Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to fuel tanks including features for capturing vapors displaced during a filling process. In an embodiment, the invention includes a fuel tank including a housing defining an interior volume; an inflow conduit providing fluid communication between the outside of the housing and the interior volume; a check-valve coupled to the inflow conduit, the check-valve configured to allow fuel to flow through the check-valve into the interior volume but prevent the flow of gases from the interior volume to the outside of the housing; an expansion member configured to reversibly change in volume; and a vent conduit providing fluid communication between the expansion member and the interior volume of the housing. Other embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: A fill head assembly for a fuel storage system includes a check valve disposed within a central region of the fill head assembly. The check valve includes a membrane covering a vent outlet of the fill head assembly. The check valve prevents liquid flow from the central region into the vent outlet, while simultaneously allowing vapor flow from the central region into the vent outlet. The membrane includes a micro-porous material that is liquid impermeable, thereby preventing liquid flow through the membrane, and is vapor permeable, thereby allowing vapor flow through the membrane.

Abstract: A refueling system including a nozzle configured to dispense fuel through a fuel path thereof into a vehicle tank. The nozzle includes a vapor path configured such that vapor recovered from the vehicle tank during refueling is passable therethrough. The system further includes a sensing valve disposed in the vapor path, wherein the sensing valve is configured to generally block the associated part of the vapor path when a sufficient vacuum from the vehicle tank is applied to the sensing valve during refueling. The system also includes a regulator valve disposed in the vapor path and arranged in series with the sensing valve, the regulator valve being configured to regulate the level of vacuum applied by a vapor pump to the sensing valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing discharge of fuel from vent line when fueling a boat or other marine craft. A collection tank is mounted in the vent line from the main fuel tank, upstream of the overboard vent of the vessel. The collection tank includes a small, secondary reservoir within the main volume of the tank. Fuel escaping the main tank through the vent line enters the collection tank through two fitting, one being located in the bottom of the collection tank within the secondary reservoir and the other being located outside the reservoir; air displaced from the tank escapes to the overboard vent through an outlet fitting in the top of the collection tank. A float switch or other liquid level sensor is located within the secondary reservoir and is operatively connected to a warning light or other alarm device.

Abstract: A fuel overflow prevention device for minimizing or eliminating fuel spillage during fuel storage container filling. The device may also minimize or eliminate some types of fuel spillage after filling. The device includes an overflow prevention chamber for receiving therein fluid from a fuel storage container vent tube. The overflow prevention chamber also includes a space for removably receiving and retaining therein the spout of an automatic shutoff fuel nozzle including a sensor port. A flow restriction interface is established between an interior portion of the overflow prevention chamber and the exit port of the spout. Fluid received from the vent tube into the overflow prevention chamber fills the space until covering the sensor port to a level sufficient to trigger automatic nozzle shutoff. The device optionally includes a vent tube extension to aid in regulating the fuel level within the container at which nozzle shutoff is triggered.

Abstract: An on board refueling vapor recovery system includes a first fuel vapor passage for connecting a fuel tank with a canister, a second fuel vapor passage for connecting an inlet portion of a fuel filler pipe with the fuel vapor passage (a tank main body) and a check valve in the second fuel vapor passage. The check valve is integrated with a first quick connector of a resin hose (a resin tube) which constitutes the second fuel vapor passage. Therefore, the number of man hours required for assembling the on board refueling vapor recovery system can be reduced. In addition, the space required for installing any of the on board refueling vapor recovery system can also be reduced. Furthermore, the amount of released fuel evaporative emissions or fuel evaporative emissions can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluidized bed for dispensing small quantities of powders. The fluidized bed is made using a porous housing to permit injection and removal of fluid through the surrounding walls to improve the operation of the bed particularly for small particles of the group C size, including significantly reducing powder adhesion to the walls. In one aspect of the invention the fluidized bed housing is rotated about its longitudinal axis, which may be oriented at any suitable angle. A system for changing the volume of the bed is described as is a system for incorporating injection nozzles within the bed for constant agitation and prevention of powder adhering to the walls of the housing.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a pair of inputs for determining the pressure within a vapor recovery path. The inputs are positioned about a flow restrictor within the vapor recovery path. The vapor recovery path may include a mounting platform for attaching the pressure sensor and positioning the inputs relative to the flow restrictor. In one embodiment, a vapor sensor may also be positioned within the vapor recovery path. An inlet port and an outlet port direct vapor from the vapor recovery path to a sensor. The inlet and outlet ports are positioned relative to the flow restrictor for forcing the vapor through the sensor. In this embodiment, a common flow restrictor within the vapor recovery path may accommodate both the vapor sensor and the pressure sensor. If vapor is not being returned in the vapor return path properly, the fuel dispenser may set an alarm condition and/or shut down the fuel dispenser operation.

