With Manifold Or Grouped Outlets Patents (Class 137/266)
  • Patent number: 7624753
    Abstract: A container for gas storage tanks in a vehicle is disclosed as part of a fuel storage system. The container is dimensioned to include one or more storage tanks along with a flow control device, such as a pressure regulator or automatic valve. The container does not form a fluid-tight containment around the storage tank and includes one or more ventilation openings to allow a gas within the container to be vented therefrom. There is also one or more drain openings in the container to allow liquid within the container to be drained therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Süess, Ludger Hilvert
  • Patent number: 7537021
    Abstract: At least one liquid tank has an outlet opening and a drain stub extending therefrom. A circular flange has plural connection openings with connection stubs respectively extending therefrom. A drain line is connected to the circular flange and communicates with all of the connection stubs. The drain stub of each tank is flange-connected to a respective connection stub extending from the circular flange. Unneeded connection stubs can be closed with blind flanges. This provides a modular reconfigurable system allowing a selected plurality of liquid tanks to be connected to a single drain line through the flange arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Safa Kirma
  • Patent number: 7533697
    Abstract: A valve assembly (10) comprises a valve body (20), a first valve (22a), a second valve (22b), and a manual override device (24). The valve body (20) defines a first inlet (30a), a second inlet (30b), and an outlet (32). Each valve (22a/22b) includes a plunger (68a/68b) that is electrically movable between a position whereat the corresponding inlet (30a/30b) communicates with the outlet (32) and a position whereat the inlet (30a/30b) is sealed from the outlet (32). The override device (24) is manually movable to override positions whereat the electrical control of one of the valves (22a/22b) is overridden and the plunger's seat-sealing surface (72a/72b) is caused to move so that the corresponding inlet (30a/30b) communicates with the outlet (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Zeiner, Robert W. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7507217
    Abstract: A device for exchanging and/or docking functional modules (1, 2), and used for the extracorporeal circulation of bodily fluids, is provided. Each functional module (1, 2) includes at least one conduit (3; 4) comprising an inlet (5; 7) and an outlet (6; 8). The aim of the invention is to exchange the functional modules of an extracorporeal circuit as rapidly as possible, without detaching tubular connections and without having to establish a new connection. The invention is provided with elements (9, 10; 11, 12) for connecting the conduit (3) of a first functional module (1) to the inlet (5) and the outlet (6) of a second functional module (2). The connection is established in such a way that the first functional module (1) is bypassed by means of the second functional module (2) to maintain the flow and the bodily fluid is diverted through the second functional module (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: PPA Technologies AG
    Inventor: Markus Ferrari
  • Patent number: 7484521
    Abstract: A tank system of the invention with multiple tanks makes a joint flow of a fluid released from the multiple tanks and supplies the joint flow to a downstream device, which is located downstream of the multiple tanks. The tank system includes: primary pressure measurement modules that individually measure internal pressures of the multiple tanks as primary pressures; a secondary pressure measurement module that measures a pressure of the joint flow of the fluid as a secondary pressure; flow rate regulation modules that individually regulate release flow rates of the fluid to be released from the multiple tanks; and a pressure control module that estimates a supply flow rate to be supplied to the downstream device from the measured secondary pressure, and then sets an allocation of the supply flow rate of the fluid to be released from each of the multiple tanks corresponding to the measured primary pressure with regard to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Kimbara, Nobuyuki Ogami, Akira Yamashita, Nobuo Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20080310972
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission mountable to a vehicle frame as a unit. The hydrostatic transmission has a nose cup to which a motor module is mounted. Passageways in an end block connect the pump element and motor module in a closed loop. The end block also has passageways for connecting a charge pump to the closed loop for supplying make-up flow thereto. An isolation plug is provided for separating flow between two intersecting passageways in the end block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xingen Dong, Barun Acharya
  • Patent number: 7465043
    Abstract: A liquid distribution unit for use between a container of a liquid and an apparatus supplied with said liquid, said liquid distribution unit includes a hollow body, a single inlet port provided in the hollow body for connection to the container, the hollow body being supplied with the liquid from the container via the single inlet port, and two or more outlet ports provided in the hollow body for feeding the liquid out from the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd
    Inventor: Hideki Sueoka
  • Publication number: 20080257417
    Abstract: A pipe branching arrangement, in particular for a tank farm system, comprises an at least approximately vertically extending hollow body which has at least one lateral connector, further comprising at least one mixproof valve which sits on the connector and produces a closable connection between the hollow body and at least one pipeline. The valve has two closing members, between which there is a leakage space which has a leakage outlet opening, the leakage space having a circumferential wall which extends from an inlet on the connector side to the leakage outlet opening on the outlet side, which is at a distance from the inlet. The circumferential wall has a decline on the gravitational force side of the leakage space in direction to the leakage outlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Stephan Thomaschki
  • Patent number: 7426935
    Abstract: A master/slave tank system for storing a compressed hydrogen gas, where the system employs an electrically driven shut-off valve for each tank in the system. The tank system includes a master tank and a slave tank for storing the gas. A first line is coupled to the master tank for providing the gas stored therein to a fuel cell stack. A master tank shut-off valve is positioned in the first line between the master tank and a pressure regulator. A second line is coupled to the slave tank for providing the gas stored therein to the master tank as the pressure difference between the slave tank and the master tank changes. An electrically driven slave tank shut-off valve is positioned within the second line, where the slave tank shut-off valve automatically closes the second line in response to an increase in the differential pressure across the slave tank valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko Schwan, Holger Winkelmann, Wolfgang Oelerich
  • Patent number: 7383892
    Abstract: An early suppression fast response fire protection system includes a sprinkler piping system with at least one sprinkler head assembly, a water supply system, and a check valve in fluid communication with the sprinkler piping system and the water supply system. An antifreeze solution supply system is in fluid communication with the sprinkler piping system, with the check valve isolating the antifreeze solution from the water supply unless a fire condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Eldon D. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20080116688
    Abstract: A threaded connection assembly comprises a nut, a multiplier connected to the nut via a first threaded interface having a first number of threads per inch and a well servicing pipe coupling connected to the multiplier via a second threaded interface having a second number of threads per inch. A method of forming a threaded connection for a well servicing application comprises forming a pipe coupling between two well servicing pipe sections and threading a connector to the pipe coupling to form a threaded connection without impact loading the connector. Another method for forming a threaded connection comprises disposing a first pipe section partially within a nut, threading a multiplier into the nut, threading the multiplier onto a second pipe section, and leveraging the multiplier against the nut, or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Bull, Leonard Case, Todd Dean, Ivan Blanco
  • Publication number: 20080110504
    Abstract: A modular membrane filtration system (5) includes a number of banks (6) of membrane modules (7). Each module (7) includes upper and lower modular manifolds (8) and (9), respectively which are connected to one another to form upper and lower common manifolds (10) and (11) for each bank (6). The upper and lower manifolds (8) and (9) are used for delivery of feed and removal of filtrate and waste liquid from the modules (7). A gas feed manifold (12) runs along the top of the module banks (6) and feeds gas to lower gas manifold (13) through drop lines (14). A further manifold (15) runs in parallel with the common upper and lower manifolds (10) and (11) and is connected thereto at connections points (16) between the manifold banks (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Warren Johnson, Sargon Barkho, Max Johnson, Peter Clark Stuart, Craig Chamulko, David John Cox, Peter Rogers
  • Patent number: 7357149
    Abstract: Auxiliary fuel tank systems for aircraft and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, an aircraft can include a fuselage, at least one engine, and a fuel system configured to distribute fuel to at least one of the engine and an aerial refueling manifold. The aircraft can further include an auxiliary fuel tank system operably coupled to the fuel system. The auxiliary fuel tank system can include a master tank assembly and at least one slave tank assembly. The master tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage, and can include a master tank body configured to hold fuel. The master tank body can be configured to pass through a door in the fuselage without disassembly. The slave tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage at least proximate to the master tank assembly, and can include a slave tank body configured to hold fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Patent number: 7337794
