Abstract: An air release valve includes 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 discrete apertures isolated from each other; 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 wherein displacement of the float in one direction progressively detaches successive portions of the seal from the apertures, the float having a tapered end remote from the seal, the tapered end movable into a tapered internal inlet when the float moves to the second position.

Abstract: An improved gas ventilation apparatus for a fuel tank by which it is possible to more effectively ventilate a volatile gas from the interior of the fuel tank and preventing a leakage of the fuel through a discharge pipe even when the discharge pipe is damaged, which includes a housing arranged in an inner portion of an upper panel of a fuel tank, a gas discharge unit arranged in the interior of the housing, the upper portion of which is engaged to the upper portion of the fuel tank, and being operable in accordance with the pressure of the fuel gas generated in the fuel tank through an inlet hole formed in the lower portion of a discharge body, and a discharge pipe communicating with one side of the housing and passing through a lateral surface of the fuel tank through the interior of the fuel tank in order for the fuel gas to be discharged through the gas discharge unit.

Abstract: A vapor recovery fuel system includes a fuel tank having at least one vent opening defined therein. A fuel vapor canister is in communication with the vent opening to receive and filter fuel vapors from the tank. A refueling control valve is configured in the vent opening and has a first inlet orifice and an outlet in communication with the vapor trap. The control valve includes a variably buoyant first float body extending into an interior of the fuel tank which rises over a predetermined range of movement in response to increasing fuel level. The control valve includes a second float body engaged by the first float body over at least a portion of its range of movement. The first float body has a buoyancy during refueling so as to rise with increasing fuel level to engage and move the second float body into a sealing position to seal the inlet orifice from the outlet at a predetermined height of fuel within the tank.

Abstract: A fuel-effusion prevention valve includes a first housing member having an evaporation passage, a first engaging portion and a first cylindrical portion, and a second housing member having a partition portion, a communicating passage, a second engaging portion and a second cylindrical portion. The first cylindrical portion is formed so as to extend axially from the first engaging portion, and its diameter is smaller than that of the second engaging portion. The second cylindrical portion is formed so as to extend axially from the second engaging portion. A floating valve is disposed in a chamber so as to be able to open and close the valve hole in response to its buoyancy due to fuel flowing into the second chamber through the communicating passage. The first cylindrical portion is fused with the second cylindrical portion. A circular seal member is fitted into an installation hole formed on the fuel tank and its inner hole is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion.

Abstract: An improved seat for air valves and combination air release and air valves is provided. The improved seal for an air valve has a resilient member with a top surface and a bottom surface and a through hole therebetween; a circular raised bead positioned on the top surface having a diameter larger than that of the through hole and a circumferential slot arranged in the through hole; and having a diameter larger than that of the through hole so that a lip is formed between the bottom surface and the circumferential slot. In addition, a seal for an air valve having a resilient member with a top surface and a bottom surface and a through hole therebetween; a circular raised bead positioned on the bottom surface, the circular raised bead having a diameter larger than that of the through hole; and a notch circumscribing the through hole and having a diameter larger than that of the through hole so that contact surface is formed between the notch and the through holes is also provided.

Abstract: An air/vacuum valve throttling device capable of use with an air/vacuum valve in a piping installation is provided. The throttling device has a body with an interior and a number of ports. A vent/admit port connectable to the air/vacuum valve is provided. An outlet port and an air inlet port are also located in the body. A shaft extends from outside the body into the interior and has a plug connected to an end of the shaft so that the plug is located within the interior of the body. The shaft and plug are constructed and arranged to extend into the outlet port. The plug position is adjustable. A rod is also provided having a plug at one end extending into the interior and a retainer at another end outside the interior. A bushing in the air inlet port having an opening to allow the rod to pass therethrough, and a spring is used for resiliently centering the rod in the air inlet port.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, inexpensive surge restrictor for use in the fuel tank vent line of a marine craft includes a housing which defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a baffle member disposed within a flow path through the chamber so that liquid passing therethrough impinges upon and is redirected to dissipate liquid momentum, and a movable closure member, which in response to a surge of liquid into the inlet, abates liquid flow through the surge restrictor. More specifically, the movable closure member is movable between a normal rest position wherein vapor and air can easily flow through the surge restrictor to allow venting and atmospheric pressure equalization within a fuel tank, and a liquid fuel surge arresting position wherein the closure member blocks a passageway in the flow path between the inlet and outlet of the surge restrictor to abate fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: An over filling interdiction valve, fitted within a fluid tank, the valve comprising a housing furnished with a first fluid inlet at a bottom end thereof and a first fluid outlet at top end thereof, a float member located within the housing and being displaceable along its longitudinal axis between the first inlet and the first outlet. The float member comprises at its bottom end a second fluid inlet and near its top end a second fluid outlet. Sealing means are associated at a top end of the float member for sealing the first fluid outlet and biasing means are provided within the housing for biasing the float member towards the first fluid outlet.

