Patents by Inventor Vaughn K. Mills
Vaughn K. Mills 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: 11698045Abstract: A fuel tank system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a fuel tank and an evaporative emissions control system. The evaporative emissions control system is configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor. The evaporative emissions control system includes a liquid trap, a first device, a second device, a control module and a G-sensor. The first device is configured to selectively open and close a first vent. The second device is configured to selectively open and close a second vent. The control module regulates operation of the first and second devices to provide over-pressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The G-sensor provides a signal to the control module based on a measured acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Matthew Memmer, Curtis T. Moy, Steven Ambrose, Russell Trapp, Robert P. Benjey, Max Russell Franklin, Kenneth Brauning, Santosh Balasaheb Patil, Atish Dinkar Gawale, Santosh Kumar Sharma, Hrushikesh Arun Barve, Pritam Bhurke, Daniel L. Pifer
-
Patent number: 11584221Abstract: A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage venting on a fuel tank includes a main housing, a poppet valve and an actuator. The main housing is positioned outside of the fuel tank and selectively vents to a canister. The poppet valve is disposed in the main housing and includes a plunger that provides over pressure relief (OPR) and over vacuum relief (OVR) functions. The actuator assembly can be housed in the main housing and includes a cam assembly having a cam shaft that includes a cam having a profile that one of opens and closes the poppet valve. When the poppet valve is in the closed position, vapor is precluded from passing between the fuel tank and the canister. When the poppet vale is in the open position, vapor is permitted from passing between the fuel tank and the canister.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
-
Publication number: 20220381203Abstract: A fuel tank system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a fuel tank and an evaporative emissions control system. The evaporative emissions control system is configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor. The evaporative emissions control system includes a liquid trap, a first device, a second device, a control module and a G-sensor. The first device is configured to selectively open and close a first vent. The second device is configured to selectively open and close a second vent. The control module regulates operation of the first and second devices to provide over-pressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The G-sensor provides a signal to the control module based on a measured acceleration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2021Publication date: December 1, 2022Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Matthew Memmer, Curtis T. Moy, Steven Ambrose, Russell Trapp, Robert P. Benjey, Max Russell Franklin, Kenneth Brauning, Santosh Balasaheb Patil, Atish Dinkar Gawale, Santosh Kumar Sharma, Hrushikesh Arun Barve, Pritam Bhurke, Daniel L. Pifer
-
Patent number: 11491866Abstract: A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage venting on a fuel tank configured to deliver fuel to an internal combustion engine includes a first liquid vapor discriminator (LVD), a main housing, a first poppet valve assembly, a pump and an actuator assembly. The first LVD is disposed in the fuel tank. The main housing selectively vents to a carbon canister. The first poppet valve assembly has a first poppet valve arranged in the main housing. The pump selectively pumps liquid fuel from the main housing. The actuator assembly is at least partially housed in the main housing and includes a cam assembly having a cam shaft that includes a first cam and a second cam. The first cam has a profile that one of opens and closes the first poppet valve fluidly coupled to the first LVD.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Jeffrey B. Smith, Dan L. Pifer, Nikhil Nahar, Clark Fortune, Steve C. Holmquest, Sagar Dilip Pingale, Curtis Moy
-
Publication number: 20220260041Abstract: A fuel tank system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a fuel tank and an evaporative emissions control system. The evaporative emissions control system is configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor. The evaporative emissions control system includes a liquid trap, a first device, a second device, a control module and a G-sensor. The first device is configured to selectively open and close a first vent. The second device is configured to selectively open and close a second vent. The control module regulates operation of the first and second devices to provide over-pressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The G-sensor provides a signal to the control module based on a measured acceleration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2021Publication date: August 18, 2022Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Matthew Memmer, Curtis T. Moy, Steven Ambrose, Russell Trapp, Robert P. Benjey, Max Russell Franklin, Kenneth Brauning, Santosh Balasaheb Patil, Atish Dinkar Gawale, Santosh Kumar Sharma, Hrushikesh Arun Barve, Pritam Bhurke, Daniel L. Pifer
-
Patent number: 11267334Abstract: A method for operating an evaporative emissions control system for use with a fuel tank that stores and delivers fuel to an internal combustion engine is provided. A vent shut-off assembly is provided that selectively opens and closes at least one valve to provide overpressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The vent shut-off assembly selectively vents to a purge canister. The at least one valve is closed whereby vapor is precluded from passing from the fuel tank to the purge canister. A purge event is performed wherein dedicated fresh air is drawn into the purge canister and delivered from the purge canister to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Jeffrey B. Smith, Vaughn K. Mills, Daniel Pifer, Nikhil Nahar, Steven Ambrose, Max Franklin
-
Publication number: 20210114453Abstract: A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage vapor recirculation venting during a refueling event on a fuel tank configured to deliver fuel to an internal combustion engine includes a main housing and an actuator assembly. The main housing selectively vents to a carbon canister. The actuator assembly is at least partially housed in the main housing. The actuator assembly comprises a cam assembly having a cam shaft that includes a first cam and a second cam. The first cam has a profile that actuates a first valve that selectively opens a first port fluidly connected to a first vent in the fuel tank. The second cam has a profile that actuates a second valve that selectively opens a second port fluidly connected to a recirculation line that routes vapor back to a filler neck of the fuel tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
-
Publication number: 20210094411Abstract: A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage venting on a fuel tank configured to deliver fuel to an internal combustion engine includes a main housing, a poppet valve and an actuator. The main housing is positioned outside of the fuel tank and selectively vents to a canister. The poppet valve is disposed in the main housing and includes a plunger that provides over pressure relief (OPR) and over vacuum relief (OVR) functions. The actuator assembly can be housed in the main housing and includes a cam assembly having a cam shaft that includes a cam having a profile that one of opens and closes the poppet valve. When the poppet valve is in the closed position, vapor is precluded from passing between the fuel tank and the canister. When the poppet vale is in the open position, vapor is permitted from passing between the fuel tank and the canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventor: Vaughn K. Mills
-
Patent number: 10954894Abstract: A fuel tank system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a fuel tank and an evaporative emissions control system. The evaporative emissions control system is configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor. The evaporative emissions control system includes a liquid trap, a first device, a second device, a control module and a G-sensor. The first device is configured to selectively open and close a first vent. The second device is configured to selectively open and close a second vent. The control module regulates operation of the first and second devices to provide over-pressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The G-sensor provides a signal to the control module based on a measured acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Matthew Memmer, Curtis T. Moy, Steven Ambrose, Russell Trapp, Robert P. Benjey, Max Russell Franklin, Kenneth Brauning, Santosh Balasaheb Patil, Atish Dinkar Gawale, Santosh Kumar Sharma, Hrushikesh Arun Barve, Pritam Bhurke, Daniel L. Pifer
-
Publication number: 20210053437Abstract: A fuel tank system controlled by a control module and constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a saddle fuel tank, and a venting assembly. The saddle fuel tank has a first lobe and a second lobe extending on opposite ends of a recessed central portion. The venting assembly comprises a first vent line, a second vent line and a rotary actuator. The first vent line has a first vent port located in the first lobe of the saddle fuel tank near a top portion of the saddle fuel tank above the recessed central portion. The second vent line has a second vent port located in the second lobe of the saddle fuel tank near a top portion of the saddle fuel tank above the recessed central portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2020Publication date: February 25, 2021Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
-
Publication number: 20200400104Abstract: An evaporative emissions isolation module system configured to manage venting on a fuel tank system is disclosed. The isolation module system includes a carbon canister, a multi-valve assembly and a controller. The carbon canister is adapted to collect fuel vapor emitted by the fuel tank and to subsequently release the fuel vapor to the engine. The multi-valve assembly includes a motor drive that rotates a camshaft having at least a first cam and a second cam housed in a manifold. The multi-valve assembly has a first valve and a second valve. The first valve selectively fluidly connects the fuel tank and the carbon canister. The second valve fluidly connects the carbon canister with a vent port defined in the manifold that vents to atmosphere. The controller sends signals to the multi-valve assembly based on operating conditions to open and close at least one of the first and second valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Matthew Memmer
-
Publication number: 20200398661Abstract: A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage venting on a fuel tank configured to deliver fuel to an internal combustion engine includes a first liquid vapor discriminator (LVD), a main housing, a first poppet valve assembly, a pump and an actuator assembly. The first LVD is disposed in the fuel tank. The main housing selectively vents to a carbon canister. The first poppet valve assembly has a first poppet valve arranged in the main housing. The pump selectively pumps liquid fuel from the main housing. The actuator assembly is at least partially housed in the main housing and includes a cam assembly having a cam shaft that includes a first cam and a second cam. The first cam has a profile that one of opens and closes the first poppet valve fluidly coupled to the first LVD.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Jeffrey B. Smith, Dan L. Pifer, Nikhil Nahar, Clark Fortune, Steve C. Holmquest, Sagar Dilip Pingale, Curtis Moy
-
Patent number: 10828982Abstract: A fuel tank system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a saddle fuel tank, a control module, a first and second solenoid, and a first and second vent line. The saddle fuel tank can have a first lobe and a second lobe. The first vent line can have a first vent port located in the first lobe of the saddle fuel tank. The first solenoid is configured to open and close the first vent port. The second vent line can have a second vent port located in the second lobe of the saddle fuel tank. The second solenoid is configured to open and close the second vent port. The control module sends a signal to the first and second solenoids to close the first and second vents upon reaching a full fuel condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2017Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
-
