Abstract: A method an apparatus for filling a vessel with compressed gas is disclosed. Gas is compressed into the vessel at a predetermined flow rate using a variable speed pump or compressor. The flow rate is adjusted to increase the gas pressure at a predetermined rate of change. The flow rate is adjusted based upon the instantaneous value of a measured parameter such as gas temperature or pressure or ambient temperature. The parameter is measured by a transducer and the value is fed back to a controller which adjusts the speed of the compressor or pump to produce the flow rate needed to achieve the predetermined pressure rate of change.

Abstract: The inventive method for filling a pressure gas container from a gas source pressure with a high pressure for a predetermined filling time selected or calculated prior to filling and at a determined temperature consists in forming a connection in the form of a fluid passage between the source and container, in carrying out a plurality of the passage opening-closing sequences during predetermined sub-intervals of the predetermined filling time, wherein the curve of a current pressure in the container follows, according to a time, a theoretical straight line linking the pressure measured prior to filling and after thereof during the filling time, the predetermined filling time is subdivided into a number of the time sub-intervals ranging from two to several hundreds and having respective determined duration, preferably ranging from 5 and 20 seconds.

Abstract: The invention discloses a container evacuation arrangement, which includes a flexible container constructed of at least two layers, each consisting of four polygonally shaped sheets and having a first flexible pocket adapted to receive a flowable material, a second flexible pocket in sealed fluid communication with the first flexible pocket. The first flexible pocket has an inlet and/or funnel and a drain, while the second flexible pocket is provided with a fill port. The flexible container is supported by a rigid frame.

Abstract: Automotive service equipment for brake fluid exchange includes a central unit having a controller for operating the equipment and a communication module for wirelessly communicating with each of a plurality of remote bleed modules to control bleeding brake fluid from respective brake bleeders of a vehicle connected to the modules. The brake fluid from the brake bleeders is stored in containers in the modules for later removal. When disconnected from the brake bleeders, the modules are moved to docking stations on the central unit for emptying brake fluid from the module containers and vacuum charging the containers for brake bleeding. The automotive service equipment and related method of performing brake fluid exchange in an automotive vehicle avoid the use of hoses for returning the waste fluid to the central unit thus reducing the problem of storage and handling of such hoses and spillage of residual fluid left in the hoses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for packaging NO/N2 mixtures, such as a gas cylinder, comprising a main body (1) comprising an internal volume (7) having a capacity between 2 and 30 liters and containing an NO/N2 mixture at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, the main body (1) being formed from an aluminum alloy, characterized in that the main body (1) is formed from an aluminum alloy comprising aluminum and a proportion by weight of Cr of between 0.05 and 0.80%, of Cu of between 1 and 3%, of Pb of at most 100 ppm, of Zn of between 5 and 8%, and of Mg of between 1 and 3%.

Abstract: A tire inflation system comprising a tire inflation apparatus having an inflation head, a pressurized gas source, and a controller, with the inflation head being positioned at a tire and wheel assembly inflation location at which a tire and wheel assembly is received to inflate the tire and wheel assembly. The tire and wheel assembly includes a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) valve stem that detects and transmits inflation pressure data of the tire and wheel assembly. The inflation head defines a tire inflation cavity that seals with the tire of the tire and wheel assembly when engaged with the inflation head. Pressurized gas is delivered from the pressurized gas source through an outlet in the tire inflation cavity for inflation of the tire and wheel assembly. The controller receives inflation pressure data from the TPM valve stem and controls operation of the tire inflation apparatus in response thereto.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for packaging a gaseous NO/N2 mixture into a container comprising the steps of introducing into a container a gaseous premix formed of NO and of N2 containing an NO content of less than 10% by volume so as to reach a first pressure P1 with P1>1 bar, then introducing into the container containing the NO/N2 premix at the first pressure P1, gaseous nitrogen so as to obtain a final gaseous NO/N2 mix containing an NO content of less than or equal to 1200 ppm by volume and a second pressure P2 lying between P1 and 800 bar. The final NO/N2 gaseous mixture contains an NO content of less than or equal to 1000 ppm by volume.

Abstract: The method for packaging a gaseous NO/N2 mixture into at least one container, characterized in that, prior to admitting the said NO/N2 mixture, said at least one container is subjected to at least a purging step during which the internal volume of the container is placed in fluidic communication with the ambient atmosphere, an evacuating step during which the internal volume of the container is placed under depression, and a gas rinsing step during which an inert gas is admitted to said at least one container. For preference, the final gaseous NO/N2 mixture contains an NO content less than or equal to 1200 ppm by volume for a pressure of between P1 and 800 bar.

