Check valve for use in filler tube vapor recirculation system and method of making same
First Claim
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1. A fuel tank filler tube assembly for use in a tank fill system employing fuel vapor recirculation comprising:
- (a) a tubular member with an enlarged diameter end for receiving a refueling nozzle and having a vapor recirculation cut-out formed in the wall of said enlarged end;
(b) a flapper formed of flexible material associated with said cut-out and moveable therein for opening and for closing said port; and
,(c) means positioning said flapper for closing said cut-out wherein said flapper upon being contacted by liquid fuel rising in the tubular member, in the closed position substantially prevents passage of liquid fuel from said tube permits fuel vapor flow into said tube.
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Abstract
A check valve assembly is designed for insertion in an existing fuel tank filler tube having a mechanical nozzle seal and a vapor recirculation port. The insert has an integrally formed ground strap/tab for grounding a refueling nozzle and an attached flexible flapper positioned adjacent the recirculation port by an integrally formed spring tab. The insert has friction tabs for engaging the inner surface of the filler tube for retaining the check valve assembly in the filler tube.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A fuel tank filler tube assembly for use in a tank fill system employing fuel vapor recirculation comprising:
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(a) a tubular member with an enlarged diameter end for receiving a refueling nozzle and having a vapor recirculation cut-out formed in the wall of said enlarged end; (b) a flapper formed of flexible material associated with said cut-out and moveable therein for opening and for closing said port; and
,(c) means positioning said flapper for closing said cut-out wherein said flapper upon being contacted by liquid fuel rising in the tubular member, in the closed position substantially prevents passage of liquid fuel from said tube permits fuel vapor flow into said tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of making a fuel tank filler tube for use in a system
with fuel vapor recirculation comprising: -
(a) forming a tubular member with an enlarged end for receiving a refueling nozzle and forming a cut-out in the enlarged end for vapor recirculation; (b) disposing a flexible flapper for movement between an open and closed position with respect to the cut-out; and
,(c) moving the flapper to the closed position upon contact by liquid fuel rising in the tubular member and preventing flow of liquid fuel in the tubular member through the cut-out and permitting flow of fuel vapor through the cut-out into the enlarged end. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification