Abstract: Apparatus for liquefying natural gas supplied from a source comprising a compressor for compressing the natural gas. A chiller reduces the temperature of the compressed gas, a heat exchanger for further cooling the cooled compressed gas. A Joule-Thompson valve is provided having an inlet and an orifice in communication with the inlet and the dewar for changing the size of the orifice. A pipe is connected from the heat exchanger to the Joule-Thompson valve and supplies cooled compressed gas to the inlet of the Joule-Thompson valve. The inlet of the Joule-Thompson valve has an inlet pressure. The dewar has a pressure therein substantially less than the pressure in the inlet whereby when the cooled compressed gas from the inlet piping passes through the Joule-Thompson valve there is an expansion of the gas to provide further cooling and liquefaction of a substantial portion of the gas as it passes into the dewar.

Abstract: A combination of a nozzle and a fuel tank fitting for delivering liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a dispenser to a fuel tank. The fuel tank fitting comprises first and second valve assemblies coupled to the fuel tank in close proximity to each other. Each valve assembly has a flow passage extending therethrough in communication with the interior of the tank. The nozzle comprises a housing forming a handle portion and a nozzle portion for mating with the valve assemblies of the fuel tank fitting to form a liquid-tight seal therebetween. First and second flow passages extend through the nozzle and provide respectively a fuel supply line and a vent return line. First and second valve assemblies are disposed in the first and second flow passages in the nozzle. A releasable cooperative clamp is carried by the fuel tank fitting and the nozzle for securing the nozzle to the tank fitting when the nozzle has been mated to the fuel tank fitting.

Abstract: Method for liquifying natural gas comprising regulating the pressure of the natural gas from a pressure ranging from 0-25 psig. Contaminants are filtered out of the regulated natural gas. The natural gas is then compressed to a higher pressure. At least a one-stage heat exchange is performed with the compressed natural gas by utilizing a coolant to provide a cooled compressed natural gas. A Joule Thompson valve is used to liquify at least a portion of the cooled compressed natural gas. The liquified natural gas is stored in a dewar. Unliquified natural gas passing from the dewar is utilized to provide cooling of the natural gas during the heat exchange. The unliquified natural gas is then recompressed. The recompressed natural gas is subjected to the same steps to liquify an additional portion of the recompressed natural gas.

Abstract: Method for liquifying natural gas comprising regulating the pressure of the natural gas from a pressure ranging from 0-25 psig. Contaminants are filtered out of the regulated natural gas. The natural gas is then compressed to a higher pressure. At least a one-stage heat exchange is performed with the compressed natural gas by utilizing a coolant to provide a cooled compressed natural gas. A Joule Thompson valve is used to liquify at least a portion of the cooled compressed natural gas. The liquified natural gas is stored in a dewar. Unliquified natural gas passing from the dewar is utilized to provide cooling of the natural gas during the heat exchange. The unliquified natural gas is then recompressed. The recompressed natural gas is subjected to the same steps to liquify an additional portion of the recompressed natural gas.