Abstract: An integrated cooling module of a fuel cell stack is attached to a housing of the fuel cell stack, and the integrated cooling module is connected to a plurality of components constituting a thermal management system of a fuel cell. In particular, the integrated cooling module includes: a first injection member defining flow paths guiding coolant into one or more components of the thermal management system of the fuel cell, and at least one second injection member coupled to the first injection member, and the coolants going through the components flow into the fuel cell stack through any one of the flow paths defined by the integrated cooling module.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a beverage into a cup. Dispensing hardware is configured to dispense the beverage into the cup. A vision system captures an image of the cup within a dispensing area of the system. A model contains data corresponding to the cup being full. A control system compares the image of the cup to the model and controls the dispensing hardware to dispense the beverage into the cup based on the comparison of the image of the cup to the model.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a container with a treatment fluid, for example in a beverage bottling plant, including: at least one treatment member with a switchable treatment valve, wherein the treatment member is configured to treat the container with the treatment fluid by opening the treatment valve and to end the treatment by closing the treatment valve; at least one motion sensor which is configured to detect a movement of the treatment member or a component that is mechanically coupled to the treatment member during switching of the treatment valve; and an electronic evaluation unit which is coupled in a communicating manner to the motion sensor and is configured to draw conclusions about the switching behavior of the treatment valve from processing the data that is detected by the motion sensor.

Abstract: A trouble recovering method of an aseptic filling machine and an aseptic filling machine which can resume operation at an early stage if a trouble occurs in any of portions during an operation of the aseptic filling machine are provided. A door of a chamber in which the trouble occurred is opened while a pressure in the chamber other than the chamber in which the trouble occurred is kept positive, the trouble is removed and then, the door is closed, an inside of the chamber in which the trouble occurred is cleaned as necessary, the inside of the chamber is sterilized and then, the operation of the aseptic filling machine is resumed.

Abstract: Gas-flammability sensing systems and methods may be used to determine the flammability of gas mixtures in measurement volumes such as a fuel tank (e.g., an aircraft fuel tank). Gas-flammability sensing systems include a test cell structured to receive a gas sample, a heater in thermal communication with the test cell, and a gas meter configured to measure a physical property of the gas sample within the test cell related to the combustion state of the gas sample. The heater is configured to heat the gas sample to an elevated temperature less than the autoignition temperature of the gas sample. Methods of determining the flammability of a gas sample include collecting the gas sample, heating the gas sample to the elevated temperature, measuring the physical property of the gas sample after heating, and determining the flammability of a gas sample based upon the measured physical property.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for storing a fluid in a storage vessel in liquefied form and delivering it in gaseous form to an end user through a supply line. The system comprises a pressure relief circuit for returning the fluid from the supply line to the vessel when predetermined conditions are met. The pressure relief circuit comprises a return line connected to the supply line and the storage vessel, a diversion line to divert the fluid elsewhere and a switching device operable to direct the fluid to either one of the lines, as a function of predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing gases and supplying fuel to a gaseous fuel consuming device, such as a gaseous fueled vehicle or the like. One embodiment includes a gas compressor for compressing the gaseous fuel to an array of tanks having predetermined initial set points which are increasing for tanks in the array. One embodiment provides a selecting valve having first and second families of ports wherein the valve can be operated to select a plurality of ports from the first family to be fluidly connected with a plurality of ports with the second family, and such fluid connections can be changed by operation of the valve.

Abstract: An enhanced operating method and an integrated tube-trailers and stationary ground storage system are provided for implementing enhanced pressure consolidation operations for refueling gaseous fuels. The integrated tube-trailers and stationary ground storage system includes gaseous fuel supply tube-trailers and stationary ground storage including at least one or more stationary pressure vessels. A compressor can be supplied by both the stationary ground storage and the tube-trailers. The stationary ground storage can provide higher pressure to the compressor than the tube-trailers, enabling enhanced compressor throughput during refueling operation, and enhanced utilization of tube-trailers payload.

Abstract: A system and a method for processing and storing hydrocarbon gas. A gas conditioning and compression transport comprises a gas conditioning system for processing hydrocarbon gas received from the hydrocarbon fuel source and a compression system. The compression system comprises a dual shaft electric motor capable of driving a first compressor and a second compressor to compress the hydrocarbon gas. A gas compression and storage transport receives the processed hydrocarbon gas from the gas conditioning and compression transport. The gas compression and storage transport is capable of directing a first portion of the processed hydrocarbon gas to bypass processing at the gas compression and storage transport and diverting a second portion of the processed hydrocarbon gas for storage. A storage compressor compresses the second portion of the hydrocarbon gas for storage in one or more gas storage tanks.

Abstract: An overhead material handling system is provided. The system comprises a leveler having a cover defining an interior, and a screw having a shaft and a screw portion positioned within the cover interior. The system further comprises a lift structure comprising a plurality of hydraulic stabilizing legs, the lift structure being connected to the leveler wherein the plurality of hydraulic legs extend and retract to raise and lower the lift structure, at least one sensor, and a safety mechanism comprising at least one extension off of an end of the leveler.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen filling system that includes a receptacle that is provided in a fuel cell electric vehicle and to which a fueling nozzle that dispenses hydrogen is connected, a manifold connected with a hydrogen tank provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle, a hydrogen filling line that connects the receptacle and the manifold, a hydrogen supply line that connects a fuel cell stack provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle and the manifold, and a buffer line that is connected to the hydrogen supply line and that heats the receptacle using heat of compression by the hydrogen that is supplied into the hydrogen supply line during filling of the hydrogen tank with the hydrogen. The present disclosure may obtain advantageous effects of suppressing freezing of the receptacle and improving safety and reliability.

Abstract: A vehicle including: a tank configured to be filled with fuel gas; a receptacle configured to be connected to a nozzle included in a fuel gas filling apparatus; a filling passage configured to provide communication between the receptacle and the tank; a heating unit configured to heat the receptacle; a determination unit configured to determine whether or not a parameter value, correlated with a filling speed of the fuel gas filled into the tank from the fuel gas filling apparatus, indicates decrease in the filling speed during filling of the fuel gas into the tank; and a control unit configured to, when the determination unit determines that the parameter value indicates decrease in the filling speed during filling of the fuel gas into the tank, to cause the heating unit to start heating of the receptacle during filling of the fuel gas into the tank.

Abstract: An intelligent pressure management system that controls the pressure inside a cryogenic tank between variable target vapor pressure values and/or ranges that are set as a function of system operating conditions, by actuating one or more actively controllable valves, based on a signal received from a pressure sensor that measures the pressure inside the pressurized tank. The variable target vapor pressure values and/or ranges are determined as a function of system operating conditions including the vapor volume in the storage space and a fluid flow demanded by the use device. The target vapor pressure can also be adjusted based on a geographical location, predictive system operation mode, a learned operator use pattern and/or a learned system use pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the distribution of a flushing gas during a packaging process. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for the distribution of a flushing gas that displaces an undesirable gas from a packaging container during such a process, the apparatus and method optimizing the displacement of the undesirable gas within the container while also minimizing associated equipment costs and cleaning efforts.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser filling hose for use in filling a liquid dispenser with liquid from a liquid reservoir via a pump, comprising: a distal coupler for coupling the filling hose to the liquid dispenser; and a controller arranged to control the pump. The liquid dispenser may be filled using a method comprising: providing a liquid reservoir, a pump and a controller arranged to control the pump, and a filling hose having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the filling hose being coupled to the liquid reservoir; coupling the distal end of the filling hose via a distal coupler to the liquid dispenser; and transferring liquid from the liquid reservoir via the filling hose to an airless liquid container forming part of the liquid dispenser. A system for filling a liquid dispenser, comprising: the liquid filling hose; and a liquid reservoir and/or liquid supply station is also described.

Abstract: A ready-to-drink tea beverage contains tea extract, aerated water and benzoate, such as a benzoic acid salt. The beverage and/or the aerated water can contain at least 5.0 ppm dioxygen (O2) and preferably at least about 5.0 ppm O2. The aerated water can reduce or prevent benzene formation and can reduce the benzene content of the beverage. The beverage can lack dimethyl dicarbonate and/or ascorbic acid. The water can be aerated before and/or after the beverage is dispensed in a can or another suitable container.

Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied-compressed natural gas (L-CNG) filling stations, and more particularly to an LNG/L-CNG hydraulic pressurization device and a gas filling station.

Abstract: A method for filling tanks with pressurized gas via a filling station comprising several storage containers and a fluid circuit for transferring the gas from the containers to the tanks, the circuit comprising a first end to which the containers are linked in parallel and a second end provided with a transfer line intended to be connected to the tank(s) to be filled, the circuit comprising, arranged in series between the first end and the second end, a first isolation valve, a flow or pressure regulation member, and a second isolation valve, the method comprising filling a first tank, characterized in that, on completion of the filling of the first tank and before filling a second tank, the first and second isolation valves are closed to trap a supply of pressurized gas in the circuit between said two valves and in that the supply of gas is used to refill at least one of the containers.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an energy source supply appliance. The appliance energy source supply system can comprise an appliance energy source supply subsystem, and the appliance energy source supply subsystem can comprise a pressure regulator, a first thermal control device, and a second thermal control device. The appliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured to receive a hydrogen fuel energy source and to make available the hydrogen fuel energy source to a receiver vehicle, and the receiver vehicle can comprise a drive system configured to use the hydrogen fuel energy source received by the receiver vehicle to motively power the receiver vehicle. Other embodiments of related systems, devices, and methods also are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing gases and supplying fuel to a gaseous fuel consuming device, such as a gaseous fueled vehicle or the like. One embodiment includes a gas compressor for compressing the gaseous fuel to an array of tanks having predetermined initial set points which are increasing for tanks in the array. One embodiment provides a selecting valve having first and second families of ports wherein the valve can be operated to select a plurality of ports from the first family to be fluidly connected with a plurality of ports with the second family, and such fluid connections can be changed by operation of the valve.

Abstract: An intelligent pressure management system that controls the pressure inside a cryogenic tank between variable target vapor pressure values and/or ranges that are set as a function of system operating conditions, by actuating an actively controllable valve disposed on a gaseous fluid vapor conduit; and in some embodiments, additionally by actuating an actively controllable valve on a liquefied gaseous fluid conduit, based on a signal received from a pressure sensor that measures the pressure inside the pressurized tank. The variable target vapor pressure values and/or ranges are determined as a function of at least two system operating conditions which can include the vapor volume in the storage space; the fluid flow demanded by the use device; and a measured temperature parameter that correlates to the temperature of the fluid exiting a heater.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for storing a fluid in a storage vessel in liquefied form and delivering it in gaseous form to an end user through a supply line. The system comprises a pressure relief circuit for returning the fluid from the supply line to the vessel when predetermined conditions are met. The pressure relief circuit comprises a return line connected to the supply line and the storage vessel, a diversion line to divert the fluid elsewhere and a switching device operable to direct the fluid to either one of the lines, as a function of predetermined conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a compressed fuel dispensing station having a compressor configured to compress a fuel source, a plurality of fuel dispensing units, at least one low pressure compressed fuel reservoir fluidly connected to the fuel compressor and the plurality of fuel dispensing units, and a plurality of high pressure compressed fuel reservoirs, wherein each high pressure compressed fuel reservoir is fluidly connected to the fuel compressor and at least one fuel dispensing unit.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for operating refueling station tube-trailers and compressors to reduce hydrogen refueling cost. A hydrogen refueling station includes a two-tier fuel supply of pressure vessels on a refueling station tube-trailer, with a first tier and a second tier of pressure vessels including at least one or more pressure vessels connected together. A separate control unit is coupled to the first tier and the second tier of pressure vessels with each of the control units coupled to a compressor. The compressor is coupled to a high pressure buffer storage by a separate control unit. In operation, pressure is monitored in the each tier. Hydrogen is consolidated selectively between the first tier of pressure vessel banks, the second tier pressure vessels, and the high pressure buffer. Based upon monitored pressures, one of the first tier of pressure vessels, the second tier pressure vessel banks, and the high pressure buffer is used to refuel vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus including a delivery device including a tray, and a device for changing the tray from a receiving state to a dumping state; a device for supplying one or more materials to the delivery device, while the tray of the delivery device is in a receiving state; a track device including a track and a motor; and a mold having an elongated opening, wherein the delivery device is configured to move back and forth on the track of the track device in response to the motor of the track device; wherein the track of the track device is substantially parallel to the elongated opening of the mold; and wherein the device for changing the tray from the receiving state to the dumping state causes one or more materials to fall from the tray through the elongated opening of the mold into an inner chamber of the mold.

Abstract: A single use injector is a disposable injection device that is specifically optimized for production using the blow fill seal (BFS) manufacturing process and includes various mechanisms that render the device inoperable and facilitate its safe disposal after use. The single use injector incorporates an ampoule aseptically filled with a medication that is coupled to a hermetically sealed component system. The hermetically sealed component system incorporates various mechanisms that are actuated during the use of the injection device. The injection device is encased in a removable overtube that prevents contamination. upon removal of the overtube, the injection device is activated, by compression of a needle cap that irreversible punctures the ampoule in order to inject the medication through a needle. The injection device additionally incorporates a shield that deploys over the needle following injection of the medication into a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device filling system. The system includes multiple source containers each respectively including a differing aerosol precursor composition. The system further includes a mixing container configured to engage the source containers to receive and mix the aerosol precursor compositions to form a mixed aerosol precursor composition. An aerosol delivery device may engage the mixing container to receive at least a portion of the mixed aerosol precursor composition. A related method for customizing an aerosol precursor composition is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a refrigerator and method of controlling the same. A refrigerator includes an interface unit configured to receive a command for supplying at least one of water and ice from a user; a weight sensor configured to measure a weight of a container placed on a container supporter; and a controller configured to control a supply of the at least one of water and ice based on a change in weight of the container based on the measured weight of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to machine for preparing frozen confectionery comprising receiving means (1) forming a seat for accommodating an essentially cup-shaped container (8), said receiving means comprising an heat exchange element (1a) having a heat exchange contact surface arranged to be in contact with an heat exchange portion (12) of the container (8) when the container is placed in the machine; wherein said heat exchange element(1a) has an inverted conical or curved shape or a plurality of inverted conical sections, or a combination of curved and inverted conical sections. The confectionery produced can be a frozen product such as soft ice or a chilled dessert such as mousse or whipped yogurt.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a mobile fueling system. The mobile fueling system includes a fueling lid configured to cover a fueling compartment opening, and a recessed fueling compartment having the fueling compartment opening. The recessed fueling compartment includes one or more compartment walls having at least one recessed wall portion that is recessed a predetermined distance away from the fueling compartment opening, with the one or more compartment walls defining an interior compartment volume. The recessed fueling compartment further includes a fueling port configured to couple the recessed fueling compartment to a fuel storage tank, and a gas inlet in at least one of the one or more compartment walls of the recessed fueling compartment. The gas inlet is configured to introduce a gas into the interior compartment volume. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that may be configured for transferring a fluid. The fluid may be transferred from a fluid source by which the fluid is under a first differential pressure to a container via use of a pressurizer that can increase the pressurization of the fluid to a second differential pressure. A controller may be used to coordinate operations of various components to allow the pressure generated by the pressurizer to be used to augment the pressure generated by the first differential pressure. Additional embodiments may include use of a mobile fueling unit that may facilitate transfer of the fluid from the container to a vehicle.

Abstract: Methods are described for filling gas mixture supply vessels with constituent gases to achieve precision compositions of the gas mixture, wherein the gas mixture comprises at least two constituent gases. Cascading fill techniques may be employed, involving flowing of gases from single source vessels to multiple target vessels, or from multiple source vessels to a single target vessel. The methods may be employed to form dopant gas mixtures, e.g., of boron trifluoride and hydrogen, for ion implantation applications.

Abstract: An improved system for tracking the application of crops and field amendments being applied to fields is disclosed. A series of passive communication devices are included in products being applied to the field. As seed and other products are supplied to the field, the passive communication devices are delivered to the field as well. A reader is mounted to the agricultural vehicle and is in communication with the passive devices to read data stored on each device. The data may include the type and variety of product in which the passive devices were supplied. A controller on the vehicle receives data from the reader to identify what product has been applied to the field. The controller may store data on any additional product subsequently applied to the field and/or may verify that subsequent product is acceptable for application to a crop in the field prior to application.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus is adapted to mix together a concentrate fluid with a base fluid. In certain implementations, the apparatus includes a cool fluid trunk line carrying the base fluid, a manifold, an in line and an out line extending between the cool fluid trunk and the manifold, a python and a bar gun assembly fluidly connected to the downstream side of the manifold by a plurality of conduits contained in the python, the apparatus including a recirculation channel having an inlet port and an outlet port, wherein the inlet and outlet ports of the recirculation channel are fluidly connected to respective in and out conduits in the python, the said in and out conduits being fluidly connected respectively to the in line and the out line of the cool fluid trunk line via the manifold.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a mobile fueling system. The mobile fueling system includes a fueling lid configured to cover a fueling compartment opening, and a recessed fueling compartment having the fueling compartment opening. The recessed fueling compartment includes one or more compartment walls having at least one recessed wall portion that is recessed a predetermined distance away from the fueling compartment opening, with the one or more compartment walls defining an interior compartment volume. The recessed fueling compartment further includes a fueling port configured to couple the recessed fueling compartment to a fuel storage tank, and a gas inlet in at least one of the one or more compartment walls of the recessed fueling compartment. The gas inlet is configured to introduce a gas into the interior compartment volume. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a cryogenic fluid includes a bulk tank containing a supply of cryogenic fluid. A heating circuit includes an intermediate tank and a heating device and has an inlet in fluid communication with the bulk tank and an outlet. A bypass junction is positioned between the bulk tank and the inlet of the heating circuit. A bypass circuit has an inlet in fluid communication with the bypass junction and an outlet so that a portion of cryogenic fluid from the bulk tank flows through the heating circuit and is warmed and a portion flows through the bypass circuit. A mixing junction is in fluid communication with the outlets of the bypass circuit and the heating circuit so that warmed cryogenic fluid from the heating circuit is mixed with cryogenic fluid from the bypass circuit so that the cryogenic fluid is conditioned. A dispensing line is in fluid communication with the mixing junction so that the conditioned cryogenic fluid may be dispensed.

Abstract: A portable storage device to contain fuel, The device is designed to be relatively light-weight to allow for movement around a fueling facility, and to be delivered to the fueling facility through the air. The device includes a number of separate tanks each configured to contain fuel. A suspension protects the tanks by absorbing external forces that could occur in the event the device is dropped during air delivery.

Abstract: A method and system(s) are disclosed for integrating a new fuel into an operating transportation system in a continuous, seamless manner, such as diesel fuel being gradually replaced by compressed natural gas (“CNG”) in long haul trucks. Integration can be implemented using two enabling technologies. The first is an engine system capable of operating seamlessly on two or more fuels without regard to the ignition characteristics of the fuels. The second is a communications and computing system for implementing a fueling strategy that optimizes fuel consumption, guides the selection of fuel based upon location, cost and emissions and allows the transition from one fuel to another to appear substantially seamless to the truck driver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making medicinal aerosol canisters (10), in particular metered dose canisters (10), comprising aerosol formulation comprising medicament particles suspended in liquid propellant, for example for delivery by pulmonary or nasal inhalation as well as medicinal dispensers (100) including such canisters (10), such as metered dose medicinal dispenser in particular pressurized metered dose inhalers, wherein the liquid propellant in some embodiments contains HFA 134a and/or HFA 227, and the propellant component is subjected to one or more ultrasonic probes.

Abstract: A method and system of transferring matter through a sealed container during a bottling process are provided. The method includes accessing a headspace of the filled and sealed container by creating at least one opening. An inert gas is provided within the headspace while allowing O2 to exit from the headspace until substantially all of the O2 has been flushed out of the headspace. The headspace is then pressurized by continuing to direct the inert gas into the headspace after it has been flushed of O2. The at least one opening of the container is then sealed while the headspace is under pressure. The filled and sealed container can be a hot-filled container.

Abstract: A container and method for filling same. The container includes a penetrable and resealable portion that is resealable, and a container body having a sealed empty chamber in fluid communication with the penetrable and resealable portion for receiving therein a substance. The container also includes a base, a mid-portion, and an upper portion axially spaced from the base on an opposite side of the mid-portion relative to the base. Each of the base and upper portion define a laterally-extending dimension greater than a maximum laterally-extending dimension of the mid-portion. The method of filling the container includes penetrating the penetrable and resealable portion with an injection member and introducing a substance into the chamber, withdrawing the injection member while engaging the base of the body to substantially prevent upward movement of the body, and applying energy to the penetrable and resealable portion to form a gas-tight seal.

Abstract: A system and method for injecting pressurizing fluid into a filled and sealed container is provided. The container is filled with a product and is then sealed with a closure. A pressurizing fluid is injected through the closure into the container cavity after sealing and filling.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying containers includes a transport star having a rotor that rotates around a machine axis, transport positions disposed around the star, and a laminar-flow system. Each transport position has a container carrier to hold a container. The laminar-flow system, which is above the container carriers and above the containers' trajectory, prevents container contamination while the containers are disposed on the transport positions. The laminar-flow system has openings that direct a stream of sterile medium downward along outer surfaces of the containers.

Abstract: A method for lessening an initial pressure spike in a receiving tank caused by high pressure residual H2-containing gas contained between a control valve and a block valve when dispensing the residual H2-containing gas into the receiving tank. The block valve is briefly closed before the pressure in the transfer line decreases below a set pressure, thereby lessening the pressure spike in the receiving tank.

Abstract: A method for purging a substrate container which accommodates in multiple stages a plurality of substrates to be processed by a substrate processing apparatus, the method includes: mounting the substrate container on a mounting unit; connecting a gas supply port provided in the substrate container and a gas supply line provided in a mounting unit; starting supply of a dry gas into the substrate container from a gas supply line before opening a cover of the substrate container; opening the cover of the substrate container while keeping the supply of the dry gas; closing the cover of the substrate container upon completion of processing of the substrates in the substrate container; and stopping the supply of the dry gas after closing the cover of the substrate container.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a resealable stopper or portion and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the resealable portion and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A filling member is moved into engagement with the resealable portion to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the resealable portion and inject the substance through the filling member and into the chamber of the container. Energy is then transmitted onto the stopper to hermetically re-seal the penetration in the resealable portion.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system may include a first tank configured to contain a first fluid and a second tank configured to contain a second fluid. The system may also include a conditioning system fluidly connected to the second tank. The conditioning system may include at least one conduit fluidly coupled to a lower region of the second tank. The conditioning system may also include a heat exchanger. In addition, the conditioning system may include at least one conduit fluidly coupled to an upper region of the second tank.

Abstract: A system and method for using the system for recharging at least one compressed gas cylinder using a first compressed gas storage cylinder and at least a second compressed gas storage cylinder. The system uses a flow indicating switch with an internal magnetic source to detect the flow of gas. The flow indicating switch is in communication with an electronic sequencing module. The electronic sequencing module controls the order and timing of discharge from the first compressed gas storage cylinder or the second compressed gas storage cylinder into the at least one compressed gas cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simple, analytical method that can be utilized by hydrogen filling stations for directly and accurately calculating the end-of-fill temperature in a hydrogen tank that, in turn, allows for improvements in the fill quantity while tending to reduce refueling time. The calculations involve calculation of a composite heat capacity value, MC, from a set of thermodynamic parameters drawn from both the tank system receiving the gas and the station supplying the gas. These thermodynamic parameters are utilized in a series of simple analytical equations to define a multi-step process by which target fill times, final temperatures and final pressures can be determined. The parameters can be communicated to the station directly from the vehicle or retrieved from a database accessible by the station. Because the method is based on direct measurements of actual thermodynamic conditions and quantified thermodynamic behavior, significantly improved tank filling results can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tank vent device for venting gas from a tank 10 comprising a gas inlet 107 for receiving gas from a vent outlet of the tank, a gas outlet 109 for discharging the gas received, and a pressure valve 70 connecting the gas inlet and gas outlet, wherein the pressure valve is connected to a control pressure input 108 and is controllable by control pressure supplied at the control pressure input, whereby, in use, the pressure valve is controlled by the control pressure to open and close so as to regulate the flow of gas between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The present invention also provides a vent tank 10, methods of venting gas and refueling an aircraft.