Multilayer Container Patents (Class 220/586)
  • Patent number: 8074826
    Abstract: A linerless tank structure has a body that defines an enclosed interior volume. The body has a cylindrical section having an axis of symmetry and a dome section coupled with the cylindrical section. The construction of the pressure vessel includes multiple fiber plies. At least one of the fiber plies is a helical ply having fibers traversing the dome helically about the axis of symmetry. At least a second of the fiber plies is a braided or woven ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Composite Technology Development, Inc.
    Inventors: John Cronin, Kaushik Mallick, Mark Lake, Mark Warner, Naseem Munshi
  • Patent number: 8047396
    Abstract: A composite pressure vessel comprised of an inner fluid tight liner and an outer reinforced polymer layer. An end boss comprising a short pipe section arranged through an opening of the vessel and extending to a lower end with an outwardly extending flange on the pipe section arranged between the outer layer and the inner liner, and a lid arranged at an upper end of the pipe section. The inner liner extends upwards through the opening of the pipe section to the lid with at least one gas tight seal interfacing against the inner liner. A pre-tensioning device is arranged on the outside of the inner liner, in a groove nearest to the lid and pipe section, around the upper end of the pipe section, which, regardless of the pressure in the vessel, presses the inner liner against the at least one gas tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Compressed Energy Technology AS
    Inventors: Peter Jenkins, Svein Are Lotveit, Gunnar Axelsson
  • Patent number: 8043396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to propellant tanks for space platforms, launchers and every sort of space transport craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Finmeccanica SpA
    Inventor: Mario Pessana
  • Patent number: 8039072
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a gas tank having a gas-barrier inner shell and an outer shell that is formed so as to cover the inner shell and is made of a pressure-resistant FRP, such outer shell comprising reinforcing fiber bundles (A), a thermosetting resin (B), and an elastomer particles and/or thermoplastic resin particles (C), provided that elastomer particles and/or thermoplastic resin particles (C) that have been dispersed in a thermosetting resin (B) exist in reinforcing fiber bundles (A), is provided. Such gas tank is excellent in strength and heat resistance and has suppressed gas permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Takahashi, Yuichi Watanabe, Hideki Kikuchi, Takayuki Kawano
  • Publication number: 20110220659
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for storing a fluid is disclosed. The pressure vessel including a vessel liner having a substantially smooth outer surface including a flange portion with an aperture formed therein and an end cap coupled to the vessel liner to substantially enclose the flange portion within the resultant pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Ludger Strack
  • Publication number: 20110220660
    Abstract: A vessel and method for forming the vessel is disclosed, the vessel having a hollow liner, at least one boss, and a filament wound outer shell, wherein at least a portion of the hollow liner if formed by at least one of an co-extrusion blow film molding process, a thermoplastic foiling process, and a coating process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Ludger Strack
  • Publication number: 20110220661
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for storing a fluid, the pressure vessel including an annular inner boss having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface forming a passage adapted to receive a utility device therein, wherein the inner boss includes a liner channel formed intermediate the inner surface and the outer surface, a vessel liner having a portion thereof disposed in the liner channel of the inner boss, and an outer boss secured to the outer surface of the inner boss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Ludger Strack
  • Publication number: 20110210127
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for storing a fluid is disclosed. The pressure vessel includes a vessel liner forming a hollow tube and including a plurality of layers with an aperture formed therein, wherein at least one of the layers is a barrier layer and an end cap coupled to the vessel liner, wherein the end cap has a plurality of layers, and wherein at least one of the layers of the end cap is a barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ludger Strack, Markus Lindner, Holger Guckes, Angela Fröhlich
  • Publication number: 20110204063
    Abstract: A vessel for holding a pressurized fluid is disclosed, the vessel having a hollow inner shell formed from a moldable material and forming a cavity therein, an intermediate shell formed over the inner vessel, and an outer shell formed over said intermediate shell, said outer shell having a ceramic layer formed on an outer surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Breuer, Markus Lindner, Angela Fröhlich, Martin Brügelmann
  • Patent number: 7946446
    Abstract: A gas storage tank for storing a gas, the tank has an opening formed on at least one of two ends; a filling unit that is housed in the tank; and a support member that is arranged between the tank and the filling unit and holds the filling unit in the tank to connect a whole gap formed between the tank and the filling unit with the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Masahiko Kimbara, Daigoro Mori, Takehiro Nito, Hidehito Kubo, Akiko Kumano, Makoto Tsuzuki, Yoshihiro Isogai
  • Publication number: 20110108557
    Abstract: In a pressure vessel (1) comprising a resin liner (2) provided with a tubular extension (22) defining a through hole therein for receiving and expelling the gas or liquid, a tubular member (100, 200, 300) fitted in the through hole of the tubular extension, a mouthpiece (4) threaded into the tubular extension, a fiber reinforced resin layer (3) placed around an outer surface of the resin liner, and a valve (60) fitted into the central bore of the tubular member, the valve include a section (62) having a smaller outer diameter than an opposing inner circumferential surface of the tubular member defining a gap between the valve and tubular member, and a resilient seal member (80) is placed in the gap. The tubular member is made of a material such as metallic material which is stiffer than the resin liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsushi Tani, Yoshihiro Watanabe, Teruyuki Nakamura, Shoji Sato
  • Publication number: 20110101002
    Abstract: A boss for use with a vessel is disclosed. The boss includes a first component adapted to be formed in an opening of the vessel, wherein the first component includes a first coupling element, and a second component including a second coupling element, wherein the second coupling element engages the first coupling element to secure the second component to the first component, and wherein a liner of the vessel is disposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Ludger Strack
  • Patent number: 7918956
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polymeric inner liner for a storage tank, particularly a hydrogen storage tank, comprising: providing a cylindrical body of polymer material, having a first open end and a first peripheral connection tab at the first open end, the cylindrical body comprising a structural layer and a barrier layer; providing a dome-shaped end cap of polymer material having a base with a cross-section essentially corresponding to a cross-section of the first open end of the cylindrical body and having a second peripheral connection tab at a peripheral end portion of such end cap; placing the end cap with its base onto the first open end of the cylindrical body and with the first and second peripheral tabs in contact with each other; and welding both peripheral connection tabs together. A storage tank made using such liner. Use of such tank for storing hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (S.A.)
    Inventors: Saurin Mehta, David Hill, James Edward Thompson
  • Patent number: 7892696
    Abstract: By providing a coloring agent, which is brought in contact with the liquid fuel leaked from an outer peripheral portion of the liquid fuel holding section that is configured to hold the liquid fuel and by which the contact portion is changed in color, in at least part of the outer peripheral portion, the leakage of the liquid fuel from the liquid fuel holding section can be visually detected swiftly and easily without providing any special detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Iyoda, Hiroto Inoue, Suguru Nakao, Yukihiro Iwata, Yasuo Yokota, Toshiaki Takasu
  • Patent number: 7870971
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel and a method of forming the vessel including an inner shell, an outer shell, and a diffusion layer disposed therebetween, wherein the diffusion layer facilitates the venting of a fluid from between the inner shell and the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Harald Schlag
  • Publication number: 20110000813
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting and dispensing hazardous chemicals are described. A container is described that is resistant to the detrimental effects of the chemicals. The container comprises a first shell configured to contain a corrosive chemical, and an optional second shell surrounding the first shell and a spacer that maintains separation of the first and second shells. A valve provides access through which the corrosive chemical is discharged under pressure from the container. An interstitial space is provided between first and second shells. In some of these embodiments, the spacer seals the interstitial space. The second shell is configured to contain any of the corrosive chemical that escapes the first shell. The container may be repeatedly charged, transported, mounted on a dispensing platform from which measured amounts of the chemicals are discharged before the container is returned for clearing and recharging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Richard E. Dombkowski
  • Patent number: 7857159
    Abstract: A seal assembly is disclosed including a support member, a first seal, a second seal spaced apart from the first seal, and a third seal, wherein the first seal militates against a leakage of fluid when an interior of an article to be sealed is subjected to at least one of temperatures below a predetermined temperature and pressures below a predetermined pressure, and the second seal and the third seal militate against the leakage of fluid when the interior of the article to be sealed is subjected to at least one of temperatures above the predetermined temperature and pressures above the predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Markus Lindner
  • Publication number: 20100276434
    Abstract: A storage vessel, such as vessels used in storing high pressure gas is provided. The storage vessel includes a liner having a center portion and a first and second end dome. A first composite layer is disposed circumferentially about the center portion. A second composite layer is disposed about said first composite layer and the first and second end dome. In some embodiments, the second composite layer is formed from a knitted or braided sleeve that is tightened over the liner and first composite layer by pulling the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: ELISABETH J. BERGER, CHEN-SHIH WANG
  • Publication number: 20100258573
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressurised container comprising two plastic casings (12, 14). The aim of the invention is to produce a leakproof container or storage arrangement which is economical to produce. To achieve this, a gap opening (24) between the casings (12, 14) extends up to a point, at which the casings (12, 14) are positioned together in a coaxial manner and an external support ring (22) comprising a wedge-shaped tapering (28) extends to said point, said external support ring being embodied as an individual piece or comprising at least two metal, ring-shaped individual segments (28, 30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Norbert Weber
  • Patent number: 7810666
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel tank (1) of thermoplastic material comprising at least one peripherally extending seam (3) in the form of a welded or squeeze seam, at least one filling opening, air intake and venting means and means for delivering and removing fuel in relation to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, wherein the fuel tank has at least one lead-through means (5) for lines which are to be passed out of the tank. The fuel tank (1) according to the invention is distinguished in that the lead-through means (5) passes through the seam (3) of the tank and extends at an angle relative to the course of the seam (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Borchert, Gerd Wolter, Harald Lorenz, Dirk Eulitz, Timo Kramer
  • Publication number: 20100230422
    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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: I.M.Z. SPA
    Inventor: Matteo Hee Seung Illesi
  • Patent number: 7780930
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus useful in fluorinating organic compounds, or more particularly to a reactor system suitable for the fluorination of organic compounds on a commercial scale. The apparatus is also useful in chemical reactions including heating or cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuon Chiu, Merwyn E. Howells, Stephen A. Cottrell
  • Publication number: 20100181325
    Abstract: End boss (2,9) arranged in an opening of a composite pressure vessel comprising an inner fluid tight liner (3) and an outer reinforced polymer layer (1), which end boss comprises a short pipe section (2) and a lid (9), the lid is arranged at an upper end of the pipe section (2) that extends outwards from the vessel, the pipe section (2) is arranged through the opening of the vessel and extends to a lower end where an outwardly extending flange on the pipe section is arranged between the outer reinforced polymer layer (1) and the inner liner (3) in the vessel, distinguished in that the inner liner (3) extends upwards through the opening of the pipe section to said lid, on the inside of the inner liner, in a distance nearest to the lid, a sealing surface is arranged, the sealing surface lies against the inner liner and has at least one gas tight seal interfacing against the inner liner as the sealing surface is integrated with the lid or is a sleeve or a pipe section which is sealingly fastened to the lid, a
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Compressed Energy Technology AS
    Inventors: Peter Jenkins, Svein Are Lotveit, Gunnar Axelsson
  • Publication number: 20100170906
    Abstract: A tank for storing gas is provided with a dye capsule layer including capsules containing dye or with an impact recording layer formed on the outer surface of the tank body. The impact recording layer has, for example, a hear-insulating material layer formed on the outer surface of the tank body, having a heat-insulating function, and capable of holding deformation, a dye capsule layer formed on the outer surface of the heat-insulating layer and including capsules containing dye, and a dye absorbing layer formed on the outer surface of the dye capsule layer and capable of absorbing dye. By an impact, the dye released from the dye capsule layer is absorbed into a dye absorbing layer of the tank. The dye exudes on the surface of the dye absorbing layer and spreads. The degree of impact given to the tank is estimated from the degree of spread of the dye or the degree of density of the dye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Iida
  • Publication number: 20100170907
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tank device for storing hydrogen for an aircraft. The tank device comprises an outer tank and an inner tank. The inner tank is held in the outer tank. The outer tank is arranged such that the hydrogen with first physical characteristics can be stored. The inner tank is designed such that the hydrogen with second physical characteristics can be stored. The outer tank is connected to the inner tank such that the hydrogen can be fed to the inner tank from the outer tank. The inner tank is designed such that the hydrogen with the first physical characteristics can be converted to the hydrogen with second physical characteristics. The inner tank is arranged such that the hydrogen comprising the second physical characteristics can be fed to a consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Westenberger, Oliver Thomaschewski
  • Patent number: 7731051
    Abstract: A tank for storing a compressed gas, such as hydrogen, that includes a connection assembly to increase seal integrity. The tank includes an inner gas tight liner and an outer support layer that provides the structural integrity. The connection assembly includes a boss positioned within an opening of the support layer. The inner liner includes a neck portion extending through an internal bore of the boss having an outer collar or flange at an outside surface of the boss. A tank valve is bolted to the boss at an outer perimeter of the collar where a portion of the tank valve extends through the neck portion of the liner and into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorsten Rohwer, Ingo Hermann
  • Publication number: 20100126999
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of a high pressure tank and a method thereof includes providing a liner of the high pressure tank. A liner having at least one open end with a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter. The method also including providing a cap having a second outer diameter which is greater than the first inner diameter. The method further includes providing a collar having a second inner diameter which is less than the first outer diameter. The liner is brought to a first temperature, the cap is brought to a second temperature which is less than the first temperature, and the collar is brought to a third temperature which is greater than the first temperature. At least a portion of the cap is placed inside the open end and at least a portion of the collar is placed over the open end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, Hamid G. Kia, John E. Carsley
  • Publication number: 20100108691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure vessel consisting of a housing and an insulating layer lining the inner surface of the housing. The housing is formed from a fiber composite material which has a high mechanical and thermal resistance and the insulating layer is formed from a gas-tight silicone elastomer, with the housing and the insulating layer being bonded to each other. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of such pressure vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: MT AEROSPACE AG
    Inventors: Bernd Murawski, Helmut Maierhofer
  • Publication number: 20100102067
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a sealing material for a high-pressure hydrogen container, which mainly comprises a silicone rubber composed of a dimethyl siloxane segment, a methyl vinyl siloxane segment, and a diphenyl siloxane segment, and a high-pressure hydrogen container using the sealing material are provided. In order to seal a high-pressure hydrogen container (CHG tank) system for fuel cell vehicles with an elastomer, the elastomer has (1): excellent durability in a variable pressure environment of high-pressure hydrogen; and (2): excellent sag resistance in low-temperature to high-temperature environments, and thus the significant technical objectives (1) and (2) have been achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Itsuo Kamiya, Rentaro Mori, Kazuhiko Kobiki, Masashi Hamakubo
  • Patent number: 7699188
    Abstract: A pressure vessel is provided including an inner tank formed from a tank liner surrounded by a wound layer of composite filaments. A protective jacket is disposed on the inner tank that facilitates stacking and portability of the pressure vessel and helps to define an air passage for convective heat transfer between the hybrid tank and the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: AMTROL Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Tiago Oliveira, Joao Carlos V. Antunes Guimaraes, Eduardo J. Alves
  • Publication number: 20100089927
    Abstract: A pressurized gas container is provided with a rigid inner container and with a projectile-proof casing. The projectile-proof casing surrounds the inner container on the outside and is of an elastic material having a high tensile strength in the peripheral direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Drager Aerospace GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Rassloff
  • Patent number: 7694840
    Abstract: A storage vessel for storing a fluid substance, said storage vessel including a plurality of abutting individually sealed storage chambers, each chamber capable of withstanding super atmospheric pressure, with adjacent chambers forming at least one fluid passageway therebetween, characterised in that at least one said chamber includes an external peripheral seal configured to be relatively weaker than the remainder of said vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: H2Safe, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Anthony Goggin
  • Publication number: 20100075200
    Abstract: A high-pressure tank including: a cap; a liner; and a reinforced layer that is provided on the liner. The liner includes a gas barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Ken HATTA
  • Publication number: 20100072209
    Abstract: A gas tank, includes: a liner; and a fiber reinforced plastic layer. A hollow portion is formed within a thickness of the liner along an axial direction of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Ken HATTA
  • Patent number: 7681753
    Abstract: A pressure container 1 composed of a reinforcing layer 2 and a liner layer 3, with a hydrogen charging pressure of 30 MPa or higher; and a hydrogen absorbing material and a carrier for holding said hydrogen absorbing material (hydrogen absorbing material portion 4) contained in the pressure container 1 are included, and a volume fraction X of the hydrogen absorbing material with ?m?100 kg/m3 with respect to an internal volume of the pressure container 1 is 5(%)?X?20(%), where ?m denotes a maximum hydrogen absorption amount per unit volume of the hydrogen absorbing material (kg/m3); X=100 ·Vm/Vi (%); Vi is an internal volume of the pressure container (L); and Vm is a volume of the hydrogen absorbing material in the pressure container (L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignees: JFE Steel Corporation, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, JFE Container Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Yokota, Kenjiro Hamada, Hidekazu Tsuruta, Nobuhiro Kuriyama, Hiroyuki Takeshita, Nobuhiko Takeichi, Toshio Takano
  • Publication number: 20100001851
    Abstract: A pressure tank including, a tank wall; a supporting member which includes fiber reinforced plastic and supports an outer surface of the tank wall; a supersonic wave sensor which is connected to the tank wall, and which detects a sonic wave propagated in the tank wall; and an internal abnormality determination member which is connected to the supersonic wave sensor, and which determines whether an internal abnormality exits in the tank wall, wherein the internal abnormality determination member determines the existence of the internal abnormality based on the detection result during gas is charged into the pressure tank, and outputs an abnormality signal when the internal abnormality was determined to exist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Handa
  • Patent number: 7641949
    Abstract: A composite overwrapped pressure vessel is provided which includes a composite overwrapping material including fibers disposed in a resin matrix. At least first and second kinds of fibers are used. These fibers typically have characteristics of high strength and high toughness to provide impact resistance with increased pressure handling capability and low weight. The fibers are applied to form a pressure vessel using wrapping or winding techniques with winding angles varied for specific performance characteristics. The fibers of different kinds are dispersed in a single layer of winding or wound in distinct separate layers. Layers of fabric comprised of such fibers are interspersed between windings for added strength or impact resistance. The weight percentages of the high toughness and high strength materials are varied to provide specified impact resistance characteristics. The resin matrix is formed with prepregnated fibers or through wet winding. The vessels are formed with or without liners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Thomas K. DeLay, James E. Patterson, Michael A. Olson
  • Publication number: 20090302045
    Abstract: The present invention relates to propellant tanks for space platforms, launchers and every sort of space transport craft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Finmeccanica S.p.A
    Inventor: Mario Pessana
  • Publication number: 20090291021
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of gas-containing storage vessels, and more specifically to the provision for antimicrobial surfaces within such vessels and in the connecting hardware associated with various applications of such vessels, so that microbial colonization of the interior of such vessels may be eliminated or retarded. This antimicrobial feature may result in improved safety in the use of such vessels, with reduced risk of the transmission of infection to a user. The invention further includes methods to provide gas-containing storage vessels with antimicrobial surfaces, so that microbial colonization of the interior of such vessels may be eliminated or retarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: THE BOC GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Ping
  • Publication number: 20090289071
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of gas-containing storage vessels, and more specifically to the provision for antimicrobial surfaces within such vessels and in the connecting hardware associated with various applications of such vessels, so that microbial colonization of the interior of such vessels may be eliminated or retarded. This antimicrobial feature may result in improved safety in the use of such vessels, with reduced risk of the transmission of infection to a user. The invention further includes methods to provide gas-containing storage vessels with antimicrobial surfaces, so that microbial colonization of the interior of such vessels may be eliminated or retarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: THE BOC GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Ping
  • Publication number: 20090272443
    Abstract: A device includes a pressure regulator comprising a body including a control chamber adapted to connect to a portable pressure vessel filled with compressed CO2 via an inlet coupling, the control chamber having a threaded stepped diameter passageway, a relief valve, and a pressure gauge, a valve, a cap including a hand wheel, and a pressure adjustment assembly including a resilient sealing disk, a disc, a thumbtack member, a fastener for securing the thumbtack member and the sealing disk together, and a spring biased between the sealing disk and the disc; a housing for partially enclosing the pressure regulator with the hand wheel, the pressure gauge, and an outlet coupling being exposed; and a hanging member pivotably secured onto the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Chi Ping Lee
  • Publication number: 20090255939
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a gas tank having a gas-barrier inner shell and an outer shell that is formed so as to cover the inner shell and is made of a pressure-resistant FRP, such outer shell comprising reinforcing fiber bundles (A), a thermosetting resin (B), and an elastomer particles and/or thermoplastic resin particles (C), provided that elastomer particles and/or thermoplastic resin particles (C) that have been dispersed in a thermosetting resin (B) exist in reinforcing fiber bundles (A), is provided. Such gas tank is excellent in strength and heat resistance and has suppressed gas permeability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Naoyuki Takahashi, Yuichi Watanabe, Hideki Kikuchi, Takayuki Kawano
  • Patent number: 7600652
    Abstract: A cap is formed within the flash of a molded polymeric article. Desirably, the material of the flash, and hence the cap, has the same properties as the molded article. In one embodiment, the molded article is a multi-layer plastic fuel tank having a vapor barrier layer sandwiched between structural and/or adhesive layers and the cap has the same general construction and may be fixed or welded to the fuel tank over an opening through the tank. Advantageously, the cap is formed in the same process used to form the molded article and reduces the scrap or waste material by utilizing a portion of the flash which is removed from the molded article after it is formed. Therefore, the cost and time to produce a molded article and one or more caps is greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mark R. Johansen
  • Publication number: 20090200318
    Abstract: A high-pressure tank is provided capable of simply and inexpensively suppressing gas leaks under low temperature condition. The high-pressure tank 10 comprises a tank main body 11 having the opening part 13, in which high-pressure gas is filled, and the reinforcement member 12 covering the outer surface of the tank main body 11 and reinforcing the tank main body 11. The tank main body 11 is provided with the outer projecting part 15 being uncovered with the reinforcement member 12 at a position different from the opening part 13. This outer projecting part 15 is heated from the outside of the tank main body 11 by the electric heater 30 to heat the tank main body 11, and thereby suppressing degradation of the sealing properties of the seal member 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi HANDA
  • Publication number: 20090194545
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a high-pressure hydrogen container that is filled with hydrogen at high pressures, in which at least one elastomer is used as a sealing material, such elastomer having a hydrogen gas permeability coefficient or helium gas permeability coefficient of 5.0×10?10 to 5.0×10?9 cm3 (STP)·cm/cm2·sec·cmHg, is provided. The following main technical objectives for realizing sealing with an elastomer material for a high-pressure hydrogen container (CHG tank) system for fuel-cell vehicles are achieved: (1) good durability in variable pressure environments of high-pressure hydrogen is imparted to such elastomer material; and (2) good anti-permanent deformation properties in low-temperature and high-temperature environments are imparted to such elastomer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Itsuo Kamiya, Rentaro Mori, Masashi Kudo
  • Patent number: 7556171
    Abstract: In a high-pressure tank, an adjacent part of a liner and a protruded part of a cap are provided adjacently to each other, and in respective annular grooves in the protruded part, an O-ring for sealing adjacent portions of the adjacent part and the protruded part is loaded. A backup ring provided in the inside of the adjacent part of the liner has a hardness higher than that of the liner. Therefore, deformation of the adjacent part that would be caused by the respective O-rings is suppressed, and the respective O-rings can be sufficiently compressed, whereby reliable sealing between the liner and the cap can be provided. In addition, when the pressure inside of the high-pressure tank is increased to a high pressure, even if the cap is pushed out toward the outside resulting in the protruded part of the cap being shrinkage-deformed toward the inside in the radial direction due to the stresses, the respective O-rings can maintain the state of sealing between the protruded part and the adjacent part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirokazu Ishimaru
  • Publication number: 20090166365
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tank for containing fluids. The tank includes an elongated hollow body having an interior and an exterior, and an integrated internal support structure disposed on the interior of the elongated hollow body. The tank includes at least one feature formed along the exterior of the elongated hollow body that is adapted to receive an external component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: PACCAR inc
    Inventors: Bennett Lee VanderGriend, Erik Scott Johnson, Kyle James Kimball
  • Publication number: 20090152278
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel including an outer shell and an inner shell, the inner shell having spaced apart indentations formed therein to facilitate a thermal expansion and contraction of the inner shell to militate against failure thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Markus Lindner
  • Publication number: 20090127271
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liner component includes the following five steps. First step of performing hot forging on an Al alloy material containing 0.4 to 1.2 mass % Si and 0.8 to 1.2 mass % Mg, the balance of the alloy material being Al and inevitable impurities, to thereby form a first intermediate product 11A including a dome-shaped portion 13 and a mouthpiece attachment portion 4A having a non-final shape. Second step of performing solution treatment on the first intermediate product 11A to thereby obtain a second intermediate product 11A. Third step of performing preliminary aging treatment on the second intermediate product 11A to thereby obtain a third intermediate product 11A. Fourth step of performing cold working on the mouthpiece attachment portion 4A of the third intermediate product 11A at a reduction ratio of 5 to 30% to thereby obtain a fourth intermediate product 11 in which the mouthpiece attachment portion 4A has a final shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Akifumi Muraoka
  • Patent number: RE41142
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for holding a pressurized fluid such as compressed natural gas (“CNG”) includes two end cells and zero or more interior cells. The cell geometry ensures that the cells meet one another at tangential circular surfaces, thereby reducing the tendency of adjacent cells to peel apart. A web secured about the cells includes two sheets that are tangent to the cells. Unused volumes between the cells and the web contain wedges of foam or rubber. A valve provides fluid communication between the interior of the pressure vessel and a pressurized fluid line. The filled weight of one pressure vessel does not exceed the filled weight of a conventional gasoline tank that occupies substantially the same space as the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel may be configured with exterior recesses for engaging conventional gasoline tank straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Blair, Darrel G. Turner, Richard K. Kunz, Mark J. Warner, Kevin W. Davis, F. Edward Wolcott, John D. Bennett