Abstract: A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet, the first valve part further including a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve movably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part further includes an air inlet alignable with the air inlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle. The bottle with the valve cap is useable with a dispenser assembly for mixing a concentrated fluid from the bottle with a dilutant. A tamper resistant lock prevents undesired rotation of the second valve part relative to the first valve part.

Abstract: A plug neck for a filler neck of a motor vehicle has exchanging means for refueling-venting adaptation to different refueling devices. In the case of a refueling device which removes gases from a refueling channel by suction, a compensation chamber is connected permanently to the refueling channel via a connecting channel. For adaptation to a refueling device without suction removal, the connecting channel is closed and the vent valve is provided with a cap which has a connection neck for a line leading to an activated carbon filter. This allows tool costs for producing the plug neck to be kept particularly low.

Abstract: A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet, the first valve part further including a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve movably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part further includes an air inlet alignable with the air inlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle. The bottle with the valve cap is useable with a dispenser assembly for mixing a concentrated fluid from the bottle with a dilutant. A tamper resistant lock prevents undesired rotation of the second valve part relative to the first valve part.

Abstract: A fuel tank filler apparatus includes a fuel tank filler neck, a pressure-relief valve coupled to the fuel tank filler neck, and a filler neck closure coupled to the fuel tank filler neck. The filler neck closure includes a drainage basin configured to collect liquid fuel, a retention chamber configured to store liquid fuel, and a fuel conductor configured to communicate liquid fuel between the drainage basin and the retention chamber. The filler neck closure can also include a blocker positioned to pivot about a pivot axis between a normally closed position blocking a fuel-receiving passage and an opened position permitting liquid fuel to flow through the fuel-receiving passage to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle for delivering fuel into a fuel tank by way of a fill pipe accommodates onboard refueling vapor recovery equipped vehicles by provision of vacuum and pressure relief for the vapor recovery conduit disposed in communication with the vapor conduit through an external surface of the fuel dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: To diminish the escape of fuel vapors from a fuel tank filling tube during filling of the tank, a valve is provided that is switched by insertion of a fuel pump nozzle into the filling pipe so that fuel vapors escaping upon filling of the fuel tank are transmitted with comparatively low flow resistance to an active carbon receptacle. When the fuel pump nozzle is removed from the filling tube, the valve is returned to its normal operating position in which venting of the tank takes place through an upper portion of the tank filling tube and through a gravity valve and a pressure holding valve.

Abstract: The invention is a filling valve which mounts to a filling machine having a storage tank for filling bottles or containers with liquid. The liquid passage of the filling valve is formed by a valve stem detachably connected with a sleeve. The two-piece design permits easy cleaning, replacing, and interchanging of the valve parts. The sleeve and valve stem are provided with large diameter bores in order to maximize fluid flow and minimize fill time. The bores of the sleeve and valve stem are provided with smooth tapered surfaces to reduce liquid turbulence.

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.

Abstract: In an evaporative-fuel emission preventing apparatus, a differential pressure regulating valve provided in the course of a passageway for connecting a fuel tank and a canister includes a valve section and a case section including a conduit for connecting the differential pressure regulating valve and the canister. The valve section has a communicating hole for connecting the low and high pressure sections of the differential pressure regulating valve. Liquid fuel flowing into the low pressure section is returned to the fuel tank via the communicating hole. When fueling, the quantity of air in the communicating hole can be controlled by a convex portion. Further, the conduit has a communicating hole for connecting the conduit and the fuel tank. When an interlocking valve formed in the valve section moves with an opening operation of the valve section and is separated from the communicating hole, liquid fuel within the conduit can be returned to the fuel tank via the communicating hole.

Abstract: An assembly for dispensing a constant flow of liquid from a bottle independent of the level of liquid in the bottle. The assembly has a two-part cap with an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion is affixed to the bottle and has a generally cylindrical air chamber which extends into the liquid in the bottle. This inner cap member has an opening in the bottom. An outer cap member has a mating air chamber and a mating opening in the bottom. When the outer cap member is turned with respect to the inner cap member to a closed position, no liquid can pass through the misaligned openings. There are also a set of alignable air openings in the air chambers of the inner and outer cap members which permit air to exit from the air chamber into the liquid when the liquid outlet openings are aligned. The result is a constant flow rate out of the bottle no matter what the height of liquid in the bottle may be until the bottle is essentially empty.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle for delivering fuel into a fuel tank by way of a fill pipe accommodates onboard refueling vapor recovery equipped vehicles by provision of a vacuum relief valve in communication with the vapor recovery conduit.

Abstract: A container (1) for masses (17) which can be pumped and which flow freely consists of a sack-shaped bag (3) made of flexible, diffusion-impervious plastic sheet which is closed pressure tight and arranged in a holding frame (2). From a bottom area (9) of bag (3), a conduit (11) to which an intake conduit (13) can be coupled emerges from the bag's discharge opening (10), which can also serve as a filling hole. During removal of mass (17) from the bag (3), the latter is progressively raised by a hoist (16). In this way and under the action of the reduced pressure prevailing inside the bag (3), the latter assumes an increasingly slimmer pear shape. In this way, the mass (17) accumulates in the area of the mouth of the conduit (11), and the mass (17) can be completely removed from the bag without difficulty and without air inclusions. In order to laterally support and protect the bag (3) when it is full, a holding frame (2) has a wall (5).

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

Abstract: A gravity based system for accurately dispensing a fluid and for mixing the fluid with another fluid. The system includes a bottle containing a quantity of the fluid. The bottle may be inverted and engaged with a dispenser assembly. The system is constructed so that the bottle is opened to allow the fluid to flow through the system when the bottle is engaged with the system, and to close the bottle when not engaged with the system. A second fluid may be introduced into the system and mixed with the first fluid in a controlled manner to dilute the first fluid.

Abstract: A pour spout for conducting a liquid, such as fuel, from a portable ventless container to a tank which includes a mechanism for enabling a user to readily determine when the tank is full and when fluid flow from the portable container into the tank has stopped. The mechanism includes a window in a wall of the container and a deflector connected to the pour spout which extends into the interior of the container for directing air bubbles entering the container through the pour spout toward the window. The window permits a user to visually determine when the displaced air bubbles stop flowing which is an indication that the tank is full and flow of the liquid has stopped. The window may be in the form of a translucent thin wall section, a transparent pane mounted in the wall, or the container itself may be translucent throughout so that the displaced air bubbles may be seen when directed to a location adjacent a wall.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preventing the spillage of fuel into the water or onto a marine vessel when filling a fuel tank on the vessel. A vent line is coupled between the fuel tank and a vent port of the vessel, at least one valve assembly is coupled within the vent line, and an overflow container is coupled within the vent line between the valve assembly and the vent port. The valve assembly defines a drain hole for permitting small quantities of fuel, gases and/or vapors to pass through the valve assembly and into the overflow container. A fill container defines a first aperture for receiving a fuel nozzle to fill the fuel tank with fuel, a fitting portion for seating the fill container within a fuel fitting coupled to the fuel tank on the vessel, and a second aperture for permitting fuel to pass between the fill container and the fuel tank. Upon filling the fuel tank with fuel, the overflow fuel is collected within the fill container, thus signalling to the attendant to turn off the fuel nozzle.

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.

Abstract: A tank vapor vent valve for a vehicle on board fuel emissions vapor recovery system has a liquid-vapor separator integrated into its design. A blocking valve is held closed when the tank is not being filled, but springs open when the nozzle is inserted to fill the tank, allowing venting flow out of the tank. A cup suspended below the valve catches entrained liquid fuel to keep it out of the canister line, and pulls the blocking valve shut when full. When the nozzle is removed, a drain plug at the bottom of the cup is automatically pushed open.

Abstract: A fuel tank having a trapping device arranged in its filler pipe for trapping fuel vapors during refuelling which has an internal closure flap which not only closes off an end of the filler pipe but also closes off connection to an activated carbon filter. Insertion of a fuel nozzle opens the flap valve.

Abstract: In association with a fuel tank of a vehicle with an inlet, an improved fuel filler assembly therein with first and second sealing means for isolating the interior of the fuel tank from the atmosphere and a vapor storage canister before a refill of the tank and subsequently from the atmosphere but not the storage canister during a refill operation while preventing passage of liquid to the storage canister.