Jeffrey Lee Buechler

US Patent:

54391296, Aug 8, 1995

Filed:

Jul 6, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/271086

Inventors:

Jeffrey L. Buechler - Hartland MI

Assignee:

Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. - Sterling Heights MI

International Classification:

B65B 3904
B65B 3100
B65B 304

US Classification:

220 862

Abstract:

A fuel filler module fits in the filler pipe of an automotive fuel tank and includes a spring biased trap door assembly that cooperates with a fuel nozzle restrictor to seal an open end of the filler pipe automatically when a fuel nozzle is withdrawn. The trap door assembly includes positive and vacuum pressure relief valves for maintaining fuel tank pressure within certain limits. The fuel filler module also includes a fuel nozzle guide that is part of a vent system for venting the fuel tank during the refuelling process and a splash guard feature that prevents splash back at the end of the refuelling process. The trap door assembly and an internal valve assembly are designed to be handled and installed as a unit to facilitate economical manufacture.

US Patent:

53221001, Jun 21, 1994

Filed:

Jan 27, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/009808

Inventors:

Jeffrey L. Buechler - Garden City MI
Eric A. Langley - York Town IN

Assignee:

Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. - Sterling Heights MI

International Classification:

B67D 506

US Classification:

141312

Abstract:

A fuel filler module fits in the filler pipe of an automotive fuel tank and includes a spring biased trap door that cooperates with a fuel nozzle restrictor to seal an open end of the filler pipe automatically when a fuel nozzle is withdrawn. The fuel filler module also includes a fuel nozzle guide that is part of a vent system for venting the fuel tank during the refuelling process and a splash guard feature that prevents splash back at the end of the refuelling process. The fuel filler module comprises four-snap together components that are largely plastic parts or assemblies of plastic parts that are designed for easy molding to facilitate economical manufacture.