Abstract: A defoaming method capable of destroying foams generated when a container is filled with drink, or the like, efficiently at a high speed and destroying foams effectively even in the case of a container having a narrow mouth. Liquid surface (6) in a container (1) is irradiated with pulse-like light (2) and a pulse-like sound wave (8) is generated from an irradiated point (7) as a sound source. The pulse-like sound wave thus generated propagates from the sound source as a strong spherical wave to reach a bubble (9) and to destroy the bubble. It can also destroy a bubble located at a place remote from the optical path quickly, thus destroying bubbles efficiently at a high speed. Alternatively, pulse-like light is condensed at a gas portion above the liquid surface and the bubbles can be destroyed with a shock wave generated by breakdown phenomenon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.

Abstract: The method provides: a first step, in which a radioactive fluid is conveyed from a source to a container; a second step, during which inert gas under pressure is conveyed towards the container; and a third step, during which, due to the action of the inert gas, the radioactive fluid is conveyed from the container to a bottle.

Abstract: An enclosure is filled with a filling gas according to the disclosed method. An enclosure is provided having an interior, a width, a height, a thickness, and fluid filling and exit holes fluidly communicating with the interior. Filling of the enclosure is commenced by directing a flow of the filling gas at a filling flow rate into the fluid filling hole. An oxygen concentration of gas exiting the fluid exit hole is sensed. The filling of the enclosure is stopped when the sensed oxygen concentration reaches a threshold concentration, wherein the threshold oxygen concentration and/or the filling flow rate are selected by a Decision Support Tool based upon the width, height, and/or the thickness.

Abstract: Preferred processes are provided for unloading a particulate substance from a container using a cover system comprising a cover and a wand extending through the cover. The processes can include installing the cover system on the container so that the cover mates with the container and the wand extends into the particulate substance, connecting a pipe or a hose to the wand, and drawing the particulate substance through the wand and the pipe or hose.

Abstract: A method for pressurizing a substrate carrier including pressurizing a chamber that is of unitary construction with the carrier and/or a substrate cassette within the carrier and maintaining a pressure within the carrier by releasing gas from the chamber into the carrier.

Abstract: A method for the operation and control of gas filling from a filling station to a receiver is comprising actively controlling essential filling variables within the receiver such as temperature, pressure, and density of the gas; continuously updating estimates of the filling variables based on filling station side measurements interpreted using physical and thermodynamic relations as to make the variables available even when the receiver is not communicating with the filling station in so-called non-communication fueling; and continuously updating the estimated capacity of the receiver based on station side measurements in a non-communication fueling.

Abstract: Method for dispensing a gas comprising (a) providing a gas storage system containing pressurized gas and having at least first and second gas storage volumes, first and second flow control valves in flow communication with the first and second gas storage volumes, respectively, wherein each flow control valve is initially closed, and wherein the first gas storage volume has a smaller volumetric capacity than the second gas storage volume; (b) selecting a reference temperature; (c) measuring the ambient temperature; (d) providing a gas receiving vessel and placing it in flow communication with each flow control valve and with the gas storage system; and (e) initiating delivery of the gas by (i) opening the first flow control valve when the ambient temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature or (ii) opening the second flow control valve when the ambient temperature is less than the reference temperature.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for filling pressurized gas tanks, characterized in that the filling process is interrupted when the input pressure reaches a maximum filling pressure, the maximum filling pressure in the cylinder being calculated to match the most serious of the two following conditions: nominal filling capacity or design temperature of the cylinders.

Abstract: This system provides for odor control by using a rack opacity filtering system (ROFS). This is a system that collects opacity at the point of origin and transfers it to the filter unit. The filter unit then removes the opacity from the air and the clean air is then vented to the atmosphere. The opacity is a result of loading additized asphalt product at elevated temperatures and controlling how much opacity is allowed to be released. ROFS provides a means to virtually eliminate opacity.

Abstract: A tool for refilling an implantable pump having at least one reservoir. The tool includes a plurality of independent fluid channels; a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a first one of the fluid channels; at least one pump fluidly coupled to the fluid channels, the at least one pump and the independent fluid channels differing from each other in number, wherein (i) a pump is configured to apply positive pressure to the first fluid channel so as to drive fluid from the fluid reservoir therethrough, and (ii) a pump is configured to apply negative pressure to the second fluid channel; and a connector for removably connecting the fluid channels to the at least one reservoir.

Abstract: This invention provides a pressure sensing catheter, and method for using the same, which eliminates the practitioners' need to fill the catheter with fluid manually prior to insertion, and thereby increases the accuracy and ease of the overall pressure-sensing procedure. The illustrative catheter includes, in its proximal end, a transducer base or housing that is permanently attached to the catheter shaft. The base includes, inserted thereinto, one or more miniaturized pressure transducer assemblies, which are in fluid communication with corresponding pressure lumens that extend down the shaft and are in communication with one or more predetermined balloons by discrete channels or ports, which provide a fluid passage between the interior space of the balloon and the corresponding pressure lumen. The integral assembly includes a predetermined, previously installed charge of fluid that extends from the transducer, through the corresponding pressure lumen and into the interior volume of the sensing balloon.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gas charging apparatus including a gas supply source 10; a fuel gas charging line L connected to the gas supply source 10, to charge a fuel gas into gas tanks, respectively; a temperature information acquiring section 48 which acquires temperature information in the gas tanks; a pressure information acquiring section 49 which acquires pressure information in the gas tanks; a relation data acquiring section 47 which acquires correspondence relation data indicating a correspondence relation between a temperature and a pressure in the corresponding gas tank, in a case where a beforehand acquired state of charge of the gas tank becomes a target state of charge; a temperature difference calculating section 52 which calculates, in accordance with the temperature information, a temperature difference between the gas tank having the highest internal temperature and the gas tank having the lowest internal temperature among the plurality of gas tanks; and a control section 55 which performs control

Abstract: An enclosure is filled with a filling gas according to the disclosed method. An enclosure is provided having an interior, a width, a height, a thickness, and fluid filling and exit holes fluidly communicating with the interior. Filling of the enclosure is commenced by directing a flow of the filling gas at a filling flow rate into the fluid filling hole. An oxygen concentration of gas exiting the fluid exit hole is sensed. The filling of the enclosure is stopped when the sensed oxygen concentration reaches a threshold concentration, wherein the threshold oxygen concentration and/or the filling flow rate are selected by a Decision Support Tool based upon the width, height, and/or the thickness.

Abstract: A fueling nozzle for dispensing a gaseous fuel to a vehicle includes a main body having a conduit formed therein and configured to permit the gaseous fuel to flow therethrough. The conduit terminates at a dispensing end of the main body. The dispensing end of the main body forms an interface with a fuel inlet of the vehicle during a fueling operation. The fueling nozzle further includes a sensor disposed at the dispensing end of the main body adjacent the conduit. The sensor is configured to detect a leakage of the gaseous fuel during the fueling operation.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. Various valves, pressure regulators, pressure ranges, needle geometries, gas selections are also presented. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.

Abstract: A fluid is liquefied from a gaseous state to a liquid state, and the liquefied fluid is stored. In one embodiment, the fluid is oxygen. Mechanisms are employed that enhance the durability, longevity, reliability, efficiency, of a system used to liquefy the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a hydrogen rich gas stream at a high pressure for use by hydrogen vehicles or other devices requiring hydrogen rich feed streams are disclosed in the present invention. As the pressure of gaseous hydrogen is increased, the temperature of the gaseous hydrogen also increases due to the heat of compression. The apparatus and method of the present invention utilize localized cooling via a vortex tube to cool the gaseous hydrogen caused by the increase in pressure.

Abstract: A device and method for tire air pressure maintenance with a compressor. The device includes a manifold having an input from the compressor and an output, and wherein the output is in pressure communication with the tire and an air chuck for clamping onto the tires, wherein the air chuck is in pressure communication with the manifold. The device also comprises an air pressure sensor, operatively associated with the manifold, for monitoring changes of pressure within the manifold and generating a data signal. A processor, operatively associated with the manifold, for processing changes in pressure is included, and wherein the processor receives the data signal. The device further includes a bleeder line operatively attached to the manifold, and an actuator valve operatively associated with the bleeder line, and wherein the actuator valve is operatively attached to the processor, and wherein the processor is capable of generating a low pressure command signal to open the actuator valve.

Abstract: A method of fueling with compressed gas is described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a supply of compressed gas; providing a storage tank with a fueling line, and a nozzle in the fueling line, the nozzle movable between at least a flow reduction position and a full fuel flow position; initiating fueling from the supply of compressed gas with the nozzle in the flow reduction position for a predetermined time or until a minimum pressure is obtained; when the predetermined time or the minimum pressure is obtained, moving the nozzle to the full fuel flow position; and fueling the storage tank from the supply of compressed gas with the nozzle in the full fuel flow position until fueling is completed. A vehicle incorporating the nozzle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas filling apparatus in the gas filling system includes a precooler for cooling hydrogen gas supplied from the gas supply source (11) and discharges the hydrogen gas cooled by the precooler to fill the hydrogen gas into the gas tank. The temperature of the hydrogen gas cooled by the precooler is detected by a gas temperature sensor that detects, upstream of the gas tank, a temperature of the hydrogen gas cooled by the precooler. A flow rate controller controls a filling flow rate of the hydrogen gas to be filled into the gas tank, based on the detected temperature of the hydrogen gas. For example, when the detected temperature of the hydrogen gas is high, the filling flow rate is reduced as compared to that when the detected temperature of the hydrogen gas is lower.

Abstract: A method for making a slow releasing device for slowing releasing chlorine dioxide includes sending gaseous chlorine dioxide into a receiving container containing a plurality of particulate carriers. Each particulate carrier has a plurality of pores in a surface thereof. The receiving container is placed in a low-temperature environment below 30° C. The gaseous chlorine dioxide is absorbed by the particulate carriers. The particulate carries is packaged in at least one container that is subsequently sealed. The gaseous chloride dioxide can be purified before entering the receiving container. Superfluous chloride dioxide can be dissolved or absorbed in water in an absorbing tank on a circulating pipeline connected to the receiving container via an outlet pipe.

Abstract: A hydrogen filling system includes: a hydrogen tank that is filled with hydrogen; a determination unit that determines whether to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen tank; and a temperature regulating unit that regulates a temperature of the hydrogen tank, wherein, when the determination unit determines to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen tank, the temperature regulating unit starts cooling the hydrogen tank before filling of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank is started.

Abstract: Method and filling installation for filling a hydrogen gas into a vessel (1) having a first port (2) for passing the hydrogen gas and a second port (3) for passing a fluid, wherein the second port (3) is separate from the first port (2). In a first phase a hydraulic fluid is introduced into the vessel (1) through the second port (3) by applying pressure to the hydraulic fluid, such that the hydraulic fluid in the vessel (1) causes a hydrostatic pressure having a pre-determined value. In a second phase the hydrogen gas is introduced into the vessel (1) through the first port (2) by controlling a difference of pressure relative to a current pressure in the vessel (1) for controlling expansion of the hydrogen gas and thereby temperature inside the vessel (1), such that the vessel (1) is filled with the hydrogen gas. To that end the hydraulic fluid is removed from the vessel (1) through the second port (3).

Abstract: An assembly for extending the shelf-life of a pressurized resin cartridge. The assembly includes at least one pressurized resin cartridge comprising a first compartment for holding a catalyst and a second compartment for holding a resin mastic. The assembly has a pressurized container sealingly disposed about the pressurized resin cartridge. Such assembly minimizes depressurization of the pressurized resin cartridge and extends the shelf-life of the pressurized resin cartridge. An assembly for extending the shelf-life of a depressurized resin cartridge. The assembly includes at least one depressurized resin cartridge comprising a first compartment for holding a catalyst and a second compartment for holding a resin mastic. The assembly has a pressurized container sealingly disposed about the depressurized resin cartridge. Such assembly increases pressurization of the depressurized resin cartridge and extends the shelf-life of the depressurized resin cartridge.

