For Inlet With Externally Engaged Flap Or Closure Member Patents (Class 141/350)
  • Patent number: 8539993
    Abstract: A fuel tank opening and closing device is equipped with a flap valve mechanism having an opening and closing member for opening and closing an inlet inside a tank opening forming member. The nozzle positioning guide mechanism has a first support mechanism of an opening peripheral edge of an introduction port of an insertion path of a tank opening forming member, a second support mechanism having an introduction guide surface formed on the top surface of the pressing member of the opening and closing member, and a positioning ridge line that has a curvature almost the same but slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fueling nozzle and which touches by line contact on the outer peripheral surface of the fueling nozzle at the insertion completion position, and a third support mechanism having a valve positioning member which regulates the degree of openness of the opening and closing member by touching the inner wall of the tank opening forming member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Publication number: 20130233445
    Abstract: A filler neck for a diesel fuel tank with a blocker device for preventing misfuelling with a nozzle of smaller diameter than the minimum diesel nozzle diameter, and includes control levers, a control spring, a blocker lever, a blocker latch and a blocker latch spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR Fuel Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen PFOHL
  • Patent number: 8522838
    Abstract: A grommet adapted to secure a fuel fill line to a fuel fill housing includes a body having an opening extending therethrough and a first flange coupled to the body. The first flange includes a plurality of tabs. The body also includes a second flange coupled to the body such that a channel is defined between each of the tabs and the second flange. Each respective mating tab is adapted to be received in each respective channel. The mating flange includes a plurality of slots. Each respective slot is formed between a pair of mating tabs. During installation, each tab is adapted to be inserted through a respective slot formed in the mating flange. The grommet also includes a latching device adapted to limit the radial movement of the grommet with respect to the mating flange. The latching device may be embodied as a detent adapted to be received in a recess formed in the mating flange. The grommet may also include a tactile indicator adapted to indicate when the grommet is in a predetermined radial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Craig W. Gurtatowski
  • Patent number: 8511353
    Abstract: A fuel tank opening and closing device is equipped with a flap valve mechanism having an opening and closing member for opening and closing an inlet inside a tank opening forming member. The nozzle positioning guide mechanism has a first support mechanism of an opening peripheral edge of an introduction port of an insertion path of a tank opening forming member, a second support mechanism having an introduction guide surface formed on the top surface of the pressing member of the opening and closing member, and a positioning ridge line that has a curvature almost the same but slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fueling nozzle and which touches by line contact on the outer peripheral surface of the fueling nozzle at the insertion completion position, and a third support mechanism having a valve positioning member which regulates the degree of openness of the opening and closing member by touching the inner wall of the tank opening forming member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 8490661
    Abstract: In at least one implementation, a filler neck for a fuel tank may include an outer tube attached to the fuel tank through which fuel is discharged into the fuel tank during a refueling event, and an insert. The insert may be carried by the outer tube and have a passage adapted to receive a refueling nozzle during a refueling event, a first barrier adapted to engage a refueling nozzle inserted in the passage and having one or more gaps through which fluid may flow between the refueling nozzle and first barrier, and a second barrier adapted to engage the first barrier to reduce the size of the gaps when the first barrier is engaged with a refueling nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: TI Automotive Technology Center GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan O. Leipold, Tobias Schanegg, Ankur Seth
  • Patent number: 8439088
    Abstract: A one-way valve for a fuel-tank filling conduit deters siphoning and prevents back flow of fuel. The one-way valve comprises a blocking element arranged in the conduit and pivotable between a flow-blocking, object-insertion blocking first position and a flow-admitting, object-insertion blocking second position. In the second position the blocking element divides the conduit into flow areas of comparable width. The one-way valve further comprises a bias element that biases the blocking element to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric David Bramson
