Ford Motor Company Limited

Michael John Boehk

Daniel J Kmiecik

Danny P Forbes

Ronnie E Smith

Daniel P Forbes

Alan R Prechtel

A fuel filler pipe for a fuel filler system of an automotive vehicle includes a generally helical directional control surface disposed within the fuel filler pipe and extending along the longitudinal axis thereof. The directional control surface guides fuel flowing through the filler pipe so as to impart a spiral flow to the fuel such that the fuel flows with reduced turbulence and subsequent vapor generation. In addition, the directional control surface restricts backward flow of fuel from the fuel tank through the fuel filler pipe.

Fuel tank filler pipe

A fuel tank assembly is provided. The fuel tank assembly includes a plastic fuel tank having a wall defining an outer surface and an interior volume for storing fuel therein. A portion of the fuel tank wall further defines a generally cylindrical opening therethrough. The fuel tank assembly also includes an instrument having a generally cylindrical piece extending through the opening in the fuel tank wall such that the instrument communicates with the interior volume of the fuel tank. A retainer assembly is attached to the outer surface of the fuel tank wall for releasably securing the instrument to the fuel tank. The retainer assembly includes a plastic ring-like member having a generally cylindrical inner wall disposed around the generally cylindrical piece of the instrument, the inner wall defining a circumferentially extending sealing surface. The retainer assembly also includes a reinforcing member carried within the ring-like member adjacent to and generally concentric with the sealing surface. A sealing member is interposed between the generally cylindrical piece of the instrument and the sealing surface of the retainer assembly.

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Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America

Michael John Boehk