Storage Of Solidified Or Liquified Gas (e.g., Cryogen) Patents (Class 62/45.1)
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Patent number: 11898801Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for the cryogenic storage of biological material. Devices of the invention are useful for storing material at a predetermined cryogenic temperature. An intermediate storage chamber (ITC) set within an adiabatic Dewar container includes a set, or multiple, heat transfer pipes that passively act to maintain a set temperature or temperature range. Some embodiments utilize an inner heat pipe to transfer heat out to a heat sink and an outer heat pipe to transfer heat into the ITC from a cool sink. The heat pipes may be arranged, designed, and/or tilled to conduct heat energy only when set parameters beyond the predetermined range are experienced within the ITC. The method of maintaining a predetermined temperature range by means of a heat sink and cool sink are taught herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: ALCOR LIFE EXTENSION FOUNDATION, INC.Inventor: Jacob Graber
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Patent number: 11549645Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryogenic vessel (300a, 300b) having an inner container (301), an outer container (302), an intermediate space (303) between the inner container (301) and the outer container (302) which can be evacuated, and having at least one fluid distribution container (200), which has an internal volume which extends proceeding from one wall of the inner container (301) into the intermediate space (303), is arranged at least partially within the intermediate space (303) and is fluidically connected to the inner container (301), wherein the internal volume of the fluid distribution container (200) is delimited by a wall which has openings (211, 212, 213) that are designed for the connection of one line (311, 312, 313) each or are each connected with one such line (311, 312, 313). The wall (121, 221) has a convex section (101, 201), wherein a wall thickness of the wall at at least one point is less than 90% of a wall thickness of the inner container (301).Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Linde GmbHInventor: Florian Ehegartner
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Patent number: 11320180Abstract: A thermoelectric cryogenic material storage container including: an inner container containing cryogenic liquid material; a supply pipe connected to the inner container to supply the cryogenic liquid material from the outside to the inner container; an outer container for accommodating the inner container to be spaced apart from each other; a discharge pipe provided to be connected to the inner container to discharge a vaporized material of the cryogenic liquid material vaporized in the inner container to the outside of the outer container; and at least one thermoelectric module provided to have one side in contact with the outer side of the supply pipe and the other side in contact with the outer side of the discharge pipe. When current is supplied to the thermoelectric module, the other side becomes a heating side, and the one side becomes a cooling side.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Hylium Industries, Inc.Inventor: Seo Young Kim
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Patent number: 11254393Abstract: An assembly for storing and transporting compressed fluid, such as compressed natural gas, that includes a plurality of hexagonally stacked pipe stored in a cargo hold in or on a vessel, that includes a lower support, side supports and a forcing mechanism that presses strongly down on the pipes so that they cannot move relative to themselves or the vessel on which they are placed. The friction between the pipes causes the plurality of pipes to act as part of the vessel in terms of its structure. The stacked pipe is supported by a plurality of spacers, such as convex side up pipe segments for maintaining a gap between adjacent ones of said plurality of pipes in a same row in said stacked pipe. A load equalizer may be located above the plurality of pipes for distributing the compressive force from the forcing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Inventor: Patrick John Fitzpatrick
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Patent number: 11247752Abstract: A double-shell tank includes: an inner shell storing liquefied gas; an outer shell surrounding the inner shell, the outer shell forming a vacuum space between the inner shell and the outer shell; at least one metal sheet mounted to the inner shell, such that the metal sheet faces at least a bottom surface of the inner shell; an adsorbent placed on the metal sheet, the adsorbent adsorbing gas molecules by physisorption; and a thermal insulator covering the inner shell over the metal sheet.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroki Nakado, Masashi Shingo, Kazuto Gokan, Ryosuke Uraguchi
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Patent number: 11137116Abstract: A dewar vessel storage apparatus configured to hold at least two dewar vessels containing liquefied gas or cryo-compressed gas, comprising; a box having an outer, thermally insulating, wall; the box comprising a plurality of insulating cavities, each cavity configured to receive a single dewar vessel and is thermally insulated from each other cavity; a thermally insulating closure arrangement configured to close an open end of each cavity; a ventilation assembly comprising at least one conduit within the box configured to provide for venting of gas released from the dewar vessels when stored in the respective cavities of the box, the ventilation assembly configured to provide a gas outlet flow path from each cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2016Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Intelligent Energy LimitedInventors: Henri Winand, Anand Chellappa, Paul Leonard Adcock
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Patent number: 11060768Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus (10) comprises: an enclosure (12); a thermo-mechanical cooler (22) and a sample tube (20) that both project into the enclosure (12), where the sample tube (20) has a closed end; a pump (92) with a pump inlet and a pump outlet, and a duct to supply helium gas from the pump outlet to the thermo-mechanical cooler (22) to produce cold helium. The sample tube (20) has a first inlet (74) to allow a fluid into the sample tube (20), and a second inlet (83) to supply fluid to a thermal element (42) in thermal contact with the sample tube (20), and also has a first outlet (26) to withdraw fluid from within the sample tube (20), and a second outlet (28) to withdraw fluid from the thermal element (42).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Inventor: Paul Kelly
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Patent number: 10928119Abstract: A vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate, a second plate, a seal, a support, and an exhaust port, wherein the support includes a plurality of bars interposed between the first and second plates, and a bending part that has spots at which the plurality of bars are disposed as highest points and has a spot depressed into the third space at a central portion of the unit grid area as a lowest point is formed in the unit grid area.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Wonyeong Jung, Deokhyun Youn, Sora Kim
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Patent number: 10832850Abstract: A hand-held, water-cooled toroidal autotransformer assembly is formed from longitudinally-oriented electrically conductive radially spaced apart concentric pipes that are physically and electrically configured in series and arranged around a longitudinally-oriented toroidal magnetic core to form the windings of the autotransformer with the spaces between the longitudinally-oriented concentric pipes forming a flow path for a cooling fluid within the autotransformer.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Radyne CorporationInventors: Roberto Bernardo Benedicto Ovando, Thomas Cahill, Robert F. Adamczyk, John Justin Mortimer
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Patent number: 10711945Abstract: The invention relates to a transport container (1) for helium (He), comprising an inner container (6) for receiving the helium (He), a coolant container (14) for receiving a cryogenic liquid (N2), an outer container (2) in which the inner container (6) and the coolant container (14) are received, and a thermal shield (21) which can be actively cooled with the aid of the cryogenic liquid (N2), the thermal shield (21) comprising a tubular base section (22) in which the inner container (6) is received, and a cover section (23, 24) that closes the base section (22) at the front and that is arranged between the inner container (6) and the coolant container (14), wherein an intermediate space (20) is provided between the inner container (6) and the coolant.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventors: Heinz Posselt, Marko Parkkonen, Hans-Einar Forsberg, Anders Gronlund
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Patent number: 10465848Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plurality of substantially cylindrical pressure vessel structures. Each cylindrical pressure vessel structure has first and second opposite ends. A first cap is positioned at the first ends of the plurality of cylindrical pressure vessel structures. The first cap includes a first dome-shaped protrusion that corresponds to each of the first ends. A first saddle is defined between adjacent first dome-shaped protrusions. A second cap is positioned at the second ends of the plurality of cylindrical pressure vessel structures. The second cap includes a second dome-shaped protrusion that corresponds to each of the second ends. A second saddle is defined between adjacent second dome-shaped protrusions. A reinforcement structure extends around the first and second caps, and is disposed within one of the first saddles and one of the second saddles.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Hexagon Technology ASInventor: Norman L. Newhouse
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Patent number: 10109407Abstract: A method, a system, and an article of manufacture are disclosed for a structure to support and thermally insulate superconducting magnets, which need to be cooled and kept cool at very low temperatures while also allowing rotational and translational movement of the magnet and/or magnet system without bending or otherwise deforming the support structure. In various embodiments, the support structure is placed within a vacuum vessel to substantially reduce or eliminate convection heat transfer. The support structure is further coupled with the superconducting magnet via enclosing structural components having sufficient second moment of inertia to resist bending forces, at least some of the enclosing structural components being made of low-heat conducting material, while at least some of the other enclosing structural components having reflective surfaces to reduce or eliminate radiation heat loss.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Inventor: Nadder Pourrahimi
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Patent number: 9643741Abstract: A liquid storage device for a propellant tank in a spacecraft includes a gas-guide tube, a cover plate, a housing, blades, a supporting column, a base, a passage-window pressing plate, a passage-window mesh piece, a liquid-storage-device mesh piece, a fixing block, and a pressing plate for the liquid-storage-device mesh piece. The blades are uniformly distributed on and fixed to the support column in a radial direction to form an integral structure, and the integral structure is mounted on and fixed to a circular partition plate in the base. The liquid-storage-device mesh piece is pressed on the circular partition plate in the base by the pressing plate for the liquid-storage-device mesh piece and then is fixed. The passage-window mesh piece is pressed on the outer side of a cylinder wall of the base by the passage-window pressing plate and then is fixed.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: BEIJING INSTITUTE OF CONTROL ENGINEERINGInventors: Qi Hu, Yong Li, Hailin Pan, Jian Chen, Yanming Wei, Baotang Zhuang, Jintao Liu
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Patent number: 9625094Abstract: An operating method is provided for a cryo-compressed tank for supplying cryogenic hydrogen to a consumer of a motor vehicle under supercritical pressure at 13 bar or more. In order to compensate for pressure loss resulting from hydrogen removal, the removed hydrogen that has been heated in a heat exchanger is conveyed to a heat exchanger, provided in the cryo-compressed tank, by way of a tank pressure regulating valve and a branch line, which branches off of a supply line leading to the consumer. After flowing through the heat exchanger, it is introduced into the supply line downstream of the branching off of the branch line. Over a period of time that significantly exceeds the cycle times of a conventional frequency valve, either the removed amount of hydrogen is guided without limitation into the heat exchanger, provided in the cryo-compressed tank, the tank pressure regulating valve being completely open, or no return of the heated hydrogen into the heat exchanger occurs at all.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Tobias Brunner, Thomas Hagler, Sylvain Bastian, Klaus Szoucsek
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Patent number: 9543051Abstract: System and Method is described that controls the release of contaminated water by rapidly freezing the ground water, including salt water, which permeates the area underneath the a contamination source, so that the resulting ice lens mitigates the extent to which radioactive water is released into the environment. An aperture in the containment area allows the dispersal and dilution of the contaminates by allowing in ground water from outside, and/or removing water from the containment area. The variable aperture may be a physical valve or preferably an opening in the ice shield which size may be controlled by freezing or thawing portions of the ice shield.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Green Swan, Inc.Inventor: Harry V. Lehmann
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Patent number: 9388943Abstract: An ullage tank in a vertical cryogenic storage vessel that can store a liquefied gas is described. The ullage tank includes a hollow member. The ullage tank has at least one opening that allows communication between the ullage tank and an inner vessel of the vertical cryogenic vessel. The hollow member has a first open end and a second open end. The hollow member forms a vertically disposed passage through the ullage tank. The first open end and the second open end are in communication with the inner vessel. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Chart Inc.Inventors: Keith Gustafson, Chris Schmoeckel, Lyle Holsinger, Carl Taylor
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Patent number: 9181013Abstract: A liquefied gas tank includes an inner tank (2) that stores liquefied gas and is disposed so as to be capable of self-standing on a floor surface (F), and an outer tank (3) that is covered over the inner tank (2) and is supported by an upper face portion (2a) of the inner tank (2). The outer tank (3) is configured to be capable of sliding on the upper face portion (2a) of the inner tank (2) in response to expansion and contraction in the horizontal direction of the inner tank (2), and to be capable of moving in response to expansion and contraction in the vertical direction of the inner tank (2). A ceiling portion (3a) of the outer tank (3) that is placed on the upper face portion (2a) of the inner tank (2) is not fixed to the upper face portion (2a) of the inner tank (2), and the inner tank (2) and the outer tank (3) are configured to be capable of sliding in the horizontal direction relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: JAPAN MARINE UNITED CORPORATIONInventor: Eiji Aoki
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Patent number: 9062828Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a liner for storing a material, the liner including at least two layers, wherein a layer that is in contact with the material is an active layer. The active layer may be made active by incorporating a scavenger into the layer. At least one layer of the liner may comprise a polymer or a fluoropolymer. In some embodiments, the active layer may be configured for removing microbridging components in photoresists. In some embodiments, the active layer may be made active by coating the interior of the layer with an inert material, such as glass. In further embodiments, the liner may be positioned within a stainless steel canister. The present disclosure also relates to a liner-based assembly for storing a material, an overpack within which the liner is positioned, and a purifying packet positioned between the liner and the overpack.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Glenn Tom, Lawrence H. Dubois
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Patent number: 9010130Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus includes a housing having a sidewall defining a chamber in the housing for containing a cryogen; and a first insulation member movably mounted for coaction with the sidewall, the first insulation member moveable to a position to expose or cover a select portion of the sidewall to provide a heat transfer effect.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventor: Stephen A. McCormick
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Publication number: 20150099639Abstract: In a superconducting magnet apparatus, at least one superconducting winding and an outer vacuum chamber are provided. A thermal radiation shield is located between the superconducting winding and the outer vacuum chamber. A cryogen vessel is positioned within the thermal radiation shield and within the outer vacuum chamber. The superconducting winding is positioned outside of the cryogen vessel. A refrigerator is operable to cool the cryogen vessel to a liquid cryogen temperature and to cool the at least one thermal radiation shield to an intermediate temperature between the liquid cryogen temperature and a temperature of the outer vacuum chamber. A substantial portion of an outer surface of the cryogen vessel has a thermal emissivity at the liquid cryogen temperature which is greater than an average surface emissivity of the superconducting winding by at least 0.1.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: SIEMENS PLCInventor: Russell Peter Gore
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Patent number: 8991197Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel A. Watts, Jason A. Grow
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Publication number: 20150063409Abstract: A method of heating a cryogenic liquid contained in a cryogenic tank including a gas headspace. The method includes heating the cryogenic liquid by injecting gas at higher temperature under a free surface of the cryogenic liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: SNECMAInventors: Bernard Juery, Arnaud Fournet, Pascal Bennetot, Ronan Gauther
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Patent number: 8910487Abstract: A storage tank assembly for storage of cryogenic liquids including a first outer tank and a second, inner tank, the first and second tanks being spaced apart from one another to form an insulation space therebetween. Each of the first and second tanks has a first end, and an opposite second end spaced apart from the first end, and a wall extending from the first end to the second end. The assembly further includes a pipe work system comprising a plurality of pipes and a first connector extending through the wall of the first tank, the pipe work being connectable to the first connector such that the pipe work is spaced apart from the wall of the first tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: T. Baden Hardstaff Ltd.Inventors: Darryl William Hylands, Aik Beng Lua
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Publication number: 20140338393Abstract: A method for producing a blended mixture of liquefied natural gases to meet the particular requirements of an operator at a production facility, application site or a fueling station by blending together a lean liquefied natural gas and a rich liquefied natural gas. The operator can control through a device such as a heat exchange blending system the composition of the end product mixed liquefied natural gas for its intended end use.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Rustam H. Sethna, Bryan Luftglass
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Publication number: 20140331690Abstract: An LN storage tank is disclosed. The LNG storage tank includes: a lower insulation board for insulating LNG from the outside; a heating member placed on the lower insulation board; a main secondary barrier attached on the heating member; an upper insulation board attached on part of the main secondary barrier; and an auxiliary secondary barrier attached on the other part of the main secondary barrier, wherein a first adhesive layer may be interposed between the main secondary barrier and the auxiliary secondary barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Sungjong Han, Minhong Kim, Jongho Kim
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Patent number: 8881501Abstract: A propellant tank for storing a liquid propellant A and supplying vapor produced by evaporation of part of the liquid propellant A to an external location comprises a tank body for storing the liquid propellant A, a mesh member arranged inside the tank body to cover a liquid surface of the liquid propellant A to divide an interior of the tank body into a liquid propellant storing area LA and a gas storing area GA by utilizing surface tension of the liquid propellant, and a heater arranged to a gas storing area GA side of the tank body to keep the gas storing area GA at higher temperature than temperature in the liquid propellant storing area LA. The tank body has a propellant inlet open into the liquid propellant storing area LA and a gas outlet open into the gas storing area GA.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignees: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Yamamoto, Osamu Mori, Yoshihiro Kishino, Masayuki Tamura, Shohei Koga, Ryoji Imai
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Publication number: 20140223924Abstract: An integrated cryogenic fluid delivery system includes a cryogenic liquid tank having an interior, a wall and a geometry. The interior of the cryogenic liquid tank contains a supply of cryogenic liquid. A fuel pickup line is positioned within the interior of the tank and is in fluid communication with a vaporizer so that the vaporizer receives and vaporizes cryogenic liquid from the tank. The vaporizer is positioned outside of the tank and is secured to the wall. The vaporizer also has a shape that conforms with the geometry of the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: CHART INC.Inventors: Keith Gustafson, Erik Gustafson, Jeff Patelczyk, David Davis, Michael Sable, Luis Serentill, Peter Murray
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Patent number: 8783501Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing a cryogenic storage tank (700) having a welded inner tank (702), an outer shell (704) surrounding the welded inner tank (702), a concrete foundation (728) comprising a raised portion (752), a plurality of cellular glass blocks (734) positioned directly on top of the raised portion (752) of the concrete foundation (728), a leveling course of concrete (736) poured on top of the uppermost layer of the plurality of cellular glass blocks (734), and a mounting apparatus (718) affixed to the concrete foundation (728), where the welded inner tank (702) is positioned on top of the leveling course of concrete (736) and the outer shell (704) is affixed to the mounting apparatus (718) at locations around the periphery of the outer shell (704).Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventor: Avijit Mookerjee
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Patent number: 8763410Abstract: Methods and apparatuses that facilitate dissolving a hyperpolarized agent within a polarizer and transporting it to a receiver is provided. The methods include delivering water to a hyperpolarized agent contained within a polarizer, forming a hyperpolarized aqueous solution, transporting the aqueous solution through a fluid path system out of the polarizer, filtering the aqueous solution through a partical size exclusion filter to a receiver, and modifying the pH of the filtered hyperpolarized aquous solution with a dissolution medium contained in the receiver. Also disclosed herein are apparatuses for dissolving a hyperpolarized agent comprising a vial for containing a hyperpolarized imaging agent therein, a dissolution fluid path, a delivery fluid path, a particle size exclusion filter, and a receiver connected to the particle size exclusion filter and positioned to receive the filtered aqueous solution of the hyperpolarized imaging agent.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Brandon Whitt, Andrew Michael Leach, Peter Miller, Eric Telfeyan
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Patent number: 8752596Abstract: A hydrogen filling system includes: a hydrogen tank that is filled with hydrogen; a determination unit that determines whether to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen tank; and a temperature regulating unit that regulates a temperature of the hydrogen tank, wherein, when the determination unit determines to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen tank, the temperature regulating unit starts cooling the hydrogen tank before filling of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank is started.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Daigoro Mori, Kumiko Nishizawa, Kosei Yoshida, Keiji Toh, Shintaro Watanabe, Hidefumi Oishi, Hidehito Kubo
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Patent number: 8749388Abstract: A system and a method for safeguarding wafers and photomasks. The system includes a container for storing an article, the article being a wafer or a photomask; a flashing unit for flashing light with a pre-determined light pattern; an anti-theft unit capable of performing an anti-theft function, the anti-theft unit being attached to the container; and a trigger unit electrically connected to the anti-theft unit for triggering the anti-theft function of the anti-theft unit, in response to detecting the pre-determined light pattern of the flashing unit. The method includes providing a container having an anti-theft unit capable of performing an anti-theft function; storing an article in the container, the article being a wafer or a photomask; providing a flashing light with a pre-determined light pattern; detecting the pre-determined light pattern; and performing the anti-theft function by the anti-theft unit, in response to detecting the pre-determined light pattern.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paul D. Hand, George M. Harmuth, Gary T. Leonardi, Glenn M. Stefanski, Andrew P. Wyskida
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Patent number: 8726676Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel A. Watts, Jason A. Grow
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Publication number: 20140130521Abstract: An ambient air LNG vaporizer has a housing that encloses the exchanger conduits and provides a stream of refrigerated air to a blower to so convey refrigerated air to one or more remote refrigerated air consumers. The temperature of the refrigerated air is maintained using a control circuit that adjusts an operational parameter of an ambient air intake control device of the housing and/or the blower.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: John Mak
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Patent number: 8683823Abstract: A system for offshore liquefaction of natural gas and transport of produced liquefied natural gas using a moored floating production storage and offloading vessel, fluidly connected with a flexible conduit to a moored floating disconnectable turret which can be connected and reconnected to a floating liquefaction vessel with onboard liquefaction unit powered by a dual fuel diesel electric main power plant.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: FLNG, LLCInventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
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Patent number: 8676282Abstract: A superconducting magnet coil support with cooling and a method for coil cooling are provided. One superconducting coil support arrangement includes a superconducting coil and at least one support beam supporting the superconducting coil and defining a tank for storing a cooling fluid therein. The superconducting coil support arrangement further includes a plurality of cooling tubes coupled to the superconducting coil and connected to the at least one support beam, wherein the plurality of cooling tubes are configured to transfer the cooling fluid therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Longzhi Jiang, Clifford Ginfrida, Jr., Neil Clarke, Weijun Shen, Ernst Wolfgang Stautner, Tao Zhang, Robbi McDonald
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Patent number: 8671997Abstract: Device for filling a container with a gas under pressure comprising at least one source of gas pressurized to a first pressure, a transfer circuit capable of selectively connecting the source or sources of pressurized gas to the tank to be filled, the transfer circuit comprising control members for controlling the flow of the gas from the source or sources to the tank, the transfer circuit further including at least one cooling exchanger for cooling the pressurized gas comprising a hot flow circuit for the pressurized gas to be cooled, a cold flow circuit for a cold cooling fluid, and a refrigeration hold-over medium being in direct heat exchange with the cold fluid of the cold circuit and with the pressurized gas to be cooled of the hot circuit, in order to selectively carry out indirect heat exchange between the pressurized gas and the cold fluid, wherein the refrigeration hold-over medium forms and fills a gap between the cold fluid of the cold circuit and the pressurized gas of the hot circuit, the gap haType: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Laurent Allidieres, Thomas Charbonneau, Sebastian Sequeira, Thomas Vinard
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Patent number: 8650887Abstract: A cryogenic storage tank comprises a partition that divides a cryogen space into a main storage space and an auxiliary space. A valve disposed inside the cryogen space is associated with a first fluid passage through the partition. The valve comprises a valve member that is actuatable by fluid forces within the cryogen space. A second fluid passage through the partition comprises a restricted flow area that is dimensioned to have a cross-sectional flow area that is smaller than that of a fill conduit such that there is a detectable increase in back-pressure when the main storage space is filled with liquefied gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Westport Power Inc.Inventors: Gregory Charles Harper, Adrian Post
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Patent number: 8646289Abstract: A method for offshore liquefaction of natural gas and transport of produced liquefied natural gas using a floating production storage and offloading vessel, fluidly connected with a flexible conduit to a moored floating disconnectable turret which can be connected and reconnected to a liquefaction vessel with onboard liquefaction unit powered by a dual fuel diesel electric main power plant of the liquefied natural gas transport vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: FLNG, LLCInventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
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Patent number: 8640493Abstract: Method for processing, treatment and liquefaction of natural gas proximate offshore gas fields with a gas floating production storage and offloading vessel with a primary processing unit, a gas treating unit, and a natural gas compressor. The liquefaction is split between a liquefied natural gas transport vessel moored on a disconnectable turret and the floating production storage and offloading vessel. High pressure liquefied natural gas inlet quality gas from the vessel is sent through conduits to the liquefied natural gas transport vessel(s) then back through the disconnectable turrets to the vessel. A separate nitrogen refrigerant on the transport vessel provides final stage liquefaction while being powered by the transport vessel's propulsion plant. When the transport vessel is full, the transport vessel disconnects from the disconnectable turret, and motors to a transfer terminal located in sheltered water for transfer of liquefied natural gas cargo to a standard trading tanker.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: FLNG, LLCInventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
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Publication number: 20140000289Abstract: An oxygen liquefier system may be configured to defrost an oxygen line included therein. The system may include one or more sieve beds, a liquid oxygen reservoir, an oxygen line, a controller, a heating apparatus, and/or other components. The one or more sieve beds are configured to extract oxygen from air obtained from an ambient environment. The liquid oxygen reservoir is configured to store oxygen extracted at the one or more sieve beds that has been liquefied. The oxygen line is configured to provide fluid communication between the one or more sieve beds and the liquid oxygen reservoir. The controller is configured to detect a blockage caused by frozen liquid within the oxygen line based on a liquid oxygen production rate. The heating apparatus is configured to defrost the oxygen line to melt frozen liquid within the oxygen line responsive to the detection of the blockage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPSInventors: Laurent Brouqueyre, Brian Edward Dickerson
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Patent number: 8596038Abstract: A liquid propellant tank for storing a liquid propellant A and supplying vapor produced by evaporation of part of the liquid propellant A to an external location comprises a tank body for storing the liquid propellant A, and a plurality of holder plates arranged inside the tank body, around an axis L of the tank body. The holder plates cause the liquid propellant A to adhere to them by surface tension, thereby establishing, inside the tank body, a liquid propellant holding area LA in which the liquid propellant A is held and a gas accumulation area GA in which vapor produced by evaporation of part of the liquid propellant A accumulates. The tank body has a propellant inlet open into the liquid propellant holding area LA and a gas outlet open into the gas accumulation area GA.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Japan Aerospace Exploration AgencyInventors: Takayuki Yamamoto, Osamu Mori, Yoshihiro Kishino, Masayuki Tamura, Shohei Koga, Ryoji Imai
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Publication number: 20130283824Abstract: A single cryogenic liquid vessel in which two cryogenic machines are disposed, supported and operable in tandem. In one embodiment the two cryogenic machines are operable in series or individually, and in another embodiment the two cryogenic machines are operable in parallel or individually. Preferably the machines are supported intermediately relative to the vessel, or at a top of the vessel. In various embodiments the machines are pumps or turbines or expanders.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: EBARA INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Joel V. Madison
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Patent number: 8544281Abstract: A method for cooling a superconducting magnet enclosed in a cryostat includes introducing a gas into a cooling path in the cryostat from an input portion into a cooling path cooled by a refrigerator outside the cryostat. A heat exchanger inside the cryostat above the magnet cools the gas. The cooled gas flows through a magnet cooling tube contacting the magnet. The cooled gas removes heat from the magnet, and to the heat exchanger to re-cool and return to the superconducting magnet, thereby cooling and/or maintaining the magnet at a superconducting temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Tao Zhang, Xianrui Huang, Evangelos Trifon Laskaris, Yan Zhao, Paul St. Mark Shadforth Thompson
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Patent number: 8534489Abstract: A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a plasma powder sprayed titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.Inventors: Wayne H. Tuttle, David Adams, Marcial Alexander Anaya, Jeffry K. Pearson
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Patent number: 8528362Abstract: A cryogenic installation unit comprises at least one item of equipment (2, 6A to 6H, 15) to be thermally insulated, a structure (1) for containing the at least one item of equipment, a main insulation (3) contained in the structure and, associated with this main insulation, a secondary insulation (5) of lower thermal conductivity than the main insulation, said secondary insulation (5) consisting of a vacuum insulation panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Denis Clodic, Fabrice Delcorso, Jean-Pierre Tranier, Golo Zick
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Publication number: 20130219955Abstract: A method for producing pressurized liquefied natural gas and a production system therefor are provided. The method for producing pressurized liquefied natural gas includes: performing a dehydration process to remove water from natural gas supplied from a natural gas field, without a process of removing acid gas from the natural gas; and performing a liquefaction process to produce pressurized liquefied natural gas by liquefying the natural gas, which has undergone the dehydration process, at a pressure of 13 to 25 bar and a temperature of ?120 to ?95° C., without a process of fractionating natural gas liquid (NGL). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce plant construction costs and maintenance expenses and reduce LNG production costs. In addition, it is possible to guarantee high economic profit and reduce payback period in small and medium-sized gas fields, from which economic feasibility could not be ensured by the use of a conventional method.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.Inventors: Seong Jin Yoo, Jung Han Lee, Young Sik Moon, Je Heon Jung, Jae Yeol Lee, Dong Kyu Choi, Jin Yeol Yu
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Patent number: 8511504Abstract: A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Wayne H. Tuttle
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Patent number: 8448455Abstract: A method for cooling a cryostat configuration (1, 1?) during transport, wherein the cryostat configuration (1) comprises a superconducting magnet coil (2) in a helium tank (8) containing liquid helium (9), which is surrounded by at least one radiation shield (10), wherein the cooling inside the cryostat configuration (1, 1?) in stationary operation is performed entirely without liquid nitrogen by means of a refrigerator, characterized in that during transport, the refrigerator is switched off and instead, liquid nitrogen (6) is conducted from an external nitrogen vessel (4) via a supply tube (7) from the nitrogen vessel (4) to the cryostat configuration (1, 1?) and brought into thermal contact with the radiation shield (10) by means of a thermal contact element (11) in the cryostat configuration (1, 1?). In this way, the consumption of liquid helium during transport can be greatly reduced and the possible transport time of a charged superconducting magnet configuration increased.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Bruker BioSpin GmbHInventor: Marco Strobel
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Publication number: 20130104570Abstract: A cryogenic cooling system is presented herein. The system comprises an on-demand hydrogen reservoir adapted to be filled by an external hydrogen filling station. The system further comprises a cryocooler coupled with the on-demand hydrogen reservoir. The cryocooler is adapted to operate in a range from about 10 Kelvin to 20 Kelvin. The system further comprises a liquid hydrogen reservoir adapted to receive liquid hydrogen through the cryocooler. At least one superconducting magnet is adapted to operate in a range from about 10 Kelvin to 20 Kelvin and generate a magnetic field. Furthermore, the system comprises a plurality of cooling tubes adapted to receive liquid hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen reservoir, wherein the cooling tubes are adapted to cool down the superconducting magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Ernst Wolfgang Stautner
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Publication number: 20130098070Abstract: A pressure control apparatus for a cryogenic storage tank includes a heat pipe extending into the storage tank and having a first end in contact with liquid cryogen in the storage tank, and a second end exposed to an atmosphere external to the storage tank such that heat flux occurs in the liquid cryogen proximate the first end of the heat pipe for providing a cryogenic gas and pressure to the liquid cryogen in the storage tank. Another embodiment includes a sleeve for the second end to control the heat flux in the liquid cryogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Stephen A. McCORMICK, Michael D. NEWMAN