Abstract: A variable-density MLI-insulation employs unbonded, glass paper to separate radiation barriers. A layer-by-layer heat balance is conducted to determine the thickness of the various separation layers which vary from relatively thin at the warm wall to relatively thick at the cold wall.

Abstract: A liquified gas tank overfill protection system for use in a tank having a hermetically sealed chamber. The overfill protection system includes a shroud mounted in the chamber in a spaced relationship to the interior side of the chamber. The shroud divides the chamber into a plurality of spatially normally communicating portions. Preferably, the shroud has a generally elongated concave downward shape.

Abstract: A natural gas vehicle fuel delivery system regulates the pressure of LNG which is vaporized and delivered to an engine. The system employs dual regulator valves responsive to the gas phase pressure of a storage tank to either directly couple vapor produced from a heat exchanger to an engine combustion system, or to divert that vapor through another heat exchanger contained within the tank itself. This additional heat exchanger maintains the pressure within the tank at the desired level despite heavy fuel demands of the engine. The system functions independent of liquid level in the storage tank. When multiple LNG storage tanks are used, they are coupled in parallel so that they both produce gas and are concurrently regulated in the gas phase portion. A pressure initializing structure and process are also provided.

Abstract: A cryogenic valve that uses conventional materials in unusual ways to achieve very low heat leak, excellent strength, pressure or vacuum integrity and modest manufacturing cost. Heat leak rates on the order of 0.5 watt have been obtained in a 1.5 inch valve. Such performance is made possible by the unique structure of the valve stem, of the bonnet extension, and of certain insulative spacers. The valve stem consists of a thin wall tube of wound glass filaments in an epoxy matrix. The bonnet extension consists of a thin wall stainless steel bellows wound with glass fibers in an epoxy matrix. The insulative spacers have a shape that results in a long tortuous conduction path when they are stacked inside the valve stem and in the space between the valve stem and the bonnet extension.

Abstract: A superconducting energy storage magnet is formed having inner (13) and outer (14) coils which are supported and restrained by an inner support structure (15) comprised of thermal and electrically conductive rails (33) which engage and parallel the turns of composite conductors (30, 31) in the two coils. Each of the support rails (33) is electrically isolated from adjacent support rails by insulating spacers (33) between layers and an insulating spacer (35) between the rails for the inner and outer coils. The spacing between turns in the inner and outer coils preferably progressively decreases toward the top and bottom ends of the magnet in a manner to best direct the magnetically induced forces on the composite conductors (30, 31) into the inner support structure. The two layer coil structure causes the forces on the conductors when current is flowing therethrough to be directed primarily inwardly toward the inner support structure (15).