Heating Or Cooling Patents (Class 141/82)
  • Patent number: 7637292
    Abstract: Apparatus wherein the compression heat of refueling of an on board vehicle tank is evacuated from the interior of the on board tank by a heat absorber within the tank through a radiator external to the tank and in which a coolant circulating from the heat absorber within the tank to the external radiator [and/or an associated blower system] is powered by the mechanical energy of the refueling gas as the gas traverses a turbine from the high pressure refuel depot to the low pressure on board tank. The turbine powers the gas cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Handa
  • Patent number: 7628184
    Abstract: An assembly includes a support and drive assembly, a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is in operable communication with and supported by the support and drive assembly. The first structure includes at least one needle assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of needle assemblies. The second structure is supported by the support and drive assembly. The second structure includes at least one seal assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of seal assemblies. A method includes determining a number of vials that are to be filled concurrently and adjusting an assembly to include at least one needle assembly and at least one seal assembly. A number of the needle assemblies and the seal assemblies equals the number of vials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Benoit Adamo, John Guthy
  • Publication number: 20090293436
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for producing a content filling bottle including a bottom part that is inverted between a concave shape and a convex shape to prevent a body part from being subjected to reduced pressure deformation, the method and device being capable of efficiently producing a sanitary and high-quality content filling bottle. Contents are filled into an empty bottle 1 with an inversion part 11 projecting outwardly from the body part. A cap 6 is fitted onto an opening of the bottle 1 to seal the bottle 1. An auxiliary tool 27 is then installed on the bottom part 5 of the bottle 1. Then, the bottom part of the bottle 1 with the auxiliary tool 27 installed thereon is supported via the auxiliary tool 27. The downwardly projecting inversion part 11 is pressed up so as to be inverted and recessed inwardly into the bottle 1. Subsequently, with the opening of the bottle 1 gripped, the auxiliary tool 27 is separated from the bottle 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: HOKKAI CAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunzo Miyazaki, Yasuhiro Sato, Akio Watanabe, Masaru Kimura
  • Patent number: 7624770
    Abstract: Multi compressor systems and apparatuses for the manufacture, storage and dispensing of manufactured hydrogen fuel to hydrogen vehicle tanks or remote mobile refuelers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Walter Boyd, David Grant Wardle, Kelly R. Leitch, Satish S. Tamhankar, Gary Peter Lomas
  • Patent number: 7624773
    Abstract: A standalone ice dispenser delivers ice in either bagged form or bulk form to a user. The device uses a cone-shaped drum with an upwardly oriented mount that receives and stores the ice which ice is gravitationally delivered to the drum from an ice maker. When ice is to be dispensed, a motor rotates the drum such that a fin within the drum cause ice therein to advance toward and eventually out of the mouth of the drum into either a bagging system or directly out of the device via a chute. Weight sensors attached to the drum determine whether the drum is relatively empty or relatively full and control operation of the ice maker as a result and/or a proximity sensor measures the volume of ice in the drum and controls the operation of the ice maker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Tim Maxwell
  • Patent number: 7624772
    Abstract: A load lock apparatus including a carry port provided on a side of a carry-in/out section for carrying a substrate in/out from/to the outside, and a carry port provided on a side of a processing section for processing the substrate, includes: a temperature controlling plate for controlling a temperature of the substrate, the temperature controlling plate configured including a plate body made of a porous material and a temperature controlling gas supply path for supplying a temperature controlling gas controlled in temperature to the plate body. The temperature controlling gas passes through the plate body, blows out from a surface of the plate body, and is supplied to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Iwabuchi
  • Patent number: 7617848
    Abstract: A method and device for filling a container with liquid gas from a storage tank includes removing the liquefied gas from the storage tank and feeding it to a container via a liquid feed line through use of a delivery system. The gas is compressed in the container and is removed from the container in its gaseous state and is at least partially liquefied by cooling in a heat exchanger. The at least partially liquefied gas is fed into the liquid feed line at the suction end of the delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Messer France S..A.S.
    Inventors: Patrick Matheoud, Jean-Claude Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20090260712
    Abstract: Beverage bottling or container filling plant having a beverage bottle or container labeling machine, and a beverage bottle or container labeling machine having a vacuum drum. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Lutz DECKERT
  • Publication number: 20090229702
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and laser resealing a resulting needle hole in the device. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion of the device is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber through the needle, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power thereto. The needle penetrable and laser resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and includes a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber from the needle penetrable and laser resealable portion during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20090229701
    Abstract: Device for filling a container with a gas under pressure, especially hydrogen in a tank of a vehicle, comprising at least one source (1, 2, 3, 6) of gas pressurized to a first pressure, called high pressure, a transfer circuit (201, 36, 13, 14, 136, 146) capable of selectively connecting the source or sources (1, 2, 3, 6) of pressurized gas to the tank to be filled, the transfer circuit comprising control members (204, 132, 142) for controlling the flow of the gas from the source or sources (1, 2, 3, 6) to the tank, the transfer circuit further including at least one cooling exchanger (9), for cooling the pressurized gas, wherein the cooling exchanger (9) comprises a hot flow circuit (99) for the pressurized gas to be cooled, a cold flow circuit (98) for a cold cooling fluid, and a refrigeration hold-over medium (5), the refrigeration hold-over medium (5) being in direct heat exchange, on the one hand, with the cold fluid of the cold circuit (98) and, on the other hand, with the pressurized gas to be cooled o
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Laurent Allidieres, Thomas Charbonneau, Sebastian Sequeira, Thomas Vinard
  • Publication number: 20090226588
    Abstract: A device 1 for cooling hot liquid food items, in particular water 20, to drinking temperature comprises a cooling system 2 containing a coolant 19 with a cooling line 13 carried through the coolant 19 and comprising an inflow for letting in the hot liquid and an outflow for the cooled liquid. The device 1 includes at least one filling vessel 3 with defined fill volume connectable with its opening 5 to the end side of the cooling system 2 with the inflow and closable through the connection to the cooling system 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Dieter Marx
  • Publication number: 20090218004
    Abstract: A process for efficiently conveying containers along a table-top conveying system includes the steps of temporarily securing a transfer stabilizing support (1a, 1b) to a bottom end of a formed container (14) so that the container can freely move along a production line using the table-top conveying system where the transfer stabilizing support has a bottom surface (2a, 2b) with an opening (4a, 4b), a sidewall (6a, 6b) extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a ridge area (10b) surrounding the opening and inside the sidewall of the support; and after the container has gone through operations of the production line, the transfer stabilizing support is removed so that aesthetic qualities of the formed container shape are revealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Philip Sheets, Paul Kelley, John Denner
  • Patent number: 7578321
    Abstract: Freeze protection of an on-board emissions treatment substance storage and distribution system in a vehicle includes moving the emissions treatment substance away from a primary fuel/vapor area after filling of the emissions treatment system. In one embodiment an on-board emissions treatment system has a fill tube with a portion extending into a primary fuel fill pipe to facilitate co-fueling of the primary fuel and emissions treatment substance. A pressure differential or vacuum is created in the emissions treatment fill tube after filling to move the emissions treatment substance away from a check valve disposed at the terminal end of the fill tube to prevent freezing of the check valve after filling. The emissions treatment substance may be moved out of the co-located portion of the fill tube to an area where passive or active heating of the fill tube may be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Levin
  • Patent number: 7559689
    Abstract: A system for attaching in situ thermal management equipment, such as a heat exchanger, to a high pressure gas storage tank in a manner which fixes the in situ equipment in the interior of the tank, to the tank, but does not constrain the axial location of the in situ equipment, thereby allowing a small amount of longitudinal displacement or axial rotation between the heat exchanger and the tank. A degree of longitudinal movement along the axis of the tank and a degree of rotation is effected, both singularly at either end of the in situ device or dually at each end of the in situ device positioned within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryan Douglas Roy Harty
