With Packing Or Gasket Patents (Class 220/304)
  • Patent number: 6591998
    Abstract: A packaging for an implantable medical device such as a heart valve wherein the implantable medical device is immersed in a liquid medium. The packaging comprises a jar and a lid assembly having a seal and a ridge therebetween, the ridge being adapted to contact the seal. At least one circumferential leg is interposed between the lid assembly and the jar. The leg maintains a predetermined spacing between the lid and the jar and may be loaded in compression. The lid assembly may comprise a lid and an overcap. The overcap may turn independently of the lid and may apply compressive pressure to the lid over the ridge and seal. The lid and overcap may be coupled together by, for example, mating snap hooks. At least one of the lid or overcap may have a plurality of snap hooks. At least one of the plurality of snap hooks may be of different length than other of the snap hooks, whereby an asymmetric force may be applied to the lid when the overcap is loosened from the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Sulzer Carbomedics Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton A. Haynes, Reginald D. Fortson, Kenneth D. Waeber, Douglas L. Marriot, Thomas William Lytle, IV
  • Publication number: 20030102314
    Abstract: A fuel cap (10) closes the fuel supply inlet (FNb) of a filler neck (FN) at a narrow operating angle (about 90°), improving the sealing properties of a gasket (GS). The fuel cap (10) has a cap engagement element (20a), which is brought into engagement with the opening engagement element (FNc) of the filler neck (FN), and seals the gap around the filler neck (FN) by means of the gasket (GS). The opening engagement element (FNc) is formed in an inclined state at a predetermined angle relative to the direction orthogonal to the axial direction for closing the cap. The cap engagement element (20a) has a guide surface (20b). This surface is aligned and brought into engagement with the opening engagement element (FNc) by the rotation of the fuel cap (10) in the closing direction while this element is inserted into the filler neck (FN).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20030098307
    Abstract: A fuel cap 10 maintains high sealing even when subjected to external force; is easy to operate; and requires minimal space for accommodation. The cap device comprises a casing body 20 for closing the filler opening FNb in a sealed condition, a cover 40, a handle 45, a clutch mechanism 60 and a torque transmission mechanism 80. By upraising the handle to the handling position and applying rotational torque, rotational torque is transmitted to the casing body 20 via the clutch mechanism 60 and the torque transmission mechanism 80, closing the filler opening FNb. The handle 45 lowers back to the retracted position when released, whereupon the clutch mechanism 60 assumes non-transmission mode wherein the cover 40 and the handle 45 rotate freely if subjected to external force such as in a collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6568553
    Abstract: A fuel cap (10) closes the fuel supply inlet (FNb) of a filler neck (FN) at a narrow operating angle (about 90°), improving the sealing properties of a gasket (GS). The fuel cap (10) has a cap engagement element (20a), which is brought into engagement with the opening engagement element (FNc) of the filler neck (FN), and seals the gap around the filler neck (FN) by means of the gasket (GS). The opening engagement element (FNc) is formed in an inclined state at a predetermined angle relative to the direction orthogonal to the axial direction for closing the cap. The cap engagement element (20a) has a guide surface (20b). This surface is aligned and brought into engagement with the opening engagement element (FNc) by the rotation of the fuel cap (10) in the closing direction while this element is inserted into the filler neck (FN). The guide surface (20b) has a first inclined portion (20c) with a considerable inclination &agr;2, and a second inclined portion (20d) whose inclination &agr;1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20030094455
    Abstract: A closure stopper having a seal for a filler neck has first locking faces and a first sealing face, and the closure stopper has second locking faces and a second sealing face. The functions of the sealing ring and of the locking device are not impaired by the effects of temperature because (a) the smallest radius of the first sealing face is larger than the largest radius of the second sealing face, and (b) the sealing ring is a resilient circular ring with a first and a second sealing surface, of which, when the closure stopper is inserted, one surface bears against the first sealing face and the other face bears against the second sealing face. The sealing ring has a core made of resilient steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Gunther Pozgainer, Konrad Scharrer
  • Patent number: 6547089
    Abstract: A tank cap has a cap part, a filler neck for receiving a refueling nozzle wherein the neck can be closed by the cap part via a rotary closure having at least two seals arranged on the cap part and active between the cap part and the neck. The sealing surfaces on the neck are provided behind a raised region of a protuberance and below at least one projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Tesma Motoren und Getriebetechnik Ges. m.b.H.
