Automotive Type Patents (Class 220/86.2)
  • Publication number: 20100224284
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reducing agent tank (1) for motor vehicles, having at least one filler pipe (3) which is provided with a filler opening (4), having at least one device for filling deaeration and having means for limiting the fill level during filling, with the device for filling deaeration comprising at least one filling deaeration line (7) which extends at least in sections above the maximum fill level in the filler pipe (3) and/or in the tank (FIG. 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Kolberg, Ibrahim Koukan, Volker Treudt
  • Patent number: 7789113
    Abstract: The device includes a protective mechanism for preventing introduction of a gasoline-type nozzle into an inlet passageway of a fuel tank of a Diesel motor vehicle, the inlet passageway defining a central axis, the protective mechanism comprising two arms mounted at least partially within the inlet passageway, the arms being pivotable around a pivot axis substantially parallel to the central axis. A connector is mounted at least partially within the inlet passageway, the connector being movable in a plane transverse to the central axis, movement of the connector outwardly from an idle position relative to the central axis causing the arms to pivot from an idle position toward a free-flow position. The connector is configured so that insertion of a gasoline-type nozzle into the inlet passageway will not move the arms to the free-flow position, whereas insertion of a Diesel-type nozzle into the inlet passageway will move the arms to the free-flow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen & Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Markus Stephan, André Brandis
  • Publication number: 20100218849
    Abstract: A fuel tank opening-closing device includes a flap valve mechanism situated inside a tank opening forming member and having a flap valve mechanism; and an opening-closing activation mechanism adapted to selectively set the flap valve mechanism to a locked position or an unlocked position. The opening-closing activation mechanism includes a cover covering the peripheral edge portion of the opening-closing member and having a cover body produced by being split into arcuate shapes of prescribed width; a nozzle detection mechanism having introductory push parts that are adapted to receive force of motion in the insertion direction by a fueling nozzle; locking members which engage or disengage from the opening-closing member; and a locking mechanism having and adapted to move the locking members from the locked position to the unlocked position through interlocking operation with the introductory push parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Publication number: 20100193513
    Abstract: A fuel tank closure device includes a base sized to be received within an interior of fuel tank filler neck, a closure structure movably mounted on the base, and a biasing mechanism secured to the base and biasing the closure structure into a closed position on the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Neal L. Keefer, Kenneth A. Watson, Evan Waymire
  • Publication number: 20100193514
    Abstract: Tank filler neck and method for producing the tank filler neck. The tank filler neck includes a smooth-walled pipe and a flange molded onto the pipe that is arranged on at least one end of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: NORMA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Janos KERTESZ
  • Publication number: 20100193076
    Abstract: A capless fuel tank filler pipe assembly includes a filler pipe and a bulkhead disposed on the filler pipe. The bulkhead includes a nozzle receiving portion. A flapper door is pivotally disposed on the filler pipe, and is biased to a closed position. The flapper door is configured to compress an annular seal disposed between the bulkhead and the flapper door. The annular seal includes a liquid/vapor sealing material bonded to a substantially impermeable material. The substantially impermeable material substantially blocks emission of hydrocarbon molecules that permeate the liquid/vapor sealing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Paul D. Walkowski, Robert P. Benjey, Kenneth Maynard Spink
  • Patent number: 7762291
    Abstract: A capless closure assembly for a fuel tank filler tube has a housing adapted for covering a bulkhead with an opening disposed on a proximal end of the filler tube, a sliding element disposed in the housing, and a door that is biased to close an aperture in the housing. The sliding element is movable between a first position that exposes the opening in the bulkhead and a second position that covers the opening in the bulkhead, and the door cooperates with the sliding element to move the sliding element from the second position to the first position as the door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Martin, Carl F. Binder
  • Patent number: 7757729
    Abstract: A filler tube assembly is used with a fuel pump nozzle having a pressure sensing port. The filler tube assembly includes a receiver having an inner wall defining an aperture, which receives the pump nozzle. The inner wall defines an orifice and a seal is coupled to the inner wall about the orifice for defining a chamber between the inner wall, the seal, and the fuel pump nozzle when the fuel pump nozzle is disposed in the aperture. A vacuum tube has a coupled end in fluid communication with the orifice and an open end in fluid communication with the fuel tank. The receiver defines a rim for seating the fuel pump nozzle in the aperture to align the pressure sensing port with the orifice. When fuel covers the open end of the vacuum tube, a pressure change is transmitted through the filler tube assembly to the pressure sensing port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory F. Smith, David G. Smith
  • Patent number: 7758098
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for making accessible and closing an opening in a vehicle body, especially a filler neck compartment. According to the invention, a closing part is first displaced out of the body plane and then parallel to the vehicle body via two moving devices in order to make accessible a filler neck, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Marcus Busch
  • Publication number: 20100147863
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel tank having at least one filler pipe (2) enclosing a refueling duct (13), at least one operational venting valve (11), at least one refueling venting valve (8) and at least one venting line (9), which is connected to a filler head (3) of the filler pipe (2). The filler head (3) comprises a valve, which when refueling closes a flow path from the venting line (9) into the refueling duct (13). One of outstanding features of the fuel tank is that the venting line (9) is embodied as a collective venting line for the refueling and operational venting and that in any switching position of the valve it communicates with a downstream fuel vapor filter (10) connected to the filler head (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Peter Grun, Ibrahim Koukan, Waldemar Nickel
  • Patent number: 7721772
    Abstract: Protective devices are provided subjacent to the filler port within an aircraft's wing fuel tank so as to protect the lower wing skin from being struck by a nozzle associated with refueling equipment. When inserted into the filler port, the nozzle is brought into contact with the protective device which serves to deflect the nozzle in laterally (e.g., in an inboard direction) to thereby prevent the nozzle from striking the lower wing skin. Thus, when initially inserted into the filler port in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to a horizontal plane, the terminal end of the nozzle will contact with the arcuately concave inner surface of the device such that continued insertion of the nozzle into the filler port will cause the nozzle to assume an angularly canted condition in an inboard direction (i.e., a direction toward the aircraft's fuselage).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: EMBRAER - Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
    Inventor: Leandro Aparecido Cardozo
  • Patent number: 7721775
    Abstract: A cap-free filler neck for a motor vehicle tank comprises a tubular part, which is connected to the tank, and an insert, which insert comprises a funnel part with a throat and a partition part adjoining the throat at the bottom. The upper edge zone of the funnel part and the partition part adjoin the tubular part in a sealing manner. The partition part has a throughflow opening which is closed in a sealing manner by a flap, which can be locked in a closed position, and can be pivoted into an open position counter to the force of a spring by a fuel nozzle. So that, despite the tight closure, rainwater which has penetrated can flow away, the space delimited by the tubular part, the funnel part and the partition part can be brought into connection with the environment via an opening in the tubular part, which opening can be closed by a valve, which is accommodated in said space, by the introduction of the fuel nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fuel Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Günther Pozgainer
  • Patent number: 7708036
    Abstract: An obturating assembly includes a body having an aperture for passage to the pipe of a fuel supply spout of predetermined outer diameter and an obturator that is moveable with respect to the body. In accordance with the invention, the head further includes an access assembly having a shell through which the spout must pass before reaching the obturator, the shell having a plurality of flexible tabs generally forming an assembly of funnel shape of which the minor diameter is less than the outer diameter of the spout and of which the major diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: ITW DE France
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Bar
  • Publication number: 20100072200
    Abstract: An inlet check valve (ICV) assembly for a plastic fuel tank in which the ICV housing thereof is attached internally to the tank shell, and the fuel fill pipe/hose assembly has attachment to the tank shell. The fuel tank includes a shell spout having a spout spud, wherein an internal mounting surface is disposed circumspect the shell spout. The ICV housing includes an inversion of the weld pad for plastic welding at the internal mounting surface of the tank shell. In one embodiment, the ICV assembly has a high profile upper sleeve with a sleeve spud to which the fuel fill pipe/hose assembly also attaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Rebecca J. Marquardt
  • Patent number: 7677277
    Abstract: A fuel tank cap including a vapor storage receptacle and a discriminator that discriminates between liquid fuel and fuel vapor for protecting the vapor storage receptacle from liquid and adsorbent granulated carbonaceous material. A fuel storage system including a fuel tank cap having a vapor storage receptacle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael B. Thompson, Vaughn K. Mills, Peter G. Belanger, Andrew W. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7677631
    Abstract: An access assembly for a vehicle body. The access assembly includes a body panel movably mounted to the vehicle body for movement between an open position and a closed position and defining an access opening. A door assembly is provided on the body panel and has a cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position. A vehicle component is disposed in a substantially fixed position with respect to the vehicle body, the vehicle component having a receptacle that is substantially aligned with the access opening when the body panel is in the closed position. The access opening is exposed when the cover is in the open position, and the access opening is concealed when the cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Zischke, Mark D. Snyder, John Latimer, III
  • Patent number: 7677278
    Abstract: A fuel filler assembly includes a filler tube including a tube inlet having a larger diameter than a tube outlet and a transition portion disposed between the tube inlet and the tube outlet. An insert is received by the tube inlet and includes an insert inlet and an insert outlet. The insert outlet is received by the tube inlet and includes a nozzle opening axially offset from a central axis of at least one of the tube inlet, the insert inlet, and the insert outlet. The nozzle opening positions a nozzle received by the nozzle opening to direct supplied fuel toward the transition portion of the filler tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Shelby Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Angelo Pacitto, Jr., Marvin F Smith
  • Patent number: 7673659
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow in a storage tank which is fillable via a nozzle inserted in a fill passage includes a nozzle stop such that when an end of the nozzle contacts the nozzle stop, the nozzle is in a fill position. The system also includes a sealing device within the fill passage, which forms an inner sealing space via a first seal around the nozzle below a hole in the nozzle and a second seal around the nozzle above the hole in the nozzle. An airtight passage connects the inner sealing space to an interior of the storage tank. The system may also include a venting system including a tank vent passage between the storage tank and an end of the fill passage and an atmospheric vent passage between the tank vent passage and the external atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Steve Burkholder
  • Patent number: 7665492
    Abstract: The fuel nozzle support funnel comprises a top conical section and a bottom smaller opening neck section. The top conical section has a top rim configured to seat over the fuel inlet opening of a truck fuel tank with the top conical section extending into the fuel tank. The bottom smaller opening neck section depends into the tank from a bottom smaller opening edge of the top conical section and has an inner sleeve therein made of a frictional material non reactant with diesel fuel. The inner sleeve and surrounding smaller opening neck section are of a diameter sufficient to allow passage therethrough of a fuel nozzle of a fuel pump. The top conical section has a plurality of openings therein through which air can escape during fueling to maintain the pressure within the tank constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Burstein, Steven A. Huber, Katie Strausser, John P. Thornton, Matthew T. Ware
  • Patent number: 7665493
    Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly to prevent a user from pumping unleaded fuel into a diesel fuel tank. 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: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: J Bradley Groom, Michael S. Brock, Timothy J. King, Jeffrey E. Devall
  • Patent number: 7661550
    Abstract: The filler neck of a fuel tank with an arrangement for preventing incorrect fueling has a rotatable ring and closing elements which are actuated by said ring, with a transmission device having the following features being arranged between the movable part and the rotatable ring: there are two slides which are situated opposite one another and which have run-on faces which face toward one another in the support body, the two slides are connected to one another by means of a rigid bar, which rigid bar is movably articulatedly connected with its first end to the first slide and with its second end to the second slide, the second end of the bar is a bolt which engages into a first slot of the second slide and into a second slot of the rotatable ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fuel Systems GesmgH
    Inventor: Stefan Feichtinger
  • Publication number: 20100032436
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle fuel tank (1) of thermoplastics having at least one filler neck (4) not moulded on in one piece, the latter being connected in a fluid-tight manner to the fuel tank (4), wherein the filler neck (5) is inserted into an opening (5) in the fuel tank (1) and is sealed by sealing means (11) at its outer circumference relative to the fuel tank (1) in the opening (5). The filler neck (4) is clamped axially against the tank wall (2), with the seal acting radially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Gebert, Axel Wagner
  • Patent number: 7654403
    Abstract: A filler neck cap includes a vacuum-relief valve member that moves from a normally closed position to an opened position when exposed to certain vacuum conditions to open a vent aperture and allow atmosphere to flow therethrough. The filler neck cap also includes a pressure-relief valve member formed to include the vent aperture that is closed normally by the vacuum-relief valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. DeCapua, Douglas O. Gregory
  • Patent number: 7647955
    Abstract: In a filler pipe assembly, a holder member secured to an inner wall of a filler pipe is provided with an outer profile of a circular cross section substantially conforming to an inner peripheral wall of the filler pipe and an inner profile defining a bore of a circular cross section eccentric to the outer profile thereof. A relief valve is provided in a part of the holder member defined between the outer profile thereof and the bore owing to an eccentricity of the bore relative to the outer profile. Owing to the eccentric relationship between the outer profile and inner bore of the holder member, a space for a relief valve can be provided in the area where the distance between the inner wall of the bore and the outer profile is the greatest, and this allows the relief valve to be mounted without complicating the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Murabayashi, Shoichiro Kumagai, Tsuyoshi Chou, Nobuyuki Kosaka, Keiichiro Tachisako
  • Publication number: 20100006178
    Abstract: A purely mechanically operating incorrect-refueling device for a filler tube of a tank has a receiving element, which can be pressed apart radially from its interior space at least on opposite wall areas, and a flap, which is arranged on the output side of the receiving element, covers the receiving element in locking fashion in the resting state, and is unlocked and can be opened under pressure when the receiving element is pressed apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Joachim Muth, Rene Körber
  • Patent number: 7644740
    Abstract: A protective cover for a filler neck is designed to discriminate between different sizes of fuel nozzles. The cover includes a body portion and a movable door that covers and exposes an opening in the filler neck. The body portion has a pair of spaced body protrusions that form a gate, and the door has a ledge that may also be formed by a pair of spaced door protrusions. The protrusions on the door can be easily moved to an open position by pressing a tip of a fuel nozzle against the protrusions. The gate and the ledge are configured so that they can accommodate the fuel nozzle for only one type of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert P. Benjey, Paul D. Walkowski, Russell C. Jahnke, Andrew W. McIntosh, David Adam Deboskey
  • Patent number: 7640954
    Abstract: An obturating assembly includes a body having an aperture for passage to the pipe of a fuel supply spout of predetermined outer diameter and an obturator moveable with respect to the body, able to assume an obturating position in which it conceals the passage aperture and a freeing position in which it does not conceal it, the obturator being driven towards the freeing position by that spout when it meets the obturator during a thrusting movement of the spout into the head. In accordance with the invention, the passage aperture is provided in an oblique wall or wall portion, with the angular offset between the orientation of said obturator in the obturating position and the transverse orientation being at least equal to 20°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: ITW De France
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Bar
  • Publication number: 20090321441
    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 aim of the invention is to provide a 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: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Reutter GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Horlacher, Rene Korber, Gerhard Muller-Riederer
  • Patent number: 7624889
    Abstract: A cap for selective attachment with a threaded opening includes an outer cover and an inner portion, the inner portion lying at least partially within the outer cover and having threads engageable with the threaded opening and a set of circumferentially-spaced teeth arranged to selectively receive torque from manual rotation of the outer cover. A slider in constant driving engagement with the outer cover is selectively engageable with the teeth of the inner portion to transmit torque from the outer cover to the inner portion. An actuator is provided to actuate the slider into and out of engagement with the teeth of the inner portion. A lock is provided accessible from outside the outer cover and being coupled to the actuator. A locked state of the cap is one in which the slider is removed from engagement with the teeth of the inner portion by the lock and actuator and an unlocked state of the cap is one in which the slider is engaged with the teeth of the inner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert Daniel Tharp, Michael Joseph Holz
  • Patent number: 7621303
    Abstract: A filler neck for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, comprising a flap and a locking element. The filler neck is designed such that it is impossible to fill the tank with the wrong fuel. The foregoing is achieved by the fact that the flap can be rotated about a hinge pin which is three-dimensionally movable and while the flap is retained by at least two elements that are pivotable about one respective pin. One of the pivotable elements supports the hinge pin of the flap while another pivotable element is configured as a locking lever that is disposed across from the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Tesma Motoren-Und Getriebetechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Buchgraber
  • Patent number: 7617604
    Abstract: A shut-off valve assembly includes a one-piece housing having an inlet and an outlet. During manufacture, the housing is formed with an inlet end plate and a fully open end opposite the end plate. A valve door assembly including a flapper door is secured in the housing, and includes a seal between the flapper door and the housing. The open end is then reformed to provide an outlet from the housing. In a fuel system, a cover assembly is releasably secured to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Levey, Eric G. Parker, Kirk J. Bush, Franco A. Cisternino
  • Patent number: 7617851
    Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery system of a vehicle has a fill pipe inlet assembly located at a distal end of a fuel tank fill pipe. The inlet assembly has a cylindrical wall defining an elongated cavity divided axially into upstream and downstream regions by a restrictor plate which carries a hole for close receipt of a fuel supply nozzle of a remote fuel pump. During refueling of the tank, fuel vapor flows from the tank via a recirculation tube and into the inlet cavity of the fill pipe to become entrained into the flowing liquid fuel as oppose to being released to atmosphere. The fuel vapor enters the upstream region at an aperture carried by the wall disposed immediately upstream from the restrictor plate and downstream from a hood. The hood limits vapor release to atmosphere and draws the vapor downstream through a port carried by the restrictor plate for entrainment of vapor into the liquid fuel in the downstream region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Barnes, Wallace J. Booms, Steven R. Hilderley, Jeffrey L. Yager
  • Patent number: 7618078
    Abstract: In a fuel flap, a first fastening element is attached to a hinge arm. The hinge arm has a second fastening element co-acting with the first fastening element in order to attach the fuel flap to the hinge arm at a predetermined position. The first fastening element includes at least two approximately parallel fastening ribs, at least one of the ribs having two spaced holes and the other has at least one hole, with the axes of the holes being parallel. The second fastening element includes at least three projections having a cross-section complementary to that of the holes. A resilient portion is formed to the hinge arm which upon engagement of the projection in holes is temporarily deformed and after the engagement of the projections in the holes is deformed back and cooperates with a locking portion of the fuel flap so that the fuel flap is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Gerner
  • Patent number: 7594583
    Abstract: A retaining support member for a fuel filler pipe of a vehicle includes a connecting portion for connection to the fuel filler pipe. The retaining support member also includes a body portion connected to the connecting portion for retention to structure of the vehicle and for supporting the fuel filler pipe off of the structure of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Whipple
  • Patent number: 7591387
    Abstract: A fuel filling port structure of a fuel tank is provided in which a lid housed in the port structure is biased towards a closed position when a fuel supply nozzle is not inserted, and moved to an open position when the fuel supply nozzle is inserted. Lid locking mechanisms are disposed in the port structure which lock the lid in the closed position or unlock the lid so as to be movable to the open position corresponding to the insertion of the fuel supply nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Nakazawa, Hiroshi Unuki, Katsunori Suzuki, Kazuhiro Yamano, Koichi Tadokoro
  • Patent number: 7556067
    Abstract: A fuel tank filler neck apparatus includes a filler neck and a filler neck component mounted in a fuel-conducting passageway formed in the filler neck. The filler neck component could be a fuel tan inlet check valve or a closure cap mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Chad A. McClung
  • Patent number: 7549443
    Abstract: A shut-off valve assembly includes a one-piece housing having an inlet and an outlet. During manufacture, the housing is formed with an inlet end plate and a fully open end opposite the end plate. A valve door assembly including a flapper door is secured in the housing, and includes a seal between the flapper door and the housing. The open end is then reformed to provide an outlet from the housing. In a fuel system, a cover assembly is releasably secured to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Levey, Eric G. Parker, Kirk J. Bush, Franco A. Cisternino
  • Publication number: 20090152263
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including a built-in neck, by molding a parison in a mold. The neck is molded by locally deforming the parison using a concave counter-form and a convex form configured to enter the counter-form, these two parts being secured one of them to the mold and the other to a core located inside the mold, or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: INERGY AUTO SYSTEMS RESEARCH (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Serge Dupont
  • Publication number: 20090145899
    Abstract: A fill neck cover for a capless refueling system is provided with a locking mechanism that selectively blocks lateral movement of the cover to prevent access to the filler neck opening and may be selectively unlocked to allow lateral movement of the cover such that the fill nozzle may be inserted into the fill opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Philip Benjey, Carl Binder
  • Publication number: 20090145516
    Abstract: A device for preventing the introduction of a first conduit into a second conduit includes an insert (3) to be mounted to the second conduit (1). The insert (3) includes a blocking portion (6) sized to block entry of the first conduit (2) into the second conduit (1). The insert (3) is mounted to the second conduit (1) so as not to interfere with flow of a substance from a third conduit (4) into the second conduit (1). The insert (3) may be retractable and biased towards a position where the blocking portion (6) extends from the second conduit (1). A substance deflector (12) may be provided to impede flow of a substance from the first conduit (2) into the second conduit (1). The insert (3) may have many applications, but is particularly suited to use in the fuel inlet port of the neck of a diesel fuel tank to prevent unintended introduction of unleaded petrol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Wells, Anthony Joy
  • Patent number: 7543715
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel cap comprises a casing body for opening/closing a filler opening of a filler neck communicating with a fuel tank; and a lid that is equipped at an upper portion of the casing body and is formed of a conductive material, and the vehicle fuel cap forms a discharge portion in the lid for discharging static charge in the lid to the filler neck, wherein the discharge portion comprises a projection form provided on an inner peripheral face of the lid opposite to an outer peripheral edge of the filler opening, and on the inner peripheral face a longitudinal groove is formed at both sides of the discharge portion and along an axial direction of the casing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoichi Hokazono, Yoshinobu Terada, Kazuhisa Ishida
  • Patent number: 7540311
    Abstract: An automobile gas tank adaptor includes a fill tube insertable into an automobile fuel tank filler neck along with a nozzle receptacle which is slidably disposable over the fill tube for receiving a nozzle. An expandable collar is disposed around the fill tube for expanding and locking the fill tube within the fuel tank filler neck as the nozzle receptacle is slid over the fill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: James R. Quigg
  • Publication number: 20090126827
    Abstract: An automatic gas cap actuator system (10, 10?) for automatic locking and opening of the gas cap (26, 74) of a vehicle's fuel tank is provided. The system (10, 10?) has a gas cap (26, 74); and a cap actuator (16, 20, 48, 48?; 72) actuated by a non-manual power source (12, 12?). The cap actuator interfaces with the gas cap (26, 74) via an interface (39, 76) in a manner so as to be able to impart relative rotation between the gas cap and a fixing element (20, 78), so as to draw the cap into engagement with the fuel spout (34, 52), the interface and the gas cap being disengageable so as to permit manual use at the will of the operator. A remote controller within reach of a vehicle operator actuates the motor (12, 12?). In an advantage, the cap (26, 74) can be locked or opened both electrically and manually. Using the electrical unlock, the cap (26, 74) unlocks and opens without any necessary manual intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Naim Guendouz, Walter Dysli, Marc Jeanneret
  • Publication number: 20090101229
    Abstract: A vapor recovery system for recovering fuel vapor from a vehicle tank during dispensing of fuel into the vehicle tank. The vapor recovery system comprises a vapor recovery line for transporting fuel vapor, and detecting device for detecting a fuel vapor flow. The detecting device comprises a housing having a vapor inlet and a vapor outlet, a body movably arranged in the housing, and a sensor arranged to detect a location of the body within the housing. The body is configured to move from a first position in the housing to a second position in the housing in dependence of a rate of fuel vapor flow flowing from the vapor inlet to the vapor outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: MATTIAS MARTENSSON, BENGT I. LARSSON
  • Publication number: 20090101642
    Abstract: A fuel inlet structure of a resin fuel tank includes an upstanding portion and a fuel inlet. The upstanding portion is provided to the resin fuel tank molded by blow molding and stands upright in a cylindrical form. The fuel inlet is provided in the upstanding portion. The upstanding portion is formed by insert molding of a separate fuel inlet component in an integral manner during the blow molding of the tank. The fuel inlet component integrally includes a level plate portion extending downward below an upper surface of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Muto, Jun Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20090078336
    Abstract: A plastic adapter for fuel tanks. The adapter includes crimping lugs for fixing the adapter to a pipe or an opening in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Inergy Auto. Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Patrice Baudoux
  • Publication number: 20090050625
    Abstract: A fuel tank inlet device is for attachment to a fuel tank or filler neck. The fuel tank or filler neck includes a filler opening, a fuel tank or filler neck abutment surface and one or more projections extending inwardly into the filler opening. The fuel tank inlet device includes a clamping member and a mounting portion, the mounting portion being provided with a first clamping surface. The fuel tank inlet device is provided with an inlet for the ingress of fuel and an outlet for the egress of fuel into a fuel tank. One or both of the mounting portion and the clamping member is movable relative to the other of the mounting portion and the clamping member from a non-clamping configuration to a clamping configuration. In use, the clamping member engages a projection and the first clamping surface, engages with the fuel tank or filler neck abutment surface so as to secure the device to the fuel tank or filler neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: TruckProtect Limited
    Inventor: Richard Nigel Fowler
  • Publication number: 20090001077
    Abstract: A tank filler neck which ha& comprises an outer wall (1), an inner wall (2) and an inner space (19) closed off from the environment during operation. In order to enable the pressure in this space (19) to be equalized in both directions, a negative and positive pressure relief valve (20) is provided in the annular space (18) between outer wall (1) and inner wall (2). Said The valve comprises a partition (21) with holes (30) distributed over the circumference, said partition dividing the annular space (18) between outer wall (1) and inner wall (2) into a first annular space (22) connected to the atmosphere and a second annular space (23) connected to the inner space (19), a first valve ring (31) in the first annular space (22) and a second valve ring (32) in the second annular space (23), which valve rings have first zones (40, 42) and second offset zones (41, 43) alternating in the circumferential direction, see FIG. 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR FUEL SYSTEMS GESMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Feichtinger
  • Publication number: 20080308180
    Abstract: Sealing system for fuel tank fill head comprising: a valve that can be moved between an open position, in which fuel may be introduced into a fill pipe, and a closed position in which the fill pipe is closed, the valve passing from one position to the other under the effect of a pressure exerted by a filling nozzle head; a locking system capable of locking the valve in its closed position; and an actuation system capable of being moved between a closed position and an open position under the effect of introducing the filling nozzle into the fill head. The locking system and the actuation system are capable of cooperating together so that a displacement of the actuation system from its closed position to its open position causes a displacement of the locking system from a locked position to an unlocked position. The actuation system comprises a rotatable cam equipped with a coupling pin capable of cooperating with the locking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: INERGY AUTO. SYSTEMS RESEARCH (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Patrice Baudoux, Frederic Jannot
  • Patent number: 7464736
    Abstract: An aircraft refueling system incorporates a fuel port adapter configured to allow the use of jet fuel nozzle spout but prevent the use of avgas nozzle spout. The device has an opening that configured to receive a standard jet fuel nozzle spout. The device also includes a blocking plate that prevents a smaller, round standard avgas nozzle spout from being inserted into the opening. In addition, the device includes one or more spring-loaded flapping doors to prevent incorrect refueling while the jet fuel nozzle spout is not inserted through the flapping doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Shaw Aero Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Jones, Brian P. Greenawalt, Michael O'Hara, Cesar Gonzalez