Vent And Inlet Or Outlet In Unitary Mounting Patents (Class 137/588)
  • Patent number: 6003499
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling venting of vapor to and from a fuel tank. The apparatus includes a housing and first and second valves positioned in the housing. The first valve controls the primary flow of vapors from the fuel tank and includes an aperture permitting an auxiliary flow of vapor to and from the fuel tank. The second valve controls the auxiliary flow of vapor to the fuel tank and includes first and second apertures permitting vapor to flow to the fuel tank. The second valve moves between a first position permitting vapor to flow through the first aperture and a second position permitting vapor to flow through the first and second apertures at a greater flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Devall, Jon Farmer, Nancy Amburgey
  • Patent number: 6000426
    Abstract: A system to collect and control the flow of fuel vapor within a vehicle fuel system. In one embodiment, a vapor control unit mounted in the fuel tank permits fuel vapor to be drawn into a tank fill pipe when liquid fuel is being added to the fuel tank to condense at least a portion of the fuel vapor. In a second embodiment a diaphragm actuated valve permits fuel vapor flow from the fuel tank into the tank fill pipe when liquid fuel is being added to the tank to condense at least a portion of the fuel vapor. By condensing the fuel vapor the system reduces the total amount of fuel vapor within the fuel system while preventing the escape of fuel vapor which is hazardous to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventors: Charles H. Tuckey, Billy R. Blackwell, Lawrence E. Egle
  • Patent number: 5996622
    Abstract: A filler pipe unit for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle includes a substantially rigid fuel inlet pipe having a first end connectable to the vehicle body and a second end for connection to the fuel tank. A vent pipe connected to the fuel inlet pipe between the said first and second ends and also intended to be connected to the fuel tank is formed integrally with the fuel inlet pipe. The unit includes a tank for collecting fuel vapors disposed close to the first end of the fuel inlet pipe and formed integrally therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ergom Materie Plastiche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Cimminelli, Eugenio Siviero, Giulio Castagneri
  • Patent number: 5996620
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser and control system includes a base member having an intake cavity with an axis for orientation in an upward direction, the intake cavity being sealingly mateable with a mouth opening of a replaceable liquid container which, when mated with the intake cavity, is in an inverted position for draining liquid through the mouth opening into the intake cavity. The intake cavity includes a sump into which liquid from the container can drain by gravity. The vent tube assembly has an intake end connectable to atmosphere or a source of gas, the vent tube assembly extending from the base member through the intake cavity, and has a venting end for positioning inside the container. A passageway extends through a portion of the base member, the passageway having an entry end and an exit end, the entry end connected to the sump, through which liquid from the sump can drain into the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas S. Bensley
  • Patent number: 5988206
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing leaks in a compressed natural gas fuel system on an assembly line. The apparatus includes a filling receptacle, a filling conduit, a fuel tank assembly, a supply conduit, a pressure regulating assembly, and a joint box. The filling conduit extends between the filling receptacle and the fuel tank assembly. The supply conduit extends between the fuel tank assembly and the pressure regulating assembly. The joint box includes a valve which regulates fluid communication between the filling conduit and the supply conduit. In the method according to the present invention, the tank assembly is fluidly isolated from the remainder of the fuel system and the filling conduit and supply conduit are fluidly connected, by opening the joint box valve, to permit pressurization and leak detection of a first portion of the fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Honda of America Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Bare, Joe Henry, Lorne Quay
  • Patent number: 5988458
    Abstract: A spout for mounting on a liquid container to provide controlled dispensing of liquid therefrom includes a manual control for stopping the flow of liquid through a pouring tube and an automatic control to prevent spills due to overfilling. Manual control over the amount of liquid flowing through the pouring opening of the spout is provided by a preferably tubular rod having a stop mounted at one end and a push button actuator at the other end of the rod. The spout includes a body with the pouring tube extending from one side and the push button for opening the stop to dispense liquid on the other side of the body. The automatic control is provided through a vent tube which extends through a port in the pouring tube and is connected to the tubular rod which is provided with at least one hole. When the level of liquid in a receiving tank rises over the port, no air enters the liquid container and consequently the flow of liquid from the pouring tube is discontinued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: No-Spill Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin Messner
  • Patent number: 5983963
    Abstract: To provide a simple on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system without separate check valves and the like, a multi-path valve, typically a 6/2 valve (5) is provided, and formed with a discrete switching path (13) which is inserted in a pressure equalization line (12). Upon valve operation between a fuel filling mode position and an operating mode position, respectively, the valve switches the discrete switching path of the pressure equalization line (12) to connect the equalization line (12) to a fuel vapor receptor through a valve outlet when the valve (5) is in operating mode position, while blocking the equalization line (12) when the valve (6) is in filling mode position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Tesma Motoren-Und Getriebetechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Gunther Pozgainer, Sandor Palvolgyi, Bernhard Maier
  • Patent number: 5979511
    Abstract: The fuel feeding device includes a fuel supplying tank, the exclusive nozzle for fuel connected to the lower portion of the fuel supplying tank and the nozzle, which also acts as an air releasing passage. When the fuel feeding device is pushed up over the fuel tank, the exclusive nozzle for supplying fuel and the nozzle which also acts as an air releasing passageway are opened or closed by the valves. Concurrently, the exclusive nozzle for fuel is applied as a fuel supplying passage and an inside area of the nozzle also acting as air releasing passageway is made such that about 1/3 of a sectional area of the passage is partitioned to make the air releasing passage and remaining about 2/3 of nozzle is applied as a fuel passage, where the fuel is supplied from it and at the same time air in the fuel tank is discharged out of the air releasing passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuo Ono
  • Patent number: 5971017
    Abstract: There is provided an inlet pipe structure which does not require a liquid-level monitoring device or the like. A fuel tank (10) is formed by a main tank (12) and a sub-tank (14). A branch body (28) is connected to a fueling port (26) and an end (24A) of a fueling gun (24) can be selectively inserted into branch openings (32, 33) of the branch body (28). A connecting portion (34A) of the sub-breather tube (34) is fixed inclining toward the main tank (12) to a main tank inlet pipe (16) connected to a branch opening (32) of the branch body (28) at a position near an end portion (16B) of the main tank inlet pipe (16). Further, a connecting portion (36A) of a main breather tube (36) is fixed inclining toward the sub-tank (14) to a sub-tank inlet pipe (20) connected to a branch opening (33) of the branch body (28) at a position near an end portion (20B) of the sub-tank inlet pipe (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Horie Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinsuke Kinoshita, Takeshi Kasuya
  • Patent number: 5967358
    Abstract: A tank filling and pressure relief assembly. A cover member has a seat for sealingly closing the tank opening. A stem is attached at one end to a piston in a cylinder (which is attached to the cover member and extends downwardly therefrom into the tank) and at the other end to a strongback. The strongback is pivotly mounted to swing the assembly away from the opening for filling thereof and to swing the assembly back into position to seat the cover member and is lockable in a position to lockingly urge the cover member to the closed position. The stem is flexibly coupled to the strongback to evenly distribute the seating force so that binding does not occur and is threadedly attached thereto so that the set pressure for pressure relief may be adjusted by access to the stem for turning thereof through an opening or cut-out in the strongback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Adams, Charles A. Betts
  • Patent number: 5947153
    Abstract: An improved filler neck for a fuel inlet of a vehicle fuel tank has a bend communicating with converging and diverging portions which control the flow of fuel through the filler neck to ensure that fuel flows through and downstream of the bend without backing up in the filler neck and actuating an automatic shutoff device of a refueling nozzle received in the filler neck. The filler neck also preferably has a bypass fuel passage through which fuel flows upstream through the filler neck and out to the atmosphere if a predetermined maximum pressure is exceeded within the fuel tank to limit the maximum pressure within the fuel tank and prevent it from being damaged or rupturing. Several angled ribs in the filler neck housing guide the refueling nozzle for proper positioning within the filler neck. Other ribs also provide gaps between the refueling nozzle and the filler neck housing to prevent the refueling nozzle from sealing the filler neck inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventors: George H. Bucci, Mark R. Johansen, Timothy P. Neal
  • Patent number: 5878725
