Vehicle Mountable Tank Patents (Class 220/562)
  • Publication number: 20140231437
    Abstract: A cap assembly includes a plunger mounted to a retainer pin and a latch operable to retract the retainer pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan K. Snyder, Kari L. Kisselbrack, Curtis J. Ruckey, Robert Howard
  • Patent number: 8794477
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a sealing material for a high-pressure hydrogen container, which mainly comprises a silicone rubber composed of a dimethyl siloxane segment, a methyl vinyl siloxane segment, and a diphenyl siloxane segment, and a high-pressure hydrogen container using the sealing material are provided. In order to seal a high-pressure hydrogen container (CHG tank) system for fuel cell vehicles with an elastomer, the elastomer has (1): excellent durability in a variable pressure environment of high-pressure hydrogen; and (2): excellent sag resistance in low-temperature to high-temperature environments, and thus the significant technical objectives (1) and (2) have been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Itsuo Kamiya, Rentaro Mori, Kazuhiko Kobiki, Masashi Hamakubo
  • Publication number: 20140209615
    Abstract: A device for capturing, containing, and transporting liquid from a leak. The device may include a tank that may include wheels for easy transportation. The tank may include an opening at the top with a funnel attached to direct the liquid into the tank. The device may further include an outlet connected to the bottom of the tank. A hose may connect to the outlet to direct the liquid from the tank to a different area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen Boyd, Joseph Accetta
  • Publication number: 20140209616
    Abstract: A cover for a service fluid tank arrangement having a first service fluid tank and a second service fluid tank includes a housing having a housing wall through which a first opening and a second opening extend. The first opening is configured to be connected to a service fluid inlet of the first service fluid tank and the second opening is configured to be connected to a service fluid inlet of the second service fluid tank. At least one of the first opening and the second opening has a filler neck that extends from the housing wall in at least one direction and is configured as a connector for a service fluid line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Steffen Balzer, Arnd Wagner
  • Patent number: 8789720
    Abstract: A fuel tank which has partition walls capable of flowing fuel into a fuel suction port more easily at the time of the acceleration/deceleration of a vehicle is provided. A fuel tank 11 for vehicle has a fuel suction port 22 through which a fuel pump sucks fuel in the fuel tank 11 from the lower portion of the inner space of the fuel tank 11, a first partition wall 31 surrounding one of the front and and the rear and the sides of the fuel suction port 22 to have an opening to the other of the front and the rear and preventing the fuel from moving to one of the front and the rear, and a second partition wall 32 surrounding the sides and the other of the front and the rear of the first partition wall 31 to have an opening to one of the front and the rear and preventing the fuel from moving to the other of the front and the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishii, Hidenori Arisawa
  • Patent number: 8789722
    Abstract: A bedding box has a container formed by sloped end plates and side plates joined to a bottom plate, with gusseted wing plates reinforcing the side plates. The wing plates extend outwards from the container to facilitate loading. A frame attaches to each of the end plates, one frame having horizontally-extending, vertically-spaced apart bars to allow the bucket of a compact excavator to be wedged therebetween to lift the bedding box, while the other end serves to attach one or more support brackets that can be lifted by a scraper blade of the excavator, allowing support at both ends of the bedding box for transportation over uneven terrain. Skids can be affixed to the bottom plate to reinforce it, to facilitate dragging the bedding box, and to facilitate lifting the bedding box from one end with a forklift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: James T. Reuthe
  • Patent number: 8789719
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to permanently attach fuel delivery system components to fuel tanks are described herein. An example apparatus includes an insert material integrally formed with at least a portion of the fuel tank. The insert material includes a first layer material having a low permeation characteristic and a second layer material adjacent the first layer material having a relatively lower melting point than a melting point of the first layer material to enable permanent attachment of a coupling apparatus to a surface of the fuel tank by melting at least a portion of the second layer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Sean Whelan, Robert Tate, Brian Scott
  • Publication number: 20140202142
    Abstract: A diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank for an off-road vehicle including a first conduit channel molded into an exterior surface of the DEF tank, at a first depth, in which the first conduit channel is configured to guide a first conduit along the exterior surface of the DEF tank. The DEF tank further including a second conduit channel molded into the exterior surface of the DEF tank at a second depth, different than the first depth, in which the second conduit channel is configured to guide a second conduit, and the first depth and the second depth are selected to create a vertical gap between the first conduit and the second conduit at an intersection of the conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Ralph Hertsgaard, Jason Keith Novacek, David Donald Blomberg, John Thomas Rasset, Erik Andrew Larson, Paul Engene Wibbels, Daniel LaRoy Hinz, Jay Michael Larson, David Larry Tveito, David Edward Susag, Russell Victor Stoltman, Chad Alry Bautz, Nathaniel James Keller, David Sheldon Booth
  • Patent number: 8783502
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Engineering & Technology AS
    Inventors: Arne Barrett Sele, Trygve Johannes Lund
  • Publication number: 20140197175
    Abstract: {Problem} To provide a fuel tank with excellent blow moldability, high deformation-suppressing properties and high heat resistance. {Solution} In an automobile fuel tank, a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) of an outer body layer 12 and an inner body layer 16 of an outer wall 10 has the following physical properties: 1) a modulus of elasticity of 1100 to 1400 MPa at 23° C.; 2) a modulus of elasticity of 340 to 430 MPa at 65° C.; 3) a modulus of elasticity of 400 to 510 MPa at 23° C. after being immersed in Fuel D for 200 hours at 65° C.; 4) a Charpy impact strength of 7 to 14 kJ/m2 at ?40° C.; 5) a full-notch creep test (FNCT) result of 50 to 300 hours at 80° C.; 6) a melt flow rate (MFR) result of 4 to 6 (g/10 minutes) at 190° C. and a load of 21.6 kg; and 7) a melt tension of 18 to 25 g when a sample that has been melted at 210° C. is extruded from a nozzle with a diameter of 2.095 mm and a length of 8 mm at an extrusion rate of 15 mm/minute, and drawn at a take-up speed of 7.5 m/minute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: FTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuta Aoe, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Kazuaki Naito, Hisamitsu Kato, Hisayuki Iwai, Yoshiro Umemoto, Katsuhiro Kajikawa
  • Publication number: 20140197174
    Abstract: A molded reservoir support structure coupling may include an anchor and a support structure. The anchor may have one or more first flange(s) projecting generally laterally from a side wall of the anchor. The support structure may have one or more second flange(s) projecting generally laterally therefrom. When interconnected, surface-to-surface confrontation between the first flange(s) and the second flange(s) inhibits longitudinal separation of the anchor and the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: TI Automotive Technology Center GmbH
    Inventors: Albert J. Boecker, Andreas W. Dobmaier, Alex Ehler, Patrick Gmuend, Peter Grauer, Gerrit A. Michaelis, Matthias B. Olbrich
  • Patent number: 8777036
    Abstract: Reservoirs for fuel tanks, which can be filled via an opening that can be closed by a closing element, are already known. Such a closing element interacts with a sealing seat and is arranged on a bearing that is located in the region of the opening and is fixed to an edge area of the opening by at least two struts. In prior art, the opening, with the bearing and the struts, is often produced as a single-piece together with the reservoir and the base by injection molding. A disadvantage thereof is that the struts can undergo material shrinkage during production, which leads to a tension of the struts between the edge area of the opening and the bearing. This can lead to an irregular deformation and hence to an uneven sealing seat, so that the closing element does not seal in a tight manner and that the valve has a leak. in the reservoir according to the invention, the sealing of the opening is improved by at least one strut not having a rectilinear form, thus obtaining elastic expansion compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Radek Malec, Vladimir Ptacek, Martin Ptacek, Martin Sykora, Josef Jarosik, Miloslav Gabris
  • Publication number: 20140190588
    Abstract: Improved methods, systems, and devices for filling fuel tanks, particularly compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tanks, are provided. Such methods, systems, and devices lower the heat of compression when the fuel tank is being filled to a temperature lower than that if such methods, systems, and devices were not used. Pressure sensor logic on a fuel station will be less prone to error, enabling the tank to be filled more accurately and fully. To lower heat of compression, an insert is placed within the tank. The insert changes the flow characteristics of the fuel that is being delivered into the tank. Typically, the delivered fuel will be released into the interior of the tank in a vortex fashion to fill the tank. Other flow modification devices are also provided including an externally coupled Ranque-Hilsh vortex tube and a flow modification chamber built within a fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Agility Fuel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd F. SLOAN, Chris FORSBERG, Christopher E. CANNON
  • Publication number: 20140166664
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a conformal tank for adsorbent storage of gas. The tank includes a body having a substantially flat top wall, a substantially flat bottom wall and a pair of opposing sidewalls that join the top wall and bottom wall to form an open-ended cuboid having a first open end and an opposing second open end. The tank additionally includes a first end cap connected to the top wall, bottom wall and sidewalls at the first open end, and a second end cap connected to the top wall, bottom wall and sidewalls at the second open end, thereby defining an internal cavity in which gas can be removably stored. The tank further includes a plurality of wall supports connected the top and bottom walls to prevent deformation of the tank. The wall supports are structured to allow gas to move throughout the entire internal cavity of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Yuyi Lin, Hao Xu
  • Publication number: 20140158696
    Abstract: A fuel tank including two opposite wall portions and at least one reinforcing element connecting the two wall portions, in which the reinforcing element includes a hollow pillar having a ratio of at least 1.8 between the diameter of its cross section at its ends and the diameter of its cross section at least at one intermediate point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, David Hill, Benoit Devaux
  • Publication number: 20140150686
    Abstract: A fuel tank is configured to be selectively coupled to a chassis of the locomotive based on an anticipated change in axle load capacity of a railroad. The fuel tank includes a body, a coupling device, and a lifting adapter. The coupling device is configured to releasably couple the body to the chassis of the locomotive. The lifting adapter is configured to releasably engage with a lifting implement of a machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Swenson
  • Patent number: 8740008
    Abstract: A pressure vessel having reduced weight while satisfying required design conditions has polygonal upper and bottom walls, a side wall provided therebetween, an upper curved surface portion for connecting the upper and side walls, and a lower curved surface portion for connecting the bottom and side walls. An upper wall center rib includes an upper wall center part, and upper wall annular ribs respectively connecting substantially center parts of the upper wall and surrounding the upper wall center rib. Ribs are formed substantially centrally in the upper curved surface portion. A bottom wall center rib includes a center part in the bottom wall. Bottom wall annular ribs are formed connecting the bottom wall and surrounding the bottom wall center rib. Lower curved surface portion ribs are formed substantially centrally in the lower curved surface portion, and main surface ribs are formed substantially centrally in the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuto Kataoka, Hiromitsu Hamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140137979
    Abstract: A fuel storage device (10) having at least one tank (15), the tank (15) having a casing (20) extending upwards from a bottom (21) to a top wall (22). The storage device (10) is provided with at least one inflatable bag (25) arranged inside said casing, said device including inflation/deflation means (35) for inflating each inflatable bag (25) at least in part so as to reach an inflated volume prior to filling the tank, and for deflating said inflatable bag after filling in order to guarantee the presence of an expansion volume inside said tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventors: Roland Meillat, Stephane Mougin
  • Publication number: 20140137782
    Abstract: A liquid cargo storage tank and a ship including the same are provided. The liquid cargo storage tank according to the present invention comprises: a body installed in a hull of a ship and having a liquid cargo receiving space by forming a space between the body and the hull; and a reinforcing plate installed in the lower part of the body in a state of being spaced apart from the underside of the body to be a floor of the liquid cargo receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Tae Min Cho, Bong Jae Kim, Dae Sung Lee, Jae Ho Jung, Yong Suk Suh
  • Patent number: 8727381
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a hinge assembly, a fuel tank, and at least one hinge bolt. The hinge assembly includes a hinge pin and a hinge stay. The hinge pin pivotally couples the hinge stay to a vehicular frame and defines a hinge axis about which the hinge stay is pivotable with respect to a frame. The at least one hinge bolt releasably couples the hinge stay to the fuel tank such that the fuel tank is pivotable about the hinge axis. The at least one hinge bolt intersects the hinge axis and obstructs the hinge pin from being removed from the hinge stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Hirukawa
  • Publication number: 20140124086
    Abstract: A sealed and thermally insulative tank includes thermal installation including a plurality of juxtaposed insulation blocks on the supporting structure and a seal including a plurality of sealing metal plates disposed on the insulation blocks and welded to each other. Mechanical coupling members extend through the thermal insulation at the level of the edges of the insulation blocks and hold the insulation blocks in bearing engagement on the supporting structure. The metal plates are disposed so that the edges of the metal plates are offset relative to the edges of the underlying insulation blocks. The metal plates are held in bearing engagement on the insulation blocks only by the coupling members. The mechanical coupling members are attached to the metal plates at the level of attachment points away from the edges of the metal plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: GAZTRANSPORT ET TECHNIGAZ
    Inventors: Pierre Jean, Bruno Guelton, Mickael Herry, Matthieu Malcochet
  • Patent number: 8714390
    Abstract: A container for operating media of motor vehicles which is chemically stable both in respect of the fuel carried and in respect of additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fuel Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Kögel
  • Publication number: 20140117023
    Abstract: A self-adjusting connector for attaching a fuel tank accessory component to a wall of a fuel tank includes a mounting portion, a flange portion and a load-accommodating portion. The mounting portion is adapted to be attached to a wall of a fuel tank at an attachment site The flange portion is adapted to be attached to a fuel tank accessory component. And the load-accommodating portion is situated between the mounting portion and the flange portion and permits the mounting portion and the flange portion to move relative to one another. In at least some implementations, the relative movement permits loads applied by the fuel tank wall, such as due to temperature or other changes in the wall, to be accommodated without undue stress on the accessory component or undue reaction forces on the tank wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Alex Ehler, Patrick Gmuend, Bernd M. Nickel
  • Publication number: 20140117022
    Abstract: Two composite laminates are joined together by a bondline having portions exposed to the ambient environment. The bondline contains scrim having an electrical conductivity and impedance matched to that of the laminates in order to mitigate effects of lightning strikes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: The Boeing Company
  • Patent number: 8708185
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Engineering & Technology AS
    Inventors: Arne Barrett Sele, Trygve Johannes Lund
  • Patent number: 8709535
    Abstract: A method of enhancing corrosion resistance of a hollow vessel. The method includes providing a hollow vessel including a wall defining a cavity, providing a coating tank filled with a liquid coating having charged coating elements, submerging the hollow vessel into the liquid coating, allowing the liquid coating to pass into the cavity through at least one aperture of the wall, coating the exterior surface of the wall with a portion of the coating elements, coating the interior surface of the wall with an additional portion of the coating elements, removing the hollow vessel from the coating tank, draining the liquid coating from the cavity, heating the hollow vessel in an oven, and curing the portion of the coating elements on the exterior surface and curing the additional portion of the coating elements on the interior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy E. Knight
  • Patent number: 8701925
    Abstract: A mobile machine, in particular a counterweighted fork lift truck, has at least one pressurized tank, in particular to carry fuel that is in a gaseous state under normal conditions. The tank has an at least approximately rectangular external contour in at least one cross-sectional plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: STILL GmbH
    Inventor: Dietmar Kubusch
  • Publication number: 20140103047
    Abstract: A fluid reservoir includes a housing, a nozzle and a cup. The housing defines a chamber for retaining a fluid. The nozzle receives the fluid and directs the fluid toward the chamber. The cup is disposed in the chamber and defines an interior volume in fluid communication with the nozzle for directly receiving the fluid from the nozzle. A portion of the cup may be captured between the housing and the nozzle. The cup defines at least one fluid path between the interior volume and the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Martin
  • Publication number: 20140091095
    Abstract: A fuel tank opening and closing device is equipped with a tank opening forming member equipped with an injection port forming member having an insertion path and a tank side path arranged outside and inside an injection port, an injection port opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the injection port, an insertion path forming member, and a drainage mechanism having a drainage path that connects the insertion path and the outside, and exhausts to the outside fuel that has accumulated inside the insertion path, and barrier members arranged on the drainage path. The barrier members are arranged with a labyrinth as the drainage path so that the insertion path cannot be seen from outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki HAGANO, Kentaro ENOMOTO, Go OUE
  • Patent number: 8685149
    Abstract: A breather 2 on a top of a tank body 1 is opened through a carbon dioxide permeable membrane 3 to an atmospheric air so as to take an inert gas containing plenty of carbon dioxide permeated through the membrane 3 into the tank body 1 by a negative pressure due to reduction of a fuel F in the tank body 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hino Motors, Ltd.
    Inventor: Noboru Uchida
  • Patent number: 8678320
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank that is capable of suppressing the occurrence of sparks on a pipe caused by a lightning current through the pipe during a lightning strike, and also suppressing static electricity charging of a pipe caused by flow electrification generated by the fuel. An aircraft fuel tank (1) in which a storage section is formed using a conductive upper skin (5), a conductive lower skin (7) and conductive spars (9), the tank comprising: pipes inside the tank, such as a refuel pipe (17), an engine feed pipe (19) and an inert gas pipe (21), which are disposed inside the storage section and are earthed (27) at a plurality of locations, and pipe outer surface layers (31) having semiconductor properties that are formed in an integrated manner on the outer surfaces of the pipes inside the tank such as the replenishing pipe (17), the supply pipe (19) and the gas pipe (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yamaguchi, Yuichiro Kamino, Tooru Hashigami, Kazuyuki Oguri
  • Patent number: 8678226
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel tank (1) consisting of thermoplastic, with at least one continuous seam (3), with a filler orifice, with means for aeration and venting and with means for the conveyance and extraction of fuel which are in the form of at least one fuel conveying unit (11) arranged inside the fuel tank (1). In the fuel tank (1) according to the invention, with the exception of the filler orifice, no orifices or perforations which are substantially larger than the diameter of the line to be led through are provided in the tank wall, instead the fluid lines and/or electrical lines led out of or into the fuel tank (1) pass through the seam (3) of the fuel tank (1) so as to extend at an angle with respect to the profile of the seam (3), and/or are led partially through the filler orifice and, if appropriate, a filler neck adjoining the filler orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dirk Eulitz
  • Patent number: 8671916
    Abstract: A fuel tank that stores a liquid fuel is equipped with a float member floating on the fuel stored in the fuel tank. In this fuel tank, the float member is so formed as to cover a liquid surface of the liquid fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ogaki, Yoshihide Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20140060946
    Abstract: A fuel tank mounting system for movable machine is disclosed. The mounting system may include a fuel tank connected to a frame of the movable machine in such a manner as to allow vertical motion of the tank relative to the frame. The fuel tank may be mounted to the frame using a spring and/or a shock absorber. The fuel tank may be a cryogenic fuel tank for storage of liquid natural gas. The shock absorbers may be tunable so that the level of dampening provided by the shock absorber is tailored to the type of machine and the specific mode of operation of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Martin Leo Willi
  • Publication number: 20140061203
    Abstract: A tank cover attachment structure of a straddle type vehicle that can easily and precisely attach a tank cover, which covers the area ranging from the side of a fuel tank to the side of the upper portion of an engine, on the vehicle body side with the highly strong and simple structure. Tank supporting brackets connect left and right front edge portions of a fuel tank to a support rod on the vehicle body side. Engaging portions, which extend outside in the width direction of the vehicle relative to connecting portions with the fuel tank, are integrally provided to the tank supporting brackets. Tank covers are joined to the engaging portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hikaru Yokomura, Yuki Mizukura
  • Publication number: 20140054296
    Abstract: A fuel cell powered vehicle fuel storage system is disclosed having a suspension system, a fuel tank, and a support system, wherein the suspension system, fuel tank, and support system cooperate to carry vehicle structural loads and the reaction loads of the suspension system and to maximize a volume of the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: James W. Dandalides, David A. Young, Robert Metzenmacher
  • Patent number: 8657143
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for coupling a fuel tank assembly to a combustion engine in which a cover configured for covering at least a portion of the combustion engine can include a recess configured for receiving a fuel tank therein. The recess can include a receptacle positioned against an inner wall of the cover and configured for receiving a protruding ear of the fuel tank, a first protruding tab extending from the inner wall of the cover at or near the receptacle, and a latch strike extending from the inner wall of the cover at or near the receptacle. A retaining clip with a first retaining portion and a latch arm can be positioned in a blocking position with respect to the receptacle to prevent the protruding ear of the fuel tank from being removed from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Todd Walker
  • Patent number: 8657059
    Abstract: An attachment structure of a propeller shaft to a cross-member in a vehicle includes a pair of main frames (10) extending in a vehicle length direction; the cross-member (15) connecting the main frames (10) together; the propeller shaft (37) arranged between the main frames (10) and including a front shaft (37a) and a rear shaft (37b) connected together through a joint (65); a center bearing (67) fixed to the cross-member (15) and configured to rotatably support the front shaft (37a); a fuel tank (83) arranged between the center bearing (67) and one of the main frames (10); and a flexible connection body (170) configured to connect the center bearing (67) and part of the cross-member (15) on a side opposite to the fuel tank (83) and having a length which is substantially non-extendable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hideto Yamada, Hiroyuki Akaki, Soukichi Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20140048541
    Abstract: A removable fuel tank for a fuel powered vehicle, such as a lawn mower. The fuel tank may be removed from the vehicle and filled with fuel. Then the fuel tank may be mounted to the vehicle by a mounting component. A fuel output of the fuel tank may be connected to a fuel input on the vehicle. Therefore, the removable fuel tank may provide fuel for the vehicle to run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff Pirtle
  • Patent number: 8651313
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for storing fluid in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a storage vessel includes at least two concentrically arranged storage tanks, which includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank. The first storage tank surrounds the second storage tank, such that the first storage tank is configured to protect the second storage tank from external environmental conditions. The storage vessel also includes a storage compartment positioned adjacent to the two storage tanks. In one embodiment, the storage vessel may be an underwater cryogenic storage vessel that stores liquid oxygen used as a reactant in a fuel cell and liquid carbon dioxide, which is an effluent of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edwin C. Cady, Daniel A. Watts, Gary D. Grayson
  • Publication number: 20140042160
    Abstract: A non-metallic fuel tank includes a non-metallic tank body, at least one coupling device or mounting system for coupling the non-metallic tank body to a bed of a truck or to a trolley, and a fuel fill opening. A grounding wire may be coupled to the non-metallic tank as well as a fuel line connector which is also coupled to the existing fuel system of a truck. A mounting system for a non-metallic fuel tank includes two rear toe clamps and two front mounting assemblies which include a front mount base and an angle iron coupled together. A portable fuel tank includes a non-metallic tank body and a trolley coupled to the tank body. The trolley includes a base, a mounting system for coupling the non-metallic tank body and the base, at least one handle and at least one wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Anderson, Klint S. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140034649
    Abstract: Method for stake-fastening an accessory (4) into a plastic fuel tank, whereby : the accessory (4) is equipped with at least one orifice (5) which passes right through the accessory (4); at least some of the plastic of which the wall of the tank (1) is made is melted; and some of the molten plastic is forced through the orifice (5) of the accessory without becoming detached from the remainder of the molten plastic; the protruding molten plastic is given an appropriate shape (8) to obtain a self-formed plastic rivet, and is left to solidify; the size and shape of the orifice (5) and/or of the solidified plastic (8) being such that the accessory (4) is mechanically fastened to the tank by at least some of the solidified plastic (8), the stake-fastening of the accessory (4) occurring at the time of manufacture of the tank (1) through the moulding of a split or at least two-part parison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn CRIEL, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Pascal De Henau
  • Publication number: 20140026990
    Abstract: The combination of a reservoir having an interface defining an aperture, the interface including a wall extending into the reservoir, the reservoir having a recessed groove in an upper surface about the aperture, the recessed groove including a plurality of recesses thereon: a head unit having an exterior shape complementary to the shape of the aperture, the head unit being positioned within the aperture; the head unit having an inwardly extending rim corresponding to the aperture circular wall, the head unit including a lug, the head unit lug engaging one of recesses, the head unit having a seai ring about an outer periphery of the head unit inwardly extending rim, the sea! ring engaging the aperture wall and the head unit inwardly extending rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: SHAW DEVELOPMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Delihas, Steven Milette, John R. Koonce, Donald G. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20140026965
    Abstract: A fluid storage container and method is disclosed. The fluid storage container comprises a base frame that supports a tank, a tank for storing fluid, a working surface area walkway built into an end of the tank, a ladder connected near the front of the walkway to the frame, a plurality of handrails on the walkway that can be positioned depending on the required function of the tank, a plurality of strut panels that serve as floorboards on the walkway, a bridge that extends from the left and right sides of the tank to connect to other like tanks, a safety chain that connects between adjacently parked containers, and a dual manifold assembly. A method for configuring the tank's walkways as continuous walkways when parked adjacent to each other is disclosed. A dual manifold system and method for operating the manifolds is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: PINNACLE COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian BARRETT, Brian FOWLER
  • Patent number: 8636162
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly for vehicles including a fuel tank shell having reduced wall thickness, accordingly resulting in a reduced total mass of the tank assembly. The fuel tank shell comprises two half shells connected to one another and having at least one support member attached thereto for providing structural support to the fuel tank shell. In particular, the support member may be positioned internally or externally to the fuel tank with such a positioning being selected so as to offer support in at least one area where the stress level exerted on the fuel tank shell is maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Les Industries Spectra/Premium, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Schoen, Todd Marentette, Steve Fontaine, Cory Borghi, Doug Olgren, Leslie Menec, Mark Church
  • Patent number: 8631821
    Abstract: Described are flexible sumps including a sump cavity comprising flexible walls and a platform coupled to an upper edge of the sump cavity. Some examples of the flexible sumps may also include a flange having a coupling section and an exposed section and/or an interface coupled to a lower surface of the sump cavity. In some examples, at least two coupling tabs are coupled to the platform and are configured to couple the platform to a lower surface of a fuel structure, which may include a sump aperture that is configured to surround the flexible walls of the sump cavity when the platform is coupled to the lower surface of the fuel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Aerazur S.A.
    Inventor: Christophe Mendes
  • Patent number: 8631556
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including: introducing a parison into mold cavities; introducing a core inside the parison, where the core is first fitted with a swirl pot having a housing for the pump; closing the mold so that the cavities come into leaktight contact with the core; pressing the parison against the cavities by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the cavities; fastening the swirl pot to the parison using a device attached to the core; molding the parison by blow molding and/or thermoforming; unmolding the tank, and mounting a pump in the housing of the swirl pot. The mounting of the pump is achieved by way of an intermediate part, the external shape of which is standard and complementary to that of the housing, and the internal shape of which is adapted to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: Ralph Pohlmann, Franck Dhaussy
  • Publication number: 20140015238
    Abstract: A support structure component is provided for a motor vehicle body and to a correspondingly configured motor vehicle body. The support structure component includes, but is not limited to a support element and a plastic fastening structure arranged thereon, which includes, but is not limited to a fastening element for fastening a motor vehicle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Marc Juettner, Jens Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20140014663
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel tank of thermoplastic polymer for a motor vehicle, having at least one reinforcing element inside the fuel tank, the reinforcing element inside the fuel tank extending between opposing tank walls (15), parts of the rein -forcing element passing through the tank wall and parts of the reinforcing element engaging behind the tank wall from outside, the fuel tank being distinguished according to the invention in that the reinforcing element (8) is provided with at least one multipart fastening head (11), which comprises a first closing means engaging through the tank wall (15) from inside and a second closing means engaging through the tank wall (15) from outside, which closing means are of mutually complementary construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Dirk Eulitz, Ulrich Karsch
  • Patent number: 8616403
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel filler port device that is of a fuel tank for a straddled vehicle and that can utilize the upper space of the fuel tank without leading to an increase in size of a fuel filler guide tube. The fuel filler port device (60) of a fuel tank for a straddled vehicle is provided with: a fuel filler guide tube (61) that extends from the fuel filler port (53) provided to the upper wall of the fuel tank (16) to the interior of the fuel tank (16), and a flame arrester (62) that is disposed at the bottom of the fuel filler guide tube (61); and the flame arrester (62) is provided in a manner allowing a nozzle (N) of a fuel gun inserted from the fuel filler port (53) to be inserted lower than the upper end of the flame arrester (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Hisadomi, Hiroyuki Maeda