Abstract: Method for dispensing a gas comprising (a) providing a gas storage system containing pressurized gas and having at least first and second gas storage volumes, first and second flow control valves in flow communication with the first and second gas storage volumes, respectively, wherein each flow control valve is initially closed, and wherein the first gas storage volume has a smaller volumetric capacity than the second gas storage volume; (b) selecting a reference temperature; (c) measuring the ambient temperature; (d) providing a gas receiving vessel and placing it in flow communication with each flow control valve and with the gas storage system; and (e) initiating delivery of the gas by (i) opening the first flow control valve when the ambient temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature or (ii) opening the second flow control valve when the ambient temperature is less than the reference temperature.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a loadport is provided. The loadport has a plate adapted to couple to a door of a substrate carrier to open the substrate carrier wherein the plate includes a first opening adapted to couple to a first port in the door of the substrate carrier on a first side of the plate and to couple to a gas source on a second side of the plate, and wherein the loadport is adapted to allow a flow of gas into the substrate carrier via the first opening in the plate. Methods of purging substrate carriers are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A tool for filling a tire with a gas is provided. The tool includes: an air chuck; a shaft connected to the air chuck; a rim hook connected to the shaft; and a spring located between the shaft and the rim hook. A method of filling a tire is also provided. The method may include: connecting an air chuck to a valve stem; attaching a hook and spring assembly attached to the air chuck to a rim associated with the tire to be filled; and flowing a fluid through, the air chuck and into the valve stem.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a flavoring substance into a consumable beverage by a dispensing device consisting of a tubular body having a substantially hollow interior and formed with valves provided at distal and proximal ends thereof. Upon positioning of the tubular body into the container, the distal end of the body is pressed against interior of the container, so as to activate the distal valve. The proximal valve is activated to break a vacuum in the interior chamber and to enable the flavoring substance to pass through the open distal valve into the consumable beverage.

Abstract: The Flow Indicating Switch (FIS) triggered Automatic Sequencing Cascade System and method is used to control the correct sequential discharge of compressed gas storage cylinders into one or more compressed gas cylinders(s) which are being recharged by the monitoring of compressed gas flow quantity. The primary purpose of the FIS Auto-Cascade is maximize the efficient use of the compressed gas within the storage cylinders by minimizing the possibility of to human error which will result in the overall loss of the total system recharging potential. The secondary purpose of the system use is for the ability to Auto-Cascade recharge cylinders in an area remote to the cascade storages cylinders and main valve body such as would be the case when this system is used in association with a Firefighter Breathing Air replenishment System (FBARS) for use in “tall” or “sprawling” structure such as those discussed in the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) documentation.

Abstract: A hydrogen filling system to fill a hydrogen fuel tank with hydrogen includes a high-pressure water electrolysis device capable of electrolyzing water to produce oxygen and the hydrogen. A hydrogen pipe connects the high-pressure water electrolysis device and a filling mechanism to fill the hydrogen fuel tank with the hydrogen. At least one hydrogen storage tank is provided to the hydrogen pipe to store the hydrogen produced by the high-pressure water electrolysis device at substantially a same pressure as a maximum filling pressure of the hydrogen fuel tank. A first valve mechanism is arranged downstream of the at least one hydrogen storage tank. A bypass pipe is provided to the hydrogen pipe and connects the high-pressure water electrolysis device and the filling mechanism to bypass the at least one hydrogen storage tank and the first valve mechanism. A second valve mechanism is arranged on the bypass pipe.

Abstract: The method of charging a tank with a gas product up to a desired pressure and temperature without increasing the gas in the tank to a pressure and temperature higher than a desired pressure and temperature, comprising pressurizing the incoming gas to be put into the tank to a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure of the resident gas already in the tank, cooling the incoming gas to a temperature lower than the resident gas, mixing the incoming gas with the resident gas up to the desired pressure such that the pressure and temperature of the combined gas will be increased without increasing the temperature and pressure of the resident gas to a pressure and temperature higher than the desired pressure or temperature.

Abstract: A filler coupling for a pressurized gas receptacle comprising a body defining an internal filler circuit between an upstream end designed to be connected to a packaging connector and a downstream end designed to be connected to a receptacle, the coupling comprising an isolation valve that can move relative to a seat between an upstream position for closing the circuit and a downstream position for opening the circuit, said isolation valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member, the coupling also comprising a dust-prevention valve placed upstream of the isolation valve, said dust-prevention valve being able to move relative to the body between an upstream position for closing the upstream end of the circuit and a downstream position for opening the circuit upstream end, said dust-prevention valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member, characterized in that the dust-prevention valve supports a filter interposed on the path of at least a portion of the fluid that travels betwee

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling insulating glass units with one or more insulating gases (e.g., Argon and Krypton gas). The insulating gases are supplied to gas filling tubes that are inserted into one or more interpane spaces of the insulating glass units. Each interpane space may be filled with more than one insulating gas. A control unit controls the injection of the insulating gases in accordance with gas filling data received by the control unit.