    Abstract: A combination vent valve/purge valve apparatus (10) for an automotive fuel vapor recovery system canister (14) comprises a purge valve (26) and a vent valve (16) in a single housing. When open, the vent valve (16) allows outside air to enter the canister (14). The purge valve (26), when open, allows fuel vapor to flow from the canister (14) into a vacuum source (12). A gas channel (28, 130, 168) extends between a vent chamber (18) within the vent valve (16) and a purge chamber (28) within the purge valve (26). When the purge valve (26) is open and a purge plunger (86) within the purge chamber (28) is positioned away from the gas channel (28, 130, 168), the manifold vacuum draws air from one side of a diaphragm (126) within the vent chamber (18) drawing the diaphragm (126) and a vent plunger (152) downward against a spring to close the vent valve (16). When the purge plunger (86) is positioned to block the gas channel (28, 130, 168), the spring forces the vent plunger (152) upward to open the vent valve (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Osterbrink
  • Patent number: 5836351
    Abstract: A vent for conducting gas from the atmosphere to a space of a container, the vent comprising a manifold engagable to the container in gas communication and a breather intake assembly engagable to the manifold in gas communication and having a valve assembly operative for admitting ambient air into the container when subatmospheric pressure is present within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: William D. Underwood, III
  • Patent number: 5778928
    Abstract: An improved marine drain valve is disclosed. The valve includes a valve barrel having an intake opening and a discharge opening. A fluid passageway extends between the openings. A valve adaptor body surrounds the valve barrel and a torsion-compression spring is positioned between and attached to the valve barrel and the adaptor body. A vent passageway is defined by the valve for venting a reservoir to which the valve is attached. An operating pin extends outwardly from the valve barrel and is received for movement in a configured slot defined by the adaptor body. The slot has a first leg parallel to the valve barrel and a second leg extending perpendicular to the first leg. The spring urges the valve toward a nonoperating or locked position. To operate the marine drain valve, a user rotates the operating pin and forces it upwardly into the first leg of the slot thereby opening the valve. Upon release, the spring returns the operating pin to the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Boland, Gary M. Jenski
  • Patent number: 5775357
    Abstract: A composite relatively flexible resilient flap member has a movable flap and is formed of composite reinforcing fibers such as nylon, carbon or polyester impregnated with elastomeric flexible fuel resistant material. A rigid sheet member formed of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers such as glass, carbon, polyester and nylon and epoxy stiffens the flap. The flap overlies a fuel fill opening in a support plate with a major portion of the flap member fixedly overlying the plate. The flap is offset in an opening of a mounting plate secured to the support plate. The stiffened flap member is preformed with a bend to form a resilient biased hinge when flattened, the hinge being spaced from the fuel fill opening. The flap member and rigid member have low inertia to assist in rapid closure. Other embodiments are disclosed. A fuel cell tank breather vent has a tube with a male valve slug having an elongated shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Aero Tec Laboratories
    Inventors: Peter J. Regna, Albert S. Baris
  • Patent number: 5743294
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination fluid flow, open - closed valve, adapted to be fitted to a container holding a liquid, whereby a desired quantity of the liquid can be dispensed from the container into a second, smaller container. The first container is inverted and held in place by any suitable support such as a mounting bracket and an air supply is provided to the top of the liquid level so that the liquid will flow from the larger to the smaller container when the fluid flow valve is opened. A suitable adapter is provided for receiving and holding the valve wherein the adapter has internal threads for attachment to the container dispensing the liquid and an "O" ring for sealing the liquid from the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: John G. Donzella
  • Patent number: 5740842
    Abstract: A fuel tank arrangement for a motor vehicle. The arrangement includes a fuel tank containing fuel therein and having a gas space disposed above the fuel, and a venting device connected to the fuel tank. The venting device includes an activated charcoal filter and a venting conduit connecting the gas space to the activated charcoal filter for establishing gas communication therebetween. A stop valve is disposed in the venting conduit and is adapted to open gas communication between the gas space and the activated charcoal filter during refueling. Moreover, a fuel separator is disposed in the venting conduit for separating fuel from a gas flow through the venting conduit thereby yielding separated fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignees: Walter Alfmeier GmbH + Co. Prazisions-Baugruppenelemente, Mercedes Benz AG
    Inventors: Josef Maier, Dieter Simon, Wolfgang Liebhart, Thomas Theuer, Klaus Muller, Rolf Walter, Dieter Scheurenbrandt, Manfred Weil, Wolfgang Freiwald, Gerhard Kiermaier
  • Patent number: 5730194
