Patent US3672537A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3672537A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Fuel tank vapor separator system having pivoting arm vapor pickup
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1970-08-14
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Granted: 1972-06-27
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Expires: 1990-08-14
Abstract
Abstract A hollow arm pivots in a plane substantially parallel to the fuel tank roof about a pivot member located in the center of the roof. Buoyant material attached to the outer end of the arm urges that end to any vapor space existing above the liquid regardless of tank attitude. Excess fuel vapors pass through the passage in the arm and are conducted to the engine combustion chambers.
Inventors
- 👤 Ernest W Kitzner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 20:40
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60K; B60K15/00; B60K15/03; B60K15/035; B60K15/03504
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A system for removing excess fuel vapors from a liquid fuel tank movable into varying attitudes while preventing removal of significant amounts of liquid fuel regardless of tank attitude comprising a support member located in the approximate center of the tank roof, and an arm member pivotable about said support member in a plane substantially parallel to but slightly below the tank roof, said arm member including a passage means opening into the fuel tank near the outer end of the arm member, said arm member including means for pivoting the arm member about said support member to bring the opening of said passage means to the vapor space existing above any liquid fuel in the tank, said passage means conducting excess fuel vapors out of the tank.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
128 words
A system for removing excess fuel vapors from a liquid fuel tank movable into varying attitudes while preventing removal of significant amounts of liquid fuel regardless of tank attitude comprising a support member located in the approximate center of the tank roof, and an arm member pivotable about said support member in a plane substantially parallel to but slightly below the tank roof, said arm member including a passage means opening into the fuel tank near the outer end of the arm member, said arm member including means for pivoting the arm member about said support member to bring the opening of said passage means to the vapor space existing above any liquid fuel in the tank, said passage means conducting excess fuel vapors out of the tank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 1 in which said opening of the passage means contains a small restriction means for preventing significant amounts of sloshing liquid fuel from entering the passage means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system of claim 2 in which the means for pivoting the arm member comprises a buoyant material fastened to said arm member near its outer end, the buoyant force exerted by any liquid fuel on said buoyant member urging said arm member into a position where the opening of the passage means communicates with the vapor space.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 2 in which the means for pivoting the arm member comprises a weight attached to said arm member radially across said support member from the passage means of the arm member, said weight producing an unbalanced amount that urges the passage means toward an upper position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system of claim 1 in which the means for pivoting the arm member comprises a buoyant material fastened to said arm member near its outer end, the buoyant force exerted by any liquid fuel on said buoyant member urging said arm member into a position where the opening of the passage means communicates with the vapor space.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-27 | 1975-12-27 | 1976-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-27 | 1979-12-27 | 1980-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-27 | 1983-12-27 | 1984-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |