Abstract: The present invention relates to a curve-combined square pressure tank with which curves are combined so as to maintain internal high pressure, improve space efficiency, and reduce the weight thereof, and to a pressure tank, in which planes and curves are combined, formed by connecting flat plate members and curved members, having a plurality of aligned tension members for connecting the flat plate members facing each other, and having stress buffer parts formed at connection parts of the flat plate members and the curved members so as to enable internal pressure to be maintained.

Abstract: A floor securing apparatus comprises a riser slot formed in a floor riser, extending from a top surface toward a bottom surface of the floor riser. The floor riser is configured to support a floor sheet. The apparatus further includes a key including a locking head and at least one anchor tab, where the key is slidable into the riser slot and configured to engage a portion of the floor sheet when slid into the riser slot to prevent vertical movement of the floor sheet relative to the floor riser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for labeling “blank-labeled” cryogenically-frozen vials or ampoules, which contain heat-labile biological materials, and to which a laser-light sensitive material had been applied prior to freezing. Accordingly, the machine has been designed to maintain the integrity of the biological materials throughout all phases of the labeling process. The machine generally comprises a master control system; a programmable user interface; a frame; cryogenic freezer assemblies, for keeping the vials at the required low temperatures; an infeed assembly, configured to receive and position blank-labeled cryogenic vials; a cryostatic labeling/quality control tunnel, wherein the vials are maintained at the required temperature, labeled by laser ablation, and checked for quality; and, an outfeed assembly. The machine further comprises a means for transporting the vials from the infeed assembly to the tunnel, and from the tunnel to the outfeed assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a lightweight vacuum insulated vessel are provided herein. An exemplary vessel is of a non-radially symmetric shape and maintains vacuum pressure between two concentric containers (an inner container and outer container). The vacuum insulated vessel is made to withstand high temperatures in a furnace during manufacture. Further, the vessel may contain a fuel cartridge for a fuel cell system and be insulated to retain heat necessary for the fuel cartridge reactions.

Abstract: An extruded beam element suitable for the construction of sandwich structures, comprises two parallel plates (2,3), each having a first part (2) and a second part (3), wherein the first parts of said plates (2) are connected by multiple webs, wherein at least two of said webs (1) are inclined with respect to the longitudinal plane (Y) perpendicular to the plates (2,3), and wherein the first parts (2) and the webs (1,5) form a relatively rigid portion of the beam element and the second parts (3) form a relatively flexible portion of the beam element, as well as sandwich panels and tanks comprising said beam elements.

Abstract: An ISO modal container for storage and transportation of a CNG pressure vessel comprises a main longitudinal portion and two end caps, one at each end of the main longitudinal portion. The container comprises a frame body for housing a single pressure vessel inside said frame body. The frame body comprises two sides connected by longitudinally extending beams. A pair of attachments, one at each end of the pressure vessel, holds the pressure vessel suspended in place inside the frame body, with the longitudinal portion of the pressure vessel substantially parallel to the longitudinally extending beams of the frame body of the container. The pressure vessel is typically of the type 3 or type 4 class.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination tank having a double-walled inner container for temperature-insulated accommodation of a cryogenic fluid, which inner container has an approximately circular cylindrical cross-section and is closed off with end-side caps, wherein an outer container for accommodating at least one operating material is configured around the inner container, which outer container has a jacket having an approximately rectangular cross-section and end walls supported on the inner container, which end walls either sit in the gussets that remain between inner container and jacket, or are touched or penetrated by the caps of the inner container.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank for a hydrogen fueled aircraft. The tank has a wall made of layers of aerogel sections around a hard shell layer, sealed within a flexible outer layer, and having the air removed to form a vacuum. The periphery of each layer section abuts other sections of that layer, but only overlies the periphery of the sections of other layers at individual points. The wall is characterized by a thermal conductivity that is lower near its gravitational top than its gravitational bottom. The tank has two exit passageways, one being direct, and the other passing through a vapor shield that extends through the wall between two layers of aerogel. A control system controls the relative flow through the two passages to regulate the boil-off rate of the tank.

Abstract: A storage tank assembly for storage of cryogenic liquids including a first outer tank and a second, inner tank, the first and second tanks being spaced apart from one another to form an insulation space therebetween. Each of the first and second tanks has a first end, and an opposite second end spaced apart from the first end, and a wall extending from the first end to the second end. The assembly further includes a pipe work system comprising a plurality of pipes and a first connector extending through the wall of the first tank, the pipe work being connectable to the first connector such that the pipe work is spaced apart from the wall of the first tank.

Abstract: A high vacuum container includes an inner container body, an outer container body, a first group of supporting devices and a second group of supporting devices. Each group of supporting devices includes four supporting assemblies, and two supporting assemblies are disposed at the upper portion of the high vacuum container, and the other two are disposed at the lower portion of the high vacuum container. Each supporting assembly includes a base plate welded at outer surface of the inner container body and a heat insulating pipe extending along a radial direction of the high vacuum container, one end of the heat insulating pipe abutting against the base plate. Each supporting assembly at the lower portion further includes a fixing element, and each fixing element partly is partly inserted into the outer container body through the opening on the outer container body.

Abstract: A motor vehicle outer tank for a cryogenic fuel which is situated in an inner tank which is positioned within the outer tank is, for space and weight-saving purposes, characterized in that it is of flat design, and is designed in particular as a parallelepiped, and in that planar side walls of the outer tank are at least partially of sandwich design or are reinforced with sandwich plates.

Abstract: A tank subjected to thermal expansion and contraction, comprising a support block in contact with the bottom of the tank, where the support block and the bottom of the tank are connected by a rib in either the bottom of the tank or the support block, where the rib is in a groove in either the bottom of the tank or the support block to prevent horizontal movement of the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tank for holding a cryogenic liquid. According to the present invention, there is provided a light and durable tank which is airtight even at cryogenic temperatures without generating cracks. The tank includes: a pressure-resistant layer having an inner shell and an outer shell; and an airtight resin layer on an inner surface of the inner shell, wherein the inner shell is comprised of a fiber-reinforced resin composite which can withstand temperatures above the melting point of the airtight resin layer, and the outer shell is comprised of another fiber-reinforced resin composite which can be cured at a temperature below the melting point of the airtight resin layer.

Abstract: A support assembly mounted on the roof of a tank comprising a support block, a base plate between the support block and the tank, and guiding brackets or rails joined to a structure above the tank. The guiding brackets or rails comprise a face turned towards a cooperating face of the support block. The face of the bracket or rail and the cooperating face of the support block are inclined at an angle which depends on the width and height of the support block.

Abstract: A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a plasma powder sprayed titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system.

Abstract: A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system.

Abstract: An apparatus for production testing. According to one aspect, the apparatus is modular and suitable for transport and assembly in the field. The apparatus comprises a platform and one or more pressure vessels. The platform includes a mounting bracket for the pressure vessel and the mounting bracket includes a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism allows the pressure vessel to be lowered into the mounting bracket and coupled to the platform for example using a load sling on a helicopter. According to another aspect, the pressure vessels comprise spherical containers and the spherical containers are configured to be heliportable to a field site.

Abstract: A tank for cryogenic liquids, which is intended for installation in motor vehicles and which consists of an outer container and of an inner container suspended in the latter in tension or compression struts. In order to take the contrasting requirements in motor vehicles into account in an optimum way, between the outer container and inner container abutments and supporting faces are additionally provided, which can be spaced apart from one another when the vehicle is at a standstill and can be brought to bear when the vehicle is driving. The abutments inside the outer container Co.-operate with supporting faces on the inner container and can be displaced by means of an actuator.

Abstract: In a propellant tank, which especially stores cryogenic propellants, for example a fuel or an oxidizer for a spacecraft, and which operates with a driving gas to drive or convey the propellant, the propellant is separated from the driving gas in a propellant extraction apparatus using sieves with hydrostatic forces and capillary forces. The extraction apparatus includes a refillable reservoir, which is mounted near the tank floor outside of the tank shell, and which is connected via plural holes with the interior of the propellant tank. The extraction apparatus includes a double-walled housing that is thermally insulated. Capillary plates and struts are inserted in an L-shape into the reservoir. To substantially prevent the penetration of gas out of the propellant line, a cylinder-shaped pleated sieve is mounted at the end of the propellant line.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods for supporting cargo tanks within the hold of a liquefied gas carrier by establishing a series of spaced-apart pedestals along the longitudinal axis of a tank, said pedestals positioned in conjunction with the ship's structural components. These pedestals are of wood or other suitable thermal insulating and load bearing material fixed to the tank below its circumferential diameter along both the starboard and port tank sides. The pedestals rest on structural longitudinal stringers laying port and starboard in the horizontal plane and fixed and supported by the ship's hull structure. Longitudinal and transverse pedestal movement is controlled by stops attached to the stringers at one or more of the pedestals. The stops contact the pedestals via bearing pads which constrain the pedestal in one direction but permit its movement in another.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tank for liquefied gases or a so-called cryogenic tank (1) with a tank bottom structure (10) and a tank wall structure (11) arranged around a circumference of the tank bottom structure (10). The tank bottom structure (10) is provided with a tank bottom hub (2) adapted for being held by a bottom hub retainer (20) on a tank support structural floor (23). The tank is simple to install, cheap in production and handles in an improved manner forces acting upon it.

Abstract: The main opposite surfaces (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b) of the inner (1) and outer (2) coverings are directly linked to each other by rigid coaxial linking elements (9;10), flexible linking elements (15) joining a main surface (5a) of the outer covering to an opposite surface (4b) of the inner covering (1) and vice-versa. The invention can be used for the storage of cryogenic fuel used as a power source for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A telescoping cryocane having a first container element and a second container element, for suspending smaller containers upright within a cryogenic container. The first container element and the second container element can be in a slidable telescoping relationship. One or more of the first and the second container elements can be configured for suspending and retaining the smaller containers at very low temperatures.

Abstract: A replaceable cartridge for coupling to a consumer or to a filling station, wherein the replaceable cartridge comprises at least one disconnectable connection coupling for connection to the consumer or the filling station. Furthermore, the replaceable cartridge comprises a tank for holding liquid hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tank for holding a cryogenic liquid. According to the present invention, there is provided a light and durable tank which is airtight even at cryogenic temperatures without generating cracks. The tank includes: a pressure-resistant layer having an inner shell and an outer shell; and an airtight resin layer on an inner surface of the inner shell, wherein the inner shell is comprised of a fiber-reinforced resin composite which can withstand temperatures above the melting point of the airtight resin layer, and the outer shell is comprised of another fiber-reinforced resin composite which can be cured at a temperature below the melting point of the airtight resin layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floating marine apparatus including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tank. The apparatus includes a first LNG containing compartment and a second LNG containing compartment next to the first compartment. The apparatus further includes a bottom passage interconnecting bottom portions of the first and second compartments for fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas composition. The composition contains methane, ethane and propane and butane. The composition contains a substantial amount of butane while being substantially free of hydrocarbon molecules larger than butane.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tank for liquefied gases or a so-called cryogenic tank (1) with a tank bottom structure (10) and a tank wall structure (11) arranged around a circumference of the tank bottom structure (10). The tank bottom structure (10) is provided with a tank bottom hub (2) adapted for being held by a bottom hub retainer (20) on a tank support structural floor (23). The tank is simple to install, cheap in production and handles in an improved manner forces acting upon it.

Abstract: A tank for carrying cryogenic fluids and/or hydrogen peroxide and a method of forming the same is provided. A vehicle incorporating such a tank as part of the vehicle structure is also provided. The tank includes an inner wall compatible with the fluid to be carried, an outer wall, and a spacing layer sandwiched between the two walls. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer wall forms part of the structure of a flight vehicle.

