Abstract: A gas storage apparatus includes a foam body having a negative Poisson's ratio, and a gas impregnated in closed cells of the foam body, the gas having a pressure above atmospheric pressure. A method of making a gas storage apparatus includes providing a first body comprising a precursor material, and, while the first body is in an atmosphere including a gas, applying a stimulus to the precursor material, the stimulus causing the precursor material to form a closed-cell porous foam structure having a negative Poisson's ratio. Cells of the closed-cell porous foam structure encapsulate the gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for palletless shipment of gas cylinder arrays. A three-dimensional array of gas cylinders is formed from a plurality of vertically-stacked two-dimensional subarrays. First elongated voids extend through the array in a width direction at a first handle elevation. Second elongated voids extend through the array in a depth direction at a second handle elevation. The first and second elongated voids are bilaterally bounded by handle portions of adjacent gas cylinders, and vertically bounded by upper and lower surfaces of surrounding cylinders. Pairs of tunnel elements are disposed within respective elongated voids and are each configured to releasably receive a corresponding forklift tong. Vertically-disposed pillars may be provided to increase the rigidity and load distribution of the system. Flaps may radiate from the pillars to minimize impact and abrasion between adjacent cylinders during shipment.

Abstract: A polyethylene for a pipe and a joint of the present invention satisfies the following characteristics (1) to (5): Characteristic (1): a melt flow rate at a temperature of 190° C. and a load of 21.6 kg (HLMFR) is 5 to 20 g/10 minutes, Characteristic (2): a density (D) is 0.954 to 0.960 g/cm3, Characteristic (3): a ratio of weight-average molecular weight (Mw) and number-average molecular weight (Mn) (Mw/Mn) measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is 15 to 27, Characteristic (4): a rupture time at 80° C. and 5 MPa by a full notch creep test (FNCT) is 150 hours or more, and Characteristic (5): a Charpy impact strength (CIS) measured at ?20° C. is 8.5 kJ/m2 or more.

Abstract: A home carbonation system includes a mechanical lock to lock a bottle within the carbonation system during carbonation. The system also includes a gradual releaser to controllably release pressure after the carbonation and to delay the unlocking of the bottle from the mechanical lock after the carbonation has ended.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for palletless shipment of gas cylinder arrays. A three-dimensional array of gas cylinders is formed from a plurality of vertically-stacked two-dimensional subarrays. First elongated voids extend through the array in a width direction at a first handle elevation. Second elongated voids extend through the array in a depth direction at a second handle elevation. The first and second elongated voids are bilaterally bounded by handle portions of adjacent gas cylinders, and vertically bounded by upper and lower surfaces of surrounding cylinders. Pairs of tunnel elements are disposed within respective elongated voids and are each configured to releasably receive a corresponding forklift tong. Vertically-disposed pillars may be provided to increase the rigidity and load distribution of the system. Flaps may radiate from the pillars to minimize impact and abrasion between adjacent cylinders during shipment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the flexible container includes a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel, the gusseted side panels adjoining the front panel and the rear panel along (i) peripheral seals to form a chamber; and (ii) handle seals to form a handle, the handle located at an end of the chamber and including a pocket formed from the handle seals. The pocket contains a grip member.

Abstract: A stackable transportable apparatus and method for storing or transporting at least one cylinder, having first and second lateral sides, a front side, a rear side, a bottom side and an opening in the top. The opening in the top and the bottom side are in a plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Adjacent sides of each container are operably coupled to form a wall of the container. The wall includes front and rear proximal edges, and front and rear distal, edges. The front and rear proximal edges are closer to the center of a vehicle, by which the container is transported, than the front and rear distal edges. A top portion of the front side of the wall of the container, and the front proximal and distal edges have a plurality of open slot grooves.

Abstract: A home use carbonation machine includes a carbonation assembly to carbonate liquid with pressurized gas, an electrical controller to operate the carbonation assembly and at least one safeguard to terminate the supply of pressurized gas in the event of an electrical outage. The carbonation assembly includes a pronged clamp apparatus for attaching a soda bottle to the carbonation machine.

Abstract: A gauging method for a plastic fuel tank mounted on a hybrid vehicle, the tank including a reservoir including a gauge for measuring an amount of fuel in the tank, the method including: measuring the amount of fuel in the tank using the gauge; estimating deformation of the tank using at least one sensor onboard the vehicle; and correcting the amount measured by the gauge based on the estimated deformation.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage apparatus includes a canister and at least one hydrogen storage unit. The canister has at least a hollow rod. The hydrogen storage unit is disposed in the canister. The hydrogen storage unit includes a housing, a heat-dissipating channel and a plurality of heat-dissipating partitions. The periphery of the housing is configured with a plurality of grooves, and each groove has a plurality of first holes. The heat-dissipating channel is located within the housing. Each heat-dissipating partition has a plurality of second holes and connects to the housing and heat-dissipating channel. The heat-dissipating partitions divide the space inside the housing. The first holes and the second holes connect to the inner space of the housing.

Abstract: A system for providing a high purity acetylene comprising 100 ppm or less solvent to a point of use comprising a storage vessel that houses an acetylene feed steam comprising acetylene and solvent; a cooling system that maintains the storage vessel and provides the acetylene feed stream at a temperature ranging from 20° C. to ?50° C.; and a purifier in fluid communication with the storage vessel wherein the acetylene feed stream is introduced into the purifier at a temperature ranging from ?50° C. to 30° C. to remove at least a portion of the solvent contained therein and provide the high purity acetylene.

Abstract: An article is provided that can be used as a heating source for various applications. The article includes an environmentally friendly gaseous fuel mixture within a gas cylinder that is both non-corrosive and refillable. More specifically, the gaseous fuel mixture contains hydrogen and methane. Methods of using the article as a heating source are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method that minimizes or eliminates under-filling of a pressure vessel by integrating phase change material (PCM) within one or multiple component of the pressure vessel. In one particular embodiment, the inner surface of the pressure vessel comprises a PCM. During a gas-filling process, PCM reduces the rate and/or the amount of temperature increase. Reduction of the temperature increase in the pressure vessel increases the amount of gas filled during a gas-filling process.

Abstract: A vessel is disclosed, the vessel including a main body having a hollow interior for receiving a fluid therein, wherein at least a portion of the hollow interior includes a filling material disposed therein to minimize a rate of flow of the fluid from the main body, wherein the filling material is at least one of a porous structured material and a granulate material.

Abstract: A container unit for the storage and protection of laboratory substances includes a protective housing and at least one dosage-dispensing unit. The at least one dosage-dispensing unit includes a reservoir container and a dispensing head. To prepare the at least one dosage-dispensing unit for operation, the protective housing can be removed from the dosage-dispensing unit. The protective housing has a bottom part with at least one suitably shaped recess to provide a stable seat for the at least one dosage-dispensing unit, as well as a bell-shaped top. The top can be connected to the bottom part, so as to form a tightly sealed interior space. For transportation and storage purposes, the at least one dosage-dispensing unit is arranged in the interior space of the closed protective housing.

Abstract: A resin composition including a resin and a hydrogen storage alloy powder. When hydrogen gas is absorbed-released in a hydrogen storage vessel obtained by filling the resin composition in the vessel such that a ratio V2/V1 between a volume V2 of the hydrogen storage alloy powder and an inner volume V1 of the vessel becomes 40 to 80 vol %, a distortion ? produced on a wall of the hydrogen storage vessel is 1,000×10?6 or less.

Abstract: A method for activating hydrogen molecules dissolved in water and stabilizing the concentration of the hydrogen molecules is provided. The method for activating and stabilizing hydrogen molecules dissolved in water is characterized by allowing hydrogen ions to coexist with the hydrogen molecules.

