Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Seach

Thomas M. Seach 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: 10287027
    Abstract: An expandable liquid tank device is secured to a vehicle to provided externally pressurized fuel to the fuel system of the vehicle. The tank can comprise an outer bladder containing a flexible inner bladder. An end plate can secure the bladders to the vehicle. Upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder, the outer bladder expands and conforms to a tank region of the vehicle. The outer bladder (a pliable material) transitions from a flexible state to a semi-rigid or substantially rigid state upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder. To provide pressurized fuel to the vehicle, pressurized gas is injected between the bladders, which exert pressure against the flexible inner bladder to dispense the fuel through the end plate and to the fuel system. A method of making the tank and dispensing fuel is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Clayton B. Melton, Keith A. Elkins, Thomas M. Seach
  • Publication number: 20180093780
    Abstract: An expandable liquid tank device is secured to a vehicle to provided externally pressurized fuel to the fuel system of the vehicle. The tank can comprise an outer bladder containing a flexible inner bladder. An end plate can secure the bladders to the vehicle. Upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder, the outer bladder expands and conforms to a tank region of the vehicle. The outer bladder (a pliable material) transitions from a flexible state to a semi-rigid or substantially rigid state upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder. To provide pressurized fuel to the vehicle, pressurized gas is injected between the bladders, which exert pressure against the flexible inner bladder to dispense the fuel through the end plate and to the fuel system. A method of making the tank and dispensing fuel is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Clayton B. Melton, Keith A. Elkins, Thomas M. Seach