Float Responsive Patents (Class 137/202)
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Patent number: 6408867Abstract: Provided is a fuel cutoff valve that reduces the emission of fuel vapors from within fuel tanks. The fuel cutoff valve is mounted by partial insertion into a fixation hole provided in an upper tank wall of a fuel tank. The fuel cutoff valve comprises a cover, a casing, a float, and a spring. In the cover, a matrix of polyacetal having excellent resistance to fuel permeation reduces emission of fuel vapors into the atmosphere, while a dispersed phase of polyethylene in the matrix allows welding to fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomohide Aoki, Hiroaki Kito, Hisatsugu Goto, Masayuki Nakagawa
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Publication number: 20020074037Abstract: A refueling valve for a motor vehicle includes a body connected to the upper wall of a fuel tank in vertical depending relationship thereon and the body has a body top or cover with a vapor exit passage adapted to be connected to a fuel vapor storage canister, a baffle is connected to the valve body intermediate the ends thereof to form a fuel space and a vapor space; the body includes a portion depending from the cover that has a vapor exit port communicating with the vapor space and wherein the vent exit port has a valve seat closed by a valve mounted on one end of a connecting rod that has its opposite end connected to a float within the fuel space and wherein the vapor exit port remains open until the fuel tank is filled and/or fuel slosh in the tank raises the float to close the valve; the connecting rod is directed through a port in the baffle to provide for vapor exhaust across the baffle during tank fill and to restrict fuel bypass into the vapor space during fuel slosh within the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2002Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventor: Trevor L. Enge
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Patent number: 6405747Abstract: An apparatus for controlling discharge of fuel vapor from within a vehicle fuel tank, which apparatus includes at least a primary and auxiliary liquid separating chamber positioned above a float chamber below a valve outlet. The apparatus includes at least one baffle arranged to intercept and direct filtered fuel droplets from the vapor flow and return the liquid fuel to the fuel tank. The primary and auxiliary liquid separation chambers and associated baffle are positioned to facilitate flow of fuel vapor from the tank yet return liquid fuel to the tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Stant Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. King, Gregory P. Brown
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Patent number: 6405766Abstract: A float operated fuel tank vapor vent valve having a reduced diameter portion on the bottom of the float which forms a tapered surface. The tapered surface contacts a plurality of spaced resilient fingers when the float drops suddenly; and the float motion is thus arrested silently by deflection of the resilient fingers.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Robert P. Benjey
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Publication number: 20020062861Abstract: A vent valve for use with a fuel containing system including a fuel tank and a vapor recovery system. The vent valve includes a housing which communicates with the fuel tank and the vapor recovery system. The housing defines a path between the fuel tank and vapor recovery system. A float valve is positioned in the housing and is responsive to the presence of fuel in the tank. The housing has at least one vacuum vent positioned in the path. An umbrella valve is carried on the housing and positioned between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery system. The umbrella valve has a wall defining an orifice extending therethrough and a cover portion extending from the wall. The orifice is selectively sealed at one end by the float valve and is selectively sealed at the opposite end by the head valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventor: Jeffrey Devall
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Patent number: 6394129Abstract: Device for preventing the overfilling of a fuel tank (1) provided with a filler neck and a filling vent line (6), an operational vent line (11), which leads to the outside or to a collecting tank, opening into the fuel tank above the opening into the filling vent line, in which operational vent line there is connected a valve device (13) which is closed during filling of the fuel tank and is open in the remaining time, the valve device having a valve closing member (13′) which can be engaged with a valve seat (19′) in the direction leading away from the fuel tank, is preloaded into the open position and is bridged, at least in the blocked state, by a flow-restricting partial-flow path (14), the valve seat (19′) for its part being movably mounted, forming a pressure relief valve clearance (25) with an inner shoulder (24) of the valve device (13), and being preloaded into the closed position and in the direction of the valve closing member (13′).Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Tesma Motoren-und Getriebetechnik Ges. M.B.HInventors: Stefan Feichtinger, Sandor Palvolgyi
