Tank With Gas Vent And Inlet Or Outlet Patents (Class 137/587)
  • Publication number: 20130192703
    Abstract: A venting system for a fuel tank may include a first vent valve having an inlet, an outlet through which fuel vapor may be vented from the fuel tank, and a valve. The first vent valve may be located within a first chamber of the fuel tank. A second vent valve may have an inlet, an outlet through which fuel vapor may be vented from the fuel tank, and a valve. The second vent valve may be located within a second chamber of the fuel tank that is separate from the first chamber during at least certain fuel levels within the fuel tank. The support may carry both the first and second vent valves within the fuel tank and be movably carried within the fuel tank to vary the height of the first and second valves within the fuel tank as the support moves relative to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: TI Automotive Technology Center GmbH
    Inventors: Andrej Hochstein, Bernd M. Nickel, Martin Stickel
  • Patent number: 8485389
    Abstract: An assembly mountable to a fuel tank and connectable to a carbon canister includes a housing defining an internal cavity. A vapor vent valve is configured to permit fluid communication from the fuel tank through the vapor vent valve from an inlet to an outlet, and in all cases is isolated from the internal cavity so that fluid flows through the vapor vent valve from the inlet to the outlet without fluid communication with the internal cavity. A first vent line connects the outlet of the vapor vent valve with a first port of the housing. A second vent line connects a second port of the housing with the carbon canister. At least a portion of the first vent line is above a predetermined liquid fuel level within the tank when the assembly is mounted to the fuel tank and tilted at up to a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan Walter
  • Publication number: 20130174919
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid storage device relates to the field of semiconductor manufacturing technology comprising: a liquid storage tank, a liquid intake tube, a liquid discharge tube and a gas discharge tube; the liquid intake tube, the liquid discharge tube and the gas discharge tube are all connected with the liquid storage tank; the liquid storage device also comprises a gas compensating tube connected with the liquid storage tank; the gas compensating tube comprises a differential pressure mechanism and a gas storage tank; one end of the differential pressure mechanism is connected with the liquid storage tank, and the other end is connected with the gas storage tank; the differential pressure mechanism is used for controlling the connection or disconnection between the liquid storage tank and the gas storage tank according to the pressure difference therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: BEIJING SEVENSTAR ELECTRONICS CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: Jinqun He, Likun Pei, Yi Wu, Wei Zan
  • Publication number: 20130161342
    Abstract: A venting system (10) in an aircraft (12), where the aircraft (12) is substantially symmetrical about a midline (14), has a pair of wings (16 and 18) extending outwardly on respective sides of the midline (14), a center fuel tank (20), a surge tank (22 and 24) at outer ends of each wing (16 and 18), and optionally one or more wing fuel tanks (26 and 28) interposed between the center fuel tank (20) and the respective surge tank (22 or 24). The venting system (10) for the center fuel tank (20) includes a main vent line (30) that extends across the midline (14) to vent openings (32 and 34) communicating with respective surge tanks (22 and 24). The main vent line (30) forms a linear flow path for fluid, generally air, flowing between opposite ends of the vent line (30). The venting system (10) also includes a branch vent line (36 and 38) extending from the main vent line (30) and opening on the center fuel tank (20). The branch line has at least one fuel tank opening (40 and 42) on each side of the midline (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Wong, Stephen C. Metrulas, Rogerio Konig da Silva, Michel Loignon
  • Patent number: 8448665
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a fuel overflow alarm system includes a fuel tank, a pressure-sensing tube provided in fluid communication with the fuel tank, a pressure sensor provided in fluid communication with the pressure-sensing tube, a microcontroller interfacing with the pressure sensor and a fuel gauge connected to the microcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Perry R Anderson, Darla C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8424557
    Abstract: A downspout water collection and overflow system employs a downspout water diversion and overflow device which includes a body displacing a downspout section, and a plate supported in the body. The body, being hollow, has upper, lower and side portions defining top, bottom and side openings. The plate is inclined to extend laterally across the body between the upper and lower portions and through the side opening of the side portion. The plate blocks flow of water directly from the top to bottom opening of the body, diverting water flow through the side opening to a storage tank. The plate divides the side opening into upper and lower passages which allows inflow of water from the upper body portion through the upper passage above the plate to the tank and overflow of water from the tank through the lower passage below the plate to the lower body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Donald J. Russell
  • Patent number: 8376000
    Abstract: A gasoline vapor treating system includes a single hydrocarbon filter apparatus interconnected to a fuel tank having a range of vapor pressures therein, said filter apparatus receiving hydrocarbon vapors from said tank for one vapor pressure in said fuel tank and said filter apparatus delivering air and hydrocarbon vapor to said tank from said filter responsive to another vapor pressure in said tank lower than said one vapor pressure, said filter operated serially between hydrocarbon loading and hydrocarbon unloading cycles without reference to any other hydrocarbon removal apparatus. A balance nozzle includes a mechanism to mechanically operate a vapor valve therein before the fuel valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: John Matthew Gray, Timothy M. Garrison
  • Patent number: 8371271
    Abstract: An outboard marine engine has vapor vent control apparatus including a fuel inlet in fluid communication with a fuel reservoir of the engine. The fuel inlet is operably attachable to a fuel pin of a fuel connector. When attached, liquid fuel flows to the fuel reservoir and when detached, liquid fuel flow out of the fuel inlet is prevented. A vapor vent passage is configured in fluid communication with the liquid fuel reservoir and an air intake of the engine. A vent pin is disposed in the vapor vent passage. The vent pin moves between a first position upon attaching the fuel connector to the fuel inlet and a second position upon detaching the fuel connector from the fuel inlet. In the first position, the vapor vent passage is open to fuel vapor flow and, when in the second position, the vapor vent passage is closed to fuel vapor flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle D. Achor, Richard Harvey
  • Patent number: 8360091
    Abstract: Ventilation for a reducing agent tank, having a first reducing agent tank which is provided with a first reducing agent fill opening, a fuel tank which is provided with a fuel fill opening and a ventilation device, as well as a first line through which the first reducing agent tank is connected to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Ingo Revink
  • Patent number: 8360087
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reducing agent tank for holding a liquid reducing agent as a so-called SCR tank. The SCR tank comprises at least one device for deaerating the tank, which device is closed off by means of at least one pressure-compensating element which permits an exchange of gas but which closes off the tank in a liquid-tight manner. The reducing agent tank also comprises at least one deaeration line which communicates with the pressure-compensating element, with the deaeration line being guided at least to a point above the maximum permissible fording level of the tank when the tank is in the installation position. The deaeration line has at least one first downward-sloping line section which branches into a second rising line section for deaeration and a third falling line section for gravity-induced condensate drainage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Kolberg, Jaroslav Maglovsky, Volker Treudt, Robert Schwar
  • Patent number: 8354072
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion, or roof portion, of an enclosure where such a system includes one or more dispensers designed to deliver at least one corrosion inhibitor to a system designed to protect a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Northern Technologies International Corporation
    Inventors: Efim Ya Lyublinski, Yefim Vaks
  • Patent number: 8347913
    Abstract: A combustible fuel supply system includes a fuel tank, a carburetor and a combustible fuel piping system. The combustible fuel piping system includes a fuel-feeding pipe, a fuel-drawing pipe, a vent pipe, and a switch valve. The fuel-feeding pipe interconnects the carburetor and a lower space of the fuel tank that stores combustible fuel. The fuel-drawing pipe interconnects the carburetor and an upper space of the fuel tank that accommodates air when the lower space stores the combustible fuel. The vent pipe is for fluid communication between the upper space and the exterior of the fuel tank. The switch valve is operable to obstruct fluid flow through at least one of the fuel-feeding pipe, the fuel-drawing pipe and the vent pipe, and is operable to switch between a fuel-feeding state and a fuel-drawing state for obstructing and permitting fluid flow through at least one of the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Yimin Zhu
  • Patent number: 8327865
    Abstract: A gas storage tank (1) has a high pressure resistant shell (10) and a fluid control system (5). The fluid control system (5) has an inlet fluid branch (20) and an outlet fluid branch (30). The inlet fluid branch (20) comprises a check valve (21) and the outlet fluid branch (30) comprises a pressure regulator (32) and a pressure assisted check valve (31). Preferably, the fluid control system (5) also comprises an inlet filter, an outlet filter and flow restriction. The fluid control system (5) is preferably situated entirely on the inside of the high pressure resistant shell (10). The fluid control system (5) is preferably provided as a miniaturized system realized in a stack of bonded wafers, where part devices are formed by micromachined geometrical structures. A method for gas handling with the gas storage tank (1) and a manufacturing method for the gas storage tank (1) are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Manbas Alpha AB
    Inventor: Lars Stenmark
  • Patent number: 8309021
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion, or roof portion, of an enclosure where such a system includes one or more dispensers designed to deliver at least one corrosion inhibitor to a system designed to protect a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Northern Technologies International Corporation
    Inventors: Efim Ya Lyublinski, Yefim Vaks
  • Patent number: 8307844
    Abstract: A tank for transporting liquids is equipped with a variable volume system. The system provides for the ability to define a variable maximum fluid volume capacity of the tank. The tank is mounted to a vehicle for transport. In one embodiment, the tank is a water tank for use in dispensing water in a working area in order to control dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
  • Patent number: 8291926
    Abstract: A reductant dosing system for a machine having an engine and an exhaust system is disclosed. The reductant dosing system has a tank configured to hold a reductant, a dosing arrangement, and a supply passage connecting the tank to the dosing arrangement. The reductant dosing system also has a purging arrangement configured to direct purge fluid to at least one of the dosing arrangement and the supply passage, and a valve configured to allow reductant to pass from the tank to the supply passage and to inhibit purge fluid from entering the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sairam P. Thiagarajan, Stephan D. Roozenboom, Raymond B. Gerges, Jinhui Sun, Shashank Mupparapu, Tetsu O. Velasquez, Yung T. Bui
  • Patent number: 8281769
    Abstract: An evaporative venting system for use in an internal combustion engine and a method for venting fuel vapors are disclosed. The evaporative venting system includes a containment chamber at least in indirect communication with a fuel tank and a passageway defined within the containment chamber and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The inlet opening is at least indirectly in communication with the fuel tank and the outlet opening is at least indirectly in communication with an evaporative chamber such that the passageway provides a vent path between the fuel tank and the evaporative chamber such that the vent path allows for both the venting of fuel vapors from the fuel tank and the intake of air into the fuel tank during all angles of positioning of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Eric B. Hudak, Travis D. Schisel, Edward A. Uebelher
  • Patent number: 8235027
    Abstract: A vent-on-demand fuel sump and vehicle fuel system having such a fuel sump are provided. The fuel sump may include a pressurized vessel and at least two sensors configured to detect a level of fuel within the vessel. A valve coupled to the vessel may be configured to release air and/or fuel vapor to the atmosphere. The fuel sump may also include a programmable electronic controller configured to modulate the valve between a closed position and an open position based on signals received from the sensors corresponding to the fuel level. The valve may be configured to remain in the closed position until the fuel level drops below a predetermined level and the controller sends a signal to open the valve to release air and/or fuel vapor from the vessel into the atmosphere. The vehicle fuel system having such a fuel sump may include a fuel container and an engine having an intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: AAI Corporation
    Inventors: R. Michael Guterres, James Jeter
  • Patent number: 8226123
    Abstract: A fuel tank has a primary sump and secondary sump. A first vent valve and a second vent valve are disposed within the fuel tank. The first vent valve is closed when a level of fuel in the primary sump is equal to or higher than a first predetermined filling level, and the second vent valve is closed when a level of fuel in the secondary sump is equal to or higher than a second predetermined filling level in a refueling procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Chino, Naoaki Tanimura, Masashi Kamei, Junichi Hanai
  • Publication number: 20120139225
    Abstract: A tank arrangement for a vehicle, particularly a truck, includes at least a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank which are connected by a balancing pipe, a suction pipe for feeding fuel to an engine and a return pipe for feeding fuel from the engine to at least one of the fuel tanks. The balancing pipe is provided with a first end to supply fuel to the first tank and a second end to suck fuel from the second tank, wherein a check valve is arranged upstream of the return pipe in the balancing pipe between the at least two tanks allowing a flow direction from the second tank to the first tank and blocking a flow in the reverse direction. Suction of fuel to the engine is from the first tank only. The check valve provides an automatic purging of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Sigurd Sonderegger, Anders Ivarsson
  • Patent number: 8176935
    Abstract: A fuel vapor control valve comprising a housing fitted with an inlet port connectable to a fuel tank and an outlet port connectable to a fuel vapor recovery device. The inlet port and the outlet port are in flow communication via a first valve controlled passage admitting fuel vapor flow in a direction from the inlet port to the outlet port only when pressure within the fuel tank exceeds a threshold. A second valve controlled passage admits vapor flow in an opposite direction from the outlet port to the inlet port only when pressure within the fuel tank drops below pressure at the fuel vapor recovery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Raval A.C.S. Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Ehrman, Ilan Akian, Omer Vulkan
  • Publication number: 20120103192
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank ventilation system includes a dehumidifying device disposed in flow communication between a vent open to the atmosphere and a fuel tank. A method of dehumidifying air introduced into an aircraft fuel tank via a ventilation system includes directing atmospheric air through a dehumidifying device disposed in flow communication between a vent of the ventilation system and the fuel tank, which removes water vapour from the air flowing from the vent towards the fuel tank. A method of regenerating a desiccant medium used to dehumidify air introduced into an aircraft fuel tank via a ventilation system includes directing air through the desiccant medium so as to dry the desiccant medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph K-W Lam, David Parmenter, Simon Masters
  • Publication number: 20120096879
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank ventilation system, comprising a refrigerative dehumidifying device having a refrigerating element in contact with air flowing between a vent open to the atmosphere and a fuel tank. Also, a method of dehumidifying air introduced into an aircraft fuel tank via the ventilation system, the method comprising directing atmospheric air from the vent into contact with the refrigerating element, and cooling the refrigerating element so as to remove water vapour from the air flowing from the vent towards the fuel tank by condensation. An aircraft fuel tank ventilation system, comprising a refrigerative dehumidifying device having a refrigerating element in contact with air flowing between a vent open to the atmosphere and a fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph K-W Lam, Franklin Tichborne, Simon Masters, David Parmenter
  • Patent number: 8113238
    Abstract: A liquid delivery system includes at least one liquid storage tank; a manifold; an integral manifold vent system communicating directly with the manifold and including a manifold vent valve and a manifold vent pipe; a first liquid sensor; and a delivery outlet flow restrictor. The manifold is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the manifold being connected to the at least one liquid storage tank; the delivery outlet flow restrictor is located downstream from the manifold; the first sensor is adapted to detect the formation of an air pocket in the manifold; and the integral manifold vent system includes at least one section having an internal diameter small enough to ensure smooth filling of the manifold with the liquid being dispensed when the manifold vent valve is opened to release trapped gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mechtronic Ltd.
    Inventor: Trevor John Poulter
  • Patent number: 8113227
    Abstract: A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J Curello, Floyd Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 8113239
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a vented valve assembly for attachment to a rigid container may include one or more of the following features: (a) a unitary tubular valve body of a generally cylindrical hollow form and having a liquid inlet end, and (b) a second end and a liquid outlet port, said liquid inlet end adapted for connection to a male spout on a wall of the rigid container, said liquid outlet port being exterior to the wall of the rigid container when the liquid inlet end is affixed to the spout, the valve body further including an air vent opening formed through a wall of the tubular valve body leading to a channel affixed to an inner wall of the tubular valve body, the channel having one open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: David S. Smith America, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Loren L. Brelje
  • Patent number: 8100153
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a float valve apparatus including: a housing including: a partition wall dividing an internal space into lower and upper spaces and having an opening therein; a ventilation pipe communicating the upper space with an outside; a valve seat formed at the opening; and a communication hole communicating the lower space with the outside; a float that is valve vertically slidably movable in the lower space and that upwardly floats in accordance with liquid flowing thereinto to open and close the opening; an upward urging spring urging the float valve from the housing toward the opening; and a support spring disposed inside the upward urging spring to support the float valve to not contact with a bottom surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Hirata
  • Patent number: 8042523
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for a vehicle may include a fuel tank including a mounting portion protruding downwards from an upper inner surface of the fuel tank, a fuel limit vent valve and a rollover valve that is connected with the fuel limit vent valve within the fuel tank, and a mounting plate connecting the fuel limit vent valve and the rollover valve and configured to be mounted onto the mounting portion of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sungwon Lee
  • Patent number: 8029022
    Abstract: A fuel tank has a primary sump and secondary sump. A first vent valve and a second vent valve are disposed within the fuel tank. The first vent valve is closed when a level of fuel in the primary sump is equal to or higher than a first predetermined filling level, and the second vent valve is closed when a level of fuel in the secondary sump is equal to or higher than a second predetermined filling level in a refueling procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Chino, Naoaki Tanimura, Masashi Kamei, Junichi Hanai
  • Publication number: 20110220225
    Abstract: A combustible fuel supply system includes a fuel tank, a carburetor and a combustible fuel piping system. The combustible fuel piping system includes a fuel-feeding pipe, a fuel-drawing pipe, a vent pipe, and a switch valve. The fuel-feeding pipe interconnects the carburetor and a lower space of the fuel tank that stores combustible fuel. The fuel-drawing pipe interconnects the carburetor and an upper space of the fuel tank that accommodates air when the lower space stores the combustible fuel. The vent pipe is for fluid communication between the upper space and the exterior of the fuel tank. The switch valve is operable to obstruct fluid flow through at least one of the fuel-feeding pipe, the fuel-drawing pipe and the vent pipe, and is operable to switch between a fuel-feeding state and a fuel-drawing state for obstructing and permitting fluid flow through at least one of the pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Yimin Zhu
  • Patent number: 7865273
    Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, a driver type is ascertained. A criterion for performing a diagnosis or a regeneration of a component of the fuel supply system is a function of the ascertained driver type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Posselt, Thor Windbergs, Marko Lorenz, Andreas Gutscher
  • Patent number: 7854345
    Abstract: A fuel tank arrangement for a vehicular agricultural applicator is provided. The fuel tank arrangement includes a fuel tank having an interior cavity defined by an uppermost wall, a lowermost wall, and a series of side walls extending therebetween. The interior cavity includes an expansion space defined upwardly in the vertical direction above a maximum fill line. The arrangement further includes a fill neck extending from the uppermost wall to receive the supply of fuel. The fill neck includes an uppermost end opposite a lowermost end that defines the maximum fill line. A bridge that defines a passage therethrough interconnects the fill neck and the expansion space of the fuel tank. A lowermost end of the passage is horizontally aligned at the lowermost end of the fill neck, and the passage extends upwardly in the vertically direction therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Dane M. Kallevig, Kevin C. Lent, Stephen H. Stuhr
  • Patent number: 7829819
    Abstract: A method for securing a component to a tank includes forming the tank having a wall of multiple layers of polymer material with an opening in the wall, outer layers of polymer, and an inner layer of polymer having an inner surface whose color is dark relative to a natural color of the outer layers. The component is formed with a mounting surface of polymer. The tube wall opening is used to install the component in the tank such that the mounting surface contacts the inner surface. Energy is transmitted onto an area of a surface of the tank wall where the mounting surface contacts the inner surface. The transmitted energy is use to produce a weld between the mounting surface and the tank wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph DeMaria, Stanley Lank, James Potter, Mark W. Plansinis, Mark A. Harris, Michael J. Boehk
  • Patent number: 7810474
    Abstract: The fuel tank venting device is furnished with a full fuel control valve and a rollover valve that are installed on a fuel tank, and a fuel tank valve unit having a pressure valve that is situated between a canister and the two valves. The pressure valve is furnished with a casing that has a valve chamber, a valve body housed within the valve chamber, and a spring. The valve body has a disk-shaped valve part and a side wall that projects with tubular contours from the outside perimeter of the valve part, and has a cup shape defining a spring chamber that is bounded by the valve part and the side wall. The valve part is perforated by an orifice of smaller planar dimensions than the valve aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kito, Hiroshi Nishi, Shoji Horiba
  • Publication number: 20100224262
    Abstract: Valve for the ventilation circuit of a liquid tank, comprising: a) a chamber comprising a base, a side wall and a cover; b) at least two independent ventilation orifices in the chamber cover connecting the chamber to the venting circuit; c) at least one orifice in the chamber side wall connecting the chamber to the inside of the tank; d) at least two independent concentric floats, each comprising an apex capable of sealing one of the ventilation orifices, each being able to slide vertically inside the chamber depending on the liquid level in the chamber and to rest on the chamber base when the chamber is empty; one of the floats being calibrated so as to seal one of the ventilation orifices at one liquid level L1 in the tank and the other float being calibrated so as to seal the other ventilation orifice at a level L2 above L1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (S.A.)
    Inventors: Michel Arnalsteen, Vincent Cuvelier, Patrice Baudoux
  • Patent number: 7784491
    Abstract: A reservoir assembly of a power steering system includes a reservoir tank defining a tank chamber for holding a power steering fluid and an opening fluidly connected to the tank chamber for allowing power steering fluid to be added to the tank chamber. A breathable cap covers the opening and limits passage of power steering fluid thereby. The breathable cap allows airflow between the tank chamber and ambient. A cover is disposed over the breathable cap for preventing contaminants from entering the tank chamber through the breathable cap. The cover includes a disc section and a skirt depending axially from the disc section. The disc section and skirt cover the breathable cap. Legs protrude radially inwardly from the skirt. The legs include a first leg and a second leg which extends radially inwardly a greater amount than the first leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luke C McKee
  • Patent number: 7748397
    Abstract: An assembly of two components configured to be in contact with hydrocarbons, and a fuel tank including the assembly. The assembly includes a casing or a retaining member fastened to the casing, each of the two components including at least one fastening part configured to interact, and at least one of the components being made from a material configured to swell through action of the hydrocarbons, thus reinforcing retention of the components on one another. A method for manufacturing such a tank includes assembling the two components in the absence of fuel, and then bringing the two components into contact with the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Eric Firtion, Patrice Baudoux, Alexis Rosseel
  • Patent number: 7727465
    Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Spyros J. Papageorge
  • Publication number: 20100122745
    Abstract: A container for use in a system for spray coating a human subject includes a container body configured to hold a skin coating composition. The container further includes a first end portion having a male coupling valve, where the male coupling valve is configured to couple to a female fitting disposed in a spraying apparatus, where the male coupling valve is further configured to prevent flow of the skin composition from the container while the male coupling valve is not coupled to the female fitting. The container further includes a second end portion opposite the first end portion and having a vent, where the container is configured for inverted connection to the spraying apparatus such that when the male coupling valve is connected to the female fitting the male coupling valve is at a location below the vent, and where opening of the vent allows airflow into the container as the skin coating composition flows out of the container through the male coupling valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: MT INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Thomason, Nicholas J. Mastandrea
  • Publication number: 20100116366
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank to contain fuel therein, and a carrier assembly disposed in the fuel tank. The carrier assembly includes a plurality of application-specific fuel system products, a carrier common to a plurality of different fuel tank assemblies to carry the products, and a plurality of common components to mount the products with respect to the carrier in application-specific positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Giuseppe A. Gattozzi, Harald Knueppel, Ted J. Latouf, James R. Osborne, Christopher K. Quick, Steve L. Toth
  • Patent number: 7713603
    Abstract: A molded article is disclosed. According to an embodiment, the molded article includes a blow-molded parison of material having an undercut formed in a surface of the parison of material. An apparatus for providing an undercut molding feature in a mold tool is also disclosed. According to an embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more undercut forming surfaces and an actuator pin that causes the one or more undercut forming surfaces to move to/from an undercut molding position or an undercut de-molding position. A method for providing an undercut molding feature in a mold tool is also disclosed. According to an embodiment, the method includes the step of moving an actuator to a position of engagement with one or more undercut forming surfaces to cause movement of the one or more undercut forming surfaces to/from an undercut molding position and an undercut de-molding position. A method for molding a molded article is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Vitec, LLC
    Inventors: Ahmad Farran, Karim Amellal, Ryan Beebe, Jeanne Schairer
  • Publication number: 20100065137
    Abstract: A spill preventing system for vented marine fuel tanks incorporates a capture reservoir at the discharge end of the vent conduit extending from the tank, such that any fuel forced into the vent conduit during the filling operation is temporarily retained within the capture reservoir and returned to the tank and is not ejected through the vent port into the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Armellino
  • Publication number: 20100037967
    Abstract: A feeding device for liquid raw materials includes a storage tank and a hydraulic cylinder. The storage tank includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a receiving space, a front cap and a rear cap. The inner tube is mounted coaxially in the outer tube. The receiving space is defined between the inner and outer tubes. The front cap is mounted on the inner and outer tubes and has a feeding inlet communicating with the inner tube and a front outlet communicating with the receiving space. The rear cap is mounted on the inner and outer tubes and has a rear inlet communicating with the receiving space. The hydraulic cylinder has a piston rod and a piston connected to the piston rod and mounted movably in the inner tube. Thus, the feeding device is simplified and quiet and can be used to transport materials of different viscosities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Shun-Tsung LU
  • Publication number: 20100024898
    Abstract: A fuel tank vent includes a nanoporous membrane separator positioned in an opening in a fuel tank to allow vapor from a fuel to flow across a membrane, wherein the membrane comprises a network in which surfaces of the network define a plurality of interconnecting pores extending through the membrane, wherein the plurality of interconnecting pores have a mean pore size of about 0.1 nanometers to about 50 nanometers, and are permeable to a selected one or both of the fuel vapor and air, and impermeable to a liquid fuel; and an oleophobic enhancement coating disposed on surfaces of the plurality of interconnecting pores and configured to provide oleophobicity to the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Vishal Bansal, Nusrat Farzana
  • Patent number: 7648103
    Abstract: Aircraft fuel tanks, systems and methods increase an aircraft's fuel capacity. The fuel tanks have a tank body defining an interior space for holding aircraft fuel, and a relief manifold assembly operatively associated to the tank body to prevent an overpressure condition within the interior space of the fuel tank body. The relief manifold assembly preferably includes a buffer vessel defining a buffer chamber in fluid communication with the interior space defined by the fuel tank body. The buffer vessel may advantageously be fixed to the tank body within the interior space thereof. At least one of a fuel vent manifold assembly for venting the interior space of the fuel tank and a fuel refill/transfer manifold assembly for supplying fuel to and withdrawing fuel from the interior space of the fuel tank. At least one control box (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: EMBRAER—Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
    Inventors: Weber de Brito Barbosa, Paulo Henrique Hasmann, Regis Assao
  • Publication number: 20090320926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tank ventilation device (1) for a motor vehicle, with at least one storage device (2) for storing hydrocarbon gas, the tank connection (9) of which is connected via a ventilation line (12) to a fuel tank (5) of a vehicle, the engine connection (10) of which is connected via a regeneration line (13) to a fresh gas system (6) of an internal combustion engine (4) of the vehicle, and the environment connection (11) of which communicates via an environment line (15) with the environment (7) of the vehicle. In order to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, at least one conversion device (3) can be provided, which is used for materially converting hydrocarbon gas and is connected directly or indirectly to the fuel tank (5) via a feed line (18) on the input side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Hagen ZeIßmann, Martin Klöpfer
  • Publication number: 20090283159
    Abstract: A fuel tank apparatus is particularly suited for use on vehicles and marine vessels. A fuel tank can be used to supply fuel to an engine, compressor or the like such as when the tank is used to operate an engine or air compressor. The apparatus includes a tank body having a plurality of tank outer walls surrounding an interior that enables fuel to be contained. The tank body has upper and lower end portions. Flow lines are provided for adding fuel to the tank interior and for discharging fuel that is to be consumed by an engine, compressor or other device. The lower end portion of the tank body provides a sump that is specially configured to trap the undesirable contents of fuel such as trash, water, debris, settleable solids and the like. The interior includes a baffle structure that is space inwardly of the tank body providing a vent flow passage that extends from a position just above the sump to a position next to the upper end portion of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Louis E. Schaefer, JR.
  • Patent number: 7597115
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for reducing the evaporation of volatile organic compounds (VOC) or other gases during the filling of an essentially liquid petroleum product on a storage and/or transport tank (2) via a feed pipe (6), and where the petroleum product is led into the storage/transport tank via a loading column (8) having a significantly larger cross section than that of the feed pipe (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Knutsen OAS Shipping AS
    Inventor: Per Lothe
  • Patent number: 7591251
    Abstract: A method, fuel system, and components for facilitating the delivery of liquid fuel from a fuel tank in fluid communication with a float bowl carburetor of an internal combustion engine, wherein evaporative emissions of the fuel from the fuel tank and float bowl carburetor are mitigated. During operation of the engine, fluid communication is permitted between the fuel tank and the carburetor, and fuel vapors at a predetermined threshold superatmospheric pressure are permitted to vent outwardly from the fuel tank. During inoperation of the engine, fluid communication is prevented between the fuel tank and the carburetor, and fuel vapors at a predetermined threshold superatmospheric pressure are permitted to vent outwardly from the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Roche, Mark S. Swanson, John C. Woody
  • Publication number: 20090229674
    Abstract: “Ventilation for a reducing agent tank, having a first reducing agent tank which is provided with a first reducing agent fill opening, a fuel tank which is provided with a fuel fill opening and a ventilation device, as well as a first line through which the first reducing agent tank is connected to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: Ingo Revink