Patent number: 10774792Abstract: An evaporative emissions isolation module system configured to manage venting on a fuel tank system is disclosed. The isolation module system includes a carbon canister, a multi-valve assembly and a controller. The carbon canister is adapted to collect fuel vapor emitted by the fuel tank and to subsequently release the fuel vapor to the engine. The multi-valve assembly includes a motor drive that rotates a camshaft having at least a first cam and a second cam housed in a manifold. The multi-valve assembly has a first valve and a second valve. The first valve selectively fluidly connects the fuel tank and the carbon canister. The second valve fluidly connects the carbon canister with a vent port defined in the manifold that vents to atmosphere. The controller sends signals to the multi-valve assembly based on operating conditions to open and close at least one of the first and second valves.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Inventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Matthew Memmer
-
Publication number: 20200254869Abstract: A method for operating an evaporative emissions control system for use with a fuel tank that stores and delivers fuel to an internal combustion engine is provided. A vent shut-off assembly is provided that selectively opens and closes at least one valve to provide overpressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The vent shut-off assembly selectively vents to a purge canister. The at least one valve is closed whereby vapor is precluded from passing from the fuel tank to the purge canister. A purge event is performed wherein dedicated fresh air is drawn into the purge canister and delivered from the purge canister to the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Jeffrey B. Smith, Vaughn K. Mills, Daniel Pifer, Nikhil Nahar, Steven Ambrose, Max Franklin
-
Publication number: 20190353121Abstract: A fuel tank system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a fuel tank and an evaporative emissions control system. The evaporative emissions control system is configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor. The evaporative emissions control system includes a liquid trap, a first device, a second device, a control module and a G-sensor. The first device is configured to selectively open and close a first vent. The second device is configured to selectively open and close a second vent. The control module regulates operation of the first and second devices to provide over-pressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The G-sensor provides a signal to the control module based on a measured acceleration.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Matthew Memmer, Curtis T. Moy, Steven Ambrose, Russell Trapp, Robert P. Benjey, Max Russell Franklin, Kenneth Brauning, Santosh Balasaheb Patil, Atish Dinkar Gawale, Santosh Kumar Sharma, Hrushikesh Arun Barve, Pritam Bhurke, Daniel L. Pifer
-
Patent number: 10400713Abstract: A fuel tank system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a fuel tank, a first vent tube, an evaporative emissions control system and a cam driven tank venting control assembly. The first vent tube is disposed in the fuel tank. The evaporative emissions control system is configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor. The evaporative emissions control system has a controller. The cam driven tank venting control assembly has a rotary actuator that rotates a cam assembly based on operating conditions. The cam assembly has at least a first cam having a first cam profile configured to selectively open and close the first vent tube based on operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Matthew Memmer, Curtis T. Moy, Steven Ambrose, Russell Trapp, Robert P. Benjey, Max Russell Franklin, Kenneth Brauning, Santosh Balasaheb Patil, Atish Dinkar Gawale, Santosh Kumar Sharma, Hrushikesh Arun Barve, Pritam Bhurke, Daniel L. Pifer
-
Patent number: 10378673Abstract: An active drain liquid trap configured for use with a fuel tank system and constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a trap body, a float and a pilot. The trap body defines a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet. The first inlet is fluidly connected to a fuel pump. The second inlet is fluidly connected to a vapor line. The float is rotatably mounted about a float pivot. The pilot moves between an open and closed position. Rotation of the float causes the pilot to be urged into an open position and fluid to be drained from the trap body through the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Steven Lee Ambrose, Vaughn K. Mills
-
Publication number: 20190219002Abstract: An evaporative emissions isolation module system configured to manage venting on a fuel tank system is disclosed. The isolation module system includes a carbon canister, a multi-valve assembly and a controller. The carbon canister is adapted to collect fuel vapor emitted by the fuel tank and to subsequently release the fuel vapor to the engine. The multi-valve assembly includes a motor drive that rotates a camshaft having at least a first cam and a second cam housed in a manifold. The multi-valve assembly has a first valve and a second valve. The first valve selectively fluidly connects the fuel tank and the carbon canister. The second valve fluidly connects the carbon canister with a vent port defined in the manifold that vents to atmosphere. The controller sends signals to the multi-valve assembly based on operating conditions to open and close at least one of the first and second valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Matthew Memmer
-
Patent number: 10350993Abstract: A fuel tank system having a fuel tank and a fuel vapor recovery system including a vapor vent line fluidly coupled between the fuel tank and a canister, and a vapor purge line fluidly coupled to the canister. A multiplex director is selectively fluidly coupled to a first location in the fuel vapor recovery system and a second location in the fuel vapor recovery system. The multiplex director is movable between a first position where the multiplex director is fluidly coupled to the first location and is fluidly blocked from the second location, and a second position where the multiplex director is fluidly coupled to the second location and is fluidly blocked from the first location. The multiplex director is configured to monitor at least one of a pressure and a hydrocarbon concentration in the first location and the second location when fluidly coupled thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills