Abstract: A sealing system for an outlet of a plastic-lined cylinder has a plastic liner outlet extending into a bore of a boss. An insert is engageable with the bore, forming a primary seal between the insert and portion of the liner outlet. Further, a tapered compression surface of the insert engages a tapered bore portion of the liner outlet adjacent the primary seal for compressing the liner outlet and closing any annular assembly clearance at the primary seal for obviating opportunity for seal extrusion under pressure. An axial position in the boss, and dimensional integrity, of the liner outlet is maintained by engaging an annular distal end of the liner outlet in the bore by a stop. The stop can be integral with the boss. Reverse extrusion of the primary seal due to trapped gas and rapid decompression of the cylinder can be defeated by providing a leak path.

Abstract: A sealing system for an outlet of a plastic-lined cylinder has a plastic liner outlet extending into a bore of a boss. An insert is engageable with the bore, forming a primary seal between the insert and portion of the liner outlet. A tapered compression surface of the insert engages a tapered bore portion of the liner outlet adjacent the primary seal forming a tapered interface and a secondary seal. An axial position in the boss, and dimensional integrity, of the liner outlet is maintained by engaging an annular distal end of the liner outlet in the bore by a stop. The stop can be formed on the insert.

Abstract: A seal system is provided for a reciprocating shuttle piston in a piston bore. An annular seal ring is fit to a piston ring groove in the piston. The seal ring is split along a cut extending entirely through a depth of the ring from a first side to a second side and entirely through a width of the ring from an outer peripheral seal face to an inner face. A fluid pressure differential across the seal results in a leak-by or metered flow of fluid across the seal, such as to equilibrate pressure across the piston. In one embodiment, the leak-by seal is fit to a groove in a shuttle piston of a pilot operated valve, the piston having a first face for opening and closing a main flow passage and a second face communicating with a pilot or backpressure passage. In one operation, the seal ring can bleed fluid from the second face for altering the pressure differential across the piston.

Abstract: A fluid-flow control system for a valve comprises a valve body and a bi directional main flow passage between a first and second fluid areas. The shuttle piston having a first face in direct communication with the second area and a second face in communication therewith through a bleed orifice. The second face is alternately exposed to the first fluid area through a backpressure passage and second orifice which alters the pressure differential across the shuttle piston. A second valve such as a solenoid operates to either close the second orifice wherein the shuttle piston is operable under differential pressure between the first and second pressure areas, or to close the second orifice wherein the shuttle piston is operable under differential pressure between the second pressure area and the backpressure passage. Filters at the fluid inlet and outlets protect the sealing components therein.

Abstract: A bumper having an outer compressible layer, such as foam, positioned to absorb an impact and an inner layer of fiberglass laminated end-grain balsa for transferring residual load. The layers are wrapped in a fiberglass skin or urethane coating. The bumper is particularly useful when integrated into a frame used to mount fuel cylinders onto a vehicle roof. The bumper is attached to the frame using struts or balsa pillars and mounting plates so that loading resulting from an impact is transferred from the bumper and into the frame for preventing damage to the fuel cylinders. The mounting system can be configured to mount cylinders longitudinally in the direction of travel of the vehicle or transverse to the direction of travel. A bumper is attached at the front of the frame and a second bumper may be positioned at the back of the frame depending upon the configuration of the mounting.

Abstract: A sealing system for a high pressure fuel cylinder has an inner seal and an outer seal sealing an insert into a boss of the cylinder. Permeation rates as a result of the differential pressures across the seals are balanced across both the inner and outer seals to maintain a constant pressure in an intermediate space between the seals. Permeation is balanced by selecting suitable seal materials or by seal geometry or by providing a pressure relief device to the intermediate space to release excess pressure built up in the intermediate space beyond a desired intermediate pressure. Maintaining the intermediate pressure lower than the cylinder pressure and higher than atmospheric pressure results in lower pressure differentials across the seals, extending the seal life. A pressure switch or gauge is provided to monitor the pressure in the intermediate space. Changes in the pressure are indicative of a leak in one or both of the seals.

Abstract: A bumper having an outer compressible layer, such as foam, positioned to absorb an impact and an inner layer of fiberglass laminated end-grain balsa for transferring residual load. The layers are wrapped in a fiberglass skin or urethane coating. The bumper is particularly useful when integrated into a frame used to mount fuel cylinders onto a vehicle roof. The bumper is attached to the frame using struts or balsa pillars and mounting plates so that loading resulting from an impact is transferred from the bumper and into the frame for preventing damage to the fuel cylinders. The mounting system can be configured to mount cylinders longitudinally in the direction of travel of the vehicle or transverse to the direction of travel. A bumper is attached at the front of the frame and a second bumper may be positioned at the back of the frame depending upon the configuration of the mounting.

Abstract: A unitary fuel system module comprising one or more fuel cylinders mounted to a frame as a module, preferably through neck-mounts, and having fueling lines for connecting the fuel cylinders to the vehicle. The frame is fitted with a latching mechanism that is readily actuated for alternately securing the frame to the fuel supply envelope in the vehicle or releasing the frame for removal of the fuel module as a unitary structure. Preferably, the frame is fitted with wheels or slides to enable sliding the module in and out of the envelope. In operation, as required return a vehicle to operation, a faulty module can be replaced with a replacement module, which is slid into the envelope where it is secured and the fueling lines are re-connected to the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fiber-reinforced pressure vessels and the product produced therefrom. A ductile metal vessel liner, being formed with at least one nozzle, is wrapped with a first composite layer of resin-impregnated fibers. Pressure is applied to the vessel sufficient to yield the liner but is insufficient to cause deformation of the nozzle. The liner retains a residual compressive stress critical for withstanding cyclical service pressures. A second composite layer is applied over the first layer to increase the strength of the vessel sufficient to maintain the vessel's integrity at very high cyclical service pressures (such as about 0-10,000 psig). The vessel is then pressure tested at 1.5 times the intended service pressure to ensure vessel integrity.

Abstract: An arrangement for passing an electrical signal between first and second areas includes a body disposable between the first and second areas and having an aperture. A first sleeve is at least partially disposed in the aperture and defines a first opening. A second sleeve is also at least partially disposed in the aperture and defines a second opening. The arrangement further includes an electrically conductive element having a first portion disposed in the first opening, and a second portion disposed in the second opening.

Abstract: An improved restraining strap and method of using same is provided for securely attaching pressure vessels tanks to the supporting structure of a vehicle. Each strap has an extensible, elongated body which is lies over the tank and has first and second ends which are attached rigidly to the structure. A plurality of V-bends are spaced along the body between the first and second ends, each V-bend has an apex displaced out-of-line of the body so that when the tank is cycled between its contracted and expanded states, the body of the strap elastically shortens and lengthens while each V-bend flexes within the elastic range and providing a consistent vessel holding force. The holding force is sufficient to withstand acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle under normal operating conditions as well as under most impact conditions, whether the tank is fully expanded (pressurized) or fully contracted (depressurized).

Abstract: An improved electrically operated pilot-type, “instant-on” solenoid assembly for near-instantaneous control over the flow of compressed gas. The assembly may be applied in fuel systems for propulsion in vehicles using gaseous fuel. It includes a housing with inlet and outlet passages connected to a primary chamber where a primary piston is slidably mounted, a secondary chamber having a secondary piston slidably mounted within the chamber, a solenoid to produce translational movement of the pilot piston, and passageways linking the various components. When the solenoid is energized, the pilot piston is moved to permit fluid to flow from the primary to the pilot chamber, producing an increase in the differential pressure in the regions of the primary chamber. The differential pressure then forces the primary piston to move, exposing the outlet to fluid flow from the gas inlet.

Abstract: A frameless system for mounting pressure vessels to a structure comprising fiber-reinforced (FRP) brackets and parallel brackets arranged orthogonally at each neck end of one or more pressure vessels. The brackets are stiff to accept inertial loads imposed by the pressure vessels and are flexible enough to permit longitudinal expansion of the pressure vessels. Each bracket preferably has a profile comprising a base, a tubular portion extending from the base and a web extending from the tubular portion. The pressure vessel's neck end is connected to the web through an attachment secured to the web which transfers loads from the pressure vessel into the bracket's web.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for use with a vessel containing pressurized fluid includes a body engageable with the vessel. The arrangement further includes a coalescing filter assembly supported by the body such that the filter assembly is disposable inside the vessel when the body is engaged with the vessel. In one embodiment of the filter arrangement, the coalescing filter assembly includes a housing having a cavity, a coalescing filter disposed in the cavity for removing entrained liquid from the fluid, and a drain device in fluid communication with the cavity for draining the liquid removed by the coalescing filter from the cavity into the vessel.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for use with a vessel that receives fluid includes a body engageable with the vessel. The body has an inlet port, an outlet port, a body cavity, a first fluid path disposed between the inlet port and body cavity, and a second fluid path disposed between the body cavity and the outlet port. A filter is disposed at least partially in the body cavity, and includes a filter cavity and filter media for filtering the fluid. A valve is associated with the body for allowing the fluid to flow into and out of the vessel. When the fluid flows into the vessel, the fluid flows through the filter cavity and along the first fluid path without flowing through the filter media. When the fluid flows out of the vessel, the fluid flows along the first fluid path, through the filter media and along the second fluid path.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for passing an electrical signal between a first area having a first pressure, and a second area having a second pressure, wherein the first pressure is normally greater than the second pressure. The arrangement includes a body disposable between the first and second areas. The body has a first surface disposable adjacent the first area, and an aperture extending from the first surface. A sleeve is non-threadingly engaged with the body and defines a passage. The sleeve further has a first portion disposed adjacent the first surface, and a second portion disposed in the aperture. The arrangement further includes an electrically conductive element disposed at least partially in the passage. When the sleeve is exposed to the first pressure, the first portion is urged toward the first surface of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fiber-reinforced pressure vessels and the product produced therefrom. A vessel liner is wrapped with resin-impregnated fibers and cured according to conventional technology. The cured, fiber-wrapped liner is then subjected to a pre-treatment process comprising both elevated temperature and pressure over time. The elevation in temperature allows the resin to soften. The increased pressure imparts a tensile load in the fibers. The tensile load causes fibers to stretch and straighten in the resin. After cooling to typical operating temperatures, and when pressurized for duty, the now straightened fibers are capable of responding immediately to the tensile load and the burst strength of the vessel is increased as a result. The process can be combined with autofrettage in series or simultaneously to achieve even greater final strength.

Abstract: A heat-responsive fuse cord is positioned in the proximity of a pressure vessel and is thermally coupled to a thermal-pressure relief device which is in communication with the pressurized contents of the vessel. When ignited the fuse cord burns to a thermal coupler, transferring the heat to the thermal actuator of the TPRD. In a kit form, fuse cord and a thermal coupler provide an economical remote and retrofit triggering system for TPRD's having an otherwise limited environment of influence.