Abstract: The invention refers to a fuel tank for a vehicle equipped with a valve housing (8) and a ventilation opening (11) that has a ventilation valve (6) placed on an upper opening of the tank and projects into the tank interior, in which case the wall of the valve housing (8) is interspersed with at least one wall opening (17), a float 19 has been arranged in the valve housing (8) that can be moved from a resting to a closing position and has a sealing element (21) on its upper end, the float (19) is in a lower place in the valve housing (8) when it is in its resting position and the sealing element (21) releases the ventilation opening (11), the float (19), when in a closing position, closes the ventilation opening (11) with its sealing element (21) as soon as the closing level (27) is reached.

Abstract: The invention refers to a ventilation device for a fuel tank of a vehicle that comprises a valve housing (15) with a ventilation opening (8), a float (23) moveable between a resting position and a closing position arranged in the valve housing (15) and a sealing element (30) placed on the upper side of the float (23) that acts together with the ventilation opening (8), in which case the float (23)—when it is in its resting position—is arranged in a lower position in the valve housing (15) and releases the sealing element (20) and the ventilation opening (8), in which case the float (23)—when it is in its closing position—presses against the closing element (20) against the ventilation opening (8) owing to lifting forces and is characterized by the following additional embodiment: there is at least one inflow opening (24) to allow gas and fuel to flow through, located in the circumferential wall of the valve housing (15), in one single upper area close to the ventilation opening (8), there is a separate sto

Abstract: A vehicle seat with a headrest for a vehicle is formed from an impact cushion and installed upon a seat back. The headrest is pivoted around a stationary pivotal axle aligned transversely to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and can be swung from an unused position against the force of a spring into a used position. In the used position, the headrest is held stationary by a toggle linkage, which, within its self-limiting swing zone, acts as a pivoting element between the impact cushion and the pivotal axle.

Abstract: A headrest adjustment assembly is disclosed for adjusting the position of a headrest relative to a seatback. The headrest adjustment assembly includes a guide disposed in the seat back, at least one holding bar disposed within the guide, the guide and holding bar being configured with sufficient clearance to allow selective relative longitudinal and transverse sliding, the holding bar being fixed to the headrest, and a clamping element mounted to the seat back for selectively applying a transverse force to the holding bar to thereby fix the position of the holding bar within the guide and prevent relative transverse or longitudinal sliding.

Abstract: A fuel tank contains a system for the removal of air, which includes an air removal line to connect the interior of the tank with the outside ambient atmosphere, whereby this line forms a siphon, and at the deepest location of the air removal line a connection section is provided with a suction opening connected to a suction source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vent valve for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, with a housing (2) having a vent opening (6), and a float (14) arranged in the housing, supporting a sealing arrangement (13, 70) on its upper side interacting with the vent opening (6), where the float (14) is movable in the direction of the center longitudinal axis (15) of the valve housing. The sealing arrangement has at least three stages.

Abstract: The invention refers to a filler neck for the fuel tank of a vehicle that encompasses a refueling channel (2), a first opening (3) and below it, arranged in a transversal wall (11), a second opening (7) that can be closed by a closing device. In a longitudinal section (27) of the refueling tank (2) that extends between the transversal wall (11) and the first opening (3), ends a drainage channel (10) via a drainage opening (12). In addition, a closing element (15) has been arranged in the longitudinal section (27), movable between a position that closes the drainage opening (12) and one position that releases it.

Abstract: The invention includes a bi-directional air release valve for the tank system of a motor vehicle having an inlet opening, an outlet opening, a valve seat placed between the openings, and a closure element. In a closed position the closure element blocks the flow communication between the inlet and outlet openings and in its opened position releases the blockage. The closure element is activated by a motor such that it may be adjusted to bring about optional intervening positions.

Abstract: The device includes a protective mechanism for preventing introduction of a gasoline-type nozzle into an inlet passageway of a fuel tank of a Diesel motor vehicle, the inlet passageway defining a central axis, the protective mechanism comprising two arms mounted at least partially within the inlet passageway, the arms being pivotable around a pivot axis substantially parallel to the central axis. A connector is mounted at least partially within the inlet passageway, the connector being movable in a plane transverse to the central axis, movement of the connector outwardly from an idle position relative to the central axis causing the arms to pivot from an idle position toward a free-flow position. The connector is configured so that insertion of a gasoline-type nozzle into the inlet passageway will not move the arms to the free-flow position, whereas insertion of a Diesel-type nozzle into the inlet passageway will move the arms to the free-flow position.