Abstract: A storage tank, in particular a storage tank for cryogenic media, preferably for liquid hydrogen, including at least one condensation pipe, which is used for delivering a gaseous cryogenic medium, is disclosed. In addition, a method for filling a storage tank with a gaseous cryogenic medium is disclosed. The condensation pipe is equipped with at least one heat exchanger via which the delivered cryogenic medium is cooled by exchanging heat with the stored cryogenic medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for delivering gas in a liquefied state at a controlled rate. The liquefied gas may be transported in ton cylinders by placing the ton cylinder on a transportation pallet. The transportation pallet containing the ton cylinder may be placed on a heating saddle so that a surface of the cylinder is in contact with a surface of the heating saddle. Heating fluid may flow through the heating saddle, thereby heating the liquid in the cylinder through the cylinder walls. Furthermore, the vapor pressure of the gas in the cylinder may be monitored and maintained at a desired level by regulating the flow of heating fluid through the saddle. Therefore, embodiments of the invention allow the maintenance of gas flow rates in a cylinder without removing the cylinder from its transportation pallet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid container adapted to store liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG storage container include a sealing wall directly contacting liquid contained in the tank and a structural wall, which is an exterior wall or inner structure integrated with the exterior wall. The container further includes a plurality of connectors mechanically connecting the sealing wall and the structural wall and an intermediate wall structure positioned between the structural wall and the interior wall. The intermediate wall structure is configured to move relative to at least one of the interior wall and the structural wall.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for reducing the weight and optimizing the longitudinal strength of a watercraft, which is especially suitable for transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) or other corresponding mediums and comprises a hull, which has a deck extending over at least the main part of the watercraft and a number of substantially spherical cargo tanks arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the watercraft and a deckhouse, which extends substantially above the deck. The hull of the watercraft is provided with a continuous protective casing structure known as such and which is arranged on top of the cargo tanks. The deck of the watercraft is arranged on the hull so that the proportion of its height measured from the bottom of the watercraft to the height of the uppermost continuous portion of the protective casing structure on top of the cargo tanks is at most 0.55, preferably at most 0.5.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid container adapted to store liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG storage container include a sealing wall directly contacting liquid contained in the tank and a structural wall, which is an exterior wall or inner structure integrated with the exterior wall. The container further includes a plurality of connectors mechanically connecting the sealing wall and the structural wall and an intermediate wall structure positioned between the structural wall and the interior wall.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for transportation of liquefiable petroleum gas (LPG) is cylindrical with a circular cross-sectional profile. The wall thickness of the vessel (in meters) multiplied by a design strength of the material from which the vessel is made (in megapascals) is less than 0.8 times the internal diameter of the vessel (in meters). The design strength is the yield strength divided by 1.5 or the tensile strength divided by 2.5. The wall thickness is between 3 mm and 11 mm. The diameter is between 1 and 2.6 m. The vessel have have an external insulating and fire resistant cladding. It may also have a cooling plant for cooling the LPG.

Abstract: In the support arrangements for a semi-membrane tank walls described in the specification, the top and side walls of a semi-membrane tank are provided with stiffener members and a surrounding tank support structure has support members which are connected to the stiffener members through support assemblies which provide vertical support for the tank walls while permitting relative motion in the horizontal direction. Each support assembly includes a bracket affixed to one of the support members and a spool affixed to a wall stiffener along with a thermally insulating block having an end portion slidably received in the bracket and having an internal groove extending in a direction orthogonal to the sliding motion of the end portion. The enlarged head of the spool affixed to the stiffener is received in the groove, thereby permitting relative motion of the tank wall with respect to the support structure and two orthogonal directions while providing load support for the tank wall in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A device by pressure vessels (2) for sea transport of petroleum fluids, where at least two pressure vessels (2) are connected to and communicate with a manifold (1).

Abstract: A light weight fuel tank for a hydrogen powered airplane used as a platform for communication repeaters for communication services. An outer spherical shell member of a sandwich configuration surrounds an inner thin walled spherical shell member in which the liquid hydrogen is contained. A radial gap between the shell members is evacuated to a high vacuum. The facing surfaces of the shell members are coated with a low emissivity material. Electrical heaters are provided to control the evaporation rate of the hydrogen to match the fuel usage and to prevent icing during ascent and descent of the airplane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrating structural members inside the body of a propulsion vehicle with tankage used to store fluid propellant and the like. Propulsion vehicles may be made lighter, more compact, cheaper, and easier to manufacture by using pressurized membranes of the tankage to accomplish other structural purposes. More specifically, tanks may be integrated with thrust structures to transfer thrust loads from the engine to the main body of the vehicle. Alternatively, the tanks may be integrated with the vehicle engine. Also, one tank may be integrated with one or more other tanks to form a single pressure vessel with multiple interior chambers. Tankage may additionally be combined with more than one of the foregoing to save additional weight and space. Methods of manufacturing a metallic integrated tank assembly include weld fabrication, machining, spinning, hydroforming, casting, forging, plating, metal deposition, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A pressure container (70) for storing hydrogen gas (26) under pressure for a fuel cell engine. The container (70) includes an outer support layer (12) and a thermoplastic liner (14). An adapter (18) is provided in the outer layer (12) and the liner (14) to allow fill gas (20) to fill the container (70) under pressure. A fill vessel (72) is provided within the liner (14) and is sealed and thermally coupled to the adapter (18). The fill gas (20) is confined within a gap (78) between an outer surface of the fill vessel (72) and the liner (14) so that the temperature of the liner (14) is not significantly increased during the fill process. An opening (82) is provided in the fill vessel (72) so that the fill gas (20) forces the contained gas (26) within the container (70) into the fill vessel (72) through the opening (82).

Abstract: A watertight and thermally insulating tank built into a bearing structure includes at least one wall having a variable width and forming oblique solid angles of intersection with the adjacent walls, the tank includes secondary insulating and watertightness barriers and a primary insulating barrier which are formed by panels fixed to the walls and able to hold a primary watertightness barrier. The primary water-tightness barrier includes, at each variable-width wall, one or more central strake(s) (63) arranged longitudinally and each fixed to underlying panels (12), running strakes (66) being held mechanically, by a sliding joint, parallel to the oblique solid angles of intersection, on underlying panels and fixed at the ends to the central strakes, so that the tensile forces (F) experienced by the running strakes in their longitudinal dimension are transmitted to the bearing structure via the central strakes.

Abstract: The tank for storing gas at high pressure, such as a tank for a vehicle running on gas, comprises a confinement volume accessible via coupling means and defined by a duct disposed in a spiral coil so that the substantially rectilinear main portions of the duct bear against one another. The forces exerted by the pressure of the gas on the main portions of a turn of the duct are then compensated by the forces exerted on the adjacent turns of the duct.

Abstract: A container for holding a solid, liquid and/or gaseous phase product therein and for use within a transportable or stationary support structure. The container maximizes the compressed product volume contained therein and prevents liquid and/or contaminant entrainment during gaseous product delivery from liquid phase product. The system allows for product withdraw when the level is above the delivery valves using, at a minimum, two delivery legs linked by a compartment or housing that connects the delivery point and a container head space via a removable manway.

Abstract: In the typical embodiment of the invention described in the specification, a prismatic semi-membrane LNG tank is assembled within a support carriage surrounding the top and side walls of the tank and is connected to the tank by a plurality of load bearing insulating support blocks affixed to T-shaped beams on the tank and received in channel shaped members on the support carriage. The tank is assembled within the carriage which is slidably received within a temporary supporting structure and, when the tank has been completed, the integrated carriage and the tank are transferred to the hull of a ship or other permanent support structure. A pipe tower within the tank is affixed to the bottom wall of the tank and slidably connected to a tank dome at the top of the tank which is welded to the top wall of the tank. Stop members limit downward motion of the tank tower with respect to the top wall of the tank.

Abstract: An overpack is provided for packaging cylinders containing compressed gas. Cylinders containing compressed gas typically have a pressure relief mechanism that releases the gas from the cylinder when the pressure inside the cylinder approaches a pressure detrimental to the cylinder. In high heat, high temperature situations such as when the overpack is exposed to a fire, the overpack of the present invention extends the time that it takes for the cylinders to trigger the pressure relief mechanism.

Abstract: A storage container for cryogenic liquids has an outer container and at least one inner container, an insulation space being situated between the outer container and the inner container or containers. The outer container and/or the inner container have devices for strengthening the container walls. The devices for strengthening the container wall of the outer container and/or of the inner container are constructed as at least one web arranged on the container wall of the outer container and/or of the inner container and/or as at least one supporting plate adapted essentially to the cross-section of the inner container.

Abstract: A protective device for gas cylinders is provided that protects the body of the gas cylinder from damage, is light, does not affect the required heat exchange from the environment to the liquified gas within the gas cylinder and renders the gas cylinder assembly easier to stack for safe storage. The protective device in accordance with the principles of the invention comprises a top part and a bottom part forming a cavity within which the gas cylinder is placed. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the top part and bottom part are both made of synthetic materials and are interconnected during assembling process by a standard functional clipping device. These clippings may be broken in order for the protective device to be removed, allowing visual inspection of the gas cylinder without damaging the gas cylinder in the removal process.

Abstract: Improved joints for cryogenic liquid-containing tanks are disclosed. The joints include a support plate, a lower arm mounted on the support plate, an upper arm mounted on the support plate spaced from the lower arm, and tank skins extending into the space between the lower and upper arms. Sealing layers are provided between the tank skins and the joint arms. The joints are particularly useful for space launch vehicle cryogenic liquid propellant tanks, which must be lightweight, withstand high structural loads and maintain leak-free conditions.