Abstract: An inventive liquid level operated control valve which shuts off refueling with a two-stage closing operation providing an initial soft shutoff and a final shutoff. A first valve element is spring-biased within a first valve cage on the upper end of the float mechanism to seal against a primary vent outlet to provide the initial shutoff. A second valve element contained in a second valve cage within the first valve cage is coaxially arranged with the first valve element and serves to close a secondary vent outlet through the first valve element for the final shutoff. The decorking operation of the valve is improved with a dual peelaway action, in which both the first and second valve cages are configured to circumferentially peel their respective valve elements from their respective sealing positions.

Abstract: A stop valve structure that is accommodated in a fuel tank includes a casing, a float disposed inside the casing for reciprocating movement within the casing, a bottom wall defining a lower end of the casing, at least one hole provided along the periphery of the bottom wall, and a valve opening that is selectively opened and closed by the reciprocating movement of the float within the casing in accordance with a liquid fuel level within the casing. The float is provided with a tapered portion at the lower end thereof which becomes smaller in diameter toward the lower end of the casing. The float is further provided with a valve seat in an upper portion thereof. A valve mounting portion is disposed inside the casing and a valve element is mounted to said valve mounting portion. The valve seat cooperates with the valve element to selectively open and close the valve opening. These features ensure the operational stability and smoothness of the stop valve.

Abstract: A fuel outflow preventing valve device of the invention is formed of a housing, a plurality of valves, and a plurality of energizing members. The housing has a flow path, a plurality of orifices communicating with the flow path, a plurality of cavities, and a plurality of openings communicating with the cavities. Each cavity communicates with each orifice. Each valve is situated in each cavity and moves to open or close the corresponding orifice. Each energizing member is situated in each cavity to support each valve and has strength such that each energizing member can not move the valve toward the orifice to close the orifice by its own force, but each energizing member can move the valve toward the orifice to close the orifice when fluid enters into the cavity to provide buoyancy to the valve. Therefore, the fuel outflow preventing valve device has a simple structure, and each valve is prevented from being stuck to a valve seat.

Abstract: A vent valve assembly is provided which will allow a probe for a gauging system to be added to underground fuel tanks which include a vapor recovery system. The support assembly replaces existing float valve assemblies and combines a valving structure with a support for a fuel system gauge probe. A gauging system may be easily and inexpensively added to existing underground fuel tanks with minimum disruption to the operation of the gas station.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapor from an interior region of a vehicle fuel tank and preventing unsatisfactory liquid fill levels within the interior region of the vehicle fuel tank. The apparatus includes a housing adapted to be mounted in the vehicle fuel tank and formed to include a housing inlet, a vapor-inlet opening, and a passageway therebetween, a float valve disposed in the housing, and a skirt defining a channel around the float valve. Additionally a perforated baffle plate is coupled to the skirt and is formed to include a plurality of openings therethrough.

Abstract: 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, the body includes a portion depending from the cover that has a vapor exit port formed therein communicating with the fuel tank interior adjacent the upper wall of the fuel tank and a vent tube has one end connected to the vapor exit passage and an opposite end communicating with the vent exit port and defining a valve seat closed by a float valve during vehicle fill and wherein the vapor exit port remains open until the float valve is completely closed and wherein the vapor exit port is spaced higher than the valve seat to separate liquid fuel particles from vapor flow. In one embodiment a baffle is located on the body between the valve seat and the vapor exit port to form a liquid trap.

Abstract: An overflow and isolation valve is disclosed. The overflow and isolation valve includes a valve body having a chamber defined therein, and an integral leg member formed as part of the valve body having a proximal end on the valve body and a distal end extending away therefrom. A bore is defined within the leg member extending from the distal end to the proximal end thereof, and is in generally fluid-tight communication with the chamber formed within the valve body. An integral float assembly is provided as a part of the valve for sealing the distal end of the leg member in response to the liquid level within the tank.

Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve capable of preventing a sudden rise in the internal pressure of the fuel tank during charging of fuel into the fuel tank and capable of controlling the rise in the internal pressure in stages, thereby making it possible to smoothly charge the fuel to a full tank. The fuel cutoff valve includes of a float accommodated in a case having air holes, a valve element disposed on top of the float so as to close an air efflux channel, and a spring for assisting a valve-closing movement of the float. The valve element is formed of rubber, and includes a base portion attached to an upper portion of the float and a disk-shaped seal portion capable of being brought into pressure contact with an entire peripheral edge of the air efflux channel, air holes being formed in the seal portion.

Abstract: The invention described in the patent is an automatic control system which provides monitoring, supervision, and control of the process of filling of a tank or container with a liquid. The invention is applicable to cases where the liquid is handled in contact with its own vapor only, or where the liquid must be maintained at all times under a specified gas pressure. The invention provides an improved method of carrying out the process of filling of tanks or containers with liquids such as ammonia, chlorine, propane, liquefied petroleum gas, or with liquids such as carbonated beverages. The main advantage provided by the apparatus and method of the present invention is that an improved means is included for automatically stopping the filling process at the correct point, so as to avoid a possibly hazardous overfilled condition.

Abstract: A fuel vapor control valve for controlling the flow of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through an aperture in a fuel tank is provided. The fuel vapor control valve includes a housing mounted in the aperture and formed to include an inlet and an outlet, a chamber disposed in the housing, a pressure-relief valve disposed in the camber, and a vacuum valve disposed in the chamber and formed for movement relative to the pressure-relief valve. The vacuum valve is biased to relieve subatmospheric tank pressure below a predetermined minimum pressure and includes a base that is mounted on the pressure-relief valve and arranged to define a venting aperture. In addition, the fuel vapor control valve includes a ball that is movably positioned in the chamber to selectively interrupt the flow of fuel vapor through the venting aperture.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted pump priming system which includes a vacuum chamber communicating with a pump inlet via a transfer passage. A valve assembly within the vacuum chamber controls the communication of a vacuum source with the chamber. The valve assembly includes a semi-cylindrical valve body having a plurality of ports by which the vacuum source is communicated with the vacuum chamber. A closure element, attached to a float, is operative to block the vacuum ports when the float rises above a predetermined level in the vacuum chamber in response to liquid entering the chamber. A lost motion connection is established between the float and the valve body, which enables the float to rise above the predetermined level, while the closure element maintains its blocking relationship with the ports. The float includes an enlarge portion that acts as a defuser and a tamper portion which is received in the transfer passage and is operative to dislodge matter drawn into the transfer passage.

Abstract: A fuel cut-off valve (10) includes an enlarged-diameter vapor outlet aperture (30) which is controlled by a first closure member (50) having a small auxiliary vapor vent orifice (52) which, in turn, is controlled by a second closure member (58) formed on the float member (38). The first closure member (50) is biased by a spring (62) toward the second closure member (58) to ensure that the first closure member (50) is unseated away from the main valve seat (36) as soon as the auxiliary vapor vent orifice (52) is opened.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for controlling flow of air and preventing flow of liquid within vent lines connected to, for example, a pipe line or other like piping systems. A housing is provided with a float and a seat within the housing having an opening therethrough wherein the float is capable of sealing the opening of the seat during a flooding condition. The first housing with the float is connected to one end of a vent line. A second housing is connected to another end of the vent line having a float therein for sealing an outlet formed by a seat with an opening therethrough. Optionally, a screen may be provided to prevent articles from entering the housing upon a flooding condition exposing the housing to both liquid and extraneous particles.

Abstract: A fluid-responsive vent control valve for an automobile fuel tank in which a liquid level responsive float controls a flexible, ribbon type valve member to peel it on and off a valve seat to open and close the valve. In one embodiment the float and outlet structure are offset. In an alternate embodiment the float and vent outlet are coaxial, and the ribbon valve is attached between the float and the valve body with a vent closure portion aligned with the outlet and a hinge portion offset from the outlet and connected to the float to provide opening and closing force to the ribbon valve. The outlet is preferably circular, and further includes a roundoff notch which cannot be closed by the pressure differential across the ribbon valve, but requires a final closing movement by the float and closure assist structure to fully close the valve.

Abstract: A fuel tank device for a vehicle having a fuel tank, the device including a float valve mounted within the fuel tank, and a diaphragm valve connected to an air outflow passage of the float valve. The float valve includes a casing, and a float received in a float chamber in the casing for vertical movement for opening and closing the air outflow passage in a top wall of the casing in accordance with a change of a fuel liquid level in the fuel tank. The casing includes a removable bottom portion having a through hole.

Abstract: A vehicle on board system for recovering fuel vapors from the fuel tank both during filling of the fuel tank with volatile hydrocarbon liquid fuel and operation of the vehicle engine. A control unit in the fuel tank has a valve assembly actuated by a float to control the flow of fuel vapors from the top of the tank into a receiving canister with activated charcoal for absorbing the fuel vapors which can be purged from the canister by operation of the engine. The valve assembly has a valve seat, a flexible elastomeric closure received on a pivotally mounted carrier plate movable to open and closed positions relative to the seat, and a stripper plate encompassing the seat, overlying the closure and pivotally movable by the float to disengage the closure from the seat to open the valve.

Abstract: An onboard vapor recovery system for a vehicle fuel system having a fuel tank, a filler neck dynamically sealed by high pressure fuel flow from a filler nozzle, and a vapor recovery apparatus such as a carbon canister. The system includes a liquid level operated control valve which shuts off refueling with a two-stage closing operation providing an initial soft shutoff and a final shutoff. The system also preferably includes a valve in the fuel tank to maintain a predetermined pressure head sufficient to hold the system closed against further refueling at least temporarily, and a positive action, one-way check valve in the lower end of the filler pipe to prevent spitback of fuel from the pressurized tank once refueling has ceased.

Abstract: A fuel shut-off device in which easier assembly and improved air-tight sealing can be achieved. A partition wall plate is ultrasonically welded to a fixing steplike portion of a case body to form an air-tight bidirectional valve chamber comprising the partition wall plate and the case body. The bidirectional valve chamber accommodates a bidirectional valve composed of a positive pressure valve mechanism and a negative pressure valve mechanism. A negative pressure valve member of the negative pressure valve mechanism and a negative pressure spring are formed into an integral structure with a positive pressure valve member of the positive pressure valve mechanism. The positive pressure valve member is formed into an integral structure with the partition wall plate by the engagement of an engaging ring-shaped member of a valve receiving member and an engaging arc-shaped member of the partition wall plate.

Abstract: A cassette for collection of fluids in a fluid aspirating system which may be reusable after sterilization. The cassette includes vacuum aperture and an aspiration port along the top wall of the cassette. Aspiration tubing is connected to the aspiration port at one end and is seated within an upstanding retainer at the proximal edge of the top wall at the opposite end. Internally, the cassette includes structures to increase flow impedance so that liquid is not drawn into the vacuum port when the fluid level rises. In addition, a pivot mechanism is disposed about a pivot hub within the chamber. A float is disposed on the pivot mechanism at a radius from the pivot hub for intercepting the vacuum port as aspirated fluid fills the chamber. As the fluid level rises, a light path is intercepted by the float to terminate aspiration. However, the float also mates with the vacuum port to close off the flow path. Thus, the system prevents overfilling of the container if the optical detector fails.

Abstract: An apparatus to control the flow of hydrocarbon fuel vapor from a vehicle fuel tank. The apparatus is mounted adjacent the top of the fuel tank and contains a valve system which controls fuel vapor flow from the tank to a receiving canister and prevents the vapor from escaping to the atmosphere. The valve system utilizes a diaphragm, operably connected to a main valve, to prevent the vapor pressure in the fuel tank from closing the valve. The main valve is actuated by a float responsive to the level of fuel in the tank and remains open when the fuel level is below a designated level and closes due to a sufficiently high fuel level or in a vehicle roll-over condition to prevent liquid fuel from escaping from the fuel tank through the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown which prevents the intrusion of liquids into a gas chromatograph wherein a ball-check valve comprised of a flotation chamber and a spherical floatable valve element is positioned between and in fluid communication with an inlet and outlet port. While gasses are permitted to flow past the valve and into the gas chromatograph, liquids are retained within the flotation chamber by the floatable valve element. When the liquid level rises to a certain level within the chamber, the valve is closed by the pressure of the liquid forcing the floatable valve element into a closed and sealed position. The ball-check valve is also surrounded by a transparent member which allows the user to view the liquid level within the valve at all times.

