Abstract: A capless fuel unit having an elongated housing open at each end and defining a first and a second longitudinally spaced fluid ports. First and second door assemblies each include a flapper valve associated with a first fluid port and a second flapper valve with a second fluid port, the flapper valves being movable between open and closed positions and resiliently urged toward their respective closed positions. A pressure relief valve is at least partially contained within an interior of the flapper valves. The various plastic components of the capless unit incorporate Graphene or a Graphene-derivative for resisting hydrocarbon emission from fuel vapors escaping from the unit to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A capless fuel unit having an elongated tubular and cylindrical housing open at each end, the housing defining a first and a second longitudinally spaced fluid ports. A first flapper valve is associated with the first fluid port and a second flapper valve with the second fluid port, the flapper valves being movable between open and closed positions and resiliently urged toward their respective closed positions. A pressure relief valve is at least partially contained within an interior of the flapper valves. An arrangement of elastomeric seals incorporating a Graphene-derivative are positioned within the housing in proximity with the flapper valves for resisting hydrocarbon emission from fuel vapors escaping from the unit to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A lockable assembly for a fuel filler pipe including a cap supported upon a unit mounted to the fuel filler pipe. The clip has at least one locking tab which is actuated by a key insertable portion incorporated into the cap and in order to lock or unlock the cap for removal from the outside part of the unit attached to the filler pipe. The key insertable portion can further include a rotatable component. The at least one locking tab further includes a pair of locking tabs which are radially displaced via the rotatable component so that the tabs displace in opposite directions. Other features include a sliding limiter component associated with each of the oppositely directed locking tabs.

Abstract: A lockable assembly for a fuel filler pipe including a cap supported upon a unit mounted to the fuel filler pipe. The clip has at least one locking tab which is actuated by a key insertable portion incorporated into the cap and in order to lock or unlock the cap for removal from the outside part of the unit attached to the filler pipe. The key insertable portion can further include a rotatable component. The at least one locking tab further includes a pair of locking tabs which are radially displaced via the rotatable component so that the tabs displace in opposite directions. Other features include a sliding limiter component associated with each of the oppositely directed locking tabs.

Abstract: A capless fuel door assembly including a body pivotally supported within a housing of the vehicle between closed and opened positions. The body includes an exterior projection exhibiting an angled slide. A spring is secured to the housing and includes an extended portion supported against an end stop location of the projection defining a first end of said angled slide in order to exert the body in the closed position, with opening of the body about the pivot causing a decrease in the closing force as the spring portion displaces along said angled slide to a second end to achieve the opened position.

Abstract: A lockable assembly for a fuel filler pipe including a cap supported upon a unit mounted to the fuel filler pipe. The cap has at least one locking tab which is actuated by a key insertable portion incorporated into the cap and in order to lock or unlock the cap for removal from the outside part of the unit attached to the filler pipe. The key insertable portion can further include a rotatable component. The at least one locking tab further includes a pair of locking tabs which are radially displaced via the rotatable component so that the tabs displace in opposite directions. Other features include a sliding limiter component associated with each of the oppositely directed locking tabs.

Abstract: A capless fuel door assembly including a body pivotally supported within a housing of the vehicle between closed and opened positions. The body includes an exterior projection exhibiting an angled slide. A spring is secured to the housing and includes an extended portion supported against an end stop location of the projection defining a first end of said angled slide in order to exert the body in the closed position, with opening of the body about the pivot causing a decrease in the closing force as the spring portion displaces along said angled slide to a second end to achieve the opened position.

Abstract: A lockable assembly for a fuel filler pipe including a cap supported upon a unit mounted to the fuel filler pipe. The clap has at least one locking tab which is actuated by a key insertable portion incorporated into the cap and in order to lock or unlock the cap for removal from the outside part of the unit attached to the filler pipe. The key insertable portion can further include a rotatable component. The at least one locking tab further includes a pair of locking tabs which are radially displaced via the rotatable component so that the tabs displace in opposite directions. Other features include a sliding limiter component associated with each of the oppositely directed locking tabs.

Abstract: A fuel inlet assembly for an automotive vehicle having an elongated tubular and cylindrical housing open at each end and defining a port in between the ends of the housing. A flapper valve is associated with the fluid port and is movable between an open and a closed position. At least two latches are pivotally mounted to the housing adjacent the fluid port and movable between a latch position and a release position. The latches engage the flapper valve to prevent the flapper valve from moving to its open position. A flexible bump is attached to each latch so that the bump pivots with its associated latch and each bump protrudes radially inwardly from its associated latch. Each bump has a cam surface which, when engaged by a fuel nozzle, pivots the bump and its associated latch to the release position.

Abstract: A fuel inlet assembly for an automotive vehicle having an elongated tubular and. cylindrical housing open at each end and defining a port in between the ends of the housing. A flapper valve is associated with the fluid port and is movable between an open and a closed position. At least two latches are pivotally mounted to the housing adjacent the fluid port and movable between a latch position and a release position. The latches engage the flapper valve to prevent the flapper valve from moving to its open position. A flexible bump is attached to each latch so that the bump pivots with its associated latch and each bump protrudes radially inwardly from its associated latch. Each bump has a cam surface which, when engaged by a fuel nozzle, pivots the bump and its associated latch to the release position.

