Abstract: A vapor emission control system includes an electrically operated shutoff valve in the fuel vapor vent recirculation line to the filler tube. The electrically operated valve is controlled by an electronic controller responsive to signals from a fuel level indicator and a fuel cap sensor in the tank. In one embodiment, the valve closes when the fuel level indicator indicates a full tank condition and when the fuel cap sensor indicates that the fuel cap is off the filler neck. The present invention thus provides a positive shutoff of fuel vapor to the filler tube during refueling.

Abstract: A capless seal door for a fuel tank filler tube employs a door valve with a flexible annular seal which, upon closing against a seat on the undersurface of a nozzle-receiving orifice formed in a bulkhead across the tube, initially wipes on the seat and is subsequently compressed thereon.

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 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 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: Isolation valves of the invention are advantageously mechanically actuated. Such valves and associated methods comprise a first port in fluid communication with a first component; a second port in fluid communication with a second component; a third port in fluid communication with a third component; a diaphragm disposed within the valve for closing a normally open internal pathway to occlude fluid communication between the first port and the second port in response to a pressure differential across the diaphragm; and a flow sensitive pressure device for controlling the pressure differential across the diaphragm. Fluid flows from the second component to the third component upon closing of the normally open internal pathway. In an exemplary embodiment, isolation valves and methods of the invention are adapted for use in fuel tank emission control systems.

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 check valve for connection in a fuel tank filler tube. The valve has a tubular body with a plurality of radially inwardly extending vanes or ribs in the inlet end about a portion of the circumference. The ribs are tapered in the flow direction to deflect the end of a siphoning hose to an offset opening. A valve seat and poppet with a tapered surface are disposed downstream of the ribs, clearance apertures are formed in the side of the tubular body downstream of the valve seat. The tapered surface of the poppet, upon being opened by insertion of the end of a siphoning hose deflects the hose outwardly through the clearance apertures to facilitate further insertion into the tank. The poppet is biased normally closed by a spring.

Abstract: A check valve assembly is designed for insertion in an existing fuel tank filler tube having a mechanical nozzle seal and a vapor recirculation port. The insert has an integrally formed ground strap/tab for grounding a refueling nozzle and an attached flexible flapper positioned adjacent the recirculation port by an integrally formed spring tab. The insert has friction tabs for engaging the inner surface of the filler tube for retaining the check valve assembly in the filler tube.

Abstract: A flapper door is spring biased closed against a valve seat on the underside of a filler tube bulkhead having a refueling nozzle aperture. The valve seat has an annular tapered surface and a resilient annular seal on the flapper door contacts the valve seat in wiping engagement. A pneumatic dampener retards the speed of closure of the flapper door onto the valve seat.

Abstract: A vacuum operated flow control valve is disposed in the vapor vent line from a fuel tank to a vapor storage canister connected also to the engine air inlet. The valve has a diaphragm operator of low permeability which is biased normally open to permit fuel vapor to flow from the tank to the canister during engine shutdown. Upon engine startup a vacuum is drawn in the canister and the flow control valve which closes preventing vacuum being drawn in the tank thereby preventing tank collapse. During engine shutdown, if an ambient temperature drop creates a vacuum in the tank, the flow control valve closes; however, an emergency umbrella relief valve opens permitting reverse flow of vapor from the canister to the tank preventing excessive vacuum in the tank.

Abstract: An electrically operated valve is connected in the vapor recirculation line from a float operated vent valve, or a direct vapor recirculation line from the tank top to the upper end of the tank filler tube. The electrically operated valve is actuated by an electronic controller (ECU) which receives a fuel level signal either from the float operated level sender or from a thermistor located in the tank adjacent the top wall of the tank.

Abstract: A spring loaded valve member with a poppet on one end is disposed in a fuel tank with the inlet end connected to the filler tube. The valve member has a spool valve attached to the poppet. The poppet is opened by fuel discharging from a refueling nozzle and the valve member movement limited by a float operated latch such that fuel flows through the spool valve ports. Upon the float rising in the tank, the latch is released permitting the force of the flowing fuel to further move the valve member to close the spool valve.

