Patents Assigned to TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
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Patent number: 7726335Abstract: A check valve for a combustion engine fuel system includes a polymeric poppet valve including a valve stem and a valve head that terminates the valve stem. A valve seat is adapted for cooperation with the valve head of the poppet valve, and includes a valve seat body and an elastomeric valve seat seal supported by the valve seat body and adapted for sealing against the valve head of the poppet valve. The check valve is particularly adapted for use with a fuel pump within a fuel system.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Cory J. Doble
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Publication number: 20100116366Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank to contain fuel therein, and a carrier assembly disposed in the fuel tank. The carrier assembly includes a plurality of application-specific fuel system products, a carrier common to a plurality of different fuel tank assemblies to carry the products, and a plurality of common components to mount the products with respect to the carrier in application-specific positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Giuseppe A. Gattozzi, Harald Knueppel, Ted J. Latouf, James R. Osborne, Christopher K. Quick, Steve L. Toth
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Patent number: 7704440Abstract: A fuel tank that is substantially impermeable to fuel vapor has a shell with an interior for holding fuel, an opening for receiving fuel into the interior, and a fill nipple with a barrier layer. The fill nipple has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a passage extending between a pair of generally opposed ends of the fill nipple. One of the ends is attached to the shell such that the passage is aligned with the opening to allow fuel to flow through the passage and into the interior of the fuel tank. The fill nipple has an inner layer of material forming the inner surface, and an outer layer of material forming the outer surface, and has at least one intermediate layer of material forming the barrier layer. The intermediate layer is formed from a material that is different in composition from the inner and outer layers.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Brian W. Brandner, Vladimir Franjo, Keith D. Kersey, Harald Knueppel, Ted J. Latouf, James R. Osborne
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Publication number: 20100078842Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for blow molding a fuel tank with multiple concentric needles to form an opening in the fuel tank, and/or for calibrating the opening in the fuel tank as it cools.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Carl-Hugo M. Mellander
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Patent number: 7644873Abstract: A fuel transfer system having a nozzle with an inlet in communication with a source of pressurized fuel in a portion of a fuel tank, and an outlet through which the fuel is discharged. A restrictor is arranged between the source of pressurized fuel and the nozzle. A first venturi receives fuel dispensed from the nozzle, and a second venturi receives fuel dispensed from the first venturi. The second venturi has an outlet in fluid communication with the portion of the fuel tank housing the source of pressurized fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Cory J. Doble, Bryan J. Gettel, George E. Maroney, Glenn A. Moss
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Patent number: 7617851Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery system of a vehicle has a fill pipe inlet assembly located at a distal end of a fuel tank fill pipe. The inlet assembly has a cylindrical wall defining an elongated cavity divided axially into upstream and downstream regions by a restrictor plate which carries a hole for close receipt of a fuel supply nozzle of a remote fuel pump. During refueling of the tank, fuel vapor flows from the tank via a recirculation tube and into the inlet cavity of the fill pipe to become entrained into the flowing liquid fuel as oppose to being released to atmosphere. The fuel vapor enters the upstream region at an aperture carried by the wall disposed immediately upstream from the restrictor plate and downstream from a hood. The hood limits vapor release to atmosphere and draws the vapor downstream through a port carried by the restrictor plate for entrainment of vapor into the liquid fuel in the downstream region.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Timothy J. Barnes, Wallace J. Booms, Steven R. Hilderley, Jeffrey L. Yager
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Patent number: 7618241Abstract: A fuel pump has a housing defining a cavity. A rotor of an electric motor is carried in the cavity for rotation about a drive axis. An annular pump impeller is supported in the cavity separate from the rotor and is driven by the rotor for rotation about the drive axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Peter P. Kuperus
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Patent number: 7600652Abstract: A cap is formed within the flash of a molded polymeric article. Desirably, the material of the flash, and hence the cap, has the same properties as the molded article. In one embodiment, the molded article is a multi-layer plastic fuel tank having a vapor barrier layer sandwiched between structural and/or adhesive layers and the cap has the same general construction and may be fixed or welded to the fuel tank over an opening through the tank. Advantageously, the cap is formed in the same process used to form the molded article and reduces the scrap or waste material by utilizing a portion of the flash which is removed from the molded article after it is formed. Therefore, the cost and time to produce a molded article and one or more caps is greatly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Mark R. Johansen
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Patent number: 7565837Abstract: A variable resistor assembly is preferably adapted for use with a fuel level sensor and includes an arcuate resistive area including a plurality of radially oriented and spaced apart conductive contact segments, and further includes a wiper including an arm and at least two contactors carried by the arm, wherein the at least two contactors are arranged on the arm such that the at least two contactors make contact with one of the conductive contact segments before breaking contact with an adjacent one of the conductive contact segments. Preferably, the at least two contactors are laterally offset with respect to one another and/or oriented at an angle with respect to the conductive contact segments.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Lynwood F. Crary, Daniel A. Gilmour, Mark R. Johansen
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Patent number: 7565986Abstract: A fuel tank that is substantially impermeable to fuel vapor has a shell with an interior for holding fuel, an opening for receiving fuel into the interior, and a fill nipple with a barrier layer. The fill nipple has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a passage extending between a pair of generally opposed ends of the fill nipple. One of the ends is attached to the shell such that the passage is aligned with the opening to allow fuel to flow through the passage and into the interior of the fuel tank. The fill nipple has an inner layer of material forming the inner surface, and an outer layer of material forming the outer surface, and has at least one intermediate layer of material forming the barrier layer. The intermediate layer is formed from a material that is different in composition from the inner and outer layers.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Brian W. Brandner, Vladimir Franjo, Keith D. Kersey, Harald Knueppel
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Patent number: 7556024Abstract: A fuel supply module may include a reservoir and a fuel filter carried by the reservoir. In one implementation, the filter assembly may be pivoted relative to the reservoir when the fuel pump module is inserted through an access opening of the fuel tank. Thereafter, when the fuel pump module is mounted to the fuel tank, the filter assembly may pivot to a second position angularly displaced from the first position. In another implementation, the position of the filter assembly is fixed relative to the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Lynwood F. Crary, Antonio J. DaSilva
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Patent number: 7520293Abstract: A fuel storage system for a transportation or recreational vehicle has a fuel tank that carries a vapor assembly that seeks out vapor pockets and controllably removes fuel vapor from the tank without releasing hydrocarbons to the surrounding environment. Preferably, a vent manifold attaches to a flange that sealably covers an access hole of the tank. At least one flexible tentacle extends from the manifold in the tank to a respective vapor vent valve that floats upon the surface of fuel at a vapor dome. When freely floating, the vent valve is open thus communicates the vapor dome through the tentacle and preferably with a filtering carbon canister. As fuel surface levels change or the vehicle tilts, changing the vapor dome size or location in the tank, the floating vapor vent valve is free to move generally with the vapor dome and as permitted by the flexibility of the trailing tentacle.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Steven R. Hilderley, James R. Osborne
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Publication number: 20080252020Abstract: A ring seal includes a sealing ring including an asymmetric body portion having axially-opposed and radially-offset seal beads. The ring seal may also include a reinforcement ring carried at least partially in the sealing ring to distribute load across the seal beads. The ring seal may further include a skirt depending generally axially from the body portion and defining an inner diameter of the sealing ring and preferably having frusto-conical cross-sectional shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Timothy D. Heiman, William J. Laule, James R. Osborne, Darron G. Peddle, Michael R. Rivenburgh
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Patent number: 7409860Abstract: A fuel level measurement device has a fuel level sensor carried by a fuel level float at the distal end of a pivoting float arm of the device which is preferably part of a fuel pump module located inside of a fuel tank preferably for automotive applications. Preferably a sealed arcuate chamber of the float is defined between an electrically conductive cover and a variable electric resistor which preferably is a generally non-conductive ceramic substrate that carries an electrically resistive ink strip. A track exposed in the arcuate chamber has a concave shape that generally faces upward so that a rolling member changes position due to the forces of gravity within the chamber as the float arm pivots generally up and down with changing fuel levels in the tank. The rolling member is electrically conductive and completes the circuit between the electrically conductive cover and the variable resistive ink strip.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: David M. Ferreira, Mark R. Johansen
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Patent number: 7353807Abstract: A fuel system has a jet pump assembly that fills a fuel reservoir for providing a reliable source of fuel to an electric motor fuel pump located in a fuel tank for a combustion engine. The electric fuel pump preferably delivers fuel at a controlled pressure to a series of fuel injectors of the engine. A small portion of the fuel exiting the electric fuel pump is diverted to the jet pump assembly that aspirates fuel from the fuel tank and into the reservoir. A biased normally closed pressure responsive valve prevents fuel flow to the jet pump when the electric fuel pump is running under impaired conditions, thus providing all the fuel to the combustion engine typically during cold engine start conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Paul J. Paluszewski
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Patent number: 7347191Abstract: A fuel system with a fuel tank having at least one opening into an interior of the fuel tank, and an electrically operated vent valve having an inlet communicated with the interior of the fuel tank and an outlet for venting fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The vent valve is movable in response to an electric signal between an open position allowing fuel vapor through the outlet and a closed position to restrict fluid flow through the outlet. A controller is operably communicated with the vent valve to control application of an electric signal to the vent valve and thereby control at least in part the movement of the vent valve between its open and closed positions. In one embodiment the controller is responsive to a fill level in the fuel tank to control the position of the vent valve and thereby the fill level attained within the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Atwood, David A. Brady, John R. Forgue, Matthias Henschel, Mark R. Johansen, Michael Kloess, Peter P. Kuperus, Martin Stickel
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Patent number: 7296600Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing having a valve seat defining at least part of a vent passage, a pressure responsive member carried by the housing and defining at least part of a pressure chamber, and a valve carried by the housing and having a closure movable relative to the valve seat between an open position permitting fluid flow through the vent passage and a closed position at least substantially restricting fluid flow through the vent passage. The closure is moved by the pressure responsive member in response to changes in pressure in the pressure chamber. A control passage communicates at one end with a pressure source and at its other end with the pressure chamber and an electrically operated valve is movable from a first position permitting a pressure signal to develop within the pressure chamber and a second position permitting pressure within the pressure chamber to vent.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: David M. Ferreria, John R. Forgue, Mark R. Johansen
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Patent number: 7188610Abstract: A no-return loop fuel injection system supplies fuel from a fuel pump to an injector fuel rail, through a fuel line. A biased closed pressure control valve communicates with the fuel line and has a valve head preferably of a diaphragm type carrying a fuel side having first and second areas which are segregated and defined by a valve seat when the pressure control valve is closed. An opposite second side of the pressure control valve is exposed to a reference pressure and a closure biasing force. The pressure control valve opens when a hydraulic opening force induced by a fuel pressure exerted upon the first area, plus a fuel pressure exerted upon the second area, is greater than the net reference pressure and closure biasing forces. Preferably, the first area is smaller than the second area, thus manipulating the effects of the fuel pressures exerted upon the first and second areas with respect to opening the valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Lynwood F. Crary, John R. Forgue, Mark R. Johansen
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Patent number: 7182869Abstract: A fuel filter and vapor separator arrangement having at least one layer of liquid fuel permeable material defining at least one substantially enclosed cavity. The permeable material has at least one opening to provide fluid communication of liquid fuel within the cavity with an inlet of a high pressure fuel pump outside the cavity. A jet pump and/or fuel vapor vent is arranged relative to the cavity to facilitate the elimination of fuel vapor flowing to the high pressure fuel pump.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Dennis J. Catlin, Bryan J. Gettel, Ronald B. Kuenzli, Glenn A. Moss, Joseph M. Ross, Edward J. Talaski
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Patent number: RE40537Abstract: A glass-sealed electrical fitting for an automotive fuel tank is mounted on a flange which supports an internal fuel pump and fuel level sensor within the fuel tank. In one form, the glass seal surrounds a plurality of pins longitudinally disposed within an elongated housing which penetrates a fuel tank wall. An outer surface of the housing engages rigidly to the flange, and an inner surface of the housing engages to the glass seal. In another form each pin is sealed to a housing by a separate glass seal.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Daniel A. Gilmour