Abstract: A float valve for a fuel tank, which comprises an upper float chamber, a middle chamber, and a lower float chamber housed in a case that is fixed to the upper wall of a fuel tank. The upper float chamber includes a first communication hole that directly communicates with an air bleed duct. The upper float that can block that first communication hole when the tank is full. The middle chamber includes a third communication hole communicating with the lower float chamber which has a first air hole located at a position corresponding to the desired fuel level for a full tank. The lower float chamber includes a lower float than can block the third communication hole, and a second air hole which is located bellow the lower float. Because the air passages and float activation allow air to be vented as the fuel level rises in the tank fueling proceeds smoothly and drastic increases in internal pressure, that will stop fueling prematurely can be avoided.

Abstract: An air bleed valve has a movable float in a valve housing and a lever system with a valve plate to open and close an outlet. The valve plate acts with an energy accumulator. The lever system imparts to the valve plate a tipping motion which opens or closes the outlet in a continuous cycle. The lever system has a slide lever supporting the valve plate at one end. The lever other end is guided in a guide in the float. One projection faces the outlet and forms a pivot about which the valve plate can be tipped. This provides a compact air bleed valve which operates reliably and can safely be used for both higher pressures and for lower-density media.

Abstract: A stop valve capable of reducing generation of noise and a valve body can surely close a valve seat even if a float is inclined. The stop valve has a case, a float provided in the case so as to move vertically, wherein a valve seat is closed by a valve body when the float moves upward while the valve seat is open when the float moves downward, a pedestal provided under the case for placing a spherical weight thereon, characterized in that the pedestal has radial slits thereon and the float has radial slits at the bottom wall thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an above-ground, explosion-retardant containment vessel for the storage of a flammable liquid. The containment vessel preferably comprises a primary storage tank capable of storing the flammable liquid and a containment dike surrounding the primary storage tank. The containment dike contains any leakage from the primary storage tank within the interstitial space existing between the exterior of the primary storage tank and the interior of the containment dike. An inert gas is preferably located within the interstitial space, and the interstitial space is further substantially free of oxygen. The inert environment retards the explosion of any flammable fluids which may leak into or otherwise be contained within the interstitial space. The containment vessel preferably further comprises a system capable of maintaining the pressure of the inert gas within the interstitial space to at least a predetermined pressure despite temperature variations.

Abstract: A fuel control valve is located in a fuel tank and comprising an outlet, a liquid inlet and a vapor inlet. The valve permits to flow fuel vapor only from the inlets to the outlet and prevents drops of fuel liquid from flowing to the outlet. A float is located in the valve and prevents the drops of the fuel from flowing between the liquid inlet and the outlet. A wrapper is opposed to the vapor inlet and prevents the drops of the fuel from flowing between the vapor inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling flow of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through an aperture in a fuel tank. The apparatus includes a housing mounted in the aperture and a vent valve movable in the housing to block flow of fuel vapor between the fuel tank and an outlet. The housing is further formed to include a float valve movable between a closed position blocking flow of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through the outlet and an open position allowing flow of fuel vapor through the outlet. The float valve includes a wide-diameter base, an upwardly extending closure appended to the base member, and a downwardly extending narrow-diameter weighted unit depending from the base. The base and the weighted unit are sized, shaped, weighted, and located to cause the float valve to "snap" (e.g. move quickly and suddenly) to its closed position after rising fuel in the fuel tank rises past the weighted unit and engages the underside of the base.

Abstract: A venting control system is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank. The system includes a vent apparatus mountable in an aperture formed in the top wall of the fuel tank. The vent apparatus is formed to include a vapor inlet opening communicating with an interior region of the fuel tank, a vapor outlet opening, and a passageway interconnecting the vapor inlet and outlet openings. The system further includes a tubular skirt having an uppermost end coupled to the vent apparatus and a lowermost end and a fill-limit valve assembly coupled to the lowermost end of the tubular skirt. The tubular skirt and the fill-limit valve assembly are positioned to lie in the interior region of the fuel tank when the vent apparatus is mounted in the top wall aperture of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A float valve for use in a fuel tank, having a float for regulating air flow out of an air outflow channel provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank. An air flow deflecting portion provided on the float prevents the float from being lifted as air and fuel vapors displaced when the fuel tank is filled-up escape the tank. When the fuel level in the tank rises to a filled-up position, the outflow of air is stopped by the float.

Abstract: An anti-spilling valve for a vehicle fuel tank includes a cylindrical valve chamber having an upper wall at its upper end and closed at its lower end by a filter, an upwardly directed exhaust passage for fuel vapor formed at the center of the upper wall of the cylindrical valve chamber, a connecting pipe provided on the upper wall of the cylindrical valve chamber to extend radially outward and to have its inner end communicate with the upper end of the exhaust passage at a right angle, the inside diameters of the exhaust passage and the connecting pipe being equal, a float housed in the cylindrical valve chamber to be vertically movable and having on its upper surface a valve head adapted for closing the lower end of the exhaust passage, and a valve seat ring attached to the lower end of the exhaust passage closed by the valve head of the float, the valve seat ring having a smaller inside diameter than the exhaust passage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preventing the spillage of fuel into the water or onto a marine vessel when filling a fuel tank on the vessel. A vent line is coupled between the fuel tank and a vent port of the vessel, at least one valve assembly is coupled within the vent line, and an overflow container is coupled within the vent line between the valve assembly and the vent port. The valve assembly defines a drain hole for permitting small quantities of fuel, gases and/or vapors to pass through the valve assembly and into the overflow container. A fill container defines an inlet port for receiving a fuel nozzle to fill the fuel tank with fuel, and an outlet port coupled in fluid communication with a fill line for the passage of fuel between the fill container and the fuel tank.

Abstract: The air release valve comprises a valve chamber (36) having an inlet (20) and an outlet (24). Inside the chamber is a control float (38) which is responsive to changes in liquid level in the chamber. There is also a a stack of valve members (40, 42, 44) in the chamber above the control float. The valve members have vent passages through them which increase in size with increasing height in the stack but which are smaller than the outlet (24). The top valve member (44) in the stack is designed to be lifted up, by differential air pressures acting on it, to seat on the outlet (24) and thereby reduce the effective size of the outlet when a pipeline served by the air release valve is filling with liquid and the liquid displaces air through the valve.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an apparatus for permitting uninterrupted relief of cargo tank compartment internal pressures while also preventing the leakage of lading from the cargo tank to the surrounding atmosphere during sudden increases in the cargo tank internal pressure. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cargo tank compartment pressure relief valve comprises a flow chamber coupled to an opening in the cargo tank compartment wall, wherein the flow chamber has a first opening in flow communication with the tank compartment and a second opening in flow communication with the atmosphere, whereby the first opening is under the control of a downwardly biased first vent head and the second opening is under the control of a downwardly biased second vent head.

Abstract: A fuel recovery system warns a user of an impending overflow of fuel and also provides an overflow chamber into which relatively small amount of overfilled fuel are captured, thus preventing fuel spillage into the surrounding environment. The system is adapted for use with a fuel tank attached to a fuel fill line and an overflow line, and comprises a float assembly adapted to be coupled inline to the overflow line; an overflow chamber coupled via a check valve to the main fuel tank; and an optical/electronic warning system for warning the user when fuel in the float assembly rises to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A device used in liquid fuel dispensing systems to inhibit the infiltration of air into the product dispensing line due to thermal contraction. A fluid tight container is connected with the product line and supplied with fuel in an amount sufficient to make up the liquid volume loss caused by thermal contraction. A siphon line in the container opens near its bottom. A vent for the container is normally closed by a valve under normal pressures of the dispensing system. When thermal contraction reduces the product line pressure far enough to create a vacuum, the valve opens the container vent so that the fuel in the container can flow into the product line to keep it full of liquid and avoid drawing air into the line.

Abstract: An air volume control valve apparatus is provided for use with a water system pressure tank. The apparatus includes an elongated tube that is supported on the tank with a first end exposed to an area exterior of the tank and a second end within the tank. A valve is provided for controlling the volume of air in the tank. The valve includes an elongated, buoyant float member having a first axial end supported for pivoting movement on the tube about a pivot axis extending in a direction transverse to the length of the tube, and a second free end opposite the first end. As the water level rises in the tank beyond a predetermined level, the float member is lifted on the water to an upper pivoted position in which the second end of the tube is closed off, and when the water level drops beneath the predetermined level, the float member pivots away from the upper position and the second end of the tube is uncovered.

