Abstract: The refrigerant liquid-gas separator is thermally coupled to electronics to transfer heat away from the electronics, and assist in vaporizing the liquid refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator device includes a refrigeration section configured to couple to a refrigeration loop, and an electronics board thermally coupled to the refrigeration section. The refrigeration section includes: (a) a refrigerant inlet configured to receive refrigerant from the refrigeration loop; (b) a refrigerant outlet configured to release vapor refrigerant to the refrigeration loop; and (c) a cavity coupled to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, the cavity configured to separate liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. In use, heat from the electronics board is transferred to the refrigerant.

Abstract: A heat pump system is disclosed comprising a heat-exchanger extracting latent heat from liquid stored in a reservoir, thereby forming an ice slurry. The heat pump also includes a device for delivering the heat to a heat consumer. The heat pump system includes a random input of extrinsic liquid into the reservoir and a device for removing ice slurry stored in the reservoir outward the system.

Abstract: A waste heat utilization device for an air compressor includes: a discharge path of an oil free air compressor; a circulation path along which a low boiling point medium circulates; an evaporator provided on the circulation path to heat and evaporate the low boiling point medium using the potential heat of the compressed air; and a preheater provided on an upstream side of the evaporator to preheat the low boiling point medium using the potential heat of the compressed air. A scroll type expansion machine is rotated by the low boiling point medium evaporated by the evaporator and increased in pressure, and power is generated by a power generator connected to a rotary shaft of the scroll type expansion machine. The low boiling point medium discharged from the scroll type expansion machine is then cooled and condensed by a condenser.

Abstract: The apparatus has a cooling arrangement with an expander/compressor system, condenser and evaporator primarily for air conditioning. An external heat source is provided for transfer of heat to the expander housing. For example, this heating medium is an electrical heat source in thermal contact with the outer side of the expander housing. Alternatively, the expander is provided inside an externally heated liquid buffer tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling, comprising: a liquid pump for transport of fluid through a heating cycle, an external heat source for heating the fluid in the heating cycle, for example a solar heater directly connected to the heating cycle or connected through a heat exchanger, an expander with an expander inlet and an expander outlet, the expander inlet having a fluid connection to the external heat source for receiving fluid in the gas phase to drive the expander by expanding the fluid, a compressor with a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet, the compressor being driven by the expander for compressing working fluid from a low pressure compressor inlet gas to a high pressure compressor outlet gas, a first heat exchanger with a fluid connection to the compressor outlet and connected to the expander inlet for transfer of heat from the high pressure compressor outlet gas to the fluid in the heating cycle, a second heat exchanger with a condenser for condensing the working fluid from the expander by energy trans

Abstract: A heat pump including an evaporator for evaporating water as a working liquid so as to produce a working vapor, the evaporation taking place at an evaporation pressure of less than 20 hPa. The working vapor is compressed to a working pressure of at least 25 hPa by a dynamic-type compressor so as to then be liquefied within a liquefier by direct contact with liquefier water. The heat pump is preferably an open system, where water present in the environment in the form of ground water, sea water, river water, lake water or brine is evaporated, and where water which has been liquefied again is fed to the evaporator, to the soil or to a water treatment plant.

Abstract: A system for reducing the energy and for reducing the time required to refill on board tanks on a vehicle from a high pressure fuel depot refilling line operatively interconnected to the tank wherein the refuel gas itself is circulated within the on board tank to absorb the compression heat of refueling, and the heat thereby absorbed is radiated from the refueling circuit to an external environment such that a close to optimum refill of the tank is achieved without the need for a slow fill, precooling or pressure overfill.

Abstract: A complex fluid machine has an expansion-compressor device, a pump, and a motor generator. The expansion-compressor device, the pump, and the motor generator are operatively connected and arranged in series. A portion of an outlet side passage formed in the fluid machine, through which the working fluid flows from the expansion device, is arranged adjacent to a portion of a pump outlet-side passage formed in the fluid machine, through which the working fluid flows from the pump, so that heat of the working fluid in the outlet side passage is transferred to the working fluid in the pump outlet-side passage.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are found in a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a fluid inlet manifold, a fluid outlet manifold, a plurality of heat transfer channels configured to communicate with the fluid inlet manifold and the fluid outlet manifold, and packing located within the fluid inlet manifold. Further aspects of the invention are found in a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system includes a compressor and at least one heat exchanger coupled to the compressor. The at least one heat exchanger includes a header, packing located in the header, and a heat transfer channel. The heat transfer channel is configured to receive fluid passing through the header and the packing.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus with an exhaust heat recovery device mounted on a vehicle includes a refrigeration cycle for allowing a refrigerant for refrigeration to circulate therethrough, and a Rankine cycle for allowing a refrigerant for the Rankine cycle to circulate therethrough. The refrigeration-cycle condenser and the Rankine-cycle condenser are disposed in predetermined positions of the vehicle in series with respect to a flow direction of external air for cooling, and the refrigeration-cycle condenser is disposed on an upstream side of the external air with respect to the Rankine-cycle condenser.

Abstract: A vehicle exhaust heat recovery system includes a vapor compression type refrigeration circuit, a boiler to which the refrigerant is introduced from the refrigeration circuit and heated, and an expander for generating motive power by expanding the heated refrigerant. The refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration circuit. The boiler heats the refrigerant introduced therein using exhaust heat generated by the vehicle. The refrigerant that has been subjected to expansion is recycled to the refrigeration circuit.

Abstract: A compressor system has a compression stage, a coolant circuit and a refrigerant circuit. The compression stage compresses ambient air and generates compressed air and heat. A coolant removes heat from the compression stage and the heat is transferred from the coolant to a refrigerant. A refrigerant expansion device is incorporated into the refrigerant circuit. The expansion device expands the pressurized refrigerant utilizing a rotary expander. Energy generated during refrigerant expansion is captured and used to drive components of the cooling system.

Abstract: A compressor and heat pump combination has an active chamber and a passive chamber, each with its own hot plate and cold plate. The two chambers are joined along an edge by a membrane that largely transmits pressure, largely insulates against temperature transfer, and prevents passage of gases from one chamber to the other. The gas in the active chamber is alternately cooled and heated by exposure to the active cold and active hot plates, causing pressure changes in the active chamber that are transmitted to the passive chamber by the membrane. The pressure changes alternately cool the gas in the passive chamber below the temperature of the passive cold plate, and heat the gas in the passive chamber above the temperature of the passive hot plate. In alternately exposing the cooled gas in the passive chamber to the passive cold plate, and the heated gas in the passive chamber to the passive hot plate, heat is forced to flow from the passive cold plate to the passive hot plate.

Abstract: Methods for using a hydrophobic liquid, such as mineral oil, to compress steam include using a compressor to compress a mixture of steam and the hydrophobic liquid. One embodiment includes the steam to be compressed coming from a boiling aqueous solution in an evaporator. The steam compressed with a hydrophobic liquid is routed to a heat exchanger which thermally communicates with the evaporator to create more steam. The resulting mixture of condensed steam and hydrophobic liquid from the heat exchanger is routed to a water/hydrophobic liquid separator. The hydrophobic liquid is also recycled to the compressor from the water/hydrophobic liquid separator.

Abstract: A refrigeration process comprising, compressing low pressure vapor refrigerant to a higher temperature and pressure vapor, condensing the higher pressure vapor refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant at the higher pressure, thermally-isolating the higher pressure liquid, cooling the thermally-isolated liquid refrigerant while remaining thermally-isolated and then allowing thermal contact of the remaining low temperature and pressure liquid and a cooled substance causing the low temperature and pressure liquid to further reversibly boil to a vapor at the low pressure.

Abstract: A regenerative type of refrigeration system recirculates a mixture of R-134a, R-32 and R-125 through first and second series condensers. In order to increase the concentration of the high-boiling point R-134a, the liquid output of a liquid-vapor separator receives a super-heated mixture vapor tapped from the output of the compressor. An adjustable valve controls the amount of the super heated mixture vapor which is injected to vary the concentration of R-134a in the recirculation line. Liquified R-134a passes through a secondary expansion valve and a secondary evaporator, reducing to an intermediate pressure, and enters a vortex tube, thus bypassing the main evaporator. Subsequently, the suction pressure of the compressor increases, increasing the EER of the refrigeration system. The recirculating concept is also applicable to a single refrigerant system.

Abstract: A communication system which uses a multi-mode transmitter to communicate in a serial fashion with first and second wireless devices. The system includes a transmitter, a first transmitter control circuit which allows the transmitter to communicate with a first communication device, a second transmitter control circuit which allows the transmitter to communicate with a second communication device, a first receiver circuit which receives signals from the first communication device, a second receiver circuit which receives signals from the communication device, and a switch circuit. In one embodiment, the system additionally includes a controller coupled to the first and second receiver circuits which causes the switch circuit to select the first transmitter control circuit during a first time period and the second transmitter control circuit during a second time period different than the first time period.