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.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filling fitting for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle having an automatic tank closure. The filling fitting includes a carrier with an inlet opening and a closure cover, which closes the inlet opening with a sealing element. An upper side of the closure cover has a closure component, which, in a closed position of the closure cover, penetrates the inlet opening. Above the carrier is a circumferential section placed directly or indirectly on a supporting closure ring. The section extends inward to coact with closure elements on the closure component in the manner of a screw drive. To prevent permeation, in a force transmission path between the sealing element of the closure cover and the carrier, at least one axial, effective spring element is inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus for two degree of freedom positioning a moveable structure relative to a support structure is provided. The apparatus includes a moveable structure, a support structure, a compliant support disposed between the moveable structure and the support structure. The compliant support biases the moveable structure away from the support structure. In addition, three shape memory alloy actuators are provided between the structures and symmetrically arranged about the compliant support. The shape memory alloy actuators are selectively activated to provide two degrees of freedom of movement for the moveable structure relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A thick-film resistance 9 with a conductive path 8 of electrically conductive material is provided in the case of a fuel level transmitter for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The conductive path 8 is contacted in a sliding manner by a contact element. The material of the contact element exhibits a silver content, which has been reduced in such a manner, that an increase in the resistance of the contact ascribable to the formation of silver compounds, especially silver sulfide, silver sulfite and silver sulfate on the contacting surfaces is negligible.

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.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated flow controller comprises a number of grille members, each having a long axis and being slideable relative to one another parallel to that long axis. The SMA-actuated flow controller also includes a frame configured to guide the number of grille members, and an actuator disposed within the frame to move at least one of the number of grille members for varying a size of an aperture. Further, the actuator includes an SMA actuator that includes a number of SMA elements each connecting one grille number to another.

Abstract: An actuated gauge pointer that includes a shape memory alloy element configured to move the gauge pointer when activated is provided. The actuated gauge pointer includes a first shape memory alloy element disposed within the perimeter of the gauge pointer housing. Additionally, the actuated gauge pointer may include a second shape memory alloy element to provide temperature compensation, and a bias member to return the gauge pointer to an initial condition.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly is provided that includes an SMA component. The SMA component is used to impart motion in an output shaft. Also provided is a return force component that provides a variable, tailored return force to the SMA component. Additionally, a variety of protective mechanisms are disclosed and utilized to prevent damage to the internal workings and components within the SMA actuator assembly as well as provide protection and safety for external workings.

Abstract: The invention concerns a level limit valve for the fuel tank of a vehicle. Such valves serve the purpose, that upon the filling of the fuel tank, the filled quantity of the fuel is limited. The proposed level limit valve possesses a valve body 1 which can be positioned within the fuel tank at the end of a filling pipe. The valve body is equipped with an intake port 22 which is connectable with the said filling pipe and an outlet port 21 emptying into the interior of the fuel tank. Further, in the valve body 1 is found a flap 4, which is pivotally movable between a position tightly sealing the outlet port 21 and a position wherein this is opened. The float 3 is movably connected to said flap 4 by means of a lever rod 5. The lever rod 5 penetrates the outlet port 21 at least in the opened position of the flap 4 and is connected by means of linkage with that outer side 28 of the flap 4 which is proximal to the outlet port 21.

Abstract: A fuel vapor control valve for use in a vehicle fuel system is provided. The control valve has a rollover valve assembly with a valve member defining a point-bearing surface, a housing with an opening, and a chamber. The housing is mountable to a fuel tank. The valve member is movable within the chamber and a sealing element is movably located on the point-bearing surface of the valve member. The sealing element may be metallic and is configured to releasably seal the opening when the valve member is urged in a direction towards the opening.

Abstract: A multiport valve having a valve body and a controllable opening in a surface is provided. An activation element is also disclosed which is controllably attached to a sealing element in communication with the surface. An elastomer membrane is provided about the activation element and in contact with the sealing element. The activation element selectively elevates the sealing element from a valve seat. Additional multiport valve embodiments are also disclosed including a toggle to regulate multiple valve seats.