Two-way vented valve for fuel tanks and fluid systems

Abstract

In an embodiment, the two-way vented valve may include a valve cartridge, a cap housing surrounding the valve cartridge, a biasing member interposed between the valve cartridge and an inner surface of the cap housing, a fluid sealing head coupled to the valve cartridge, the fluid sealing head comprising a vent chamber having a ramp which is angled toward the valve cartridge, the vent chamber further comprising an inlet and a ball inside the vent chamber. In another embodiment, a fluid sealing system may include a two-way vented valve, a fuel tank and an outer seal therebetween. In some embodiments, the two-way vented valve includes a piston and a vent chamber seal, wherein when the two-way vented valve is subjected to a tilt, the ball inside the vent chamber biases the piston to press against the vent chamber seal, thereby closing a fluid passage.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION Inventors: David JuleffDocket No.: 48427-00139TITLE TWO-WAY VENTED VALVE FORFUEL TANKS AND FLUID SYSTEMS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 761.378 "TWO-WAY VENTED VALVE FOR FUEL TANKS AND FLUID SYSTEMS,” filed on February-21. 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The disclosure relates to a fuel tank valve and, more particularly, a two-way vented, rollover safe valve with safety pressure relief for fuel tanks and fluid systems and applications.BACKGROUND

[0003] Fuel tanks may be prone to volume changes or fluctuations caused by, for example, temperature or environmental conditions as well as the consumption and refilling of fuel tanks. When fuel gets warmer, the fuel in a tank can expand and take up a greater volume within the tank. Similarly, under cooler conditions, the fuel can contract resulting in a lower volume. When a vehicle is driven, fuel will be consumed and the total volume of fuel in the tank reduced. This can then be increased with refueling of the tank with additional fuel. Additionally, in vehicles, the fuel tank may be tilted, undergo other changes in orientation, and may be subject to turbulence, bumps, and unpredictable conditions as the vehicle is being driven.137575908.2

[0004] Fuel tank “vent valves” may be incorporated in vehicle fuel tanks, fuel distribution systems, and other fuel applications to allow in air to displace the fuel as it is consumed, to release vapor or gaseous pressure buildup in the fuel tank, and to contain the fuel or other fluid within the tank and system under variable conditions.

[0005] Tank venting allows air to flow into and out of the tank and equalize the pressure between the inside of the tank and the ambient pressure outside of the tank. For example, if air cannot exit the tank quickly enough as it is being filled with fuel, pressure will build up in the tank and can result in spraying or spills. Similarly, if air cannot enter the tank as fuel is being consumed, a vacuum may be created and the rate of fuel flow out of the tank may be impacted.

[0006] Vent valves may attempt to allow flow of gases in or out of the tank to maintain pressure, while also preventing any liquid from escaping, regardless of the angle or orientation of the tank or vehicle. In vehicle systems, venting is often needed because vapor is returned to the fuel tank from the engine or system during operation, and this vapor must be vented, e g., through a vapor outlet, to avoid pressurizing the tank. Vent valves, however, must be designed to close their vapor outlets during certain operating conditions, such as vehicle tilting, bumpy road conditions, sloshing of fuel when the tank is at or near capacity, or in the event of roll-over of the vehicle, in order to prevent leaking or spilling liquid fuel through the vents. Some regulations and standards for vehicles, for example, require that tanks satisfy an inversion test where a tank installation can be rotated successively through 90°, 180° and 270° about an axis parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the machine to simulate machine tip or roll-over. Even so, some fuel tanks when full can flood the fuel cap with fuel at an angle as little as 3 to 4 degrees.

[0007] Generally, venting of tanks may provide pressure regulation, including preventing over-pressurization of the tank and preventing negative pressurization of the tank or vacuum237575908.2formation. Both pressure irregularities can result in damage to the system, fuel leaks, and performance issues. Additionally, venting of tanks may also dissipate heat from the tank, which can reduce or avoid vapor lock where fuel in the fuel lines can vaporize, and may also prevent buildup of moisture or condensation in the fuel tank, which can contaminate the fuel.

[0008] Despite this need and use of vent valves, current vent valves have several shortcomings. As stated, some fuel tanks when full can flood the fuel cap with fuel at an angle as little as 3 to 4 degrees. Additionally, the pressure relief setting of the two-way valve is low (about 1.6 psi) for plastic fuel tanks. On larger tanks this low pressure setting is overcome by the head pressure, which prevents these larger tanks from passing the inversion test. Moreover, if venting is prevented or fuel is not contained in the tank, other system problems can result.

[0009] Given this, there is a need in the art for fuel tank valves or components of a fuel system thereof, that provide venting of air in the system while preventing spillage of fuel during use and upon inversion. The provided structures and systems may provide one or more (or all) of the following: pressure regulation; safety pressure relief; two-way venting; venting of air during fuel consumption, refueling, and heat accumulation during use of the vehicle; prevent vapor lock; prevent condensation; contain fuel within the tank; prevent fuel from flooding the fuel cap under variable conditions such as vehicle tilting, bumpy road conditions, sloshing of fuel when the tank is at or near capacity, or in the event of roll-over; prevent fuel from flooding the fuel cap with fuel at an angle as little as 3 to 4 degrees; pass the inversion test; pass the inversion test on larger heavy equipment fuel tanks; and the like.SUMMARY

[0010] The following presents a summary of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This summary is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor define any limitations of embodiments or claims. Furthermore, this summary may provide a 337575908.2simplified overview of some aspects that may be described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure. Any of the described aspects may be isolated or combined with other described aspects without limitation to the same effect as if they had been described separately and in every' possible combination explicitly.

[0011] Disclosed is a fuel tank valve, or components of a fuel system thereof that provides venting of air in the system while containing fuel within the fuel tank during use and upon inversion. The provided structures and systems may provide one or more (or all) of the following: pressure regulation; safety pressure relief; two-way venting; venting of air during fuel consumption, refueling, and heat accumulation dunng use of the vehicle; prevent vapor lock; prevent condensation; contain fuel within the tank; prevent fuel from flooding the fuel cap under variable conditions such as vehicle tilting, bumpy road conditions, sloshing of fuel when the tank is at or near capacity, or in the event of roll-over; prevent fuel from flooding the fuel cap with fuel at an angle as little as 3 to 4 degrees; pass the inversion test; pass the inversion test on larger heavy equipment fuel tanks; and the like.

[0012] According to one example of the disclosure, a two-way vented valve comprises a valve cartridge; a cap housing surrounding the valve cartridge; a biasing member interposed between the valve cartridge and an inner surface of the cap housing; a fluid sealing head coupled to the valve cartridge, the fluid sealing head comprising a vent chamber having a ramp which is angled toward the valve cartridge, the vent chamber further comprising an inlet; and a ball inside the vent chamber.

[0013] In various embodiments of the above example, the two-way’ vented valve further comprises a piston and a vent chamber seal, wherein when the two-way vented valve is subjected to a tilt, the ball inside the vent chamber biases the piston to press against the vent chamber seal, thereby closing a fluid passage; the two-way vented valve further comprises an interior spring inside the valve cartridge configured to bias the piston away from the vent 437575908.2chamber seal; the biasing member is configured to bias the valve cartridge to close with a seal disposed on a fuel tank when a pressure inside the fuel tank reaches a threshold pressure; the two-way vented valve further comprises an air venting mechanism biased by the biasing member and configured to selectively open or close an air vent path; the ball is metal; the cap housing or the valve cartridge comprises a recess or protrusion configured to mate with a recess or protrusion of a fuel tank; the fluid passage is closed when the two-way vented valve is tilted at an angle of at least 3 degrees; the threshold pressure is 8 + / - 1 psi; the vent chamber seal is an O-ring; the vent chamber comprises a flat seat on which the ball rests when the two-way vented valve is not subject to a tilt, and wherein the ramp extends from the flat seat.

[0014] According to one example of the disclosure, a fluid sealing system comprises a fuel tank having a neck which defines an opening of the fuel tank; a two-way vented valve coupled to the neck of the fuel tank, the two-way vented valve comprising a valve cartridge body, a fluid sealing head at an end of the valve cartridge body and a cap housing surrounding the valve cartridge body, the fluid sealing head comprising an inlet; and an outer seal between a surface of the fuel tank and a surface of the valve cartridge body; wherein the fluid sealing head is inserted into the fuel tank, wherein the fluid sealing head is configured to seal a fluid passage when the tank is subjected to a threshold tilt, and wherein the cap housing is configured to bias the valve cartridge body to contact the outer seal when an interior of the fuel tank has a threshold interior pressure.

[0015] In various embodiments of the above example, the fluid sealing system comprises a piston and a vent chamber seal, wherein when the tank is subjected to the threshold tilt, a ball inside the vent chamber biases the piston to press against the vent chamber seal; the threshold tilt is an angle of at least 3 degrees; the threshold pressure is 8 + / - 1 psi; the outer seal is an O-ring; and the fluid sealing system further comprises a shelf in an interior of the fuel tank,537575908.2wherein the valve is pressed against the shelf.

[0016] According to one example of the disclosure, a method of using a valve of a fuel tank, the method comprises providing a valve cartridge body; providing an outer seal between the valve cartridge body and the fuel tank; biasing the valve cartridge body toward the outer seal by a spring; moving the valve cartridge body away from the seal by an internal pressure within the fuel tank; and tilting the fuel tank to a threshold tilt, the threshold tilt causing a vent path of the valve cartridge body to close.

[0017] In various embodiments of the above example, the threshold tilt causes a ball inside the valve to engage a piston inside the valve, thereby engaging the piston with a vent chamber seal; and the step of providing the valve cartridge body comprises providing the valve cartridge body on a shelf in an interior of the tank.

[0018] The following description and the drawings disclose various illustrative aspects. Some improvements and novel aspects may be expressly identified, while others may be apparent from the description and drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present teachings may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, wherein:

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve as selectively coupled to an upright tank in accordance with one or more disclosed aspects thereof;

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve as selectively coupled to a tilted tank in accordance with one or more disclosed aspects thereof;637575908.2

[0022] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve as selectively coupled to a tilted tank in accordance with one or more disclosed aspects thereof;

[0023] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve as selectively coupled to a tilted tank in accordance with one or more disclosed aspects thereof;

[0024] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a method of forming a vent path at or above threshold pressures (e.g., 8 psi or greater) using valve in accordance with one or more disclosed aspects thereof; and

[0025] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a method of forming a fluid seal through changes in fuel tank orientation (e.g., 3-4 degrees variance to inversion) using valve in accordance with one or more disclosed aspects thereof.

[0026] The invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims, rather than in the specific description preceding them. All embodiments that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present teachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbered aspects refer to a common feature throughout. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the present teachings. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the present teachings. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present teachings.737575908.2

[0028] In this disclosure, numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may be practiced with other embodiments not necessarily including all aspects described herein, etc.

[0029] As used herein, the words '‘example’’ and “exemplary” means an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggests otherwise.

[0030] Further, unless context suggests otherwise, descriptions of shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, etc.) refer to shapes meeting the definition of such shapes and general representation of such shapes. For instance, a triangular shape or generally triangular shape may include a shape that has three sides and three vertices or a shape that generally represents a triangle, such as a shape having three major sides that may or may not have straight edges, triangular like shapes with rounded vertices, etc.

[0031] It is noted that the terms diesel, fuel, and fluid as referred to herein may generally be used interchangeably unless otherwise stated or context suggests otherwise and that embodiments described herein may be used in non-fuel or non-diesel applications even if fuel or diesel may be described. It is noted that embodiments described herein may be used in diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) applications. It is also noted that the disclosed valve, systems and methods may be generally used with any fluid storage vessel or tank, or fluid distribution system, including on vehicle or not on vehicle. It is noted that the terms fluidly connected and fluidly sealed as used herein may refer to both liquid and air connections and seals. It is noted837575908.2that the terms fluid and air may generally be used interchangeably unless otherwise stated or context suggests otherwise.

[0032] Disclosed is a fuel tank valve and, more particularly, a two-way vented, rollover safe valve with safety pressure relief for fuel tanks and fluid systems and applications.

[0033] Disclosed is a fuel tank valve, and / or components of a fuel system, that provides venting of air in the system while containing fuel within the fuel tank during use and upon inversion. The provided structures and systems may provide one or more (or all) of the following: pressure regulation; safety pressure relief; two-way venting; venting of air during fuel consumption, refueling, and heat accumulation during use of the vehicle; prevent vapor lock; prevent condensation; contain fuel within the tank; prevent fuel from flooding the fuel cap under variable conditions such as vehicle tilting, bumpy road conditions, sloshing of fuel when the tank is at or near capacity, or in the event of roll-over; prevent fuel from flooding the fuel cap with fuel at an angle as little as 3 to 4 degrees; pass the inversion test; pass the inversion test on larger heavy equipment fuel tanks; and the like.

[0034] Turning to FIGs. 1-4, shown is a cross-section of a valve 110. It is noted that valve 110, in embodiments, may also be referred to as a two-way vented valve or fuel cap. It is noted that valve 110, in embodiments, may be part of, a component of, or otherwise referred to as a valve assembly, including one or more (or all) of tank 130 and components of the tank 130 thereof including, for example, shelf 132, shoulder 134, neck 136, and / or any other chambers or coupling structures that hold or direct fuel, fluid, air. and the like, or that facilitate an attachment or coupling between valve 110 and tank 130. For example, valve 110 may insert into neck 136 of tank 130 and couple with either or both the neck 136 and / or shoulder 134 of tank 130. For example, valve 110 may rest on or contact shelf 132 within tank 130. to selectively seal valve 110.937575908.2

[0035] Although tank 130 may be shown in the drawings and described herein as a tank, it is noted that this structure 130, and components of the structure 130 thereof including, for example, shelf 132, shoulder 134, neck 136, and / or any other chambers or coupling structures that hold or direct fuel, fluid, air, and the like, may instead be for a part of valve 110 or valve assembly, which in turn may selectively couple with a tank (not shown).

[0036] In an example, valve 110 may be selectively coupled (directly or through one or more components) to a fluid tank, e.g., a fuel, diesel, or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) fluid tank, that is used to store fluid, such as fuel, diesel, or DEF fluid. The fluid tank may include refueling storage tanks, on vehicle storage tanks, storage tanks on other appliances or technologies, and the like. It is noted that the disclosed valve and systems may be generally used with any fluid storage vessel or tank, including on vehicle or not on vehicle. It is noted that the terms diesel, fuel, and fluid as referred to herein may generally be used interchangeably unless otherwise stated or context suggests otherwise and that embodiments described herein may be used in non-fuel or non-diesel applications even if fuel or diesel may be described. It is noted that embodiments described herein may be used in diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) applications.

[0037] In an embodiment, an exterior surface of tank 130 may include one or more recesses or protrusions that correspond to mating protrusions or recesses on an interior surface of valve 110, e.g., cap housing 115 or valve cartridge 120 or vice versa, for example, where an interior surface of tank 130 may include one or more recesses or protrusions that correspond to mating protrusions or recesses on an exterior surface of valve 110, e.g., cap housing 115 or valve cartridge 120. The mating recesses and protrusions of tank 130 and valve 110 may facilitate selective attachment between components. Such attachment may additionally or alternatively include, but is not limited to, threading, friction fit, pressure fit, snap-fit, bayonet mounts, cam locks, latches, magnets, tabs, pins, interlocks, and the like. For example, in an embodiment, the mating recesses and protrusions of the tank 130 and valve 110 may allow 1037575908.2forward movement of the valve 110 into tank 130 until a stop point where a protrusion on either the valve 110 or tank 130 enters into a recess on the opposite one of valve 110 or tank 130 and reverse movement is prevented due to the release of a tab or other surface features into the recess. As described herein, a seal 152 may sit between valve cartridge 120, or other part of valve 110 or cap housing 115, and tank 130, e.g., neck 136. In an embodiment, seal 152 may be an O-ring.

[0038] In an embodiment, valve 110 may include a first end and a second end. In an embodiment, the first end may be referred to as a top end or a distal end and second end may be referred to as a bottom end or a proximal end, or vice versa. Valve 110 may selectively couple (and / or form a vent pathway) with one or more (or all) of tank 130 and cap housing 115 as part of a valve assembly and may selectively couple (and / or form a vent pathway) with other downstream or upstream components of the fluid system.

[0039] In an embodiment, valve 110 may include cap housing 115. It is noted that valve 110 and cap housing 115 may be integrally formed. It is noted that valve 110 and cap housing 115 may be formed separately and / or selectively attach. In an embodiment, valve 110 may include valve cartridge 120. In an embodiment, cap housing 115 may generally surround or circumscribe a first portion 122 of valve cartridge 120. For example, cap housing 115 may generally surround or circumscribe a top portion, a half portion, a body, or other part of valve cartridge 120. It is noted that first portion 122 of valve cartridge 120 may generally correspond to and be used interchangeably with first end of valve 110 unless context or this disclosure suggests otherwise. In an embodiment, a second portion 124 of valve cartridge 120 may extend out from cap housing 115. For example, a bottom portion, a half portion, a neck, or other part of valve cartridge 120 may extend out of cap housing 115. It is noted that second portion 124 of valve cartridge 120 may generally correspond to and be used interchangeably with second end of valve 110 unless context or this disclosure suggests otherwise. In an 1137575908.2embodiment, cap housing 115 may have a generally continuous surface. In an embodiment, neck 124 may comprise an inlet and one or more chambers or fluid / air pathways. In an embodiment, valve 110 may selectively allow for venting of air from tank 130 when a threshold pressure is reached in tank 130. In an embodiment, valve 110 may selectively prevent or seal fluid within tank 130 under varying orientation conditions, such as tilting to varying degrees from an upright position and inversion.

[0040] In an embodiment, when valve 110 is selectively coupled to tank 130, cap housing 115 may remain outside of or exterior to tank 130. In an embodiment, when valve 110 is selectively coupled to tank 130, cap housing 115 and / or portion of valve cartridge 120 may selectively attach to or couple with a portion of tank 130. e.g., neck 136 of tank 130. In an embodiment, when valve 110 is selectively coupled to tank 130, neck 124 may insert into tank 130, e.g.. neck 136 of tank 130. In an embodiment, when valve 110 is selectively coupled to tank 130. neck 124 may rest on or contact shelf 132. As described herein, a seal 152 may sit between valve cartridge 120, or other part of valve 110 or cap housing 115, and tank 130. e.g., neck 136. In an embodiment, seal 152 may be an O-ring. The seal 152 may be referred to as an outer seal and may be disposed on a surface of the tank 130 and may be removable from, attached to. or integral with the tank 130.

[0041] In an embodiment, valve 110 may comprise an air venting mechanism 150. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the air venting mechanism comprises a seal 152 and a spring or biasing member 154 (also referred to as a cap spring or cap biasing member). The air venting mechanism 150 may further comprise, for example, a piston, a stopper and the like and may have air vents provided therein. It is noted that the air venting mechanism 150 and / or valve 1 10 may also be referred to as a safety pressure relief system. As described herein, seal 152 may sit between valve cartridge 120, or other part of valve 110 or cap housing 115, and tank 130, e.g., neck 136. In an embodiment, seal 152 may be an O-ring. In 1237575908.2an embodiment, spring 154 may extend between the valve cartridge 120 and the cap housing 115. In an embodiment, spring 154 may extend underneath cap housing 115 and between other valve components therein, such as valve cartridge 120. In an embodiment, spring 154 may be a wave spring. Other springs and mechanisms which are suitable to bias the valve cartridge 120 are likewise contemplated.

[0042] The air venting mechanism 150 may selectively allow for venting of air from tank 130 when a threshold pressure is reached in tank 130. The air venting mechanism 150 may selectively open and close the air vent path upon certain pressures of the valve 110 and tank 130, e.g., upon a certain threshold pressure and the like. For example, valve cartridge 120 may be spring-loaded, i.e. by spring 154. against seal 152 so that the air vent path therebetween is closed. When pressure builds within tank 130 above a pressure threshold, valve cartridge 120 may lift against spring 154, overcoming the biasing force of the spring 154, to open seal 152 to allow pressure to be released. In an embodiment, valve cartridge 120 may lift against spring 154 to open seal 152 at pressures at or over 8 psi or a pressure that is within 1 to 2 psi thereof (e.g., the threshold pressure). In an embodiment, valve cartridge 120 may lift against spring 154 to open seal 152 at pressures at or over 7 psi (e.g., the threshold pressure). In an embodiment, valve cartridge 120 may lift against spring 154 to open seal 152 at pressures at or over 9 psi (e.g., the threshold pressure). It is noted that other pressure thresholds are also herein contemplated.

[0043] At lower pressures, e.g., below the threshold pressure, seal 152 may generally provide an airtight seal between valve 110 and tank 130 (and / or between valve cartridge 120 and tank 130). At lower pressures, e.g., below the threshold pressure, spring 154 and seal 152 may generally provide an airtight seal between valve 110 and tank 130 (and / or between valve cartridge 120 and tank 130). Seal 152 may be pressed between a surface of valve 110 and a surface of tank 130 (and / or between a surface of valve cartridge 120 and surface of tank 130).1337575908.2Seal 152 may be spring-loaded between a surface of valve 110 and a surface of tank 130 (and / or between a surface of valve cartridge 120 and a surface of tank 130). At pressures at or below the threshold pressure, the system may be a closed and airtight system. Valve 110 may selectively vent air at or above the threshold pressure to prevent the system from reaching and / or staying at pressures above the threshold pressure.

[0044] Once the threshold pressure is reached or exceeded, valve cartridge 120 may move against and / or toward spring 154 (due to the pressure threshold in tank 130 pushing against valve 110) and temporarily or reversibly break seal 152 and allow venting of air and pressure to be released through valve 110, e.g., through an air vent path. Once pressure returns to or below the threshold pressure, valve cartridge 120 may move away from spring 154 (due to the pressure from spring 154 pushing against valve 110) and reform seal 152 against tank 130 to return to a closed and airtight system.

[0045] In an embodiment, valve 110 may comprise fluid sealing mechanism 160. The fluid sealing mechanism may be understood as a vent chamber, and may comprise a ball 162, a piston 164, a spring 166, and a seal 168, as show n in FIG. 3, for example. It is noted that the fluid sealing mechanism 160 and / or valve 110 may also be referred to as a rollover safe valve. As described herein, when the valve 110 and / or the tank 130 are in an upright or level position, ball 162 may rest in seat 161. Seat 161 may be a bottom or low position in valve cartridge 110 and / or air vent path. Seat 161 may be a flat surface, as shown. As described herein, at a threshold tilt or inversion, ball 162 may operatively slide up ramp 163 and engage piston 164. The ramp 163 extends at an oblique angle from the seat 161 and is angled toward the valve cartridge 120. In an embodiment, ball 162 may be a solid or composite metal or stainless steel ball. Piston 164 may be biased by spring 166 in an open position and ball 162 may move against spring 166 through contact with piston 164. As piston 164 moves, seal 168 may press against a wall of valve 110 and / or valve cartridge 120 to seal the air vent path. In 1437575908.2an embodiment, seal 168 may be an O-ring.

[0046] The fluid sealing mechanism 160 may selectively prevent leakage of or seal fluid within tank 130 under varying orientation conditions, such as tilting to varying degrees and inversion. The fluid sealing mechanism 160 may selectively open and close the air vent path upon certain orientations of the valve 110, e.g., upon tilt of a certain threshold degree, inversion of the system, leveling or baseline, and the like. For example, piston 164 may be spring-loaded, i.e. by spring 166, so that seal 168 is not engaged and the air vent path therebetween is open. When valve 110 and / or tank 130 tilt above a tilt threshold, ball 162 may operatively slide up ramp 163 and engage piston 164 to close seal 168 to contain fluid within the valve 110 and tank 130 system. In an embodiment, ball 162 may operatively slide up ramp 163 to close seal 168 at tilts or orientations at or over 60 degrees from level (e.g., the threshold tilt). In an embodiment, ball 162 may operatively slide up ramp 163 to close seal 168 at tilts or orientations at or over 55 degrees from level (e.g., the threshold tilt). In an embodiment, ball 162 may operatively slide up ramp 163 to close seal 168 at tilts or orientations at or over 50 degrees from level (e g., the threshold tilt). In an embodiment, ball 162 may operatively slide up ramp 163 to close seal 168 at tilts or orientations at or over 45 degrees from level (e.g., the threshold tilt). It is noted that other tilt and orientation thresholds are also herein contemplated.

[0047] At lower tilts, e.g., below the threshold tilt, seal 168 may generally not be engaged and may not provide a fluid tight seal between valve 110 and tank 130 (and / or between valve cartridge 120 and tank 130) so that the air venting mechanism 150 may selectively open and close the air vent path and provide an air tight seal or selectively release the threshold pressures. At lower tilts, e.g., below the threshold tilt, piston 164, spring 166 and seal 168 may generally not be engaged and may not provide a fluid tight seal between valve 110 and tank 130 (and / or between valve cartridge 120 and tank 130) so that the air venting 1537575908.2mechanism 150 may selectively open and close the air vent path and provide an air tight seal or selectively release threshold pressures. Ball 162 may be seated in a low position apart from piston 164. Piston 164 may be spring-loaded toward ball 162. Piston 164 may be in a position that does not engage seal 168. At pressures at or below the threshold pressure, the system may be open and not fluid tight. Valve 110 may selectively provide a fluid seal at or above the threshold tilt to contain fluid within the tank 130 and valve 110 and to prevent the system from having fluid enter the other parts of the system.

[0048] Once the threshold tilt is reached or exceeded, ball 162 may move away from its seated position 161 and up ramp 163 against and / or toward piston 164 and spring 166 (due to the tilt threshold in tank 130 and valve 110 directing ball 162 up ramp 163) and temporarily or reversibly forming seal 168 and closing the air vent path and forming a fluid seal. Once tilt returns to or below the threshold tilt, ball 162 may move away from piston 164 and spring 166 (due to the tilt returning to below threshold tilt and pressure from spring 166 pushing against piston 164) and break seal 168 to return to an open and not fluid tight system.

[0049] As described herein, the valve 110 may be configured as a fuel cap to meet ISO 21507 Section 5.1.2 inversion tests for fuel tanks used on larger heavy equipment. The valve 110 may comprise a two way normally closed vent valve with a stainless-steel ball activated roll over vent. The function of the normally closed portion of the valve 110 may be to keep fuel inside the fuel tank. Some fuel tanks when full can flood the fuel cap with fuel at an angle as little as 3 to 4 degrees. The pressure relief setting of the two-way valve is low (1.6 psi) for plastic fuel tanks. On larger tanks this low-pressure setting is overcome by the head pressure, not allowing passage of the ISO inversion test.

[0050] As described herein, the ball activated roll over portion of valve 110 may solve this by closing the vent path. At shallow angles when the cap is under fuel, the two-way vent valve may prevent leakage at what would be low head pressure. As the tank / vehicle tilts past 601637575908.2degrees, the ball may roll along a ramped surface to push against the piston to translate the piston to close the vent path (some fdl necks may be 45 degrees). Similarly, the ball may roll along the ramped surface away from the piston to allow the piston to translate away from and open the vent path. The use of a ball valve, in combination with a spring valve, is configured to allow a ball to roll along a ramped surface to depress against a piston that in turn, translates the piston to close a vent path when a tank is tipped. The valve 110 may be configured to have safety venting where the cartridge bottom is spring loaded against a seal. When pressure builds, the bottom of valve cartridge 120 will lift to relieve over pressure at 8 psi against the wave spring 154.

[0051] Turning to FIG. 5. shown is an embodiment of a method 250 for selectively venting air from a tank through a valve at certain threshold pressure conditions. In an example, at step 253, method 250 may include, under threshold pressure, providing an air seal between a spring-loaded valve cartridge and tank. In an example, at step 255. method 250 may include, at or exceeding threshold pressure, moving the spring-loaded valve cartridge against the spring and reversibly breaking seal to open vent path. In an example, at step 257, method 250 may include, under threshold pressure, returning or biasing the spring-loaded valve cartridge to original position and reforming seal to close vent path.

[0052] Turning to FIG. 6, shown is an embodiment of a method 260 for selectively providing a fluid seal within a tank and a valve at certain threshold tilt conditions. In an example, at step 263, method 260 may include, under threshold tilt, providing a ball in a seated position and an open vent path. In an example, at step 265, method 260 may include, at or exceeding threshold tilt, sliding ball up a ramp to engage with a spring-loaded piston. In an example, at step 267, method 260 may include, at or exceeding threshold tilt, moving or biasing the spring-loaded piston to engage a seal and close the vent path.

[0053] Although the embodiments of the present teachings have been illustrated in the 1737575908.2accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present teachings are not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the present teachings described herein are capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.1837575908.2

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A two-way vented valve comprising:a valve cartridge;a cap housing surrounding the valve cartridge;a biasing member interposed between the valve cartridge and an inner surface of the cap housing;a fluid sealing head coupled to the valve cartridge, the fluid sealing head comprising a vent chamber having a ramp which is angled toward the valve cartridge, the vent chamber further comprising an inlet; anda ball inside the vent chamber.

2. The two-way vented valve of claim 1, further comprising a piston and a vent chamber seal, wherein when the two-way vented valve is subjected to a tilt, the ball inside the vent chamber biases the piston to press against the vent chamber seal, thereby closing a fluid passage.

3. The two-way vented valve of claim 2, further comprising an interior spring inside the valve cartridge configured to bias the piston away from the vent chamber seal.

4. The two-way vented valve of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is configured to bias the valve cartridge to close with a seal disposed on a fuel tank when a pressure inside the fuel tank reaches a threshold pressure.

5. The two-way vented valve of claim 4, further comprising an air venting mechanism biased by the biasing member and configured to selectively open or close an air vent path.

6. The two-way vented valve of claim 1, wherein the ball is metal.

7. The two-way vented valve of claim 1, wherein the cap housing or the valve cartridge comprises a recess or protrusion configured to mate with a recess or protrusion of a fuel tank.1937575908.

28. The two-way vented valve of claim 2, wherein the fluid passage is closed when the two-way vented valve is tilted at an angle of at least 3 degrees.

9. The two-way vented valve of claim 4, wherein the threshold pressure is 8 + / - 1 psi.

10. A fluid sealing system, comprising:a fuel tank having a neck which defines an opening of the fuel tank;a two-way vented valve coupled to the neck of the fuel tank, the two-way vented valve comprising a valve cartridge body, a fluid sealing head at an end of the valve cartridge body and a cap housing surrounding the valve cartridge body, the fluid sealing head comprising an inlet;an outer seal between a surface of the fuel tank and a surface of the valve cartridge body;wherein the fluid sealing head is inserted into the fuel tank,wherein the fluid sealing head is configured to seal a fluid passage when the tank is subjected to a threshold tilt, andwherein the cap housing is configured to bias the valve cartridge body to contact the outer seal when an interior of the fuel tank has a threshold interior pressure.

11. The fluid sealing system of claim 10, wherein the two-way vented valve comprises a piston and a vent chamber seal, wherein when the tank is subjected to the threshold tilt, a ball inside the vent chamber biases the piston to press against the vent chamber seal.

12. The fluid sealing system of claim 10, wherein the threshold tilt is an angle of at least 3 degrees.

13. The fluid sealing system of claim 10, wherein the threshold pressure is 8 + / - 1 psi.

14. The two-way vented valve of claim 2, wherein the vent chamber seal is an O-ring.

15. The fluid sealing system of claim 10, wherein the outer seal is an O-ring.

16. The two-way vented valve of claim 1, wherein the vent chamber comprises a flat seat2037575908.2on which the ball rests when the two-way vented valve is not subject to a tilt, and wherein the ramp extends from the flat seat.

17. A method of using a valve of a fuel tank, the method comprising:providing a valve cartridge body;providing an outer seal between the valve cartridge body and the fuel tank; biasing the valve cartridge body toward the outer seal by a spring;moving the valve cartridge body away from the seal by an internal pressure within the fuel tank; andtilting the fuel tank to a threshold tilt, the threshold tilt causing a vent path of the valve cartridge body to close.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the threshold tilt causes a ball inside the valve to engage a piston inside the valve, thereby engaging the piston w ith a vent chamber seal.

19. The fluid sealing system of claim 10, further comprising a shelf in an interior of the fuel tank, wherein the valve is pressed against the shelf.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing the valve cartridge body comprises providing the valve cartridge body on a shelf in an interior of the tank.2137575908.2

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