Abstract: A compressor (2), a heat releasing element (3A) of a heat exchanger (3) for heating, an electromotive expansion valve (4), and a heat absorbing element (5A) of a heat exchanger (5) for cooling are connected to each other to constitute a primary refrigerant circuit. A pump (11), a heat absorbing element (3B) of the heat exchanger (3) for heating, a first indoor heat exchanger (12), an electromotive expansion valve (13), a second indoor heat exchanger (14), and a heat releasing element (5B) of the heat exchanger (5) for cooling are connected to each other to compose a secondary refrigerant circuit (10). A liquid refrigerant ejected from the pump (11) is evaporated in the heat absorbing element (3B) of the heat exchanger (3) for heating, reduced in pressure by the electromotive expansion valve (13), and evaporated in the second indoor heat exchanger (14). Thereafter, the gas refrigerant is condensed in the heat releasing element (5B) of the heat exchanger (5) for heating to be returned to the pump (11).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for cooling gas flow in a pressurized pipeline, comprises the installation of one or more Joule-Thomson expansion valves along the length of the pipeline. The valve permit precise control of the temperature of the gas in the line, and accordingly the line itself, for passage through continuous or discontinuous areas of permafrost. The present invention allows precise control of the temperature of such a gas pipeline at predetermined points, to operate either in a warm mode (above the freezing point of water) or cold mode (below the freezing point of water). It is important that the temperature characteristics of the pipeline closely match those of the adjacent terrain or soil, to preclude settling of a warm pipe by melting adjacent permafrost soil, and to preclude frost heaves caused by ice buildup around a cold pipe in thawed ground.

Abstract: A container is provided for storing pressurized liquefied natural gas at a pressure of about 1035 kPa (150 psia) to about 7590 kPa (1100 psia) and at a temperature of about -123.degree. C. (-190.degree. F.) to about -62.degree. C. (-80.degree. F.). The container is constructed from an ultra-high strength, low alloy steel containing less than 9 wt % nickel and having a tensile strength greater than 830 MPa (120 ksi) and a DBTT lower than about -73.degree. C. (-100.degree. F.).

Abstract: A system and method for transferring a low-temperature fluid includes a source of the low-temperature fluid coupled to a device being cooled by one or more fluid hoses or lines. The lines are surrounded by a cover which is coupled to a source of gas. The gas flows between the fluid lines and the cover such that the dew point of the atmosphere inside the cover is below the temperature of an outer surface of the hose such that condensation on the fluid lines is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A compact rapid chilling system comprises: a liquefied-gas cylinder (1) filled with a liquefied gas; a cylinder holder (2) for holding the liquefied-gas cylinder (1); and, a control box (3) mounted on the cylinder holder (2). The control box (3) is provided with a nozzle (23) for issuing a jet of the liquefied gas through an electromagnetic valve, which liquefied gas is supplied from the liquefied-gas cylinder (1). The control box (3) is further provided with a control switch (25) for controlling the jet of the liquefied gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a cryogenic liquid comprising a thermally insulated main pipe in which a device for throttling a flow of liquid is mounted, a degassing pipe which is tapped off the upper part of the main pipe downstream of the throttling device.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid transfer system, for servicing a use device, releases stored cryogen from a bulk storage tank to a gas supply tank and a dispenser tank. The liquid cryogen in the gas supply tank is circulated through a circuit that includes a heat exchanger and the gas thus generated is returned to the gas supply tank so as to pressurize it. The pressurized liquid cryogen is released from the gas supply tank so that it flows through a vaporizer. The gas produced by the vaporizer is bubbled through the liquid cryogen in the dispenser tank so as to raise its temperature and pressure to the level required by the use device being serviced. Gas from the vaporizer is then delivered to the space above the liquid cryogen in the dispenser tank to as to create a pressure head that will cause the liquid cryogen to flow to the use device upon release. A venturi is connected to the tubing between the gas supply tank and the dispenser tank and is used to reduce the pressure in the bulk storage tank.

Abstract: A liquid cryogen withdrawal device includes a plug (14) for insertion into the neck of a cryogen-containing dewar (10) in gas-tight relationship. A withdrawal tube (17) passes through the plug to conduct liquid from the bottom of the dewar through a sintered bronze filter to a container to be filled with cryogen, and a pressure tube (19) fitted with a pump (20). Cryogen is stored in the dewar with a loose fitting cap thereon, with no withdrawal device in the dewar. When liquid is desired to be retrieved from the dewar, the withdrawal device is inserted into the dewar; and the pump is operated to create enough pressure to force a suitable amount of liquid from the dewar. The plug may have a gas pressure relief valve disposed thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides for withdrawal of the liquid contents from a closed container 14 independent of the spatial orientation thereof, is described. The liquid withdrawal apparatus includes flexible withdrawal conduits 58 disposed inside the container and in fluid flow communication with external heat exchangers 144, 146. The heat exchangers serve to transfer heat to the withdrawn liquid to thereby provide a breathable gas mixture. The upstream end of the withdrawal conduits 58 are provided with a weighted pick-up means comprising a wicking material that draws liquid into the interior thereof to ensure contact of the liquid with the conduits, even when the supply of liquid is nearly depleted. A pressure differential between the inside of the container and the external heat exchangers, normally brought about by an inhalation event of the user, provides the motive force for withdrawing the liquid contents from the container through the conduits.

Abstract: An open architecture recondensing superconducting magnet utilizing an upper and lower cryogen vessel connected by a passageway which extends above the bottom of upper cryogen vessel to discontinue the flow of liquid cryogen through the passageway to reserve liquid cryogen in the upper cryogen vessel when the cryogen level falls to provide an increased ride-through period in the event of a depleting liquid cryogen supply due to failure of the cryogen gas recondenser. A signal is provided to indicate the need to correct the failure.

Abstract: A system for providing a fluid refrigerant to a cooling element is provided herein. The system includes a vessel which holds the fluid refrigerant, a heat source evaporating a portion of the fluid in the vessel, and a heat exchanger condensing a portion of the gaseous phase of the fluid in the vessel. A conduit establishes fluid communication between: (i) the vessel and the cooling element; and (ii) the cooling element and the heat exchanger. Importantly, the system controls the flow rate of the fluid refrigerant to the cooling element by controlling the pressure of the fluid in the vessel. The system is particularly useful with cryogenic fluid refrigerants to cool a superconductor for an MRI System.

Abstract: A delivery and storage system for cryogenic fluids features a vehicle mounted dispensing system including a bulk storage tank that feeds cryogenic liquid to a sump containing a pump to pre-cool the pump. The pump feeds cryogenic liquid to another sump containing a meter so as to cool the meter. A valve selectively routes the cryogenic liquid from the meter sump to the bulk storage tank as the meter cools down. When the meter reaches operating temperature, cryogenic liquid is directed through the meter to a dispensing hose. The cryogenic liquid is dispensed into a liquid cylinder. The liquid cylinder features an automatic shut-off device to reduce the flow of the cryogenic liquid into the cylinder when the cylinder is full. The inner shell is held to the outer shell at the top by a combination stainless steel hose and composite cylinder neck. The bottom of the inner shell features a pair of pins which are supported by a strap across the bottom portion of the outer shell interior.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus (1) for dispensing a predetermined weight of fluid under substantially constant pressure including: (a) containing means (2) adapted to contain at least the predetermined amount of fluid; (b) an inlet to the containing means for passing fluid into the containing means and an outlet from the containing means for passing fluid from the containing means; (c) weighing means (16) to monitor the weight of the containing means; and (d) dispensing means to cause the predetermined fluid to flow from the containing means through the outlet at a substantially constant pressure, wherein the weight of the containing means is monitored as fluid is dispensed through the outlet until the predetermined weight of fluid has been dispensed.

Abstract: An insulated container that is open on top and contains phase change material travels along a conveyor. The container initially stops under an infrared sensor whereat its initial interior temperature is determined. A microprocessor uses the temperature data to determine the amount of cryogenic liquid that must be added to the container so that its phase change material will be frozen to a predetermined temperature. A cryogenic liquid dispenser charges the container with an amount of cryogenic liquid determined by the microprocessor. The cryogenic liquid dispenser includes a phase separator which depressurizes cryogenic fluid received from a bulk storage tank. Once the container is charged, it may be loaded with perishables, examples of which include food, blood or chemicals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the rate of supply of a liquid cryogen, for example, for cryosurgical use. The flow rate of the liquid cryogen is controlled by controlling variably the pressure propellant gas acting directly or indirectly on the liquid cryogen. A means for controlling the propellant gas pressure may comprise a source of pressurised propellant gas, and control valve means coupled between the source and the liquid cryogen reservoir chamber for controlling the pressure supplied to the reservoir chamber. A plurality of reservoir chambers may be driven by a common pressure source. When the pressure source is a pressure raising system, the cryogen reservoir chambers may be contained within the vessel of the pressure raising system. A feedback control arrangement is also described for controlling the cryogen flow rate in response to a measured characteristic associated with, or affected by, the cryogen flow rate.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for unloading liquified gases from rail cars or other transport vehicles by using an energy buffer system which allows the shifting of electric demand to off-peak hours when electric power rates are lower. The system employs a buffer tank containing solidified gas to withdraw vapor remaining in the rail car after the liquified gas has been removed. The invention relies on the fact that the liquified gas which is to be unloaded has a triple point pressure that is low enough to allow recovery of the majority of the residual vapor in the rail car. The system allows the use of a smaller refrigeration unit operating at a constant load over a long period of time, in place of a larger refrigeration unit. The system also provides an additional advantage of extracting vapor from a rail car at a faster rate than the rate which is possible with a typical compressor.

Abstract: A device for pressurizing a tank containing a supply of cryogenic liquid features a tubular enclosure disposed within the cryogenic liquid. The tubular enclosure features an opening in its bottom and is in communication with a pressure builder coil external to the tank. The vapor side of the pressure builder coil is in communication with the head space of the tank. An electric heater element is disposed in the bottom of the tubular enclosure. An insulating tube may optionally be disposed about the tubular enclosure. In addition, a ball may optionally be positioned adjacent the opening in the tubular enclosure so that a check valve is formed. The device fits through the tops of existing cryogenic tanks.

Abstract: Both an system and method are provided for transferring liquid carbon dioxide from a storage tank pressurized at 300 psi to a truck-transportable tank pressurized at about 110 psi. The system includes an inlet conduit having a hose portion connected between the storage and transportable tanks for conducting a flow of liquid carbon dioxide therebetween, and a vent hose connected to the transportable tank for venting gaseous carbon dioxide. Pressure regulators are connected to the inlet and vent hoses, respectively. In operation, the pressure regulator connected to the inlet conduit reduces the pressure of the flow of liquid carbon dioxide entering the transportable tank from 300 psi to 175 psi, while the pressure regulator connected to the vent conduit maintains a back pressure of 110 psi in the transportable tank while the allowing the venting of gaseous carbon dioxide.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of dewars each of which include an insulated apparatus for storing and delivering a liquid cryogen and a capacitance gauge for measuring the liquid level of cryogen. A process for rapidly filling the vessel with cryogen is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a vessel storing cryogenic fluid having a passive thermodynamic venting system for effectively and reliably transferring heat in a reduced-gravity environment. The storage vessel has a storage tank for holding the cryogenic fluid under pressure. The storage vessel is compartmentalized using a screen trap so that the heat exchanger of the venting system extends through a compartment which includes only the liquid phase of the cryogenic fluid. A screen gallery, screen trap and vane assembly cooperate to separate the gas and the liquid phases of the cryogenic fluid. The thermodynamic venting system includes a throttle device for reducing the temperature of cryogenic fluid. A conduit in contact with heat exchange elements transfers heat from the liquid phase of the cryogenic fluid to a relief valve for venting the heat external of the storage tank.

Abstract: A method of chilling, cooling or likewise refrigerating a product with the aid of the cold content of a condensed gas, wherein the product, preferably in a gas or liquid state, is caused to pass at least one product-cooling heat-exchanger. According to the invention, the condensed gas is vaporized in at least one evaporation heat-exchanger and the vaporized gas is delivered to the product-cooling heat-exchanger for cooling the product therein. The gas heated by the product in the product-cooling heat-exchanger is then returned to the evaporation heat-exchanger for vaporization of the condensed gas therein. The invention also relates to an arrangement for use in carrying out the method.

Abstract: A system and method for the delivery of cryogenic fluid, more particularly a cryogenic fuel, such as, for example, but not limited to an liquified natural gas (LNG), to a cryogenic fluid using source, and more particularly an LNG fuel source, and even more particularly an LNG fuel-operated engine. The system includes a source of a cryogenic fluid, more particularly an underground tank and with a liquid level within the underground tank source. The system includes a delivery pump to deliver cryogenic fluid from the underground tank source, to a cryogenic using source, typically an LNG fuel source above the underground tank source, with the pump located below the liquid level of the cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic fluid fuel tank.

Abstract: A sterilizable installation for supplying at least one dose of a cryogenic liquid to a use station, wherein said installation comprises, along a fluid transfer line;a source of a first cryogenic liquid;a reservoir, suitable for temporary storage of the first cryogenic liquid, comprising a plural number of parts which are assembled using welds executed according to welding techniques that produce total penetration with no lap between two welded parts, such that the reservoir does not include rough spots or other sites of bacterial contamination and providing resistance to temperature fluctuations; andmeans for withdrawing, in continuous or discontinuous fashion, the first liquid from the reservoir to supply the use station.

Abstract: An air conditioning equipment is provided wherein reduction in size of an outdoor heat exchanger, improvement of reliability, and low cost can be achieved without reduction in system efficiency. In the air conditioning equipment, the same working medium is employed in Rankine cycle (first cycle) and refrigerant cycle (second cycle) and an expander and a compressor used in respective cycles are installed in the same enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a sterile cryogenic liquid (for example into a container of food) is provided, as well as a method of use of same using a just-in-time approach to production. The apparatus includes at least one cryogenic liquid filter, the filter including filter media having the capability to effectively sterilize cryogenic liquids, the filter media positioned within a housing to accept non-sterile cryogenic liquid and produce sterile cryogenic liquid. The apparatus further includes at least one sterile cryogenic liquid receptor tube, the sterile cryogenic liquid receptor tube having a sterile cryogenic liquid outlet for outflowing sterile cryogenic liquid. The receptor tube is surrounded by a manifold which collects and drains spent condensed steam after a periodic filter sterilization cycle. The receptor tube also collects raw cryogenic fluid, which helps insulate sterile cryogen in the receptor tube. The cryogenic liquid filter is provided within a vacuum jacketed tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for delivering controlled doses of a liquid cryogen. Controlling a restriction in a return conduit and other system geometry maintains proper circulation through a delivery and return conduit, enabling reliable control over the temperature and pressure of the liquid cryogen at the site of dosing.

Abstract: A system and method for body cooling is disclosed for use with a cryogenic mixed gas storage and delivery apparatus, the storage apparatus including a compact and lightweight dewar for containing cryogenic temperature mixed gas at supercritical pressure. The system includes a garment having a fluid circulation network thereat and a plurality of heat exchangers receiving cold mixed gas expelled from the dewar for heat exchange to cool fluid in the fluid circulation network. Different ones of the heat exchangers also provide for heat input to the dewar to maintain gas therein in a single phase and provide continued expulsion energy and for warming of the gas for end use. No electrical input for fluid circulation is required.

Abstract: A liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling station which does not vent natural gas vapors. Three cryogenic storage vessels alternately serve as dispensing, conditioning, and receiving vessels. A natural gas compressor transfers vapor between the vessels and evacuates vapors vented from tanker trucks and vehicles. Heat absorbed by the LNG is utilized to warm the fuel for use in vehicles by bubbling the vapors through the LNG in the conditioning vessel.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid cryogen comprises a vessel (10) and a valve/actuator arrangement (16, 18) the valve being positioned within the vessel and operable to obturate or uncover an outlet orifice (14). The actuator (18) being positioned wholly or substantially outside the vessel, but being able to generate a magnetic force within the vessel for moving a magnet on the valve so as to move the valve between open and closed positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for storing cold fluid. The system includes a main tank and an auxiliary tank that are in fluid communication, and the auxiliary tank receives vapor and expanding fluid as the cold fluid in the main tank warms thereby avoiding overpressurization of the system.

Abstract: A liquid cryogen dispenser 10 includes a consolidation structure 20 adjacent its outlet 14 for causing gas contained in the liquid to consolidate into bubbles of sufficient buoyancy to cause them to rise to the surface of the liquid rather than be drawn through the outlet 14 where they can disrupt the smooth flow of liquid cryogen therefrom.

Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers and microparticles bound together as a porous matrix with a ceramic binder. The ceramic composite is particularly useful for transporting cryogenic fluids.

Abstract: The delivery system of the invention consists of a pair of LNG fuel tanks mounted on a vehicle. A solenoid valve associated with each tank allows the vehicle operator to select the tank from which LNG is to be delivered to the engine. An automatic override system is provided whereby if the pressure in the non-selected tank rises above a predetermined level, the operator's tank selection is overridden and gas from the non-selected tank is used until the pressure falls below the predetermined level. This override system eliminates the need to vent gas to the atmosphere to avoid pressure building up and thereby eliminates waste of the LNG. Each tank is also provided with a pressure building capability such that the gas will always be delivered to the engine with sufficient pressure. The system is designed such that LNG from a stationary low pressure storage tank can be delivered at high pressure to refuel the tanks.