US 8,464,764 B1 · Fuel system ullage float assembly

Abstract

A fuel system ullage float valve assembly is provided for fuel tank and fuel fill line. This assembly is located near the intersection of the fuel fill line entering the uppermost top section of a fuel tank. A ullage float valve assembly includes a cage enclosure having an upper collar, a plurality of leg members and a base, essentially forming a frame-like structure. The upper collar is partially inserted into, and nest within, the fuel fill line as it enters the tank. The leg members extend downwardly into the tank in a generally vertical position. The assembly also includes a buoyant float chamber, having a generally cylindrical base and a generally converging, conical upper section. The float chamber is buoyant and it housed within the cage enclosure, and is slididly movable within the enclosure. During the fueling process as fuel fills the tank the ullage float assembly rises within the cage enclosure and to reach a sealing engagement with the upper collar of the assembly causing termination of the fueling process. The float assembly also includes a fuel bypass port.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A fuel system ullage float valve assembly for a fuel tank and fuel fill line, located in proximity to the intersection of the fuel fill line entering the top section of a fuel tank, comprising:

a cage enclosure, said cage enclosure including an upper collar, a plurality of leg members, and a base member;
said upper collar for nesting engagement within said fuel fill line, said upper collar partially protruding into, and being secured within, said fuel fill line;
said upper collar further including an external flange, said external flange abutting said fuel fill line and limiting the insertion of said upper collar into said fuel fill line;
said plurality of leg members extending downwardly from said upper collar and into said fuel tank;
said base member being secured to said leg members;
a float chamber, said float chamber having a generally cylindrical base section and a converging generally conical upper section;
said upper collar flange further including a lower angled internal edge for receiving and complementing said conical upper section;
said float chamber being buoyant and housed within said cage enclosure, and moveable therein;
and
wherein, during a fueling process as fuel fills said fuel tank reaching said ullage float assembly, said float chamber rises within said cage enclosure to reach sealing engagement with said upper collar causing termination of said fueling process.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fuel system ullage float assembly

Life of this patent

Fuel system ullage float assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11