Automotive Type Patents (Class 220/86.2)
  • Patent number: 7461673
    Abstract: A closure device for tank filler necks in motor vehicles. The closure device has the object of configuring the tank filling operation to be more comfortable. This objective is achieved in that at least two closure elements are swivel-mounted on the tank filler neck, the closure elements having insertion bevels on their top that are designed in such a way that when a fuel nozzle is placed on them the closure elements swivel and open the tank filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Alfred Engelmann Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Busch, Etzhard Bultmann
  • Publication number: 20080277394
    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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Ho Soon Jung
  • Publication number: 20080237230
    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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: ITW AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Roland Och
  • Publication number: 20080237231
    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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR FUEL SYSTEMS GESMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Feichtinger
  • Patent number: 7426946
    Abstract: A pipe structure of a windshield washer fluid feeding device for a vehicle includes a refill pipe which is used for the feeding of windshield washer fluid into a windshield washer fluid reservoir tank and has a multiply-curved form ensuring a sufficient working space between the refill pipe and a head lamp unit of the vehicle, and an auxiliary pipe connected at both ends thereof to certain portions of the refill pipe. With the combined configuration of the refill pipe and auxiliary pipe, even if the windshield washer fluid freezes, a joint region between the windshield washer fluid reservoir tank and the refill pipe is protected from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sook-kie Kim
  • Patent number: 7415997
    Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for a fill pipe of a vehicle fuel system to provide a pliable seal between an end of the fuel pipe and a refueling nozzle inserted in the fill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Franco A. Cisternino, Bryan K. Happel
  • Publication number: 20080164255
    Abstract: A conducting system for a fuel tank filling pipe, including a filling bowl made of a conducting plastic, a filling nozzle guide, also made of a conducting plastic, provided with deformable teeth, and in direct contact with the filling bowl, and a metal head. The bowl and the guide are inserted into the metal head such that the teeth are in permanent radial contact with the metal head when the bowl and the guide are mounted in the filling pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYS. RESEARCH ( SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Emmanuel Dufays, Gwereg Paolini, Philippe Coulon
  • Publication number: 20080128415
    Abstract: A filler neck assembly includes a funnel member having a tubular body defining a transition portion between an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a nozzle receptor disposed within the tubular body. The nozzle receptor positions a nozzle relative to the transition portion to create a suctioning effect that prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere during fueling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Shelby Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick R. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 7377559
    Abstract: The tank flap of an automobile is locked via a wire spring with which an extension connected to the tank flap will cooperate. A spring-biased locking body keeps the wire spring in the releasing position when the tank flap initially is forced inwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Gramss, Carsten Albracht
  • Patent number: 7343942
    Abstract: A method of forming a gas tank filler neck includes configuring at least a portion of a seamless tubular member to induce a swirl to passing fuel for venting vapors from the gas tank during fuel filling. The configuration may include deep drawing a seamless funnel member, forming a relatively large inlet at one end thereof, and forming a relatively small outlet at the opposite end thereof, the inlet having an axis offset from the axis of the outlet. A filler neck includes a seamless funnel member defining a relatively large inlet opening and relatively small outlet opening, the position of the inlet opening relative the outlet opening inducing a swirl to the fuel being supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Shelby Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick R. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 7318462
    Abstract: A closure device for a filler pipe of a tank intended to contain a liquid, the device including a valve that includes a valve body in communication with the pipe and a plug that can be moved in the valve body between a closed position and an open position of the valve. The body of the valve includes an inlet opening closed off by a flap that can be moved between an open position and a closed position, and an outlet opening. The flap is connected to the plug by a coupling such that a thrust exerted on the flap by a tubular end of a nozzle for admitting liquid into the tank causes the flap to tilt into the valve body and the plug to rotate, placing a cylindrical opening in the plug in alignment with inlet and outlet openings in the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventor: Patrick Ganachaud
  • Patent number: 7311348
    Abstract: A housing apparatus of a fuel neck includes a main housing with a first connecting portion connected to a vehicle body, and a hole with a door connected thereto; and a sub housing with a second connecting portion connected to the main housing by an elastic force. The sub housing is elastically connected to the fuel neck. The first connecting portion is elastically connected to the vehicle body, and includes a first protruding portion secured to the vehicle body; and a second protruding portion at a lower portion of the first protruding portion. The second connecting portion includes a connecting hole to which the main housing is inserted; and at least one protrusion securing the main housing to the sub housing. The main housing further includes a third protruding portion inserted to the connecting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jae Chul Bang
  • Patent number: 7306017
    Abstract: A capless seal door for a fuel tank filler tube employs a door valve with a flexible annular seal which, upon closing against a seat on the undersurface of a nozzle-receiving orifice formed in a bulkhead across the tube, initially wipes on the seat and is subsequently compressed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Walkowski, Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 7302977
    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: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. King, J Bradley Groom, Poul Hedevang
  • Patent number: 7293586
    Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly between a pivotable outer door and a pivotable inner door 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: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: J Bradley Groom, Chad A. McClung, Michael S. Brock, Jeffrey E. Devall
  • Patent number: 7290673
    Abstract: A cap device or fuel cap has a cap main body, a cover, and a torque plate that transmits a rotational torque. The torque plate is attached to the cap main body in a rotatable manner through engagement of catching claws formed on the outer circumference of the torque plate with catching projections formed on the cap main body. The cover is held on the torque plate in a rotatable manner through engagement of engagement projections formed on the inner wall of the cover with catching claws formed on respective fixation elements. The engagement projections are arranged about an axis of the cap main body and outside the catching claws. The engagement projections are thus readily released from engagement with the catching claws under application of an external force in any of diverse directions, for example, due to a collision of a vehicle, so as to maintain the sufficient sealing properties of the cap main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 7278453
    Abstract: A fuel inlet assembly is provided for receiving fuel from a fuel-dispensing nozzle. The fuel inlet assembly has a filler pipe and a restrictor secured to the filler pipe. The restrictor has a diametrical opening. The assembly also has a protrusion that is attached to the restrictor and extends at an angle across a portion of the diametrical opening below the restrictor. The protrusion is made of an electrically conductive material and is sized, shaped, and positioned so as to contact the fuel-dispensing nozzle when the nozzle is inserted into the diametrical opening, thereby creating an electrical ground path between the nozzle and the fuel inlet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Fluid Routing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Jansheski
  • Patent number: 7258145
    Abstract: A fuel filler neck assembly having a uniform hemmed connection between an outer funnel portion and an inner funnel portion. The outer funnel portion is typically defined by an offset-expanded cylinder and sidewalls of varying thickness. The inner funnel portion includes sidewalls that have an internal thread, which is configured to mate with the threads of a gas cap. A hemmed connection is used to join one end of the outer funnel portion to one end of the inner funnel portion. The sidewalls at one end of the outer funnel portion are folded or bent inwardly and around the rim portion to define a curled portion. A tooling assembly for producing a uniform hemmed connection between one end of the outer funnel portion and one end of the inner funnel portion. A method of producing a uniform hemmed connection between portions of a fuel filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas D. McCracken, Thomas Barber, Jamie R. Pritchard
  • Patent number: 7246642
    Abstract: A filler neck closure unit includes a frangible portion that is configured to break along a fracture line when an outer portion of the closure unit is hit by a strong blow. The closure unit includes an inner portion that remains coupled to a filler neck to block discharge of liquid fuel and fuel vapor from the filler neck and an outer portion that takes the blow and separates from the inner portion at the fracture line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Dean C. Foltz, Jason K. Jobe, Wallace D. Tallent
  • Patent number: 7243678
    Abstract: A fuel fill system includes a funnel having an inlet port configured to receive a nozzle from an external fuel source, a fuel filler tube coupled to an outlet port of the funnel, and a vapor recirculation tube coupled to the funnel. Fuel vapor entering the funnel from the vapor recirculation tube is directed toward the outlet port at a first angle less than 90° from a longitudinal axis of the funnel. The fuel vapor entering the funnel may also be directed at a second angle less than 90° from a line tangent to an inner surface of the funnel at a point where fuel vapor enters the funnel. The second angle being in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Raja Banerjee, Darrell L. Klein
  • Patent number: 7204279
    Abstract: A vehicle tank includes an intake tube, on the end of which is placed a filling-fixture containing an automatic tank closure. The filling-fixture is made of one piece with the intake tube. The automatic tank closure is integrated in an insert. The filling-fixture forms a recess on its upper end into which the insert can be placed. A fissure joint is sealed with the aid of a sealing element between the filling-fixture and the insert and the securement of the insert in its recess is assured by a retaining flange. The flange is circumferentially connected in a radially outlying area with the filling-fixture and the flange extends so far radially inward that it covers the fissure joint and an inward extending area of the upper side of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision Ag Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventor: Matthias Bäuerle
  • Patent number: 7198078
    Abstract: A filler device or pipe comprising: a filler neck including a pouring inlet, a neck connection portion, and a connection pipe which includes a bellows part and which is connected to the neck connection portion. Fuel is injected through the pouring inlet and fed into the fuel tank through a filling passage of the filler device. The filler device further includes an inner tube including a tube body formed of a flexible elastomer material, which is inserted into the connection pipe. The tube body and the connection pipe having cooperating engaging members for holding the tube body within the connection pipe. The tube body covers an inner wall of the bellows part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsushi Miura, Zenichi Yasuda, Masahiro Ando, Tomokazu Hori
  • Patent number: 7191810
    Abstract: Sealing and safety device made from flexible elastomer material, for filing a hollow body with a liquid using a delivery nozzle, which includes an annular seal for surrounding the nozzle and preventing the exit of gases from the hollow body and also a valve capable of opening, in the event of excess overpressure in the hollow body, only towards the external atmosphere so as to create a passage allowing the escape of liquid and/or of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: Patrick Ganachaud, Jacques Covet
  • Patent number: 7191912
    Abstract: A brake fluid reservoir (10) for a vehicle hydraulic brake system has a filler neck (16), a lid (18) which closes the filler neck, and a device for pressure compensation between the reservoir interior and the ambient atmosphere. In order, when the brake fluid reservoir (10) is in a steeply inclined position, to prevent an escape of brake fluid, in the lid (18) a first brake fluid forced-flow channel (32) is formed, which has an inlet (34) at the inside of the lid and an outlet (36) towards the outside of the lid. The forced-flow channel (32) extends between the inlet (34) and the outlet (36) along a curved path, which in relation to a plan view of the lid (18) runs through at least two quadrants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited
    Inventor: Hans-Christoph Lange
  • Patent number: 7182109
    Abstract: A discharge nozzle for the filling pipe of a motor vehicle fuel tank for the introduction of fuel into the tank includes a check flap which is held by spring loading in a closed position, being caused to bear pivotably against the mouth opening of the nozzle. The check flap is sealed in relation to the mouth opening of the nozzle by way of at least one sealing element with a peripherally extending sealing lip. The sealing lip extends radially outwardly in relation to the cross-section of the discharge mouth opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Kolberg
  • Patent number: 7182111
    Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly between a pivotable outer door and a pivotable inner door 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: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. McClung, Kevin M. Frank, Wayne O. Harris
  • Patent number: 7168466
    Abstract: Fuel safety system, made of plastic, comprising a liquid fuel tank equipped with a fill tube provided with a guide for a delivery nozzle, which includes a sealing device, a normally-open float valve, for degassing and venting the tank, and a vapour breather pipe that also fixes the maximum level of liquid in the tank, the pipe connecting the top of this tank to a point located downstream of the sealing device and being completely located inside both the tank and the fill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research
    Inventors: Patrick Ganachaud, Jacques Covet
  • Patent number: 7165583
    Abstract: A capless filler neck creates a vapor-tight closure for a fuel system using a spring-loaded door and a latch structure that anchors the door to create a vapor-tight seal. The filler neck includes a spring that biases the door shut and a wedge arrangement that acts as the latching structure. The wedge arrangement includes a movable plate that selectively engages with the door to pull the door shut with sufficient force to form and maintain the vapor-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Walkowski, Kenneth M. Spink, Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 7163037
    Abstract: A capless filler tube closure door has a pair of spaced axles or pins which are guided by slots to initially upon being opened by a refueling nozzle move in translation away from the nozzle orifice seat and then pivot out of the way so as not to obstruct the nozzle. Upon nozzle removal as the door approaches the seat, it moves in linear translation to close on the seat to ensure uniform sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Walkowski
  • Patent number: 7159741
    Abstract: A cap for covering an opening of a spout. The cap includes a top that defines an inner surface and an outer surface. An engagement portion extends from the inner surface and is adapted to engage the spout. A wall extends from the inner surface to define a container-receiving space and a pierce point extends from the inner surface and is at least partially disposed within the container-receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Dehn, Thomas G. Guntly, Peter D. Shears, Bradley Deml, Marvin Klowak
  • Patent number: 7152639
    Abstract: In a venting device for a fuel tank 1 of a motor vehicle having a filler neck and a venting valve, a circulation pipe is provided which, due to the suction jet effect when refueling circulates gas from the fuel tank back into the tank with the fuel so as to prevent an excessive inflow of fresh air, and which includes a venting pipe extending between venting valve 2 and a filter for discharging excess gases through a filter in order to prevent the escape of fuel vapors into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Barbara Aschoff, legal representative, Dorothee Aschoff, legal representative, Henning Aschoff, legal representative, Wolfgang Ludwig Winfried Aschoff, deceased
  • Patent number: 7147018
    Abstract: The invention concerns a filling fitting for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle having an automatic tank closure. The filling fitting includes a carrier with an inlet opening and a closure cover, which closes the inlet opening with a sealing element. An upper side of the closure cover has a closure component, which, in a closed position of the closure cover, penetrates the inlet opening. Above the carrier is a circumferential section placed directly or indirectly on a supporting closure ring. The section extends inward to coact with closure elements on the closure component in the manner of a screw drive. To prevent permeation, in a force transmission path between the sealing element of the closure cover and the carrier, at least one axial, effective spring element is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Martin Krach, Reinhard Enzelberger
  • Patent number: 7147019
    Abstract: A cover for a filler neck includes a body portion and a movable protective door that covers and exposes an opening in the filler neck. The protective door includes a ledge that protrudes from the plane of the door so that the door can be easily moved to an open position by pressing a tip of a fuel nozzle against the door. The door itself may be biased to move into a closed position automatically when the fuel nozzle is removed from the ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Walkowski, Robert P. Benjey, Russell C. Jahnke, Andrew W. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7128232
    Abstract: An adjustable assembly of a first structural part and a second structural part, in particular for automobiles having a flap and a pivotable arm for the flap, is such that the first structural part is displaceable along two orthogonal axis with respect to the second structural part and is fixed against movement along a third axis extending perpendicular to the first and second axis. A first adjusting element is moveably supported on the second structural part. Actuation of this first adjustable element moves the first structural part along the first axis. A second adjustable element is movably supported on the second structural part. Actuation of the second adjustable element moves the first structural part along the second axis. Devices are associated with the first and second adjustable elements for releasable fixation thereof in selected positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Beck
  • Patent number: 7100645
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a filler pipe structure for connecting a filler neck and fuel tank inside of a vehicle, and the filler pipe structure is equipped with a first filler pipe extending from the filler neck; a chamber that is arranged at an end to which the first filler pipe extends, and forms a space fronting the end of the first filler pipe; an inlet check valve attached to the end of the first filler pipe; and a second filler pipe that connects the space of the chamber and the fuel tank inside, wherein an inside section area of the second filler pipe is larger than that of the first filler pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hasegawa, Yukio Hirata
  • Patent number: 7096899
    Abstract: An automatic tank closure for a motor vehicle tank with a housing having a penetrating input opening and having an opening and closing closure flap with pivotal bearings, which is subjected to spring loading in the closing direction is provided. The closure flap is located within the input opening for the closing of the same and whereby in the closed position between the closure flap and the housing is placed a sealing surface with a sealing seat, which conically widens itself toward the interior of the tank and coacts with a sealing ring. The sealing ring is designed with at least one lip seal and sealingly coacts with the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen
    Inventors: Siegfried Vetter, Markus Stephan
  • Patent number: 7082969
    Abstract: A closed loop system is disclosed for transferring fluid from a fluid storage vessel to a fluid receiving container. The system is adapted to vent the fluid receiving container while preventing discharge of both vapor and fluid into the surrounding environment. The system includes an enclosed fluid receiving container having upper and lower portions. A fluid flow receiving unit is mounted proximate the fluid receiving container. The receiving unit has a pair of spaced fluid ports and a pair of non-spill coupling connectors extending from the fluid ports, one port being a fluid inlet port and one being a vapor-fluid exit port. A movable cover element is provided for selectively covering and protecting the fluid ports and coupling connectors from contaminants when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher J. Hollerback
  • Patent number: 7082973
    Abstract: Sealing and safety device made from flexible elastomer material, for filling a hollow body with a liquid using a delivery nozzle, comprising an annular seal for surrounding the nozzle and preventing the exit of gases from the hollow body and also a valve capable of opening, in the event of excess overpressure in the hollow body, only towards the external atmosphere so as to create a passage allowing the escape of liquid and/or of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Inergy Automative Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Patrick Ganachaud, Jacques Covet
  • Patent number: 7077178
    Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly between a pivotable outer door and a pivotable inner door 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: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Poul Hedevang
  • Patent number: 7063113
    Abstract: A closure head for a fuel tank filler pipe allowing automatic opening of a shutter under action of thrust of a nozzle on a device integrated into the top of the filler pipe and closing of the shutter when the nozzle is withdrawn. The locking of the shutter is achieved by a mechanism connected to a bodywork flap such that locking and squashing of a seal are achieved upon the closing of the bodywork flap and the opening of the bodywork flap cannot unlock the shutter without the nozzle additionally being introduced into the system. A method for opening a filler head employs the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jerome Ropert, Guillaume Blanc-Brude, Dominique Girard, Thierry Rouxel
  • Patent number: 7063226
    Abstract: A fuel tank with an opening, on which a lid is mounted in a removable manner by means of thread or bayonet, is intended to provide a sustained and sealed closure under all conditions. For this purpose, two sealing rings are arranged between the sealing surfaces, the inner one being liquid-tight and the outer one being made of an elastomer with high permeation resistance. The sealing surfaces within the outer sealing ring have a narrow gap leading as far as the outer sealing ring, and the fuel tank has a reinforcement surrounding the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Tesma Motoren und Getriebetechnik
    Inventors: Sander Palvoelgyi, Gunther Pozgainer
  • Patent number: 7059365
    Abstract: A fuel tank filler assembly includes a filler neck configured to receive a fuel supply nozzle. The filler neck includes a one-piece seamless funnel member having a tubular body configured to swirl supplied fuel and reduce vapor escape. The tubular body includes integrally formed threads for receiving a gas cap. The funnel member defines in off-set axial relation a relatively large inlet opening adapted for attachment to a receptor for the nozzle and a relatively small necked down outlet opening adapted for attachment to the inlet of a filler tube. The filler tube is in communication with the fuel tank. A method for manufacturing the fuel tank filler neck is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Shelby Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick R. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 7059187
    Abstract: A seamless marine fuel tank having directly mechanically fastened component parts such as a fuel withdrawal assembly and a direct-sight fuel gauge system. The fuel withdrawal system contains a split-nut fastening device which fastens the system to the tank and allows for 360 rotation of fuel withdrawal outlet. The direct-sight gauge contains a threaded gauge neck with a cradle and tabs in its interior wall into which a one-piece float arm is snapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Tempo Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John Clarke, III, Ronald Eureka
  • Patent number: 7055560
