Patents by Inventor Emil Szlaga
Emil Szlaga has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8230873Abstract: A valve assembly is provided that permits adjustable vent flow from the fuel tank vapor space through a bypass vent opening based on a condition in the vapor space after nozzle shutoff. The valve assembly including a first valve, also referred to as a main float, that provides rollover protection and controls venting of the vapor space prior to nozzle shutoff. A secondary closure device, also referred to as a second valve, moves independently of the first valve to control venting of the vapor space after nozzle shutoff through a bypass vent opening formed in the valve housing in response to at least one operating condition in the fuel tank outside of a chamber defined by the valve housing in which a main float moves.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporatonInventors: Charles Joseph Martin, Emil Szlaga
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Patent number: 8171952Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve assembly is provided that may include a float valve and an isolation valve arranged in series with each other. Bypass openings in the valve assembly create multiple flow paths as the float valve and the isolation valve respond to changes in fuel tank pressure and fuel level. The control valve assembly may include a housing defining a chamber with a main opening configured to open the chamber to the tank, a vapor vent passage and a first bypass vent opening. A float in the chamber closes the vapor vent passage when fuel in the chamber is at or above a predetermined level. The first bypass vent opening vents the tank to the chamber even when the fuel covers the main opening. A feature on the float provides a metered opening of the vapor vent passage between closed and fully open based on float position.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Charles Joseph Martin, Emil Szlaga
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Publication number: 20100059123Abstract: A valve assembly is provided that permits adjustable vent flow from the fuel tank vapor space through a bypass vent opening based on a condition in the vapor space after nozzle shutoff. The valve assembly including a first valve, also referred to as a main float, that provides rollover protection and controls venting of the vapor space prior to nozzle shutoff. A secondary closure device, also referred to as a second valve, moves independently of the first valve to control venting of the vapor space after nozzle shutoff through a bypass vent opening formed in the valve housing in response to at least one operating condition in the fuel tank outside of a chamber defined by the valve housing in which a main float moves.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: Charles Joseph Martin, Emil Szlaga
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Publication number: 20090194170Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve assembly is provided that may include a float valve and an isolation valve arranged in series with each other. Bypass openings in the valve assembly create multiple flow paths as the float valve and the isolation valve respond to changes in fuel tank pressure and fuel level. The control valve assembly may include a housing defining a chamber with a main opening configured to open the chamber to the tank, a vapor vent passage and a first bypass vent opening. A float in the chamber closes the vapor vent passage when fuel in the chamber is at or above a predetermined level. The first bypass vent opening vents the tank to the chamber even when the fuel covers the main opening. A feature on the float provides a metered opening of the vapor vent passage between closed and fully open based on float position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: Charles Joseph Martin, Emil Szlaga
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Patent number: 6612324Abstract: A fill limit vapor valve assembly includes a housing, a float disposed in the housing, and a bypass valve. The bypass valve includes a vertical passage enveloping a weighted metering rod. The includes a substantially cylindrical upper portion, a substantially cylindrical bottom portion, and a seat portion that rests on a shoulder of the float. As the float raises and lowers, the substantially cylindrical upper portion varies the size of a second opening to control the flow rate of fuel vapor from the fuel tank to an emission device.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Emil Szlaga
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Publication number: 20030116190Abstract: A fill limit vapor valve assembly includes a housing, a float disposed in the housing, and a bypass valve. The bypass valve includes a vertical passage enveloping a weighted metering rod. The includes a substantially cylindrical upper portion, a substantially cylindrical bottom portion, and a seat portion that rests on a shoulder of the float. As the float raises and lowers, the substantially cylindrical upper portion varies the size of a second opening to control the flow rate of fuel vapor from the fuel tank to an emission device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Emil Szlaga
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Patent number: 6257287Abstract: A motor vehicle fuel fill pipe shut-off device includes a fuel shut-off valve normally closed relative to a valve seat and disposed in a path of fuel flow through the fuel fill pipe of the motor vehicle to a fuel tank thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Bradley N. Kippe, Emil Szlaga
