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).
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Patent number: 10274097Abstract: A fill limit vent valve configured for use with a reductant tank includes a valve body, a float and a vapor permeable membrane. The valve body can define an inner chamber and has a valve outlet. The float has a float body configured to be received within the inner chamber and configured to sealingly engage the valve body. The vapor permeable membrane can be configured to permit vapor to pass through while inhibiting liquid from passing through. The float is movable between (i) an open position wherein vapor flows along a first flow path through the valve inner chamber and out of the valve body; and (ii) a closed position wherein the float sealingly engages the valve body and precludes vapor from flowing along the first flow path while allowing flow along a second flow path through the vapor permeable membrane and out of the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Matthew Memmer, Curtis T. Moy, Vaughn K. Mills, Sreenivas Pai, Sanjay Mohite
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Publication number: 20180087475Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20180029468Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
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Publication number: 20180015820Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2017Publication date: January 18, 2018Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
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Publication number: 20180017023Abstract: A fuel tank system includes a fuel tank, a liquid trap and a tank venting assembly. The fuel tank defines a first vapor space and a second vapor space. The tank venting assembly includes a vent valve, a first vent line, a second vent line and a third vent line. The vent valve can have a movable member that is configured to move between a first open position wherein a front vent point is open and a second closed position wherein the front vent point is closed. The first vent line can be fluidly connected between the liquid trap and the vent valve. The second vent line can be fluidly connected between the vent valve and an auxiliary vent point. The third vent line can connect to an upper vent point. In a closed position, the auxiliary vent point and the upper vent point remain open and vented.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2017Publication date: January 18, 2018Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
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Publication number: 20170227139Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: Steven Lee Ambrose, Vaughn K. Mills
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Patent number: 9624875Abstract: A valve assembly for a high-pressure fluid reservoir includes an isolation valve having a selectively energizable coil, an armature that is moveable between a first position when the coil is energized and a second position when the coil is de-energized, and an isolation valve seal coupled to the armature. The assembly also includes a float valve having a float with a passage at a bottom portion and an orifice at a top portion of the float, wherein the isolation valve seal is aligned to open and close the passage and wherein vapor flows through the passage and the orifice when the coil is energized during a high pressure condition. A housing houses both the isolation valve and the float valve and has a port that is opened and closed by the float valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Daniel Lee Pifer, Vaughn K. Mills
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Publication number: 20160290520Abstract: A fill limit vent valve configured for use with a reductant tank includes a valve body, a float and a vapor permeable membrane. The valve body can define an inner chamber and has a valve outlet. The float has a float body configured to be received within the inner chamber and configured to sealingly engage the valve body. The vapor permeable membrane can be configured to permit vapor to pass through while inhibiting liquid from passing through. The float is movable between (i) an open position wherein vapor flows along a first flow path through the valve inner chamber and out of the valve body; and (ii) a closed position wherein the float sealingly engages the valve body and precludes vapor from flowing along the first flow path while allowing flow along a second flow path through the vapor permeable membrane and out of the valve body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Matthew Memmer, Curtis T. Moy, Vaughn K. Mills, Sreenivas Pai, Sanjay Mohite
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Patent number: 9010351Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing with a recess that is sized to retain a component inserted into the recess. The component has an angled rim configured to dig into the valve housing at the recess.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
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Publication number: 20140034172Abstract: A method of manufacturing a valve assembly for a fuel tank includes forming a valve housing with a recess that is sized to retain a component inserted into the recess. The component is detectable by a sensor located outside of the fuel tank when the valve assembly is mounted in the fuel tank. A valve assembly includes a valve housing having a recess. The component is retained in the recess by the valve housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
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Publication number: 20130298880Abstract: A valve assembly for a high-pressure fluid reservoir includes an isolation valve having a selectively energizable coil, an armature that is moveable between a first position when the coil is energized and a second position when the coil is de-energized, and an isolation valve seal coupled to the armature. The assembly also includes a float valve having a float with a passage at a bottom portion and an orifice at a top portion of the float, wherein the isolation valve seal is aligned to open and close the passage and wherein vapor flows through the passage and the orifice when the coil is energized during a high pressure condition. A housing houses both the isolation valve and the float valve and has a port that is opened and closed by the float valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel Lee Pifer, Vaughn K. Mills