    Abstract: A protective cover for a filler tube for a fuel tank includes a body portion and a movable door that covers and exposes an opening in the filler tube. To guide the movement of the nozzle, the cover includes a nozzle guide that contacts the nozzle and acts as a fulcrum with a radius of rotation. When force is applied to the nozzle, the nozzle guide amplifies the force and causes the nozzle to act as a lever against the feature on a sliding door, allowing the door to slide open with minimal force from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Gaton Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald E. Sexton
  • Patent number: 7048020
    Abstract: The device according to the invention comprises a connector on-board the vehicle, connected to the fuel tank via a pouring conduit and provided with a closure valve, and a filling element adapted to be connected to this connector. The filling element is provided with at least one member for detecting the abutment of the filling element on a fixed part of the connector, this member being adapted to control the displacement of a hook for locking the aforementioned element on the connector, between a first position where the hook is disengaged with respect to the connector and a second position where the hook is in engagement on the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Christophe Durieux, Alain-Christophe Tiberghien
  • Patent number: 7040669
    Abstract: A fuel feeding pipe having a first feed oil pipe extending from an oil filler port, a second feed oil pipe projecting from a fuel tank, and a tightening belt for connecting and tightening these oil pipes together, comprising an outer fitting pipe provided to the first feed oil pipe, and an inner fitting portion provided to the second feed oil pipe having low-temperature resisting and ozone resisting seal rings fitted therearound. The fuel feeding pipe is formed in one body by fitting the outer pipe around the inner fitting portion having the seal rings, then tightening the tightening belt fitted over at least the engaged region of the outer fitting pipe and the inner fitting portion. The invention achieves the minimization of a fuel permeation, high hermeticity without influences from various environments, the promotion of efficiency of replacement operation, and the vibration and impact resisting connection of the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Asteer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Kenmotsu, Hiroshi Yoshida, Hiroshi Goto
  • Patent number: 7025222
    Abstract: A fuel cap has a torque member that is attached to a casing body in a freely rotatable manner. A tether mechanism is attached to the torque member and functions to link the fuel cap with a fuel lid. The tether mechanism includes a tether rotation support that is set on the torque member in a freely rotatable manner, and a connector member. The torque member is mainly composed of a resin material, for example, polyacetal, whereas the tether rotation support is mainly composed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPEE). The resin material of the torque member has a liquid swelling property substantially equal to or less than that of the tether rotation support. This structure of the invention ensures the good operation ability of the fuel cap even in wet weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7021344
    Abstract: A method for preventing use of an unapproved fuel in a diesel engine uses a fuel tank that does not have a conventional fueling opening and has a puncturable fitting for connection to fuel lines of the engine. The engine fuel lines terminate in a mount that has fangs adapted for puncturing the fuel tank fitting. The tank is against the mount so that the fangs puncture the fitting to allow fuel to flow from the tank to the fuel line. Since the tank does not have a fuel filling opening, it cannot be refilled without special equipment and must be removed from the engine for refilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Hugr Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Patten
  • Patent number: 7021343
    Abstract: A fuel filler pipe interconnecting a fuel tank and canister, and a fuel supply port of an automobile includes a fuel filler pipe body having an upper end and a circulation tube and an air vent tube each of which has an end communicating with the upper end of the fuel filler pipe body. Each of the filler pipe body, circulation tube and air vent tube includes a clad tube made of an aluminum and having a double-layer structure including a core made of an aluminum alloy and a outer cladding layer made of an aluminum alloy and having an effect of sacrificial anode for the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignees: Horie Metal Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Light Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Okada, Kenji Kamiya, Takahiro Koyama, Masahito Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7017336
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, which is adapted to be supplied with fuel from a fuel tank, is provided. A preliminary muffler and a main muffler are disposed in an exhaust gas section of the engine. A hydrolysis catalytic converter and optionally at least one oxidation catalytic converter are disposed in the preliminary muffler. A dosing mechanism supplies a urea-water solution to the hydrolysis catalytic converter from a UWS tank. A structural unit is provided that is comprised of a fuel tank, the UWS tank, and the preliminary muffler, with the structural unit being adapted to be secured in its entirety to the chassis frame of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventor: Erwin Stiermann