    Abstract: A filler neck is provided for delivering fuel in a vehicle fuel tank. The filler neck includes a conduit that formed to be coupled to a fuel tank inlet and has neck passageway. A partition unit is positioned in the conduit to divide the neck passageway into an outer chamber and an inner chamber and includes a partition channel interconnecting the outer and inner chambers. A filler neck shuttle is also positioned for movement in the neck passageway and the partition channel between a channel-opening position and a channel-closing position. The shuttle has a nozzle-receiving inlet, a fuel-discharging outlet for extension through the partition channel and into the inner chamber, and a fill passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet. Further, the filler neck includes a spring that yieldably urges the filler neck shuttle in the channel-closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Dean C. Foltz
  • Patent number: 5706973
    Abstract: A drinking cup having a body portion and a removably attached cover including an offset drinking spout and an offset vent aperture. The drinking spout and the vent aperture are each surrounded by wall members which depend generally away from an interior surface of the cover. An air inlet flow control valve is coupled to the wall member surrounding the vent aperture while a liquid outlet flow control valve is coupled to the wall member surrounding the spout. Each flow control valve includes a domed elastomeric member containing a slit allowing for passage of a selected fluid therethrough. The domed portions are each surrounded by a generally circular isolating channel, and outside of each isolating channel is a perimetral portion for connecting the flow control valve to the depending wall portion of the cover. Fluids passing through the slits achieve substantially only a one-way passage as the domed curvature substantially prevents any backflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: E. S. Robbins Corporation
    Inventors: Edward S. Robbins, III, Gregory S. Burcham
  • Patent number: 5687762
    Abstract: A valved unit to control introduction of liquid fuel and venting of vaporous fuel relative to a vehicle fuel tank which unit is mounted on to the tank wall to effectively seal and isolate the tank downstream from a filler tube and related fuel delivery hoses. Tank closure is normally maintained by a closure spring which is overcome by introduction of fuel into the tank which allows movement of the inlet closure valve from its seated closed position and simultaneously opens an associated vaporous fuel vent control valve. When introduction of fuel is terminated, a spring returns the two valve elements back to their closed and sealed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Teets, Jacquelyn C. Rocca
  • Patent number: 5638874
    Abstract: A fuel cap retainer and gas tank cap for a fuel tank filler tube is disclosed in which the fuel tank filler tube is sealed if the gas tank cap is not properly installed on the fuel cap retainer and when properly installed permits vapor pressure equalization in the fuel cap retainer. A baffle plate extends across the fuel tank filler tube near a distal end of the fuel tank filler tube. The baffle plate has a refueling opening into which a fuel filler nozzle is adapted to be received and a valve opening. A flap valve is spring biased into a closed position sealing the refueling opening. A movable valve element is associated with the valve opening and biased to a closed position in which the valve element seals the valve opening. The movable valve element is shiftable to an open position in which the valve element permits fluid flow through the opening. The gas tank cap has a structural element for holding the movable valve element in the open position only when the gas tank cap is properly installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Robert Harold Thompson
  • Patent number: 5636660
    Abstract: A device for transferring and withdrawing liquids or liquid media from bottles, pouches or similar containers for medical purposes. The device includes a first rotationally-symmetric body including a threaded cam, a first spike with a tip, a first main duct extending to the tip, and a first auxiliary duct extending to the tip. The first auxiliary duct narrows to a capillary-like opening adjacent to the tip. A second rotationally-symmetric body is provided which includes a second spike with a second main duct and a second auxiliary duct. The first body is centrically plugged into the second body wherein the first spike is diametrically disposed with respect to the second spike. The first and second main ducts form a substantially linear, axially extending flow path through the device. The first and second bodies include a recess formed between the first auxiliary duct and the second auxiliary duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: CareMed GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Pfleiderer, Peter Heise
  • Patent number: 5623964
    Abstract: A gas filling valve including an inner connector having a first threaded portion at a lower end and a second threaded portion at an intermediate portion which is larger than the first threaded portion in diameter, a relief valve having a tubular casing having a smaller opening at a lower end thereby forming a shoulder at an inner wall thereof, a spring disposed on the shoulder, a washer arranged on the spring, and a rubber ring mounted on the washer, a check valve arranged within the tubular casing of the relief valve, an inner tubular member having an upper end engaged with a lower end of the check valve, an outer tubular member having an upper end engaged with a lower end of the tubular casing of the relief valve, and an outer connector having a flange formed with a plurality of holes and external threads adapted to engage with a lower end of the outer tubular member, whereby the gas will be discharged immediately out of the vehicle in case of over-pressure thereby ensuring the safety of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Shun-Ching Tsai
  • Patent number: 5606989
    Abstract: A self-venting valve having its principal parts molded of nylon reinforced with glass fibers is mounted in the bottom of a fuel filter assembly to drain water and other contaminants from the assembly. The self-venting valve includes a plunger portion with a bore therethrough for draining water from the fuel filter assembly and a valve body member which receives the plunger. The valve body member has a vent hole therein which communicates with the interior of the housing to let air into the housing so that as the water drains from the housing a partial vacuum is not created which might interrupt the flow of water. The plunger is biased to the valve closed position by a coil spring, however the valve may be held in the open position by misaligning lugs on the plunger with slots in the valve body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Roll, Willie L. Stamey, Christopher L. Loafman
  • Patent number: 5603349
    Abstract: A tank venting system includes first and second tank valves and a valve for controlling venting from valves to vapor recovery canister. The valve includes a housing containing a first valve assembly for controlling venting of the first tank valve and a second valve assembly for controlling venting of the second tank valve. A vent conduit defines a bleed passageway for dissipating pressurized fuel vapor in a housing flow tube to a filler neck through a signal port and a passageway. A tube includes a vacuum-relief passageway and a valve for regulating flow of ambient air from the signal passageway into the housing when a cap is off the filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 5601114
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a fuel tank having a fill neck and a vent conduit. The fill neck defines a passageway having one end open to the fuel tank and the second end adapted to receive fuel. Similarly, the vent conduit also has one end open to the fuel tank while the other end forms a second vent opening for allowing vapors to escape from the fuel tank during a filling operation. A fuel valve is fluidly positioned in series with the fill neck passageway and, similarly, a vent valve is fluidly positioned in series with the vent conduit. Both the fuel valve and vent valve are movable in unison between an open and a closed position so that, in the open position, fuel flow can occur through the fill neck and, simultaneously, fuel fumes are exhausted through the vent conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Pilot Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean P. Hummel
  • Patent number: 5595222
    Abstract: A fuel cap retainer and gas tank cap for a fuel tank filler tube is disclosed in which the fuel tank filler tube is sealed if the gas tank cap is not properly installed on the fuel cap retainer and when properly installed permits vapor pressure equalization in the fuel cap retainer. A baffle plate extends across the fuel tank filler tube near a distal end of the fuel tank filler tube. The baffle plate has a refueling opening into which a fuel filler nozzle is adapted to be received and a valve opening. A flap valve is spring biased into a closed position sealing the refueling opening. A movable valve element is associated with the valve opening and biased to a closed position in which the valve element seals the valve opening. The movable valve element is shiftable to an open position in which the valve element permits fluid flow through the opening. The gas tank cap has a structural element for holding the movable valve element in the open position only when the gas tank cap is properly installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Robert H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5562123
    Abstract: An overfill prevention valve is provided in the fill line of a tank. The valve is arranged such that the valve is held at a closed position unless an overflow for the tank is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Rodney S. Howard
  • Patent number: 5542670
    Abstract: A drinking cup has a cover which is formed with a drinking spout at one side and a vent at the other. Elements extend down from under the spout and the vent. A flow control element is provided and made of elastomeric material having a pair of spaced cavities on one side, each cavity having a floor at the bottom thereof. The cavities receive in frictional engagement respectively the lower ends of the elements. This engagement supports the flow control element with the floor of each cavity in sealed relation to its element. Each floor has a passage which is normally closed but opens on the occurrence of a pressure differential on opposite sides of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Emanuel P. Morano
  • Patent number: 5538055
