Housing for a grau vent valve (GVV) in a vehicle fuel tank valve assembly

Description

HOUSING FOR A GRADE VENTILATION VALVE (GVV) IN A VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE FUEL TANK “Divided from BR 11 2025 019401-1, filed on 03 / 21 / 2024” FIELD OF THE ART

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a fuel tank system and, more particularly, to a set of valves for controlling the pressure in the tank. BACKGROUND

[0002] Fuel tank valves function to control emissions from a fuel tank and release pressure within it. Fuel vapors are vented through the valves and into a container where the vapors are stored. Fill Limit Vent Valves (FLVVs) prevent overfilling of the fuel tank during a refueling event. Once the fuel tank reaches its maximum fill level, the FLVV will close to prevent overfilling. During the refueling event, fuel vapor may escape through the FLVV and enter the container. Degree Vent Valves (GVVs) allow fuel tanks to be vented when parked on a degree. When the pressure in the fuel tank rises above a threshold level, the GVV opens to allow fuel vapor to escape into the container.A Compact Combined Valve (CCV), as used herein, refers to a vent valve that stacks an FLVV and a GVV to provide the functionalities of both, thus providing a compact solution for emissions control under different vehicle conditions. Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 45 / 111 2 / 24

[0003] Traditional CCV systems utilize a disc valve for GVV venting. The disc valve includes a stainless steel disc (SSD) that can move up and down to respectively open and close the GVV orifice. The GVV housing includes a circular head cage to limit the lateral movement of the SSD. The SSD, which may be cylindrical, is designed to selectively open and close a GVV orifice based on the pressure inside the fuel tank. When the pressure is low, the base portion of the SSD is seated against a surface inside the head cage to cover the orifice. Because the head cage limits the lateral movement of the SSD, the SSD will not move and open the GVV orifice in response to vehicle movement.When the disc is eventually lifted due to pressure buildup, pressurized vapor can escape through the now-open orifice and drag liquid fuel particles out of the fuel tank, which is undesirable. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides an enhanced valve assembly that can release pressure in a fuel tank when the vehicle is in dynamic motion. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a valve assembly that includes a Fill Limit Vent Valve (FLVV) and a Grade Vent Valve (GVV) (the valve assembly may be referred to as a Compact Combined Valve (CCV)). The FLVV can prevent overfilling of the fuel tank during a refueling event. The FLVV has a first vapor path through which vapor and pressure from the fuel tank can escape to a Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 46 / 1113 / 24 storage unit. The FLVV includes a first float configured to selectively open and close the first vapor path based on the fuel level in the fuel tank. The GVV, on the other hand, is designed to release pressure in the fuel tank when the vehicle is parked on a slope or in motion. The lower end of the GVV housing is called the interface end because it is designed to interface or connect to the FLVV. In this way, the GVV can be stacked on top of the FLVV. The upper end of the GVV housing is called the vent end (an outlet port) because it is the end of the housing through which vapor emissions can escape and be captured by a container (e.g., a carbon canister).The vent end of the GVV housing includes a first orifice, also known as the central orifice, coupled to the first vapor path of the FLVV. The vent end of the GVV housing also includes a second orifice through which vapor pressure can escape through a second vapor path of the GVV. The GVV housing may use a ball valve to open and close the second vapor path of the GVV. The vent end of the housing additionally includes a head cage for confining movements of a ball valve.

[0005] The ball valve for the GVV has the advantage of being able to open when the vehicle is in motion. This contrasts with conventional valve assemblies with stainless steel disc valves, which can only open in response to pressure built up in the fuel tank. A Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 47 / 111 The 4 / 24 ball valve used in current designs can advantageously open and release pressure in response to vehicle movement, thus preventing the buildup of excessive pressure in the fuel tank.

[0006] The GVV housing may include a head cage to limit the lateral range of motion of the ball valve. The size of the head cage is preferably large relative to the size of the ball to provide sufficient space for the ball to roll away from the GVV orifice. However, as the vent end of the GVV housing needs to accommodate the FLVV orifice and the head cage for the GVV orifice, there is limited space to expand the size of the head cage for the ball valve.