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Patent number: 5950659Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve assembly for a vehicle fuel tank for venting fuel vapor from the fuel tank to a fuel vapor emission device disposed external of the fuel tank, wherein the assembly comprises a valve housing having a fuel vapor vent outlet opening or orifice defined by a valve seat and communicating with a fuel tank vapor space interior of the fuel tank and with a fuel vapor emission device, such as a charcoal canister, exterior of the fuel tank. A fuel level responsive valve-moving device, such as a float, is disposed in the housing for movement therein. A vapor vent valve is disposed on the device in a manner for closing and opening the vent orifice in response to the fuel level in the fuel tank. The vent valve includes a partial spherical, radius-defined sealing surface that mates with a sealing surface of the valve seat to provide liquid/vapor tight sealing relation therebetween when the valve is in the closed position relative to the valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Emil Szlaga, Darrin Hurley
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Patent number: 5755248Abstract: A tank pressure control valve is provided for controlling the discharge of fuel vapor from a fuel tank. In one embodiment, the tank pressure control valve is configured to use pressurized fuel vapor to control a flexible diaphragm operable between a closed position blocking discharge of fuel vapor from the fuel tank and an opened position allowing such discharge. In another embodiment, the tank pressure control valve is configured to use pressurized fuel vapor to move a flexible diaphragm to move a rigid valve member between a closed position and an opened position.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1992Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Stant Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Emil Szlaga, Robert H. Thompson
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Patent number: 5116257Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through an aperture in a fuel tank. The apparatus comprises a housing mounted in the aperture and formed to include a venting outlet, and a blocking mechanism for blocking the flow of fuel vapor through the venting outlet. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for using pressurized fuel vapor from the fuel tank to move the blocking mechanism from a flow-blocking position to a flow-delivery position. The using mechanism includes a diaphragm appended to the blocking means for movement therewith. The apparatus further includes a second mechanism for using fuel vapor discharged from the fuel tank to provide a pressure cushion acting against the diaphragm to urge the diaphragm from its second position toward its first position.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1991Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventor: Emil Szlaga
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Patent number: 5099880Abstract: A tank pressure control valve is provided for controlling the discharge of fuel vapor from a fuel tank. In one embodiment, the tank pressure control valve is configured to use pressurized fuel vapor to control a flexible diaphragm operable between a closed position blocking discharge of fuel vapor from the fuel tank and an opened position allowing such discharge. In another embodiment, the tank pressure control valve is configured to use pressurized fuel vapor to move a flexible diaphragm to move a rigid valve member between a closed position and an opened position.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1990Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventors: Emil Szlaga, Robert H. Thompson
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Patent number: 5065782Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling flow of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through an aperture in a fuel tank. The apparatus comprises a housing mounted in the aperature, a float valve, a ball, and a mechanism for supporting the ball. The housing is formed to include an outlet, and the float valve is movable in the housing between a closed position blocking flow of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through the outlet and an open position allowing flow of fuel vapor through the outlet. The float valve is formed to include a float chamber and the ball is positioned in the float chamber. The mechanism for supporting the ball is movable relative to the housing. The support mechanism is configured to support the ball in the float chamber so that the ball is able to move in the float chamber in response to movement of the fuel tank to urge the float valve to its closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1991Date of Patent: November 19, 1991Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventor: Emil Szlaga
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Patent number: 5044397Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling flow of liquid through an aperture. The apparatus includes a housing and a float valve disposed in and unattached to the housing. The float valve is formed to include a float chamber and is movable in the housing between an aperture blocking position and an aperture unblocking position. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for controlling movement of the float valve by selectively venting fluid from the float chamber to reduce the buoyancy of the float valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1990Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Inventors: Emil Szlaga, Robert S. Harris, Jeffery Griffin
