For Use With A Transport Vehicle (e.g., Cargo Ship, Airplane, Space Vehicle) Patents (Class 220/560.07)
  • Patent number: 11598484
    Abstract: The invention discloses a bimetallic cryogenic membrane storage compartment for liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage. The invention is based on the design of bimetallic membrane panels and two insulating panels to achieve two completely independent insulation spaces, fully meeting the relevant requirements of the amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Natural Gas in Bulk (“IGC CODE”) adopted on May 22, 2014.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: SINOTECH MARINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ying Wei, Shifu Chen, Wei He
  • Patent number: 11564331
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes functional circuits electrically coupled to each other and each coupled to a different thermal circuit. The different thermal circuits are configured to maintain different operating temperatures targeted for each corresponding functional circuit. One of the thermal circuits may use a cryogenic liquid to cool the corresponding functional circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 11472514
    Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane type insulation system for LNG carrier cargo tank and liquefied gas fuel container wherein a corrugation finishing membrane formed of Invar steel is welded to a secondary membrane connecting portion or a primary membrane connecting portion in order to seal corrugations at a corner portion of a cargo tank in a structure wherein at least one of a primary membrane and a secondary membrane is formed of an SUS material having corrugations, thereby improving work efficiency while reducing manufacturing costs through elimination of a separate angled piece for connection between corrugations on adjacent walls at the corner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong Woo Park, Seung Min Kwon, Joong Kyoo Kang
  • Patent number: 10557807
    Abstract: A 3D printed hybrid nozzle device combining a microfluidic mixer with a liquid jet injector that addresses the bottleneck of investigating substrate-initiated biological reaction paths employing serial crystallography with XFELs. The hybrid nozzle provides for injecting aqueous protein crystal jets after fast mixing (<5 ms), reaching reaction time points (e.g., about 10 ms to about 150 ms) suitable to resolve enzyme kinetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Alexandra Ros, Gerrit Brehm, Garrett Nelson, John Spence, Uwe Weierstall, Austin Echelmeier
  • Patent number: 9347611
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semi-submersible offshore structure having storage tanks for liquefied gas, which is constructed so as to improve workability in marine offloading of the liquefied gas stored in the storage tanks while reducing an influence of sloshing. The offshore structure is anchored at sea and has liquefied gas. The offshore structure includes a storage tank storing liquefied gas, a plurality of columns partially submerged under the sea level and each having the storage tank therein, and an upper deck located on the plurality of columns to connect the columns to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min Cheol Ryu, Jun Hyung Jung, Deok Su Kim, Yoon Sik Hwang, Yong Soo Kim, Chuel Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9175806
    Abstract: A large volume natural gas storage tank comprises a plurality of rigid tubular walls each having opposing ends and an intermediate segment with a closed tubular cross-section, the plurality of rigid tubular walls arranged in a closely spaced relationship and interconnected at their ends, with each end of a given of the plurality of rigid tubular walls connected with respective ends of two others of the plurality of rigid tubular walls to define a corner of the storage tank, such that the interiors of the plurality of rigid tubular walls define an interior fluid storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: ALTAIR ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Regu Ramoo, Mohan Parthasarathy, Thomas Lamb
  • Patent number: 9050889
    Abstract: An endoskeleton to support a fuel tank body and establish a fuel tank. The endoskeleton may include columns to support fuel system components, first and second beams staggered with respect to one another and having tank contact portions attachable to the tank body, and walls extending between adjacent first and second beams to baffle fuel and to yieldably restrain movement of the body. The fuel tank body may have a wall thickness of about 2 to 4 mm, and a combined weight of the tank body and the endoskeleton may be less than a weight of the fuel tank if the body were about 4 to 6 mm in wall thickness. Also, an endoskeleton-to-tank body contact surface area ratio may be greater than about 4% of a total interior surface area of the tank body. Further, fuel tank may include a strength to weight ratio greater than 250 l-mbar/kg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: TI Automotive Technology Center GmbH
    Inventors: Albert J. Boecker, Andreas W. Dobmaier, Alex Ehler, Peter Grauer, Matthias B. Olbrich
  • Patent number: 9033178
    Abstract: A container has a pair of opposing heads, and a wall section between the heads has a square cross-section and planar side walls joined together by rounded corners. The side walls tend to deflect outwardly while under pressure, but are supported externally by a support system such as the walls of a cargo hold. Another container comprises an outside tank and a flexible membrane tank inside the outside tank, an annular space being defined in between, where a first fluid is charged into the membrane tank and a second fluid is charged into the annular space in order to discharge the first fluid. In another embodiment, a long tube having a square cross-section is coiled in a support structure and made gas-tight for holding a compressed fluid, and adjacent coils and the support structure limit expansion of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: EnerSea Transport LLC
    Inventor: Charles N. White
  • Publication number: 20150114970
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a reinforcing member for a membrane for improving the pressure-withstanding property of the membrane having corrugations, and a membrane assembly having the reinforcing member and a method of constructing the membrane assembly. By providing a reinforcing member for a membrane having corrugations and installed in an insulating structural member of an LNG cargo, the present invention can prevent the collapse of the corrugation and attenuate shocks against a same load without increasing the facial rigidity of the corrugation, and improve the insulating property by forming an additional insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Ki-Hun JOH, Sang-Eon CHUN, Chang-Seon BANG, Dai-Gil LEE, Byung-Chul KIM, Bu-Gi KIM, Jin-Gyu KIM, Soon-Ho YOON, Sang-Wook PARK, Kwan-Ho LEE, Seong-Su KIM, Byoung-Jung KIM, Po-Chul KIM, Ha-Na YU, Yong-Suk SUH, Sang-Min HAN, Jong-Won YOON, Jae-Yeon CHOI, Hee-Jin SON
  • Patent number: 9016222
    Abstract: A cargo tank for a liquefied gas carrier ship includes: a main wall surrounding a receiving space in which the liquefied gas is received; a panel assembly surrounding the main wall; and an outer wall surrounding the panel assembly. The panel assembly includes: a plurality of first thermal insulating panels; a plurality of first auxiliary walls; a plurality of second thermal insulating panels fixed on second surfaces of the first auxiliary walls; a bridge pad disposed between the second thermal insulating panels; and a second auxiliary wall located between the bridge pad and the first auxiliary walls. The first thermal insulating panel and the first auxiliary wall are adhered to each other, and a first stress dispersion region prevents the first auxiliary wall or the second auxiliary wall from being damaged due to thermal expansions or contractions of the first thermal insulating panels and the bridge pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Han Kim, Sang Eon Chun, Jeong Oh Hwang
  • Patent number: 8985042
    Abstract: A method of creating a watertightness barrier for a wall of a watertightened thermally insulating tank, involves steps of: arranging a repeating structure including alternately a strip of sheet metal and an elongate welding flange connected to the support surface, so that the turned-up lateral edges of the strip of sheet metal are positioned against the adjacent welding flanges, welding the turned-up lateral edge to the welding flange using a straight welded seam along a first longitudinal portion, continuing the straight welded seam with an end portion which is deviated in the direction of an upper edge corner, and producing a watertight edge corner welded seam along a second longitudinal portion of the strip of sheet metal such that the edge corner welded seam watertightly meets the end portion of the welded seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Gaztransport et Technigaz
    Inventors: Gery Canler, Amaury Mange
  • Patent number: 8985381
    Abstract: A tank for storing fluid, especially hydrocarbons including low temperature liquefied natural gas. The tank comprises tank walls defining an interior tank space, wherein at least one beam is provided in the interior tank space having at least one beam end connected to the tank wall. The at least one recess is provided in the tank wall for receiving the beam end for anchoring to the tank wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Aker Engineering & Technology AS
    Inventors: Arne Sele, Kåre Dybwad, Michal Stanislaw Przybylski
  • Patent number: 8783502
    Abstract: A tank subjected to thermal expansion and contraction, comprising a support block in contact with the bottom of the tank, where the support block and the bottom of the tank are connected by a rib in either the bottom of the tank or the support block, where the rib is in a groove in either the bottom of the tank or the support block to prevent horizontal movement of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Engineering & Technology AS
    Inventors: Arne Barrett Sele, Trygve Johannes Lund
  • Patent number: 8708185
    Abstract: A support assembly mounted on the roof of a tank comprising a support block, a base plate between the support block and the tank, and guiding brackets or rails joined to a structure above the tank. The guiding brackets or rails comprise a face turned towards a cooperating face of the support block. The face of the bracket or rail and the cooperating face of the support block are inclined at an angle which depends on the width and height of the support block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Engineering & Technology AS
    Inventors: Arne Barrett Sele, Trygve Johannes Lund
  • Patent number: 8690000
    Abstract: A cryogenic tank for a space launcher, comprising a partition and delimiting top and bottom volumes communicating via at least one free central opening formed in the partition, so as, on the one hand, to allow for the flow of liquid by gravity from the top volume to the bottom volume via the central opening or openings and, on the other hand, to prevent the rising of the fluid from the bottom volume to the top volume via the central opening or openings under the action of acceleration forces, the tank also comprising at least one vent forming separate from the central opening or openings and providing fluid communication between the top and bottom volumes, the vent being configured to favor the migration of vapor from the bottom volume to the top volume and to prevent the rising of liquid from the bottom volume to the top volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Étude et l'Éxploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jerome Lacapere, James Butterworth
  • Patent number: 8678225
    Abstract: The present invention relates to use of a composite material as a fluid barrier under cryogenic conditions, the composite material having: (a) a tensile Young's modulus of less than 50 GPa; and (b) a tensile strain at break of at least 5% at ambient conditions. The present invention further relates to a sandwich and a containment system for a cryogenic fluid comprising the composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Franciscus Antonius Henri Janssen, Levinus Marinus De Mul
  • Patent number: 8651313
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for storing fluid in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a storage vessel includes at least two concentrically arranged storage tanks, which includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank. The first storage tank surrounds the second storage tank, such that the first storage tank is configured to protect the second storage tank from external environmental conditions. The storage vessel also includes a storage compartment positioned adjacent to the two storage tanks. In one embodiment, the storage vessel may be an underwater cryogenic storage vessel that stores liquid oxygen used as a reactant in a fuel cell and liquid carbon dioxide, which is an effluent of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edwin C. Cady, Daniel A. Watts, Gary D. Grayson
  • Patent number: 8322557
    Abstract: A prismatic tank has outer and inner walls and internal horizontal stays. The walls include a plurality of horizontal beam sections. Each beam section has two parallel flanges interconnected by a web and a pair of opposing end faces. The beam sections are stacked one on top of the other and joined together along adjoining longitudinal edges of respective flanges and at end faces of respective beam sections such that a joint is formed between a first end face of a first beam section and a second, abutting end face of a second, abutting beam section. The web of the first beam section is recessed at the first end face and the web of the second beam section is recessed at the second end face so as to leave a first opening in the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Aker Engineering & Technology AS
    Inventors: Arne Sele, Kare Bakken
  • Patent number: 8245658
    Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods for supporting cargo tanks within the hold of a liquefied gas carrier by establishing a series of spaced-apart pedestals along the longitudinal axis of a tank, said pedestals positioned in conjunction with the ship's structural components. These pedestals are of wood or other suitable thermal insulating and load bearing material fixed to the tank below its circumferential diameter along both the starboard and port tank sides. The pedestals rest on structural longitudinal stringers laying port and starboard in the horizontal plane and fixed and supported by the ship's hull structure. Longitudinal and transverse pedestal movement is controlled by stops attached to the stringers at one or more of the pedestals. The stops contact the pedestals via bearing pads which constrain the pedestal in one direction but permit its movement in another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: John Randolph Holland, Wolfgang Fichelmann, Juergen Wollert
  • Patent number: 8235242
    Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-sloshing LNG cargo tanks to mitigate a sloshing phenomenon. The anti-sloshing LNG cargo tank having a first barrier for preventing leakage of a cryogenic LNG, a second barrier and an insulation pad provided to supplement the first barrier, includes: an anti-sloshing bulkhead for partitioning a space in the LNG cargo tank into a plurality of spaces to reduce a sloshing phenomenon of the LNG that moves in the LNG cargo tank; and a stool part united at a first surface thereof to an inner wall of an LNG carrier body and united at a second surface thereof to the anti-sloshing bulkhead to fasten the anti-sloshing bulkhead to the inner wall of the LNG cargo tank. The stool part is coupled to the first barrier and the second barrier and having the insulation pad therein, thus preventing the cryogenic LNG from leaking towards the inner wall of the LNG carrier body or from exchanging heat with the inner wall of the LNG carrier body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Heavy Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Deog Jin Ha
  • Patent number: 8167122
    Abstract: An apparatus for storage of compressed hydrogen gas is provided. The apparatus includes a sealed housing having an outlet pipe coupled to the housing and equipped with a controllable discharge valve. The sealed housing defines a chamber that includes a cartridge comprising an assembly of at least two different types of micro-containers configured for accumulating and storing said compressed hydrogen gas. The apparatus also includes a hydrogen liberating tool configured for controllable liberating the hydrogen gas from the cartridge into a volume of the chamber that is not occupied by the cartridge. The apparatus is controlled by a control system operatively coupled to the controllable discharge valve and the hydrogen liberating tool, and configured for controlling operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignees: C. En. Limited
    Inventor: Alexander Chabak
  • Patent number: 7938287
    Abstract: An LNG storage tank comprises a heat insulating wall on an inner surface of the storage tank, a sealing wall contacting LNG on the heat insulating wall, and a structure to support the sealing wall. The structure comprises an anchor structure, which comprises an anchor member between the inner surface of the storage tank and the sealing wall to secure the sealing wall to the inner surface, and a heat-insulating material around the anchor member. The anchor member is coupled at several portions to the inner surface. The structure provides a simple configuration to the heat insulating wall and the sealing wall, and a simple connection therebetween, enabling convenient construction thereof while increasing sealing reliability. The structure simplifies an assembled structure and a manufacturing process, reducing a construction time of the tank while efficiently relieving stress on the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Inn Soo Yoon, Ji Hoom Kim, Byoung Taek Oh, Young Kyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20110056954
    Abstract: A corner panel of an LNG cargo that includes a main body, which forms a corner area of the cargo, and a stress diverging part, which reduces the convergence of stress of the main body by being integrated with an internal face of the main body and being formed with curvature, and a secondary barrier formed in a curved shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG HEAVY IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki-Hun JOH, Sang-Eon CHUN, Chang-Seon BANG, Dai-Gil LEE, Byung-Chul KIM, Bu-Gi KIM, Jin-Gyu KIM, Soon-Ho YOON, Sang-Wook PARK, Kwan- Ho LEE, Byoung-Jung KIM, Po-Chul KIM, Ha-Na YU
  • Patent number: 7819273
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas storage tank having an insulation structure which comprises an insulation wall installed on an inner wall of the tank. The tank has interior wall installed over the insulation wall. The interior wall has a first layer which directly contacts with liquefied natural gas and a second layer disposed between the first layer and the insulation wall. A plurality of anchor structures are installed on the inner wall of the tank through the insulation wall to support the interior wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Ihn Soo Yoon, Young Chul Yang, Young Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7810669
    Abstract: A replaceable cartridge for coupling to a consumer or to a filling station, wherein the replaceable cartridge comprises at least one disconnectable connection coupling for connection to the consumer or the filling station. Furthermore, the replaceable cartridge comprises a tank for holding liquid hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Westenberger
  • Patent number: 7748336
    Abstract: The invention pertains generally to manufacturing and installing a semi-membrane tank for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating off-hull manufacturing of a completed semi-membrane LNG tank and installation of the tank in a permanent supporting structure, such as a ship's hull. Embodiments of the invention include attaching a support structure to the top and the sides of an LNG tank and attaching a support net to the support structure. The support net may be configured to support the bottom of the tank including any insulation that may be applied to the bottom. Once the support structure and support net are attached to the tank, the tank may then be moved from an assembly location to a permanent support structure where it may be permanently attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: General Dynamics National Steel and Shipping Company
    Inventors: David L Jordan, William E Michaud
  • Patent number: 7717289
    Abstract: An LNG storage tank comprises a heat insulating wall on an inner surface of the storage tank, a sealing wall contacting LNG on the heat insulating wall, and a structure to support the sealing wall. The structure comprises an anchor structure, which comprises an anchor member between the inner surface of the storage tank and the sealing wall to secure the sealing wall to the inner surface, and a heat-insulating material around the anchor member. The anchor member is coupled at several portions to the inner surface. The structure provides a simple configuration to the heat insulating wall and the sealing wall, and a simple connection therebetween, enabling convenient construction thereof while increasing sealing reliability. The structure simplifies an assembled structure and a manufacturing process, reducing a construction time of the tank while efficiently relieving stress on the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Ihn Soo Yoon, Ji Hoon Kim, Byoung Taek Oh, Young Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7717288
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid container adapted to store liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG storage container include a sealing wall directly contacting liquid contained in the tank and a structural wall, which is an exterior wall or inner structure integrated with the exterior wall. The container further includes a plurality of connectors mechanically connecting the sealing wall and the structural wall and an intermediate wall structure positioned between the structural wall and the interior wall. The intermediate wall structure is configured to move relative to at least one of the interior wall and the structural wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Seong Ho Hong, Ihn Soo Yoon, Young Chul Yang, Heung Seok Seo, Ji Hun Kim, Byoung Taek Oh, Young Kyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20100108687
    Abstract: A tank for a cryogenic liquid is fitted with a conduit assembly that provides for flow of the cryogenic liquid into and out of the tank, venting of the tank and control of the fill level in the tank. The conduit assembly includes serpentine tubes that extend into an upper region within the inner shell. Within the inner shell, one of the tubes extends downwardly to a lower opening and provides for liquid flow into and out the tank; the other tube has an end with a downwardly facing opening in the upper region whereby vapor can be conducted out of the tank and the fill level is established. A system for effecting pressure management of the cryogenic liquid in the tank includes a conduit network that provides for pressure build as pressure in the conduit network drops and provides for delivery of liquid only to, e.g., a vehicle engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Cryogenic Fuels Inc.
    Inventors: Roy E. Adkins, Harold E. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20100084407
    Abstract: A double containment prismatic tank has outer and inner walls (1, 2) made by stacking H-beam sections on top of each other and joining them along their longitudinal flange edges and at their abutting end faces in joints (5). In the joint areas internal stays (tension beams) (3) are connected to the inner wall (2) to improve the structural efficiency of the tank. The stays (3) are connected to the inner wall (2) by means of brackets (6) which extend in a smooth and tapering manner to the sides of the joint (5) area. In the joint (5) the outer and inner flanges (7, 8) of the beams (4) are joined by welds (10). However, the webs (9) of the beams (4) are not welded together in the joint, but are instead recessed and terminated in a smooth curve so as to form an opening (11), thus avoiding any contact between the outer and inner walls (7, 8) that are not base metal and thereby avoiding a risk of fatigue crack propagation from the inner wall (2) to the outer wall (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Arne Sele, Kare Bakken
  • Patent number: 7597212
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid container adapted to store liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG storage container include a sealing wall directly contacting liquid contained in the tank and a structural wall, which is an exterior wall or inner structure integrated with the exterior wall. The container further includes a plurality of connectors mechanically connecting the sealing wall and the structural wall and an intermediate wall structure positioned between the structural wall and the interior wall. The intermediate wall structure is configured to move relative to at least one of the interior wall and the structural wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Korea Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Seong Ho Hong, Ihn Soo Yoon, Young Chul Yang, Heung Seok Seo, Ji Hun Kim, Byoung Taek Oh, Young Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7469650
    Abstract: The invention pertains generally to manufacturing and installing a semi-membrane tank for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating off-hull manufacturing of a completed semi-membrane LNG tank and installation of the tank in a permanent supporting structure, such as a ship's hull. Embodiments of the invention include attaching a support structure to the top and the sides of an LNG tank and attaching a support net to the support structure. The support net may be configured to support the bottom of the tank including any insulation that may be applied to the bottom. Once the support structure and support net are attached to the tank, the tank may then be moved from an assembly location to a permanent support structure where it may be permanently attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: National Steel and Shipping Company
    Inventors: David L. Jordan, William E. Michaud
  • Publication number: 20080256960
    Abstract: A tank for carrying cryogenic fluids and/or hydrogen peroxide and a method of forming the same is provided. A vehicle incorporating such a tank as part of the vehicle structure is also provided. The tank includes an inner wall compatible with the fluid to be carried, an outer wall, and a spacing layer sandwiched between the two walls. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer wall forms part of the structure of a flight vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Greason, Daniel L. Delong, Olivier Forget
  • Publication number: 20080237240
    Abstract: A container for cryogenic fuels assembled from a plurality of identical straight and closed profiles which are arranged in different configuration from one another and are straight hollow profiles which are arranged parallel to one another and of which at least one outer boundary wall maintains a functional distance from an outer boundary wall of an adjacent profile and to the open ends of which a common cap as a common connection space of the profiles is in each case contiguous on both sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO KG
    Inventor: Klaus Hausberger
  • Patent number: 7389890
    Abstract: A tank suitable for containing cryogenic propellant includes an inner liner structure comprised of two layers forming a gap. An intermediary layer comprised of micro-particles is disposed in the gap formed between the two layers of the inner liner structure. A structural overwrap layer covers the inner liner structure in a manner that enables the inner liner structure to float within the structural overwrap layer. The inner floating liner structure can be formed by two thin interlocking (outer and inner) shell s formed in a cylindrical, end dome geometry. The inner and outer shells are both sectioned beyond the tank midpoints. The micro-particles can be comprised of PTFE. An outer structural overwrap comprised of graphite/epoxy covers the double shell liner. A pair of separately fabricated polar bosses seal against the inner of the two interlocking floating liner shells are then each bonded to the tank, fittings, and piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Hampsten
  • Patent number: 7325288
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid container adapted to store liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG storage container include a sealing wall directly contacting liquid contained in the tank and a structural wall, which is an exterior wall or inner structure integrated with the exterior wall. The container further includes a plurality of connectors mechanically connecting the sealing wall and the structural wall and an intermediate wall structure positioned between the structural wall and the interior wall. The intermediate wall structure is configured to move relative to at least one of the interior wall and the structural wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Korea Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Seong Ho Hong, Ihn Soo Yoon, Young Chul Yang, Heung Seok Seo, Ji Hun Kim, Byoung Taek Oh, Young Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7204195
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid container adapted to store liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG storage container include a sealing wall directly contacting liquid contained in the tank and a structural wall, which is an exterior wall or inner structure integrated with the exterior wall. The container further includes a plurality of connectors mechanically connecting the sealing wall and the structural wall and an intermediate wall structure positioned between the structural wall and the interior wall. The intermediate wall structure is configured to move relative to at least one of the interior wall and the structural wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Korea Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Seong Ho Hong, Ihn Soo Yoon, Young Chul Yang, Heung Seok Seo, Ji Hun Kim, Byoung Taek Oh, Young Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7171916
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid container adapted to store liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG storage container include a sealing wall directly contacting liquid contained in the tank and a structural wall, which is an exterior wall or inner structure integrated with the exterior wall. The container further includes a plurality of connectors mechanically connecting the sealing wall and the structural wall and an intermediate wall structure positioned between the structural wall and the interior wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Korea Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Seong Ho Hong, Ihn Soo Yoon, Young Chul Yang, Heung Seok Seo, Ji Hun Kim, Byoung Taek Oh, Young Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7147124
    Abstract: Containers suitable for storing pressurized fluids at cryogenic temperatures of ?62° C. (?80° F.) and colder are provided and comprise a self-supporting liner and load-bearing composite overwrap, whereby means are provided for substantially preventing failure of the container during temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Exxon Mobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Moses Minta, Ronald R. Bowen
  • Patent number: 6981305
    Abstract: Substantially rectangular-shaped tanks are provided for storing liquefied gas, which tanks are especially adapted for use on land or in combination with bottom-supported offshore structure such as gravity-based structures (GBS). A tank according to this invention is capable of storing fluids at substantially atmospheric pressure and has a plate cover adapted to contain fluids and to transfer local loads caused by contact of said plate cover with said contained fluids to a grillage of stiffeners and stringers, which in turn is adapted to transfer the local loads to an internal truss frame structure. Methods of constructing these tanks are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Kailash C. Gulati
  • Patent number: 6918501
    Abstract: An strengthened door for an blast-resistant cargo container includes a door panel horizontally slidably mounted on the cargo container. The door panel has an upper side, a lower side, a first vertical side and a second vertical side each hooked on the cargo container to provide overlapping joints to effectively limit blast damage to the inside of the cargo container and prevent an aircraft from being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ming-Jong Wang, Feng-Ho Wang, Chao-Chyun An, Buh-Shiuh Teng
  • 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: 6675731
    Abstract: A watertight and thermally insulating tank built into a bearing structure includes at least one wall having a variable width and forming oblique solid angles of intersection with the adjacent walls, the tank includes secondary insulating and watertightness barriers and a primary insulating barrier which are formed by panels fixed to the walls and able to hold a primary watertightness barrier. The primary water-tightness barrier includes, at each variable-width wall, one or more central strake(s) (63) arranged longitudinally and each fixed to underlying panels (12), running strakes (66) being held mechanically, by a sliding joint, parallel to the oblique solid angles of intersection, on underlying panels and fixed at the ends to the central strakes, so that the tensile forces (F) experienced by the running strakes in their longitudinal dimension are transmitted to the bearing structure via the central strakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Gaz Transport & Technigaz
    Inventor: Jacques Dhellemmes
  • Patent number: 6626319
    Abstract: In the typical embodiment of the invention described in the specification, a prismatic semi-membrane LNG tank is assembled within a support carriage surrounding the top and side walls of the tank and is connected to the tank by a plurality of load bearing insulating support blocks affixed to T-shaped beams on the tank and received in channel shaped members on the support carriage. The tank is assembled within the carriage which is slidably received within a temporary supporting structure and, when the tank has been completed, the integrated carriage and the tank are transferred to the hull of a ship or other permanent support structure. A pipe tower within the tank is affixed to the bottom wall of the tank and slidably connected to a tank dome at the top of the tank which is welded to the top wall of the tank. Stop members limit downward motion of the tank tower with respect to the top wall of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Neil M. Miller, David L. Jordan, Joseph J. Cuneo, Robert D. Goldbuch, Edmund G. Tornay
  • Patent number: 6508378
    Abstract: The tank type container of the present invention comprises a long, horizontally placed, drum-shaped tank 3 and a parallelopiped container frame 5 surrounding the tank 3. The tank 3 is provided with a charging tube 20 at the top of the longitudinal front end, a discharging tube 21 at the bottom of the longitudinal back end, and, at the outside, an air-supplying apparatus for supplying compressed air into the tank to discharge polycarbonate resin pellets. The tank 3, the charging tube 20, the discharging tube 21 and the air-supplying apparatus are accommodated in a space surrounded by the container frame 5. The container frame 5 is provided with metal fitting members 6 for locking engagable with a locking mechanism possessed by the bed of a trailer. Therefore, the present tank type container is usable as a large-capacity container for land transportation and sea transportation, allowing for improved efficiency in transportation of polycarbonate resin pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignees: Nippon Aluminum Co, Teijin Chemicals Ltd
    Inventors: Kenichi Maeda, Kouhei Ogawa, Akira Kazamoto
  • Patent number: 6491259
    Abstract: The development of polymer composite liquid oxygen (LOX) tanks is a critical step in creating the next generation of launch vehicles. A composite LOX tank will weigh significantly less than conventional metal tanks. This benefit of reduced weight is critical to enable future launch vehicles to meet required mass fractions. The high strength and low weight of a composite tank allows for a lighter weight craft and/or higher payload capacity which results in lower costs per pound to place an object in orbit. The unique, nontraditional idea described here is to use resin-based composite materials to make such a composite tank or other oxygen carrying component such as a feedline. Polymer composites have traditionally been regarded as being more flammable than metals and therefore deemed not oxygen compatible. However, several halogenated composites have been tested for their ability to withstand ignition in the presence of oxygen, and have shown to be resistant to ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth P. Kirn, Neil Anthony Graf, Kevin Wilbur Ely
  • Patent number: 6467642
    Abstract: A shipping container with an outer shipping container shell and a support assembly for holding a dewar vessel within the outer shipping container shell and providing impact and vibration resistance to the dewar vessel. The dewar vessel has an inner vessel that holds a specimen chamber and plastic foam between its inner wall and the specimen chamber. The specimen chamber allows liquid cryogen to pass through it into the plastic foam, allows liquid cryogen in a vapor phase liquid state to pass from the plastic foam into it, and acts as a filter to prevent particles or fragments of the plastic foam from entering into it. The specimen chamber is an open-celled porous thermoplastic material that is cryogenically compatible such as an aerated polypropylene foam. The plastic foam is an open cell plastic foam such as a phenolic foam. The plastic foam can hold a normal charge of liquid cryogen in a dry vapor state regardless of the container's spatial orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Patrick L. Mullens, Gregg Emmel, Kevin Giesy, Christy Thomas
  • Publication number: 20020023926
    Abstract: Watertight and thermally insulating tank intended for the transportation of liquefied gases by sea, said tank being built into a bearing structure (1) comprising longitudinally adjacent faces (2) forming a dihedron (4); said tank comprising two successive watertightness barriers, one of them a primary watertightness barrier in contact with the product contained in the tank and the other a secondary watertightness barrier (14,55,30,40) arranged between said primary watertightness barrier and the bearing structure, a primary thermally insulating barrier (12,13,24,27,28,29,37,38,51,54,71) being arranged between these two watertightness barriers and a secondary thermally insulating barrier (15,16,57,58,31,32,41) being arranged between said secondary watertightness barrier and the bearing structure; said primary watertightness barrier comprising substantially flat running metal strakes (62) and, on each side of the longitudinal solid angle of intersection (A) of at least one of said dihedra, a longitudinal row of
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Jacques Dhellemmes