  • Patent number: 8430140
    Abstract: A capless fuel filling system for a vehicle including a closure assembly that forms an iris arrangement that is rotatable to form a seal for a fuel filling tube or provide access to the fuel filling tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Flobal Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Ognjanovski, David Ballheim
  • Publication number: 20130042940
    Abstract: A fill cap for a drink container for receiving an open end of a drink bottle. The fill cap includes a cylindrical collar and an annular flange extending radially inwardly from the cylindrical collar. A valve structure is connected to and surrounded by the annular flange and in includes a pair of generally planar lip members. Each lip member has an outer portion adjoining the inner edge of the flange and the lip members converge at an angle axially downwardly to inner edges where the lip members adjoin each other at a slit. A pair of opposing side walls extend from the flange to edges of the lip members located axially downwardly from the flange. The slit is configured to receive the bottle neck therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Glenn B. Paige, Gordon E. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8376004
    Abstract: A spill-stopping device for a chemical drum featuring a boot assembly; a shroud with an aperture disposed on the first end of the boot assembly, the aperture is adapted to accept a shaft of a filling machine; a spout disposed in the second end of the boot assembly, the spout is adapted to snugly fit into chemical drum aperture in a lid of a chemical drum and accept a shaft of a filing machine; a double-door assembly pivotally attached in the spout via hinges, the double-door assembly can move between at least an open position and a closed position respectively allowing and preventing access to the spout from the boot assembly; and counterweights attached to each hinge and extending upwardly into the boot assembly, the counterweights function to bias the double-door assembly in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Roberto J. Nieto
  • Patent number: 8371345
    Abstract: A structure for a fuel lid section has a fuel lid supported on a vehicle body via a hinge, a vehicle body recess openably covered by the fuel lid, a fuel filling opening placed in the vehicle body recess, and a cap-less mechanism provided at the fuel filling opening and enabling fuel filling operation without requiring attachment/detachment of a fuel cap. The structure also has an electricity conduction path extending from the fuel lid to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu Sato, Shoichi Hokazono, Shinya Murabayashi
  • Patent number: 8371346
    Abstract: A refueling nozzle is inserted into a fuel filler tube of the vehicle, refueling is carried out in the normal manner. However, during retraction of the nozzle, when the nozzle is prone to drip, a specially designed valve is caused to open and a vacuum canister draws in a rush of air and captures the dripping gas. During normal vehicle operation, the captured fuel in the vacuum canister is drawn into the engine intake manifold to be burned through the engine and the vacuum in the canister is replenished for the next refueling stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8347914
    Abstract: System for filling a tank comprising a pipe head and a fill pipe extending between the pipe head and the tank. The pipe head comprises a chamber with an inlet opening that connects to the atmosphere and an outlet opening that connects to the fill pipe and a stopper being movable between open and closed positions to open or close the access to the fill pipe, the head inlet and outlet openings being sized and arranged to allow introduction of a filling nozzle into the fill pipe through the pipe head when the stopper is in its open position. The fill pipe comprises or is preceded by a local restriction designed so that the cross section of the passage for the nozzle is substantially reduced to the outer diameter of the nozzle. A degassing connection links the fill pipe and the pipe head outside of its outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: Hervé Runarvot, Patrick Ganachaud, Mickaël Charrier
  • Publication number: 20120312420
    Abstract: A filling port structure for a fuel tank includes a filling port member that defines a filling port, an open/close valve that opens and closes the filling port, a rotary member that attaches the open/close valve to the filling port member in a manner such that the open/close valve is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, a locking member that is provided in the filling port member and is movable between a locking position to lock the open/close valve in the closed position and an unlocking position to unlock the open/close valve, an unlocking member that moves the locking member to the unlocking position when pressed by a fuel gun, and a retention portion that holds the locking member in the unlocking position at least when the open/close valve is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Chiaki KATAOKA, Satoshi YAMAMOTO, Masaki AKAGI
  • Publication number: 20120279612
    Abstract: A fueling-error prevention device is provided in an inside of a fuel flow path between a fueling opening and a fuel tank. A flap valve is provided on one of the first and the second sliders which are disposed opposite each other with the fuel flow path positioned therebetween. Accompanied by an insertion of a fueling nozzle having a predetermined diameter, the fueling nozzle abuts against either the first or the second slider so as to move one slider in a separating direction. Thus, the other of the first or the second slider is allowed to move in the separating direction, and due to the movement of the other slider in the separating direction by abutment of the fueling nozzle, the flap valve is allowed to be opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Yosuke Washio, Hiroyuki Yoshii
  • Patent number: 8281824
    Abstract: An instrument (23) for filling a substance supply container (1) of a device (21) for personal care treatment has a filling needle (4) having a proximal end connected or connectable to a storage reservoir (22) and a distal end, a substance transport conduit (9) extending from the proximal end to at least one outlet (10, 11) provided in a radially facing surface portion closely adjacent the distal end of the filling needle (4). A sleeve (14, 15) is arranged around the filling needle (4) and is movable between a first position closing off the at least one outlet (10, 11) and a second position proximally away from the first position and the at least one outlet (10, 11). A system (20) including such an instrument (23), a container (1) for cooperation with such an instrument (23) and for provisioning a device (21) for personal care treatment as well as a device (21) for personal care treatment including such a container (1) are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Molema, Wilko Westerhof, Bartele Hendrik De Vries, Reinier Niels Lap, Olaf Martin De Jong, Bart-Jan Zwart, Johannes Rogier De Vrind
  • Patent number: 8281825
    Abstract: A fuel filler port closing apparatus including an opening (44) of a filler neck or an opening (211) of a nozzle guide (21) securely and reliably sealed, even when a seal packing (325) sags, bends or deflects. Sealing is realized by a flapper (3) including a rotation plate (31) which rotates and flaps, and a seal plate (32) having the seal packing (325) moving freely in an up and down direction with respect to the rotation plate (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Asteer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8281823
    Abstract: A refueling apparatus. The refueling apparatus having a combination float control module and fluid flow control valve for use in high pressure, high flow rate refueling systems. The refueling apparatus further having a fluid flow control valve module, a fluid level sensor module having a sensor, and a testing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Spillx L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mitrovich, John Byrne
  • Patent number: 8251109
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filler neck (1) for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle which has at least one tubular section (3) provided in the area of the filler inlet to receive the outlet pipe (4) of a fuel delivery nozzle. The filler neck (1) according to the invention has the distinguishing feature of at least one insert forming a constriction as a flame barrier, which encloses the outlet pipe (4), forming at least one gas passage gap (7), the gap dimension being selected so that any flashback is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Gebert, Axel Wagner
  • Patent number: 8235079
    Abstract: Provided are adapter caps comprising a housing having a top, a bottom an edge, and a hub at the top of the housing. A plunger is slidably disposed about the hub, and a plurality of lock fingers are pivotally attached to the housing substantially at the edge, the lock fingers being actuable, responsive to movement of the plunger. A guide including an inner circular wall and an outer circular wall with the inner circular wall having a passageway disposed therethrough is present at the bottom of the housing. A cap as provided is selectively attachable to a coupling fitting having a first passage through which a liquid may pass and a second passage separate and distinct from the first passage through which vapor may pass, to provide accurate fuel level readings of a reservoir to which the coupling is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Robert L. Schultz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8235078
    Abstract: A filler tube for a tank made of plastic for preventing an incorrect filling of the tank is provided with a permanent magnet, which is accommodated in a liquid-tight manner, and with a plastic holder for holding the permanent magnet. The filler tube of the aforementioned type for a tank made of plastic, which can be manufactured more easily, has fewer components and which can be mounted more easily. To this end, the filler tube is made of plastic and the plastic holder, which holds the permanent magnet, is directly connected in a liquid-tight manner to the filler tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Theodor-Heuss-Strasse 12
    Inventors: Frank Horlacher, René Koerber, Gerhard Mueller-Riederer
  • Patent number: 8220508
    Abstract: A fuel filling device that includes, but is not limited to a filling head and a filling pipe disposed between fuel tank and filling head, has a further guiding tube having a front end viewed in the direction of insertion and a rear end viewed in the direction of insertion, which is disposed inside the filling pipe, and the front end is disposed directly below the filling head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Dieter Rongstock
  • Patent number: 8220506
    Abstract: A structure for a fuel filling section of a fuel tank is obtained, in which valve opening pressure of a negative pressure valve, that opens a fuel filling port when a fuel tank interior is negative pressure, can be set independently of a valve opening pressure of an opening/closing valve that opens the fuel filling port due to insertion of a fuel filling gun. A positive pressure valve (50), that opens when the fuel tank interior becomes positive pressure, and a flap valve (70), that opens by being pushed by the fuel filling gun, are provided within a filler pipe (24). Further, a negative pressure valve (60), that opens when the fuel tank interior becomes negative pressure, is provided separately from the flap valve (70). A valve opening pressure of the flap valve (70) can be set without considering a valve opening operation when a fuel tank (10) interior becomes negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuichi Aso
  • Patent number: 8191588
    Abstract: A fuel tank opening-closing device includes a shutter mechanism situated inside a tank neck defining member and adapted to open a shutter body in response to insertion of a fuel nozzle. The shutter mechanism includes a push mechanism having a push member situated in an insertion passage; an interconnection mechanism having springs adapted to accumulate force of displacement of the push member as mechanical energy; and a nozzle sensing mechanism. The nozzle sensing mechanism has introduction pressure members adapted to receive displacement force of the fuel nozzle in the insertion direction, and lock portions that allow the shutter to move to the opening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 8186394
    Abstract: Device for avoiding fluid delivery errors, comprising a primary coil (6), placed in a container (1) in the vicinity of a fluid delivery orifice (2) of the container, a control and measurement electric circuit (7) supplying power to the primary coil (6) to generate electromagnetic waves in the fluid delivery orifice (2), detector means (7, 8) sensitive to the waveform of the currents or voltages that appear in the primary coil (6) and that distinguish the presence and the type of fluid delivery nozzle (4) as a function of said waveform of the currents or voltages in the primary coil (6). Comparator means (11) determine if the measured oscillation frequency (fm) is different from a reference oscillation frequency (fr). If necessary, the user is warned, by alarm means (12), that he is about to fill his container (1) with the wrong type of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: G. Cartier Technologies
    Inventors: Amir Nourdine, Jean-Luc Breheret
  • Patent number: 8186395
    Abstract: System for filling a tank comprising a fill pipe and a pipe head comprising an inlet valve and a moveable stopper in the head under the valve, characterized in that the valve comprises a peripheral part and a central part and in that only the peripheral part is coupled to the stopper and capable of causing the opening and/or unlocking of the latter under the pressure of a large-diameter fill nozzle, the central part being moveable with respect to this peripheral part so as to be able to swing under the action of a smaller-diameter fill nozzle, without acting on the stopper, while being connected to this same peripheral part so as to be entrained and swung with it under the pressure of a large-diameter fill nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Herve Runarvot, Philippe Dubois
  • Publication number: 20120111451
    Abstract: A tank flap module is provided for installation in a motor vehicle having a basin, which in the region of an elastically deformable floor section has a passage opening for receiving a fuel filler neck. The floor section adjoining the passage opening on a side facing the fuel filler neck has a surface structure provided for reducing the adhesive and/or sliding friction properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Christian ZENTNER
  • Patent number: 8167010
    Abstract: Problems to be solved: To provide a fuel filler port closing apparatus that can be adapted to fuel filling nozzles of various shapes and that excels in operability. Means to solve the problems: Problems are solved through the fuel filler port closing apparatus adapting two-action fuel filling operation. The first action is to open a cover 5 closing an opening 44 of a fuel filler port by pushing a slider 53 with fuel filling nozzle 71, and the second action is to push and open a flapper 3 closing an opening 211 of a nozzle guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Asteer Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8151838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid dispensing system. The system includes a liquid dispensing apparatus (10, 50) having liquid dispensing nozzles (18) and containers (12, 52) that each have a one-way valve (30, 70) located in a charging opening defined in the base region thereof. A container is positionable on the apparatus with a dispensing nozzle penetrating the container via the charging opening and the one-way valve thereof, providing for bottom filling of the container and sealing of the charging opening by the one-way valve when the dispensing nozzle is retracted from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Cameron Seaborne, Gregory Edward Creed
  • Patent number: 8151837
    Abstract: A fuel filler closure device for an automotive vehicle includes a valve body adapted for mounting to a fuel filler pipe and having a filler passage. An access door mounted within the valve body has an open position allowing placement of a fuel nozzle within the filler passage and a closed position for blocking insertion of a filler nozzle. The locking mechanism selectively permits the access door to move from the closed position to the open position. The locking mechanism may include either a manual locking device, or an electronic or other type of remote lock which will be responsive to a vehicle condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Beier, Brian Thomas Aitken
  • Patent number: 8127806
    Abstract: A ventilation device for fluid-storing reservoirs includes a connecting part (1) attachable to the opening of the reservoir to form an air- and/or fluid-conducting connection between the inside of the reservoir and the surroundings. This connection is effectively sealed by a labyrinth-like seal of a system of seal passages (53, 59, 69, 73) from the penetration of media such as water and/or cleaning chemicals but is not sealed off from an exchange of air for ventilation. A filter element (61) is placed inside the connection. A portion of the seal passages (59, 69, 73) is formed on a ventilation chamber (41) releasably attachable to the connecting part (1) and having a seat (79) for the filter element provided as a filter leaf (61). The filter leaf (61) forms a partition between two successive seal passages (59 and 69) adjacently extending approximately parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Silke Kühnrich
  • Publication number: 20120018039
    Abstract: A nozzle includes a nozzle body having a nozzle tip for engaging a fuel hose coupling, the tip extending from the body, and a valve sleeve for opening and closing a fuel path between the tip and the body. The tip is mounted within the body on a flexible shaft, so as to accommodate misalignment between the nozzle and the fuel hose coupling. This eliminates the need for a bearing at the end of the shaft, which causes a pressure drop in the nozzle. The shaft is axially slidable in the mounting in a first portion of the nozzle body. The first and second portions of the body are joined a weak link, which is frangible in the event of excessive load, to release the abutment and allow the nozzle tip to travel towards the body and close the fuel path. Thus a separate shut-off valve is not required. Also a pressure regulator sleeve moves out of the nozzle body towards the nozzle tip in the event of excessive fuel pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: FLIGHT REFUELLING LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher Mouskis
  • Patent number: 8100155
    Abstract: The filling end piece comprises a duct having an insertion aperture and a sleeve moveable with respect to the duct. The sleeve is adapted to adopt a withdrawn position when not urged and an advanced position when it is urged by a movement of insertion of a spout of large diameter. The end piece comprises an obstacle for countering the filling by a small spout. The end piece comprises an end of travel abutment for a small spout, fixed with respect to the duct and projecting inwardly, the abutment being distinct from and upstream of the obstacle in the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: I.T.W. de France
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Bar, Erwan Sagot-Dutertre
  • Patent number: 8096332
    Abstract: The filler neck includes a neck tube body having a fuel passage a guide member for guiding the fuel gun and a recirculation passage that connects the fuel tank and the neck tube body through a passage separate from the fuel passage, and that directs fuel vapors inside the fuel tank into the fuel passage. The neck tube body includes a housing chamber a primary connector section and a secondary connector section connected to the housing chamber and defining part of the recirculation passage. The guide member is a member that is housed in the housing chamber and includes a guide section for guiding the fuel gun into the fuel passage and a passage-defining section formed in the guide section, and partly defining the recirculation passage inside the housing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 8087434
    Abstract: The invention refers to a filler neck for the fuel tank of a vehicle that encompasses a refueling channel (2), a first opening (3) and below it, arranged in a transversal wall (11), a second opening (7) that can be closed by a closing device. In a longitudinal section (27) of the refueling tank (2) that extends between the transversal wall (11) and the first opening (3), ends a drainage channel (10) via a drainage opening (12). In addition, a closing element (15) has been arranged in the longitudinal section (27), movable between a position that closes the drainage opening (12) and one position that releases it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Markus Stephan, André Brandis, Katrin Buchholz
  • Publication number: 20110284128
    Abstract: A one-way valve for a fuel-tank filling conduit deters siphoning and prevents back flow of fuel. The one-way valve comprises a blocking element arranged in the conduit and pivotable between a flow-blocking, object-insertion blocking first position and a flow-admitting, object-insertion blocking second position. In the second position the blocking element divides the conduit into flow areas of comparable width. The one-way valve further comprises a bias element that biases the blocking element to the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Eric David Bramson
  • Patent number: 8020718
    Abstract: A filler tube assembly for vehicles is disclosed. The filler tube assembly includes a fuel supply tube made of aluminum for injecting a fuel into a fuel tank of the vehicle, a gas circulation tube having one end coupled to a front end of the fuel supply tube and the other end coupled to the fuel tank, so as to circulate a gas when the fuel is supplied, a tube cap made of aluminum and fixed to the front end of the fuel supply tube, and a shutter fixed to an inner portion of the front end of the fuel supply tube to prevent reverse current of the fuel supplied in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Ho Soon Jung
  • Patent number: 7997307
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a fill nozzle includes an elongated fill pipe assembly. An annular seal is operatively connected within the fill pipe assembly and defines a center aperture. The annular seal is sized to seal around the fill nozzle. First and second annular restrictions are provided within the fill pipe assembly. The first and second annular restrictions define first and second apertures that are sized to sufficiently restrict lateral movement of the fill nozzle within the fill pipe assembly to maintain sealing contact of the annular seal around the fill nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Philip Benjey
  • Publication number: 20110186176
    Abstract: A fuel hose nozzle for filling a tank having a filler the tank with liquefied petroleum gas has a tubular valve housing extending along an axis and having an outer end, a tubular valve guide axially shiftable in the valve housing between a front position and a rear position and forming an outlet port adjacent the outer end, and a valve in the housing movable between an open position permitting fluid flow into the valve guide toward the outlet end and a closed position preventing such flow. A valve piston in the valve guide and axially fixed in the valve housing is engaged in the front position of the valve guide with the port to block flow through same. A fitting sleeve surrounding and axially shiftable on the valve housing has at the outer end an end fitting complementary to the tank filler neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Achim AEHLE, Stefan KUNTER, Heinz-Ulrich MEYER, Michael WEHNER
  • Publication number: 20110162754
    Abstract: A structure for a fuel filling opening of an automobile is configure such that, when fuel supplied from a fuel supply nozzle flows back to the fuel filling opening side, the fuel flowed back can be slowly discharged to the outside from the fuel filling opening. The structure is provided with ring recesses formed in a ring opening of an operation ring, and also with partitioning recesses formed in an opening in an outer tube partition. The recesses are arranged offset in the circumferential direction to form a labyrinth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinya Murabayashi, Yu Sato
  • Patent number: 7967041
    Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is included in a fuel tank filler neck closure assembly. The nozzle inhibitor blocks full insertion of a small-diameter unleaded fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly yet allows full insertion of a large-diameter diesel fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Stant USA Corp.
    Inventors: J Bradley Groom, Lowell R. Bell
  • Patent number: 7967042
    Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is included in a fuel tank filler neck closure assembly. The nozzle inhibitor blocks full insertion of a small-diameter unleaded fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly yet allows full insertion of a large-diameter diesel fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Stant USA Corp.
    Inventors: J Bradley Groom, Lowell R Bell
  • Patent number: 7958919
    Abstract: A fill valve for selective interconnection with a container is provided. The fill valve includes a head shaft and shoulder separated by grooves that are selectively positioned in an aperture of the container to selectively provide a flow path into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Mackenzie, Ronald Boucher
  • Publication number: 20110132905
    Abstract: A capless fuel filling system for a vehicle including a closure assembly that forms an iris arrangement that is rotatable to form a seal for a fuel filling tube or provide access to the fuel filling tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Ognjanovski, David Ballheim
  • Patent number: 7950425
    Abstract: A filler neck an actuation ring (16) having a slot (18) and an entrance portion which is conically narrowed towards the tank, the most narrow cross-section of the entrance portion being smaller than the diameter of a diesel-nozzle and larger than that of an otto-nozzle the actuation ring (16) has an actuation portion at the end facing the tank at least on one side of the slot a closing mechanism is associated with the end of the actuation ring facing the tank and designed such that in closing position thereof it stops the otto nozzle inserted into the actuation ring and the actuation portion of the actuation ring engages the closing mechanism, whereby the closing mechanism is moved from the closing position into an opened position by the actuation portion if the actuation ring is radially expanded by the diesel-nozzle inserted into the actuation ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Roland Och
  • Patent number: 7931053
    Abstract: A sealing device for a tank access opening whereby the ball is arranged to be displaced within the tank access opening. On introduction of a fuel nozzle, the ball opens the tank access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Etzhard Bultmann, Derk Ekenhorst
  • Patent number: 7926522
    Abstract: A capless fuel filler device includes an anti-contamination seal mounted upon an external portion of a fuel filler passage extending through the device. An anti-contamination plug may selectively be inserted into the combination passage so as to sealingly engage the anti-contamination seal. A contaminant drain leading from the valve body's fuel and nozzle passage serves to not only remove liquid contaminants from the fuel and nozzle passage, but also to mitigate any incidental buildup of vacuum within the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Brian Thomas Aitken, Robert Joseph Beier
  • Publication number: 20110079322
    Abstract: A capless fuel filler system has lower and upper sealing doors. The upper sealing door prevents water, water vapor, dust, etc. from entering into the space between the lower and upper doors. In prior systems with one sealing door a drain is provided to remove water (either directly entering or condensed water vapor), dust, or excess fuel drips from fueling just upstream of the lower door. By providing two sealing doors, water and dust cannot access the lower door. Although some fuel may puddle upstream of the lower door after a fueling event, the fuel is trapped, with no drain to the exterior, between lower and upper doors. If such fuel evaporates, it causes the lower door to open and vents the fuel vapors to the fuel tank, a desirable disposition for the vapors. The two sealing doors are contained in separate components to facilitate interchangeability and serviceability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Beier, Brian Thomas Aitken, Michael Peter Ginster, John Ranger, Michael Wohlfahrter, Rakesh Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7886781
    Abstract: A system, for preventing overflow in a tank, fillable via a nozzle, includes a lower passage and an upper passage. An upper end of the lower passage receives a portion of fuel flow from the nozzle, and a lower end is in communication with the tank. The upper passage has a lower end in communication with an interior of the lower passage and an upper end in communication with a hole in the nozzle. A valve connects to the lower passage and has a fill position and a stop position. When a level of liquid in the tank is below a predetermined level, the valve is in the fill position and fuel is permitted to flow out the lower end of the lower passage. When the level of liquid in the tank is at or above the predetermined level, the valve is in the stop position and blocks the flow of fuel out of the lower end of the lower passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ameri-Kart Corp.
    Inventor: Steve Burkholder
  • Patent number: 7882862
    Abstract: A filler neck closure assembly is provided for a fuel tank filler neck. The closure assembly is configured to receive a fuel-dispensing pump nozzle and to regulate discharge of liquid fuel and fuel vapor from a fuel tank filler neck to the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Stant USA Corp.
    Inventors: Dennis M. DeCapua, Timothy J. King, Bradley L. Steusloff, J Bradley Groom, Chad A. McClung, Lowell R. Bell
  • Patent number: 7882858
    Abstract: In a device for filling dispensing appliances having a pump unit with a metering cylinder and a storage container for each component, a respective coupling arrangement (5) is provided between each storage container (2, 3) and an associated coupling of a filling station. In a preferred embodiment, the appliance coupling part (28) is arranged in an inlet nozzle (17) of the dispensing appliance (1) and the station coupling part (29) in a guide (31) in the enclosure (33) of the filling station (30). This device allows a quick and simple filling of storage containers without contaminations and air entrapment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sulzer Mixpac AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller