Tank Within Tank Patents (Class 137/264)
  • Patent number: 11897324
    Abstract: A dual reservoir fuel tank, wherein the fuel tank comprises a main fuel reservoir having an inner wall and an outer wall that define a main reservoir chamber, and an auxiliary fuel reservoir connected to a bottom of the main fuel reservoir. The dual reservoir fuel tank additionally includes a fuel retention lip structured and operable to retain fuel within the auxiliary reservoir chamber when the dual reservoir fuel tank is disposed at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventor: Lucas Grant Purcell
  • Patent number: 11104218
    Abstract: Power machine fuel tanks include a plug receptacle and a cover for the plug receptacle which seals the plug receptacle from an interior of the fuel tank. A receptacle insert positioned within the plug receptacle allows a fuel plug to be removably secured to the fuel tank. The cover prevents leakage from inside the fuel tank through the plug receptacle, regardless of whether the plug is secured within the receptacle insert, unless the cover has been removed from a sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Craig R. Roske, Russell Honeyman
  • Patent number: 10384031
    Abstract: The principles and embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for safely providing NO to a recipient for inhalation therapy. There are many potential safety issues that may arise from using a reactor cartridge that converts NO2 to NO, including exhaustion of consumable reactants of the cartridge reactor. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods of determining the remaining useful life of a NO2-to-NO reactor cartridge and/or a breakthrough of NO2, and providing an indication of the remaining useful life and/or breakthrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Hospital Products IP Limited
    Inventors: Jaron M. Acker, Thomas Kohlmann
  • Patent number: 10371607
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a tamper-resistant collection and retention a chemical sample. In one embodiment, the tamper-resistant system comprises a container operable to collect and retain a chemical sample, a tamper-resistant mechanism operable to disengage at a first chemical sample to allow for a collection of a chemical sample, wherein the tamper-resistant mechanism is operable to record one or more of: a date, a time, and a location, of the chemical sample during the collection of the chemical sample, and wherein the tamper-resistant mechanism is further operable to re-engage and lock after the collection of the chemical sample to resist subsequent chemical samples after the first chemical sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: BETTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Pax T. Williams, David C. Seibert, Jr., Edward J. Sullivan, Thomas S. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 10234219
    Abstract: A non-electric temperature-controlled basin for cooling cast parts, the basin being provided with a liquid, a level sensor, a temperature sensor, and a heat exchanger; and a method for cooling the cast parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: KUKA DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Nico Kowarschik
  • Patent number: 9555886
    Abstract: A multi-modular aerial firefighting control method and apparatus for use by firefighters to control fire. The multi-modular aerial firefighting control method and apparatus generally includes multi-modular units that are held together to form an aerial firefighting system. The modular units may work together or independently. The multi-modular system comprises more than one modular unit, fluid, fluid conduit, reservoir, air flow generator, multi-modular unit support structure, aerial suspension system and aerial lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Oubada Hawass
  • Patent number: 9366156
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a fan drive gear system includes a lubricant supply and a collection conduit for drawing lubricant from within the lubricant supply. The collection conduit includes a first opening and a second opening for withdrawing lubricant and supplying lubricant to a pump. During normal operation lubricant may be drawn through both first and second openings. During negative G operating conditions a fitting at the second opening blocks the second opening to prevent air from being drawn into the lubricant system and communicated to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Stutz, Jacob Peter Mastro
  • Patent number: 8789720
    Abstract: A fuel tank which has partition walls capable of flowing fuel into a fuel suction port more easily at the time of the acceleration/deceleration of a vehicle is provided. A fuel tank 11 for vehicle has a fuel suction port 22 through which a fuel pump sucks fuel in the fuel tank 11 from the lower portion of the inner space of the fuel tank 11, a first partition wall 31 surrounding one of the front and and the rear and the sides of the fuel suction port 22 to have an opening to the other of the front and the rear and preventing the fuel from moving to one of the front and the rear, and a second partition wall 32 surrounding the sides and the other of the front and the rear of the first partition wall 31 to have an opening to one of the front and the rear and preventing the fuel from moving to the other of the front and the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishii, Hidenori Arisawa
  • Patent number: 8783501
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing a cryogenic storage tank (700) having a welded inner tank (702), an outer shell (704) surrounding the welded inner tank (702), a concrete foundation (728) comprising a raised portion (752), a plurality of cellular glass blocks (734) positioned directly on top of the raised portion (752) of the concrete foundation (728), a leveling course of concrete (736) poured on top of the uppermost layer of the plurality of cellular glass blocks (734), and a mounting apparatus (718) affixed to the concrete foundation (728), where the welded inner tank (702) is positioned on top of the leveling course of concrete (736) and the outer shell (704) is affixed to the mounting apparatus (718) at locations around the periphery of the outer shell (704).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Avijit Mookerjee
  • Patent number: 8522811
    Abstract: An auto flow steam trap has a hollow body, a partition panel mounted in the body, at least one float seat mounted on the partition panel and at least one float assembly mounted in the at least one float seat. Condensate flows through at least one condensate inlet formed on the body, the at least one float seat and at least one float assembly, and then is drained out of the steam trap from a transverse outlet formed on the body. No flash steam occurs when the condensate is drained out of the steam trap. With a non-return valve assembly of the float seat, the condensate and steam that have flowed out of the steam trap do not flow back into the steam trap so a float of the float assembly is not damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Yung-Sho Yang
  • Patent number: 8491720
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an HVPE chamber. The chamber may have two separate precursor sources coupled thereto to permit two separate layers to be deposited. For example, a gallium source and a separate aluminum source may be coupled to the processing chamber to permit gallium nitride and aluminum nitride to be separately deposited onto a substrate in the same processing chamber. The nitrogen may be introduced to the processing chamber at a separate location from the gallium and the aluminum and at a lower temperature. The different temperatures causes the gases to mix together, react and deposit on the substrate with little or no deposition on the chamber walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, David H. Quach, Anzhong Chang, Olga Kryliouk, Yuriy Melnik, Harsukhdeep S. Ratia, Son T. Nguyen, Lily Pang
  • Patent number: 8448658
    Abstract: A rescue device for treating leakage of dangerous chemical includes a first container having a closed negative pressure chamber and an intake which allows outside dangerous chemicals to enter the first container and a second container installed and fixed in the first container. The second container contains a substantially harmless liquefied gas and has an opening which controllably communicates with the external environment. When the dangerous chemicals are leaking, the rescue device can be used to reduce the loss of dangerous chemical, alleviate the harm to the environment and human, and avoid the possible disastrous consequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Beijing Tianqing Chemicals Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuechun Jin, Junbo Zhang, Chuan Jin
  • Patent number: 8376088
    Abstract: A twin lubrication oil tank filling system with a single oil fill port that prevents overfilling of both a primary oil tank and a secondary oil with a gravity fill system by directing oil primarily into the secondary oil tank by means of a special oil diverter, a float valve for the secondary oil tank that closes when the oil level in the secondary tank reaches a full level to cause additional oil flow to pour into the primary oil tank and a float valve for the primary oil tank that closes when the oil level in the primary tank reaches a full level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney
    Inventors: Michael J. Rollins, Mark N. Shatz, Jeffrey C. Brill
  • Patent number: 8327865
    Abstract: A gas storage tank (1) has a high pressure resistant shell (10) and a fluid control system (5). The fluid control system (5) has an inlet fluid branch (20) and an outlet fluid branch (30). The inlet fluid branch (20) comprises a check valve (21) and the outlet fluid branch (30) comprises a pressure regulator (32) and a pressure assisted check valve (31). Preferably, the fluid control system (5) also comprises an inlet filter, an outlet filter and flow restriction. The fluid control system (5) is preferably situated entirely on the inside of the high pressure resistant shell (10). The fluid control system (5) is preferably provided as a miniaturized system realized in a stack of bonded wafers, where part devices are formed by micromachined geometrical structures. A method for gas handling with the gas storage tank (1) and a manufacturing method for the gas storage tank (1) are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Manbas Alpha AB
    Inventor: Lars Stenmark
  • Patent number: 7784485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant for storing gas under pressure. The plant includes at least one basin filled with a liquid, one or more pressure vessels located in the basin for storing the gas including interconnecting piping and connections to a gas supply and a gas discharge network, an anchoring system for supporting the vessels, a cover with a slanted surface on the underside for covering the basin which will lead any gas leak occurring in the basin towards and through a vent, and at least one gas detection equipment located in the vent. The plant is especially suitable for storing compressed gaseous hydrogen and can be connected to a hydrogen fuel replenishment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Jan Schelling, Pål Kittilsen, Sandra Hennie Nilsen, Leif Kåre Grønstad
  • Publication number: 20100116343
    Abstract: A microfluidic valve assembly includes a structure defining a microfluidic fluid path and an actuator that can be moved between different positions controlling flow through the channel. In one embodiment, the actuator can be threaded into at least a portion of the structure, and can be moved rotationally between a first position, causing relatively greater constriction of a microfluidic fluid path, and a second position causing relatively lesser constriction of the fluid path. Actuating the actuator, e.g., by rotation, can deform material between the valve and the fluid path, thereby constricting at least a portion of the underlying fluid path and regulating the flow of a fluid in the fluid path. In another aspect, the invention provides a reservoir into which fluid can be placed and from which fluid can be introduced into a microfluidic system. In one embodiment, the reservoir is expandable and thereby able to store fluid under pressure for delivery to a microfluidic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard college
    Inventors: Douglas B. Weibel, Andrew Lee, Scott Potenta, Adam Siegel, Maarten Kruithof, George M. Whitesides
  • Publication number: 20090188109
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a rolling bladder propellant tank assembly includes providing a pair of half-domes comprising a nanophase metallic material and a bladder formed of a ductile metallic material. A bladder support ring extends from at least one of the pair of half-domes. The pair of half-domes are positioned together to form a cavity therein with a portion of the bladder trapped between the pair of half-domes adjacent to the bladder support ring, wherein the bladder is positioned within the cavity. A seal is formed between the pair of half-domes and the bladder by friction stir welding. A friction stir welding pin used to form the seal is aligned with the bladder support ring during the friction stir welding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford C. Bampton, Mark Lee Bright
  • Patent number: 7516752
    Abstract: A hydrogen-based propulsion system is provided for storing hydrogen feed gas which evaporates over time from a storage vessel containing liquid hydrogen as a fuel. In particular, this system enables the evaporated hydrogen feed gas to be stored for later use in the propulsion unit and also provides a system for enabling the stored hydrogen gas to be cooled by evaporated hydrogen feed gas in transit to the propulsion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gerd Arnold, Ulrich Eberle
  • Patent number: 7124714
    Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus reduces the fuel vaporization and leakage. The positions of vaporization and leakage and their amount in the fuel tank and the fuel pipe are detected when using a low boiling point fuel having a vapor phase in the normal temperatures and atmospheric pressures, and the fuel state is controlled based on those detected values. By providing another container made of elastomatic material having an expandable mechanical characteristic inside the fuel storing container, the low boiling point fuel is stored in the separate container. A flow rate controlling apparatus is provided for heating or cooling the fuel pipe leading the low boiling point fuel stored in the fuel storing container to the engine. A flow rate controlling apparatus is provided for adjusting the flow rate of the fuel in the fuel pipe for leading the low boiling point fuel stored in the fuel storing container to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiro Yamaoka, Minoru Oosuga, Kinya Nakatsu
  • Patent number: 6962268
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and mixing two pressurized gases. The apparatus has an outer container for storing the first gas and an inner container, situated inside the outer container, for storing the second gas. The gases exit their containers through outlet passages, are mixed together resulting in a mixture which leaves the apparatus through and output channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Josyane Bruat, Clarisse L'Heveder
  • Patent number: 6886582
    Abstract: A spare fuel tank, installed inside a main fuel tank, having a reasonable volumetric capacity, of small box shape, and having a spare fuel suction pipe there from to the fuel injection pipe. The spare tank of this invention is manufactured at the same time with the main tank, therefore, does not need separate fuel supplying or specific piping connection with the main fuel tank owing to its place. Releasing of the fuel from inside the spare tank is activated by power on the switch connected to a solenoid valve blocking the spare fuel suction pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Young Ill Choi
  • Patent number: 6851396
    Abstract: The invention provides an on-board fuel feed system for a motor vehicle, including a fuel tank and device for introducing additive into the fuel, the device comprising an additive tank and pumping device for pumping the additive to direct it to an introduction point for introducing the additive into the fuel, wherein the additive tank is housed inside the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Marwal Systems
    Inventor: Jean-Sébastien Fromont
  • Patent number: 6742554
    Abstract: A pressure container (70) for storing hydrogen gas (26) under pressure for a fuel cell engine. The container (70) includes an outer support layer (12) and a thermoplastic liner (14). An adapter (18) is provided in the outer layer (12) and the liner (14) to allow fill gas (20) to fill the container (70) under pressure. A fill vessel (72) is provided within the liner (14) and is sealed and thermally coupled to the adapter (18). The fill gas (20) is confined within a gap (78) between an outer surface of the fill vessel (72) and the liner (14) so that the temperature of the liner (14) is not significantly increased during the fill process. An opening (82) is provided in the fill vessel (72) so that the fill gas (20) forces the contained gas (26) within the container (70) into the fill vessel (72) through the opening (82).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Rainer Immel
  • Patent number: 6684899
    Abstract: An apparatus for safely delivering a hazardous fluid substance to a receiving structure includes first and second supply cylinders containing the fluid substance and each supply cylinder having a supply cylinder release port; a high pressure containment vessel having a vessel wall and being sized to receive and safely enclose the first and second supply cylinders; a high pressure first tube extending from each of the first and second supply cylinders, and in fluid communication with the supply cylinder release ports and extending to and being in fluid communication with a vessel port in the vessel wall; and a vessel valve in fluid communication with each of the first tube for controlling delivery of the fluid substance from the first and second supply cylinders and from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Rudolph Caparros
  • Patent number: 6532983
    Abstract: Combination of a float valve for venting a fuel tank allowing venting in the inclined position, preventing the ejection of liquid, fulfilling the OPD and ROV functions and the function of degassing during filling, and of a capacity equipped with a draining system capable of trapping small quantities of liquid fuel entrained with the gases and of returning them to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Management
    Inventor: Patrick Ganachaud
  • Patent number: 6516754
    Abstract: A heating system for heating liquids, stored in a tank at low ambient temperature, has a heating chamber with an inlet and an outlet for convectively flowing liquid past a flameless heater. Cold liquid is drawn through an inlet line, from the tank near its base and into a heating chamber, absorbs radiant energy from the heater as it travels therethrough. Heated liquid is circulated into the tank through an upper outlet from the heating chamber and back into the tank. Preferably, the heated liquid reenters the tank through a floating discharge flexibly connected to the upper outlet so as to remain dynamically in contact with the liquid at all times, thus avoiding airlocks which would interrupt the convective flow of liquid through the heating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Chadwick
  • Patent number: 6450193
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank (101) comprises an inner and an outer chamber (103, 105) which are fluidly interconnected via a plurality of open-ended pipes (109). A non-flammable gas, which is immiscible with the fuel (119), is pumped into the outer chamber (103) on demand to displace the fuel (119) into the less vulnerable inner chamber (105) and thereby forms a protective non-flammable gaseous barrier around the fuel-retaining inner chamber (105). The fuel tank (101) is used primarily for military aircraft and provides the ability to attenuate hydrodynamic ram effects arising in the fuel following penetration of the fuel tank (101) by a projectile. All round protection is achieved because the inner chamber (105) is contained wholly within the outer chamber (103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: Chrisostomos Constantinou
  • Patent number: 6418965
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing and mixing two gases or mixtures of gases under pressure. The device includes: an outer chamber containing the first of the gases and being equipped with an opening; an inner chamber arranged inside the outer chamber containing the second gas, and being equipped with an opening; a two-way valve which includes a body fixed hermetically in the opening of the outer chamber, a first passage having one end connected to the inner chamber and being equipped with a first controllable shut-off device, and a second passage having a first end connected to the outer chamber and being equipped with a second controllable shut-off device; first and second flow rate and pressure adjusting devices, each being connected to one of the passages of the valve; and first and second pipes for connecting the outlet of each adjusting device to a single outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Francis Bryselbout
  • Patent number: 6381979
    Abstract: An assembly for condensing a vapour and storing the resulting condensed liquid has a condensation unit for condensing the vapour which is located above a dual containment storage tank for storing the resulting condensed liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: DualTank Corp.
    Inventors: Reinhard Schuetz, Ernest Jacobson, Wayne Bowd
  • Publication number: 20010052360
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing and mixing two gases or mixtures of gases under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Francis Bryselbout
  • Patent number: 6263902
    Abstract: A storage tank for storing and selectively dispensing pressurized combustible fluid comprises a main tank having a delivery outlet, and a first valve mounted on the main tank in fluid communication with the delivery outlet for controlling the flow of the pressurized combustible fluid from within the main tank to the ambient surroundings. A reserve tank is mounted in supported relation on the main tank and has a reserve outlet disposed within the main tank to permit direct fluid delivery from the reserve tank into the main tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Wayne A. Booth
  • Publication number: 20010004902
    Abstract: The tank for storing gas at high pressure, such as a tank for a vehicle running on gas, comprises a confinement volume accessible via coupling means and defined by a duct disposed in a spiral coil so that the substantially rectilinear main portions of the duct bear against one another. The forces exerted by the pressure of the gas on the main portions of a turn of the duct are then compensated by the forces exerted on the adjacent turns of the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick Garceau
  • Patent number: 6216908
    Abstract: A fuel sending unit for an off-road vehicle subject to upward impacts on a fuel tank of the vehicle. The fuel sending unit includes a cannister providing a reservoir for fuel. A frame for supporting the cannister in the fuel tank has legs which straddle the cannister. Side bars slidable vertically on the legs have horizontal pivot pins which pivotally support the cannister. The cannister is in the form of an elongated cylindrical body and is rotated to a vertical or upright position for insertion into the fuel tank. After insertion, the cannister is rotated to a horizontal position of use in which it is spaced a substantial distance above the bottom wall of the fuel tank. The legs are supported on the bottom wall of the fuel tank. The side bars are connected to the top wall of the fuel tank. Springs carried by the legs press upwardly on the side bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Hutter, Donna M. Hale, Patrick T. Muldoon
  • Patent number: 6209594
    Abstract: In the case of a filling pipe for a fuel tank a branching element is arranged in a section of the filling pipe. The flow of the inflowing fuel preferably runs along an outer wall of the filling pipe, so that a subflow is in each case conducted directly to the antisurge tower through a lower cross-sectional area. Larger volume flows, which completely fill the cross section, pass for the most part directly into the fuel tank. By this means, a sufficient basic supply of the antisurge tower is ensured irrespective of the volume flow produced during filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Knut Meyer, Peter Andreas Löw
  • Patent number: 5971009
    Abstract: A containment assembly for storing a liquid substance above a ground support surface has an inner tank for receiving and storing the liquid and an outer tank surrounding the inner tank and forming a first air space therebetween for trapping any of the liquid which might escape said inner tank. A support beneath the outer tank provides a second air space between the outer tank and the ground support surface, and a thermal insulating layer substantially envelopes the inner tank, outer tank and support from the ambient. A vapour exhaust vent is provided atop the inner tank, which may include a liquid scrubber for recovering liquids from discharging gases and returning the liquids to the inner tank or elsewhere. Piping is provided for liquid communication between the inner tank and external liquid sources for filling and emptying the inner tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: TankSafe Inc.
    Inventors: Reinhard Schuetz, Ernest Jacobson, Roger Charest
  • Patent number: 5951050
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for storing and supplying a maximum amount of fuel from a fuel tank while maintaining a simple structure which is easy to gain access to and repair. The fuel tank structure includes a main fuel tank with an integral internal reservoir tank, a fuel pump, and primary and secondary fuel filters. The reservoir is permanently secured within the fuel tank and provides access, through a removable cover, to the fuel pump allowing efficient and cost effective maintenance to be performed whenever necessary. The system can be manufactured from a wide range of materials and is in compliance with the standards of the industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Jim Siekmann
  • Patent number: 5881760
    Abstract: A metal or fiberglass, liquid storage tank having a top wall or an auxiliary flange plate which projects beyond the tank side and end walls to support the tank to a base vault and provide a support surface for a cover which is cast in place to the tank. The primary tank is mounted within an open-topped, reinforced cast concrete base which includes an internal thermal liner, liquid impermeable membrane, cover seals, tank cradles and support legs which define secondary and tertiary containment spaces. Sloped interior walls direct liquid and/or condensation to a sump region and a siphon assembly. The cover is integrally bonded to the tank and supports a number of projecting fill, vent, extraction, inspection, and monitor/siphon standpipes. Chamfered and interlocking surfaces are formed at the cover to base joint and lift eyes facilitate cover and tank removal, alignment, and tank inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: William M. Del Zotto
  • Patent number: 5814213
    Abstract: An improved skimming apparatus for skimming a two component liquid includes a housing mounted to a tank below the normal liquid level for the tank, an outlet for pumping fluid from the submerged housing and an intake structure extending upwardly from the submerged housing and defining an inlet for permitting inflow of liquid to the interior of the submerged housing. The intake structure includes an intake tube rotatably mounted to the housing at upper and lower ends. The intake tube rotates in response to variations of the liquid level in the housing, to vary the inlet size and hence the rate of inflow to the housing. An adjuster provides control over the variation of the inlet size, to accommodate different skimming rates for liquids of different temperatures. An intermediate tube surrounds the intake tube, and an outer tube surrounds the intermediate tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: James A. Glasgow
  • Patent number: 5769109
    Abstract: An overflow containment system for metal or fiberglass liquid storage tanks mounted within a liquid impermeable, secondary storage space. An open-topped, reinforced cast concrete base includes an internal thermal liner, liquid impermeable membrane, vault seal, tank cradles and support legs which define secondary and tertiary containment spaces. Sloped interior walls direct liquid and/or condensation to a sump region and a siphon assembly. A vault cover is bonded to the tank and supports a number of projecting fill, vent, extraction, inspection, and monitor/siphon standpipes. Chamfered and flanged edges at the cover and lift hooks facilitate cover removal, alignment, and tank inspection. A spill containment collar is mounted about the fill pipe and a drain pipe directs spillage to the secondary storage space of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Guardian Containment Corp.
    Inventors: Kelly Stanton, Laura Misiewicz-DelZotto
  • Patent number: 5678591
    Abstract: A multi-component feed system to feed two fluid materials from a feed tank to a spraygun is described. The combined pressure feed tank comprises a pressure feed tank with a lid. Inside the tank is a removable support structure having a cone-shaped member with a central chamber supporting a second container closed by a lid. A splash-proof membrane extends between the inner wall of container and the outer wall of container to protect a second fluid component, e.g. a catalyst from entering the lower chamber of tank. Air is fed to containers and via a regulator, a regulator pipe and through an aperture in the lid. Pressure air feeds the fluid components via tubes to a spray gun, where the components combine to be sprayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: ITW Limited
    Inventors: Philip John Merrifield, Bernard Michael Daley
  • Patent number: 5657788
    Abstract: A volatile liquid storage facility having an inner tank containing a fuel storage chamber for retaining volatile fuel. An outer tank is formed surrounding and arranged concentric with the inner storage tank. The inner and outer tanks are spaced apart from one another by a predefined spacing which is filled with a fire retardant insulative material. The insulative material resists transfer of thermal energy between the inner and outer tanks. A vent is provided in communicating relation with the fuel chamber and projected outward therefrom. The vent passes through the insulative layer and through the outer tank to allow vapor to escape from the fuel chamber when a pressure therein exceeds a desired threshold level. An insulative shell is mounted to the exterior of the outer tank to enclose the vent in order to substantially isolate the vent from external environmental heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: WE-MAC Manufacturing
    Inventor: James J. Jrolf
  • Patent number: 5570714
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an above-ground, explosion-retardant containment vessel for the storage of a flammable liquid. The containment vessel preferably comprises a primary storage tank capable of storing the flammable liquid and a containment dike surrounding the primary storage tank. The containment dike contains any leakage from the primary storage tank within the interstitial space existing between the exterior of the primary storage tank and the interior of the containment dike. An inert gas is preferably located within the interstitial space, and the interstitial space is further substantially free of oxygen. The inert environment retards the explosion of any flammable fluids which may leak into or otherwise be contained within the interstitial space. The containment vessel preferably further comprises a system capable of maintaining the pressure of the inert gas within the interstitial space to at least a predetermined pressure despite temperature variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Liquid Management Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob J. Magish
  • Patent number: 5569151
    Abstract: Method and apparatus to contain dangerous gases venting or leaking from a primary containment vessel. An outer containment vessel holds the primary containment vessel in fluid tight relationship to the outer vessel. The outer vessel has an internal volume large enough to contain the entire contents of the inner vessel and includes means to absorb or scrub gas leaking from the inner vessel. Removal of gas from the inner vessel to a point of use is controlled by valves and conduits contained in the outer vessel, the valves being controlled from outside the vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene J. Karwacki, Arron D. Varn, Howard P. Withers, Jr., Andrew J. Woytek
  • Patent number: 5546774
    Abstract: A dispenser device for use with an automatic washing machine and a wash tub having a drain. The device has an elongated housing having a drain passage disposed therethrough. The housing has a first end provided with a first opening and a second end provided with a second opening, with both openings being connected to the drain passage. A sealing gasket is provided at the second end of the housing around the second opening. A means for mounting the device within the wash tub and means for selectably placing the device into a sealed and an unsealed position are also provided. When the device is in the sealed position, the gasket makes sealing contact with the wash tub around the wash tub drain. Thus, when sealed, fluid that enters the first opening travels through the drain passage and down the wash tub drain, while fluid that enters the wash tub is stored in the wash tub and is prevented from travelling down the wash tub drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Matilda Thompson
    Inventors: Matilda Thompson, W. Grey Williams
  • Patent number: 5469701
    Abstract: A fluid storage and expulsion system having a rigid tank, the tank having two propellant chambers and two independently operable piston assemblies slidable in their propellant chambers for expelling propellant. In a first embodiment, a coaxial fluid storage expulsion system having inner and outer pistons is provided. Accordingly, the inner piston is provided which is slidable in an inner annular space for expelling fluid therein through a second opening. As well, an outer piston is provided which is slidable in an outer annular space for expelling a second fluid through a first opening. In a further embodiment, the pistons and tanks are positioned in series. As such, the rigid tank is provided with forward and aft propellant chambers as well as forward and aft piston assemblies. A piston guide, which extends the length of the rigid tank is positioned concentrically within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Arde, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Sneddon, Harold Brandmaier
  • Patent number: 5333465
    Abstract: An underground storage system for storing natural gas at a vehicular fueling center which dispenses natural gas to natural gas powered vehicles. Compressed gas is stored in tubes positioned vertically in an elongate casing. The ground hole may be drilled using a conventional water well drilling rig and conventional water well casing and well head may be used to house the storage tubes. The tubes contain the natural gas under about 8,000 psi, which provides a much more rapid dispensing rate. The underground place of the storage tubes is safer than conventional above ground storage systems, as the pressurized containers are insulated by the surrounding earth. Moreover, with the storage tubes underground, vandalism is discouraged and the overall appearance of the fueling center is improved. Because the storage tubes contain large volumes of gas at high pressures, a low power compressor can be used. The low power compressor is inexpensive to operate and maintain and is relatively quiet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Terry R. McBride
  • Patent number: 5333641
    Abstract: A chemical containment vessel provides an environmental seal around a bottle containing hazardous chemicals for use in manufacturing processes. An enclosure vessel is made of upper and lower assemblies connected together to form a cavity for housing the bottle. A gasket between the upper and lower assemblies provides the environmental seal for the containment vessel. The inner conduits of first and second coaxial conduits are coupled to the inlet and outlet of the bottle for transporting the hazardous chemical to a reaction chamber. The outer conduits of the first and second coaxial conduits are connected to the cavity to nitrogen purge any chemical compound escaping from the bottle into the cavity. The escaping hazardous chemical can be detected and removed in a safe manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Marlo E. Cota, Richard L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5251473
    Abstract: Inner and outer welded steel protective tanks are separated by a space containing a granular insulating material such as perlite preventing excessive heating of fuel in a storage space in the inner tank, even when there is a fire at the site. The inner tank is subdivided into portions by a partition defining a storage space and an overfill containment space receiving overflow from the storage space portion, with a sensor detecting overflow. The overflow containment space is also arranged to collect separated fuel when the tank system is used with a vapor recovery system. The granular insulating material acts as an explosion suppressant by dissipating heat and fuel vapors which may be present in the insulation space as a result of leakage from the inner tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Ace Tank & Equipment Company
    Inventor: R. Allan Reese
  • Patent number: 5179971
    Abstract: A dual wall containment vessel for liquids including environmentally hazardous fluids having a recessed foundation for supporting the sidewalls of the primary containment tank while maintaining a fluid impermeable secondary tank that completely surrounds and contains the primary tank. The present invention further provides for containment and detection of leaks occurring in the primary tank, the secondary tank, or both by utilizing multiple floors and routing of escaped fluids to locations at which they can be detected or observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Melvin D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 4989572
    Abstract: Warmed returned fuel from a vehicle fuel injection system is returned only a segregating canister in the tank, and pumped back therefrom preferentially, with make up fuel allowed in only as needed. Overall heating of the stored fuel, and consequent running losses, are substantially reduced, with no ill effects on vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Roy A. Giacomazzi, S. Raghuma Reddy, Gregory E. Rich