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Patent number: 8567426Abstract: A method of manufacturing a valve assembly for a fuel tank includes forming a valve housing with a recess that is sized to retain a component inserted into the recess. The component is detectable by a sensor located outside of the fuel tank when the valve assembly is mounted in the fuel tank. A valve assembly includes a valve housing having a recess. The component is retained in the recess by the valve housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
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Patent number: 8413431Abstract: A tank assembly (70) for storing a liquid reductant (74) includes a tank (78) defining a chamber (82), a filler tube (94) having an opening (102) and at least partially defining a fill passageway (98) from the opening (102) to the chamber (82), and a vent system (130). The vent system (130) includes a recirculation line (150) that provides fluid communication between the chamber (82) and the fill passageway (98). A float valve (174) in the recirculation line (150) prevents the conveyance of liquid (74) through the recirculation line (150).Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Matthew L. Erdmann, Gregory W. Massa, Vaughn K. Mills
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Patent number: 8371326Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve assembly includes an anti-trickle valve having a casing defining a first cavity. A movable element is disposed within the first cavity. The casing defines a lower dynamic vapor passage in fluid communication with an interior of a fuel tank. A concave ramp is disposed concentrically about the lower dynamic vapor passage, within the first cavity. The movable element moves upward along the concave ramp in response to a change in motion to open fluid communication through the lower dynamic vapor passage to vent vapor pressure from within the fuel tank during movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
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Patent number: 8281947Abstract: A fuel storage system includes a tank, a check valve having an inlet tube, an anti-siphon device and a fuel intake tube. The anti-siphon device includes a ring defining an interior opening having a diameter. The ring abuts an upstream end of the inlet tube of the check valve, which includes an inner diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the interior opening of the ring. The ring includes and supports a plurality of fins within the inlet tube without narrowing the inlet tube to maximize fluid flow through the inlet tube. The anti-siphon device is rotatable relative to the check valve and the fuel intake tube. The shape, size and orientation of the fins are optimized to minimize flow interruption through the anti-siphon device and minimize vaporization of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Paul D. Walkowski, Vaughn K. Mills
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Publication number: 20110284099Abstract: A method of manufacturing a valve assembly for a fuel tank includes forming a valve housing with a recess that is sized to retain a component inserted into the recess. The component is detectable by a sensor located outside of the fuel tank when the valve assembly is mounted in the fuel tank. A valve assembly includes a valve housing having a recess. The component is retained in the recess by the valve housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
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Patent number: 8006674Abstract: A valve is disposed between a fuel tank and an engine intake manifold in a small engine fuel system equipped to recapture running loss evaporative emissions. The valve includes a resilient diaphragm that blocks the flow path When vapor pressure in the fuel tank reaches a predetermined level, the diaphragm opens and allows the vacuum forces in the manifold to purge the vapors in the fuel tank by drawing the vapors into the manifold to be burned in the engine. The diaphragm isolates the fuel tank vapor dome from the vacuum pressure generated in the manifold, thereby preventing the engine from being starved of fuel. The valve may be integrated with a liquid discriminating valve to form a valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Vaughn K. Mills, Kenneth M. Spink
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Publication number: 20110168715Abstract: A fuel tank cap for use with a fuel storage tank includes: a vapor storage receptacle; a purge path in fluid communication with the vapor storage receptacle; and a liquid discriminating membrane configured to be disposed at least in part between the vapor storage receptacle and fuel in the fuel storage tank. A fuel storage system includes: a fuel storage tank; a fill inlet connected to the fuel storage tank; and a fuel tank cap. The fuel tank cap includes: a vapor storage receptacle; a purge path in fluid communication with the vapor storage receptacle; and a liquid discriminating membrane configured to be disposed at least in part between the vapor storage receptacle and fuel in the fuel tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: Matthew Lorenz Erdmann, Vaughn K. Mills
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Publication number: 20110005210Abstract: A tank assembly (70) for storing a liquid reductant (74) includes a tank (78) defining a chamber (82), a filler tube (94) having an opening (102) and at least partially defining a fill passageway (98) from the opening (102) to the chamber (82), and a vent system (130). The vent system (130) includes a recirculation line (150) that provides fluid communication between the chamber (82) and the fill passageway (98). A float valve (174) in the recirculation line (150) prevents the conveyance of liquid (74) through the recirculation line (150).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: Matthew L. Erdmann, Gregory W. Massa, Vaughn K. Mills
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Publication number: 20100282335Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve assembly includes an anti-trickle valve having a casing defining a first cavity. A movable element is disposed within the first cavity. The casing defines a lower dynamic vapor passage in fluid communication with an interior of a fuel tank. A concave ramp is disposed concentrically about the lower dynamic vapor passage, within the first cavity. The movable element moves upward along the concave ramp in response to a change in motion to open fluid communication through the lower dynamic vapor passage to vent vapor pressure from within the fuel tank during movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills