inverse flow when the internal pressure of the tank is lower than the external pressure. The invention is characterised in that the valve comprises a body (1) whereof the lower part is configured to close the tank orifice (10) with a mass such that beyond said pressure differential value constituting the predetermined threshold, the body (1) is spaced apart from the orifice (10), said body (1) further comprising a through recess (4) arranged in the extension of the tank orifice (10) when they are in contact, said recess (4) being provided with closing means (3) capable of being activated when the differential pressure between the tank and outside atmosphere is positive.

Abstract: A movement mechanism applicable to a vehicle outside rearview mirror and employing a substantially spherical holder and a substantially spherical bowl nested one in the other and relative rotatable relative to each other about first and second mutually perpendicular axes with the plane of the outer edge of the holder lying in or parallel to the plane of the axes. The disk is located between the holder and bowl and connected to the bowl for rotation about one of the axes and connected to the holder for rotation only about the other of the axes.

Abstract: A closure/retainer for the end of a tubular hollow having a plurality of engagement surfaces such as windows formed about the inner periphery. The closure/retainer has a plurality of locking fingers disposed thereabout, with the number, width and spacing of the fingers such that each window is engaged by at least one locking finger for any random rotary orientation of the closure/retainer. The closure/retainer is particularly suitable for automated axial assembly as for example in a fuel tank vapor vent valve for retaining the float in the tubular valve body.

Abstract: A two-stage pressure differential pressure responsive flow control valve is disposed to provide greater fuel vapor recirculation to a tank filler tube when high vacuum conditions are encountered during refueling from a fuel dispensing nozzle inserted in the filler tube. The pressure responsive valve has an obturator with a passage therethrough for providing a relatively low flow rate when the valve is in the closed condition resulting from a relatively low vacuum during refueling. When a higher vacuum is encountered, the obturator is moved to the open position permitting greater flow. Preferably, the pressure responsive valve is disposed in a common housing with a float operated rollover valve.

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.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve has first flux collector, bobbin with coil and an armature assembled onto a valve body with a tubular housing received over the body and first portions of the housing, in the form of tabs, deformed over the bobbin flange to retain the assembly. A second flux collector with adjustable pole price is then assembled adjacent the bobbin and retained in place by deformation of second portions of the housing. The pole piece is accessible exteriorly for adjustment through the end of the housing.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic manifold assembly for deactivation of the valves of one bank of cylinders in a V-10 engine. One solenoid valve controls flow of oil to the hydraulic valve lifter/lash adjuster of a single or first cylinder, a second valve controls flow of oil to the lifters/lash adjusters of cylinders two and five and a third valve controls oil flow to the lifters/lash adjusters for cylinders two and three by taking advantage of the common base circle position of the cams for the paired cylinders.

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.

Abstract: A Lifter Oil Manifold Assembly or LOMA has a metal deckplate with a non-metallic valve mount/stiffener having elastomeric seals on the surface contacting the deckplate. The electrically operated valves for controlling flow to individual valve lifters are mounted on bosses formed on the valve mount/stiffener. A bracket retains the valves on the valve mount/stiffener and the valve mount/stiffener on the deckplate when assembled on the engine by through bolts.

Abstract: A servo-operated rotary vane valve is intended for external assembly through an opening in an engine inlet manifold passage with an integral rib formed therein. Baffling surfaces on the edge of the vane minimize pressure pulse communication over the rib when the valve is in the closed position.