Patent ID: 8371346
Filing Date: 2013-02-12
Classification: B60K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for capturing fuel drip and for reducing fuel spillage and splash-back loss during refueling of a fuel storage tank of an engine by insertion of a refueling nozzle into a fuel filler tube, said apparatus having (a) a switch mechanically biased to extend into the fuel filler tube when assuming a first switch position but which is displaced from the first switch position into a second switch position by the refueling nozzle being inserted into the fuel filler tube; (b) a vacuum reservoir canister configured to be evacuated by operation of the engine; (c) a spring loaded piston valve held normally closed by a spring member, said piston valve being in gaseous communication between said fuel filler tube and said vacuum reservoir canister when said spring loaded piston valve is opened; (d) a solenoid for opening said piston valve upon the actuation of the solenoid; (e) a logic circuit coupled between said switch and said solenoid for actuating the solenoid upon the movement of said switch from the second position back to said first switch position upon removal of said refueling nozzle from said fuel filler tube.