Abstract: A CNG fuel supply system is provided for a bus. The system includes a plurality of rearward tank cylinders mounted on the top of the bus and a plurality of forward tank cylinders mounted on the top of the bus. A CNG manifold line has a length extending transversally across the bus between the forward and rearward tank cylinders. A plurality of inlet lines connect the manifold line to the tank cylinders. The plurality of inlet lines include a plurality of bendable inlet expansion portions, one of which is associated with each tank cylinder for accommodating longitudinal expansion of the tank cylinder. A plurality of outlet lines connect the tank cylinders to the manifold line, with the plurality of outlet lines including a plurality of bendable outlet expansion portions, one of which is associated with each tank cylinder for accommodating longitudinal expansion of the tank cylinder.

Abstract: A compressed natural gas fuel tank for vehicles employing internal combustion engines. A fuel tank of heavy gauge metal is interposed within the vehicle frame as an integral portion thereof. Overlay channel members are welded or otherwise affixed to the tank and then welded or otherwise affixed to the side rails or channel members of the vehicle frame. The tank, of heavy gauge metal and non-circular cross section, is also welded or otherwise appropriately affixed to the vehicle floor. The tank is capable of receiving natural gas at high pressure levels, while also serving structurally as a frame element, providing continuity of the side rail members of the frame, while also serving to further interconnect the vehicle floor with the side rails. Also presented are tank assemblies in which a tank housing receives a plurality of cylindrical pressure tanks of composite material construction. The cylindrical tanks are nested within the tank housing, which also serves as an integral part of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A gaseous alternative fuels vehicle has a vehicle body with an engine and a gas fuel tank. A gaseous fuel supply system establishes gas communication between the engine and the gas fuel tank. The gaseous fuel supply system includes a valve having a valve body with a housing having a first unvalved port and a second unvalved port. A through-flow channel extends between the first unvalved port and the second unvalved port. The through-flow channel provides continuous gaseous communication between the first unvalved port and the second unvalved port. A valved port is in gaseous communication with the gas fuel tank, and a valving channel extends between the valved port and the through-flow channel. The valving channel provides valved gaseous communication between the valved port and the through-flow channel. A flow controller has a valve element within the valving channel at a valve location.

Abstract: A CNG fuel supply system is provided for mounting a plurality of Type 4 tanks on the roof of a bus. A manifold line extends to the roof of the bus and is anchored against movement relative to the length of the bus. A shutoff valve is associated with each tank, the shutoff valve being mounted on an end of its respective tank adjacent the manifold line. The shutoff valve has two ports which communicate with the tank when the shutoff valve is open. An inlet tubing piece connects the manifold line to one of the two ports of each tank and an outlet tubing piece connects the manifold line to the other port of each tank. The tubing pieces are manufactured to be substantially identical to other tubing pieces of the tank system for a given bus, and to other tubing pieces for other buses in the fleet, thus reducing the number of different tubing pieces utilized for construction and maintenance of the fleet.

Abstract: A CNG fuel tank system is provided for mounting on the roof of a bus. The system includes a support frame mounted on the roof of the bus. The support frame includes at least one longitudinal frame wall extending generally parallel to the length of the bus. Each tank cylinder has associated therewith first and second saddles which are attached to one side of one of the frame walls. Each saddle has a base oriented vertically and engaging in the first frame wall. Each saddle includes an arcuate recess spacing sideways from this frame wall. Each tank cylinder is received in the arcuate recesses of the saddles associated therewith. Each saddle has associated therewith first and second strap assemblies which extend around the tank cylinder to secure the tank cylinder to the saddles and thus to the support frame. Preferably, a set of four parallel tanks are mounted in the fashion described on two parallel longitudinal frame walls. There is one tank hung in a cantilever mode off either side of each frame wall.

Abstract: A vehicle has an internal-combustion engine drive and a fuel cell drive system. Liquid fuel is used to supply energy to the internal-combustion engine drive and the fuel cell system. The internal-combustion engine drive is used for starting the vehicle and for permitting its immediate movement after starting of the internal-combustion engine, as well as for heating the fuel cell system to a working temperature. After the working temperature is reached, the fuel cell is started. Subsequently, an electric driving motor, which is fed by the fuel cell system, alone or together with the internal-combustion engine drive, drives the movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A compressed gas vehicle fuel storage system comprised of a plurality of compressed gas pressure cells supported by shock-absorbing foam positioned within a shape-conforming container. The container is dimensioned relative to the compressed gas pressure cells whereby a radial air gap surrounds each compressed gas pressure cell. The radial air gap allows pressure-induced expansion of the pressure cells without resulting in the application of pressure to adjacent pressure cells or physical pressure to the container. The pressure cells are interconnected by a gas control assembly including a thermally activated pressure relief device, a manual safety shut-off valve, and means for connecting the fuel storage system to a vehicle power source and a refueling adapter. The gas control assembly is enclosed by a protective cover attached to the container. The system is attached to the vehicle with straps to enable the chassis to deform as intended in a high-speed collision.