Patents by Inventor Vaughn Kevin Mills
Vaughn Kevin 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: 11542893Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system includes a first vent valve configured to selectively open and close a first vent, a second vent valve configured to selectively open and close a second vent, a fuel level sensor configured to sense a fuel level in the fuel tank, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure in the fuel tank, an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle, and a controller configured to regulate operation of the first and second vent valves to provide pressure relief for the fuel tank. The controller is programmed to determine if a refueling event is occurring based one signals indicating the fuel level is increasing, the pressure in the fuel tank is increasing, and the vehicle is not moving, and open at least one of the first and second vent valves based on determining the refueling event is occurring.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Max Russell Franklin, Nikhil Nahar, Vaughn Kevin Mills, Mark Beaupre, Matthew Memmer, Steven L. Ambrose, Robert P. Benjey
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Publication number: 20220268223Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system configured for use with a vehicle fuel tank includes a purge canister, an accelerometer, first and second vent tubes that terminate at first and second vent openings, a first vent valve, a second vent valve, a vent shut-off assembly and a control module. The accelerometer senses acceleration in an x, y and z axis. The first vent valve is fluidly coupled to the first vent tube. The second vent valve is fluidly coupled to the second vent tube. The vent shutoff assembly selectively opens and closes the first and second valves. The control module estimates a location of liquid fuel based on the sensed acceleration from the accelerometer and determines which vent opening is one of submerged and about to be submerged based on the estimated location of the liquid fuel. The control module closes the vent valve associated with the determined vent opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2021Publication date: August 25, 2022Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Nikhil Nahar, Sudeep Motilal Solanki, Max Russell Franklin, Vaughn Kevin Mills, Mark Beaupre, Matthew Memmer, Robert Andrew Dayton
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Publication number: 20210370762Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor on a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The control system includes a first and second vent line disposed in the fuel tank, a first and second vent valve, a vent shut-off assembly, a purge canister and a control module. The vent shut-off assembly selectively opens and closes the first and second valves to provide overpressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The control module regulates operation of the vent shut-off assembly based on operating conditions to vent the first and second vent valves to the purge canister. The vehicle fuel tank comprises a saddle tank having first and second lobes and a raised portion arranged generally at a top portion of the fuel tank. The first vent valve is arranged generally in the first lobe and the second vent valve is arranged in the raised portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn Kevin Mills, Max Franklin, Robert P. Benjey
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Publication number: 20210372351Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system includes a first vent valve configured to selectively open and close a first vent, a second vent valve configured to selectively open and close a second vent, a fuel level sensor configured to sense a fuel level in the fuel tank, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure in the fuel tank, an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle, and a controller configured to regulate operation of the first and second vent valves to provide pressure relief for the fuel tank. The controller is programmed to determine if a refueling event is occurring based one signals indicating the fuel level is increasing, the pressure in the fuel tank is increasing, and the vehicle is not moving, and open at least one of the first and second vent valves based on determining the refueling event is occurring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Max Russell Franklin, Nikhil Nahar, Vaughn Kevin Mills, Mark Beaupre, Matthew Memmer, Steven L. Ambrose, Robert P. Benjey
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Patent number: 11092113Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system includes a first vent valve configured to selectively open and close a first vent, a second vent valve configured to selectively open and close a second vent, a fuel level sensor configured to sense a fuel level in the fuel tank, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure in the fuel tank, an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle, and a controller configured to regulate operation of the first and second vent valves to provide pressure relief for the fuel tank. The controller is programmed to determine if a refueling event is occurring based one signals indicating the fuel level is increasing, the pressure in the fuel tank is increasing, and the vehicle is not moving, and open at least one of the first and second vent valves based on determining the refueling event is occurring.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2020Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Max Russell Franklin, Nikhil Nahar, Vaughn Kevin Mills, Mark Beaupre, Matthew Memmer, Steven L. Ambrose, Robert P. Benjey
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Patent number: 11091027Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor on a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The control system includes a first and second vent tube disposed in the fuel tank, a first and second vent valve, a vent shut-off assembly, a purge canister and a control module. The vent shut-off assembly selectively opens and closes the first and second valves to provide overpressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The control module regulates operation of the vent shut-off assembly based on operating conditions to vent the first and second vent valves to the purge canister. The vehicle fuel tank comprises a saddle tank having first and second lobes and a raised portion arranged generally at a top portion of the fuel tank. The first vent valve is arranged generally in the first lobe and the second vent valve is arranged in the raised portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn Kevin Mills, Max Franklin, Robert P. Benjey
