With Vented Outlet Patents (Class 137/589)
  • Patent number: 11938358
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a pipe fitting through which a gas is configured to flow. The inlet of the pipe fitting is configured to connect to an open port of a fire suppression sprinkler system so that gas flows from the fire suppression sprinkler system into the pipe fitting. The valve assembly also includes a vent valve. The inlet of the vent valve is connected to the outlet of the pipe fitting. The vent valve is operable to move between an open position and a shut position. The valve assembly includes an inert gas analyzer and at least one vent port upstream of the inert gas analyzer. The inert gas analyzer is positioned to measure the inert gas content of gas flowing in front of the inert gas analyzer and through the vent port to an outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: George J. McHugh, IV, James P. McHugh, Bentley F. Gleeson
  • Patent number: 11882981
    Abstract: An operating assembly for use with a sink or bathtub having at least one fluid-holding basin and a basin drain includes an actuator and a housing. The housing includes a plug structure at, or near, a bottom portion of the housing for selectively blocking the basin drain and a drain valve comprising an inlet adjacent a bottom portion of the housing controlled by the actuator to be in an open position or a closed position. The inlet of the drain valve is provided on a first side of the housing, and the outlet of the drain valve is provided on a second side of the housing opposite the first side and directs fluid into the plug structure. The plug structure mates with the basin drain to prevent fluid in the basin from escaping into the drain other than through the drain valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Sink Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Declan Morgan
  • Patent number: 10674743
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the production and dispensing of chilled food products, such as ice cream or the like, comprises a refrigerated top tank (12) intended to contain a liquid preparation, and an underlying refrigerated cylinder (14) which contains a motor-driven scraper (15) and which receives the liquid preparation from the top tank (12) in order to produce from it the final product and dispense it controllably through a tap (16) at one end of the cylinder (14). The liquid preparation passes between the top tank (12) and the refrigerated cylinder (14) via a mixer pipe (21) which mixes air with the passing preparation. The top tank (12) contains a motor-driven screw (26) rotating about a horizontal axis so as to push the product inside the tank (12) towards the mixer pipe (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: UGOLINI SPA
    Inventor: Marco Corrado Ugolini
  • Patent number: 10646097
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a drain basin defined at a bottom of a sump of the dishwasher. The drain basin defines a discharge port and a drain pump is in fluid communication with the discharge port for selectively urging a flow of wash fluid through the discharge port to an external drain during a drain cycle. A check valve assembly includes a check valve removably positioned over the discharge port between the drain pump and the drain basin and a positioning arm attached to the check valve for positioning and locking the check valve in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Mark Thomas Fryman
  • Patent number: 8931459
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for controlling evaporative emissions in an internal combustion engine. A control valve assembly having a valve housing having an inlet portion, a first outlet portion and a second outlet portion, and a vapor chamber is provided. The vapor chamber is situated within the housing and is in communication with the inlet portion, first outlet portion and second outlet portion. The assembly is configured to receive fuel vapors from a fuel vapor source, through the inlet portion into the valve chamber. The assembly is further configured to selectively actuate a piston member situated at least partially inside the valve chamber for communicating the fuel vapors in the vapor chamber to either: (i) at least one of the atmosphere and an engine air inlet system via the second outlet portion when the engine is operating or otherwise engaged to be operated, or (ii) to a crankcase of the engine via the first outlet portion when the engine is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Aleko D. Sotiriades
  • Patent number: 8813781
    Abstract: A drop separator for the bleeding line of a fuel container, comprising a drop separator housing that is connected to a space surrounded by the filler tube of the fuel container, preferably directly to the refueling channel of the filler tube, and at least two bleeding line connections, wherein the housing is divided by at least one partition into at least two separate gas paths, wherein a first gas path is designed as a gas inlet channel and a second gas path as a gas outlet channel. The gas inlet channel is closed on the end face by a lid and communicates via a passage of a surrounding wall of the drop separator housing with the filler tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Waldemar Nickel, Manfred Prueser
  • Publication number: 20140230930
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum processing apparatus having a means for preventing counter-pressure between adjacent chambers, which comprises a process chamber, a transfer chamber, and a load lock chamber, comprising: a cassette chamber installed between the chambers, having slits formed at both opposite side surfaces to serve as a passage of a substrate; a vent detection part configured to detect a vent process in which a vent gas is injected into each chamber; a cassette chamber constant pressure inducing part comprising first and second bypass lines configured to connect each chamber and the cassette chamber and first and second intermittent valves respectively installed at the first and second bypass lines to control a gas flow through each bypass line; and a control part configured to determine whether the vent process or a vacuum process is performed in each chamber through a signal detected from the vent detection part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Kwang Wook Lim
  • Patent number: 8667985
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve and vent assembly include a tank vent including: (i) a vent body having a vent inlet adapted to connect to a tank and arranged to communicate with an exhaust outlet via a fluid passageway; (ii) an exhaust check valve connected to the vent body at or adjacent the exhaust outlet, the exhaust check valve being configured to allow flow in one direction only; and (iii) a pressure relief valve connected to the tank vent inlet and adapted to couple to a tank. The pressure relief valve, when closed, allows for venting air or air/hydrocarbon mixtures from the tank to the exhaust check valve via the fluid passageway. The pressure relief valve, when opened on pressurization of the tank, exhausts tank fluid from the exhaust check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Walnab Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David Grillmeier, Joshua Jeffress, Adam Peattie
  • Publication number: 20140000524
    Abstract: A breather cap assembly is provided which is configured to be connected to a stand-tube used in a watering system. When the watering system is in normal operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to allow for air to flow between the outside the assembly and the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to minimize the introduction of foreign material from outside the breather cap assembly into the stand-tube. When the watering system is in flushing operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to seal off the stand-tube in order to minimize the possibility of water leaving the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly further also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to collect and retain a majority of any water that does leave the stand-tube during a flushing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Allen Orgill, Christopher Richard Roes, Roger Steven Kiphart, Grant Alexander White
  • Patent number: 8608021
    Abstract: A fill cover assembly for a liquid fuel storage tank of a road tanker, the assembly comprising: a seat member having a frame, the frame defining a fill aperture, the frame being configured to be fixedly coupled to a base plate of a liquid storage tank, the base plate having a plate aperture formed therein, thereby to form a fluid-tight seal between the seat member and the base plate around said plate aperture; and a fill-cover coupled to the tank and arranged to be moveable with respect to the frame between a closed condition in which a fluid-tight seal is formed between the fill-cover and the frame and an open condition in which fluid may be passed through said fill aperture to fill said storage tank, wherein the assembly is further arranged to allow venting of pressurized fluid from the liquid storage tank in the event that a pressure of the fluid exceeds a prescribed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mechtronic Limited
    Inventor: Trevor Poulter
  • Patent number: 8584702
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for draining a liquid. An inner drain body is disposed on a container, with an inner liquid outlet in its lower portion, and an air inlet above and at a radial offset from the inner liquid outlet. An outer drain body is disposed around and below the inner drain body, and is adjustably coupled to the inner drain body. An outer liquid outlet is disposed in the outer drain body. A lower seal is disposed below the inner liquid outlet and between the inner drain body and the outer drain body, engaging a lower sealing surface. An upper seal circumscribes the inner liquid outlet and the air inlet, and is disposed between the inner drain body and the outer drain body, engaging an upper sealing surface that extends further beyond the upper seal than the lower sealing surface extends beyond the lower seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Wassem Abdalla, Peter K. Herman
  • Patent number: 8499788
    Abstract: A dry air fuel vent breather to remove the moisture from air entering a fuel system is provided. When air flows in to the breather from the outside, it is forced through a desiccant cartridge. When air is exhausted from the system, it bypasses the desiccant cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Richard J. Raymo, Sr.