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Publication number: 20020059954Abstract: Disclosed is a valve being attached to a fuel tank, the valve permitting a vaporized fuel to flow out and inhibiting a liquid fuel from flowing out. The valve includes a cover and a case. For example, the cover is bonded to an upper portion of a fuel tank, is independent of the fuel tank, and includes a connecting surface to be connected to the fuel tank and a flow-out passage in which a vaporized fuel flows out. The connecting surface has a connector portion formed of a resin exhibiting a good bondability to the fuel tank. The case is screwed to the cover, and includes an evaporator opening and a floating valve. The evaporator opening communicates with the flow-out passage. The floating valve opens or closes the evaporator opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2001Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventors: Tomohide Aoki, Hiroaki Kito, Hiroshi Nishi, Kenichiro Kaneko, Masayuki Nakagawa, Masahiro Ando
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Patent number: 6382231Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve and a method for making the same having a simpler mounting operation and excellent sealing properties are disclosed. The fuel cutoff valve includes a cover, a casing made of a different resin than the cover wherein the casing includes a valve chest and a valve body accommodated in the valve chest. The casing is used as an insert member having a plurality of sealing ribs projecting substantially vertically towards the cover, and a stopper formation forming a substantially horizontal step at substantially right angles to the sealing ribs, and the cover is integrally formed therewith so as to enclose the sealing ribs and stopper formation of the casing. The fuel cutoff valve may also be constructed such that the cover is used as the insert member as opposed to the casing. The stopper formation can be a rib, a recess or a through-hole.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomohiro Sugizaki, Masanori Nojiri
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Publication number: 20020046770Abstract: A valve for preventing fuel leaking from a fuel tank includes a housing that has a passage that communicates with the outside. In the housing there is a float that is used to open and close the passage by being moved axially along the housing. The valve is provided with a device to guide the float to close the passage. The device includes a gap formed between the housing and the float that increases in size with increasing distance from the passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Applicant: NIFCO INC.Inventors: Toshio Hattori, Taiki Aoyama
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Patent number: 6371146Abstract: An improved fuel level responsive peelaway action valve for vehicle fuel tanks, in which a float moves a valve closure element into sealing contact with a vapor venting outlet, and then pulls or “peels” the valve element off the vapor venting outlet when fuel level drops. The valve closure element comprises a thin, flexible sealing portion for engaging the vapor venting outlet with low sealing forces, and a stiffened marginal portion acted on by a rigid cage or frame which is connected to the float. As the float drops, the cage contacts the stiffened marginal portion and levers the valve element off the venting outlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Robert P. Benjey
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Patent number: 6371152Abstract: A float type vapor vent valve for a vehicle fuel tank. A relatively thin flexible valve member has one end anchored to the float but permitted relative movement with respect to the float in a direction parallel to that of float movement, with the opposite end of the flexible valve member anchored to the float in spaced arrangement from the one end, but permitted limited movement with respect to the float in a direction normal to that of float movement. The flexible arm is bowed in one version and has a flat configuration in another version.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Robert P. Benjey
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Publication number: 20020040730Abstract: A fuel cutoff apparatus is provided with an outer casing and an inner float disposed inside the outer casing so as to be vertically movable therein. A plurality of openings are provided in a side face of the outer casing. A valve opening is provided at a top portion of the outer casing and a valve body is provided at a top portion of the inner float.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Applicant: KYOSAN DENKI CO., LTD.Inventors: Nobuharu Muto, Norikazu Sugimura
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Patent number: 6347639Abstract: A fuel system 10 which selectively receives and stores volatile fuel. System 10 includes a dynamic seal or air intake inhibitor 26 which is operatively disposed within fuel filler pipe 20 and which minimizes the amount of air ingested by fuel tank 12. System 10 further includes an air separation portion or chamber 16 that includes a recirculation aperture 30 and tapered valve 34 that are effective to automatically regulate the rate of vapor recirculation within system 10 based upon the amount of fuel and vapor within portion 16.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Robert H. Thompson
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Patent number: 6347640Abstract: According to the invention, in the case of a multifunctional valve for a vehicle container, comprising a first opening which can be closed by means of a first closing body as a function of the filling level of the container and is intended for ventilating the tank as it is being filled, a second opening which can be closed by means of a second closing body and is intended for ventilating the tank during operation, the two closing bodies automatically going into their closing position if the vehicle takes up an excess sloping position or undergoes a roll-over action, the two closing bodies (13, 18) can be brought into the closing position by a respectively assigned first or second float body (11, 17) which are of lower density than the medium in the container, and in the event of a roll-over action, a mechanical device (ball 19) acts upon the two float bodies (11, 17) to counter their buoyancy and keep the closing bodies (13, 18) in the closing position.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Mannesmann Vdo AGInventor: Knut Meyer
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Patent number: 6343615Abstract: A butterfly valve and associated controls for controlling the flow of water from a large diameter fire hose to the inlet of a fire pump is disclosed. The valve is installed between the suction tube and the suction tube extension of a midship mounted fire pump on a fire truck in a location such that the valve is positioned behind the pump operator panel. A pressure relief valve and an air bleed are mounted on the body of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Hale Products, Inc.Inventors: David L. Miller, Frank A. Sclafani, Jr., Paul R. Wentz, Paul D. Carpenter
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Patent number: 6343590Abstract: In order to reduce a discharge amount of an evaporated fuel to the atmosphere and make it possible to manufacture an automobile in accordance with a module production, in a canister module, a fill check valve, a cut off valve, a positive and negative pressure check valve and the like are previously assembled in a module main body in an integral manner and the canister module is covered with a cover portion of a canister case having an absorbent storage chamber on an evaporated fuel outlet side and the cover portion is welded to a module main body so as to keep an airtight condition, thereby forming a passage portion surrounded by the cover portion and the module main body. Accordingly, a rubber hose is omitted and a transmitting amount of the evaporated fuel to the atmosphere is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Nagai, Kazumi Haruta
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Patent number: 6336466Abstract: System for the venting of a liquid tank, comprising a float valve, arranged in the tank, in communication with a pipe forming one end of a venting circuit, and a closed volume internal to the tank and provided with an emptying device, the closed volume functioning as a capacity intended for collecting any possible entrainments of liquid coming from the tank, the valve being located outside the volume of the capacity and being connected to the latter by means of the pipe of the venting circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: SolvayInventors: Patrick Ganachaud, Serge Percebois
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Patent number: 6336467Abstract: An improved float and valve assembly for a liquid-gas accumulator including a buoyant float having a density selected in accordance with the working pressure, a float which can be lengthened or shortened, and friction and drag is reduced by optimizing the bore to rod length, honing coacting parts, providing a crown engaging the spring, and providing grooves in the exterior of the valve stem.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Accumulators, Inc.Inventor: Jeffry A. Schneider
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Publication number: 20010054438Abstract: A fuel vapor treating apparatus includes a lower valve casing and an upper valve casing. A float is provided in the lower valve casing and a valve portion is provided in the float for sealing the flow of fuel. A valve port is provided between the lower valve casing and the upper valve casing and is opened and closed by the valve portion. A vent passage portion is provided in the upper valve casing. A space portion is provided between the vent passage portion and the valve port. A valve portion of the float moves vertically in accordance with a liquid level in a fuel tank and opens and closes the valve port, whereby the fuel tank is brought into communication with the vent passage portion. A vent port is provided in a partition that separates the space portion from the vent passage portion. And, a second float is provided to open and close the vent port. The fuel vapor treating apparatus reliably stops fuel leakage from the fuel tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Applicant: KYOSAN DENKI CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Shimamura, Norikazu Sugimura, Hidemi Masuda, Koji Sugiura
