Patent ID: 6782911
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: B60K,F16K,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A vent valve for use in controlling discharge of fuel vapor from a fuel tank, comprising:a housing for attachment to a fuel tank; a wall of the housing defining a cavity, a float contained in the housing; the float being responsive to a level of liquid in the fuel tank; the housing having a passage therein communicating with an external portion of the tank; at least one vent positioned proximate to and communicating with the passage; a flexible diaphragm attached to at least the float; the diaphragm being a generally circular diaphragm, generally concentric with the passage in the housing; a generally annular outer edge of the diaphragm being attached to the float; an annular portion of the flexible diaphragm, spaced generally radially inwardly of the outer edge of the diaphragm being displaceably positioned least proximate to the passage to control the flow of vapor through the vent and through the passage; movement of the float toward the passage causing a portion of the flexible diaphragm to contact a surface of the housing at least proximate to the passage and the vent to prevent the flow of fuel vapor through the passage and vent; and movement of the float away from the passage causing the flexible diaphragm to move out of contract with the surface of the housing permitting passage of fuel vapor through the vent and passage.