A fuel tank assembly has a fuel tank with a fuel flow control device disposed at least partially in the fuel tank, and which communicates with a fuel filler pipe through which volatile fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fuel flow control device includes a fill tube that controls the manner in which fuel enters the fuel tank, preferably to reduce generation of fuel vapor when fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fill tube is a flexible tube and includes a float adjacent to an outlet end of the fill tube so that the outlet end of the tube is responsive to the level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank for at least some levels of fuel in the fuel tank.

A fuel tank assembly has a fuel tank with a fuel flow control device disposed at least partially in the fuel tank, and which communicates with a fuel filler pipe through which volatile fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fuel flow control device includes a fill tube that controls the manner in which fuel enters the fuel tank, preferably to reduce generation of fuel vapor when fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fill tube is a flexible tube and includes a float adjacent to an outlet end of the fill tube so that the outlet end of the tube is responsive to the level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank for at least some levels of fuel in the fuel tank.

A flow diffuser adapted to be fitted to the exit end of the fill tube of a fuel tank having slot like apertures which are arranged to extend substantially at right angles to the axis of the fill. A deflector is fitted into the base of the diffuser and is formed with an opening to allow the passage of a dipstick.

A hose fitting for filling tank cars comprising a t-shaped pipe defining a bore therethrough, the t-shaped pipe comprising a body member with one or more pairs of opposingly directed tubular legs, and an intermediate leg extending substantially perpendicular from the body member, the intermediate leg comprising an intermediate leg end adapted to couple with a hose; and one or more tube extensions for coupling with the tubular legs, each of the one or more tube extensions connected to one of the tubular legs by a connecting wire so that the tube extensions remain connected to the tubular legs when the tube extensions are uncoupled from the tubular legs. A method for filling tank cars with pellet-shaped particles is also provided, the method comprising transporting the t-shaped pipe to the roof of a tank car, the tank car roof having one or more openings for receiving materials. The method further comprising transporting a hose to the top of the tank car, the hose adapted to conduct pellet-like particles under pressure. The hose is then connected to the t-shaped pipe to form a hose fitting and connected to the truck tank. The t-shaped pipe is introduced into an opening in the roof of the tank car and positioned inside the tank of the tank car approximately adjacent the roof of the tank car. The pellet-like particles are pumped from the truck through hose, through the bores of the t-shaped pipe and into tank car to fill the tank car.

The present invention relates to a permanently mounted hose fitting for filling tank cars that facilitates the insertion of the hose into the top of the tank car to disperse material, pellet-like particles for example, throughout the tank car. The secured hose fitting of this invention is permanently affixed to the top of the tank. One preferred embodiment of a hose fitting for filling tank cars with particulate matter comprises a t-shaped pipe that defines a bore there-through. The t-shaped pipe comprises a tubular member and an intermediate leg extending substantially perpendicular from the tubular member. The intermediate leg has an intermediate leg end that is adapted to couple with a hose. A securing flange radiates outwardly from the intermediate leg and is adapted to fixedly attach the hose fitting to the top of the tank car.