Patent ID: 8089228
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: B60K

Abstract:
1. An automated gas cap mechanism for opening and closing the fuel tank of a vehicle comprising: a housing; a filler compartment door; a door support link, the filler compartment door being mounted on the door support link; an axle mounted in the housing, wherein the axle is configured to rotate and move longitudinally in the housing, the axle having first and second ends mounted in slots formed in the housing; a crank mounted on the axle, the crank having an arm pivotally coupled to the door support link; a gas cap coupled to the axle; and a drive motor coupled to the axle; wherein the drive motor rotates the axle and crank to retract the filler compartment door into the housing and wherein the drive motor drives the axle in a linear direction to open the gas cap.