    Inventors: Gunther Pozgainer, Wolfgang Suppan, Gerald Lackner, Conrad Scharrer
  • Patent number: 6533288
    Abstract: A flange seal assembly for a multi-layered plastic fuel tank having a wall with a permeation barrier layer encapsulated by inner and outer layers. The wall is blow molded about a ring so that the outer layer alone is in actual contact with the ring. The permeation barrier layer is exposed and engaged by a resilient seal. A locking member is located outboard of a flange which engages the seal. Engagement of the locking member with the ring produces a force compressing the seal against the flange and the permeation barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventors: Brian W. Brandner, Keith D. Kersey, Harald Knueppel, Christopher K. Quick, Jeffery L. Yager
  • Patent number: 6516964
    Abstract: In a fuel tank (1) with a plug which is to be opened, in particular, during maintenance work, a plugging part (6) is fastened in a trough-like depression (2) of the wall of the fuel tank (1) by means of a nut (7). The nut (7) has a thread (9) intended for tapping into a bead (5) of the fuel tank (1). As a result, the fuel tank (1) can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively from geometrically simple parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Marc Gerhardt, Christian Kochsmeier, Peter Andreas Löw, Thomas Zapp, Dieter Keller
  • Patent number: 6508374
    Abstract: A fuel cap fuel system and method establishing a common electric potential and preventing escape of fuel vapors as used with a fuel system. The cap includes a fuel port closure for engaging a fuel receiving assembly, and an electrically conductive retainer carried on the fuel cap. An electrical charge is passed from an operator of the fuel cap, through the cap, and to the electrically conductive retainer and to the fuel receiving assembly. As the cap is removed from the fuel receiving assembly, the conductive retainer maintains a conductive contact with the fuel receiving assembly to convey a charge therethrough. As fuel vapor escapes from the fuel receiving assembly, the electrical contact is maintained. The seal is disengaged from the fuel port after the cap and fuel receiving assembly achieve a generally common electrical potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery Griffin, Lisa Levi
  • Publication number: 20020175165
    Abstract: A fuel tank has a neck into which a flange of a level sender unit is to be sealed. A seal gasket surrounds the neck and is received between converging seal surfaces, one on the neck and the other on the flange, and the outside of the neck. A flange nut is provided to clamp the flange to the neck, thus compressing the gasket between the seal surfaces to effect a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: William George Jones
  • Patent number: 6464097
    Abstract: The reservoir cap for a hydraulic fluid reservoir includes a cap plate and an integral stick, a gasket, a cup and a spring. The gasket is telescopically received on the stick and contacts a cap gasket surface on the cap plate. The cup has two radially extending ears with ramp contact surfaces and a central bore. The central bore has two spaced apart flat cup bore surfaces and cup projections that extend radially into the central bore. A coiled compression spring has one end in contact with the cup and another end in a spring retainer groove on the stick. The cup is mounted in a preliminary position on shelves on the stick. Rotation of the stick relative to the cup moves the cup off the shelves and the spring moves the cup to a working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Arlt, Rod Sanderson
  • Publication number: 20020139801
    Abstract: A fuel cap is equipped with the torque mechanism 80. The torque mechanism 80 comprises the handle engagement element 46a formed on the cover 40; the torque plate 90, having the torque piece engagement element 94b; and a spring. When the cover 40 is rotated in the closing direction, the handle engagement element 46a disengages from torque piece engagement element 94b and the engagement gives the user a feeling of attachment by an audible click. At that time, elastic torque piece 94 elastically deforms so that the handle engagement vertical surface 46b is pushed in the radial direction by the engaging vertical surface 94d, a slot 94c. Conversely, when the cap is rotated in the opening direction, the engaging inclined surface 46c pushes the engaging inclined surface 94e and elastic torque piece 94 inclines with the support end 94a, and thus the cap transitions to a non-engaged state, and the cover 40 is returned to an initial position relative to the casing main body 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20020125205
    Abstract: A novel method for sealing a plastic closure to a container flange using an elastomeric gasket. A plurality of annular sealing bands are positioned on the diametric sealing surface of the closure on which the gasket rests. As the closure is threaded into the container, the annular sealing bands become embedded within the gasket to improve the seal and overcome the negative sealing effects of the parting line flash present on the closure portion of the seal gland as a result of the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: John Hathaway, Dale Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020125249
    Abstract: The invention concerns a closure for a cylindrical can (10) The closure includes a flexible member (11) of the easy-open type secured across the open end of the can (10). A rigid, screw cap (22) is screwed over the thus sealed end of the can. An annular, resilient member (24) depending downwardly from the underside of the end wall of the cap (22), engages the membrane (11) in the vicinity of the end flange (18) of the can body (10) thereby strengthening the seal between the membrane (11) and the flange (18). This advantageously permits cooking of the contents of the can with the flexible membrane (11) in situ, thereby giving rise to a can having an easy-open end, the contents of which can are cooked and sterilized using conventional processing lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: IAN BAIRD-SMITH, ANDREAS ZIEGLER, REINHART GEISLER, WERNER HAMMON
  • Patent number: 6435426
    Abstract: A pressure proof gasket plate for use with a cup and special or modified lid assembly for a spray gun, consisting of a cup with a first end configured with fittings suitable for attachment to the feed port of the spray gun and a second end with a large opening for access and filling, and a domed lid, with an external mechanism for providing a compressive attachment of the lid to the cup with the gasket plate in between. The floating gasket plate has a compressible gasket configured on its inside surface so as to form a seal when it contacts the edge of the cup as the lid is applied to the cup. The floating gasket plate is sealed to the cup by pressure on its periphery as applied by the domed lid. The floating gasket plate is made of such material and thickness as to resist deflection and deformation under normal working pressure of the spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: William H. Copp, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020096519
    Abstract: In order to make available a tank cap with a sealing plug (13, 15; 18, 21) and a filler opening (10) in the fuel tank, which allows a simplified production and a more flexible use, it is proposed that the filler opening (10) is configured in such a way that the filler opening (10) allows the fixing of a sealing plug (13, 15; 18, 21) by means of two fixing systems or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Claudia Joost, Peter Kempf
  • Patent number: 6412661
    Abstract: A clear plastic paint container including primary container and lid, both of which are threaded. The container is unique because of the spill resistant convex pour spout, liquid recovery drain trough, redundant sealing to preserve contents and recessed molded bottom hand grip for more effective handling. The no-waste, no-special tools, no-rust, no-label obliteration, corrosion resistant, and thermal resilient advantages are just some of the auxiliary features. These enhancements by far surpass the conventional wisdom of the container industry. The use of “PETE” (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic or equivalent transforms this container to an eye appealing and practical alternative. The opportunity to offer such an improvement by only slightly reducing contents. The paint industry must have a keen interest in this container, not only because of the growing demand for plastic containers but also the numerous advantages listed in the summary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Robert E. Hannah, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6412651
    Abstract: A fuel supplying assembly comprising a cap and a metal pipe having double screw threads thereon. The cap comprising a handle, an insertion portion and an idling mechanism that permits the handle to run idle with respect to the insertion portion when a predetermined force is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Bestex Kyoei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Tada, Mikio Morinaga
  • Publication number: 20020079286
    Abstract: A packaging for an implantable medical device such as a heart valve wherein the implantable medical device is immersed in a liquid medium. The packaging comprises ajar and a lid assembly having a seal and a ridge therebetween, the ridge being adapted to contact the seal. At least one circumferential leg is interposed between the lid assembly and the jar. The leg maintains a predetermined spacing between the lid and the jar and may be loaded in compression. The lid assembly may comprise a lid and an overcap. The overcap may turn independently of the lid and may apply compressive pressure to the lid over the ridge and seal. The lid and overcap may be coupled together by, for example, mating snap hooks. At least one of the lid or overcap may have a plurality of snap hooks. At least one of the plurality of snap hooks may be of different length than other of the snap hooks, whereby an asymmetric force may be applied to the lid when the overcap is loosened from the jar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Clinton A. Haynes, Reginald D. Fortson, Kenneth R. Waeber, Douglas L. Marriott, Thomas William Lytle
  • Publication number: 20020074335
    Abstract: There are provided firstly a fuel cap which irrespective of its type has a structure that there is no transpiration of gasoline vapor until the cap is fully open and secondly particularly a bayonet-type fuel cap which has a structure that there is no eruption of fuel under a pressure difference between a internal pressure of the tank and atmospheric pressure. In each case the fuel cap consists of a closure 3 fitting into the opening of a filler neck 4 and a handle 2 integral with the closure 3, and an upper seal ring 10 and a lower seal ring 1 for sealing the filler neck 4 are each fitted individually to the closure 3 positionally apart from the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: OM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takami Ono, Shigeru Kayano
  • Publication number: 20020066734
    Abstract: A torque-limit signal cap for a filler neck includes a handle, a filler neck closure, and a torque-limit signaler. The torque-limit signaler operates during cap installation to interrupt temporarily a driving connection established between the handle and the closure to provide a tactile and/or auditory signal to a user turning the cap in the filler neck indicating that sufficient torque has been applied to the handle to seat the closure in a filler neck-closing position in the filler neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Publication number: 20020047014
    Abstract: The fuel cap is disposed at the rear part of the automobile, and is furnished with a casing main body, the cover having an operating portion, and a gasket. Where an external force directing from a rear part to a front part is received at a position which is at an outer peripheral edge of the operating portion and at a rearmost part, the operating portion is determined to be at the closing position such that the operating portion transmits a moment turning in the closing direction to the closer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6367644
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing cap for openings in motor vehicle radiators which is provided with a cap inner part (4) having a flow connection between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container as well as a valve arrangement (5) for unblocking and blocking the flow connection. The valve arrangement (5) comprises a first (7) and second (8) valve body which can move between an unblocking position and a blocking position in a to-and-fro manner. The first valve body (7) is prestressed in the direction toward the interior of the container and is supported in this direction on a first sealing seat (13) located on the cap inner part (4) and on a second sealing seat (14) located on the second valve body (8), said second sealing seat lying inside the first sealing seat (13) in a radial manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Heinrich Reutter
  • Patent number: 6364146
    Abstract: An access screw cover for containers and enclosures is disclosed which includes a closure body having a first and a second abutment mechanism associated therewith and a circular peripheral surface which defines a central axis. The circular peripheral surface is intended to fit the peripheral surface of the closure opening. The first abutment means presenting a shoulder which, when force is applied thereto, tends to turn the body forcibly in one direction. The second abutment means presenting a shoulder which, when force is applied thereto, tends to turn the body in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Frank S. Beckerer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6349842
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatable cover which can be screwed or plugged on and is to be fastened on a stationary connection of a motor vehicle radiator or compensator reservoir of cooling and heating systems. The cover has a screw or plug cap and/or swivel cap and a rotatable engagement part in which a valve in the form of a combined overpressure/underpressure unit is arranged concentrically. The valve has a sealing member which produces a sealing connection with the stationary connection when the cover is applied. When the cover is positioned on the stationary connection, it is possible to prevent by means of a temperature-related control member removal, such as unscrewing or twisting of the cover. The temperature-related control member or a coupling part actuated by means of the temperature-related control member can be moved substantially radially between a coupling position and a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Heinrich Reutter
  • Publication number: 20020017524
    Abstract: A fuel cap (10) closes the fuel supply inlet (FNb) of a filler neck (FN) at a narrow operating angle (about 90°), improving the sealing properties of a gasket (GS). The fuel cap (10) has a cap engagement element (20a), which is brought into engagement with the opening engagement element (FNc) of the filler neck (FN), and seals the gap around the filler neck (FN) by means of the gasket (GS). The opening engagement element (FNc) is formed in an inclined state at a predetermined angle relative to the direction orthogonal to the axial direction for closing the cap. The cap engagement element (20a) has a guide surface (20b). This surface is aligned and brought into engagement with the opening engagement element (FNc) by the rotation of the fuel cap (10) in the closing direction while this element is inserted into the filler neck (FN).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6336567
    Abstract: A container for a plurality of thin plates has a driving unit for moving one of a pair of magnetic members, at least one of which is a magnet, embedded in a container body and contained in a chamber in a lid, respectively, to selectively produce attractive and non-attractive magnetic conditions between the first and second magnetic members. In one embodiment, the driving unit includes a rotatable plate, and an arm having one end attached to the rotatable plate and the second end attached to the movable magnetic member to move the movable magnetic member in response to rotation of the rotatable plate. In a second embodiment a parallel movement link has a long groove for engaging a pin provided on the rotatable plate; a magnetic member supporting link has a first end attached to one end of the parallel movement link and has its second end attached to the movable magnetic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Kakizaki Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Hyobu
  • Publication number: 20010047995
    Abstract: A tank cap has a cap part, a filler neck for receiving a refueling nozzle wherein the neck can be closed by the cap part via a rotary closure having at least two seals arranged on the cap part and active between the cap part and the neck. The sealing surfaces on the neck are provided behind a raised region of a protuberance and below at least one projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Gunther Pozgainer, Wolfgang Suppan, Gerald Lackner, Conrad Scharrer
  • Patent number: 6325233
    Abstract: A cap (10) includes a handle (12), torque-transmission ring (16), a driver (14) coupled to handle (10) and ring (16), and a closure member (20) adapted to close a tank filler neck (42). A connector (18) couples ring (16) to closure member (20) to establish a torque-limited connection (26) during cap installation and a direct-drive connection (28) during cap removal. An axial spring (22) coupled to handle (12) and ring (16) yieldably biases ring (16) toward closure member (20) to maintain the torque-limited connection (26). A rotary spring (24) coupled to handle (12) and ring (16) rotates closure member (20) relative to handle (12) to a reset position upon removal of cap (10) from filler neck (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 6321801
    Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus having excellent operatability in opening and closing a fuel tank cap and enhanced scaling properties of the fuel tank from outside air is disclosed. The fuel supply apparatus for the fuel tank includes a casing main body detachably attached to the inlet pipe; a handle mounted on the casing main body to open and close a fuel path; a sealing member interposed between the casing main body and an inner wall of the inlet pipe; and a cam unit that presses the sealing member and expands a diameter of the sealing member with an operating force of the handle in a closing direction, so as to seal the casing main body against the inlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20010035415
    Abstract: A filler device has a filler neck (23) and a closure cap (1) which has an engagement segment (4). The engagement segment (4) and filler neck (23) have complementary engagement elements (7, 8, 25, 26), for example in order to form a threaded or bayonet connection. They can be brought, by movement of the closure cap (1) with respect to the filler neck (23), from an initial position without engagement via an engagement path subsequent thereto into a final position, and vice versa. A locking device (13, 14) which prevents the closure cap (1) from falling off by itself is arranged and configured so that it generates an elevated resistance to movement in a specific movement region of the closure cap (1). The locking device (13, 14) is arranged in such a way that it is effective at a distance from the final position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Reinhard Hilger, Ralf Malskorn
  • Patent number: 6286704
    Abstract: A fuel cap has an upper housing and a lower housing, each configured to be inserted into the filler neck of a vehicle fuel system. The upper housing and lower housing are cooperatively configured to allow both rotational and axial relative movement with respect to one another. A seal coupled to the lower housing sealingly engages the filler neck when the fuel cap is in a tightened position. A spring mount is coupled to the lower housing and engages a spring that is positioned to bias the lower housing axially toward the upper housing to assist in loosening contact of the seal and filler neck during removal of the fuel cap. The fuel cap further has a drive axially spacing the upper housing from the lower housing as the upper housing rotates relative to the lower housing. A cam and cam follower connection between the upper and lower housing provides the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Publication number: 20010007324
    Abstract: A fuel tank fueling device for feeding fuel through the fuel passage of an inlet pipe into a tank main body is provided. The fueling device is easier to manipulate when the fuel cap is opened and closed, and also has better fuel tank sealing properties against the outside air. The fueling device includes a handle provided on a casing main body, operated to open and close the fuel passage; a sealing component interposed between the casing main body and the seat surface of the fuel inlet pipe; a spring disposed so as to urge the sealing component against the seat surface; and a cam mechanism whereby the operating force of the handle in the closing direction is converted via the spring into the sealing force of the sealing component pressing against the seat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6230918
    Abstract: The invention is a cap engagable with a filler neck of a vehicle fuel tank, the cap having a core including an axially lower end, an axially upper end, and an exterior side wall extending between the axially lower and upper ends. A handle is coupled adjacent the axially upper end of the core and adapted to rotate the core about an axis of rotation between a loosened position permitting removal of the core from the filler neck and a tightened position securing the core within the filler neck. The cap further includes a seal positioned to lie around the core and a sleeve movable axially by the handle. The sleeve and has an interior side wall defining a chamber formed in the sleeve. The core lies within the chamber, and the seal lies between the sleeve and the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Tho Truong Huynh, Bruce T. Mowatt
  • Patent number: 6213331
    Abstract: A one quarter turn fuel cap assembly is provided with a fuel cap and a sleeve. The assembly is closed by rotation of the cap through a one quarter turn. Following rotation, a cam permits a spring disposed in the fuel cap to expand and engage a seal against a rim of the sleeve to close the assembly without rotating the seal relative to the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Shaw Aero Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Morgan, David Charles Juleff
  • Patent number: 6206219
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the closed position of a locking gas cap (10) with a magnet (32) disposed at or in the locking gas cap and a solenoid (42) disposed at the tank connection pipe (12), the locking gas cap (10) having a torque limiter (36), and the magnet (32) being coupled with the torque limiter in such a manner, that it reaches a position, in which the solenoid (42) is triggered, only when the limiting torque is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Adwest Kohler GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Brüggenolte
  • Patent number: 6202879
    Abstract: A fuel cap assembly for use with a filler neck of a fuel tank. The cap assembly includes a tubular housing having a shaft. The housing secures the cap assembly to the filler neck of the fuel tank. An exterior cover is mounted to the housing for relative rotation about the housing. The cover has an integral hollow handle. The cap assembly is characterized by a pair of actuating fingers movably mounted within the handle. The fingers engage the shaft of the housing to selectively interlock the cover to the housing. A lost motion connection is created between the cover and the housing when the fingers are in a non-engaged position. When the fingers are squeezed to an engaged position, the cover is interlocked to the housing and rotation of the cover imparts rotation upon the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Tesma International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gericke
  • Patent number: 6186356
    Abstract: This pressurized-gas storage assembly includes a pressure vessel having a gas storage chamber and access opening, a polar boss extending through the access opening, a plastic liner lining the gas storage chamber, and a fitting body. The plastic liner includes a nipple portion that extends into the polar boss, terminates at an annular rim, and has a screw-threaded radially inner surface region. The fitting body includes a head portion, an extension longitudinally extending from an end of the head portion and having a screw-threaded radially outer surface region, and an annular shoulder. The annular shoulder has an annular recess formed therein, with a compressible O-ring being accommodated within the annular recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Berkley, Mark J. Warner