    Abstract: Tank closure with a self-locking closure apparatus arranged at the orifice rim of a pour-in socket-piece. The closure apparatus consists of a closure part and a pour-in opening which is closable by means of the closure part. Between the rim of the opening and a refueling nozzle to be introduced a gas outlet gap remains for the gases which escape when refueling the tank. A guide is provided for reception of the refueling nozzle. In order to free the exiting gases from fluid droplets, it is provided that the guide exhibits a reduced-scale segment closely surrounding the refueling nozzle. Exit openings are provided at the side of the reduced-scale segment which is placed toward the pour-in socket-piece, through which the gases pass out of the guide to the outside. Inlet openings are arranged at the side of the reduced-scale segment which faces away from the tank, through which the gases in the interior of the guide enter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Temetec Fahrzeugtechnik Entwicklungsgesellschaft MbH
    Inventors: Georg Kunz, Angelika B. M. Temmesfeld
  • Patent number: 5529089
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular compressed natural gas fuel unit comprising generally a tank adapted to contain compressed natural gas and a fuel supply unit integrally attached to the main valve of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Williams Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Irwin A. Hicks, Joseph P. Lofink, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5495870
    Abstract: A combination toy and beverage dispensing device, primarily adapted for use with children and particularly minor children who are still consuming liquids from a bottle and similar dispensing device. The dispensing device has an outer housing which adopts the form of a ball and with which a toddler can play and use in a playpen or like confined area. The housing of the ball includes an interior chamber capable of retaining a beverage or other liquid, such as milk, to be dispensed through a valve arrangement. The valve arrangement has an actuating mechanism with an outer surface generally conforming to the surface of the ball housing. When the actuating member is pushed against, as, for example, by the lips of the child user, it will cause an extension or outward extending movement of a stem. The stem contains a liquid delivery tube and an air supply tube which both extend into the beverage in the interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Juan F. Dorta
  • Patent number: 5494084
    Abstract: A thin elongated metal tube of a diameter less than the diameter of a inlet aperture within the top of a fuel tank and opening upwardly therefrom has a closed lower end inserted within the aperture. The metal tube is supported by a radially enlarged collar on the periphery of the metal tube intermediate of its ends, having a diameter in excess of the diameter of the fuel inlet aperture. Purge gas distribution openings are provided within the lower opposite end of the metal tube to distribute purge gas interiorly of the fuel storage tank. The weight of the distribution nozzle is set to balance axially upward lift forces developed during inert gas pressurization of the tank to prevent overpressurization and rupture of the tank when the gas pressurization of the tank reaches a predetermined level less than that causing rupture of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Ashland Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Moore
  • Patent number: 5465875
    Abstract: A supply cap 1 is provided for attachment to the outlet 2 of a container 3 to permit supply of a quantity of substance from within the container 3 to a supply conduit 15 in a sealed manner when the container 3 is inverted so that the outlet 2 is at its bottom. The cap 1 has a connector body 8 which is sealingly engageable with the outlet 2, an outlet duct 13 extending through the connector body 8 for supply of a quantity of substance from within the container 3 when the container is inverted, and an inlet duct 14 extending through the connector body 8 for the passage of air and/or rinsing liquid into the container 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Wisdom Agricultural Investment Limited
    Inventor: Richard H. Garnett
  • Patent number: 5452819
    Abstract: A fuel fill cap for use in cooperation with a fuel tank of a fuel utensil to direct pressurized air within the fuel tank, wherein the cap includes a valve member mounted within the cap to permit pressurizing of the fuel tank through the cap. A modification of the invention includes a pressure gauge structure in association with the cap, as well as the pressure gauge and a pressure gauge audible whistle to indicate excess pressurization of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Michael L. Vance
  • Patent number: 5440477
    Abstract: A Modular Bottle-Mounted Gas Management System (10) that overcomes the problems encountered by previous gas cabinet equipment is disclosed. The present invention comprises a complete gas manifold (22) that includes computer-controlled valves, actuators, regulators and transducers. The entire system resides within a housing (11) that sits atop a conventional gas bottle (12) that would normally be enclosed within a gas cabinet (25) that is many times the volume of the Modular Bottle-Mounted Gas Management System 10. Outside the housing (11), an upper control panel (13) contains an LCD display (14) and a lower control panel (15) holds a keypad control (16), a removable data pack (17), LED indicator lights (18), and an emergency shut-off switch (19). Inside the housing (11), a bottle neck (20) protrudes up from the gas bottle (12) and provides a connection for a supply of gas within it to a gas manifold (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Creative Pathways, Inc.