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Publication number: 20010050104Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve includes a full fuel control valve and an overfill prevention valve inside a casing. The overfill prevention valve is equipped with first and second floats. The second float is disposed in the storage chamber inside the first float of the full fuel control valve while being allowed to move up and down. The second float is configured such that a second connection conduit is closed by a second valve element as a result of a rising movement when the fuel level exceeds a second liquid level located above a first liquid level, and the second valve element is connected to a first connection conduit through a second connection conduit to reduce the force with which the first valve element of the first float is pressed against a first seat as a result of the fact that the fuel level has dropped below the second liquid level but is still above the first liquid level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2001Publication date: December 13, 2001Applicant: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Nishi, Tomohiro Sugizaki, Tomohide Aoki
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Publication number: 20010047822Abstract: Provided is a fuel cutoff valve that reduces the emission of fuel vapors from within fuel tanks. The fuel cutoff valve is mounted by partial insertion into a fixation hole provided in an upper tank wall of a fuel tank. The fuel cutoff valve comprises a cover, a casing, a float, and a spring. In the cover, a matrix of polyacetal having excellent resistance to fuel permeation reduces emission of fuel vapors into the atmosphere, while a dispersed phase of polyethylene in the matrix allows welding to fuel tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2001Publication date: December 6, 2001Inventors: Tomohide Aoki, Hiroaki Kito, Hisatsugu Goto, Masayuki Nakagawa
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Patent number: 6315212Abstract: A float vent is described for automatically venting gas from liquid, such as air from water in a domestic radiator system. In addition to a float valve (2), a subsidiary valve (6) is provided that can seal the vent path and displace the float valve from its closed position. The subsidiary valve may be a thermostatic or hygroscopic valve, for example.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Inventors: John Francis Steeple Heffernan, Charles Bonello
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Patent number: 6311675Abstract: A high flow rate, two stage fuel vapor vent valve assembly utilizing two float valves that provide a progressive closing of a vapor outlet to control the venting of fuel vapors from a fuel tank and the addition of liquid fuel to the tank. A first float closes a portion of the vapor outlet in response to liquid fuel at a first level relative to the valve. A second float closes the remainder of the vapor outlet in response to liquid fuel at a second level higher than the first level. One or more separate baffles are constructed and arranged to prevent the escape of liquid fuel through the vapor outlet.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Walbro CorporationInventors: Lynwood F. Crary, Mark R. Johansen
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Publication number: 20010032670Abstract: A vent apparatus is adapted to be coupled to a fuel tank and includes a valve housing made of a non-weldable plastics material and containing a valve. The vent apparatus further includes a tank mount made of a weldable plastics material and coupled to the valve housing. The tank mount is adapted to be welded to an underlying fuel tank to support the valve housing within a mounting aperture formed in the fuel tank. The tank mount is coupled to the valve housing by a retainer ring formed to include an annular channel opening toward the valve housing. The valve housing includes an annular upper flange extending into an upper region of the annular channel formed in the retainer ring. The tank mount includes an annular lower flange extending into a lower region of that annular channel to mate with the overlying annular upper flange and trap a flange seal therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Michael S. Brock, Jeffrey E. Devall
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Patent number: 6302137Abstract: A fuel venting system for fuel tank chambers. The system vents through an opening in one of the chambers, with fuel vapor being transferred from the other chambers to the venting chamber. Fuel vapor transfer between chambers is facilitated by a conduit having a buoyant float attached at one end and flexibly connected at the other end to an anchor device fixed in the vent hole.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey E. Devall
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Publication number: 20010025652Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve and a method for making the same having a simpler mounting operation and excellent sealing properties are disclosed. The fuel cutoff valve includes a cover, a casing made of a different resin than the cover wherein the casing includes a valve chest and a valve body accommodated in the valve chest. The casing is used as an insert member having a plurality of sealing ribs projecting substantially vertically towards the cover, and a stopper formation forming a substantially horizontal step at substantially right angles to the sealing ribs, and the cover is integrally formed therewith so as to enclose the sealing ribs and stopper formation of the casing. The fuel cutoff valve may also be constructed such that the cover is used as the insert member as opposed to the casing. The stopper formation can be a rib, a recess or a through-hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventors: Tomohiro Sugizaki, Masanori Nojiri
