Specific Conduit, Valve, Or Coupling Structure Patents (Class 62/50.7)
  • Patent number: 11959556
    Abstract: A gas pressure relief valve assembly with a normally closed check valve received in a main body. An actuator pin slidably received in a guide body threadably carried by the main body may be advanced to open the check valve and retracted to permit the check valve to close. A knob connected to the actuator pin and threadably carried by the guide body may be manually rotated in opposite directions to advance and retract the actuator pin. Rotary loosening of the threaded knob and/or loosening of the threaded guide body will retract the actuator pin and prevent opening of the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: DADCO, Inc.
    Inventor: David John Gretka, II
  • Patent number: 11788689
    Abstract: A compressed gas storage system that includes a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel includes a first vessel portion and a second vessel portion in fluid communication with the first vessel portion. The pressure vessel includes a third vessel portion in fluid communication with the second vessel portion. The compressed gas storage system includes a first valve positioned between the first vessel portion and the second vessel portion and a second valve positioned between the second vessel portion and the third vessel portion. The first valve allows and impedes fluid flow between the first and the second vessel portions. The second valve allows and impedes fluid flow between the second and the third vessel portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Noble Gas Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Kondogiani
  • Patent number: 11788666
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for connecting a first to a second double-walled, vacuum-insulated cryogenic line includes a coupling plug and a coupling socket. The coupling plug has an inner and an outer pipe piece and a first connecting flange and is connected to the first cryogenic line. The coupling socket has an inner and an outer pipe piece and a second connecting flange and is connected to the second cryogenic line. In an assembled state of the plug-in coupling, the coupling plug has been plugged into an open annular gap in the coupling socket. The annular gap is surrounded both at its inner circumference and at its outer circumference by an insulating vacuum, whereby the thermal insulation of the plug-in coupling is improved. This construction makes possible a shorter design of the plug-in coupling, which, while achieving good thermal insulation, is space-saving and easy to handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Holger Schulz, Christian Frohne
  • Patent number: 11723707
    Abstract: A probe and method of using a probe are disclosed. The probe may comprise a first member, a tip, a second member, and a third member. The first member may have a first and second end portions. The tip may be configured to engaged to the first member at the second end portion. The second member may be configured to extend and be positioned within the first member. The third member may be configured to be disposed outward of the second member along at least a portion of the second member, engage an inner surface of the first member, and define to least one passage between the third member and the first member. The probe may be coupled to a fluid supply and return, and fluid may flow within the probe, including within the passage defined between the first and third members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Grimm
  • Patent number: 11662063
    Abstract: Method, system, apparatus, and/or device for monitoring a shipment. The vapor plug system includes a vapor plug. The vapor plug fits onto a shipper and partially seals contents within a payload area of a shipper. The vapor plug system includes a sensor that is configured to measure or determine a condition or location of the shipper. The vapor plug system includes an electronic device that has a display. The display is configured to provide the condition or the location to a user. The vapor plug system includes a vapor plug adapter. The vapor plug adapter includes a recessed pocket that is configured to receive the electronic device. The vapor plug adapter includes an opening within the recessed pocket and is configured to receive the sensor and allow the sensor to be inserted into the payload area of the shipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Cryoport, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Bollinger, Ben Lee
  • Patent number: 11662053
    Abstract: A vacuum adiabatic body includes a support configured to maintain a vacuum space and a pipeline provided in the vacuum space. The pipeline is supported by the support so that a movement of the pipeline is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Daewoong Kim, Wonyeong Jung, Deokhyun Youn
  • Patent number: 11486648
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of first members, and a plurality of second members located between adjacent first members of the plurality of first members. The plurality of first members each include a plurality of openings and a first flow path connected to the plurality of openings. The plurality of second members each include a second flow path connected to the openings of the adjacent first members. The plurality of openings and the first flow path of the first member, and the second flow path of the second member define a flow path for a first fluid. A region between the adjacent first members defines a flow path for a second fluid. The heat exchanger further includes a third member extending toward the region on the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Muneishi
  • Patent number: 11481301
    Abstract: A medical device arrangement (100) tests processing of data sets to be processed during operation of the medical device arrangement. The arrangement includes a data interface (110), analysis modules (120) and a test module (130). The analysis modules process a received medical data set (105). Each analysis module (122, 123, 124) forms a processing instance (390) for the medical data set or for the medical data set (125, 125?) already preprocessed by at least one other analysis module. The test module outputs a test data set (132) to one of the analysis modules during operation such that this analysis module processes the test data set in the same manner as the medical data set. The test module compares a correspondingly outputted, processed test data set (134) with a reference result (136) associated with the test data set and determines a test result (137) based on this comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: DRÄGERWERK AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Frank Franz, Stefan Schlichting, Jasper Diesel
  • Patent number: 11193850
    Abstract: A gas leak detecting device of a heater pipe and a gas leak detecting method of a heater pipe, which are able to reliably detect a leak of gas from a heater pipe in which a fine hole is formed. A gas leak detecting device of a heater pipe, which is provided with an inside pipe housing a heater element and an outside pipe sealed surrounding the inside pipe and which is adjusted by a pressure adjustment mechanism in gas pressure in a space between the outside pipe and the inside pipe to a predetermined pressure value. The gas leak detecting device includes a gas flow resistance part, a pressure detection unit, and a leak judging device that judges whether gas is leaking from the heater pipe based on a detected pressure value obtained by the pressure detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SHIBAURA MECHATRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masataka Yokoi, Nobuo Kobayashi, Masaaki Furuya, Atsushi Kinase
  • Patent number: 9845919
    Abstract: A cryogenic plumbing support for supporting cryogenic plumbing having a first coefficient of thermal expansion associated with a cryogenic temperature may include a bracket. The bracket may include a second coefficient of thermal expansion approximately equal to the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The cryogenic plumbing support may also include a slide assembly. The slide assembly may include first and second end blocks, at least one slider, and a plurality of rods. The first end block may be coupled in spaced relationship to the second end block by the plurality of rods. The at least one slider may be coupled to the bracket and slidably coupled to the plurality of rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robbi Lynn McDonald, Ankur Harshkant Vayeda, Gregory Charles Harper
  • Patent number: 9695942
    Abstract: A rotary joint for maintaining a cryogenic supplying refrigerant comprises a vacuum use cylindrical shaft supported in rotatable condition, a rotary seal ring fitted to an outer circumferential face with a space, a stationary seal ring provided at both sides of the respective rotary seal rings, a resilient bellows to press the stationary ring resiliently to the rotary seal ring side, a spaced fluid passage formed between the respective resilient bellows, a second fluid passage communicating with the spaced fluid passage, a connecting fluid passage communicating with the second fluid passage, a first pipe communicating through the spaced fluid passage, a connecting cover having a suction bore for vacuumizing and a magnetic fluid seal device having a projection constituted as multiple gaps corresponding to a pressure of the vacuumizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hidekazu Takahashi, Mami Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 9500302
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for attenuating noise produced by steam flowing through a pipe, comprising the steps of providing a pipe arrangement (10), which comprises an inner pipe (12) that defines in its inside an inner flow channel (14) which progresses in pipe direction (16) of the inner pipe (12), and an outer pipe (18) that surrounds the inner pipe (12) and progresses substantially parallel thereto, thereby defining an outer flow channel (20) between the two pipes (12, 18) which is substantially parallel to the inner flow channel (14), establishing a steam flow (22) in and along the inner flow channel (14), and establishing a water flow (28) in and along the outer flow channel (20), said water flow (28) being adapted to attenuate a noise produced by said steam flow (22) flowing through the inner flow channel (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Cornelis Geerlings, Jan Sietsma
  • Patent number: 9500413
    Abstract: A thermosiphon system includes a condenser, an evaporator including a housing and a wick located in the housing, and a condensate line fluidically coupling the condenser to the evaporator. The condensate line includes an outer tube and an inner tube nested within the outer tube. A first passage defined by the inner tube is positioned to carry a liquid phase of a working fluid from the condenser to the evaporator, and a second passage defined by a volume between the inner tube and the outer tube is positioned to carry a vapor phase of the working fluid from the evaporator to the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Rice
  • Patent number: 9134061
    Abstract: A system provides the flow control of a cryogenic element to remove heat from an environment. The system includes a cryogenic storage to store a cryogen; a cryogenic delivery system coupled to the cryogenic storage to transport the cryogen; a distributor coupled to the cryogenic delivery system, the distributor having a plurality of distribution lead tubes to evenly distribute the enthalpic potential of the cryogenic element; and a heat exchanger coupled to the distribution lead tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: REFLECT SCIENTIFIC INC.
