Abstract: A fluid system for a vehicle is provided. The fluid system is configured to couple to a chassis of the vehicle. A frame assembly of the fluid system is configured to couple with the chassis directly or with another component that is coupled, directly or indirectly, with the chassis. A cowling of the fluid system can enclose a fuel pressure vessel and an auxiliary fluid vessel. The auxiliary fluid vessel is configured to be placed in fluid communication with the component powered or operated by the fluid therein.

Abstract: A system for enabling securing devices configured to hold fuels, such as gas cylinders, to frames is provided. The system includes an isolator fastened to the device configured to hold fuel and a strap that is attached to the frame. The isolator includes barriers on either side that prevent longitudinal slipping of the strap and ridges disposed between the barriers, which create cushioning between the strap and the device configured to hold fuel.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel system is provided that includes a fuel tank and a manual vent system. The manual vent system includes an emergency valve and an actuator. The manual vent system is configured to cause the emergency valve to open after the actuator has been actuated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modular fuel storage and transportation are provided. In an embodiment, a fuel storage system includes one or more fuel containers each supported by a fuel container support assembly. The fuel storage system may be mounted to a transportation device such as a vehicle or used in a stand-alone fashion. Each support assembly may include a plurality of detachable end support members such as end support members configured to support the end portions of the fuel container and side support members configured to support the body portion of the fuel container. Some of the end support members may include neck grooves such that when the end support members are coupled, the neck grooves form an enclosure around the neck portion of the fuel container. In an embodiment, the support assembly is configured to facilitate release of excess pressure in the fuel container.

Abstract: A fuel refilling system may comprise a fueling station, a fuel tank, and a recirculation module in selective fluid communication with one another. The fuel refilling system may comprise a control module configured to generate one or more signals for controlling flow rates of the fuel into and out of the fuel tank, so as to remove and direct a first portion of heated fuel from the fuel tank to the recirculation module, and replace the first portion of heated fuel that is removed from the fuel tank with incoming cooler fuel received from the fueling station and/or the recirculation module. Convective mixing of the cooled fuel with the remaining heated fuel in the fuel tank may cause a temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank to reduce. Accordingly, a filling capacity of the fuel tank may be increased as a result of the temperature reduction in the fuel mixture in the fuel tank.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modular fuel storage and transportation are provided. In an embodiment, a fuel storage system includes one or more fuel containers each supported by a fuel container support assembly. The fuel storage system may be mounted to a transportation device such as a vehicle or used in a stand-alone fashion. Each support assembly may include a plurality of detachable end support members such as end support members configured to support the end portions of the fuel container and side support members configured to support the body portion of the fuel container. Some of the end support members may include neck grooves such that when the end support members are coupled, the neck grooves form an enclosure around the neck portion of the fuel container. In an embodiment, the support assembly is configured to facilitate release of excess pressure in the fuel container.

Abstract: An elongate structural member is provided that can be integrated into a fuel system support assembly. The elongate structural member can be a multifunctional member, for example including a support portion for supporting a catwalk or segment of a fuel line and an auxiliary anchor feature that comprises a channel extending the length thereof. The elongate structural member can be an extrusion with the support portion and the anchor feature extending the entire length thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for absorbing and distributing an impact of a vehicle with another object. The force is absorbed by a bumper bar that extends from the vehicle. The bumper bar distributes the force between a fuel container and a frame or bracket in which the fuel container is attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel system is provided that includes a fuel tank and a manual vent system. The manual vent system includes an emergency valve and an actuator. The manual vent system is configured to cause the emergency valve to open after the actuator has been actuated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modular fuel storage and transportation are provided. In an embodiment, a fuel storage system includes one or more fuel containers each supported by a fuel container support assembly. The fuel storage system may be mounted to a transportation device such as a vehicle or used in a stand-alone fashion. Each support assembly may include a plurality of detachable end support members such as end support members configured to support the end portions of the fuel container and side support members configured to support the body portion of the fuel container. Some of the end support members may include neck grooves such that when the end support members are coupled, the neck grooves form an enclosure around the neck portion of the fuel container. In an embodiment, the support assembly is configured to facilitate release of excess pressure in the fuel container.

Abstract: A system for enabling securing devices configured to hold fuels, such as gas cylinders, to frames is provided. The system includes an isolator fastened to the device configured to hold fuel and a strap that is attached to the frame. The isolator includes barriers on either side that prevent longitudinal slipping of the strap and ridges disposed between the barriers, which create cushioning between the strap and the device configured to hold fuel.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for absorbing and distributing an impact of a vehicle with another object. The force is absorbed by a bumper bar that extends from the vehicle. The bumper bar distributes the force between a fuel container and a frame or bracket in which the fuel container is attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for regulating, monitoring and controlling fuel distribution in a fuel system. Some embodiments provide systems and methods for regulating fuel distribution in an alternative fuel system, such as a natural gas vehicle fuel system. The fuel distribution may be regulated mechanically, electronically, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fuel distribution can be regulated by a regulator for high pressure operation with a bypass path for low pressure operation.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.

Abstract: Improved methods, systems, and devices for filling fuel tanks, particularly compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tanks, are provided. Such methods, systems, and devices enhance heat rejection when the fuel tank is being filled to a temperature lower than that if such methods, systems, and devices were not used. Pressure sensor logic on a fuel station will be less prone to error in gauging the mass of the fuel in the tank, enabling the tank to be filled more accurately and fully. To enhance heat rejection, the fuel tank may be provided with a heat sink to passively facilitate heat transfer from the fuel tank interior to the exterior. Alternatively or in combination, the fuel tank can be provided with a fuel flow channel through which fuel from the fuel tank interior is circulated. The fuel flow channel can be actively cooled with a fan or water cooling system.

Abstract: A system for enabling securing devices configured to hold fuels, such as gas cylinders, to frames is provided. The system includes an isolator fastened to the device configured to hold fuel and a strap that is attached to the frame. The isolator includes barriers on either side that prevent longitudinal slipping of the strap and ridges disposed between the barriers, which create cushioning between the strap and the device configured to hold fuel.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for filling, capping and electronically monitoring the closure of a fuel tank. In some embodiments, the invention provides devices, systems and methods for filling, capping and providing an ignition disconnect mechanism upon uncapping of a natural gas fuel tank.