Abstract: A portable oil suction device including a solid oil tank, a top cover securely fixed to the top open end of the oil tank and having a unitary handle for carrying by hand, a pump cylinder disposed inside the oil tank, a plunger moved in the pump cylinder to induce a suction force for drawing engine oil from an engine into the oil tank, and a control valve carried on a link on the bottom side of the top cover and controlled by a float to stop the air passage on the cover when the engine oil in the oil ,tank reaches the high oil level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing and measuring an amount of liquid agrichemical and dispensing the measured amount of agrichemical for mixture with water and eventual application onto a field. The agrichemical is drawn into a measuring vessel by suction pressure, created in one embodiment by an air compressor and valving system, and in another embodiment by a valve-pump in conjunction with a 3-way valve. The agrichemical is then dispensed from the measuring vessel either by positive pressure created by the same air compressor/valving system, or by suction pressure created by valve-pump/3-way valve. The valve-pump provides both a mixing chamber for the agrichemical and water prior to tank storage for eventual application, and controllable suction pressure for drawing the agrichemical out of the measuring vessel for mixing. The valve-pump is also self-cleaning thereby reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fuel vapor discharge from within a vehicle fuel tank includes a valve housing having vapor inlet and outlet openings, a float valve in the valve housing, and a skirt extending around the valve housing to define an annular channel therebetween. The float valve is movable in the valve housing to open and close the vapor outlet opening. The skirt has a bottom edge adapted to lie in spaced-apart relation to a top wall of a fuel tank carrying the valve housing. The vapor inlet opening lies between the outlet opening and the bottom edge of the skirt, which edge is positioned to lie in coextensive relation with a top surface of liquid fuel in the interior region of the fuel tank equal to a predetermined maximum fuel capacity of the fuel tank. The skirt is configured to cause a pump nozzle to shut off at the proper time during refueling.

Abstract: A fuel vapor discharge limiting device for limiting communication between a fuel tank and a fuel vapor discharge pipe for discharging a fuel vapor in the fuel tank. The fuel vapor discharge limiting device includes a first float valve for cutting off the communication between the fuel tank and the fuel vapor discharge pipe when a liquid level in the fuel tank rises near a predetermined full level; a relief valve for allowing the communication between the fuel tank and the fuel vapor discharge pipe when an internal pressure in the fuel tank becomes not less than a predetermined value; and a second float valve for blocking the communication allowed by the relief valve when the liquid level in the fuel tank abnormally rises over the predetermined full level. Accordingly, oversupply of liquid fuel to the fuel tank can be prevented, and the internal pressure in the fuel tank can be maintained always within a predetermined permissible range.

Abstract: A vent passage communicated to an upper space of a fuel tank mounted on an automobile is connected to a canister. A two-way valve, which includes a pair of one-way valves disposed oppositely and in parallel to each other, is provided in the vent passage. One one-way valve is adjusted its valve opening pressure in a two-staged manner according to the operational state of an internal combustion engine. In another method, a bypass passage bypassing the two-way valve is provided in the vent passage. A solenoid valve and a one-way valve are interposed in the bypass passage. The above one one-way valve of the two-way valve is set at a first valve opening set-up pressure, and the other one-way valve is set at a second valve opening set-up pressure lower than the first valve opening set-up pressure. The solenoid valve is opened or closed according to the operational state of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A shut-off valve for a liquid fuel includes a valve housing in which a float, adapted to bs raised by buoyant force as the liquid fuel flows into the valve housing, and a valve disc, for sealably closing a fuel vapor outflow hole, are arranged in such a manner as to allow the valve disc to be vertically displaceable relative to the float. A plate-like valve member, which carries a rod-shaped protuberance for sealably closing a through hole formed through the valve disc, is disposed between the valve disc and the float. When the float is lowered as the liquid fuel returns from the valve housing to the fuel tank, a first engagement pawl engages the plate-like valve member at a single point and, at the same time, a second engagement pawl engages a flange portion of the valve disc at a single point, whereby the plate-like valve member and the valve disc are opened so as to enable the fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank to flow into a receiving canister.