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Patent number: 5028244Abstract: A tank venting control valve assembly is provided to regulate discharge of liquid fuel and fuel vapor from a fuel tank. The assembly closes automatically to prevent discharge of agitated liquid fuel from the tank or block overfilling of the tank. The assembly opens automatically after agitation of liquid fuel in the tank has subsided or refueling has been completed to cause the fuel level in the tank to fall.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1990Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventor: Emil Szlaga
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Patent number: 4991615Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling flow of liquid through an aperture. The apparatus includes a housing and a float valve disposed in and unattached to the housing. The float valve is formed to include a float chamber and is movable in the housing between an aperture-blocking position and an aperture-unblocking position. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for controlling movement of the float valve by selectively venting fluid from the float chamber to reduce the buoyancy of the float valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1990Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventors: Emil Szlaga, Robert S. Harris, Jeffery Griffin
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Patent number: 4977936Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for use in a filler neck sized to receive a fuel-dispensing nozzle. The sealing assembly includes an elastic seal member between the filler neck and a fuel-dispensing nozzle and a seal retainer for clamping the seal member in the filler neck to define in the filler neck an outer chamber communicable with the atmosphere and an inner chamber. The seal is configured to admit the fuel-dispensing nozzle into the inner chamber without coupling the inner and outer chambers in vapor communication. The sealing assembly partitions a fuel-conducting passageway in the filler neck to limit flow of vapors and gases through the passageway during dispensing of fuel into the filler neck and past the sealing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1989Date of Patent: December 18, 1990Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Thompson, Emil Szlaga, Robert S. Harris
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Patent number: 4953583Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapors from a fuel tank during refueling. The apparatus includes a conduit for conducting fuel vapor between the fuel tank and a first destination such as a vapor treatment canister situated outside of the fuel tank, a valve operable between a flow-blocking position and a flow-delivery position for selectively blocking flow of fuel vapor through the conduit, and a spring for yieldably biasing the valve toward its flow-blocking position. A venting control chamber is situated in communication with the valve for receiving and using fuel vapor pressure from the fuel tank having a magnitude in excess of a predetermined threshold level to exert an opening force on the valve in opposition to the spring so that the valve is moved to its flow-delivery position. Such movement of the valve permits discharge of pressurized fuel vapor in the tank to said first destination through the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1989Date of Patent: September 4, 1990Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventor: Emil Szlaga
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Patent number: 4944779Abstract: A vapor handling system includes an overfill shut-off valve to provide protection for the canister from exposure to liquid fuel during a tank overfill condition which may be caused by a malfunction of a refueling nozzle. A system is provided for automatically assisting in opening the overfill shut-off valve at the conclusion of the tank refilling process to reestablish fluid communication between a fuel tank and a vapor recovery canister so that adequate fuel vapor venting from the tank to the canister can occur. The overfill shut-off valve is configured to block such fluid communication by closing a venting passageway interconnecting the tank and the canister.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1989Date of Patent: July 31, 1990Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventors: Emil Szlaga, Robert S. Harris, Robert H. Thompson
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Patent number: 4883103Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for use in a filler neck sized to receive a fuel-dispensing nozzle. The sealing assembly includes a sealing ring between the filler neck and a fuel-dispensing nozzle and a support for locating the seal in the filler neck to define in the filler neck an outer chamber communicable with the atmosphere and an inner chamber. The seal is configured to admit the fuel-dispensing nozzle into the inner chamber without coupling the inner and outer chambers in vapor communication. The sealing assembly partitions a fuel-conducting passageway in the filler neck to limit flow of vapors and gases through the passageway during dispensing of fuel into the filler neck and past the sealing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1988Date of Patent: November 28, 1989Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventors: Emil Szlaga, Robert S. Harris, Robert H. Thompson
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Patent number: 4836835Abstract: A vapor handling system is provided that uses negative pressure created during discharge of liquid fuel from a fuel-dispensing nozzle into a filler tube to actuate a remotely situated vapor venting valve. Actuation of the vapor venting valve permits fuel vapor in the fuel tank connected to the filler tube to be communicated to a vapor treatment canister or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1988Date of Patent: June 6, 1989Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Harris, Emil Szlaga, Robert H. Thompson