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Publication number: 20210122233Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor on a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The control system includes a first and second vent tube disposed in the fuel tank, a first and second vent valve, a vent shut-off assembly, a purge canister and a control module. The vent shut-off assembly selectively opens and closes the first and second valves to provide overpressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The control module regulates operation of the vent shut-off assembly based on operating conditions to vent the first and second vent valves to the purge canister. The vehicle fuel tank comprises a saddle tank having first and second lobes and a raised portion arranged generally at a top portion of the fuel tank. The first vent valve is arranged generally in the first lobe and the second vent valve is arranged in the raised portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2020Publication date: April 29, 2021Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn Kevin Mills, Max Franklin, Robert P. Benjey
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Patent number: 10947913Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system configured for use with a vehicle fuel tank includes a purge canister, an accelerometer, first and second vent tubes that terminate at first and second vent openings, a first vent valve, a second vent valve, a vent shut-off assembly and a control module. The accelerometer senses acceleration in an x, y and z axis. The first vent valve is fluidly coupled to the first vent tube. The second vent valve is fluidly coupled to the second vent tube. The vent shutoff assembly selectively opens and closes the first and second valves. The control module estimates a location of liquid fuel based on the sensed acceleration from the accelerometer and determines which vent opening is one of submerged and about to be submerged based on the estimated location of the liquid fuel. The control module closes the vent valve associated with the determined vent opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Nikhil Nahar, Sudeep Motilal Solanki, Max Russell Franklin, Vaughn Kevin Mills, Mark Beaupre, Matthew Memmer, Robert Andrew Dayton
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Patent number: 10828981Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor on a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The control system includes a first and second vent tube disposed in the fuel tank, a first and second vent valve, a vent shut-off assembly, a purge canister and a control module. The vent shut-off assembly selectively opens and closes the first and second valves to provide overpressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The control module regulates operation of the vent shut-off assembly based on operating conditions to vent the first and second vent valves to the purge canister. The vehicle fuel tank comprises a saddle tank having first and second lobes and a raised portion arranged generally at a top portion of the fuel tank. The first vent valve is arranged generally in the first lobe and the second vent valve is arranged in the raised portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn Kevin Mills, Max Franklin, Robert P. Benjey
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Publication number: 20200284226Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system includes a first vent valve configured to selectively open and close a first vent, a second vent valve configured to selectively open and close a second vent, a fuel level sensor configured to sense a fuel level in the fuel tank, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure in the fuel tank, an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle, and a controller configured to regulate operation of the first and second vent valves to provide pressure relief for the fuel tank. The controller is programmed to determine if a refueling event is occurring based one signals indicating the fuel level is increasing, the pressure in the fuel tank is increasing, and the vehicle is not moving, and open at least one of the first and second vent valves based on determining the refueling event is occurring.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Max Russell Franklin, Nikhil Nahar, Vaughn Kevin Mills, Mark Beaupre, Matthew Memmer, Steven L. Ambrose, Robert P. Benjey
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Patent number: 10662900Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system includes a first vent valve configured to selectively open and close a first vent, a second vent valve configured to selectively open and close a second vent, a fuel level sensor configured to sense a fuel level in the fuel tank, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure in the fuel tank, an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle, and a controller configured to regulate operation of the first and second vent valves to provide pressure relief for the fuel tank. The controller is programmed to determine if a refueling event is occurring based one signals indicating the fuel level is increasing, the pressure in the fuel tank is increasing, and the vehicle is not moving, and open at least one of the first and second vent valves based on determining the refueling event is occurring.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Max Russell Franklin, Nikhil Nahar, Vaughn Kevin Mills, Mark Beaupre, Matthew Memmer, Steven L. Ambrose, Robert P. Benjey, Kenneth Brauning
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Publication number: 20190145326Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system configured for use with a vehicle fuel tank includes a purge canister, an accelerometer, first and second vent tubes that terminate at first and second vent openings, a first vent valve, a second vent valve, a vent shut-off assembly and a control module. The accelerometer senses acceleration in an x, y and z axis. The first vent valve is fluidly coupled to the first vent tube. The second vent valve is fluidly coupled to the second vent tube. The vent shutoff assembly selectively opens and closes the first and second valves. The control module estimates a location of liquid fuel based on the sensed acceleration from the accelerometer and determines which vent opening is one of submerged and about to be submerged based on the estimated location of the liquid fuel. The control module closes the vent valve associated with the determined vent opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2019Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Nikhil Nahar, Sudeep Motilal Solanki, Max Russell Franklin, Vaughn Kevin Mills, Mark Beaupre, Matthew Memmer, Robert Andrew Dayton
