Importance

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Abstract

A gaseous alternative fuels vehicle has a vehicle body with an engine and a gas fuel tank. A gaseous fuel supply system establishes gas communication between the engine and the gas fuel tank. The gaseous fuel supply system includes a valve having a valve body with a housing having a first unvalved port and a second unvalved port. A through-flow channel extends between the first unvalved port and the second unvalved port. The through-flow channel provides continuous gaseous communication between the first unvalved port and the second unvalved port. A valved port is in gaseous communication with the gas fuel tank, and a valving channel extends between the valved port and the through-flow channel. The valving channel provides valved gaseous communication between the valved port and the through-flow channel. A flow controller has a valve element within the valving channel at a valve location. The valve element is rotatably disposed to rotate about a valve element axis of rotation and includes a ball having a diametral passage therethrough disposed perpendicular to the valve element axis of rotation. An externally accessible handle extends through the valve body and connects to the valve element. The handle is operable to rotate through an operating arc of no more than 1/2 turn, and preferably exactly 1/4 turn, to rotate the ball about the valve element axis of rotation between a closed position and an open position.

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First Claim