Abstract: A vacuum operated flow control valve is disposed in the vapor vent line from a fuel tank to a vapor storage canister connected also to the engine air inlet. The valve has a diaphragm operator of low permeability which is biased normally open to permit fuel vapor to flow from the tank to the canister during engine shutdown. Upon engine startup a vacuum is drawn in the canister and the flow control valve which closes preventing vacuum being drawn in the tank thereby preventing tank collapse. During engine shutdown, if an ambient temperature drop creates a vacuum in the tank, the flow control valve closes; however, an emergency umbrella relief valve opens permitting reverse flow of vapor from the canister to the tank preventing excessive vacuum in the tank.

Abstract: An electrically operated valve is connected in the vapor recirculation line from a float operated vent valve, or a direct vapor recirculation line from the tank top to the upper end of the tank filler tube. The electrically operated valve is actuated by an electronic controller (ECU) which receives a fuel level signal either from the float operated level sender or from a thermistor located in the tank adjacent the top wall of the tank.

Abstract: A spring loaded valve member with a poppet on one end is disposed in a fuel tank with the inlet end connected to the filler tube. The valve member has a spool valve attached to the poppet. The poppet is opened by fuel discharging from a refueling nozzle and the valve member movement limited by a float operated latch such that fuel flows through the spool valve ports. Upon the float rising in the tank, the latch is released permitting the force of the flowing fuel to further move the valve member to close the spool valve.

Abstract: In a fuel tank having an electric fuel pump therein, the fuel pump is connected to discharge into a venturi with a throat pressure tap line connected to the bottom of a vapor vent valve fed by spider tubes to the tank vapor dome areas. Venturi throat suction pumps liquid accumulated in the vent valve for discharge through the venturi into the tank. A one way valve prevents back flow in the throat pressure tap line to the vent valve. Float operated valves are provided on the ends of the spider tubes to restrict fluid flow to the vapor vent valve.

Abstract: A check valve for connection in a fuel tank filler tube. The valve has a tubular body with a plurality of radially inwardly extending vanes or ribs in the inlet end about a portion of the circumference. The ribs are tapered in the flow direction to deflect the end of a siphoning hose to an offset opening. A valve seat and poppet with a tapered surface are disposed downstream of the ribs, clearance apertures are formed in the side of the tubular body downstream of the valve seat. The tapered surface of the poppet, upon being opened by insertion of the end of a siphoning hose deflects the hose outwardly through the clearance apertures to facilitate further insertion into the tank. The poppet is biased normally closed by a spring.

Abstract: A vapor vent valve has an annular locking ring received thereover, with surfaces thereon engaging the valve for limited axial movement therebetween and preventing relative rotation therebetween. A fuel tank has an access opening with a slit formed therein. The valve is inserted in the access opening and the end of the locking ring engaged in the slit, rotation of the valve causes the locking ring to feed completely through the slit to the interior of the tank and engages the inner surface thereof while continuing to engage the valve to retain and seal the valve in the access opening. The valve, locking ring and a seal ring may be pre-assembled to form a subassembly capable of being installed and locked on the fuel tank as a unit without the need for tools or fasteners.

Abstract: A vapor vent system for a fuel tank having a vapor vent valve in the top of the tank with its outlet connected to a storage canister. In one embodiment the vent valve outlet is connected to the canister through a hose which is also connected to the filler tube for vapor recirculation. In another embodiment a conduit is connected at one end through the tank wall and the opposite end to the filler tube for vapor recirculation. A nozzle seal is provided in filler tube above the recirculation connection. The filler tube is sized, below the one-way valve connection, to effect a dynamic seal with refueling nozzle discharge to entrain vapor from the recirculation connection valve and any air leaking past the nozzle seal in the upper end of the filler tube and to create a negative pressure when vapor recirculation is cut off to ensure activation of the automotive nozzle shutoff.