  • Publication number: 20090165886
    Abstract: A device and a method for the dilution and preparation of antiballistic drugs, the device comprises a drug preparation unit connected to a controlling device; the drug preparation unit comprises a first central tank, in which there is a solvent, typically a physiological and/or glucosate solution, a first positive-displacement pump, an emptying unit connected to a positioning and locking arrangement provided with a housing suitable for receiving various dimensions and formats of dimensions and formats of bottles of drug; the first positive-displacement pump transfers in a dosed manner the solvent from the central tank to the bottle, and in succession from the bottle to a further tank of semifinished drug; the diluted drug solution in the further tank is then transferred to a container of prepared drug in a determined quantity for infusion into a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: BIODUCT S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Zucca, Michele Desogus, Maria Cristina Deidda
  • Publication number: 20090151812
    Abstract: Method for filling a tank with a pressurized gas, in particular a vehicle tank with hydrogen, including the step of compressing the gas from a first gas source in order to fill said tank directly or via at least one buffer vessel, wherein the compression step is carried out using the energy from a working fluid, said method being characterized in that it comprises a step of heat exchange between said compressed gas and said working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour I'Etude et I'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Laurent Allidieres
  • Publication number: 20090127137
    Abstract: In a hydrogen reservoir having a housing with a hydrogen storage material arranged in the housing for absorbing and releasing hydrogen as needed, the hydrogen reservoir includes at least one unit having a porous body surrounding a container in which the hydrogen storage material is contained and a method is provided for charging the hydrogen reservoir with hydrogen from a hydrogen filling stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Golz, Claude Keller, Wolfgang Polifke, Eberhard Schmidt-Ihn, David Wenger
  • Publication number: 20090095369
    Abstract: A compact apparatus and method for filling a flexible pouch having an extended shelf life is provided. The machine includes a frame, a transport means disposed on the frame for transporting a pouch holder containing the flexible pouch. The machine also includes a receiving station for placing the pouch into the pouch holder, and an opening station for opening the pouch to separate the walls of the pouch, a filling station for filling the pouch and a closing station for closing the filled pouch. The machine further includes a pasteurization station. The flexible pouch includes a panel having an upper edge, an opposed lower edge and a first side edge and a second side edge extending therebetween the upper edge and the lower edge, the upper edges are sealed along an upper seam and a fitment opening means is disposed in the upper seam for accessing the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: R. Charles Murray
  • Patent number: 7500497
    Abstract: A method for filling a compressed-gas container, in particular a compressed gas container in an airbag system, with a gas or gas mixture, or for producing a gas mixture in a compressed gas container. The filling is accomplished by introducing a gas mixture, or at least one gaseous component of the gas mixture, into a cooled compressed-gas container in the form of a gas or liquid-cooled gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Friedel Michel, Ulrich Klebe
  • Publication number: 20090056827
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vapor recovery system for gas station that is capable of controlling vapor emission to less than 0.38 lbs/1000 gallons fuel dispensed. The system may include at least one canister containing adsorbents such as activated carbon, zeolite, activated alumina, silica, and other adsorbents for passive removal of hydrocarbon vapors in venting air. Additionally, the system may include a means to enhance vapor-liquid equilibrium in the ullage of the fuel tank and accordingly minimize vapor emission level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Michael F. Tschantz
  • Patent number: 7497237
    Abstract: A container filling plant for filling containers comprising a plastic material with a filling material and a method of operation thereof. The container filling plant has at least one treatment device having a source of a treatment agent, wherein at least one pulse of the treatment agent is configured to be heated to treat the inside surface of a container without destructive effects on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-Und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Volker Till
  • Patent number: 7490635
    Abstract: A method for filling a pressure vessel, for example an airbag system, with a gas or gas mixture. The filling is accomplished by cooling a pressure vessel, filling said vessel with at least one type of gas at a temperature which is higher than the boiling point thereof and closing the cold vessel. A pressure is produced in the filled and closed vessel by heating said vessel at an ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Hermann Grabhorn, Ulrich Klebe, Friedel Michel
  • Patent number: 7490639
    Abstract: A device defining a chamber for receiving a substance and a thermoplastic portion in fluid communication with the chamber is provided along with a method of filling and sealing the substance within the chamber. The thermoplastic portion defines a penetrable region that is penetrable by a filling member and is heat resealable to hermetically seal an aperture therein by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power. The thermoplastic portion comprises a thermoplastic body defining a predetermined wall thickness and includes a styrene block copolymer, an olefin and a predetermined amount of pigment allowing the body to absorb laser radiation at the predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness, and hermetically seal the aperture in the penetrable region in a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7484540
    Abstract: A liquid hydrogen storage system having minimized tanking losses. Hydrogen is discharged from a liquid hydrogen tank through connector piping of a filling connector to a discharge pipe and then to an external device, such as a fuel cell. As such, the connector piping is maintained at a cryogenic temperature substantially that of liquid hydrogen. During refilling of the tank through the already cryogenically cold connector piping there is substantially reduced evaporation of the liquid hydrogen provided by a liquid hydrogen tank station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer Pechtold
  • Patent number: 7464734
    Abstract: A system for transfer of cryogenic fluids and a method to keep the system at cryogenic temperatures during non-transfer periods requires an insulated transfer pipe that is inclined with a high end at a storage tank, a transfer jumper extending from the high end to the vapor area of the tank and a feeding line fluidly connecting to the high end also. During idle periods, the cryogenic liquid is fed from the storage tank into the transfer pipe to compensate the liquid that vaporizes in the transfer pipe due to heat leakage from the surroundings. The fed liquid flows down by gravity, and the boil-off gas flows back to the storage tank along the top of the transfer pipe and through the transfer jumper. As a result, the transfer system is kept at cryogenic temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Xuejie Liu
  • Publication number: 20080289720
    Abstract: A fuel filling apparatus is provided. The fuel filling apparatus comprises an overfilling protective valve arranged in a fuel gas supply path for supplying a fuel gas to an automobile. The overfilling protective valve further comprises a fuel gas path, a valve unit for opening and closing the fuel gas path by a valve body, a valve body displacement means for displacing the valve body according to a filling pressure of the fuel gas, and a temperature modulating unit for modulating a temperature of the valve body displacement means. Even though a difference between the temperature of the fuel gas and the operation temperature of the overfilling protective valve is large, the temperature of the valve body displacement means can be maintained within the preset temperature range by the temperature modulating unit and the overfilling protective valve can be exactly operated under the preset pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: NAOYUKI TAKANO, Kazutoshi Sato, Kanji Omori
  • Publication number: 20080289591
    Abstract: A compressed gas delivery vehicle includes a cooling system designed to cool the interior of a gas storage vessel containing adsorbent or absorbent material during filling of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Pascal TESSIER, Frederic Barth
  • Patent number: 7448223
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for unloading natural gas (NG), including gasifying liquid and/or compressed NG using the latent heat of water and propane, and/or storing liquid or compressed NG gas in a storage cavern system that utilizes a buffer layer to prevent hydrating the NG gas, the storage cavern system being configured such that the NG may be forced out of a first storage chamber by increasing the amount of brine in a second chamber to displace a buffer fluid located therein such that the displace buffer fluid enters the first storage chamber and displaces the NG, as well as the processes for compressing, chilling and/or liquefying quantities of LNG and transporting those volumes to markets for redelivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: DQ Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Darling, IV, A. Bruce Murray
  • Patent number: 7445033
    Abstract: Device and method for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and laser resealing a resulting needle hole in the device. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation. The needle penetrable and laser resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and includes a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20080264514
    Abstract: A compressed gas delivery vehicle has a cooling system that cools an interior of a gas storage vessel during filling of the vessel with the gas wherein the gas is sorbed by a sorbent material comprising an adsorbent or an absorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Pascal TESSIER, Frederic BARTH
  • Patent number: 7441568
    Abstract: An adhesive liquid dispensing apparatus includes a gun manifold, a dispensing module, and a dispensing orifice. The inlet port of the gun manifold is directly coupled with a reservoir of adhesive hot melt liquid that is fixedly attached to the manifold. The contents of the reservoir are under pressure so that the adhesive hot melt liquid is dispensed from the adhesive liquid dispensing apparatus without the need for heated supply hoses to connect the inlet port of the manifold to a remote source of adhesive hot melt liquid. Preferably, the adhesive liquid dispensing system is coupled with a robot that controls the positioning of the system during an adhesive liquid dispensing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: George O. Porter, Leslie J. Varga
  • Patent number: 7434603
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, including a dispenser for dispensing liquid such as water to a user. A liquid container is located below the dispenser and removably attachable to a pivoting cradle engaging the liquid container. The cradle may be pivoted about an axis located adjacent an exit location for liquid within the liquid container. A filling device may be located below the liquid container for removably engaging the liquid container in fluid communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: MTN Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory N Spear, Terry Havener, Chun Yen Wang, Hung Hsiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20080245438
    Abstract: An automated ice vending apparatus and method including an ice generating machine capable of producing enough ice to sufficiently keep full a receptacle positioned beneath the ice generating machine, a first ice moving device with cutting members positioned within the receptacle to move ice from the receptacle to a second ice moving device, wherein the ice is subsequently transferred to a removable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Jon Ladson
  • Publication number: 20080245439
    Abstract: An automated ice vending apparatus and method including an ice generating machine capable of producing enough ice to sufficiently keep full a first receptacle positioned beneath the ice generating machine, a plurality of augers positioned at least partially within channels on the lower portion of the receptacle to move ice from the first receptacle to a second receptacle with a second ice moving mechanism, which in turn moves the ice to a third, substantially inclined, ice moving mechanism, wherein the ice is subsequently transferred to a removable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Jon Ladson
  • Patent number: 7426945
    Abstract: An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel formed with an aperture, the holding vessel being configured and dimensioned to receive and house ice pieces produced by an operatively associated ice supply, an ice metering device, and an ice transferring device at least partially disposed within the holding vessel that facilitates movement of ice pieces located therein in a first direction toward the aperture thereof, and movement of ice pieces in a second different direction from the aperture to the ice metering device, which is adapted and configured to meter a quantity of ice pieces into a readily transportable container. Methods and automated methods of delivering ice to consumer(s) are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ice House America, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Dalton, Roy Lavon Stripling
  • Publication number: 20080216913
    Abstract: A service station, in particular a hydrogen service station for filling a motor vehicle with a gaseous and/or a liquid medium, in particular with gaseous or liquid hydrogen, is disclosed. The station includes a) a reservoir for storing a liquid medium, b) a liquid medium dispensing unit which is supplied with the liquid medium from the reservoir, c) a compressor, an evaporator, a heating system, and an intermediate reservoir for intermediate storage of a compressed gaseous medium, d) a gaseous medium dispensing unit mounted downstream of the intermediate reservoir, e) a fuel cell which is supplied by the gaseous medium coming from the reservoir and/or the intermediate reservoir and supplies power to the compressor, and f) a control unit which is powered by the fuel cell and used for controlling the compressor, the gaseous medium dispensing unit and/or the liquid medium dispensing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Tobias Kederer, Henning Tomforde
  • Patent number: 7418981
    Abstract: Systems, including methods and apparatus, for dispensing biological fluids, such as allergens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventors: James W. Baker, Gary A. Kirian
  • Publication number: 20080202629
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process respectively a device for filling a high pressure gas container (1), comprising the following steps: Supplying a liquefied or solidified first gas (2) into a gas container (1) while the gas container (1) is being cooled; stopping the cooling of the gas container (1) after the supplying step of the first gas; then introducing a gaseous second gas (3) into the gas container (1) and closing the gas container (1). The invention allows for a efficient, reproducible, reliable and economical filling of high pressure gas containers (1), in particular for airbag systems or for fuel cells, and allows to use conventional devices for introducing gases respectively closing gas containers that are not particularly adapted for low temperature respectively high pressure applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Friedel Michel, Lutz Thiedecke, Ulrich Klebe, Hans Hiller, Thorsten Frank, Friedel Theissen
  • Patent number: 7406987
    Abstract: A fuel filling apparatus is provided. The fuel filling apparatus comprises an overfilling protective valve arranged in a fuel gas supply path for supplying a fuel gas to an automobile. The overfilling protective valve further comprises a fuel gas path, a valve unit for opening and closing the fuel gas path by a valve body, a valve body displacement means for displacing the valve body according to a filling pressure of the fuel gas, and a temperature modulating unit for modulating a temperature of the valve body displacement means. Even though a difference between the temperature of the fuel gas and the operation temperature of the overfilling protective valve is large, the temperature of the valve body displacement means can be maintained within the preset temperature range by the temperature modulating unit and the overfilling protective valve can be exactly operated under the preset pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Takano, Kazutoshi Sato, Kanji Omori
  • Patent number: 7398802
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing biological fluids. The system may provide supply (stock) vessels of refrigerated biological fluids that remain connected to dispensers as the dispensers are operated to distribute the biological fluids to receiver vessels. Each receiver vessel may be engaged selectively with a suitable set of one or more dispensers to select the type and amount of biological fluid to be dispensed to the receiver vessel. The dispensers may be configured to permit the biological fluids to be selectively dispensed to receiver vessels under sterile conditions, so that the biological fluids may remain in a substantially closed environment as they are transferred between vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: James W. Baker
  • Patent number: 7377294
    Abstract: At a high pressure refuel depot that dispenses high pressure hydrogen or compressed natural gas to vehicles, the thermal energy (heat) generated by the high flow rate of the high pressure refueling gas is evacuated from the on board fuel tank[s] of vehicles eliminating the need for refueling pre treatments such as a slow fill, secondary precooling, and pressure overfill otherwise used to achieve a full vehicle tank refill. In an example, a high pressure fuel depot refilling line is operatively interconnected to an on board vehicle tank having a gas flow circuit wherein the refuel gas itself is circulated within the on board tank to absorb the compression heat of refueling and then to an external radiator before being released into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Handa
  • Patent number: 7367365
    Abstract: A plastic container comprised of a closed base, a body portion, and a neck portion with a dispensing opening. The closed base includes a substantially rigid support portion and a flexible portion. The body portion preferably includes a shoulder portion and a substantially rigid wall portion that includes a plurality of reinforcement formations. The container is configured so that the flexible portion of the base contracts upwardly about the support portion in response to vacuum pressures generated within the container, while the substantially rigid support portion of the sidewall remains substantially firm, for example, to accept or receive a label. If desired, the shoulder portion may include a logo and/or one or more pressure relief formations. A method for producing hot-filled, labeled containers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Slat, Richard C. Darr
  • Patent number: 7363949
    Abstract: A hydrogen station includes gas storage equipment for storing hydrogen, a dispenser for charging hydrogen gas supplied from the gas storage equipment into a hydrogen tank of a vehicle, and a blower. When charging hydrogen, the blower blows air towards a radiator of the vehicle parked at a predetermined vehicle parking area of the hydrogen station. The current flow of the blower is adjusted in accordance with the heat load on the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidehito Kubo, Yoshihiro Isogai, Daigoro Mori
  • Patent number: 7360563
    Abstract: Electrochemical systems and methods of operating the systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for operating an electrochemical system, comprises: forming hydrogen gas in an electrolysis cell, maintaining the hydrogen gas at a temperature sufficient to enable the filling of a hydrogen gas vessel at a rate that would fill a 5 kg vessel with the hydrogen gas in a period of time of less than or equal to about 10 minutes, and introducing the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen gas vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Mitlitsky
  • Patent number: 7343682
    Abstract: Fluid-dynamic-pressure bearing manufacturing method for more efficient and fail-safe degassing of bearing oil. Method makes it possible to prevent the generation of air bubbles in the course of an oil-charging operation that amounts to a step following degassing, and to single out the causative source of air bubbles when their generation has been detected. At the same time oil that is under a reduced-pressure environment within an oil-storing vacuum chamber is vacuum-degassed, immersed within the oil a stirrer for agitating and degassing the oil is rotated by indirect drive means, and the oil after having been degassed is supplied to a vacuum chamber where a fluid-dynamic-pressure bearing unit is retained—which has been pumped down to a pressure below the pressure within the oil-storing vacuum chamber—and is charged into the bearing clearances by raising the internal pressure of the bearing-retaining vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nidec Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeharu Sumi, Jyoichi Hiroshi, Hironori Ando
  • Publication number: 20080060714
    Abstract: A compressed gas storage tank that has particular application for storing hydrogen for a fuel cell system. The compressed gas tank includes a cylindrical adapter and valve through which the hydrogen is removed from the tank. A low cost generator is positioned in the tank and has a rotating element positioned in a channel extending through the adapter. As hydrogen is removed from the tank, the mass flow of the hydrogen causes the rotating element to rotate which causes the generator to generate electricity. One or more resistive heating element are positioned in the adapter, preferably proximate to tank seals, that receive an electrical current from the generator that heats the resistive heating element and the adapter to increase the temperature of the adapter and the hydrogen being removed from the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Josef Kallo
  • Patent number: 7322387
    Abstract: An integrated energy hub facility capable of bringing together all aspects of hydrocarbon and other fluid product movement under controlled conditions applicable to the reception, storage, processing, collection and transmission downstream is provided. Input to the energy hub includes natural gas and crude from a pipeline or a carrier, LNG from a carrier, CNG from a carrier, and carrier-regassed LNG, as well as other products from a pipeline or a carrier. Storage can be above surface, in salt caverns or in subterranean formations and cavities, and include petroleum crude, natural gas, LPG, NGL, GTL and other fluids. Transmission downstream may be carried out by a vessel or other type of carrier and/or by means of a pipeline system. Cryogenic fluids are offloaded and sent to the energy hub surface holding tank, then pumped to the energy hub vaporizers and sent to underground storage and/or distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoRan Energy LLC
    Inventors: David Charles Landry, Roger Jacques Maduell
  • Patent number: 7316249
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing infant formula including, a steriliser (2) for sterilising a bottle, a milk powder container (4) for dispensing milk powder into the bottle, a water container (3) for dispensing water into the bottle and a controller (8) to control operation of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: How Onn Cheong
  • Patent number: 7306015
    Abstract: An apparatus for making a droplet target provided with a chamber for receiving a target liquid and maintained under pressure, an electromagnetic valve switched at a ms rate for feeding target liquid from the receptacle to a heated expansion channel for converting the target liquid to supersaturated vapor and connected to a supersonic nozzle wherein the supersaturated vapor is cooled and condensed to droplets before they are discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V.
    Inventors: Sargis Ter-Avetisyan, Matthias Schnuerer, Peter-Viktor Nickles
  • Patent number: 7284575
    Abstract: A re-fueling station is provided for selectively dispensing fuel in the form of liquefied gas or compressed gas. The re-fueling station comprises a storage tank for storing liquefied gas; a positive displacement fuel pump operable to draw fuel from the storage tank and discharge fuel to a flow diverter, which is operable to selectively direct fuel through one of a first outlet or a second outlet; and conduits through which fuel may flow from the first outlet to a heat exchanger and then to a first dispenser for dispensing compressed gas, or from the second outlet to a second dispenser for dispensing liquefied gas. A method is provided comprising operating the fuel pump in a low speed mode when fuel is directed to the first dispenser and operating the fuel pump in a high speed mode when fuel is directed to the second dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: Anker Gram, Mihai Ursan