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Patent number: 6289915Abstract: A strategy for decreasing hydrocarbon emissions from a plastic fuel tank assembly having a multilayer plastic fuel tank (10) and at least one overmolded fuel tank attachment (100). The strategy consists of two basic components. First, the swelling properties of the overmolded outerlayer (116) of the fuel tank attachments 100 are exploited to close possible leakage paths between the barrier resistant core (101) and the overmolded outerlayer (116) of the fuel tank attachment (100). Second, the barrier properties of the barrier resistant core (101) of the fuel tank attachments (100) are exploited to increase the length of the diffusion path of hydrocarbon molecules out of the multilayer plastic fuel tank assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark Nulman, Giuseppe Rossi
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Publication number: 20010020487Abstract: A fuel tank valve for connection to a degassing circuit (15), the valve comprising a moving closure member and means (11) capable of being controlled from outside the tank (2) to act on the closure member (10) to bring it into a predetermined position when the vehicle is in a predetermined state, the valve being characterized by the fact that the closure member is suitable for rising by floating on the surface of the fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Inventor: Alexis Rosseel
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Patent number: 6286539Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve is mounted on an upper wall of a fuel tank to open and close a connection conduit, so as to connect and disconnect the fuel tank with and from outside. The fuel cutoff valve of the present invention includes a casing, a cup-shaped float, a bottom plate, and a cover. Both the cover and the casing swell in the liquid fuel. The cover is made of a first resin material, which has the greater fuel swelling property than a second resin material that is applied for the casing. The cover is accordingly expanded to a greater degree than the casing. A holder unit disposed on the casing increases the supporting force against a support member of the cover with the swell of the cover. The casing is thus securely held by the cover via the holder unit and is not movable against the cover under the swelling condition of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Nishi, Masayuki Nakagawa, Tomohiro Sugizaki
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Patent number: 6276387Abstract: A fuel vapor control apparatus on a motor vehicle fuel tank including a vapor storage canister, a plurality of vent valves on the fuel tank, a plurality of vapor ducts between the vent valves and the vapor storage canister, a plurality of primary liquid traps, and a secondary liquid trap which cooperates with the primary liquid traps in preventing liquid fuel leaking through the vent valves from reaching and contaminating the vapor storage canister. The primary liquid traps are segments of respective ones of the vapor ducts defining standpipes above corresponding ones of the vent valves when the fuel tank is inclined. The primary liquid traps retain liquid fuel leaking through the vent valves and drain by gravity to the fuel tank when the incline of the fuel tank is reduced to zero. The secondary liquid trap is a secondary tank on the top of the fuel tank interposed between the vapor storage canister and the segments of the vapor ducts defining the standpipes.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mahlon Richard Pachciarz, Edward A. Beutler
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Patent number: 6276390Abstract: An air release valve comprising a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve plate within the housing between the inlet and outlet, the valve plate having an aperture therein; a valve seal assembly including a reinforced portion engageable with the valve plate overlying the aperture and a flexible portion having an elongated groove formed therein and at least partially overlapping an edge of the aperture; one end of the valve seal assembly secured to the housing; a float located in the housing upstream of the valve plate, with the opposite end of the seal assembly connected to an upper end of the float.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Nelson Irrigation CorporationInventor: Lee A. Perkins
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Publication number: 20010011538Abstract: A high flow rate, two stage fuel vapor vent valve assembly utilizing two float valves that provide a progressive closing of a vapor outlet to control the venting of fuel vapors from a fuel tank and the addition of liquid fuel to the tank. A first float closes a portion of the vapor outlet in response to liquid fuel at a first level relative to the valve. A second float closes the remainder of the vapor outlet in response to liquid fuel at a second level higher than the first level. One or more separate baffles are constructed and arranged to prevent the escape of liquid fuel through the vapor outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: August 9, 2001Applicant: Walbro CorporationInventors: Lynwood F. Crary, Mark R. Johansen
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Patent number: 6257287Abstract: A motor vehicle fuel fill pipe shut-off device includes a fuel shut-off valve normally closed relative to a valve seat and disposed in a path of fuel flow through the fuel fill pipe of the motor vehicle to a fuel tank thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Bradley N. Kippe, Emil Szlaga
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Publication number: 20010006076Abstract: A rubber component that provides a fuel seal is provided which includes a base formed principally of fluorosilicon rubber or hydrin rubber, and a coating layer applied by coating to the base and formed principally of nylon or fluorine-contained resin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2000Publication date: July 5, 2001Applicant: KYOSAN DENKI Co., LTD.Inventor: Yoshihiro Kondo
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Publication number: 20010003990Abstract: A device (10) for venting a fuel tank has a chamber (17) communicating on the one hand with the tank and on the other hand, through an outlet orifice (19), with a pipe (20) for opening to atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: June 21, 2001Applicant: I.T.W DE FRANCEInventor: Christian Romanek
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Patent number: 6244829Abstract: A liquid forced-feed apparatus has a built-in float in a hermetic vessel provided with a working fluid inlet port, a working fluid discharge port, a forced-feed liquid inlet port, and a forced-feed liquid discharge port. A snap mechanism which is actuated to operate the working fluid inlet port and the working fluid discharge port with the upward and downward strokes of the float, to thereby force a liquid in the hermetic vessel out through the forced-feed liquid discharge port. A power transmitting shaft for transmitting the upward-and-downward movement of the float to the snap mechanism extends out of the hermetic vessel. The snap mechanism is disposed outside of the hermetic vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1998Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: TLV Co. Ltd.Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
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Patent number: 6240950Abstract: A vapor control valve includes first, second, and third valves and a housing formed to include first, second, and third chambers and first, second, and third apertures. The first valve is formed to include a vent aperture and is movable relative to the first aperture to partially close the first aperture to limit flow from the first chamber to the second chamber through the first aperture. The second valve is movable relative to the first valve to open and close the vent aperture and cooperates with the first valve to close the first aperture to prohibit flow from the first chamber to the second chamber through the first aperture in response to rising liquid fuel. The third valve is biased to normally close the third aperture and configured to open the third aperture in response to pressurized fuel vapor to permit flow from the second chamber to the third chamber through the third aperture.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.Inventor: Robert S. Harris
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Patent number: 6227233Abstract: Pressurized fluid apparatus including a pressurized fluid container, a pipe arranged for flow therethrough of the pressurized fluid into the container, a valve operatively connected to an end of the pipe disposed in the container, and a float attached to the valve, wherein the float is buoyed generally upwards by the pressurized fluid filling the container, such that when the float has been moved a predetermined amount, the float closes the valve and substantially stops flow of the pressurized fluid into the container, and wherein the float is insertable through an upper opening of the container, and wherein the valve is rotatably attached to the pipe, the valve being closed by an angular upward movement of the float, characterized by the valve including a tube with a longitudinal bore having a longitudinal axis formed therein, and a piston slidingly disposed in the tube, wherein only when the float is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the piston sealingly abuts an internal end face of the tubType: GrantFiled: January 24, 2000Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventor: Mair Kozik
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Patent number: 6213100Abstract: A module constructed to be disposed within a fuel tank of the vehicle fuel system carries a vapor vent valve, a fuel pump and other components, such as a fuel lever sender and an overpressure relief valve and outlet. Each of these components may thus be inserted through a single opening into the fuel tank to reduce the number of openings in the fuel tank to thereby reduce the emissions of hazardous hydrocarbon fuel vapors from the fuel tank. Further, the module provides additional protection to the vapor vent valve to prevent sloshing fuel within the fuel tank from entering the vent valve and escaping from the fuel tank and being transferred to the fuel vapor storage canister. The module is constructed such that a portion containing the fuel pump is designed to break away from the rest of the module sealed to the fuel tank, the fuel pump will move away from the vapor vent valve during a vehicle accident instead of crashing into the valve and damaging or destroying it as in prior fuel tank assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Walbro CorporationInventor: Mark R. Johansen
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Patent number: 6206057Abstract: A refueling fuel level responsive control valve with a two-stage closing operation providing an initial soft shutoff cue to the filler nozzle operator, and a subsequent final shutoff after a limited amount of “roundoff” filling to a maximum fuel level. The control valve includes two float-operated valve elements which dose serially in response to initial shutoff and final shutoff refueling fuel levels. The initial shutoff partially closes the control valve to create a temporary shutoff-inducing increase in fuel tank pressure. Final shutoff occurs after allowing a few round-off “clicks” of the filler nozzle to fully close venting through the control valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: G. T. Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Benjey, Rudolph Bergsma
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Patent number: 6170510Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapor from within a vehicle fuel tank. The apparatus includes a valve container with an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber, a valve member formed for movement between an open position allowing fuel vapor flow through outlet and a closed position blocking fuel vapor flow through outlet, and a secondary float valve disposed between inlet and valve member. The valve member includes a central post and wing segments defining flow passages sized to permit fuel vapor flow therethrough and to block momentarily liquid fuel flow therethrough. The secondary float valve moves between an open position allowing fuel vapor flow to the wing segments and a closed position blocking liquid fuel flow to the wing segments.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. King, Barry S. Chestnut
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Patent number: 6158456Abstract: A refueling valve for a motor vehicle includes a body connected to the upper wall of a fuel tank in vertical depending relationship thereon and the body has a body top or cover with a vapor exit passage adapted to be connected to a fuel vapor storage canister, a baffle is connected to the valve body intermediate the ends thereof to form a fuel space and a vapor space; the body includes a portion depending from the cover that has a vapor exit port communicating with the vapor space and wherein the vent exit port has a valve seat closed by a valve mounted on one end of a connecting rod that has its opposite end connected to a float within the fuel space and wherein the vapor exit port remains open until the fuel tank is filled and/or fuel slosh in the tank raises the float to close the valve; the connecting rod is directed through a port in the baffle to provide for vapor exhaust across the baffle during tank fill and to restrict fuel bypass into the vapor space during fuel slosh within the tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Trevor L. Enge
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Patent number: 6145533Abstract: An air release valve comprising a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve plate within the housing between the inlet and outlet, the valve plate having a pair of apertures; a valve seal assembly including a seal engageable with the valve plate overlying the apertures; a float located in the housing upstream of the valve plate and connected to the seal, the float displaceable between first and second positions in the housing such that displacement of the float in one direction opens the apertures, the float having a tapered end remote from the seal, the tapered end having a truncated substantially flat bottom surface and a groove extending across the flat bottom surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Nelson Irrigation CorporationInventor: Lee A. Perkins
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Patent number: 6145532Abstract: A high flow rate fuel vapor vent valve assembly has a delayed fall away fill level control float responsive to the level of fuel in the fuel tank and constructed to control the closing of an outlet passage through which fuel vapors are vented from the fuel tank when a desired maximum fuel level is reached within the fuel tank during refueling of the tank. The fill level float is constructed to sink after refueling of the fuel tank is completed, and preferably several minutes thereafter, to control the opening of the outlet passage and permit fuel vapors to once again vent from the fuel tank. Staggered openings in the housing of the valve assembly permit the fuel vapor to vent from the fuel tank through the outlet passage when it is open but prevent splashing or sloshing fuel within the fuel tank from flowing through the outlet passage and to a vapor canister downstream of the outlet passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Walbro CorporationInventors: Charles H. Tuckey, G. Clarke Oberheide
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Patent number: 6138707Abstract: An air transfer valve is disclosed comprising a housing (8) having an inlet (21) and an outlet (22), the outlet being controlled by a first non-return, valve (28) which is biased to its closed position and the outlet being controlled by a second valve (30) which is normally in its open position, the first valve being caused to open by an increase in air pressure within the valve but closing in response to reduced pressure. The valve is intended to be fitted into a fill pipe (1) of a fuel storage tank so that the outlet communicate with the tank ullage through an aligned hole in the wall of the fill pipe. In this situation, the valve transfers air from the fill pipe into the ullage and reduces turbulence which would otherwise cause excessive generation of vapor during tank filling (FIG. 1).Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: W & J Risbridger LimitedInventor: Graham M. Stuart
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Patent number: 6119712Abstract: The invention is directed toward a float arrangement for liquid tanks in a housing with a cylindrical or prismatic cavity, one or more inflow openings being disposed at the bottom of the cavity and there being arranged at the top thereof at least one outlet opening that can be closed by the top of the float; according to the invention, disposed at the top and the bottom of the float are guiding elements of reduced cross section, extending approximately coaxially with the longitudinal axis thereof and cooperating with counterparts at the top or the bottom of the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Inventor: Stefan Schiebold
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Patent number: 6119951Abstract: A method for expansion control in a closed fluid circulation system with varying temperature, in which system air is drawn from the circulating fluid through the formation of an air head wherein air to be withdrawn is collected and from which air can be blown off, controlled by a valve, to the environment or a receiving space, while further off, measures are taken for taking up, when the temperature varies, an attendant expansion and shrinking of the fluid within the closed system, and measures for enabling adding fluid to the system, which fluid is withdrawn from an external stock of fluid under pressure, and the air head volume is measured and when a predetermined value is exceeded, a fluid valve is opened through which fluid is introduced into the air head until the volume of the air head is substantially equal to the predetermined value and the fluid valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Spiro Research B.V.Inventor: Franciscus Roffelsen
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Patent number: 6105608Abstract: A gas purge valve comprising a valve housing that has a valve inlet and major and minor valve outlets, a valve partition mounted in the housing divides the housing into a first chamber communicating with the valve inlet and a second chamber that communicates with the minor valve outlet. A restrictive flow passage is defined in the housing that effects communication between the first and second chambers and has a through flow rate less than that of the minor valve outlet. A minor valve closure device is provided for closing the minor valve outlet to liquid outflow. A differential pressure responsive device mounted in the partition member and displaceable in response to a pressure differential between the chambers and a major valve outlet obturating device responsive to displacement of the differential pressure responsive device into the opening of the major valve outlet when the pressure differential exceeds a predetermined magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: A.R.I. Kfar CharuvInventor: Yuval Katzman
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Patent number: 6103108Abstract: A water treatment apparatus provides treatment of water to remove, for example, hydrogen sulfide and iron, dissolved or dispersed in ground water. The system is provided with water from a conventional well and pump and includes a venturi-type aerating device which may be supplied air by a compressor. The air and water mixture are supplied to a first aerating tank through a spray nozzle which reduces the aerated water flow to a mist of fine droplets. A draw tube adjacent the bottom of the first tank provides the water to a treatment tank which is partially filled with a chemically active filtration media. The treatment tank is also equipped with a draw tube which draws off the treated water at the bottom of the tank and provides it to a third, deaerating tank wherein the air separates from the water and is purged to the atmosphere. Reduction of hydrogen sulfide content from 30 ppm to less than 5 ppm has been achieved.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Inventor: Larry D. Kohlenberg
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Patent number: 6092547Abstract: A combination valve and trap device is described for use in liquid supply and liquid disposal systems. Floats of various size, weight and shape are encased in cylindrical housings with inverse funnel inlets and outlets. The device functions as a valve, trap and back-flow safety device, depending on the float configuration, requiring neither mechanical apparatus nor external power supply for functionality.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1999Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Inventors: Keinosuke Komiya, Ken Komiya