Fill block

Details Fill block Fill block

1999-09-20

2001-06-05

McMahon, Marguerite (Department: 3747)

Internal-combustion engines

Charge forming device

Gaseous fuel and air mixer

C123S525000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06240909

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to fill blocks, sometimes referred to as manifolds, for providing connections between a compressed natural gas fuel system for a bus or other vehicle and a filling station where the vehicle is filled with fuel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typical prior art CNG fuel systems have utilized a multi-part fill block wherein many of the components such as the primary shutoff valve are separate components which are threadedly connected to the main fill block body. The fill block did not provide any means for defueling of the vehicle. All of the threaded connections on the fill block were NPT threads, that is tapered pipe threads.
Although these prior art fill block assemblies do satisfactorily perform their intended purpose, there is much room in the art for improvement of fill block designs to simplify their construction and to improve their performance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved fill block for a CNG fuel system for a vehicle. The fill block includes an integral one piece body having first and second ends defining a length therebetween, and having a main bore defined in the body. A ball valve is received in the body and has a handle extending from the body. The ball valve is moveable between open and closed positions wherein the main bore is opened and closed, respectively. A fueling port is defined in the body and is communicated with the main bore. A defueling port is defined in the body and communicated with the main bore. A fueling receptacle is connected to the fueling port. A defueling receptacle is connected to the defueling port. A defueling valve is located in the body for selectively communicating the defueling port with the main bore and for isolating the defueling port from the main bore as desired.
The body also includes various vent ports and sensor gauge ports communicated with the main bore. Preferably all of the threaded connections to the body are SAE threads which provide a much more secure and reusable threaded connection than do the NPT threads of the prior art.
It is therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an improved fill block for use with a CNG fuel system for a vehicle.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a fill block for a CNG fuel system wherein the fill block includes an integrally mounted shutoff ball valve.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a fill block for a CNG fuel system which includes a means for defueling the system.
Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a fill block using a SAE threads for all threaded connections.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel block having pressure gauge connections on either side so the block is “reversible.”
Other and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon the reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5228295 (1993-07-01), Gustafson
patent: 5373702 (1994-12-01), Kalet et al.
patent: 5794666 (1998-08-01), Yanagawa et al.
patent: 5975574 (1999-11-01), Warth
patent: 6047747 (2000-04-01), Bowen et al.
Exhibit A shows one example of a prior art roof mounted CNG fuel system for a transit bus is that manufactured by New Flyer. (Jul. 15, 1996).
Exhibit B illustrates another prior art roof mounted CNG fuel supply system for transit buses is that in use by Orion Bus Industries. (undated but admitted to be prior art).
Exhibit C is an illustration of a prior art fill block (undated but admitted to be prior art).
Exhibit D is a manual for a prior art fuel system sole by Neoplan USA Corp. (Oct. 1996).
Exhibit E is a copy of NFPA52 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicular Fuel Systems Code 1998 Edition. Section 3-5.2 deals with the mounting of fuel lines. (1998 admitted to be prior art).
Exhibit F is a copy of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority DR4202 Technical Requirements. Section 13.9 deals with the fuel system, and Section 13.9.2 requires that the fuel cylinders be mounted on the roof in such a manner that replacement of one cylinder shall not require the removal of additional cylinders. (undated but admitted to be prior art).

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