Abstract: A method for saturating or re-saturating ammonia storage material (1) capable of reversibly absorbing and desorbing ammonia in one or more storage containers (2), wherein said material is partly or fully depleted of ammonia, with ammonia to a predetermined saturation degree comprises a. placing the storage container(s) (2) in direct or indirect contact with a thermostatting medium (4) at a temperature level TT? about 65° C.; and b. connecting the storage container(s) (2) to a source of gaseous ammonia wherein at least during a part of the method the gaseous ammonia during saturating or re-saturation of the ammonia storage material (1) is at a pressure PS? about PT, wherein PS is the ammonia pressure during saturating or re-saturating of the ammonia storage material (1) and PT is the equilibrium vapor pressure of liquid ammonia at the temperature level TT.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a compressed gas for reducing the amount of residual gas in dispensing station storage vessels before refilling is required. The method comprises transferring compressed gas into receiving vessels in a first series of fill-ups where each of the receiving vessels receive compressed gas from a first mobile storage device and subsequently from a second mobile storage device, transporting the first mobile storage device to a refilling station after the first mobile storage device has been depleted to a selected depletion level, refilling the first mobile storage device at the refilling station, and transferring compressed gas into receiving vessels in a second series of fill-ups where each of the receiving vessels receive compressed gas from the second mobile storage device and one or more of the first mobile storage device after refilling and a third mobile storage device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simple, analytical method that can be utilized by hydrogen filling stations for directly and accurately calculating the end-of-fill temperature in a hydrogen tank that, in turn, allows for improvements in the fill quantity while tending to reduce refueling time. The calculations involve calculation of a composite heat capacity value, MC, from a set of thermodynamic parameters drawn from both the tank system receiving the gas and the station supplying the gas. These thermodynamic parameters are utilized in a series of simple analytical equations to define a multi-step process by which target fill times, final temperatures and final pressures can be determined. The parameters can be communicated to the station directly from the vehicle or retrieved from a database accessible by the station. Because the method is based on direct measurements of actual thermodynamic conditions and quantified thermodynamic behavior, significantly improved tank filling results can be achieved.

Abstract: A therapeutic dressing has a permeable bottom layer, a non-permeable upper layer sealed about the periphery to the permeable layer to form at least one reservoir, an absorbent patch integrated with the permeable layer, a hermetic seal attached to the underside of the permeable layer and a filling interface in communication with the reservoir. The dressing is filled with a therapeutic agent and wherein such agent is subsequently diffused through the permeable layer onto the skin of a patient.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a controlling a flow of reformate fuel in a fuel system which includes a reformer and a storage tank coupled to an engine in a vehicle. The system includes a pump located between the reformer and the storage tank that is selectively operated in order to reduce parasitic losses on the system.

Abstract: A method is provided for filling an enclosure with an ignitable mixture of gases. The enclosure has an outer wall comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a fill aperture extending therethrough. The method comprises delivering a predetermined amount of pressurized combustible gas into the enclosure through the fill aperture, delivering a first predetermined amount of pressurized inert gas into the enclosure through the fill aperture at a first pressurization rate, delivering a second predetermined amount of pressurized inert gas into the enclosure through the fill aperture at a second pressurization rate, welding a sealing member to the outer wall of the enclosure by a welding process to form a weld operable to seal the fill aperture and to permit the enclosure to store pressurized gas therein. The first pressurization rate allows the first predetermined amount of pressurized inert gas to mix with the predetermined amount of pressurized combustible gas to form an ignitable mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling vehicle tires with nitrogen and especially to a customer operated tire inflation system for filling vehicle balloon tires with nitrogen. A plurality of tanks of nitrogen are mounted for rotation on a lazy susan and are connected to a hose on a reel having a tire filling valve on the end thereof for unreeling and filling a vehicle tire. A credit or debit card reader controls a hose reel lock and flow from the nitrogen tanks.

Abstract: In order to increase the hydrogen utilization rate of the cascade storage system, after dispensing gaseous hydrogen to a hydrogen vehicle, gaseous hydrogen is transferred via a compressor from at least one storage vessel at a lower pressure to at least one storage vessel at a higher, dispensable pressure. The methods of the present invention economically and efficiently increase the utilization rate of gaseous hydrogen stored in a cascade storage system by managing the storage of gaseous hydrogen and increasing the utilization rate of gaseous hydrogen stored in a cascade storage system.