  • 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: 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: 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: 8074932
    Abstract: A method for creating ullage in a fuel tank includes the steps of porting NEA into a mixing chamber during descent, exposing the mixing chamber to ambient air and communicating a mixture of NEA and ambient air into the fuel tank. A complementary apparatus to the method includes a mixing chamber for receiving NEA during descent, a port for communicating ambient air with the mixing chamber during descent and a port for communicating a mixture of the NEA and the ambient to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Surawski
  • Publication number: 20110226495
    Abstract: A wet pipe fire protection sprinkler system and method of operating a wet pipe fire sprinkler system includes providing a sprinkler system having a pipe network, a source of water for the pipe network, at least one sprinkler head connected with the pipe network and a drain valve for draining the pipe network. An inert gas source, such as a nitrogen gas source, is connected with the pipe network. Inert gas is supplied from the inert gas source to the pipe network. Water is supplied to the pipe network thereby substantially filling the pipe network with water and compressing the inert gas in the pipe network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicants: Fire Protection Systems Corrosion Management, Inc., Holtec Gas Systems
    Inventors: David J. Burkhart, Jeffrey T. Kochelek, Kenneth Jones, Thorstein Holt
  • 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: 20090288713
    Abstract: A tank system includes a high-pressure tank, a detection unit for detecting a temperature increase in at least a portion of the high-pressure tank, a decompression unit for decompressing the high-pressure tank, and a control unit for controlling the decompression unit to decompress the high-pressure tank when a temperature increase in at least a part of the high-pressure tank is detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Shuji Hirakata
  • Patent number: 7621483
    Abstract: An aircraft comprising a plurality of fuel tanks in each wing is arranged such that each fuel tank is provided with a venting pipe connected to a single venting chamber. The venting chamber is itself located in a central fuel tank located in the wing centre-box and is thus located inwardly of at least two of the fuel tanks. The venting chamber has two venting pipes each being connected via a respective surge tank in each wing to the exterior of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus UK Limited
    Inventors: Simon John Cozens, Jeffrey Mark Brown, Michel Tran Van
  • Patent number: 7543723
    Abstract: An air-vented closure assembly for a fluid container has a valve body and a valve element. The valve body has first and second fluid conduits. The valve body has a mounting sleeve in fluid communication with the first and second fluid conduits. A valve member is positioned in the mounting sleeve for reciprocating movement from a closed position to an open position. The valve member has a wall having opposed ends, the valve member having a third fluid conduit therethrough. A first portion of the wall is removed to define an air inlet into the third fluid conduit and a second portion is removed to define an air outlet. When the valve member is in the closed position fluid flow through the first and second conduits is prevented, and when in the open position fluid can flow through the first conduit and air can flow through the air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: DS Smith Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Michael Wilford, Mark A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7491258
    Abstract: A gas and liquid separation device for use with a fuel tank. The separation device includes a body having at least one passage therethrough in fluid communication with the fuel tank, and a gas and liquid separator carried by the body in fluid communication with the at least one passage and being oriented at an angle with respect to horizontal when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: TI Automotive Fuel Systems SAS
    Inventors: Christophe Gouzou, Eric Renard, Humbert de Monts de Savasse
  • Publication number: 20080264500
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved manifold (100) for use in a pumping system for pumping liquid, in particular but not exclusively liquid fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Mechtronic Ltd
    Inventor: Trevor John Poulter
  • Patent number: 7422027
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple fuel vent assembly for use in inboard and outboard fuel tanks for marine vessels. The vent assembly includes upper and lower portions defining an L shaped interior passageway. The lower portion includes upper and lower valve seats positioned within this passageway. Spaced vent openings extend through the lower portion above and below the valve seat. A spherical float is positioned within the passageway between the upper and lower valve seats. As fuel is added to the tank, pressure can escape through the fuel vent. The flow valve is within the passageway as the level of liquid fuel in the tank rises during the fuel refilling process. When the tank is at its desired fill level the float engages the upper valve seat and forms a seal preventing liquid fuel from traveling past the upper seat and through the passageway into the atmosphere outside the tank. The second vent opening remained open to vent pressure from the space between the top of the tank and the fuel level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Tony Riviezzo
  • Patent number: 7225826
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple fuel vent assembly for use in inboard and outboard fuel tanks for marine vessels. The vent assembly includes upper and lower portions defining an L shaped interior passageway. The lower portion includes upper and lower valve seats positioned within this passageway. Spaced vent openings extend through the lower portion above and below the valve seat. A spherical float is positioned within the passageway between the upper and lower valve seats. As fuel is added to the tank, pressure can escape through the fuel vent. The flow valve is within the passageway as the level of liquid fuel in the tank rises during the fuel refilling process. When the tank is at its desired fill level the float engages the upper valve seat and forms a seal preventing liquid fuel from traveling past the upper seat and through the passageway into the atmosphere outside the tank. The second vent opening remained open to vent pressure from the space between the top of the tank and the fuel level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Moeller Marine Products
    Inventor: Tony Riviezzo
  • Patent number: 7100635
    Abstract: A large-scale system for storage and mixing of a solution comprising a plurality of ingredients not compatible for long-term storage in a pre-mixed formulation includes a storage tank that is divided into a plurality of compartments each of which is adapted to isolate and store a proportionate amount of ingredient, fluid conduits for withdrawing and conveying the ingredients from the compartments, valves for controlling the flow of ingredients and for preventing backflow, a manifold for continuous mixing and blending of the ingredients as they are withdrawn, a sump for holding a quantity of the mixed solution, a display to enable monitoring of system parameters and a discharge port to which conduits may be coupled for withdrawing the mixed solution from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: George W. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6857454
    Abstract: A fuel tank and a canister are connected to each other by a first evaporated-fuel passage and a second evaporated-fuel passage, and a valve chamber of a float valve separate from the fuel tank is disposed at an intermediate portion of the first evaporated-fuel passage. Thus, there is no limitation in the positional relationship between a filled-up liquid surface in the fuel tank and a valve seat of the float valve. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the vertical dimension of the float valve. Moreover, since the valve chamber is provided separately from the fuel tank, it is unnecessary to define an opening for mounting the valve chamber to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taiki Yanase, Tsuyoshi Chou, Hisayuki Goma
  • Patent number: 6843285
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to improve safety by preventing the leakage of liquid caused by the internal pressure of a container. A liquid path plug in which a pipe is provided in the lid section of the plug, and a gas path plug which does not have a pipe are attached to openings of the container. The engaging groove section is formed on the end surface of the liquid path cap which closes the through hole provided in the liquid path plug section of the liquid path plug. The engaging protrusion section and the engaging hole section are formed on the end surface of the gas path cap which is provided in the gas path plug section of the gas path plug and closes the through hole. The gas path cap is detached by engaging the engaging pin of the detaching fixture on the engaging hole section of the gas path cap and by turning the gas path cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6805159
    Abstract: A fuel refilling assembly for transferring fuel from a nozzle to a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The fuel refilling assembly includes a fuel filler neck extending out from the fuel tank. The fuel filler neck has a tank end disposed adjacent the fuel tank and a distal end. A housing is fixedly secured to the distal end of the fuel filler neck. The housing defines an opening for receiving the nozzle therethrough. A flapper door is pivotally secured to the housing and is movable between a closed position for preventing access from the housing to the fuel filler neck, and an open position for allowing the nozzle to transfer fuel to the fuel tank via the fuel filler neck. A dampener mechanism abuts the flapper door. The dampener mechanism dampens the movement of the flapper door as the flapper door moves from the open position to the closed position upon the removal of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventors: Michael A. Beaulne, Ronald G. Stark
  • Patent number: 6612338
    Abstract: A valve structure that comprises a housing and a valve. The housing includes a first fluid communication passage between a first port and a second port. The valve is movable with respect to the housing between a first configuration, a second configuration, and an intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. The first configuration permits substantially unrestricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second configuration substantially prevents fluid flow between the first and second ports. And the intermediate configuration provides restricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The valve includes a first valve element and a second valve element. The first valve element includes a second fluid communication passage providing the restricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second valve element is positionable in first and second positions with respect to the first valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Andrew Weldon, John Edward Cook, William Charles Gillier
  • Patent number: 6508944
    Abstract: A vacuum assist system and process for handling cutting fluid and chips collected from a series of machine tools includes a closed header pipe extending below a series of sumps associated with the machine tools, the sumps draining into the header pipe. The header pipe has a down leg extending vertically down to a filter tank which is opened periodically to drain the header pipe, developing a vacuum which assists the flow of liquid down the header pipe so as to insure a sufficient flow velocity in the header pipe to carry the collected chips out of the header pipe and into the filter tank with the cutting fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Publication number: 20020174903
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser, for example a vending machine, includes a valve intermediate a reservoir and an outlet tube. The valve includes a vent port which is opened when the valve is closed to allow the outlet tube to drain quickly and neatly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Beta Valve Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Edwin Sparrowhawk
  • Patent number: 6470910
    Abstract: A tap comprising a body having a liquid flow passageway between a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet and an air flow passageway between an air inlet and an air outlet. A valve system including a valve seat is provided for controlling liquid and air flow in the passageways which is operated by a push button. When the air inlet and liquid outlet are coincident, the valve seat may be at or adjacent the liquid outlet. When the air outlet and liquid inlet are coincident, the valve seat may be at the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Waddington and Duval Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Blackbourn, Ian Woodward
  • Patent number: 6460562
    Abstract: A fuel tank system for a vehicle, the fuel tank system having multiple independent tanks fluidly connected to a single fuel filling port on the vehicle, and a T-connector for directing the fuel to the multiple tanks. The fuel filling port is fluidly connected to the tanks through the T-connector, which is configured to direct the fuel to one of tanks until that tank is filled, and then to divert the fuel to the second tank. The second tank includes a vapor vent, and both tanks are connected by a vapor line, the vapor venting system configured so that a nozzle shut-off back pressure is not developed until the second tank is filled to its fill line. The configuration of the dual tanks and their fluid connection to the fuel inlet port allows the tanks to be substantially filled independently of relative fill levels between tanks, fuel and ambient temperature, fuel reid vapor pressure, or vehicle attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Hart
  • Patent number: 6401752
    Abstract: A tap (2, 52) comprising a body having a liquid flow passageway between a liquid inlet (10, 60) and a liquid outlet (12, 62) and an air flow passageway between an air inlet (13, 62) and an air outlet (10, 92). A valve system including a valve seat (24, 63) is provided for controlling liquid and air flow in the passageways which is operated by a push button (16, 66). When the air inlet (62) and liquid outlet (62) are coincident, the valve seat (63) may be at or adjacent the liquid outlet (62). When the air outlet (10) and liquid inlet (10) are coincident, the valve seat (24) may be at the liquid inlet (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Waddington & Duval Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Blackbourn, Ian Woodward
  • Patent number: 6397407
    Abstract: A multi-position (e.g. three way) valve is operatively connected to a combined vacuum/holding tank for a vacuum toilet system, and to a pump capable of pumping both air and sewage. When the valve is in one position air is pulled from the tank through the pump to increase the vacuum level in the tank, e.g. to above 10 in/Hg. When the valve is moved to a second position by either a float or manual switch operation, the sewage is pumped out of the tank through the pump while surrounding air moves through the valve into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: SeaLand Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kjell Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 6395068
    Abstract: A bulk tank depressurization filter apparatus is disclosed which comprises a filter cartridge having an inlet and an outlet, a gas passageway therebetween, at least one gas-capturing filter through which gas in the gas passageway passes, and a Chicago coupling for attaching the inlet of the filter cartridge to a tank containing a pressurized gas. Also disclosed is a method of capturing the residual gas in a tank containing a gas under pressure using the bulk tank depressurization filter apparatus. The inlet is attached to the tank and the pressurized gas is permitted to flow from the tank into the filter cartridge where the gas is captured by the material in the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Dennis M. Rooney
  • Patent number: 6279609
    Abstract: A flow control means for stable, constant discharge flow from and to a body of liquid, having a float body (8) which floats on a body of liquid (9), with a main outlet pipe (5) having a mouth/upper end (4) above the upper surface (6) of the body of liquid (9), and into which there is passed, from the body of liquid, one or more feed outlet pipes/gates (2) which open into the main outlet pipe (5) at a desired distance below the upper surface (6) of the body of liquid (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Per Velve
    Inventor: Kaare Andersen
  • Patent number: 6167911
    Abstract: A vent device for marine vessels with internal fuel tanks, comprising an upper embodiment that is attached through a vessels hull and a lower embodiment that is attached to the fuel tank. Together they permit fumes to vent into the atmosphere while containing the fuel that usually expels during fueling. This fuel is automatically directed to return back into the fuel tank. This venting device while allowing air to enter, protects against rain, splash, spray and insects from entering the fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Burt Diamond
  • Patent number: 6036928
    Abstract: A sterilizing machine facilitates the introduction of a bath liquid into empty crevasses in the article to be sterilized by evacuating a chamber holding the article to be sterilized prior to covering the article with a bath of liquid. The sterilizer equipment also applies a high pressure to the article to enhance killing of organisms contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: William A Barnstead
  • Patent number: 6029719
    Abstract: 1. A fuel tank (1) having a filler neck (3) closable by a filling flap (2), the volatile fuel components (5) located in free space (4) of the fuel tank (1) being able to be fed into a storage chamber (7) filled with an absorption element (6), including a vent line (8) that connects the free space (4) to the storage chamber (7) and is closable by a valve (9). The filler neck (3), on the side facing away from the fuel tank (1), has a plug fitting (10) with a valve support (11). The valve (9) includes a sealing flap (12), the sealing flap (12) and the filling flap (2) forming components of the valve support (11), each being able to pivot about a shaft (13,14), and, being acted upon by spring tension, each being able to be placed against a valve seat (15,16) in the valve support (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignees: Firma Carl Freudenberg, Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Hor, Joachim Heinemann, Jurgen Kriebel, Axel Wagner
  • 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: 5960826
    Abstract: An above-ground oil storage tank with a valve and spill containment system. The tank comprises an internal secondary chamber which is readily accessible from the exterior. The secondary chamber houses an outlet valve and may also house sample taps, electronic level indicators and temperature gauges, keeping these components protected from the elements in a warm and dry environment. The secondary chamber also contains spills from the outlet valve and sample taps and may include means to conveniently recover spilled fluid. The tank may also include overflow control means which prevents overflow of fluid from the tank and directs such fluid into the secondary chamber, and loading means within the secondary chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventors: Russ Hebblethwaite, Darryl Bonifacio
  • Patent number: 5950662
    Abstract: A supplemental water system for a building structure includes a tank for storage of supplemental water and a conduit from the tank to at least one user outlet device within the building structure. The outlet conduit and user outlet device are separate from the conventional tap water system within the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Eleven Hundred Springs, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim C. Scott
  • Patent number: 5947154
    Abstract: The container is used for liquids and is equipped with an outlet to which a discharge hose with an interior hose space can be connected. The outlet is disposed in a container wall which encloses an interior space of the container. In the region of the outlet, a through-passage which leads to the interior space of the container, is disposed. The outlet is connected to a two-position valve which has at least two control positions. A discharge position and an aerating position are being provided. In the discharge position, the two-position valve connects the interior space of the container to the interior space of the hose. In the aerating position, the end of the discharge hose, which faces the interior space of the container, is connected to an area outside the container by means of the two-position valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Friedrich Fischer
  • Patent number: 5803136
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the pressure in a fuel tank ullage includes a conduit adapted to be connected to the fuel tank ullage and equipped with a controllable valve. A pressure sensor is adapted for mounting to detect the pressure in the fuel tank ullage, and a catalyst module has an inlet connected to the conduit, a catalyst in the module, an outlet separated from the inlet by the catalyst, a heater disposed to heat the catalyst, and a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Hal C. Hartsell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5676115
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cutoff machine having an internal combustion engine arranged for driving a work tool. The engine is held in a housing including a supporting component. Located in the housing is a fuel tank, from which the internal combustion engine is supplied with fuel. The fuel tank itself is connected via a venting tube to an equalizing vessel, which communicates with the atmosphere via a valve system. In order to connect the fuel tank to the equalizing vessel in an easily produced and assembled manner and in order to ensure safe venting of the fuel tank, a hollow body is provided in the supporting component. The hollow body is partitioned by a partition wall into two chambers, the one chamber forming the fuel tank and the other chamber forming the equalizing vessel. Both chambers are connected to each other via a one-piece venting component in which a venting line is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl
    Inventors: Peter Linsbauer, Norbert Veser
  • Patent number: 5542706
    Abstract: An improved fuel system for motor vehicles, such as motorcycles, including a fuel tank having a fueling port and a separate relief port, a cap which is adapted for closing and sealing the fueling port, a pressure relief valve for closing and opening the relief port, and a conduit for directing fuel from the relief port to a location which is away from a rider of the vehicle. The pressure relief valve has an inner orifice which is normally closed, but opens to allow fuel to flow from the tank through the conduit when the pressure within the tank exceeds a predetermined super-atmospheric level, for example, during a collision. The fuel system also provides for venting of air into the tank as fuel is consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Safety Engineering Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Kris D. Kubly
  • Patent number: 5462100
    Abstract: A refueling vapor recovery system for a vehicle utilizes recirculation of a portion of the displaced vapor and combines a vapor vent valve and a recirculation control into a single differential pressure valve assembly. A vapor vent conduit provides fuel tank vapor pressure to one side of a diaphragm and, through a restricted orifice, to the other side of the diaphragm, the other side being further connected by a recirculation conduit to the tank filler neck. When a gas cap closes the filler neck from the atmosphere, the orifice allows pressure to equalize across the diaphragm; and a spring biases the diaphragm to close a vapor vent valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Charles H. Covert, Richard W. Wagner, Kenneth W. Turner, Karen M. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5437317
    Abstract: A ventilation line opening/closing device for a fuel tank wherein opening/closing valve is provided in a ventilation line for vapor leading from the fuel tank to a canister. The opening/closing valve includes a closure device for closing the valve by opening a shutter when a fuel supplying nozzle is inserted into a filler port. The valve remains closed even when the fuel supplying nozzle is removed from the filler port and is only opened by an opening device for opening the valve when the filler cap is tightly fitted into the filler port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Om Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Takatsuka, Yukihiro Tsugita, Kyokuichi Sato