Abstract: A composite compressed gas tank has an outer shell and a liner. The liner is made of a light metal, in particular, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The gas tank has an in-feed and discharge port, in which is inserted a closing element having at least one channel. The closing element is connected directly or indirectly to the liner by a welded joint, and a steel material connecting line is connected to the channel or channels. A transition element has a first end segment made of a light metal, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and is welded either to the liner or to the closing element if made of a light metal. The other end segment of the transition element is made of a steel material and is welded either to the closing element, or to the connecting line if made of a steel material.

Abstract: An articulated firefighter breathing pack includes multiple polymeric pressure vessels connected together and to a flexible manifold with sections of flexible conduit. The pressure vessels and sections of flexible conduit are encased in high strength fiber material. The pressure vessels are wrapped in high strength ballistic ribbon material. The manifold provides connections for a high pressure regulator and an air fill source. A low pressure hose is connected to the high pressure regulator, a low pressure regulator is connected to the low pressure hose and a mouthpiece connected to the low pressure regulator. A pressure vessel container attaches the pressure vessels, the flexible conduit and the manifold to a harness having a waist portion and two vertical straps extending upwardly over the shoulders and back down to the waist portion. A utility belt provides mounting for equipment for the breathing pack including hoses, a power supply, electronic sensors and controls.

Abstract: A composition comprising: hydrogen; and an oxygenate odorant; wherein the oxygenate odorant has a vapor pressure of about 0.002 psi. or greater at 25° C. and having a smell detectable at less than 1 ppm by a human nose; wherein the oxygenate odorant includes one or more carbonyl groups; and wherein the oxygenate odorant consists only of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygenate odorants may be cyclic or acyclic.

Abstract: An apparatus for storage of compressed hydrogen gas is provided. The apparatus includes a sealed housing having an outlet pipe coupled to the housing and equipped with a controllable discharge valve. The sealed housing defines a chamber that includes a cartridge comprising an assembly of at least two different types of micro-containers configured for accumulating and storing said compressed hydrogen gas. The apparatus also includes a hydrogen liberating tool configured for controllable liberating the hydrogen gas from the cartridge into a volume of the chamber that is not occupied by the cartridge. The apparatus is controlled by a control system operatively coupled to the controllable discharge valve and the hydrogen liberating tool, and configured for controlling operation thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a membrane material for a gas holder having abrasion resistance and flex resistance usable as a gas holder, in addition to strength of a base fabric, and having high gas barrier properties. A membrane material for a gas holder, which is used in a gas holder for storing or recovering gas, includes at least 4 layers of a protective layer, a base fabric layer, a gas barrier layer and a protective layer laminated in this order.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage tank having an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit, and a thermal shield in thermal contact with the inner vessel is disclosed, wherein the thermal shield is adapted to militate against heat transfer from the atmosphere to a cryogenic fluid by the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A linerless tank structure has a body that defines an enclosed interior volume. The body has a cylindrical section having an axis of symmetry and a dome section coupled with the cylindrical section. The construction of the pressure vessel includes multiple fiber plies. At least one of the fiber plies is a helical ply having fibers traversing the dome helically about the axis of symmetry. At least a second of the fiber plies is a braided or woven ply.

Abstract: A hydrogen supply device and a method of supplying hydrogen are provided in which a hydrogen gas odorized with the odor agent is supplied by applying heat to a granular mixture of hydrogen storage glass beads and odor agent encapsulating capsules using irradiation with infrared light emitted from a light source.

Abstract: A hydrogen tank liner material comprises a polyamide resin composition which comprises (A) a polyamide resin at 85-40 wt %, (B) a copolyamide at 5-30 wt % and (C) an impact-resistant material at 10-30 wt % with respect to the total weight of the polyamide resin composition. Preferably, the (B) copolyamide is PA6/66 and the (C) impact-resistant material is an acid-modified ethylene/?-olefin-based copolymer. A hydrogen tank liner material with excellent gas barrier properties and superior impact resistance even at low temperatures is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to propellant tanks for space platforms, launchers and every sort of space transport craft.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes a sachet constructed in part with a hydrophobic material. The sachet contains one or more reactants that generate a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The apparatus can also include a barrier layer and/or a rigid frame. In another embodiment, the apparatus is combined with a reservoir that can be used to deliver a gas to the reservoir and, optionally, a conduit. In another embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated into a fluid dispersion system that includes a dispersion apparatus, e.g., a humidifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for storage and liberation of compressed hydrogen or other gases is provided. The apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber that includes a cartridge comprising an array of hollow microcylinders defining cavities for storage compressed gas. Each microcylinder has at least one end sealed with a plug made of an easily meltable alloy. The apparatus also includes a gas liberating tool configured for controllable liberating the gas from the cartridge into the chamber; and a control system operatively coupled to the discharge valve and liberating tool, and configured for controlling operation thereof. According to another aspect of the invention, there are provided a system and method for filling a cartridge having an array of hollow microcylinders having open ends. The filling includes placing the cartridge into a chamber of an autoclave, and compressing the gas in the chamber, thereby providing permeation of the gas through the open ends into cavities of the microcylinders.

Abstract: Methods of passivating a metal surface are described, the methods comprising the steps of exposing the metal surface to a silicon-containing passivation material, evacuating the metal surface, exposing the treated surface to a gas composition, having a concentration of reactive gas that is greater than an intended reactive gas concentration of gas to be transported by the metal surface, evacuating the metal surface to remove substantially all of the gas composition to enable maintenance of an increased shelf-life, low concentration reactive gas at an intended concentration, and exposing the metal surface to the reactive gas at the intended reactive gas concentration. Manufactured products, high stability fluids, and methods of making same are also described.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture and methods of making and using same concern a container having an internal space and a passivated internal metal surface. The container contains a composition of an acid gas and a balance gas contained within the internal space and in contact with the passivated internal metal surface. The stability of the acid gas concentration over time is enhanced.

Abstract: Methods of passivating a metal surface are described, the methods comprising the steps of exposing the metal surface to a silicon-containing passivation material, evacuating the metal surface, exposing the treated surface to a gas composition, having a concentration of reactive gas that is greater than an intended reactive gas concentration of gas to be transported by the metal surface, evacuating the metal surface to remove substantially all of the gas composition to enable maintenance of an increased shelf-life, low concentration reactive gas at an intended concentration, and exposing the metal surface to the reactive gas at the intended reactive gas concentration. Manufactured products, high stability fluids, and methods of making same are also described.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture and methods of making and using same concern a container having an internal space and a passivated internal metal surface. The container contains a composition of an acid gas and a balance gas contained within the internal space and in contact with the passivated internal metal surface. The stability of the acid gas concentration over time is enhanced.

Abstract: A method for storing hydrogen is described. The hydrogen is infused into hollow spheres. The spheres are made from a polymer which has a tensile strength sufficient to contain hydrogen under selected internal pressure conditions; and has a permeation coefficient which can be adjusted under variable humidity conditions. Adjustment of the humidity level after the hydrogen is infused results in the walls of the spheres becoming impermeable to hydrogen. The hydrogen stored in the spheres can then be released at a desired time by readjusting the humidity level. The released hydrogen can be directed to any type of equipment which is fueled by hydrogen or otherwise uses the gas. Related articles and systems are also described.

Abstract: An amusement item comprising a container filled with compressed air from a geographic location of interest. Compressed air from a geographic region is collected and transported to a manufacturing facility for the production of novelty containers containing the compressed air. Containers are labeled with the region/location from which the compressed air is obtained. Certification and quality is maintained by obtaining records of the chemical make-up of the air at the source and comparing that electronic record to cylinders of air from the geographic location to ensure accuracy of labeling and filling. The amusement items are sold as souvenirs.

Abstract: The invention comprehends a tank for storing fluid under pressure and a method for manufacturing the tank. The tank has an inner core of an open-celled foam that is characterized by open voids that are at least partially interconnected by passages and are surrounded by a fibrous or ligament structure/network (collectively, “ligaments”). Attached to the inner core is an outer skin.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a seat for the rider behind an engine and an air cleaner, and an elongate fuel tank below the seat. The height of the ceiling of the fuel tank at a location corresponding to the rider seating position is lower than the height of the ceiling of the fuel tank at other portions thereof. A raised ceiling portion is provided in the fuel tank by raising upwards the front side of the fuel tank. A fuel pump is provided in the raised ceiling portion of the fuel tank. The fuel pump is attached to the ceiling of the fuel tank, and a fuel supply pipe for supplying fuel from the fuel tank resides between the fuel pump and the front side of the fuel tank. The snowmobile having such fuel tank stabilizes vehicle body during operation, enhances the seating comfort, and easily incorporates a fuel pump therein.

Abstract: An electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier which comprises an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an intermediate electrolyte layer, which is conductive to protons and substantially impermeable to hydrogen. A catalytic metal present in or adjacent to the anode layer catalyzes an electrochemical reaction that converts any hydrogen that diffuses through the electrolyte layer to protons and electrons. The protons and electrons are transported to the cathode layer and reacted to form hydrogen. The hydrogen diffusion barrier is applied to a polymeric substrate used in a storage tank to store hydrogen under high pressure. A storage tank equipped with the electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier, a method of fabricating the storage tank, and a method of preventing hydrogen from diffusing out of a storage tank are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a reactive gas and a matrix gas are disclosed, as well as articles of manufacture and methods of making the articles. The methods of manufacturing preferably employ zeolites to remove moisture from the reactive gas and from the matrix gas, and then combine the moisture reduced gases either in a container, or prior to filling a container, which has been previously vacuum-baked and passivated. The invention produces stable standard gas compositions having improved shelf-life.

Abstract: A core-shell composition for gas storage, comprising a hollow or porous core and a shell comprising a nanocomposite. The nanocomposite is composed of an exfoliated layered filler dispersed in a matrix material, which provides high mechanical strength to hold a high pressure gas such as hydrogen and high resistance to gas permeation. Alternatively, the porous core may contain a plurality of cavities selected from the group consisting of shell-hollow core micro-spheres, shell-porous core micro-spheres, and combinations thereof. These core-shell compositions, each capable of containing a great amount of hydrogen gas, can be used to store and feed hydrogen to fuel cells that supply electricity to apparatus such as portable electronic devices, automobiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles where mass is a major concern. A related method of storing and releasing hydrogen gas in or out of a plurality of core-shell compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a reactive gas and a matrix gas are disclosed, as well as articles of manufacture and methods of making the articles. The methods of manufacturing preferably employ zeolites to remove moisture from the reactive gas and from the matrix gas, and then combine the moisture reduced gases either in a container, or prior to filling a container, which has been previously vacuum-baked and passivated. The invention produces stable standard gas compositions having improved shelf-life.

Abstract: A method for safely handling unstable hydrides, such as germane, in an enclosure which has one or more openings, by partitioning the enclosure into smaller but interconnected volumes and providing heat storage and transfer within the enclosure to rapidly remove heat from any incipient hot spot before it can reach a temperature where it could rapidly propagate to the rest of the enclosure. A preferred embodiment includes where the partitioning material comprises part or all of the means to store the heat and has a large surface area to rapidly adsorb heat from the gases in the smaller volume. An even more preferred embodiment is where the partitioning material comprises materials that can be poured into the enclosure. The use of sensible heat, phase change or chemical reactions are feasible ways to store the heat.

Abstract: A sulphur dioxide generator (10) is disclosed which comprises two composite sheets (12, 14). First stage release of sulphur dioxide is from a coating (26) of the composite sheet (14). The coating (26) is between a paper sheet (22) and a weldable coating (24). The coating (26) incorporates a substance which, in the presence of moisture, generates sulphur dioxide. Second stage release is from sulphur dioxide generating powder which is in pockets (30). The composite sheet (12) comprises a paper layer (16) and a weldable layer (18). The layers (24, 18) are sealed together along a series of longitudinal and transverse lines to form the pockets (30).

Abstract: A multi-layer structure excellent in the barrier properties against alcohol gasoline, particularly hydrocarbon components, and also excellent in the interlayer adhesion, low-temperature impact resistance, heat resistance and chemical resistance is provided. The stractive is a multi-layer structure comprising two or more layers including at least a layer (a) comprising (A) nylon 11 and/or nylon 12 and a layer (b) comprising (B) a polyamide resin (nylon 9T) consisting of a dicarboxylic acid component and a-diamine component, with 60 to 100 mol % of the dicarboxylic acid component being a terephthalic acid and 60 to 100 mol % of the diamine component being a diamine component selected from 1,9-nonanediamine and 2-methyl-1,8-octanediamine, and preferably further including a layer (c) comprising (A) nylon 11 and/or nylon 12 or (C) nylon 6.

Abstract: A unit dose, gas-filled syringe is provided which is filled with gas and packaged in a gas barrier material prior to use to increase shelf-life, that is, to minimize gas leakage and dilution of the contents of the syringe. The syringe is filled with a selected gas and sealed inside a container made from a high gas barrier material. The container is also filled with the selected gas. The container material is selected to have a gas transmission rate sufficient to prevent the selected gas from diffusing out of the container into the atmosphere. The volume of gas in the container is greater that atmospheric pressure to prevent atmospheric contaminants from entering the container and syringe.

Abstract: A refueling system for an electronic device, comprising a fuel reservoir in a fuel supply device; a fuel cell having a refillable fuel store in a mobile electronic device; a first fuel interface to the fuel supply device for releasable connection with a second fuel interface to the mobile electronic device; and a transfer mechanism for transferring fuel from the fuel reservoir across the first and second fuel interfaces, when connected, into the refillable fuel store.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for uptaking, or storing, or releasing, or uptaking and storing, or uptaking and releasing, or storing and releasing, or uptaking, storing and releasing at least one gas, comprising at least one opening for allowing the at least one gas to enter and exit or at least one opening for allowing the at least one gas to enter and at least one opening for allowing the at least one gas to exit said container, and a gas-tight mechanism capable of storing the at least one gas under a pressure of from greater than 45 to 750 bar inside the container, said container further comprising a metallo-organic framework material comprising pores and at least one metal ion and at least one at least bidentate organic compound which is bound to said metal ion, as well as to a fuel cell comprising said container, and to a method of using said container or said fuel cell for supplying power to power plants, cars, trucks, busses, cell phones, and laptops.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gas bottle in particular for medical use, comprising a generally cylindrical bottle body (1) comprising members (3) regulating gas output and optionally a protective covering (2) arranged around the members (3) regulating gas output. The invention is characterised in that the bottle body (1) is at least partly covered with at least a first protective casing (11), and the members (3) and/or the protective covering (2) are at least partly covered with at least a second protective casing (21). The invention also concerns a protective packaging for a gas bottle formed with a first protective casing (11) portion and a second protective casing (21) portion mutually integral and/or formed in a single piece, the first casing portion (11) comprising a disc-shaped base (12) to protect the base of the gas bottle.

Abstract: A pressurized gas supply system includes a pressurized container which expands and contracts. The container includes a one-piece liner molded from a polymer which is reinforced by a high tensile fiber such as KEVLAR®. A valve is molded into the liner, and a regulator is connected to the valve. A hose, having a conserver positioned therealong, extends between the regulator and a fitting allowing a user to inhale gas from the container. The container is carried in a carrying bag, which can be in the form of a carrying case, a purse, or a back-pack.

Abstract: A water vapor adsorption and water retaining composition containing particulate calcium chloride and particulate vermiculite in a flexible container having a side of spun-bonded polyethylene heat sealed to a side of extrusion coated polyethylene on polyester. The foregoing composition can also contain clay.