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for delivering large volumes of nitrogen gas, air, or other gas at high pressures from banks of high pressure cylinders and releasing that gas at the rate required by the operation. Not only can higher flow rates be achieved, but the absence of motors or engines can be an advantage in hazardous areas and can increase the reliability of the delivery of the gas. In addition, as compared to using liquid nitrogen, which typically must be delivered from a remote air separation plant, these banks of cylinders can then be recharged with gas by portable compressors or nitrogen generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Medra Arabia Trading
    Inventors: Willaim Brigham, Saad Hassan M. Alghurairi
  • Patent number: 7337799
    Abstract: A vehicle (1) equipped with a tank (2) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel (3 and 33), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice (34), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve (5), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignees: Conception Et Developpement Michelin S.A., Paul Scherrer Institut
    Inventors: Antonio Delfino, Daniel Laurent, Philippe Macherel
  • Patent number: 7316242
    Abstract: A regenerative fuel cell system is provided having at least one hydrogen storage container fluidly coupled to at least one hydrogen generator and at least one power generator. Each power generator further includes a fuel cell fluidly coupled to the hydrogen storage container, an electric energy storage device, and an unregulated dc bus electrically connected to said fuel cell and said electric storage device. The system further provides for a health monitoring system for determining the occurrence of critical events which may necessitate the disabling of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Stephen Charles Porter, Mark Andrew Lillis, Dean Edwin Halter, Iris Liane Shiroma, Spyros Nomikos
  • Patent number: 7311116
    Abstract: A gas regulation system includes a manifold, a plurality of control modules in fluid communication with the manifold, and a power source. Each control module includes an actuatable valve that is in fluid communication with an associated gas storage device and in electrical communication with the power source. The power source is adapted to prevent more than one of the actuatable valves from simultaneously having an actuated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Lillis
  • Patent number: 7302958
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating tank farm systems, which are interconnected with pipes in a fixed manner and which have pipe systems for liquids, particularly for use in systems which are subject to high microbiological quality requirements and which are used for processing and transferring products in the foodstuffs and beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, and biotech industry. The invention provides that the supply and discharge of liquids into and out of the respective tank ensues from underneath, and that the liquids that are being supplied or discharged flow through a space which is directly connected to the respective tank contents and which is situated underneath the respective tank in a switchable manner, and in a manner that ensures mixing, from the pipes of the pipe system that lead to this space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Tuchenhagen GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Worczinski
  • Patent number: 7258140
    Abstract: A portable gas supply apparatus comprises first and second storage tanks, a first pressure reducing device, a manifold and a first pneumatic connector fitting. The first storage tank includes an internal cavity for holding a supply of a pressurized fluid at a relatively high pressure, and is thermally uninsulated such that the pressurized fluid therewithin remains at ambient temperature. The first pressure reducing device has an inlet in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the first storage tank and an outlet. The first pressure reducing device reduces the pressure of fluid flowing therethrough from the relatively high pressure at the inlet to a first relatively lower pressure at the outlet. The manifold has a plurality of manifold connection points in fluid connection with one another. A first of the manifold connection points is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first pressure reducing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Acree
  • Patent number: 7258127
    Abstract: A valve, system and method for the delivery of gases or liquids is shown where the delivery persons can fill the system without having to enter the building and the system can continue to deliver gas to the user. There is no interruption of service while the system is being filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel E. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7100640
    Abstract: A liquid tank has an outlet opening and a drain stub extends therefrom and has a circular-sector-shaped partial flange on its free end. At least one complementary flange adjoins and complements the partial flange to form a complete first circular flange. The complementary flange may be another partial flange with a throughhole connected to another tank, or a solid blind flange. The first circular flange is sealed and secured to a second circular flange connected to a single drain line. The two circular flanges may have the same diameter and the same aligned circle centerpoint. This provides a modular reconfigurable system allowing a selected plurality of liquid tanks to be connected to a single drain line through the flange arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Safa Kirma
  • Patent number: 7100635
    Abstract: A large-scale system for storage and mixing of a solution comprising a plurality of ingredients not compatible for long-term storage in a pre-mixed formulation includes a storage tank that is divided into a plurality of compartments each of which is adapted to isolate and store a proportionate amount of ingredient, fluid conduits for withdrawing and conveying the ingredients from the compartments, valves for controlling the flow of ingredients and for preventing backflow, a manifold for continuous mixing and blending of the ingredients as they are withdrawn, a sump for holding a quantity of the mixed solution, a display to enable monitoring of system parameters and a discharge port to which conduits may be coupled for withdrawing the mixed solution from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: George W. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7044152
    Abstract: A pressurized delivery system for in-situ delivery of sub-soil remediation compounds to underground contaminated matter includes a liquid diaphragm pump connected to an inflow source of water, the pump being also in fluid communication with a plurality of bioslurry tanks connected in parallel, the bioslurry tanks each having a drain. Valve means are located between the liquid diaphragm pump and each of the bioslurry tanks for controlling either the alternate or simultaneous flow of fluid from the pump to each of the bioslurry tanks. A second liquid diaphragm pump having an inlet port for receiving the combined flow of the bioslurry tanks has an outlet in fluid communication with a system discharge port. The system further includes a source of compressed gas in fluid communication with the discharge port. A discharge rod is connected to the discharge port for delivery of remedial fluids to underground soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Innovative Environmental Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Scalzi, Wade Meese
  • Patent number: 6935366
    Abstract: A powder paint color changer features a single cleaning fluid port at one end of the color changer manifold for direction of cleaning fluid, such as pressurized air, through the main output interior chamber of the color changer manifold thence through a supply hose which is adapted for coupling to a paint application device. Additionally, the powder paint color changer manifold includes a replaceable insert of impact fusion resistant material which defines the surface of the manifold's interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Ciarelli, Melissa L. Koster, Dragoslav K. Milojevic, Christopher M. Rennie
  • Patent number: 6923201
    Abstract: A gas feed device for detecting trouble in a gas pressure sensor fitted to the gas feed device. The presence of trouble in pressure sensors is determined according to whether or not gas pressure values detected by the pressure sensors fitted to branch pipes is within an allowable range when stop valves fitted to the branch pipes connected to the access ports of hydrogen absorbing alloy tanks are fully opened from their fully closed state. When the gas feed device is mounted on a vehicle, no special operation is required for trouble detection because the trouble in the pressure sensors can be detected by fully opening the fully closed stop valves when the vehicle is started and normally the trouble can be judged by the mounted equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuo Fujita
  • Patent number: 6786229
    Abstract: A compressed-gas tank system has at least two gas vessels, the gas vessels having a base part and a removal part and openings which are assigned to the removal parts. The removal parts of the gas vessels are directly connected to a connecting rail, without any pipelines therebetween. The openings are in communication with a gas passage which runs inside the connecting rail, the connecting rail being assigned a shut-off valve which is common to all the gas vessels. The gas vessels are mechanically connected to a supporting rail, the supporting rail and the connecting rail forming a holding frame for the gas vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Gerardo Friedlmeier, Bernd Loeper
  • Patent number: 6782913
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single point watering system for refilling individual cells of a multi cell monobloc lead-acid battery wherein each battery cell is fitted with a refill control valve. The system includes a manifold and a swivel connector fitting. The manifold has (i) a plurality of outlet bosses positioned at a predetermined spacing to permit the manifold to be assembled to the battery with each outlet boss in sealed fluid communication with one of the refill control valves, (ii) at least one inlet port adapted to receive the swivel connector fitting, and (iii) a longitudinally extending passageway for fluid communication between the inlet port and each outlet boss. The swivel connector fitting has an outlet boss which is mounted within the manifold inlet port in sealed fluid communication and is rotatable within the inlet port through 360 degrees. The swivel connector fitting also includes ports to communicate with other components of the single point watering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campus
  • Publication number: 20040159352
    Abstract: a compressed-gas tank system has at least two gas vessels, the gas vessels having a base part and a removal part and openings which are assigned to the removal parts. The removal parts of the gas vessels are directly connected to a connecting rail, without any pipelines therebetween. The openings are in communication with a gas passage which runs inside the connecting rail, the connecting rail being assigned a shut-off valve which is common to all the gas vessels. The gas vessels are mechanically connected to a supporting rail, the supporting rail and the connecting rail forming a holding frame for the gas vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Gerardo Friedlmeier, Bernd Loeper
  • Patent number: 6776308
    Abstract: A apparatus with multiple paint intakes for providing a painting professional with the ability to draw paint from more than one container before having to reposition the spray painting equipment to draw from additional containers. The apparatus with multiple paint intakes includes a housing defining an interior chamber and a plurality of elongate support legs mounted on the housing for supporting the housing in an elevated condition above a surface. Each of the support legs has opposite ends, and each of the support legs has a passage formed therein extending between the opposite ends of the support leg and being in fluid communication with the interior chamber of the housing for permitting fluid to be drawn through each of the plurality of support legs and into the interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Dave D. Davis, M. Shane Davis
  • Publication number: 20040123902
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating tank farm systems, which are interconnected with pipes in a fixed manner and which have pipe systems for liquids, particularly for use in systems which are subject to high microbiological quality requirements and which are used for processing and transferring products in the foodstuffs and beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, and biotech industry. The inventive method fulfills the quality requirements and, in addition, makes it possible to provide the device for implementing the method with a design that it less complex than that of comparable prior art devices. To this end, the invention provides that the supply and discharge of liquids into and out of the respective tank (1.i) ensues from underneath, and that the liquids that are being supplied or discharged flow through a space (Bia), which is directly connected to the respective tank contents and which is situated underneath the respective tank (1.i).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Gunter Worczinski
  • Patent number: 6708719
    Abstract: A mounting structure, for a plurality of high pressure gas vessels (11a, 11b), has a block-shaped vessel mounting member (1) with a high rigidity formed with accommodating portions (5a, 5b, 9a, 9b) for accommodating first neck portions (12a, 12b) formed at one sides of the plural high pressure gas vessels and vessel base-valves (13a, 13b) and formed with a gas flow passage (6) that opens at openings (7a, 7b) of right and left side walls of the vessel mounting member (1) to allow the accommodating portions to communicate with one another. The neck portions (12a, 12b) and the vessel base-valves (13a, 13b) at the one sides of the plural high pressure gas vessels are accommodated in the accommodating portions (5a, 5b, 9a, 9b) of the vessel mounting member 1, and the plural high pressure gas vessels are mounted in the vessel mounting member (1), enabling the gas flow passage 6, formed in the vessel mounting member (1), to serve as a high pressure conduit portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Idoguchi
  • Patent number: 6708718
    Abstract: A high pressure gas supplying system comprises a supplying line 4 for supplying high pressure gas from high pressure tanks 3a, 3b. The supplying line 4 includes a supply piping line 30 connected with the high pressure tank 3a, a supply piping line 31 connected with the high pressure tank 3b, and a piping joint section 32 connecting these supply piping lines 30 and 31. A check valve 34a is provided in the supply piping line 30 to establish a flowing passage on condition that the internal pressure of the high pressure tank 3a is higher than the pressure at the piping joint section 32. And a check valve 34b is provided in the supply piping line 31 to establish a flowing passage on condition that the internal pressure of the high pressure tank 3b is higher than the pressure at the piping joint section 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Yamada, Akifumi Otaka
  • Patent number: 6684899
    Abstract: An apparatus for safely delivering a hazardous fluid substance to a receiving structure includes first and second supply cylinders containing the fluid substance and each supply cylinder having a supply cylinder release port; a high pressure containment vessel having a vessel wall and being sized to receive and safely enclose the first and second supply cylinders; a high pressure first tube extending from each of the first and second supply cylinders, and in fluid communication with the supply cylinder release ports and extending to and being in fluid communication with a vessel port in the vessel wall; and a vessel valve in fluid communication with each of the first tube for controlling delivery of the fluid substance from the first and second supply cylinders and from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Rudolph Caparros
  • Patent number: 6681791
    Abstract: Valve assembly comprising a valve base, a valve bonnet attached thereto, a rotatable valve stem extending coaxially through the valve bonnet, a rotatable valve handle attached to the valve stem and having a plane of rotation which is generally perpendicular to the axis of the valve stem, and an indicator tab attached to the valve base or the valve bonnet and extending outward from the valve body or valve bonnet in a direction generally parallel to the plane of rotation of the valve handle. The rotatable valve handle can be disposed in at least a first position and a second position, wherein the rotatable handle when disposed in the first position renders the indicator tab invisible when viewed in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the valve handle, and wherein the rotatable handle when disposed in the second position renders the indicator tab visible when viewed in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the valve handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Chorney, Richard Linton Samsal, Stanley Louis Morton, Peter Joseph Kielhofner, Todd Jeffrey Siegfried, Thomas Anderson
  • Patent number: 6666226
    Abstract: A reliable and economical apparatus for relieving pressure in a large aircraft cabin oxygen supply, where multiple oxygen cylinders are used concurrently. A series-parallel array of valves actuated by changes in differential pressure between the oxygen supply and the ambient cabin atmosphere provides overpressure relief The series connection of the valves reduces the risk of open-valve failures, while the parallel connection of sets of series-connected valves reduces the risk of closed-valve failures. The small number of valves used in its design reduces the cost of the apparatus. The series-parallel structure is optionally extended to larger numbers of valves to facilitate the use of less-expensive valves and supporting components without loss of reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Carleton Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence H. Gill, Gary Thomasulo, Glenn Maslowsky, William D. Siska, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6644338
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single point watering system for refilling individual cells of a multi cell monobloc lead-acid battery wherein each battery cell is fitted with a refill control valve. The system includes a manifold and a swivel connector fitting. The manifold has (i) a plurality of outlet bosses positioned at a predetermined spacing to permit the manifold to be assembled to the battery with each outlet boss in sealed fluid communication with one of the refill control valves, (ii) at least one inlet port adapted to receive the swivel connector fitting, and (iii) a longitudinally extending passageway for fluid communication between the inlet port and each outlet boss. The swivel connector fitting has an outlet boss which is mounted within the manifold inlet port in sealed fluid communication and is rotatable within the inlet port through 360 degrees. The swivel connector fitting also includes ports to communicate with other components of the single point watering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 6623697
    Abstract: Analysis device for analyzing samples, in particular of body liquids, with respect to components contained therein. It comprises a plurality of liquid handling (LH) stations. At at least a part of the LH stations there is a production of liquid waste whereby said LH-station form liquid waste sources. The liquid waste is evacuated, with at least one pump, from the liquid waste sources, with different proportions of air, via a liquid waste conducting system, into a liquid waste container. A substantial reduction of foam production is obtained by connecting at least two liquid waste sources to the liquid waste container via at least two liquid waste lines leading separately into the liquid waste container, whereas liquid waste sources with a higher average air proportion are connected to a first liquid waste line and liquid waste sources with a lower average air proportion are connected to a second liquid waste line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics GmbH
    Inventors: Otto Fuerst, Paul Jansen, Thomas Jaeck
  • Publication number: 20030037816
    Abstract: An apparatus for safely delivering a hazardous fluid substance to a receiving structure includes first and second supply cylinders containing the fluid substance and each supply cylinder having a supply cylinder release port; a high pressure containment vessel having a vessel wall and being sized to receive and safely enclose the first and second supply cylinders; a high pressure first tube extending from each of the first and second supply cylinders, and in fluid communication with the supply cylinder release ports and extending to and being in fluid communication with a vessel port in the vessel wall; and a vessel valve in fluid communication with each of the first tube for controlling delivery of the fluid substance from the first and second supply cylinders and from the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Rudolph Caparros
  • Publication number: 20020148502
    Abstract: A gas feed device for detecting trouble in a gas pressure sensor fitted to the gas feed device. The presence of trouble in pressure sensors 52 to 58 is determined according to whether or not gas pressure values detected by the pressure sensors 52 to 58 fitted to branch pipes 32 to 38 is within an allowable range when stop valves 42 to 48 fitted to the branch pipes 32 to 38 connected to the access ports of hydrogen absorbing alloy tanks 22 to 28 are fully opened from their fully closed state. When the gas feed device 20 is mounted on a vehicle, no special operation is required for trouble detection because the trouble in the pressure sensors 52 to 58 can be detected by fully opening the fully closed stop valves 42 to 48 when the vehicle is started. And normally the trouble can be judged by the mounted equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Nobuo Fujita
  • Patent number: 6431201
    Abstract: A water management system for a motor vehicle in which water is collected from the condenser (1) of the air-conditioning unit, stored in a master water tank (5) and distributed therefrom to the battery (15), screen wash jet (27) and radiator (37). The vehicle owner is thus spared the inconvenience of regularly checking and topping up the water supply for these items. The risk of breakdown is also reduced. In another aspect of the invention, a wet battery (15) incorporates a plurality of float valves (75) for regulating the fluid level in respective cells (61, 63) of the battery. Water is passed through a common channel (23) into which the float valves (75) open when the fluid level is below a preset limit. The battery fluid is thereby automatically kept at the required level for optimum performance and lifetime of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Chin Lye Chau
  • Patent number: 6418962
    Abstract: A compressed gas vehicle fuel storage system comprised of a plurality of compressed gas pressure cells supported by shock-absorbing bumpers positioned within a low cost, shape-conforming container. The container is dimensioned relative to the compressed gas pressure cells whereby a radial air gap surrounds each compressed gas pressure cell. The radial air gap allows pressure-induced expansion of the pressure cells without resulting in the application of pressure to adjacent pressure cells or physical pressure to the container. The pressure cells are interconnected by a gas control assembly including a thermally activated pressure relief device, a manual safety shut-off valve, and means for connecting the fuel storage system to a vehicle power source and a refueling adapter. The gas control assembly is enclosed by a protective cover attached to the container. The system is attached to the vehicle with straps to enable the chassis to deform as intended in a high-speed collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: John J. Wozniak, Paul D. Wienhold, Dale B. Tiller
  • Patent number: 6418961
    Abstract: A water supply manifold can be manufactured easily and inexpensively while simultaneously providing an improved connection of manifold components to one another. The water supply manifold, or at least each section thereof, includes (1) a header tube that is configured to extend longitudinally along a support surface such as a shelf and (2) fittings that are mounted on the header tube in a spaced-apart relationship relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment in which the water supply manifold is intended for use in an animal water supply system, two opposed fittings may be provided on opposite sides of the header tube at each water supply location so as to permit two rows of cages to be mounted back-to-back on each shelf of a cage and rack system. In this case, a single supply tube may extend completely through the header tube at each water supply location and receive a respective fitting at each of two outlet ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Edstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Edstrom, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6336468
    Abstract: A supply tube isolation system for use with a chemical delivery system includes a feedback tube connected between the manifold and each of the supply tubes connected between the chemical supply containers and the chemical pumps of the chemical delivery system. A controllable valve means is provided at or near the junction of the feedback tube and the supply tube so as to effectively segment the supply tube into first and second portions, where the first supply tube portion is that which is connected between the valve means and the manifold, and the second tube portion is that which is connected between the valve means and the chemical supply container. During delivery of the chemical to one or more destinations within the delivery system, the valve means is positioned so as to close the feedback tube and connect the first and second portions of the supply tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Diverseylever, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Cords
  • Patent number: 6321775
    Abstract: A compressed gas storage cell interconnecting manifold including a thermally activated pressure relief device, a manual safety shut-off valve, and a port for connecting the compressed gas storage cells to a motor vehicle power source and to a refueling adapter. The manifold is mechanically and pneumatically connected to a compressed gas storage cell by a bolt including a gas passage therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Richard J. Hildebrand, John J. Wozniak
  • Patent number: 6314978
    Abstract: To produce a high pressure stream of fluid, such as propellant, the fluid is transfered from a low pressure reservoir into a plurality of intermediate storage tanks, in which the fluid is pressurized. The fluid is drained from the storage tanks to an outlet in sequence. While one pressurized storage tank in a three pressurized tank system is being drained, the most recently drained one of the storage tanks is being vented, and still another of the storage tanks is being filled or replenished with fluid, as the case may be, from the low pressure reservior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Eric Lanning, James B. Blackmon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6279612
    Abstract: An auxiliary fuel tank system includes a permanent pressure tank for natural gas or propane is mounted on a vehicle such as a fork lift truck. The auxiliary tank is connected through fuel lines to a replaceable portable tank which supplies fuel to the auxiliary tank through check valves and a valve mechanism which may be turned on and off. The auxiliary tank is filled upon initial attachment of the portable tank to the fuel line for the truck. After filling the auxiliary tank, the valve mechanism is closed only to be reopened upon exhaustion of fuel from the portable tank. Fuel lines connect the respective tanks to the engine thereby permitting operation of the engine, even upon exhaustion of fuel from the portable, replaceable tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Spare Tank Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell W. Warth
  • Patent number: 6263974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power source for supplying water-based liquid to a system, the power source comprising a container (5) for the water-based liquid and a pump unit (6) which comprises a pump (7) and a power source (8) for the pump, the pump unit being arranged to supply the water-based liquid from the container to the system via a pipe system (4) which is filled with a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 6206027
    Abstract: The tank is made up of a plurality of elementary tanks such as tubes (20) connected in parallel to at least one manifold device (30, 32), and it includes closure valves enabling any one of the elementary tanks to be isolated in response to a drop in the pressure contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation - S.N.E.C.M.A.
    Inventors: Lionel Ponnet, Patrick Jacquier, Jean-Louis Charles
  • Patent number: 6196255
    Abstract: Manifold/distributor assembly for combustible gas supplied from a plurality of liquefied gas cartridges, comprising a frame (1) with upper and lower covers (64, 65) forming a leaktight box (95) and, within the box, a plurality of housings (2), each for housing a liquefied gas cartridge (36, 85) and each one being provided with a valve assembly (71) incorporating an actuation element (13, 91), which valve assembly does not open unless a cartridge is present in the housing and actuates the element; the outlet of each valve assembly being connected to a manifold (15, 16, 17, 18, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79) comprising a multiple-way tap (80) for selective connection of manifold portions to a delivery pipe (22), in case through a pressure regulator (81).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Walter Tosto Serbatoi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Poillucci
  • Patent number: 6089252
    Abstract: A fuel manifold includes a manifold block having a first port adapted to be connected to a main fuel tank, a second port adapted to be connected to an input connection of an auxiliary fuel tank, and a third port adapted to be connected to an output connection of the auxiliary fuel tank. A first channel in the manifold block couples the first port to the second port. A second channel couples the third port to the first channel and includes a check valve for permitting fuel to flow only from the third port to the first channel. A valve is coupled between the second port and the auxiliary fuel tank. The fuel manifold may further include a fourth port adapted to be coupled to the second main fuel tank. A third channel in the manifold block couples the fourth port to the third port. The fuel manifold further includes a constriction fitting attached to the manifold block for attaching a gas (nitrogen) line from the auxiliary fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Robertson Aviation LLC
    Inventor: David Laurence Braun