    Inventors: Roderick G. Rohrberg, Russell D. Young, Timothy K. Rohrberg
  • Patent number: 5433242
    Abstract: A combined solution dispensing and pressurizing valve is provided so that the dispensed fluid is pressure driven to exhaust through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Dean H. Buchtel, John A. Leonatti, Gerald L. Melegari
  • Patent number: 5431199
    Abstract: A vaportight seal door assembly mounted in the upper end of a vehicle fuel system filler pipe. The seal door is normally biased to a closed position to create a vaportight seal between the fuel tank and the filler pipe inlet, normally closed by a cap. The seal door yields upon insertion of a dispenser nozzle to permit refueling. The seal door is provided with pressure relief structure to vent fuel vapor from the fuel tank to the upper end of the filler pipe at a predetermined pressure differential when the seal door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventors: Robert P. Benjay, Ed Dornan, Jay E. Hartford
  • Patent number: 5415198
    Abstract: A deflector has a ring attached at a first end to a pressurized vessel and around the sealed opening in the vessel. Rods project from a second end of the ring and a cover is mounted on the rods with springs holding the cover over the second end of said ring. Either the ring or the cover has an aperture therethrough an exhaust tube has one end located to receive fluid flowing through the aperture. When a small leak occurs at the sealed opening, escaping fluid flows through the exhaust tube and when the flow of escaping fluid is too great for the exhaust tube to handle, the cover slides away from the tube creating a larger passage through which the fluid can flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Deltak Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel S. Ewert, Edward B. Congdon
  • Patent number: 5407300
    Abstract: System for vapor recovery without formation of fluid blockages includes a vapor source, a fluid collection tank for collecting vapor, and a vapor recovery pipe extending between and fluidly collecting the vapor source and the fluid collection tank. The vapor recovery pipe slopes vertically downwardly from the vapor source to the fluid collection tank so that vapor flows into the fluid collection tank. The vapor recovery pipe has a main tube and an auxiliary tube disposed adjacent to the main tube. The vapor recovery pipe is engineered and is installed in such a manner that the vapor recovery pipe resists bending in a substantially vertical plane and allows bending in a substantially horizontal plane. Accordingly, the vapor recovery pipe according to the invention can be installed without surveying equipment, overcomes surface irregularities, and by resisting bending in a vertical direction ensures that no fluid blockages are formed along the length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Total Containment, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Guindon, James L. Lawrence, Homer Holden
  • Patent number: 5400840
    Abstract: A valve device for transferring waste oil from a reservoir to an emptied oil vending container having a threaded neck includes a vertical barrel having a rotatable fluid-directing member and an entrance tube horizontally emergent from the barrel and extending to a distal extremity. The lower extremity of the barrel is equipped with an annular closure cap adapted to make fluid-tight joinder with the threaded neck. The distal extremity of the entrance tube is adapted to make fluid-tight joinder with the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Martin Flaherty
  • Patent number: 5388611
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank having a filler neck. The apparatus comprises a housing defining an interior region, the housing being formed to include first and second inlet ports, a signal port, and an outlet port. The apparatus further comprises a first valve assembly movable between a blocking position preventing fuel vapor received from the first inlet port from flowing through the interior region during vehicle refueling and a venting position allowing fuel vapor received from the first inlet port to flow through the interior region to the outlet port during vehicle operation. A signal passageway extends between the filler neck and the signal port to expose the first valve assembly to fuel vapor pressure from the filler neck to move the first valve assembly toward its venting position during vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 5381836
    Abstract: A system for delivery of volatile liquid drugs as supplied to a patient by an anaesthetic vaporizer comprises a supply container (2) and a vaporizer (32) which includes a sump. Each of the supply container and the vaporizer is provided with a valve assembly (6, 34) which, when closed, prevent passage of fluid from the supply container into the sump. The supply container and the sump are connected to one another by means of a bayonet connection, which is made when indexing elements on the containers correspond. The valve assemblies in the containers are opened when the containers are connected to one another by means of an insert (40) located within an inlet conduit (10) linking the two containers.The inlet conduit (10) is rotatable between lowered and raised positions, to open a valve (37) by which flow of fluid into and out of a reservoir for fluid in the sump can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventors: Robert E. Braatz, Raymond S. Gregory, Robert A. Heaton, Keith Whitaker, David C. Sampson
  • Patent number: 5372454
    Abstract: System for vapor recovery without formation of fluid blockages includes a vapor source, a fluid collection tank for collecting vapor, and a vapor recovery pipe extending between and fluidly collecting the vapor source and the fluid collection tank. The vapor recovery pipe slopes vertically downwardly from the vapor source to the fluid collection tank so that vapor flows into the fluid collection tank. The vapor recovery pipe has an elongated cross section, and a direction of elongation of the cross section extends substantially vertically. The vapor recovery pipe is engineered and is installed in such a manner that the vapor recovery pipe resists bending in a substantially vertical plane and allows bending in a substantially horizontal plane. Accordingly, the vapor recovery pipe according to the invention can be installed without surveying equipment, overcomes surface irregularities, and by resisting bending in a vertical direction ensures that no fluid blockages are formed along the length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Total Containment, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5348048
    Abstract: A male/female quick-connect system is provided which is adapted to sealingly couple to the opening of a container of liquid product. The female component of the system is adapted to couple to any standard 3/4" plumbing fitment and/or 1/4" ID standpipe and is self-venting so that any stock container can be used without modification. The male component which sealingly couples to the female component is provided with a barbed tip adapted to receive a variety of feed line sizes. A one-way elastomeric valve is disposed in the male member which only allows product to flow therethrough when the male component is coupled to a source of vacuum thereby preventing product from flowing back into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventors: Lowell C. Schirado, James L. Chambers, Richard H. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 5327934
    Abstract: A pressure control valve for controlling vapor pressure in a fuel tank has an inlet line from the fuel tank, a pressure sensing line from the filler pipe, and an outlet line to a canister for handling the fuel vapor. Fuel vapor flow through the valve is controlled by ambient pressure from the filler pipe and tank pressure from the fuel tank, with those pressures acting on two diaphragms within the valve to alternately allow flow through the valve during normal vehicle operation and to prevent flow during refueling. A pressure relief valve is connected between the filler pipe line and the canister outlet line to prevent tank overpressurization should the valve malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Copany
    Inventor: Robert H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5322100
    Abstract: A fuel filler module fits in the filler pipe of an automotive fuel tank and includes a spring biased trap door that cooperates with a fuel nozzle restrictor to seal an open end of the filler pipe automatically when a fuel nozzle is withdrawn. The fuel filler module also includes a fuel nozzle guide that is part of a vent system for venting the fuel tank during the refuelling process and a splash guard feature that prevents splash back at the end of the refuelling process. The fuel filler module comprises four-snap together components that are largely plastic parts or assemblies of plastic parts that are designed for easy molding to facilitate economical manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Buechler, Eric A. Langley
  • Patent number: 5320147
    Abstract: An automotive fuel tank filler pipe contains a two-piece tubular or hollow, opened ended, nested housing in which is fixed an essentially solid disk blocking the opening therethrough and containing a fuel nozzle opening therethrough closed by a spring biased sealing flap door, and including a pair of oppositely acting one-way vacuum-break and pressure relief valves for automatically controlling the pressure conditions in the fuel tank, the structure preventing the unwanted discharge of fuel vapors/liquid into the atmosphere in the event that the fuel cap or closure member normally closing the upper end of the fill pipe is accidentally left off or not replaced or damaged after a refueling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: James R. Jamrog
  • Patent number: 5318069
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank having a filler neck. The apparatus comprises a housing defining an interior region, the housing being formed to include first and second inlet ports, a signal port, and an outlet port. The apparatus further comprises a first valve assembly movable between a blocking position preventing fuel vapor received from the first inlet port from flowing through the interior region during vehicle refueling and a venting position allowing fuel vapor received from the first inlet port to flow through the interior region to the outlet port during vehicle operation. A signal passageway extends between the filler neck and the signal port to expose the first valve assembly to fuel vapor pressure from the filler neck to move the first valve assembly toward its venting position during vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 5313978
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to improve a ventilation line opening/closing means of a fuel tank which interrupts a ventilation line from the fuel tank to a canister during fuel supply so as to restrict the fuel level when the tank is full, and which opens the ventilation line during traveling of a vehicle. This invention provides a ventilation line opening/closing means of a fuel tank, comprising a float valve provided in a ventilation line for introducing gas of the fuel tank into a canister so as to control ventilation, wherein a fuel receiving portion of return fuel including escape holes is integrally formed on a lower portion of a vent shut-off valve, so that the vent shut-off valve is opened by return fuel from the engine during operation of the engine, and that the vent shut-off valve is closed by the force of a spring during a stop of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Om Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takaki, Shinya Shimada