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Publication number: 20190105984Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor on a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The control system includes a first and second vent tube disposed in the fuel tank, a first and second vent valve, a vent shut-off assembly, a purge canister and a control module. The vent shut-off assembly selectively opens and closes the first and second valves to provide overpressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank. The control module regulates operation of the vent shut-off assembly based on operating conditions to vent the first and second vent valves to the purge canister. The vehicle fuel tank comprises a saddle tank having first and second lobes and a raised portion arranged generally at a top portion of the fuel tank. The first vent valve is arranged generally in the first lobe and the second vent valve is arranged in the raised portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Vaughn Kevin Mills, Max Franklin, Robert P. Benjey
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Patent number: 10041450Abstract: A valve assembly for a tank of a vehicle is disclosed. A valve body is adapted to be attached to the tank. A seat is disposed inside the valve body and defines an outlet for venting the tank. A float is disposed inside the valve body and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body in response to a liquid fluid level inside the tank. A support is coupled to the float and is movable with the float between the first and second positions. A sealing member is attached to the support and has an engagement portion supported by a base to define a space between the engagement portion and the support to allow movement of the engagement portion between an initial position when in the first position and a displaced position when in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Paul Douglas Walkowski, Vaughn Kevin Mills
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Publication number: 20170328311Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system includes a first vent valve configured to selectively open and close a first vent, a second vent valve configured to selectively open and close a second vent, a fuel level sensor configured to sense a fuel level in the fuel tank, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure in the fuel tank, an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle, and a controller configured to regulate operation of the first and second vent valves to provide pressure relief for the fuel tank. The controller is programmed to determine if a refueling event is occurring based one signals indicating the fuel level is increasing, the pressure in the fuel tank is increasing, and the vehicle is not moving, and open at least one of the first and second vent valves based on determining the refueling event is occurring.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: Max Russell Franklin, Nikhil Nahar, Vaughn Kevin Mills, Mark Beaupre, Sudeep Motilal Solanki, Matthew Memmer, Steven L. Ambrose, Robert P. Benjey, Kenneth Brauning, Santosh Balasaheb Patil, Atish Dinkar Gawale, Santosh Kumar Sharma, Hrushikesh Arun Barve, Pritam Bhurke
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Patent number: 9796262Abstract: A valve assembly for a tank of a vehicle and a method of creating a vacuum are disclosed. A valve body defines a cavity and an outlet in fluid communication with the cavity for venting the tank. The assembly includes a seat disposed in the cavity of the valve body. The seat separates the cavity into first and second cavity portions. The seat defines an aperture to provide fluid communication between the first and second cavity portions. The assembly includes a cover device disposed between the seat and the outlet. The cover device defines at least one hole therethrough. The cover device is movable between a rest position engaging the seat to minimize fluid communication between the aperture and the hole and an actuated position spaced from the seat to increase fluid communication between the aperture and the hole when a vacuum is created in the first cavity portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn Kevin Mills
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Publication number: 20170253116Abstract: A valve assembly includes a seat separating a cavity of a valve body into a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion. The assembly includes a cover device separating the first cavity portion into a first pocket and a second pocket. The cover device defines at least one hole to provide fluid communication between an aperture of the seat and an outlet of the valve body via the hole. The cover device is movable between a rest position to restrict fluid communication between the aperture and the hole, and an actuated position to increase fluid communication between the aperture and the hole when a vacuum is created in the first cavity portion. The aperture is in direct fluid communication with the first pocket when in the actuated position. The outlet is in direct fluid communication with the second pocket when in the rest and actuated positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2017Publication date: September 7, 2017Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn Kevin Mills
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Patent number: D750746Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Raymond Bruce McLauchlan, Vaughn Kevin Mills, Ronald Earl Sexton, Steven Lee Ambrose, Robert Dean Keller, Daniel Lee Pifer
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Patent number: D764026Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Vaughn Kevin Mills, Ronald Earl Sexton
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Patent number: D764629Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Vaughn Kevin Mills, Ryan Kirk Whitmore