Patents by Inventor Thomas L. Claussen

Thomas L. Claussen 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: 5636671
    Abstract: A fuel vapor entrapment device, during fueling of a motor vehicle fuel tank, traps escaping fuel vapors so as to enhance vacuum-assisted vapor recovery system operation. By deflecting fuel vapors and capturing them temporarily until their removed to a vapor storage tank, the device substantially prevents the escape of fuel vapor into the atmosphere and enables the vapor recovery system to capture a higher percentage of escaping fuel vapor. During the fueling process, the fuel entrapment device encircles the vehicle tank filler port, thereby forming a vapor containment area from which fuel vapors are removed, and prevents the ingestion of excessive ambient air into the vapor recovery system. A vacuum relief hole permits the ingestion of a limited amount of ambient air so as to prevent the build up of excessive negative pressure and avert vehicle fuel tank collapse during vacuum-assisted vapor recovery operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventors: David J. Harris, Thomas L. Claussen, John J. VanDaele
  • Patent number: D371427
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Harris, Thomas L. Claussen, John J. VanDaele