Patents by Inventor Stephen Sperando

Stephen Sperando 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).

  • Patent number: 10059198
    Abstract: An improper fuel nozzle insertion-inhibiting assembly may include a cover having a nozzle inlet barrier door pivotally secured to the cover. The cover may include a safety-release groove that is configured to separate the cover into separate pieces upon exertion of sufficient force. A main body is secured to the cover and configured to connect to a fuel fill pipe. The main body may include a nozzle outlet barrier door pivotally secured to the main body. A debris filter may be secured to one or both of the cover and/or the main body. The debris filter is configured to prevent debris from passing into an internal chamber. A pivot-restricting member(s) may be secured within the internal chamber. The pivot-restricting member(s) is configured to prevent one or both of the nozzle inlet barrier door and the nozzle outlet barrier door from over-pivoting. At least one seal member may be configured to sealingly engage at least portions of the fuel fill pipe, the cover, and the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Sperando, Christian Beck, Paul Sutenbach
  • Patent number: 9522594
    Abstract: A mis-fuel inhibitor (MFI) assembly is configured to prevent an improper fuel nozzle from dispensing fuel into a fuel tank. The assembly may include a main body having an MFI nozzle passage formed therethrough. The main body is configured to allow a proper fuel nozzle to pass through the MFI nozzle passage, and prevent the improper fuel nozzle from passing therethrough. The assembly may also include at least one securing member configured to connect to the main body within a fuel fill line. The securing member(s) is configured to securely retain the main body within the fuel fill line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Kim, Miguel Sanchez, Paul M. Sutenbach, Stephen Sperando
  • Publication number: 20160318389
    Abstract: An improper fuel nozzle insertion-inhibiting assembly may include a cover having a nozzle inlet barrier door pivotally secured to the cover. The cover may include a safety-release groove that is configured to separate the cover into separate pieces upon exertion of sufficient force. A main body is secured to the cover and configured to connect to a fuel fill pipe. The main body may include a nozzle outlet barrier door pivotally secured to the main body. A debris filter may be secured to one or both of the cover and/or the main body. The debris filter is configured to prevent debris from passing into an internal chamber. A pivot-restricting member(s) may be secured within the internal chamber. The pivot-restricting member(s) is configured to prevent one or both of the nozzle inlet barrier door and the nozzle outlet barrier door from over-pivoting. At least one seal member may be configured to sealingly engage at least portions of the fuel fill pipe, the cover, and the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen SPERANDO, Christian BECK, Paul SUTENBACH
  • Publication number: 20160039280
    Abstract: A mis-fuel inhibitor (MFI) assembly is configured to prevent an improper fuel nozzle from dispensing fuel into a fuel tank. The assembly may include a main body having an MFI nozzle passage formed therethrough. The main body is configured to allow a proper fuel nozzle to pass through the MFI nozzle passage, and prevent the improper fuel nozzle from passing therethrough. The assembly may also include at least one securing member configured to connect to the main body within a fuel fill line. The securing member(s) is configured to securely retain the main body within the fuel fill line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Edward KIM, Miguel SANCHEZ, Paul M. SUTENBACH, Stephen SPERANDO
  • Publication number: 20150096983
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle-receiving assembly is configured to be operatively connected to a fuel fill line of a fuel intake system of a vehicle. The assembly may include a main outer body, a pressure relief member, and a seal member. The pressure relief member may be secured to and within the main outer body and may include at least one valve operatively connected to at least one relief passage. The valve(s) is configured to open to allow fluid pressure to be released through the at least one relief passage when the fluid pressure exceeds a pressure threshold. The seal member may be secured to the pressure relief member and may define a central opening configured to receive a fuel nozzle. The seal member is configured to sealingly engage an outer shaft of the fuel nozzle to prevent fuel from back-flowing out of the fuel fill line and air from passing into the fuel fill line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Melissa Moy, Stephen Sperando, Paul M. Sutenbach