[0007] In one embodiment, the head cage may have a plurality of walls instead of a single continuous wall. The walls may be curved to provide concave surfaces for the sphere to roll on. A first curved wall of the plurality of walls may have (1) a first end terminating at the orifice (central orifice) for the first vapor path of the FLVV and (2) a second end terminating at a first termination location near a lateral boundary of the housing vent end. A second curved wall of the plurality of walls may have a third end terminating at the orifice (central orifice) for the first vapor path of the FLVV and a fourth end terminating at a second termination location near the lateral boundary of the housing vent end. The plurality of walls may have gaps between them and / or other structural elements of the assembly. Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 48 / 111 5 / 24 valve, provided the clearances are smaller than the ball diameter to prevent the ball from escaping the head cage.

[0008] In particular embodiments, the use of a ball for the ball-type valve results in a lower liquid transport level (LCO) during dynamic vehicle operation. In particular embodiments, a stainless steel ball (referred to as a head valve ball or SS ball) is placed in a head cage that surrounds a GVV orifice. An inclined surface within the head cage forms a downward slope to influence the stainless steel ball towards the GVV orifice under the force of gravity. Thus, in operation, the ball would roll within the cage due to the vehicle's movement, thereby opening the GVV orifice to release pressure in the fuel tank. When the vehicle is stationary, the ball will eventually be deflected by the inclined surface within the cage to rest on top of the GVV orifice, thus closing it.

[0009] The embodiments disclosed in this document are merely examples, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to them. Specific embodiments may include all, some, or none of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps of the embodiments disclosed in this document. Dependencies or references in the appended claims are chosen for formal reasons only. However, any object resulting from a deliberate reference to any prior claims (in particular multiple dependencies) may also be claimed, so that any combination of claims and their features may be disclosed and Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, p. 49 / 111 6 / 24 can be claimed independently of the dependencies chosen in the appended claims. The claimable subject matter comprises not only the combinations of features set forth in the appended claims, but also any other combination of features in the claims, wherein each feature mentioned in the claims may be combined with any other feature or combination of other features in the claims. Furthermore, any of the embodiments and features described or depicted herein may be claimed in a separate claim and / or in any combination with any embodiment or feature described or depicted herein or with any of the features of the appended claims. Additional objects and advantages will be presented in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of disclosure.The objectives and advantages will also be realized and achieved through the elements and combinations specifically indicated in the appended claims. It should be understood that both the previous general description and the detailed description below are merely illustrative and explanatory and are not restrictive of the claimed invention.

[0010] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a valve assembly for a vehicle's fuel tank, wherein the valve assembly includes: a fill limit vent valve (FLVV) to prevent overfilling of the fuel tank during a refueling event, the FLVV including a first path Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 50 / 111 7 / 24 of vapor and a first float to selectively open and close the first vapor path based on the fuel level in the fuel tank; a degree vent valve (GVV) to release pressure in the fuel tank, wherein the GVV has a housing with an interface end connected to the FLVV and a vent end that includes a ball-type valve to open and close a second vapor path of the GVV; and a container enclosing at least the vent end of the GVV housing;wherein the vent end of the GVV housing includes (a) an orifice coupled to the first vapor path of the FLVV, and (b) a head cage for confining the movements of a ball valve sphere, the head cage being defined by at least a plurality of walls, including: a first curved wall with a first end terminating at the orifice for the first vapor path of the FLVV and a second end terminating at a first termination location near a lateral boundary of the vent end of the housing; and a second curved wall with a third end terminating at the orifice for the first vapor path of the FLVV and a fourth end terminating at a second termination location near the lateral boundary of the vent end of the housing.

[0011] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a set of valves, wherein the plurality of walls forms at least part of a circumferential housing around the ball-type valve.

[0012] In some respects, the techniques described in Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, p. 51 / 111 8 / 24 of this document refers to a set of valves, wherein at least the first termination point of the first curved wall or the second termination point of the second curved wall is at the lateral limit of the ventilation end of the housing.

[0013] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a set of valves, in which a gap between the first end of the first curved wall and the third end of the second curved wall includes a portion of the orifice for the first vapor path of the FLVV.

[0014] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a valve assembly where the diameter of the ball valve is greater than the clearance.

[0015] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a set of valves, wherein the ball valve includes a second orifice surrounded by an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the second orifice.

[0016] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a set of valves, in which the inclined surface extends from the second orifice to the first curved wall and the second curved wall.

[0017] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a set of valves, in which the inclined surface extends even further to the lateral limit of the ventilation end of the housing.

[0018] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a set of valves, in which the first curved wall, the second curved wall and a Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, p. 52 / 111 9 / 24 of the inner surface of the container limits the movements of the ball valve in the ball type.

[0019] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a valve assembly in which the GVV housing, including the first curved wall and the second curved wall, is molded from a single piece of material.

[0020] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a set of valves, wherein the ball of the ball-type valve has a diameter greater than a clearance between the second end of the first curved wall and the lateral limit of the ventilation end of the housing.

[0021] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a set of valves in which the first curved wall and the second curved wall are disjoint.

[0022] In some respects, the techniques described in this document relate to a housing in a valve assembly for a vehicle fuel tank, including the housing: an orifice coupled to a first vapor path and a head cage to confine the movements of a ball valve that opens and closes a second vapor path, the head cage being defined by at least a plurality of walls, including: a first curved wall with a first end terminating at the orifice for the first vapor path and a second end terminating at a first termination location near a lateral boundary of the housing; and a second curved wall with a third end Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, p. 53 / 111 10 / 24 terminating at the orifice for the first steam path and a fourth end terminating at a second termination location near the lateral limit of the housing.

[0023] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a housing in which a gap between the first end of the first curved wall and the third end of the second curved wall includes a portion of the orifice for the first vapor path of a fill limit vent valve (FLVV).

[0024] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a housing in which the diameter of the ball valve is greater than the clearance.

[0025] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a housing in which the ball-type valve includes a second orifice surrounded by an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the second orifice.

[0026] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a housing in which the inclined surface extends from the second hole to the first curved wall and the second curved wall.

[0027] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a housing where the inclined surface extends even further to the lateral limit of the housing.

[0028] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to a housing in which the movements of the ball valve ball are Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, p. 54 / 111 11 / 24 confined by the first curved wall, the second curved wall and an inner surface of a container when the container is fixed to the housing.

[0029] In some respects, the techniques described in this document refer to an accommodation, wherein the first vapor path is associated with a FLVV to prevent overfilling of the fuel tank during a refueling event, and the second vapor path is associated with a degree vent valve (GVV) to vent the fuel tank when the vehicle is parked on a slope. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, in which numerical references refer to similar parts in the various drawings, unless otherwise specified.

[0031] Figures 1A-1C illustrate an example of a valve assembly that uses a stainless steel disc to control ventilation operations.

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a valve assembly that includes a GVV and an FLVV, according to specific embodiments.

[0033] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the GVV of a valve assembly with a ball valve, according to specific embodiments.

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the GVV housing of a valve assembly, according to specific embodiments.

[0035] Figure 5A illustrates a top view of the GVV housing of a valve assembly, according to Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, p. 55 / 111 12 / 24 specific modalities.

[0036] Figure 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inclined surfaces within a head cage of a GVV housing, according to specific embodiments.

[0037] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a perspective view of a valve assembly design with a ball valve, according to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The Compact Combination Valve (CCV) includes the functionalities of a GVV and an FLVV. In certain CCV designs, the functional components of a GVV are stacked on top of those of an FLVV. Therefore, the GVV housing needs to be designed to accommodate both the FLVV and the GVV. For example, the GVV housing may have a central orifice coupled to a first vapor path of the FLVV located under the GVV. The GVV housing may also have a second orifice coupled to a vapor path separate from the GVV.

[0039] Existing designs may use a stainless steel disc (SSD) to selectively open and close the second orifice of the GVV to release pressure. Figure 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of such an example of the GVV portion of a valve assembly 100 (the valve assembly 100 may be referred to as a CCV). The GVV portion of the valve assembly 100 may include a housing 104, a float 106, a first orifice 122 for the FLVV (also known as the center orifice), a second orifice 112 for the GVV (more clearly shown in Figure 1B), and a circular head cage 114 around the second orifice 112. Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, p. 56 / 111 13 / 24

[0040] The GVV housing 104 may include a circular head cage 114 configured to contain a stainless steel disc (SSD) 102, which is used as a disc valve to open and close the second orifice 112 of the GVV. Figure 1B shows a cross-section of the circular head cage 114 and SSD 102, and Figure 1C shows a top view of the housing without the SSD 102. The cross-sectional view shows the SSD 102 placed inside the circular head cage 114, covering the second orifice 112 mentioned above. The SSD 102 may have a cylindrical shape and its lateral movement is confined by the circular head cage 114. The base of the SSD 102 rests against a surface inside the circular head cage 114 to cover the second orifice 112. This SSD 102 may have a dimension and / or weight designed and calibrated to move upwards by a predetermined pressure (e.g., 5 kPa) in the fuel tank.When the pressure inside the fuel tank is below the limit, SSD 102 will remain seated, thus closing the second orifice 112. When the pressure in the fuel tank rises above the limit, the pressure lifts SSD 102 to open the second orifice 112, thus allowing vapor pressure to escape.

[0041] Figure 1A shows the manner in which vapor pressure can be released. The GVV has a vapor path 108 through which fuel vapor can escape through the second orifice 112. The approximate vapor path 108 can pass through gaps in the internal structure of the valve assembly. A sufficiently high pressure will lift the SSD 102, thus opening the second orifice 112 to allow pressure to be released. However, the Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 57 / 111 14 / 24 SSD 102 can only move vertically within the circular head cage 114 in response to tank pressure. Vehicle movement under dynamic conditions will not cause the second orifice 112 to open because the circular cage 114 prevents significant lateral displacement of SSD 102. Thus, pressure will build up in the fuel tank until the second orifice 112 opens. Due to the high pressure in the fuel tank at the moment SSD 102 lifts, liquid fuel particles can be carried along with the vapor pressure escaping when the second orifice 112 opens. Thus, there is a need for an improved mechanism to prevent pressure buildup in the fuel tank.

[0042] The particular embodiments described herein allow the fuel tank pressure to be released under dynamic conditions.Instead of using an SSD 102 that can only be lifted by pressure in the fuel tank, the embodiments described in this document use a ball valve that can open and close the GVV orifice in response to vehicle movements, in addition to fuel tank pressure. The ball of the ball valve can only roll laterally in response to vehicle movements, thus allowing pressure to be released from the fuel tank under dynamic conditions and preventing pressure buildup.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a valve assembly 300 (e.g., a CCV) of a vehicle fuel tank, according to specific embodiments. The valve assembly 300 includes a container (e.g., a carbon container) 228 covering a GVV 204, which is stacked on top of an FLVV 206. The container 228 can Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 58 / 111 15 / 24 involve at least the upper part of GVV 204 to capture and direct the vapor or liquid that escaped from GVV 204 and FLVV 206. For example, one end of a tube may be connected to the protruding outlet of container 228, and the other end of the tube may be connected to the inlet of a container to capture fuel vapor or liquid.

[0044] In one embodiment, the FLVV 206 can be configured to prevent overfilling of the fuel tank during a refueling event. The FLVV 206 can be placed in a fuel tank so that it can sense or detect the fuel level in the fuel tank. In particular embodiments, the FLVV 206 includes a first float 302 that selectively opens and closes a first vapor path based on the fuel level in the fuel tank. The first float 302 moves up and down in the FLVV 206 depending on the fuel level in the fuel tank. In some embodiments, the FLVV 206 can be attached to a tape 304 that can be configured to seal and unseal a first orifice inlet 201 based on the movement of the first float 302.When the fuel level is low, the first float 302 would move downwards, thus bringing the tape 304 down and away from the entrance of the first orifice 201 (i.e., the vapor path through the first orifice 201 is open). In this state, the pressure in the fuel tank will not increase. When the fuel level rises, the first float 302 moves upwards. When the first float 302 is at a predetermined height level, the tape 304 would close the entrance of the first orifice 201. Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 59 / 111 16 / 24 thus closing the vapor path. As additional fuel is added, the pressure inside the fuel tank will increase and eventually trigger the fuel pump shut-off mechanism.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, GVV 204 is stacked on top of FLVV 206. GVV 204 has a housing that includes the first orifice 201 for connection to the first vapor path of FLVV. GVV 204 additionally has a second orifice 222 coupled to a second vapor path of GVV 204. The second orifice 222 is opened and closed using a ball 220, which can roll and open the second orifice 222 in response to vehicle movement and / or pressure within the fuel tank.

[0046] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a cross-section of the GVV 204 portion of the valve assembly 300 of Figure 2. The GVV 204 housing 212 includes a vent end 216 and an interface end 214 for connection to the FLVV assembly (not shown in Figure 2). The vent end 216 includes a first orifice 201 serving as an outlet for a first vapor path 208 of the FLVV 206, as well as a second orifice 222 serving as an outlet for a second vapor path 226 of the GVV 204. Both the first orifice 201 and the second orifice 222 form outlet conduits for fuel vapors released by the fuel tank. The vent end 216 of the GVV 204 has a ball-type valve with a stainless steel ball (SS ball) 220 configured to selectively open and close the second orifice 222. Unlike SSD 102 shown in Figures 1A-1B, the ball valve 220 can open the second orifice 222 in Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 60 / 111 17 / 24 response to fuel tank pressure or vehicle movements. To define a limit within which the ball 220 can roll, the GVV 204 housing includes a head cage 224 that surrounds the ball 220 and the second orifice 222. In operation, the ball 220 of the ball valve is placed inside the head cage 224, which confines the movement of the ball 220 under dynamic vehicle conditions. For example, the ball 220 may move around and away from the second orifice 222 when the vehicle is in motion or parked on a slope. In this configuration, the second orifice 222 would be open, thus allowing low pressure to be maintained in the fuel tank during vehicle movement, which reduces the LCO of the valve assembly.

[0047] In one embodiment, the GVV 204 may include a mechanism to prevent fuel leakage through the second orifice 222. The housing 212 of the GVV 204 includes a second float 207. The upper surface of the float may have a shape or sealing member (e.g., a strip) designed to seal the second orifice 222. When a liquid fuel level causes the second float 207 to move to an upper limit within the housing 212, the upper surface of the float, together with any sealing member attached thereto, will cover the inner surface of the second orifice 222, sealing it to prevent unintentional leakage of liquid fuel through the second orifice 222.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the GVV 204 part of the valve assembly. As discussed earlier, the GVV 204 housing 212 needs to include a first orifice 201 for the FLVV vapor path. Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, p. 61 / 111 18 / 24 206 and a second orifice 222 for the vapor path of the GVV 204. In the embodiment shown, the first orifice 201 is a circular orifice in the center of the vent end 216 of the housing 212. The second orifice 222 is disposed between the first orifice 201 and the limit or edge of the housing 212. As the mechanism used to open and close the second orifice 222 depends on the lateral movements of a sphere 220 (not shown in Figure 4) placed inside a head cage, it is desirable that the head cage be large enough so that the sphere has sufficient space to roll away from the second orifice 222. However, a challenge in doing this is that there is limited space around the second orifice 222 due to the size of the housing 212 and the placements of the first orifice 201 and the second orifice 222.For example, if the head cage around the second hole 222 forms a circular boundary centered around the second hole 222, the largest possible circular boundary would have a diameter extending from the edge of the housing 212 to the nearest edge of the first hole 201. The space afforded for the movement of the sphere within such a circular boundary would be excessively restrictive.

[0049] The embodiment shown in Figure 4 provides an improved head cage design that optimizes the space allowed for the sphere's movement. The head cage can be defined by at least a plurality of 402 walls, which can be separated from each other. In the embodiment shown, the head cage has two walls (402a and 402b), but this disclosure further contemplates the use of more than two walls (e.g., three or more walls). In one embodiment, the plurality of 402 walls forms Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 62 / 111 19 / 24 circumferential housings around the second orifice 222. For example, the plurality of walls 402 creates a bean-shaped circumferential boundary / housing to control the movements of the sphere 220 around the second orifice 222. A first curved wall 402a has a first end 404a terminating at the first orifice 201 for the first vapor path 208 of FLVV 206 and a second end 404b terminating at a first termination location near a lateral boundary 414 of the vent end 216 of the housing 212. A second curved wall 402b has a third end 406a terminating at the first orifice 201 for the first vapor path 208 of FLVV 206 and a fourth end 406b terminating at a second termination location near the lateral boundary 414 of the vent end 216 of the housing 212.In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first curved wall 402a and the second curved wall 402b do not terminate at the lateral boundary 414 of the housing 212 (in other words, there are gaps between the lateral boundary 414 and each of the first and second curved walls 402a-b). However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first and second curved walls 402a-b may extend to the lateral boundary 414. In particular embodiments, the housing 212 of the GVV 204, including the first curved wall 402a and the second curved wall 402b, may be molded from a single piece of material.

[0050] Figure 5A illustrates a top view of the housing 212 of the valve assembly, according to particular embodiments. The second orifice 222 may be surrounded by an inclined surface 510 that slopes downwards towards the second orifice 222. The inclined surface Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, p. 63 / 111 20 / 24 510 has the shape of a funnel and helps guide the sphere 220 towards the second hole 222. Thus, when gravity is the only force acting on the sphere 220, the sphere 220 would roll towards the second hole 222 and cover it when at rest. In one embodiment, the inclined surface 510 may extend from the second hole 222 to the first curved wall 402a and the second curved wall 402b. The inclined surface 510 may also extend to a segment of the edge of the first hole 201 between the first curved wall 402a and the third end 406a of the second curved wall 402b (i.e., the segment of the edge of the first hole 201 between the first end 404a and the third end 406a). The inclined surface may extend further into a region between the first curved wall 402a and the lateral limit 414 of the housing 212. The transition between the inclined surface 510 and the non-inclined upper surface of the bearing 212 is indicated by line 504.Similarly, the inclined surface 510 can extend to a region between the second curved wall 402b and the lateral limit 414 of the housing 212. The transition line 506 indicates the transition between the inclined surface 510 and the non-inclined upper surface of the bearing. With the inclined surface 510, the ball 220 can be inclined to roll and rest on the second hole 222, thus closing the second hole 222 during translation between a dynamic and a static condition of the vehicle. Figure 5B provides a cross-sectional side view of the inclined surface around the second hole 222 of the head cage ball valve 224. When the vehicle is in motion, the ball 220 will roll around the... Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 64 / 111 21 / 24 second hole 222 along inclined surface 510. In static scenarios, gravity would drag sphere 220 down along inclined surface 510 towards the second hole 222 until the sphere rests on top of the second hole 222 and closes it.

[0051] In one embodiment, the movements of sphere 220 are confined by the first curved wall 402a, the second curved wall 402b, and an inner surface of the container 228 (see Figure 2) when it is fixed onto the valve assembly. Since the plurality of walls 402a-b can be disarticulated, the gaps between the walls 402a-b and / or other structural elements of the housing 212 need to be smaller than the diameter of sphere 220 to prevent sphere 220 from escaping the head cage. For example, a gap may be present between the first end 404a of the first curved wall 402a and the third end 406a of the second curved wall 402b, as shown in Figure 5A. Part of the first orifice 201 may be located within this gap, provided that the ball 220 cannot roll and rest on top of the first orifice 201. The gap is designed to be smaller than the diameter of the ball 220 used by the ball-type valve.For example, the diameter of the ball 220 may be 10.5 mm and the clearance may be less than 10 mm. Similarly, the gaps between the side limit 414 of the housing 212 and each of the first and second curved walls 402a-b may be smaller than the diameter of the ball 220. Specifically, the ball 220 of the ball-type valve has a larger diameter than any clearance between the second end 404b of the first curved wall 402a and the side limit 414 of the vent end 216 of the housing 212. Thus... Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 65 / 111 22 / 24 similarly, the diameter of sphere 220 is also larger than any gap between the fourth end 406b of the second curved wall 402b and the side limit 414. In this way, sphere 220 could not escape from the head cage through any of the gaps between walls 402a-b.

[0052] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the compact combined valve or valve assembly, according to specific embodiments. The container 228 is fixed onto the GVV 204 of the valve assembly. The top of the container 228 is removed in Figure 6 to better illustrate the sphere 220 and the head cage formed around it. In Figure 6, the sphere 220 is resting above the second orifice 222, blocking it from view. Under dynamic conditions, sphere 220 would move away from the second hole 222 and roll around the inclined surface 510. The lateral movement of sphere 220 is restricted by the curved walls 402a-b and an inner surface of the container 228 that fits around a portion 502 of the lateral boundary 414 of the housing 212 that is close to the second end 404b of the first curved wall 402a and the fourth end 406b of the second curved wall 402b (see Figure 5A).Since the boundary defining the permitted movement space of sphere 220 is formed by a plurality of disjoint walls, their relative spacing, and other structural elements of the valve assembly (e.g., the inner surface of container 228), the movement space for sphere 220 can be maximized, thereby improving the performance of the ball-type valve used by the valve assembly.

[0053] Here, "or" is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly stated otherwise or indicated otherwise. Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 66 / 111 23 / 24 otherwise indicated by the context. Therefore, in this document, A or B means A, B, or both, unless expressly stated otherwise or indicated otherwise by the context. Furthermore, and is jointly and severally liable, unless expressly stated otherwise or indicated otherwise by the context. Therefore, in this document, A and B means A and B, jointly or separately, unless expressly stated otherwise or indicated otherwise by the context.

[0054] The scope of this disclosure covers all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein that an individual with ordinary skill in the art would understand. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, although this disclosure describes and illustrates the respective embodiments herein as including specific components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps, any such embodiment may include any combination or permutation of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated anywhere herein that a person skilled in the art would understand.Furthermore, the reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or to a component of an apparatus or system that is being adapted, arranged, enabled, configured, enabled, operable or operative to perform a specific function includes that apparatus, system, component, whether or not that specific function is activated, switched on, or unlocked, provided that. Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 67 / 111 24 / 7 device, system or component is adapted, organized, capable, configured, enabled, operable or operational. Furthermore, although this disclosure describes or illustrates specific embodiments as providing specific advantages, specific embodiments may provide none, some, or all of these advantages.

Claims

1. Housing for a Grade Vent Valve (GVV) in a valve assembly for a vehicle fuel tank, the housing (212) being characterized in that it comprises: - an interface end (214) configured for connection to a Fill Limit Vent Valve (FLVV) (206); and - a vent end (216) comprising (a) a first orifice (201) configured to couple to a first vapor path (208) of the FLVV (206), (b) a head cage (224) configured to confine the movements of a ball (220) of a ball-type valve of the GVV (204), and (c) a second orifice (222) configured to couple to a second vapor path (226) of the GVV (204);The housing (212) further comprises a float (207) configured to seal the second vapor path (226) based on a liquid fuel level within the housing (212), the float (207) comprising a sealing member configured to cover an inner surface of the second orifice (222) when the float (207) reaches a higher limit within the housing (212).

2. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing member comprises a flexible sealing element connected to an upper surface of the float (207).

3. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the float (207) is at a higher limit within the housing (212), an upper surface of the float (207) together with the sealing member covering the inner surface of the second orifice. Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, page 69 / 111; 2 / 3 orifice (222).

4. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the float (207) is configured to move upwards in response to an increase in the level of liquid fuel within the housing (212).

5. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the second orifice (222) is disposed between the first orifice (201) and a lateral limit (414) of the vent end (216) of the housing (212).

6. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the first orifice (201) is a circular orifice located in a center of the vent end (216) of the housing (212). 7.Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the second hole (222) is surrounded by an inclined surface (510) that slopes downwards towards the second hole (222), and the inclined surface (510) is configured to influence the sphere (220) towards the second hole (222).

8. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the head cage (224) is defined by at least a plurality of walls (402) comprising a first curved wall (402a) and a second curved wall (402b), the first curved wall (402a) and the second curved wall (402b) being separated, and a gap between the first curved wall (402a) and the second curved wall (402b) having a diameter smaller than that of the sphere (220).

9. Accommodation, in accordance with claim 1, Petition 870260067264, dated 07 / 07 / 2026, pp. 70 / 111. 3 / 3 characterized in that the inner surface of the second orifice (222) is shaped to match the float sealing member (207), such that the sealing member covers the inner surface of the second orifice (222) when the float (207) reaches the uppermost limit within the housing (212).

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