Patents by Inventor Richard K. Kunz

Richard K. Kunz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: RE41142
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for holding a pressurized fluid such as compressed natural gas (“CNG”) includes two end cells and zero or more interior cells. The cell geometry ensures that the cells meet one another at tangential circular surfaces, thereby reducing the tendency of adjacent cells to peel apart. A web secured about the cells includes two sheets that are tangent to the cells. Unused volumes between the cells and the web contain wedges of foam or rubber. A valve provides fluid communication between the interior of the pressure vessel and a pressurized fluid line. The filled weight of one pressure vessel does not exceed the filled weight of a conventional gasoline tank that occupies substantially the same space as the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel may be configured with exterior recesses for engaging conventional gasoline tank straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Blair, Darrel G. Turner, Richard K. Kunz, Mark J. Warner, Kevin W. Davis, F. Edward Wolcott, John D. Bennett