Abstract: A capless fuel system having an elongated tubular and cylindrical housing open at each end and in which the housing defines a first and a second longitudinally spaced fluid ports. A first flapper valve is associated with the first fluid port and a second flapper valve is associated with the second fluid port. A pair of diametrically opposed latches pivotally mounted to the housing adjacent the second fluid port retain the second flapper valve in a closed position until a fuel nozzle of a predetermined size is inserted towards the second port. The fuel nozzle engages camless surfaces which pivot the latches away from the second flapper valve allowing the fuel filling nozzle to pass through the second port.

Abstract: A capless fuel system having an elongated tubular and cylindrical housing open at each end and in which the housing defines a first and a second longitudinally spaced fluid ports. A first flapper valve is associated with the first fluid port and a second flapper valve is associated with the second fluid port. A pair of diametrically opposed latches pivotally mounted to the housing adjacent the second fluid port retain the second flapper valve in a closed position until a fuel nozzle of a predetermined size is inserted towards the second port. The fuel nozzle engages camless surfaces which pivot the latches away from the second flapper valve allowing the fuel filling nozzle to pass through the second port.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems, computer readable media, and methods for determining the operational status of network resources based on failed attempts by communications devices to access the network resources. In some embodiments, error messages are analyzed, and status data is associated with hostnames corresponding to network resources based on the analysis. The status data may include status identifiers that indicate the apparent operational states of network resources and geographic accessibility information associated with network resources. Some embodiments may include sending status messages to users and/or network managers based on the status data. Still other embodiments may include sharing the status data with a search engine configured to generate, display, format, and/or rank search results based on the status data.

Abstract: An automotive fuel filling system which inhibits automotive fueling from a smaller of two different diameter fuel nozzles. The system includes a funnel assembly having a circular port adapted to receive the fuel nozzle. A nozzle valve assembly includes at least two segments and is disposed in series with the port. Each segment, furthermore, is pivotal between an open and a closed position. When all segments are in the closed position, the nozzle valve assembly serves to prevent dust and debris from reaching the flapper valve. A hook is attached to a radially inner end of each nozzle valve segment and a cam is also attached to each nozzle valve segment configured to provide a clearance between the end of only the larger nozzle and the hooks upon insertion of the larger nozzle, but not upon insertion of the smaller nozzle.

Abstract: A method of forming a carpeted plastic part includes positioning a carpet between first and second mold halves, wherein the carpet has a back surface. A non-reinforced plastic strip is positioned adjacent a portion of the back surface of the carpet. A hollow parison of reinforced plastic material is formed between the first and second mold halves. The first and second mold halves are then closed together to form a carpeted plastic part having a thinned-down region of the reinforced plastic material adjacent the plastic strip such that the plastic strip is sandwiched between the thinned-down region and the carpet to form a flexible living hinge.

Abstract: A method of forming a carpeted plastic part includes positioning a carpet between first and second mold halves, wherein the carpet has a back surface. A non-reinforced plastic strip is positioned adjacent a portion of the back surface of the carpet. A hollow parison of reinforced plastic material is formed between the first and second mold halves. The first and second mold halves are then closed together to form a carpeted plastic part having a thinned-down region of the reinforced plastic material adjacent the plastic strip such that the plastic strip is sandwiched between the thinned-down region and the carpet to form a flexible living hinge.

Abstract: A method for forming an automotive instrument panel having a concealed door comprising a series of steps. A plastic parison is extruded to form the substrate layer of the instrument panel. The parison has first and second walls. The parison is placed within a mold and the first wall is contacted with the second wall to form a hinge. The area of contact forms a bond between the first and second walls. A different portion of the first and second walls are contacted to form an opening path. The opening path intersects the hinge. The opening path usually has a thickness much less than the thickness of the first and second walls to form an easily fracturable area. The door swings on the hinge to open. A elongated section of material on the second wall, enables the second wall to wrap along the hinge when the door is opened.

Abstract: A console assembly in an automotive vehicle has a center console positioned between a pair of seats, a storage bin having a storage compartment therein accessible through an opening in an upper portion, and a lid covering the opening which is movable to provide an adjustable armrest. A hinge attached between the lid and the storage compartment allows the lid to pivot between a closed position covering the opening and an open position uncovering the opening. The hinge has a lid plate which fits into a sleeve on a bottom surface of the lid for allowing the lid to move longitudinally with respect to the console over the storage compartment between an aft position in which the lid covers the opening and a fore position in which a rear portion of the opening is uncovered. A cover plate covers the rear portion of the opening when the lid is in the closed and fore positions.

Abstract: A console assembly in an automotive vehicle has a center console positioned between a pair of seats and a storage compartment with a lid having an armrest on an outer surface, the storage compartment being diagonally adjustable with respect to the console to provide an adjustable armrest for an occupant. The console has a mounting well and an auxiliary storage compartment therein. A telescoping member is angularly mounted with respect to a vertical axis for simultaneously adjusting the storage compartment both in a vertical direction and in a fore-aft direction with respect to the console, the telescoping member mounted to a storage compartment bottom of the second storage compartment on a first end and mounted within the mounting well on a second end. A stabilizing rod is mounted substantially parallel to the at least one telescoping member for preventing rotation of the second storage compartment about the telescoping member.

Abstract: An adjustable cover assembly for a storage bin of a console mounted within a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle has a hinge assembly for allowing rotatable and transverse movement with respect to the console, a lock pin engagable with the hinge assembly for locking the cover in a releasable lock position, and an indexing mechanism for positioning the cover with respect to the console when the cover is in an adjustment position so that the lock pin is properly engaged. In the releasable lock position, the cover is longitudinally fixed relative to the console, and when in the adjustment position, the cover is unlocked from the console to allow longitudinal adjustment with respect thereto.