Float Responsive Patents (Class 137/202)
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Patent number: 5435335Abstract: An overflow valve for use in a vapor return line of a vapor recovery system for underground storage fuel tanks. The overflow valve is threadably attached in a main vapor line and communicating with an individual storage fuel tank. A plurality of fingers located around an inner edge of a valve chamber disposed within the overflow valve provide a seat for a spherical float, designed to provide a maximum surface area of the float to be in contact with fluid from an individual storage tank, to provide quick response with which the float moves up and down in the chamber and permitting uninhibited flow of liquid under the float when the float is rising.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1994Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Assignee: EBW, Inc.Inventor: Elmer P. Klop
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Patent number: 5409033Abstract: An overflow-preventing valve of the present invention is installed in a sealing liquid supply system for a compressor. The overflow-preventing valve includes first and second valve bodies with inlet and outlet portions, a chamber formed in at least one of the valve bodies, and a float valve situated in the chamber. The float valve has an inverse U-character shape in a cross section and is slidably mounted in the chamber so that when a liquid level rises, the float valve comes into close contact with an upper portion of the chamber to prevent the liquid from entering into the outlet portion. The sealing liquid supply system includes a sealing liquid pump, a sealing liquid head tank, a liquid level controller and a liquid level controlling valve, in addition to the overflow-preventing valve. In the system, the sealing liquid is almost completely prevented from passing through the overflow-preventing valve without transfer barriers.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: MHI Turbo-Techno Co.Inventor: Yasutoshi Hirayama
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Patent number: 5409030Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for preventing an outflow of a fuel formed in a fuel tank of a vehicle, the apparatus including a fuel tank disposed in the vehicle to store a fuel and having an outlet passage to evaporate a fuel vapor of the fuel to a canister, a casing disposed to protrude into the fuel tank and having a plurality of holes formed therein for absorbing the fuel vapor, a float elastically supported by a first elastic member within the casing and having a head for shutting off the outlet passage, and a check valve capable of discharging the fuel vapor within the fuel tank by opening and closing an orifice penetrating the head according to pressure within the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Younkwan Sung
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Patent number: 5402818Abstract: In a first valve mechanism 30, a positive pressure spring 31 presses a first valve plug 34 to seat an external ring projection 37 of the first valve plug 34 onto a bottom surface 39 of a support cylinder 35. The first valve mechanism 30 opens at a first valve-opening pressure P1 responsive to a pressure balance across the positive pressure regulating valve plug 34. In a safety valve mechanism 60, the same spring (the positive pressure spring 31) presses a safety valve plug 61 via the external ring projection 37 seated on the bottom surface 39 to seat a sealing ring projection 62 of the safety valve plug 61 onto an upper face 63 of a partition wall 28. The safety valve mechanism 60 opens at a second valve-opening pressure P2 responsive to a pressure balance across the safety valve plug 61.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joji Kasugai, Yoshihiro Nagino, Toshihiko Asaya
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Patent number: 5397461Abstract: Water treatment system includes means for mixing ozone generated by the system with untreated water. The ozone and water mixture is delivered to a contact chamber at a pre-selected rate. As the mixture of ozone and water is delivered, ozone and other gases are released from the water into the chamber. Gas accumulates at the upper end of the chamber, forcing the water level down and increasing the pressure in the chamber. A float assembly is normally in a closed position due to the buoyancy of the float assembly and the level of the water. As the water level decreases with the accumulation of gases, the float assembly is held in place by the pressurized gas surrounding the float assembly. Finally, the weight of the float assembly overcomes the float's buoyancy and the gas pressure holding the fluid assembly in place. The float assembly then drops, opening the upper end of the chamber to atmosphere. Gases which have accumulated and stratified at the upper end of the chamber are released to atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1994Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Pillar CorporationInventor: Mark L. Augustin
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Patent number: 5392804Abstract: A fuel tank structure in an automobile comprising: a fuel tank having a recessed portion and first and second air chambers separated by the recessed portion and having top walls located at different levels; a fuel tube with a breather pipe; a fuel cutoff valve provided on the high-level top wall of the first air chamber and having a casing projecting thereinto, discharge holes for fuel evaporation gas, a valve seat opening formed at the central portion on a top wall of the casing, a float valve movably provided in the casing, and a spring for pressing the float valve toward the valve seat opening; a fuel cutoff valve with a float provided on the low-level top wall of the second air chamber and having a casing projecting thereinto, discharge holes for fuel evaporation gas, a second float valve movably provided in the casing to tightly close a valve seat opening, a spring for pressing the second float valve toward the valve seat opening, a lower casing provided at a bottom of the casing, a float movably accommoType: GrantFiled: November 18, 1993Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Seiji Kondo, Yoshihiro Kato
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Patent number: 5386844Abstract: A combination air and vacuum valve comprises a valve body (20) including a fluid inlet (25) and gas outlet (26), a valve poppet (8) guided to open and close said outlet (26), a float (19) and rod (18) connected operatively thereto in a vertical orientation for allowing said valve poppet (8) to close and open said gas outlet (26), a seat frame (5) for guiding stem of said poppet (8), a fulcrum pivot lever mechanism to which said float rod (18) is attached and which also contains a valve poppet seat (9) for pushing said valve poppet (8) via its stem to close said outlet (26), a fulcrum pivot axis of said fulcrum pivot lever mechanism containing a torsion spring (11); said spring (11) providing an additional upward force which assists the buoyancy effect of the float (19) in closing the valve. As a result, a smaller float may be used to achieve the same buoyant effect which would normally require a larger float.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1991Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignee: Penn Troy Machine Co., Inc.Inventor: Paul G. Kennedy
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Patent number: 5386843Abstract: A apparatus (10) for enabling the discharge of air and vapor from the head space of a fuel tank while preventing the discharge of liquid therethrough, has an inlet (12) in communication with the head space and an outlet (14) in connection with atmosphere. The apparatus has an internal chamber (22). A body (54) is positioned above an orifice (44) in a retainer (36) inside the chamber. A relief element (72) with an opening (74) therethrough is positioned between the body and the outlet. When air and vapor flow through the device, Bernoulli's Principle causes the body to be suspended between the orifice and the opening in the relief element. When liquid enters the chamber, the body floats upward in the liquid and if the chamber fills with liquid, blocks the opening to prevent the discharge of liquid from the device. Liquid prevented from flowing out of chamber 22, flows back into the fuel tank when fluid is no longer being delivered into the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1994Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignee: Parker Hannifin CorporationInventor: John F. Church
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Patent number: 5379795Abstract: A venting apparatus comprising a housing having a chamber, an inlet through which fluid can be supplied to the chamber, a liquid outlet through which liquid can leave the chamber and a gas vent through which gas can leave the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pivot arm and a valve element for opening and closing the gas vent to control the flow of gas through the gas vent. The valve element is carried by the pivot arm. A pivot device mounts the pivot arm for compound movement relative to the housing to move the valve element to open the gas vent. A first portion of the compound movement is about a first fulcrum and a second portion of a compound movement is bodily away from the gas vent and is different from the first portion of the compound movement. A float is mounted for movement in the chamber and is drivingly coupled to the pivot arm to drive the pivot arm to bring about such compound movement.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1993Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Assignee: Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Co.Inventors: E. Dale Hartley, F. Scott Hartley
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Patent number: 5373957Abstract: A fuel tank has a filler pipe to which a vent pipe is attached on one end and which divides into two openings on the other end within the fuel tank. One opening is positioned below the other opening relative to the top of the fuel tank and has means for preventing expulsion of fuel through the vent pipe when fuel tank pressure exceeds atmospheric. The other opening is positioned to be in vapor even when the tank is filled to maximum capacity. Fuel vapor vents through the openings during refueling until fuel entering the vent pipe through the lower opening blocks the flow of vapor, thereby limiting the fuel level within the tank.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: William S. Gryc
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Patent number: 5341832Abstract: The present invention concerns a device sequence for burning waste oil and includes a circulating system having a pump for circulating the oil therein and a heater for heating the oil to a suitable combustion temperature during this circulation. A combustion oil system is included for diverting a portion of the circulating oil to an atomizing gun for combination therein with a source of atomizing air. The air and oil mixture is injected through an injection orifice into a suitable combustion chamber for ignition and burning therein. A linear actuator is included having a rod with a needle end that is operated by the actuator in a linear manner along the central axis of the atomizing gun for extending through the injection orifice for providing mechanical cleaning thereof and for regulating oil flow there through.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1992Date of Patent: August 30, 1994Inventor: Harry D. Foust
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Patent number: 5322099Abstract: 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 a first aperture for receiving a fuel nozzle to fill the fuel tank with fuel, a fitting portion for seating the fill container within a fuel fitting coupled to the fuel tank on the vessel, and a second aperture for permitting fuel to pass between the fill container and the fuel tank. Upon filling the fuel tank with fuel, the overflow fuel is collected within the fill container, thus signalling to the attendant to turn off the fuel nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1992Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: L N G & K, Inc.Inventor: Joseph R. Langlois
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Patent number: 5313977Abstract: The present invention comprises a rollover vent valve for mounting on a vehicle fuel tank to selectively vent fuel vapor from the fuel tank to a vapor trap such as a carbon canister. The valve includes a liquid fuel responsive control element connected to a valve element via lever arm structure to move the valve element between open and closed venting positions on a valve seat. The mechanical opening advantage obtained with the lever arm structure provides for a powerful peel-away action to ensure opening of the valve despite a tank/canister pressure differential acting to maintain the valve element in the closed position. In one embodiment the lever arm structure includes a hammer-claw mechanism to provide an initial pivotal opening force using the maximum potential of the lever arm, and a subsequent rectilinear opening force.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1992Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: G. T. Products, Inc.Inventors: Rudolph Bergsma, Lindsey E. Waldorf
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Patent number: 5308386Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an air relief valve for a pressure vessel which automatically releases air from the system during filling with liquid, and which automatically seals when the liquid in the system reaches a predetermined level to prevent the liquid from leaving the system. The air relief valve of the present invention includes a valve body which provides communication between the pressure vessel and a series of output ports. These output ports are provide with a pressure indicator, a manual pressure release valve, and an automatic air relief valve. The manual pressure release valve is operable by the user to introduce air into the system, which is necessary during draining. The automatic air relief valve is generally a one-way valve, allowing air to exit but not enter the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1993Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignee: Essef CorporationInventor: Robert D. Wilkes
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Patent number: 5277217Abstract: A fuel interrupt/pressure release valve arrangement includes a casing mounted at an upper portion of an interior space of a fuel tank. The casing has openings for communicating the interior of the casing with an atmosphere the interior of the fuel tank. A valve housing is formed in the casing having a discharge opening at an upper end. The opening is closed by a stopper biased in a valve closing direction by a spring. A float is provided in the casing having an indentation for loosely receiving the valve housing and a through hole is formed through the float at an apex of the indentation corresponding to the position of the discharge opening of the valve housing. A protrusion formed on the float in the vicinity of the through hole so as to project in an opening direction of the valve so as to be normally in touching contact with the stopper.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Kato Hatsujo Kaisha LimitedInventors: Jiro Kobayashi, Harumitsu Sugiyama, Michael J. Feely
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Patent number: 5259871Abstract: The invention is directed to a deaeration device for oil supply installations for oil-fired boilers and similar plant equipment. The deaeration device includes a deaeration valve and a float which is made to float even in severely foaming oil by partially supporting its weight on a spring element. This ensures that the float will close the deaeration valve and prevent oil leakage.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1992Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Inventor: Lars Tigerholm
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Patent number: 5255702Abstract: A venting system for a motor vehicle fuel tank comprises a fuel tank having a filling pipe, an overflow duct, a gas vent duct, a safety valve; fresh air duct for removal of excess fuel vapour from the fuel tank through the fresh air duct. A scavenging duct and an auxiliary valve for overcoming failure of the scavenging duct and/or of the safety valve, in order to ensure that the fuel tank is vented through the fresh air duct are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1991Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: Paul Journee S.A.Inventors: Maurice Journee, Pierre-Andre Hyernard, Christian Romanek
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Patent number: 5251111Abstract: A ventilation system for a composite head lamp that utilizes a one-way valve arrangement for permitting ventilating air to flow into and out of the headlamp but prevents splash water from entering the interior of the headlamp.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1992Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: William E. Nagengast, David R. Mc Mahan
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Patent number: 5244351Abstract: A combined air vent and pressure switch are provided at the inlet of a liquid pump. The air vent is adapted to exhaust air from a supply line, such as a garden hose, and thereby substantially prevent the pump from running dry before water from the hose reaches the inlet. The pressure switch is connected to the motor of the pump and is adapted to signal the motor to stop if the pressure switch senses a low pressure condition at the pump inlet, such as when there is inadequate liquid or no liquid at the pump inlet. The features of the air vent and pressure switch combine to prevent the pump from being damaged by running the pump without adequate liquid supply.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1992Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventor: Henry K. Arnette
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Patent number: 5234013Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling venting of fuel vapor through an aperture in a fuel tank. The apparatus comprises a housing mounted in the aperture and a valve moveable in the housing between a blocking position blocking flow of fuel vapor from the fuel tank through the housing and a venting position allowing flow of fuel vapor from the fuel tank through the housing. A spring biases the valve towards its blocking position. A mechanism is provided for using fuel vapor from the fuel tank to move the valve against the spring towards its venting position. The using mechanism includes a venting control chamber receiving fuel vapor from the fuel tank in a conduit communicating fuel vapor from the fuel tank to the venting control chamber. The conduit includes a first portion and a second portion moveable relative to the first portion to define an intermediate portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1992Date of Patent: August 10, 1993Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: John J. Roetker, Lowell R. Bell
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Patent number: 5230360Abstract: A venting system for a motor vehicle fuel tank comprises a fuel tank having a filling pipe, an overflow duct, a gas vent duct, a safety valve; fresh air duct for removal of excess fuel vapor from the fuel tank through the fresh air duct. A scavenging duct and an auxiliary valve for overcoming failure of the scavenging duct and/or of the safety valve, in order to ensure that the fuel tank is vented through the fresh air duct are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1992Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Assignee: Paul Journee S.A.Inventors: Maurice Journee, Pierre-Andre Hyernard, Christian Romanek
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Patent number: 5213586Abstract: A vent check valve for use with a fluid pump such as a chemical pump wherein the vent check valve includes a floatation chamber and floatation member therein such that air is allowed to flow therethrough during normal operation of the pump while the liquid is prevented from flowing therethrough in the event of a malfunction of the pump. The vent check valve also includes a porous member thereon which allows air to flow therethrough while preventing direct access into and contamination of the vent check valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1992Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Welker Engineering CompanyInventor: Brian H. Welker
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Patent number: 5209257Abstract: A vent for relieving pressure in a sewage collection system for buildings characterized by a buoyant float-closure which will easily open in response to fluid pressure to permit escape of gas or liquid from the system upon the build-up in the system of minimum pressure in excess of atmospheric pressure. The float closure is mounted in a threaded plug which is adapted to replace the conventional clean-out plug on the exterior of the building.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1992Date of Patent: May 11, 1993Inventor: Clarence E. Baker, Jr.
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Patent number: 5172714Abstract: A fuel check valve assembly for an automotive vehicle fuel tank includes a valve casing having a valve seat and a float valve movably installed in the valve casing for controlling opening and closing of the valve seat. The float valve consists of a valve float and a valve head cooperative with each other to define therebetween a sealingly closed chamber. The valve head is subjected on opposite sides thereof to a pressure within the sealingly closed chamber and a pressure within the fuel tank, respectively and movable relative to the valve float in response to a pressure differential across the valve head. The valve head is forced to move relative to the valve float and away from the valve seat to open the same when the pressure differential across the valve head is larger than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1991Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Kato Hatsujo Kaisha LimitedInventors: Jiro Kobayashi, Harumitsu Sugiyama, Masakazu Miyoshi
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Patent number: 5123938Abstract: A device for separating gas from liquid, in particular for separating air from water and for discharging the separated gas, is designed for placing in a liquid circulation system through which gas-containing liquid flows. The device comprises a housing with a feed aperture and a discharge aperture for the liquid to be degassed. The internal space of the housing is at least partially filled with open filling elements which have a large surface area relative to the volume taken up. The filling elements can be the shape of hollow cylindrical elements, known per se, comprising a cylindrical wall provided with apertures, and projections extending inwards from the wall. At the top side of the housing, in the wall thereof, a valve for the discharge of the separated gas is provided. The valve is operated by a float comprising a float element and a float rod.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1990Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: Flamco B.V.Inventor: Cornelis Nobel
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Patent number: 5115830Abstract: Valve device, comprising a valve housing (1) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (5), a valve seat (13) and a valve closing member (8) movable in the housing between open and closed positions and having a sealing surface, which in the closed position of the valve closing member (8) is in contact with the valve seat to prevent liquid from flowing through the outlet. The valve closing member interacts with structure (15, 17) which, responsive to tilting of the valve housing relative to a predetermined position, moves the valve closing member to its closed position. The valve closing member being fixed to a float (11), which, as the liquid level rises in the housing (1) in its predetermined position, lifts the valve closing member towards its closed position, the weight of the structure (15, 17) being adapted to the lifting force of the float, so that the valve body, when the housing is filled with liquid and has been turned 180.degree. from the predetermined position, is held in its closed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1991Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Assignee: AB VolvoInventor: Bo Harde
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Patent number: 5101852Abstract: A liquid intrusion prevention and elimination device having a fully controlled output of flow, facilitating; a body having a inlet port communicating to the upper interior of an enclosed chamber, a controlled output port communicating to an output valve having a valve seat accessing the upper interior of the chamber, a discharge port communicating to a discharge valve having a valve seat accessing the lower interior of the chamber, the chamber housing a float having an attached upper float rod with a valve end compatible to the output valve valve seat passing within a plurality of upper finger members, the upper finger members having substantially tapering gaps, therebetween, the valve end being communicatable to the output valve valve seat, the float having an attached lower float rod with a valve end compatible to the discharge valve valve seat passing within a plurality of lower finger members, the lower finger members having substantially rectangular gaps, therebetween, the valve end being communicable toType: GrantFiled: July 23, 1990Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Inventor: Peter L. Magnasco
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Patent number: 5090439Abstract: An automatic air release valve which is viable to operate at any pressure. The air release valve includes a first orifice for exhausting air and a second orifice which is exposed to atmosphere but is always sealed. The second orifice exposes a vertically movable stem within the valve to forces which are equal and opposite to a suction force which tends to hold the valve stem in sealing relation to the first, air exhaust orifice. Because of the equalization of pressures made possible by the provision of first and second orifices, movement of the valving mechanism within the valve housing downwardly as the liquid level goes down causes the air vent orifice to open irrespective of the pressure within the valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1989Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: APCO Valve and Primer CorporationInventors: Vincent M. Sabalvaro, III, Ralph DiLorenzo
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Patent number: 5082016Abstract: A first port is provided in a fuel tank of an automobile for introducing an open air therefrom when the liquid surface of fuel lowers in the fuel tank. There is provided a float in the fuel tank which is detached from a second port when the liquid surface is under a predetermined level in the fuel tank but closes the second port when the liquid surface exceeds the predetermined level for preventing the fuel from overflowing the first port. There are provided a diaphragm and a rod to be operated by the diaphragm inside the float for preventing the float being kept adhered to the second port by pushing back the diaphragm by the rod.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1990Date of Patent: January 21, 1992Assignee: Kyosan Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideyo Nakamura
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Patent number: 5065782Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling flow of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through an aperture in a fuel tank. The apparatus comprises a housing mounted in the aperature, a float valve, a ball, and a mechanism for supporting the ball. The housing is formed to include an outlet, and the float valve is movable in the housing 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 is formed to include a float chamber and the ball is positioned in the float chamber. The mechanism for supporting the ball is movable relative to the housing. The support mechanism is configured to support the ball in the float chamber so that the ball is able to move in the float chamber in response to movement of the fuel tank to urge the float valve to its closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1991Date of Patent: November 19, 1991Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventor: Emil Szlaga
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Patent number: 5065786Abstract: A flow control valve is provided for connection to a water supply line for ontrolling the flow of water between a water tank and a toilet bowl in an aircraft. The valve comprises a valve housing having an axial bore therethrough. A cylindrical valve member axially slidable within the bore is moved between a normally closed position against a valve seat and an open position spaced from the seat. The valve member also has an axial bore therethrough. When the supply line is pressurized, a float in the bore of the valve member moves against a seat in the valve member to completely stop flow through the valve when the valve member is normally closed. When the supply line is depressurized, the float moves away from the valve member seat by the force of gravity to permit draining of the supply line.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1990Date of Patent: November 19, 1991Assignee: Monogram Sanitation, a division of MAG Aerospace Industries, Inc.Inventor: Mike M. Rozenblatt
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Patent number: 5062444Abstract: A vapor vent valve for venting air and fuel vapor from vehicle fuel tanks comprises a hollow valve body having radial flow ports formed therein, and an axially slidable shutter movable between a valve open position remote from the radial flow ports and a valve closed position covering the radial flow ports. An axially slidable float mounted on the valve body adjacent the shutter lowers and raises the shutter between the valve open and closed positions in response to changes in the tank fuel level. The axial shutter and float structure is unaffected by the radial outflow of air and fuel vapor through the ports.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1990Date of Patent: November 5, 1991Assignee: G. T. Products, Inc.Inventor: Rudolph Bergsma
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Patent number: 5044397Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling flow of liquid through an aperture. The apparatus includes a housing and a float valve disposed in and unattached to the housing. The float valve is formed to include a float chamber and is movable in the housing between an aperture blocking position and an aperture unblocking position. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for controlling movement of the float valve by selectively venting fluid from the float chamber to reduce the buoyancy of the float valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1990Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Inventors: Emil Szlaga, Robert S. Harris, Jeffery Griffin
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Patent number: 5042519Abstract: A vent valve for use with a liquid-containing tank, particularly a gasoline tank carried by a vehicle that customarily travels over hilly terrain. The valve includes a cylindrical housing, within which a check ball and a float ball are each positioned for limited movement within the housing. The check ball and float ball are adapted to be in contact with each other, and the check ball is movable toward and away from a vent aperture provided at the top of the housing. A plurality of guide ribs are provided interiorly of the housing to confine the movement of the check ball to axial movement toward and away from the vent aperture. The check ball is preferably made from a material that has a specific gravity that is substantially greater than that of the liquid contained in the tank, and the float ball is preferably made from a material and is constructed such that is has a specific gravity substantially less than that of the liquid in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1990Date of Patent: August 27, 1991Assignee: Club Car, Inc.Inventor: James R. Kerlin
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Patent number: 5033646Abstract: A liquid dispensing system including an air evacuating apparatus is disclosed. The liquid dispensing system includes a dispensing mechanism and an air evacuating apparatus. The air evacuating apparatus includes a primary pump, a reservoir, an inlet in the reservoir operative to introduce liquid into the reservoir, an outlet in the reservoir operative to transport liquid from the reservoir to the primary pump, a level sensor operative to ascertain the level of liquid in the reservoir, an auxiliary pump, and a controller responsive to output from the level sensor to selectively control operation of the auxiliary pump to remove gas from the reservoir. The primary pump is operative to transport a dispensable liquid from a storage container to the dispensing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1990Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Assignee: McCann's Engineering and Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Gerald P. McCann, Donald Verley
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Patent number: 5031655Abstract: A plate (42) is mounted to the outer flange (12) of a standpipe (10). A valve element (96) and a float (68) are mounted on the plate (42) to pivot about fixed axes A.sub.1, A.sub.2, respectively. A toggle link (90) extends between the valve element (96) and the float (68) and is connected thereto at pivot points P.sub.1, P.sub.2, respectively. When the float (68) moves into its down position in which the valve element (96) is in an open position, the float (68) passes over a center line C defined by the fixed axis A.sub.2 and the pivot point P.sub.1. This overcenter movement of the float (68) prevents the valve element (96) from moving into a closed position unless the float (68) is moved upwardly by a rising liquid level.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1990Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Michael B. Hebaus
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Patent number: 5028244Abstract: A tank venting control valve assembly is provided to regulate discharge of liquid fuel and fuel vapor from a fuel tank. The assembly closes automatically to prevent discharge of agitated liquid fuel from the tank or block overfilling of the tank. The assembly opens automatically after agitation of liquid fuel in the tank has subsided or refueling has been completed to cause the fuel level in the tank to fall.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1990Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventor: Emil Szlaga
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Patent number: 5019141Abstract: A vent line separator (30) having a housing (34) defining an interior chamber (44) having a flow diverter (132) positioned therein that separates liquid and gas and a by-pass valve assembly (106) that permits gas to be vented to the atmosphere under a predetermined minimum pressure, that prevents gas and liquid from being vented to the atmosphere when the liquid pressure in the interior chamber (44) is above a predetermined minimum pressure and below a predetermined maximum pressure, and allows venting of liquid fuel and gas to the atmosphere when liquid pressure in the interior chamber (44) is above a predetermined maximum pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1990Date of Patent: May 28, 1991Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corp.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Granville, John Church, David H. Hodgkins
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Patent number: 5012838Abstract: The present invention relates to a solenoid valve disposed over a fuel tank and incorporating a liquid surface detecting valve for detecting the liquid surface in a fuel tank. The solenoid valve comprises a plunger and an adhesion preventive pin wherein the adhesion preventive pin is lowered in the direction of the liquid surface detecting valve at the time of opening of the solenoid valve and the same pin pushes the liquid surface detecting valve downward at the time when the liquid surface detecting valve is attached and adhered to a valve seat thereof, whereby the liquid surface detecting valve is open with assurance.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1990Date of Patent: May 7, 1991Assignees: Kyosan Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshirou Kawase, Shiro Saito, Masanobu Miyake
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Patent number: 4991615Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling flow of liquid through an aperture. The apparatus includes a housing and a float valve disposed in and unattached to the housing. The float valve is formed to include a float chamber and is movable in the housing between an aperture-blocking position and an aperture-unblocking position. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for controlling movement of the float valve by selectively venting fluid from the float chamber to reduce the buoyancy of the float valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1990Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Stant Inc.Inventors: Emil Szlaga, Robert S. Harris, Jeffery Griffin
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Patent number: 4989629Abstract: A fuel cut valve generally comprises a valve housing mounted on an interior of a fuel tank. A hollow passage means is provided for establishing gas communication between the interior of the valve housing and a vent line connected to an engine induction system. The hollow passage means defines a gaseous fuel passage extending horizontally through the housing so that the vent line can be oriented in horizontal alignment to be connected with the hollow passage means.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1989Date of Patent: February 5, 1991Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshihiro Shirakawa
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Patent number: 4982757Abstract: The fuel cutoff valve is provided which includes a case member having an outlet opening leading to a canister, and a float member disposed within the case member. The float member is provided including a valve which has a first annular seal member sealing the periphery of the outlet opening and a second annular seal member having a smaller diameter than that of the outlet opening, and a float body vertically below the values. A through hole in formed in each seal member of the valve. When the liquid fuel flows into the case and the floats member float the first seal member seals the periphery of the outlet opening. After the liquid fuel returns to the fuel tank, the valve is first opened between the second seal member having smaller diameter and the float body. Then since the valve also falls, even if the diameter of the outlet opening is large, the fuel cutoff valve will open.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1989Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Tamiyosi Ohasi, Masami Mizuno, Tomohide Aoki, Osamu Hokari
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Patent number: 4981154Abstract: A fluid flow control device operable in a gas purge mode, liquid flow mode or backflow restriction mode for use with a fluid circulating system to selectively control the direction of fluid flow through the fluid circulating system, the fluid flow control device comprises a valve body including a lower fluid chamber and an upper float chamber formed therein and a spherical float movable disposed within the upper float chamber to control the direction of fluid flow through the fluid flow control device, the valve body includes a gas outlet, a fluid outlet, a liquid outlet and a fluid inlet such that fluid entering the upper float chamber controls the position of the spherical float therein to cause gas to flow through the gas outlet and liquid to flow through the liquid outlet and prevent backflow of gas or liquid through the fluid outlet.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1990Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: Hollister, Inc.Inventors: David F. Bailey, William H. Morrison, Jr.
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Patent number: 4972869Abstract: A vent valve wherein a valve opening to be opened or closed by a valve body is provided at its one axial end, and the other end is opened for a fluid passage and concaved toward inside at its three portions, thereby the valve body being prevented from falling off. The vent valve is used for ejecting air out of the fuel passage for a vehicle fuel pump. On the valve opening side of the barrel, a step portion is provided to divide the barrel into the valve body moving portion, where the valve body moves to open or close the valve opening, and a valve body storing portion having a larger diameter than that of the valve body moving portion. On this valve body storing portion having a larger diameter, the barrel is pressed into the vent passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1989Date of Patent: November 27, 1990Inventor: Junichi Takasaki
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Patent number: 4958655Abstract: A two fill level system uses a valve within the tank interior having a pair of different height venting inlets to the vent pipe, with a fuel level responsive seal at one inlet and a temperature responsive seal at the other inlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1990Date of Patent: September 25, 1990Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Michael J. Danek
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Patent number: 4956975Abstract: There is disclosed an improved internal pressure relief valve for filling a cryogenic liquid storage tank. The internal pressure relief valve consists of a housing with a sealing seat at one end, an inlet hole at the other end, and a ball enclosed therein. The internal pressure relief valve is constructed of materials which can withstand the heat encountered during fabrication without melting. Consequently, the material for the ball is more dense than the cryogenic liquid in the tank so that the ball will not float in the cryogenic liquid. Consequently, the ball and the housing are dimensioned so that the momentum of the cryogenic liquid as it flows into the housing toward a vent port during the filling operation is sufficient to drive the ball into engagement with the sealing seat, closing the vent port, and assuring the termination of the filling process when the pressure in the cryogenic tank builds up to that of the delivery pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1989Date of Patent: September 18, 1990Inventor: Keith W. Gustafson
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Patent number: 4951701Abstract: A combined air vent and overpressure relief valve for a submersible pump includes a single tubular housing to be inserted in an opening in the upper end wall of a chamber on the outlet pressure side of the pump. The upper end of this housing has a vent hole therethrough, and inside the housing is an annular valve seat facing upwardly. A valve disk within the housing is proportioned to move lengthwise thereof toward and away from the valve seat but is normally biased into sealing engagement with the seat by a spring within the housing. This valve disk has a bleed hole therethrough, and a valve ball is caged in the lower part of the housing, below the valve seat for movement into and out of sealing engagement with the lower end of the bleed hole in the valve disk as the pressure within the chamber rises and falls.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1989Date of Patent: August 28, 1990Assignee: Vernay Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Dennis A. Boehmer
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Patent number: 4922959Abstract: A filter arrangement disposed within a fuel tank and adapted to prevent vapor lock. The filter arrangement is comprised of a fuel sucking section which is communicated through a connecting pipe section with a fuel pump. The fuel sucking section is provided with a netting member through which fuel in the fuel tank is sucked into a chamber defined inside the fuel sucking section, upon operation of the fuel pump. The fuel sucking section is formed with a through-hole through which fuel vapor staying inside the fuel sucking section is releasable out of the fuel sucking section. Additionally, a valve mechanism is provided to normally close the through-hole but open the through-hole in presence of fuel vapor inside the fuel sucking section, thereby effectively preventing fuel vapor from sucking into the fuel pump.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1988Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michiaki Sasaki, Joji Masuda
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Patent number: 4917795Abstract: An improved automatic air pressure relief and check valve assembly which may be used in combination with a swimming pool filter tank or a swimming pool separation tank. The valve assembly includes a normally open lower valve which communicates with the inside of the tank and is responsive to the tank's being full of pressurized water for closing the lower valve. The valve assembly further includes a normally closed upper valve communicating with the lower valve and the outside of the tank, the upper valve being responsive to air being expelled from the tank through the open lower valve, when water is filling the tank, for opening the upper valve to permit the air being expelled to exit through the upper valve. Cooperating with the upper and lower valve of the improved valve assembly is means for precluding both the upper and the lower valves from being simultaneously maintained in their closed conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1988Date of Patent: April 17, 1990Assignee: Anthony Industries, Inc.Inventors: Chester A. Sable, Lawrence V. Maldarelli, Henry Church
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Patent number: 4893643Abstract: A TVVA with a buoyant overfill protection float contains the float closely and axially slidably within a sleeve, and feeds a negative pressure created by the rapid flow of fill vapors over the outside of the sleeve into the sleeve to hold the float down and prevent it from corking.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1989Date of Patent: January 16, 1990Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: William E. Gifford, Carl H. Sherwood, Charles H. Covert, Kenenth W. Turner