  • Patent number: 6179148
    Abstract: A fuel cap (210) of the present invention includes a closure member (16), a handle (14) for turning closure member (16) to engage and close a filler neck (12), and a conductor (204) configured to conduct an electrical charge from handle (14) to filler neck (12) during rotation of handle relative to closure member(16) and before movement of closure member (16) to break a seal established between closure member (16) and filler neck (12). Fuel cap (210) also includes a torque-transmission race (18) to provide a lost-motion driving connection between handle (14) and closure member (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 6173855
    Abstract: A tank closing device for a container includes a filler neck at the container and a closing member received in the filler neck. A closing cap is securable at the filler neck by a bayonet fitting. A sealing element is arranged at the closing member. A spring rests at the closing cap and biases the sealing element against the filler neck. The closing cap has a top face and a gripping member projecting upwardly from the top face. The bayonet fitting includes at least three socket elements at a circumferential surface of the closure cap or the filler neck and includes at least three dogs cooperating with the at least three socket elements and arranged on an opposing circumferential surface of the closing cap or the filler neck. The socket elements or the dogs or both the socket elements and the dogs are unevenly distributed over the circumferential surface, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventor: Thomas Stark
  • Patent number: 6170691
    Abstract: A container assembly includes a container member having an open end, and a lid threadably engagable with the container member for closing the open end of the container member. A locking member is provided on the lid which is engagable with a latch member located on an upper surface of the container member. The locking member is pivotable about a horizontal axis and prevents rotation of the lid with respect to the container member when the locking member is engaged with the latch member. A seal is provided between the lid and the container member. The seal is located between wall members of the lid and the container member such that the seal is gradually compressed as the lid is threadably secured to the container member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: M & M Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn H. Morris, Sr., Glenn H. Morris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6158460
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a port of a distribution head in a fuel dispensing system. A plug has a head, flange and threaded shank. The flange extends radially beneath the head and includes a seal engagement surface. A sealing member is positioned upon the seal engagement surface. The port has NPT threads formed therein for engaging with the threads of the plug. When the plug is fully engaged with respect to the port, so as to be bottomed out, a seal is formed between the plug and port while the threads of the plug and port do not achieve an interference fit, to allow for easy removal of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Marley Pump
    Inventors: G. Todd Clark, Frederick A. Stebbins
  • Patent number: 6142325
    Abstract: There is provided a container having a container with open end, and a bottom cap has a sealant material bonded thereto to provide a hermetic seal between the bottom cap and the open bottom of the container and a grip surface through or slightly beyond the exterior surface of the bottom cap to contact a substrate, such as a table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Chomik
  • Patent number: 6135460
    Abstract: Gas purification resins are encapsulated in deformable, permeable polymer sheaths to form purification rings, gaskets or seals. A primary source of contaminants in advanced vacuum processors equipped with vacuum load-lock systems and process gas purifiers is from the leakage of outside ambient contaminants around O-ring seals. Using gas purification rings, gaskets or seals properly placed inside or outside of the outer O-ring seal, the level of contaminants (particularly hydrocarbons, oxygen and moisture) may be significantly reduced or eliminated. The gas purification ring is preferably a hydrocarbon and/or oxygen and/or moisture absorbing and/or adsorbing material encased within a contaminant permeable casing. The gas purification ring can be round or flattened and is preferably more resilient than the O-rings adjacent thereto which form the seal. An adhesive can be placed around the casing holding the purification resin to prevent movement from its purifying location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Rick L. Wise, Michael A. Kasner
  • Patent number: 6135286
    Abstract: A thermally insulating luminous container with an O-ring construction having a primary container having inner and outer walls and a removable cover. A plurality of secondary containers may be affixed to the outer wall of the primary container, which secondary containers have inner and outer walls and removable attached covers. The container may be constructed by blow-molding hypoallergenic thermoplastic material, and may contain a compass and a signaling mirror. These containers are suitable for holding water, oxygen supplements and enhancers, food, medicines and first aid supplies. The containers may be supplied to survivors of natural disasters or used for general utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Mathew A Strumor
  • Patent number: 6105807
    Abstract: A container (40) has a body (41) having an open end (42) surrounded by an outwardly and downwardly extending flange (43). A closure (44) is adapted to be sealed to the container body (41). The closure (44) has a flange clamping portion (48) such that when the closure (44) is mounted to the body (41), the flange clamping portion (48) forms a seal with at least the outer surface of the flange (43) by exerting pressure inwardly against the flange (43). The flange clamping portion (48) can also be adapted to form a seal with the open end (42) of the body (41) and the inner surface of the container body (41) proximate its open end (42). A thread ring (10) adapted to be mounted to the open end of a container is also described. The thread ring has a retaining means comprising a continuous hook (13) that is adapted to sealingly engage the open end of the container and so provide a means for closures to be readily and sealingly attached to containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Radley Valley Pty Limited
    Inventor: Peter C McCrossen
  • Patent number: 6079584
    Abstract: A fuel cap (10) and filler neck fitment (14) for receiving the fuel cap. The fuel cap includes an outer member (18) and an inner closure assembly (20) with seal. The cap and fitment both include lugs (28, 36) which interengage when the cap is moved into a closing position to pressurize the seal determined by an improved overriding ratchet arrangement. During removal of the cap, the outer member moves against a spring action for a predetermined arc before the inner closure assembly is moved to disengage the seal. When the seal is disengaged, the spring action takes up the relative motion. Once removed, the cap is retained by an improved tether (74) assembly. The outer member is connected to the inner annular assembly by an improved structural arrangement which allows the outer member to separate under crash impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery Griffin
  • Patent number: 6065627
    Abstract: A bung is provided for sealing an opening in a pressure vessel. The bung includes an annular body portion and a flange extending radially outwardly for one end of the body. In one embodiment the flange includes an inner inclined surface adjacent the annular body portion. In an alternate embodiment, the vessel includes an inclined or angled engagement surface adjacent the vessel opening. A gasket is provided between the flange of the bung and the engagement surface adjacent the vessel opening. The inclined surface of the bung and/or the vessel urges the gasket radially inwardly upon the bung being threaded into the pressure vessel opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Johanson
  • Patent number: 6056140
    Abstract: A cap assembly (4) for a filler neck, especially of a motor vehicle fuel tank, with a somewhat pot-shaped insert (7) insertable to form a seal for the end of the filler neck (1), having projections (6) at its outer periphery engaging in bayonet or threaded grooves (5) in the filler neck and covered at its upper end projecting from the filler neck by a cap (8), and fitted with an over/underpressure valve (11) which acts via apertures (35, 39) in the base of the insert (7) and in its upper end and/or in the cap (8) between the inside of the filler neck and the atmosphere. The entire insert (7) is pressed from sheet steel and the over/underpressure valve (11) is encapsulated in a valve housing (12) fitted in the insert (7) and having a peripheral flange secured by the folded edge (14) of the insert (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Tesma Motoren- und Getriebetechnik Ges.m.b.H
    Inventors: Manfred Karl Joachim Muth, Sandor Palvolgyi
  • Patent number: 6056143
    Abstract: A threaded drum cover is disclosed for selectively closing an open head drum. The drum comprises a tubular drum open at a top end defined by a threaded chime. The cover comprises a closure having a central circular wall of a size corresponding to that of the chime and a downwardly depending annular sidewall receivable radially outwardly of the chime. The sidewall includes radially inwardly directed threads for mating with a threaded chime to provide a tight head drum. A radially outwardly opening annular recess in the sidewall above the threads provides for external gripping of the tight head drum. The cover is of one piece plastic construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Michael D. Stolzman