Abstract: A pressurized fluid transfer system is provided comprising a supply storage vessel, a receiver storage vessel, a fluid flow passage extending from the supply storage vessel to the receiver storage vessel, a sonic nozzle comprising a convergent nozzle portion, a divergent nozzle portion, and a nozzle throat positioned between the convergent nozzle portion and the divergent nozzle portion. The nozzle throat defines a minimum flow area orifice having a cross sectional flow area which is smaller than a remainder of flow orifices within the system. Further, a sonic nozzle is provided in a pressurized fluid storage system such that sonic fluid flow into the fluid storage vessel is maintained until the storage vessel is about 90-95% full.

Abstract: An in-line fuel fill valve assembly which provides for rapid and efficient refueling of compressed natural gas powered vehicles is provided and includes a receptacle adapted to mate with a fuel supply nozzle and a valve body having an in-line gas flow passage therethrough. The gas flow passage has first and second ends, with the first end communicating with the receptacle, and the second end terminating at an outlet which is adapted to communicate with a fuel storage vessel. A check valve is positioned in the gas flow passage of the valve body and is normally biased into a closed position to prevent the flow of gas through the first gas flow passage, but which opens in response to a flow of fuel under pressure.

Abstract: A refueling check valve assembly which provides for rapid, efficient, and safe refueling of compressed natural gas powered vehicles is provided and includes a receptacle adapted to mate with a fuel supply nozzle and a valve body having first and second gas flow passages therethrough. The respective first ends of the first and second gas flow passages communicate with the receptacle, while the respective second ends of the first and second gas flow passages are adapted to communicate with a fuel storage vessel, typically through a fuel supply line. A check valve is positioned in the first gas flow passage of the valve body and is normally biased into a closed position to prevent the flow of gas through the first gas flow passage. The check valve opens in response to a flow of fuel under pressure, permitting the flow of gas to the fuel storage vessel. A by-pass valve is also provided in the second gas flow passage in the valve body for depressurizing the fuel system prior to servicing.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of gases from high pressure cylinders is provided having a projected raised annular valve seat surrounding a gas passage, a stem in threaded relation to the valve body whereby rotation of the valve stem in the valve body moves the valve stem toward and away from the valve seat, a circumferential shroud extending from the end of the valve stem and surrounding the valve seat when the valve is closed and partially open, a resilient seal member positioned within the recess on the end of the valve stem formed by the shroud, said resilient seat member having a tapered projection which extends into the gas inlet passage when the valve is in closed position and provides a gas tight seal between the valve stem and the valve seat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a yoke construction for connection to the valve body of a high pressure gas cylinder and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a yoke construction which will function only when the yoke is correctly connected to a valve body having an identical pin coding and will be inoperative at all other times.