Abstract: A sparkling water maker capable of automatically controlling gas inflow includes a gas cylinder, a gas cylinder connector mounted on the gas cylinder, a bottle, and a bottle connector mounted on the bottle. A gas guide tube is connected between the gas cylinder connector and the bottle connector. A compressed gas in the gas cylinder is delivered to the bottle through the gas guide tube. The gas guide tube includes a first gas guide tube connected to the gas cylinder connector and a second gas guide tube connected to the bottle connector. A valve is connected between the first gas guide tube and the second gas guide tube. The valve is configured to block a flow passage between the first gas guide tube and the second gas guide tube.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system provides a product metering system, a dispenser and a control system for operatively controlling dispensing, metering, delivering and reporting of dispensed product. Authentication, authorization and control operation are distributed in a cloud based control through a wide area network. The dispenser includes sensor to identifying objects and filter out movements that are not interpreted as requests for dispensing. A local controller operates the metering and dispensing, combining inputs from the hardware level sensors and applying logic and rules from the remote cloud level. The instant abstract neither defines the invention disclosed in this specification nor limits the invention scope in any way.

Abstract: A conducting shear thinning gel composition and methods of making such a composition are disclosed. The conducting shear thinning gel composition includes a mixture of a eutectic gallium alloy and gallium oxide, wherein the mixture of eutectic gallium alloy and gallium oxide has a weight percentage (wt %) of between about 59.9% and about 99.9% eutectic gallium alloy, and a wt % of between about 0.1% and about 2.0% gallium oxide. Also disclosed are articles of manufacture, comprising the shear thinning gel composition, and methods of making article of manufacture having a shear thinning gel composition. Also disclosed are sensors and multiplexed systems utilizing deformable conductors.

Abstract: A drink dispenser with detachable fizz infuser including drink bottle, characterized by and comprising a base, a main body, a main body support, a top cap, an exiting gas driving device, a gas exiting device, a gas transfer device, a gas inlet device, and a CO2 cylinder. The compartment for the CO2 cylinder in the said main body has an inlet and an outlet as well as a side cap that is connected to the main body and pin-jointed with the inlet and the outlet. With this structure, the gas exiting device can be activated simply by pressing the exiting gas driving device. Gas flows from the CO2 cylinder, enters the gas transfer device and the gas inlet device, and ends up in the drink bottle. The operation is simple and easy. The configuration of the safety device eliminates potential safety hazards and ensures safety by preventing the drink bottles from being over-pressurized. Provision of the side cap facilitates convenient replacement of the CO2 cylinder.

Abstract: A method for fuel quantity gauging that measures the quantity of liquid fuel in a fuel tank. The method includes the following steps performed while fuel is flowing out of the fuel tank: changing a volume of gas in the fuel tank (e.g., by injecting or venting gas) during a time interval; measuring a rate of change of the volume of gas in the fuel tank during the time interval; measuring a rate of flow of fuel out of the fuel tank during the time interval; measuring a first pressure and a first temperature of the gas in the fuel tank at the start of the time interval; measuring a second pressure and a second temperature of the gas in the fuel tank at the end of the time interval; and calculating a quantity of fuel in the fuel tank based on the acquired measurement data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging container (E) comprising a base (2) closed by an overlapping cover (1) used for the storage of automotive parts, particularly, brake discs and/or brake drums, clutch discs, wheel hubs or any other parts with similar shapes for motor vehicles, package (E) being provided with structural ribs (3 and 33) and at least one opening (4), which is sealed by a pressure relief valve (5). Said pressure relief valve (5) comprises a connecting base (50) provided with an opening (500) and a closure lid (51) provided with locking and sealing means (510), which are joined to one another in an articulated way.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes the need for an apparatus and method for creating carbonated beverages having a customizable carbonation level. The invention uses a CPU to control an inlet valve which connects a tank of pressurized carbon dioxide to a vessel containing the beverage to be carbonized. The tube connecting the tank of pressurized carbon dioxide to the vessel contains an orifice for reducing the carbon dioxide's flow rate, thereby increasing control over the amount of carbon dioxide introduced to the vessel. A motor agitates the vessel, causing the carbon dioxide to become absorbed in the beverage. During the pressurization process, the pressure inside the vessel is monitored by the CPU to determine whether more CO2 should be added to the vessel. An outlet valve causes excess pressure to drain from the vessel. An outlet orifice causes the pressure to release gradually, thus preventing the beverage from foaming.

Abstract: A lid opening and closing device for a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus having a partition wall configured to divide a carrier conveying region and a substrate conveying region, the partition wall having a conveying gateway with an edge portion, includes an exhaust port configured to discharge therethrough an atmospheric gas from a closed space formed between a carrier making contact with the edge portion of the conveying gateway and an opening/closing door, and a purge gas injecting part provided in the opening/closing door. The purge gas injecting part is configured to enter the internal space of a carrier lid through an opening formed on the front surface of the carrier lid, to inject a purge gas into the internal space of the carrier lid and to discharge an atmospheric gas existing in the internal space of the carrier lid into the closed space through another opening of the carrier lid.

Abstract: A clean fill port system for a compressed gas tank having a fill port includes a sealable enclosure surrounding the fill port. The sealable enclosure includes a closeable lid that defines a sealed cavity within the sealable enclosure when the lid is in a closed position. A pressurized fluid supply port is directly fluidly connected with the sealed cavity. The sealable enclosure completely encloses the fill port and is configured to maintain a pressurized fluid within the sealed cavity such that ingress of water or debris into the sealed cavity is prevented.

Abstract: A self service controlled beverage dispensing system that includes a self-service container filling station, a reusable beverage container, and a dispensing tap. The self service station including a communication unit and a biometric identity unit capable of confirming the identity and age of a user.

Abstract: A method is for handling a sterilized food product and includes securing an aseptic fitment to a filling port of an intermodal container including a rigid shell having an elongate shape with opposed closed ends, and at least one frame assembly supporting the rigid shell. The method also includes sterilizing the intermodal container, and aseptically filling the sterilized intermodal container with the sterilized food product through the aseptic fitment. The method may also include sealing the aseptic fitment after aseptic filling. A related intermodal container and filling station are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus including: a table configured to receive a container that stores an object therein, the container including a bottom surface provided with a positioning groove and including a charging inlet through which a gas is charged into the container; a positioning pin projecting from the table and adapted to engage with the positioning groove of the container; a nozzle configured to charge the gas into the container through the charging inlet; and a drive unit configured to move the nozzle into contact with the charging inlet of the container after the positioning pin is engaged with the positioning groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dispensing beverages from receptacles such as bottles and the like, characterized by a dispensing unit comprising a tap (10) adapted to clean all the zones involved in the circulation of the beverage, thus limiting the consumption of inert gas required for this operation, by employing two separate modules for managing the beverage dispensing and for managing the inert gas emission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a tube, an opening in the tube, and a valve associated with the opening. The tube is configured to carry an inert gas in a fuel tank. The valve is configured to control an amount of the inert gas that exits the opening based on a level of fuel relative to the opening.

Abstract: Method for charging an aerosol container with fluid, comprising:—providing an aerosol container (1) having a reservoir (2) comprising a product, for example a foodproduct, and having product discharge means (1a);—gradually supplying fluid to the reservoir of the container (1) via the discharge means (1a) thereof; and—applying a mixing movement to the container (1), preferably during the supplying of the fluid, to mix the fluid and product at least partly with each other, wherein the mixing movement is such that at least a first virtual point (P1, P2) of a virtual center line (Z) of the container reservoir (2) follows an endless path around a respective virtual axis. Embodiments of the invention also provide a cleaning method and a dummy container.

Abstract: A filling valve includes a hollow housing including a liquid chamber, a gas chamber, and a sliding valve assembly. The sliding valve assembly includes a hollow valve rod with an opening in the gas chamber at an upper end of the valve rod, the valve rod sliding in the housing between an open position where valve rod opens an aperture in the housing allowing liquid to flow from the liquid chamber through the aperture, and a closed position where the valve rod closes the aperture, and a sliding piston disposed in the housing between an open position where a lower end of the piston is spaced from the upper end of the valve rod allowing gas to pass from the gas chamber to the opening in the valve and a closed position where the lower end of the piston contacts the upper end of the valve rod.

Abstract: A device and method for preservation of an oxidizable substance, e.g. a liquid such as a beverage of which wine is an example, is described. In a first aspect, a device is described for controlling the delivery of a predetermined amount of inert gas into a container with a single opening such as a wine bottle at a pre-determined pressure, suitable for an efficient delivery of the inert gas, with a simultaneous displacement of the air present in the top space of the container or bottle, in a simple actuation. In a second aspect, an improved container or bottle stopper is described with simple features that allow easy and cheap manufacture significantly reducing the cost of the stopper. In a third aspect to an efficient and cost-effective method is described for the preservation of a degradable substances especially liquids such as beverages of which wine is an example.

Abstract: A powder filling apparatus and a powder filling method which enable powder to be densely filled in a short period of time is to be provided. This is a powder filling apparatus having a pressure hopper wherein the pressure hopper has a discharger for discharging powder and a gas inlet positioned above at least the surface of a powder layer formed by the powder in the pressure hopper; the powder layer is so formed as to blockade the discharger in the pressure hopper; in the powder filling apparatus, the inside of the pressure hopper is pressurized by leading in gas through the gas inlet in a state in which the discharger is closed, and the powder layer so formed as to blockade the discharger is discharged by opening the discharger after the pressurization thereby to utilize that pressure to load the powder into the filling container.

Abstract: A container that dispenses a carbonated drink such as beer has a pressure regulator that controls the pressure of the dispensed fluid with a pressurized carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is released to maintain the desired pressure by a pressure regulator that opens a valve when the pressure is too low in the dispensed fluid and closes a valve when the pressure is high enough in the dispensed fluid. The pressure regulator is easily adjusted without the use of a tool during operation by simply rotating the pressure regulator's cap on its threads.

Abstract: A filling valve (12) including: a hollow housing (21); a moving valve assembly (24) slidingly mounted in the housing (21), the moving valve assembly (24) and the hollow housing (21) together defining a liquid chamber (30) and a gas chamber (32); a liquid inlet (46) for putting the liquid chamber (30) into communication with a liquid supply pipe (14); a gas inlet (47) for putting the gas chamber (32) into communication with a gas supply pipe (17); wherein the hollow housing (21) and the moving valve assembly (24) together define a medium chamber the (33) located between the liquid chamber (30) and the gas chamber (32), and wherein the filling valve (12) further comprises: a first diaphragm (35) linking the valve assembly (24) to the housing (21) between the liquid chamber (30) and the medium chamber (33), and a second diaphragm (36) linking the valve assembly (24) to the housing (21) between the gas chamber (32) and the medium chamber (33).

Abstract: A method for filling a battery cell with electrolyte, comprising: a) connecting the battery cell and a lower portion of a fill head chamber connected through respective first, second, third and fourth valves to a source of high pressure, the free atmosphere, a source of high vacuum and optionally a source of low vacuum, wherein only one of said valves can be open at any time, while said second valve is open; b) opening said third valve for a predetermined first period to discharge air from the interior of said battery cell through said chamber; c) separating the major upper portion of said chamber from the lower portion thereof by a sliding shut-off plunger and opening said second valve; d) dispensing a prescribed amount of electrolyte into said upper portion of said chamber above said plunger, while keeping said second valve open; e) raising said plunger to let a major portion of said dispensed liquid be sucked into said battery cell under the effect of the vacuum established therein in step b) and allowi

Abstract: A packaging device for packaging a foodstuff within a receptacle includes an inerting unit having an empty zone, walls of the empty zone configured to receive an upper portion of the receptacle, and the walls being made of a porous material capable of passing an inert gas under pressure, and a closure means retractably disposed above the inerting unit, wherein the inerting unit is configured to pass the inert gas through the walls and into the receptacle, and the closure means is configured to retractably extend into the empty zone to seal the passed inert gas within a headspace volume of the upper portion of the receptacle disposed the foodstuff.

Abstract: Safe storage of volatile compounds or elements is provided by utilizing storage configurations that take advantage of the diffusibility and release characteristics of cell-based materials, such as foam materials. Such configurations may provide storage of hazardous, liquefied gases in closed-cell foam material. Release of gas/liquid from the foam is restricted by the need for the gas to diffuse through the closed cells. Because rapid release is prevented, storage safety is greatly improved.

Abstract: An onboard inert gas generation system includes an evaporator comprising a vessel that receives a hydrocarbon fuel from a fuel tank, separates vapor fuel components from liquid fuel components, establishes a nearly constant fuel vapor composition, and outputs the fuel vapor to be mixed with air prior to combusting the fuel vapor and air mixture in a catalytic reactor. Water is separated from the inert gas produced and the inert gas is introduced into the ullage space of the fuel tank to prevent or reduce possible hazardous conditions in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A gas dispensing device (1) is provided for injecting inert gas (13) into previously opened containers of perishable liquids to prevent subsequent oxidation of the liquids, such as wine. The dispensing device comprising a surface mountable means for supporting a gas conduit pipe and a gas dispensing nozzle in generally vertical relation thereto, in which the conduit pipe (4) is connectable at one end to a source of gas and at an opposite end to a compressible actuating gas dispensing nozzle (6) which includes an actuable valve (22).

Abstract: An improved bottle filler assembly for filling bottles from kegged carbonated or non carbonated beverages without carbonation loss or oxidation that is intuitive to use, sanitize, and keep free of bacteria. In the preferred embodiment, a long hose gradually reduces the pressure of the beverage on the way to the filler. Two tubes are placed inside each other forming an annulus where CO2 can be forced to the bottom of the bottle via a CO2 valve thereby purging the bottle of air (O2). A valve seat placed on the bottom of the tubes allows the beverage to flow into the bottle from the bottom by depressing a trigger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the preparation and bottling of liquids enriched with oxygen or with an oxygen/gas mixture. The method includes filling one or more containers with a gas enriched liquid; and sealing the containers pressure-tight, whereby the gas enriched liquid is kept under a nitrogen atmosphere at least part of the time during the bottling process. The process includes a filling device having one or more filling elements including a liquid valve, at least one gas valve, and a nitrogen-filled chamber; a flow connection for flushing and/or prepressurizing a container with nitrogen; and a sealing device configured to seal the containers pressure-tight using a closure. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An aseptic filling device for filling carbonate beverages capable of decreasing the size of the clean booth, facilitating maintenance around the filling valve, and reliably sterilizing the interior of gas piping is provided. The aseptic filling device includes a plurality of filling valves, a fluid rotary joint, a filling fluid tank, a fluid surface level sensor, a fluid flow adjustment valve, a container gripper, a plurality of exhaust conduits, an exhaust conduit on/off valve, a plurality of counter gas conduits, a counter gas conduit on/off valve, a rotary joint, an ascetic gas conduit, a flow meter, and a sterilizing filter, wherein rotary conveyed containers contact at least one of the filling valves and are sealed by a sealing member. Filling is performed under a gas pressure, for example, carbon dioxide gas pressure, and a sterilizing filter for sterilizing the gas is mounted on a gas pipe connecting the rotary joint and the filling fluid tank.

Abstract: [Problems] To obtain a spouted pouch package having a high degree of deoxidation by a method in which even a liquid content which is easily foamable can be filled while being inhibited from foaming. [Means for Solving Problems] A pre-filling deoxidation step (1) is performed before a liquid content is filled into a pouch. The pre-filling deoxidation step (1) comprises: a vacuum step (1-1) in which a gas is evacuated from the pouch; an inert gas blowing step (1-2) in which an inert gas is blown into the pouch after the vacuum step; and a gas-reduction vacuum step (1-3) in which the gas in the pouch after the inert gas blowing step is discharged under vacuum to reduce the gas in the pouch to a predetermined amount. Thereafter, the pouch is evacuated in a pre-filling second degassing step (2-1) and then filled with a content. After filling, gas replacement is implemented.

Abstract: A semiconductor reticle transportation container includes a box and a base, the box having an opening and the base including a reticle support. The reticle is placed on the support and the box is placed on the base so that the reticle passes through the opening while being lifted off of the support by plungers contacting the lower edge of the reticle. After the box is closed, the reticle is compliantly constrained horizontally and vertically and is held away from the support.

Abstract: A transfer container for transferring an object between environments is described. The transfer container comprises an enclosure; a purifier comprising a purification material, the purifier attached to the enclosure, the purifier configured to purify fluid flowing into the enclosure; and a fluid propelling means, attached to the enclosure, for propelling fluid through the purifier and into the enclosure.

Abstract: An air separation system and method wherein the outlet of a primary air separation module (one or more modules or bundles of fiber membranes) is split into two flow paths, a low flow path and a high flow path. The outlet of a secondary air separation module (one or more modules or bundles of fiber membranes) is split into two flow paths, a mid flow path and a high flow path, the latter being joined with the high flow of the primary air separation module. Flow along the primary low flow passes through a low-flow orifice, flow along the secondary mid-flow path passes through a mid-flow orifice, and flow along the high flow paths of both the primary and secondary air separation modules is joined together for passage through a shutoff valve and a high flow orifice. This configuration allows for three different flow modes of operation.

Abstract: A system for conveying open containers filled with liquid, especially wide-necked containers, whereby the containers can be conveyed in the open state safely and without contamination, including an anti-slosh device which prevents the liquid from sloshing out as the containers are being transported.

Abstract: Rotary filling machine for filling containers with liquids, which comprises a rotating carousel (4) having, mounted along its periphery, a plurality of filling valves (6). Each filling valve (6) has an outer pipe (7) for supplying the liquid from a storage tank (20) to a container (30) to be filled with said liquid, and an inner compensation pipe (8) for defining the liquid level inside said container (3) mounted concentrically with the outer pipe (7). Actuator means are envisaged for each filling valve (6) and, by means of transmission means (101), vary simultaneously and in an adjustable manner the vertical position of the compensation pipes (8) of all the filling valves (6) with respect to the position of a seal (13) mounted underneath the tank (20) so as to receive against it the mouth of the containers (3).

Abstract: An inerting system and method characterized by a primary air separation module configured to communicate with an upstream source of pressurized air at elevated temperature for production of a primary downstream flow of nitrogen-enriched air to be delivered to a space to be inerted; a secondary air separation module configured to communicate with the upstream source of pressurized air at elevated temperature for production of a supplemental downstream flow of nitrogen-enriched air to be delivered to a space to be inerted when high nitrogen-enriched airflow is desired during a high flow period; and a flow controller configured to provide a warming flow through the secondary air separation module to heat the secondary air separation module to above ambient temperature during a warming period other than the high flow period.

Abstract: An apparatus securable to a top opening of a beverage bottle for selectively dispensing fluid therefrom includes a body that has a plurality of vertically aligned chambers, a spout extending outwardly from one of the plurality of chambers and a bellow section disposed within the body. The bellow section cooperates with the spout for moving between expanded and contracted positions has a passageway extending substantially parallel to the axis for selectively drawing air outwardly from the reservoir. The apparatus also includes a plunger section slidably connected to the body for operably introducing pressure downwardly from another of the plurality of chambers. A lever is adjustably engaged with the bellow section and is movable between compressed and released positions for selectively releasing pressure from the reservoir respectively.

Abstract: A capping and nitrogen dosing apparatus for containers includes a rotary capping machine which is configured to serially receive filled containers, and apply closures to respective ones of the containers. The present apparatus includes a dosing system for injecting an inert gas, typically nitrogen in liquid form, into the head space of each container to enhance the integrity and rigidity of the package, and to improve the freshness and flavor of the container's contents. Notably, the dosing system is configured to effect nitrogen injection close to or at the so-called transfer point of the capping machine, thus desirably abating nitrogen dissipation, and enhancing consistent and efficient product dosing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preserving a perishable material sensitive to oxygen and bacterial spoilage are taught. The systems in some embodiments comprise a pressurized source of a first gas other than oxygen and a container for the perishable material, the container having a sealable lid, a passage including a one-way valve through the lid connected by a gas conduit to the pressurized source, and a mechanism for venting the container. In various embodiments oxygen exposure to the perishable material in the container is diluted by at least one cycle of pressurizing the container with the first gas other than oxygen, and then venting the container. In some embodiments oxygen dilution is by vacuum.

Abstract: An inerting system (10) for an aircraft (12) includes one or more fuel tank circuits (15) associated with fuel tanks (16). An air source (17) supplies pressurized air. A heat exchanger (56) cools the pressurized air. An air separation module (46) is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger (56) and separates inerting gas from the pressurized air. A controller (40) controls flow of the inerting gas from the air separation module (46) to the fuel tanks (16).

Abstract: System for the transportation and storage of a product which comprises a tank including cylindrical wall section and two ends, wherein the cylindrical wall section and two ends define a cylindrical tank periphery, and wherein the tank periphery has an interior and an exterior. The system utilizes a valve box that includes one or more side walls, a bottom wall, and a removable, sealable top cover which can be attached to the one or more side walls to seal the valve box, wherein the valve box side walls are sealably joined to the cylindrical wall. One or more process valves are disposed in the valve box, wherein each valve has a first and a second end, wherein each first end is connected to a pipe which passes through a wall of the valve box for introducing product into the tank or withdrawing product from the tank. A purge valve and pressure measurement means are installed in fluid communication with the valve box.

Abstract: An assemlby for depressurizing an opened beverage bottle including a bottle closure having a valve to permit depressurization of the bottle by a removable pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a stretchable diaphragm having roller being moveable on tracks within a housing. A pivotal actuator stretches the diaphragm to cause expansion of diaphragm chamber and effect depressurization of the bottle through the closure valve.

Abstract: A system for carbonating a liquid with carbon dioxide gas comprises a pressurized source of carbon dioxide gas, a user-operable three-way valve system having a first, a second, and a third orifice providing a first, a second and a third valve state, which in the first state connects the first orifice with the second orifice, in the second state connects the second orifice with the third orifice, and in the third state closes internal passage between all orifices, the valve system connected from the first orifice and a conduit to the pressurized source of carbon dioxide gas, and a closure assembly having an interface to a nozzle of a container for liquid and an orifice connected through a conduit to the second orifice of the three way valve system.

Abstract: A canister guard for preventing liquid contamination of an oulet to a canister containing liquid. The canister guard may include baffles extending from a sidewall. Additionally, the canister guard may be configured to be replacable or for retrofitting to conventional liquid chemical containing canisters.

Abstract: A system for carbonating a liquid with carbon dioxide gas comprises a pressurized source of carbon dioxide gas, a user-operable three-way valve system having a first, a second, and a third orifice providing a first, a second and a third valve state, which in the first state connects the first orifice with the second orifice, in the second state connects the second orifice with the third orifice, and in the third state closes internal passage between all orifices, the valve system connected from the first orifice and a conduit to the pressurized source of carbon dioxide gas, and a closure assembly having an interface to a nozzle of a container for liquid and an orifice connected through a conduit to the second orifice of the three way valve system.

Abstract: A multicomponent, ground based system for reducing the hazard of explosion of aircraft fuel in the on board tanks of aircraft. The system is adapted to provide a supply of scrubbed fuel having a low concentration of dissolved oxygen. The scrubbed fuel can be supplied from bulk storage tanks to dispensing stations nearby the aircraft loading and boarding positions at an airport. The system also includes equipment adapted to wash the ullage of the aircraft fuel tanks to remove excess oxygen above the fuel in the tanks. The system further includes a gas cleaning unit to strip excessive amounts of volatile organic compounds from gas exhausted during operation of the system thereby producing environmentally benign atmospheric emissions. The system also includes redundant sources of inert gas so that the system can continue to operate in the contingency that one of the inert gas sources temporarily ceases to operate.

Abstract: In a retractable air supply connection system for air supply lines extending between a blower supply plenum and hot zone components of a solid-oxide fuel cell assembly, each such hot zone component is provided with a socket for receiving a retractable connector. Each connector has first and second concentric expandable bellows connected between the plenum and a nipple element having a central passage and nipple for mating with the socket. The inner bellows is coaxial with the socket element and is connected to an individual supply port in the plenum for the particular hot zone component. The outer bellows is connected to the main blower output. A return spring between the hot zone component and the nipple element urges the nipple element from the socket to disconnect the supply line from the hot zone by collapsing the outer bellows to break the conductive heat path when the blower is inoperative.

Abstract: A modular, on-board, inert gas generating system for aircraft is disclosed in which main components such as a heat exchanger, filter, and an air separation module, and a pressure scheduling valve are provided in a modular unit sized to provide a variable flow of nitrogen-enriched air to the aircraft spaces to be inerted. For different inert gas requirements, for example in larger aircraft, multiple modular units may be provided without redesigning the basic system. A method for inerting fuel tanks, cargo holds and other void spaces using the modular approach and pressure scheduling valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular, on-board, inert gas generating system for aircraft is disclosed in which main components such as a heat exchanger, filter and air separation module are provide in a modular unit sized to provide predetermined flow of nitrogen-enriched air to the aircraft spaces to be inerted. For different inert gas requirements, for example in larger aircraft, multiple modular units may be provided without redesigning the basic system. A method for inerting fuel tanks, cargo holds and other void spaces using the modular approach is also disclosed.

Abstract: System for the transportation and storage of a product which comprises a tank including cylindrical wall section and two ends, wherein the cylindrical wall section and two ends define a cylindrical tank periphery, and wherein the tank periphery has an interior and an exterior. The system utilizes a valve box that includes one or more side walls, a bottom wall, and a removable, sealable top cover which can be attached to the one or more side walls to seal the valve box, wherein the valve box side walls are sealably joined to the cylindrical wall. One or more process valves are disposed in the valve box, wherein each valve has a first and a second end, wherein each first end is connected to a pipe which passes through a wall of the valve box for introducing product into the tank or withdrawing product from the tank. A purge valve and pressure measurement means are installed in fluid communication with the valve box.

Abstract: A modular, on-board, inert gas generating system for aircraft is disclosed in which main components such as a heat exchanger, filter and air separation module are provide in a modular unit sized to provide predetermined flow of nitrogen-enriched air to the aircraft spaces to be inerted. For different inert gas requirements, for example in larger aircraft, multiple modular units may be provided without redesigning the basic system. A method for inerting fuel tanks, cargo holds and other void spaces using the modular approach is also disclosed.