    Inventors: Boyd Bowdish, William Moon
  • Patent number: 9068571
    Abstract: Non-contacting cartridge shaft seals prevent leakage loss of process gases in an “oil free” rotary screw compressor or blower, while simultaneously preventing ingress of lubricating oil to the pumping chamber, allowing the compressor/blower to generate process pressure differentials without oil contamination. A compact unitized seal cartridge assembly is provided in the end plates of the pump housing. One of the rotor shafts extends through an aperture in the end plate or housing, between the pumping chamber and oil-lubricated gear/bearing cases. Internal elements have the ability to self-align radially achieving essential concentricity with shaft rotational axes. The rotor shafts or sleeves non-contact relationship during operation allow increased ranges of shaft rotational speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: ErgoSeal, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hilaris, Nicholas P. Liarakos
  • Publication number: 20150135730
    Abstract: A vacuum adapter for feeding-through vacuum-insulated coolant lines (11, 12, 22, 23) from the surrounding atmosphere into a vacuum processing installation has an intermediate volume (2) which is connected firstly to at least one insulation intermediate space (32, 33) of the vacuum-insulated feed lines and secondly to a vacuum pump. The pump capacity is available at least temporarily for evacuating the insulation intermediate space around the coolant lines (22, 23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Martin Bless
  • Patent number: 8955338
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage tank having a first conduit adapted for filling and extracting a cryogenic liquid from the tank and a second conduit adapted for filling and extracting a gas from the tank is disclosed, wherein heat originating from inlet and outlet conduits transferred to the tank is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Marcus Jung, Rainer Immel
  • Publication number: 20150027136
    Abstract: A two line system for storing and dispensing cryogenic liquids from a bulk storage tank to a secondary container without the use of a cryogenic pump. A first line is in communication with the vapor space of a secondary container and a compressor, the compressor being used to depressurize the secondary container to a point where the bulk storage tank is at a higher pressure than the secondary container. The first line can direct the evacuated gas either into the bulk storage tank, towards separate holding tanks, or towards any other application. A second line is in communication between the bulk storage container and the secondary container. When the compressor is activated, the pressure in the secondary container will fall below the pressure in the bulk storage tank, causing the cryogen to flow from the now higher pressure bulk storage tank into the secondary container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Green Buffalo fuel, LLC
    Inventors: Robert F. Desjardins, Brendan Neill
  • Publication number: 20150018810
    Abstract: A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device comprises a number of parts including a vacuum insulated outer dewar, submersible cryogen pump, baffled linear heat exchanger, multiple pressurization cartridges, a return chamber, and a series of valves to control the flow of the liquid cryogen interconnected with cryotreatment devices including cryoprobes and catheters. The cryogenic medical device promotes subcooling to the tips of various external cryogenic instrument configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: John M. Baust, Roy E. Cheeks, John G. Baust, Anthony Robilotto, Kristi K. Snyder
  • Patent number: 8910487
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: T. Baden Hardstaff Ltd.
    Inventors: Darryl William Hylands, Aik Beng Lua
  • Patent number: 8897845
    Abstract: An arrangement for electrically conductively connecting two electrical units by means of a bipolar high voltage direct current transmission, in which between the units are arranged at least two electrical direct current cables constructed as superconductive cables. The superconductive cables are mounted separately from each other in a cryostat (1,2) suitable for conducting a cooling agent which has at least one metal pipe provided with a thermal insulation. The cryostats (1,2) are connected with at least one of their ends to a cooling plant (7) supplying the cooling agent and a pipeline (3) is placed parallel to the two cryostats (1,2). The pipeline (3) is connected at both its ends to the two cryostats (1,2) through valves (15,16,17) which are closed during uninterrupted operation and, in the case of an interruption at one of the superconductive cables, the pipeline (3) serves with the then open valves for conducting the cooling agent intended for the cryostat of the impaired cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Mark Stemmle, Erik Marzahn
  • Patent number: 8881538
    Abstract: A system for transfer of a liquid, such as liquefied natural gas, from a ship such as a liquefied natural gas carrier and a floating or fixed production and/or storage unit. The system has articulated arms and has n degrees of freedom, generally six, provided by rotating joints. At least one of the rotating joints is located on the ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne d'Ingenierie Mecanique—EURODIM
    Inventors: Bernard Dupont, Stephane Paquet
  • Patent number: 8844555
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling a CO2 system that provides carbonation and delivery of beverages to a user is provided together with a control valve for performing this method. The steps include: attaching a hose and pumping liquid carbon dioxide through an inlet fitting housed in a control valve assembly; causing the translation of a valve stem to isolate a gas port and a tank and a user port and directing the liquid carbon dioxide to a liquid port and a tank; and stopping the pumping of the liquid carbon dioxide upon reaching a pre-determined pressure and removing the hose allowing the translation of the valve stem to close the valve assembly from the atmosphere and allowing the liquid to boil to a gas to provide delivery and carbonation to the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Bevtech, Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel E Schneider
  • Patent number: 8820096
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas storage apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat insulated tank and liquefied natural gas contained in the tank. The tank has heat insulation sufficient to maintain liquefied natural gas therein such that most of the liquefied natural gas stays in liquid. The contained liquefied natural gas has a vapor pressure from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar. The apparatus further includes a safety valve configured to release a part of liquefied natural gas contained in the tank when a vapor pressure of liquefied natural gas within the tank becomes higher than a cut-off pressure. The cut-off pressure is from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Han Lee, Jung Ho Choi, Sung Kon Han, Dong Kyu Choi, Young Sik Moon
  • Publication number: 20140174104
    Abstract: A cryogenic storage tank system and an automatic flow path selector valve for the same, in which maintenance is more convenient, the length of pipes is minimized, and the pressure of liquefied gas in a gaseous phase inside a cryogenic storage tank is automatically adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Seung Chae JEON
  • Patent number: 8658264
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include insulation used to insulate elongated members, such a pipe or duct, as examples. The insulation can address a number of features, including but not limited to expansion and compression of insulation material, expansion and compression of the elongated member insulated, and the ability to adapt the insulation for elongated member of different sizes and lengths. In one embodiment, the insulation is comprised of at least one plank comprised of a flexible polymeric foam configured to be wrapped around an elongated member. In order for the insulation to self-adjust to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the foam material, the plank is comprised of a plurality of flexible polymeric foam profiles. At least one flexible polymeric foam spacer may also be provided that self-adjusts to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the elongated member to prevent or reduce gaps in insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nomaco Inc.
    Inventors: Bangshu Cao, Edouard Lauer, Scott Edwards
  • Patent number: 8647337
    Abstract: A dispensing head for dispensing a cryogenic fluid may comprise a flow passage configured to be placed in flow communication with a reservoir containing a cryogenic fluid, the flow passage defining a flow passage inlet opening configured to receive the cryogenic fluid from the reservoir, and a flow passage outlet opening opposite the flow passage inlet opening. The dispensing head may further comprise a dispensing member configured to dispense the cryogenic fluid, the dispensing member defining a lumen having a lumen inlet opening and a lumen outlet opening; and at least one porous member disposed in the flow passage, the at least one porous member being configured as a primary flow regulation mechanism to limit a flow rate of the cryogenic fluid as it flows from the reservoir to the lumen outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: STC Consulting, LLC
    Inventors: R. Sam Niedbala, Lincoln C. Young, Peng Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130305745
    Abstract: A system for dispensing cryogenic liquid to a use point includes a bulk tank containing a supply of cryogenic liquid and a pressure builder that is in communication with the tank via a pressure building valve. The pressure builder uses heat exchangers to vaporize a portion of the cryogenic liquid as needed to pressurize the bulk tank. The pressurized cryogenic liquid is dispensed through a dispensing line running from the bottom of the tank. A vent valve also vents vapor from the tank to control pressure. Operation of the vent and pressure building valves is automated by a controller that receives data from sensors. The controller determines the required saturation pressure for the tank and varies the tank pressure to match and provide a generally constant outlet pressure depending on conditions of the cryogenic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: PAUL DRUBE, Timothy Neeser, Tyler Stousland
  • Patent number: 8573246
    Abstract: An automatic filling termination device and a cryogenic vessel are provided including a body with a chamber, defined in the cryogenic vessel and provided with an inlet, communicated with the inlet for filling cryogenic medium into the chamber, and an outlet, arranged on the top wall of the body for discharging the cryogenic medium in the chamber into the cryogenic vessel; a flow termination member blocking the outlet, defined in the chamber of the body and has a predetermined weight to not be floated in the cryogenic medium; a floater, located outside the body and moving up and down when the liquid level of the cryogenic medium as filled into the cryogenic vessel is changed; and a connection, penetrated through the outlet to connect the flow termination member with the floater, wherein the outlet internal diameter is greater than the connection outer diameter by a predetermined dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Nantong CIMC Tank Equipment Co., Ltd., China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guoquan Lv, Minghua Deng, Pingan Jiang, Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 8516714
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for lyophilizing particles comprising frozen liquid having a pharmaceutical compound contained therein, comprising providing a heat conducting container having a bottom and side walls, filling the container with a bed of the particles, the bed comprising multiple layers of the particles and having an aspect ratio of not less than 1, providing a heat source above a top layer of the particles, the heat source having a surface directed to a top layer of the bed, which surface has an emissivity coefficient of at least 0.4, subjecting the particles filled in the container to a reduced pressure, heating at least the bottom of the container and the said surface to provide heat to the particles to support sublimation of the frozen liquid at the reduced pressure, and after the frozen liquid is sublimated, stopping the provision of heat to the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Intervet International B.V.
    Inventors: Rogier Biemans, Monique Kirkels, Hans Almer Middelbeek
  • Patent number: 8517749
    Abstract: An apparatus that enables quick disconnect termination or connection for cryogenic transfer lines is presented. The apparatus is a connector that will allow two lines to be connected and coupled for simultaneously allowing for fluid to occur and electrical communication to ensue. Connection and termination will occur successfully under a pressurized environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: American Superconductor Corporation
    Inventor: William Scott Marshall
  • Patent number: 8511100
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for cooling superconducting devices. The system includes a cryogen cooling system configured to be coupled to the superconducting device and to supply cryogen to the device. The system also includes a cryogen storage system configured to supply cryogen to the device. The system further includes flow control valving configured to selectively isolate the cryogen cooling system from the device, thereby directing a flow of cryogen to the device from the cryogen storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Evangelos Trifon Laskaris, John Arthur Urbahn, Albert Eugene Steinbach
  • Publication number: 20130190184
    Abstract: A superconducting machine for supporting a coolant feed line for superconducting machines includes a hollow shaft that can be connected to the superconducting machine in a first region, the coolant feed line being disposed in the interior thereof for feeding the coolant from the refrigeration unit to the superconducting machine. A magnetic support is disposed in the first region of the hollow shaft so that a radial and thus motion-damping, centering force is exerted on the coolant feed line. The magnetic support has a first and a second magnetic cylinder, wherein the first magnetic cylinder is disposed on the outer jacket of the coolant feed line and the second magnetic cylinder is disposed on the inner face of the hollow shaft. The first magnetic cylinder is a cylinder made of highly electrically conductive material having ohmic resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Frank, Jörn Grundmann, Peter Van Hasselt
  • Patent number: 8479767
    Abstract: A combined fill and safety vent plug adapted to being mounted in a port in a pressure tank. A valve housing member is adapted to being mounted in a port in a pressure vessel. A fill valve is located in a fill valve socket in the valve housing member. A vent valve and an overflow system are also provided in the valve housing member. All of the functions of filling, venting, dispensing, and overflow protection are provided by elements contained in one single plug in one single port in a pressure vessel. For safety purposes, the vent valve dumps excess fluid generally laterally of the valve housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: YSN Imports, Inc.
    Inventors: Shmuel Dovid Newman, Jeffrey Brown
  • Publication number: 20130152608
    Abstract: Provided are cryogenic injection compositions, methods and systems to introduce a cryogenic injection composition into a fluid within a conduit such that at least a portion of the temperature of the fluid is reduced to a temperature below which at least a portion of the fluid becomes a solid thereby reversibly plugging the conduit. Also provided are methods and systems for cooling or freezing a conduit and a fluid therein using a pressurized fluid cryogen as a thermal transfer fluid for controlled removal of thermal energy from a thermal conducting metal conduit and a fluid contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel X. Wray
  • Patent number: 8448454
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that expand environmental support for an HVAC system with an HVAC fluid circulating throughout by vaporizing a cryogen; and sparging the vaporized cryogen to dispense sparge bubbles to the HVAC fluid to cool the HVAC fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Boyd Bowdish, John Hammerman
  • Publication number: 20130118185
    Abstract: Systems and methods for gas-up and cool down of LNG cargo tanks are described herein. A system includes a supply vessel located at a waterway location, a receiving vessel moored to the supply vessel, and a manifold conduit. The supply vessel is configured to transfer natural gas to the receiving vessel using the manifold conduit for gas-up and cool down of one or more LNG cargo tanks onboard the receiving vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Excelerate Energy Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Cook, Mark K. Lane
  • Publication number: 20130111928
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved heat transfer device and process, such as the heat exchanger included in a process for vaporizing cryogenic fluids industrial gas supply systems. The system having a water bath and heat exchange tube bundle disposed therein operating to vaporize and superheat industrial liquefied gases including fuel gases. Water contained in a tank transfers heat to the bundle by natural convection without benefit of forced water circulation. The water is heated by means such as steam, combustion processes or electric heat and a heat exchange tube bundle submerged within the water tank is used to vaporize and superheat liquefied gas, which passes within the tubular elements of the heat exchange bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Robert E. Bernert, SR., Robert E. Bernert, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130067953
    Abstract: A liquefied gas storage/delivery system and method that includes a liquefied gas storage system. The liquefied gas storage system includes a housing containing a storage vessel suited to contain a supply of liquefied gas, such as liquid oxygen (LOX). A rotatable turntable is provided on an exterior surface of the housing. An interface shaped to match the shape of at least a portion of a portable liquid storage/delivery device is provide in or on the turntable. A connector is disposed in the interface that couples to a corresponding connector on the portable liquid storage/delivery device. The two connectors are coupled by placing the portable liquid storage/delivery device in the interface and rotating the turntable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC.
    Inventors: RICKY DEAN BURNS, TORY D. WERNE, MICHELE MARUT, PAUL MCGROARY, MARK HOEVELER, AASHI VEL
  • Patent number: 8291944
    Abstract: Hydrogen filling station, in particular, for refilling vehicle tanks with hydrogen gas, comprising a source reservoir designed to hold liquid hydrogen (LH2), a pipe for withdrawing liquid hydrogen from the source reservoir to at least one user station, an electric cryogenic pump arranged within the withdrawing pipe and an electric power supply connected to the cryogenic pump to supply the same with electricity, characterized in that the electric energy supply comprises at least one fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Laurent Allidieres
  • Patent number: 8291717
    Abstract: A system and method to connect a cryocooler (refrigerator) to a superconducting magnet or cooled object allows for replacement without the need to break the cryostat vacuum or the need to warm up the superconducting magnet or other cooled object. A pneumatic or other type of actuator establishes a thermo-mechanical coupling. The mechanical closing forces are directed perpendicular (cross-axially) to the cryocooler axis and are not applied to the thin wall cryocooler body or to the thin cryostat walls or to the cooled object or to its shield. It is also possible that some of the compressive force be transferred to the cryocooler body. In that case, the extensions are designed so that the forces transferred to the cryocooler thermal stages do not exceed allowable stresses in the cryocooler stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Alexey L. Radovinsky, Alexander Zhukovsky
  • Publication number: 20120234025
    Abstract: A shut-off device for low-temperature media includes a housing (2), a valve seat (5) located in the housing (2), and a valve (3) that cooperates with the valve seat and is pivotally supported in the housing (2). On the housing (2) there is at least one flange (10) for mounting the shut-off device in a pipeline. The low-temperature shut-off device, low construction cost and low maintenance cost is achieved because the flange (10) of the housing (2) is designed as a welding flange (10a, 10b) for attachment of the shut-off device (1) in the pipeline by a weld joint, especially a butt weld joint, and because the housing (2) is provided with a housing opening (11) for mounting and/or removing the valve (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: LINKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Metin GERCEKER
  • Patent number: 8267433
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for cryogenic lines is described, having at least two pipes (3, 4, 9, 10) fitted one inside the other like a male/female connection while forming an annular gap (16), in which plug-in coupling the pipes (3, 4, 9, 10) are releasably connected to one another by a flange connection (5, 11) located at their “warm” end, the annular gap (16) between the two pipes (4, 9) is sealed at the “cold” end by an annular seal (7) and at the “warm” end by an annular seal (5d) located in the region of the flange connection (5, 11), and the annular gap (16) is connected to a safety valve (13) in the region of the flange connection (5, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Stephan Lange, Christian Frohne, Michele Di Palma, Klaus Schippl
  • Patent number: 8261558
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include insulation used to insulate elongated members, such a pipe or duct, as examples. The insulation can address a number of features, including but not limited to expansion and compression of insulation material, expansion and compression of the elongated member insulated, and the ability to adapt the insulation for elongated member of different sizes and lengths. In one embodiment, the insulation is comprised of at least one plank comprised of a flexible polymeric foam configured to be wrapped around an elongated member. In order for the insulation to self-adjust to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the foam material, the plank is comprised of a plurality of flexible polymeric foam profiles. At least one flexible polymeric foam spacer may also be provided that self-adjusts to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the elongated member to prevent or reduce gaps in insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Nomaco Inc.
    Inventors: Bangshu Cao, Edouard Lauer, Scott Edwards
  • Publication number: 20120204580
    Abstract: Provided is a cryogen supply and return apparatus and a superconducting rotating electric machine, comprising stationary and rotatable members arranged out of contact with each other, preventing an increase of maintenance cost or a temperature increase of the cryogen which would be caused by contacts of the members. A cylinder 20 has on its outer peripheral surface ring-like recesses or grooves regularly or irregularly spaced in the longitudinal direction or spiral recesses or grooves continuously or discontinuously extending in the peripheral direction, to resist helium gas flowing through a cylindrical space between the cylinder 20 and the inner tube 14b of the second double tube member and, as a result, to control a leakage of the helium gas from the cylindrical space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuya Umemoto, Kiyoshi Aizawa, Minoru Yokoyama, Satoru Takao, Kagao Okumura, Mitsugi Yamaguchi, Yoshitsugu Gocho, Eiji Kosuge
  • Publication number: 20120171934
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing at least one high-pressure cryogenic fluid stream, said device including a movable tool, comprising one or more fluid-dispensing nozzles for dispensing one or more high-pressure cryogenic fluid streams, and a line for supplying high-pressure cryogenic fluid from the movable tool, said line including a stationary upstream portion and a movable downstream portion that is connected to the movable tool, said stationary upstream portion and movable downstream portion being fluidly connected to each other by means of a rotatable system including a rotating joint. The rotating joint includes a polymer material having a heat expansion coefficient between 10×106 and 160×10?6/K.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jacques Quintard, Frederic Richard, Charles Truchot
  • Patent number: 8214005
    Abstract: A method is specified for operation of an arrangement having at least one superconducting cable, which is surrounded by a cryostat which consists of two metallic tubes, which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another and enclose vacuum insulation between them. The cryostat surrounds not only the cable but also a cavity for a pressurized coolant to pass through. A reservoir area, which is connected to the cryostat, for the coolant is arranged at least at one end of the cryostat and a pump is used which forces the coolant into the cryostat during operation of the arrangement. A valve is arranged at least in the supply path of the coolant from the reservoir area to the cryostat, which valve is open during operation of the arrangement, is connected to at least one unit monitoring the soundness of the cryostat and is blocked when a signal which corresponds to a fault message is present from the monitoring unit, in order to interrupt the supply of the coolant to the cryostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Rainer Soika, Mark Stemmle
  • Publication number: 20120137708
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a dispenser for dispensing a liquid. The dispenser may include a measurement chamber configured to receive the liquid, a temperature probe positioned within the measurement chamber, and a capacitance probe positioned within the measurement chamber. The capacitance probe may house the temperature probe. The dispenser may also include a first conduit fluidly coupled to the measurement chamber and configured to deliver the liquid out of the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Michael MACKEY
  • Patent number: 8173897
    Abstract: A superconducting cable line includes a heat insulation pipe for a fluid for transporting liquid hydrogen, a superconducting cable housed in the heat insulation pipe for a fluid, and heat exchange means for performing a heat exchange between liquid hydrogen and a refrigerant of the cable. The superconducting cable includes a cable core inside a heat insulation pipe for a cable and is housed in the heat insulation pipe for a fluid to form a low temperature environment around the cable and a double heat insulation structure including the heat insulation pipe. Therefore, since heat intrusion into the superconducting cable is reduced and the refrigerant is cooled with liquid hydrogen, the line can reduce energy for cooling the refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hirose, Yuichi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20120090334
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory Charles Harper, Adrian Post