Patents by Inventor Michael Teets

Michael Teets 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).

  • Publication number: 20090107580
    Abstract: A modification to the vent control system of a fluid tank is provided. More particularly, an electronically controlled vent control system used in connection with a fuel tank is provided. The vent control system disclosed is operable to automatically sense the beginning of a fueling event and to open a venting valve allowing fuel to enter the tank. Subsequently, as the fuel reaches a predetermined fill level, the vent control system is operable to automatically close the venting valve, halting the flow of fuel into the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Trevor Enge, Michael Teets
  • Publication number: 20080083275
    Abstract: A system for sensing a fuel level includes sensors that sense the fuel level and a voltage source that applies a constant voltage to the sensors for a predetermined time. The system includes a control module that measures outputs of the sensors at a beginning and at an end of the predetermined time. The control module determines a number of the sensors that are submersed in fuel or air based on the outputs and calculates the fuel level based on the number of the sensors that are submersed in fuel or air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Lavern Bremmer, Michael Teets, Trevor Enge, Greg Schoenberg
  • Publication number: 20070144495
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank having a plurality of side walls spaced apart by a floor. A flange extends downward from one of the plurality of side walls at an angle toward the floor. A fuel pump extends from the flange; the fuel pump and flange are arranged to fixedly position at least one inlet connected to the fuel pump at or in close proximity to the floor of the fuel tank. A fuel dam extends away from the floor and has at least one passage formed therein. The fuel dam is positioned so as to create an accumulated area of the fuel tank surrounding the at least one inlet. Fuel enters the accumulated area through the at least one passage and is received by the at least one inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Teets, Trevor Enge, Robert Schmidt, Lavern Bremmer
  • Publication number: 20070012102
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the level of fuel contained in the tank of a motor vehicle includes a fuel pump disposed in the tank for creating a flow of fuel in the tank. An elongated tube is placed vertically in the tank. The system also includes a venturi tube coupled between the fuel pump and the elongated tube for creating a vacuum as a result of a portion of the flow of fuel therethrough from the fuel pump thereby drawing fuel vapor from the elongated tube at a varying pressure, the pressure decreasing as the amount of fuel vapor in the tank increases. A controller is coupled to the elongated tube for determining the level of fuel in the tank based on the pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Lavern Bremmer, Trevor Enge, Robert Schmidt, Michael Teets
  • Publication number: 20070012103
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the level of fuel contained in the tank of a motor vehicle includes a first resistive element disposed in the tank and having a first predetermined length. The first resistive element generates a variable resistance in response to electrical current and fuel passing therethrough. A second resistive element is also disposed in the tank and has a second predetermined length. The second resistive element generates a fixed resistance in response to the electrical current and fuel passing therethrough. A microprocessor coupled to the first and second resistive elements determines the level of fuel contained in the tank based on the variable resistance, the fixed resistance and the first and second predetermined lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Lavern Bremmer, Trevor Enge, Robert Schmidt, Michael Teets, Raymond Chastang