Having Interconnected Semi-spherical Portions Patents (Class 220/584)
  • Patent number: 11333301
    Abstract: A pressure vessel and a system of a vehicle with such a pressure vessel, wherein the pressure vessel is suitable for storage of pressurized fluids, comprising a housing which extends along a longitudinal axis. The housing defines an inner volume. The shape of the housing, in longitudinal cross-section, is defined by the circumference of a set of circles. The set of circles comprises a central circle, with a center point which is defined by the longitudinal axis, and four primary peripheral circles each of which intersects with the central circle at two points. The primary peripheral circles are axially distributed on the central circle in opposing pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Advanced Lightweight Engineering B.V.
    Inventors: Faris Saad, Jan Jacobus Matthijs Koppert
  • Patent number: 11306873
    Abstract: A system for evaluating filling performance of hydrogen storages having various capacities uses a plurality of nozzles, a plurality of receptacles, and a plurality of hydrogen storages, and includes discharging hydrogen filled in one hydrogen storage while filling another hydrogen storage with hydrogen. Evaluation of filling performance may be performed in a back-to-back manner such that hydrogen is introduced into one of the plurality of hydrogen storages and discharged from another of the hydrogen storages. The plurality of hydrogen storages have various capacities, and introduction of hydrogen into the plurality of hydrogen storages is controlled according to a combination of hydrogen storages that corresponds to an evaluation target capacity, such that filling performance evaluation for various capacities is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dae Nyung Lee, Aeun Yoon
  • Patent number: 11022252
    Abstract: An exemplary bilobe or multilobe tank for storing liquefied natural gas includes at least two tank sections, each tank section having a curved upper surface and curved bottom surface, the tank sections being joined to each other so that the tank has an undulating upper surface and an undulating lower surface. Each tank section is connected to an adjacent tank section with at least one connecting duct so that a horizontal flow path is formed between the lowermost points of the adjacent tank sections or between the uppermost points of the adjacent tank sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: WÄRTSILÄ FINLAND OY
    Inventors: Mathias Jansson, Martin Råholm, Marcin Malys, Maciej Adamowicz, Malgorzata Koczur-Grazawska, Grzegorz Slusarski
  • Patent number: 9255663
    Abstract: A pressure tank includes a metallic vessel, a plastic liner received in the metallic vessel, a flexible diaphragm, two connectors and a nozzle coupled to the nipples respectively. The metallic vessel includes upper and lower shells. The upper shell defines a first planar area on a side thereof and a second planar area on a top thereof. The lower shell defines a third planar area therebottom. The flexible diaphragm divides the metallic vessel into a storage space and a pneumatic room. Each of the connectors includes a nipple and an anti-leak assembly. The nipples of the connectors are mounted on the side and top of the upper shell respectively and are in communication with the storage space. The two anti-leak assemblies provide leakproof connection between the nipples and the plastic liner. Additionally, the nozzle is mounted on the third planar area to be in communication with the pneumatic room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Li-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 9243751
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to compressed gas storage units, which in certain applications may be employed in conjunction with energy storage systems. Some embodiments may comprise one or more blow-molded polymer shells, formed for example from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Embodiments of compressed gas storage units may be composite in nature, for example comprising carbon fiber filament(s) wound with a resin over a liner. A compressed gas storage unit may further include a heat exchanger element comprising a heat pipe or apparatus configured to introduce liquid directly into the storage unit for heat exchange with the compressed gas present therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurie Clark, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane
  • Patent number: 8998023
    Abstract: A spherical object formed of several joint parts and a method for producing a spherical object formed of several joint parts, where the spherical object includes at least twenty pieces of hexagonal panel type elements and at least twelve pieces of pentagonal panel type elements. The radius of curvature of each panel type element is shaped in such a way that, when assembled, the elements make up a hollow spherical object with a radius of not less than 1.5 meters. Each panel type element is additionally provided with an attachment and handling cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Vaasaball LNG Products Oy
    Inventor: Juha Ari Niemi
  • Patent number: 8985376
    Abstract: A frac tank adapted for vehicular transport and field storage of a liquid, comprising two parallel, elongated, hollow, intersecting cylinder sections that are capped at the longitudinal ends. Each section has an arcuate wall defining a cross-section of greater than 180°, a major diameter, and a minor diameter at the ends of the arcuate wall, wherein the ends of the arcuate wall of each section are sealingly joined to form the tank wall. The joined ends of the arcuate walls form inwardly directed cusps along the length of the tank with the major diameters spaced apart on either side of the cusps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Crown Tank Company, LLC
    Inventor: Tom W. Musso
  • Patent number: 8746493
    Abstract: A container tank body and a processing method thereof are provided. The tank body is arranged in a frame with a square-shaped cross section and comprises a cylindrical main body part, end enclosures arranged at two ends of the cylindrical main body part and fixedly connected with the cylindrical main body part, and a tank body strengthening device. The cylindrical main body part comprises a plurality of parts with an arc-shaped cross section, the parts are formed by bending and welding a same panel, and the cross section of the cylindrical main body part of the tank body is generally arranged between the square-shaped cross section of the frame and an inscribed circle of the square-shaped cross section. A tank container comprising the tank body is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Qiqihar Railway Rolling Stock Co., Ltd., Dalian Qiche Railway Rolling Stock Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guang Li, Yuebin Yu, Zhongbo Li, Zhen Zhu, Qipeng Yang, Enqiang Lei, Jungsong Wang, Zhigang Li, Lianhua Lou, Jian Zhao, Yongfeng Yi
  • Patent number: 8651315
    Abstract: A pressure tank includes a metallic vessel, a plastic liner received in the metallic vessel, a flexible diaphragm, two connectors and a nozzle coupled to the nipples respectively. The metallic vessel includes upper and lower shells. The upper shell defines a first planar area on a side thereof and a second planar area on a top thereof. The lower shell defines a third planar area therebottom. The flexible diaphragm divides the metallic vessel into a storage space and a pneumatic room. Each of the connectors includes a nipple and an anti-leak assembly. The nipples of the connectors are mounted on the side and top of the upper shell respectively and are in communication with the storage space. The two anti-leak assemblies provide leakproof connection between the nipples and the plastic liner. Additionally, the nozzle is mounted on the third planar area to be in communication with the pneumatic room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Li-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 8568532
    Abstract: Materials of a nitride single crystal of a metal belonging to III group and a flux are contained in a crucible, which is contained in a reaction container, the reaction container is contained in an outer container, the outer container is contained in a pressure container, and nitrogen-containing atmosphere is supplied into the outer container and melt is generated in the crucible to grow a nitride single crystal of a metal belonging to III group. The reaction container includes a main body containing the crucible and a lid. The main body includes a side wall having a fitting face and a groove opening at the fitting face and a bottom wall. The lid has an upper plate part including a contact face for the fitting face of the main body and a flange part extending from the upper plate part and surrounding an outer side of said side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Iwai, Shuhei Higashihara, Yusuke Mori, Yasuo Kitaoka, Naoya Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 8528763
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure vessel (1) for a high pressure press comprising at least a first sub-cylinder (4) and a second sub-cylinder (6), which are axially connected to form a cylinder body (2) for enclosing a high pressure medium, and a sealing arrangement arranged at the inner wall of the cylinder body for sealing the joint (3) between the first and the second sub-cylinder (4, 6) against leakage of the pressure medium. The sealing arrangement is comprising a ring shaped sealing band (18), a first circumferential protruding flange (30), which is arranged on the inner wall of the first sub-cylinder and which axially extends from the joint (3) and away from the second sub-cylinder (6), and a second circumferential protruding flange (32), which is arranged on the inner wall of the second sub cylinder (6) and which axially extends from the joint (3) and away from the first sub-cylinder (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Avure Technologies AB
    Inventor: Lennart Svensson
  • Patent number: 8523001
    Abstract: A thermal expansion/surge reduction water tank includes a hollow housing with a bladder sealed to an inside of the housing forming two compartments therein. A compressed air inlet in communication with a first of the compartments is provided for expanding the first compartment by focusing the bladder into an abutting relationship with the housing inside. A water inlet and a water outlet in communication with a second of the compartments is provided and disposed for causing non-laminar flow of water through the second compartment for both expanding the second compartment by forcing said bladder into the first compartment and flushing the second compartment to effect self-cleaning thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Conservation Technology Distribution, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry K. Acker
  • Patent number: 8348085
    Abstract: A pressure tank includes a metallic vessel, a plastic liner received in the metallic vessel, a flexible diaphragm, two connectors and a nozzle coupled to the nipples respectively. The metallic vessel includes upper and lower shells. The upper shell defines a first planar area on a side thereof and a second planar area on a top thereof. The lower shell defines a third planar area therebottom. The flexible diaphragm divides the metallic vessel into a storage space and a pneumatic room. Each of the connectors includes a nipple and an anti-leak assembly. The nipples of the connectors are mounted on the side and top of the upper shell respectively and are in communication with the storage space. The two anti-leak assemblies provide leakproof connection between the nipples and the plastic liner. Additionally, the nozzle is mounted on the third planar area to be in communication with the pneumatic room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Li-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 8333295
    Abstract: The invention in one variation is a pressure vessel having a pair of hemispheres with a wall and a circular edge, a pair of sealing elements, and an intervening mounting plate with circular groove on both sides of the plate. The hemispheres are mounted on opposite sides of the plate. Each groove has an sealing element and the circular edge. A seal is formed between the plate and a hemisphere when the hemisphere is pressed against the sealing element. Pressure can be generated by creating a partial vacuum in the sealed hemispheres or by using clamps. When exposed to higher pressures, such as when the vessel is used underwater, the pressure on the hemispheres is conveyed to the sealing element forming an even tighter seal. The vessel has interface connections that enable communication to and from devices mounted inside. The vessels are modular and can be ganged to provide redundancy or different functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Parker, David Robinson, Anthony Simpson
  • Patent number: 8235243
    Abstract: The present invention is a tank suitable to contain high pressure fluids, especially for compressed natural gas used for automotive purposes. The tank has a discoid shape to be easily placed on board of vehicles. The tank comprises a sealed internal core and an external coating made through a twisted coats fiber wrapping of composite material with a very high mechanical tensile resistance. According to some executive variants, the tank internally comprises a reinforcing structure made up of a plurality of elements welded in contact with the internal surface of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: IHP Composite S.R.L.
    Inventor: Matteo Hee Seung Illesi
  • Patent number: 8033416
    Abstract: A pressure tank includes a metallic vessel, a plastic liner received in the metallic vessel, a flexible diaphragm, two metallic joints, two anti-leak assemblies and a nozzle coupled to the metallic joints respectively. The metallic vessel includes upper and lower shells. The upper shell defines a first planar area on a side thereof and a second planar area on a top thereof. The lower shell defines a third planar area therebottom. The flexible diaphragm divides said metallic vessel into a storage space and a pneumatic room. The metallic joints are mounted on the side and top of the upper shell respectively and are in communication with the storage space. The two anti-leak assemblies provide leakproof connection between the metallic joints and the plastic liner. Additionally, the nozzle is mounted on the third planar area to be in communication with the pneumatic room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Li-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 8020722
    Abstract: A lightweight, ergonomically beneficial, hydrodynamic, and volumetrically efficient hybrid pressure vessel having at least two longitudinally extending, semi-cylindrical sections with flattened rib portions at a common interface between the sections. Additional longitudinally extending sections may be employed to provide additional internal volume. One or more apertures extend through the ribs to provide communication between sections. The pressure vessel comprises a cast metal material, optionally including exterior reinforcing structure for containing internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin W. Richards, Nathan G. Christensen
  • Patent number: 7866499
    Abstract: A pressurizable chamber device or containment vessel and method of use thereof. The device or vessel includes two chamber portions, a lid portion and a base portion, drawn to one another via a nut portion. The lid and base portions each include concave surfaces that matingly fit together, such that an internal chamber is formed when these portions are fit together. The lid and base portions each include a flange having a groove therein, such that a flexible seal element is fittable into the groove. The lid and base portions include features to matingly engage the nut portion, such that engagement thereamong draws the lid portion and the base portion toward one another, tightly sealing the formed internal chamber. A pressure, such as a resin pressure that may be precisely regulated, may then be applied, for example, to a mold contained within the formed and tightly sealed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Aerospace Services Structures Corp.
    Inventor: Anthony Cacace
  • Publication number: 20090050635
    Abstract: A lightweight, ergonomically beneficial, hydrodynamic, and volumetrically efficient hybrid pressure vessel having at least two longitudinally extending, semi-cylindrical sections with flattened rib portions at a common interface between the sections. Additional longitudinally extending sections may be employed to provide additional internal volume. One or more apertures extend through the ribs to provide communication between sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Richards, Nathan G. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6527075
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a storage pack for storing gas under pressure for providing an onboard supply of the pressurized gas. The pressurized gas may be used as a medicinal gas, e.g. oxygen, on emergency medical vehicles, or the gas may be used as a fuel source for a motorized vehicle having a motor that runs on combustible gas. The gas storage pack includes a pressure vessel formed from a plurality of hollow chambers, which have either an ellipsoidal or spherical shape, interconnected by a plurality of relatively narrow conduit sections disposed between consecutive ones of the chambers. The pressure vessel includes a reinforcing filament wrapped around the interconnected chambers and interconnecting conduit sections to limit radial expansion of the chambers and conduit sections when filled with a fluid under pressure. The gas storage pack further includes a gas transfer control system attached to the pressure vessel for controlling gas flow into and out of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: John I. Izuchukwu, Stan A. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6412801
    Abstract: A wheeled personal transport device, for example, a wheelchair, includes a pressure vessel for providing a portable supply of medicinal gas for a user of the transport device. The pressure vessel is formed from a plurality of polymeric hollow chamber having either en ellipsoidal or spherical shape and interconnected by a plurality of relatively narrow conduit sections disposed between consecutive ones of the chambers. The pressure vessel includes a reinforcing filament wrapped around the interconnected chambers and interconnecting conduit sections to limit radial expansion of the chambers and conduit sections when filled with a fluid under pressure. The container system further includes a fluid transfer control system attached to the pressure vessel for controlling fluid flow into and out of the pressure vessel and a gas delivery mechanism for delivering gas from the pressure vessel to a user in a breathable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: John I. Izuchukwu, Stan A. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6270045
    Abstract: A perimeter weld flange comprising an inner and external perimeter wall surface and a perimeter weld lip on said flange for welding said flange onto a receiving surface. The perimeter weld flange herein is particularly suitable for weldable metal-gasketed ultra-high vacuum joints, and is also conveniently welded onto tubes, cones, ellipsoids, plates and other shapes, including even irregular shapes, in addition to spheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kimball Physics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles K. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20010002023
    Abstract: A vacuum waste tank for use in a vacuum drainage system. The tank has a vacuum intake for attachment to a vacuum source and a waste water intake for attachment to a vacuum pipe. The vacuum source creates a negative pressure in the tank and vacuum pipe so that liquid entering the pipe is pulled into the tank. The tank is made of a thermoplastic material having a flexural modulus sufficient to withstand an external pressure loading caused by the vacuum in the tank without buckling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Applicant: EVAC INTERNATIONAL OY
    Inventors: JAY D. STRADINGER, MARK A. PONDELICK
  • Patent number: 5894953
    Abstract: A bowl cover assembly having a configuration which provides for secure interlocking between the bowl and cover with at least one opening for venting purposes along the rim of the cover when the cover is locked onto the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 5819977
    Abstract: The tower or tower foot for a spherical tank for use in the transport of cold products is designed in order to be able to absorb stresses from the tower on the tank shell with a desired degree of flexibility, preferably in the tower foot, e.g. in a zone (A-A') thereof, and/or as a flexible element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Kvaerner Moss Technology a.s.
    Inventor: Lars Sannes
  • Patent number: 5697312
    Abstract: A large ship comprises a hull and several cargo tanks. Each cargo tank has substantially semi-spherical bottom and top portions; the bottom portions of the tanks and the top portions of tanks all being of substantially equal radius of curvature. At least one tank has a substantially cylindrical intermediate portion that interconnects the bottom and top portions of the tank and is of substantially equal radius of curvature to the bottom and top portions of the tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Kvaerner Masa-Yards Oy
    Inventors: Jukka Gustafsson, Jukka Linja, Jarmo Makinen
  • Patent number: 5544782
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for reducing air entrapment bubbles inherent in lost pattern type casting mould compounds and for increasing the density of the mould material, which in turn has proven to provide a smoother finished surface to the cast material. The pressure vessel consists of separable upper and lower halves held together under loading with an eccentric cam system. The eccentric cam has an overcenter position which causes a greater closing force to be applied to the pressure vessel as pressure is increased within the chamber. Integral to the closing cam is a separate locking cam which operates in unison with the eccentric cam to prevent the eccentric cam's positioning lever arm from being moved while the chamber of the pressure vessel is pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Nels O. Lindholm
  • Patent number: 5518140
    Abstract: A liquified gas tank overfill protection system for use in a tank having a hermetically sealed chamber. The overfill protection system includes a shroud mounted in the chamber in a spaced relationship to the interior side of the chamber. The shroud divides the chamber into a plurality of spatially normally communicating portions. Preferably, the shroud has a generally elongated concave downward shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Cryenco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Lenz, Richard J. Jaeger, Glen E. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 5411162
    Abstract: A V-band coupling for use on an explosion-proof enclosure. The V-band coupling includes a V-band having a toughened layer along its interior surfaces for gripping the flanges on the enclosure which the V-band engages when it is installed on the enclosure. The roughened layer results in an increased coefficient of friction between the V-band and flanges which is effective for reducing the load experienced by the trunnion joints of the coupling during explosion events thereby allowing the explosion-proof enclosure to withstand high internal pressures without system failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Koziczkowski, Jeffrey R. Annis, Roland L. Krieger, Jerome P. Stache
  • Patent number: 5228585
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted double-walled ellipsoidal cryogenic storage vessel includes an inner vessel enclosed by an outer shell to form an insulation chamber therebetween. Both the inner vessel and the outer shell are formed in the same manner. An elliptical pressure head of circular cross-section is cut along a diameter to form two end halves. An end wall is secured between the two end halves to form an end, which is secured to an end of a wall like cross-section. This process is repeated with another pressure head to form the other end of the storage vessel. Storage vessels may be constructed of any size desired to allow sufficient ground clearance when mounted under a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Michael Lutgen, Keith W. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 5121852
    Abstract: A pressure relief seal for pressure tanks having separable tank sections is disclosed. The seal is formed by an O-ring within an O-ring cavity, in turn formed by each tank section. Overpressurization or improper assembly of the tank sections causes the O-ring to be displaced from its sealing position to permit fluid in the tank to flow past the O-ring and through pressure relief channels at the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Essef Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 5105996
    Abstract: An improved aluminum propane gas cylinder with a braced liquid line or pipe. The brace is welded to a joggle formed in the rim of the cylinder top head section, and includes a pair of tines which are crimped around the liquid pipe to secure it against vibration. Securing the brace to the top head joggle permits assembly of the liquid pipe to the brace before joining the top and bottom head sections, and complies with regulations against welding to the straight surface of the cylinder. With the liquid line brace in this manner, the susceptability of the liquid line to fatigue cracking is substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Manchester Tank and Equipment Company
    Inventors: Thomas B. Freeland, Jefferey S. Hope, Kenneth W. Childs