Vehicle Mountable Tank Patents (Class 220/562)
  • Patent number: 7416220
    Abstract: A transparent fuel tank for a motorcycle in which the state of wiring and piping under the fuel tank can be inspected. The transparent fuel tank is formed of transparent resin so that piping and wiring under the fuel tank can be visually inspected including during rotation of the transparent fuel tank between a normal position and a maintenance position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakazawa, Toshikzau Saito, Mitsugu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7416219
    Abstract: A swiveling work machine includes a swivel deck mounted to be pivotable about a vertical axis and a side cover for covering one lateral side on the swivel deck, an accommodating space capable of accommodating a work machine accessory being provided inside the lateral cover. The accommodating space accommodates, as the implement accessory, a work oil tank, a fuel tank and a control valve unit. The work oil tank is disposed at a fore-and-aft intermediate portion on one lateral side on the swivel deck. The fuel tank is disposed forwardly of the work oil tank with forming a gap relative thereto. The control valve unit is disposed upwardly of the fuel tank and longitudinally along the fore/aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Fumiki Sato, Shizuo Shimoie, Yoshihiro Kato, Takanori Matsumoto, Kenzo Koga
  • Publication number: 20080185813
    Abstract: An equipment trailer for initially servicing a petroleum well at a remote site comprising: a solids and fluid collection tank mounted centrally on the trailer; a front and rear flare column support for supporting a gas flare stack having a base an intermediate column and a head; and, a pipe rack positioned along a lateral side of the trailer to removably carry lengths of pipeline therein, said lengths of pipeline used to interconnect the well to the collection tank and thereafter to connect an upper portion of the collection tank to a base of the flare stack. Then in a single trip an operator may haul all of the equipment necessary to initially service the well at the remote site, then after the equipment is then set up, interconnected to the well and used, an operator may return to the remote site to disassemble, reload, and again remove all of the equipment back to a storage/tank cleaning location in a single trip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas H. Watson
  • Publication number: 20080185491
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fuel tank flange are disclosed, including a single fuel tank flange plate having multiple fuel tank system components secured thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: W. Bruce Bosch, Evan Waymire
  • Patent number: 7404580
    Abstract: A hollow walled structure (22) includes a shell (36) having a wall defining an interior compartment (46). A first support, in the form of a baffle (48), is disposed within the interior compartment (46) and engages the shell (36) at two locations (52, 54). A second support, in the form of a post (83), engages the shell (36) and extends through the interior compartment (46) to intersect the baffle (48). The shell (36), baffle (48), and post (83) are formed concurrently from a thermoplastic material by a rotational molding process. The rotational molding process can entail operations of pre-heating interior portions of the mold, delivering heat to the interior portions of the mold, and/or filling the mold with excess thermoplastic material prior to preheating the mold. The rotationally molded structure (22) has sufficient strength to function as a tank for carrying a liquid (34) in a liquid transport apparatus (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: William J. Michael
  • Publication number: 20080164262
    Abstract: An automotive fuel tank storage system includes a fuel storage tank installed in a vehicle and a barrier fluid tank containing a supply of barrier fluid. A distribution system connected with the barrier fluid tank and with the fuel storage tank distributes barrier fluid about the outer periphery of the fuel contained within the storage tank in the event of a collision event, creating a boundary layer of more viscous fluid which inhibits exfiltration of the fuel from the fuel storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Thompson, Joseph Dierker
  • Publication number: 20080156809
    Abstract: A hydrogen tank is mounted on a roof so that a valve unit mounted to one end in a longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank is separated as far apart as possible from a front platform and a middle platform of a fuel cell equipped bus and so that the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank is in a lateral direction of a vehicle. Thus, even if hydrogen leaks from the valve unit or a fusible plug valve of the valve unit is fused to discharge hydrogen from the tank, the influence of the leaking or discharged hydrogen on the front platform and the middle platform can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideaki Mizuno, Yoshiaki Naganuma
  • Publication number: 20080149642
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel tank (1) of thermoplastic material, comprising functional installation fitments for air intake and venting, for fuel take-off or the like, which is distinguished in that at least one functional installation fitment is connected to the inside wall (3) of the container in material-bonded relationship in such a way that the functional installation fitment defines with the container wall a volume separated from the filling volume of the container in such a way that the inside wall (3) of the container serves directly as a boundary wall of said volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Borchert, Gerd Wolter, Harald Lorenz, Dirk Eulitz, Timo Kramer, Klaus Gebert
  • Publication number: 20080142524
    Abstract: A blow-molded tank is provided having tack-off features located within the periphery of the fluid containing volume of the tank. The tack-off features are formed by pinching together a portion of the parison in the mold, thereby bonding a portion of the opposing faces of the tank together. The tack-off features are used to conveniently mount the blow-molded tank to a vehicle without requiring the use of a bracket. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Thomas, Raymond W. Baggett
  • Publication number: 20080135562
    Abstract: A resin fuel tank has an annular welded portion around an opening formed in the fuel tank. A resin weld joint has an annular weld portion. The weld joint is mounted to the fuel tank by bonding the weld portion of the weld joint to the annular welded portion of the fuel tank through application of heat-welding under pressure. The fuel tank is provided with reinforcing ribs arranged radially around the annular welded portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuo Miyajima
  • Publication number: 20080135561
    Abstract: In a two-piece fuel reservoir (7), one of the components has a container wall (8) and the other component has a container bottom (9). The components are sealed from each other and can also be configured as a single piece with other components, such as for example a pump bracket (5), thereby allowing for the fuel reservoir (7) to be assembled from standardized components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Eduard-Siegfried Sanden
  • Patent number: 7383795
    Abstract: A surge tank comprises a liquid inlet portion designed to dissipate the energy of coolant flowing into the surge tank. Desirably, fluid is delivered into a pool of liquid in an initial chamber rather than into an air gap above a pool of liquid such that the pool of liquid assists in dissipating energy of the entering coolant. Coolant from the last of a series of initial chambers desirably exits in a manner that reduces the distance air bubbles must rise to separate from the coolant. Also, when coolant flows from one initial chamber to at least one other initial chamber, desirably the direction of flow of at least a major volume of the coolant is changed, such as by locating an outlet passage from one chamber at a lower portion thereof and the passage from a subsequent chamber at an upper portion thereof. Passageways between the various chambers may be of a progressively increasing total cross-sectional area to assist in reducing the velocity of fluid flow from one chamber to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
    Inventors: Patrick N. Lawrence, Frederick W. Menche, Antonio Edgar
  • Patent number: 7380626
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator is equipped with one or more downsizing scheme including at least one of: (i) a bubble removing device for removing bubbles in hydraulic fluid, (ii) a hydraulic tank including a main tank and a variable capacity tank arranged separately from each other, and (iii) a variable capacity tank or hydraulic tank which is fitted to the rear surface of the upper cover of the seat-side block. Thus, the lateral section of the seat can be ultimately downsized to provide a large space around the seat. Then, unlike the prior art, a canopy or a cab of a larger hydraulic excavator can be securely arranged on the upper swing body of a small hydraulic excavator. Since such large parts can be commonly used with large hydraulic excavators, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of the hydraulic excavator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Chikaishi, Akiko Konishi, Shotaro Ishii, Noboru Kanayama, Kazuhiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7364002
    Abstract: At the underside of a vehicle body, a fuel tank and an exhaust muffler are disposed alongside of each other along a vehicle body longitudinal direction, with a drive shaft being disposed between the fuel tank and the exhaust muffler. The front and rear of the fuel tank are attached with tank bands to two cross members. The exhaust muffler is attached to the two cross members via rubber supports. Because the exhaust muffler and the fuel tank are attached to common cross members, the noise vibration characteristics of the vehicle body are improved while suppressing an increase in the weight of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoki Mabuchi, Koji Mineda, Takashi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20080087665
    Abstract: A freight container for transporting a pressurized fluid at a design pressure P, including a tank and mounted within an ISO frame. The tank includes a vessel formed of a material having an ultimate tensile strength SU. The vessel has a cylindrical shell having an inside radius RI and a thickness Ts which is less than that of prior art freight containers and substantially equal to: (P*Ri)/((Su/Xa)?(Xb*P)). Such a vessel conforms to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 2. The freight container may be mounted on a transport vehicle, before or after being filled with the pressurized fluid, and transported to a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: COLUMBIANA BOILER COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Trevor M. Rummel
  • Publication number: 20080073355
    Abstract: A cylinder shape transportation bag, for a tank or cylinder filled with gas or liquid being transported in a vehicle; comprising of a bag made of light weight and durable material with straps securing the tank or cylinder inside the vehicle and a drawstring to tighten the bag to the surface of the tank or cylinder, and a non-skid bottom to prevent slips and slides inside a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Saleem Akbar
  • Publication number: 20080067466
    Abstract: A thin disk portion, which extends radially, and a rib provided in an outer circumference part of the disk portion are formed in a valve body. A ring-like seal projection to be pressure-contacted with the disk portion to seal a valve is formed in a case. Because the disk portion is thin, deformation occurs along an end surface of a seal projection when the valve is sealed. Even when the seal projection is deformed due to fuel swelling or the like, sealing is enabled along the entire circumference thereof. High sealability is achieved even when the resin components are pressure-contacted with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Kobayashi, Kenichiro Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20080066819
    Abstract: A receptacle configured to accept a container, a cart which can releasably accept a receptacle, and method for use of the receptacle and cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: KIMBERLY L. ATTANASIO
  • Patent number: 7343903
    Abstract: A fuel tank in which at least a part of a fuel storing unit is formed of a flexible film is provided with a main chamber having a variable volume by deforming according to a storing amount of a fuel, a sub-chamber having a volume which is kept substantially constant, and a fuel pump housed inside the sub-chamber. The main chamber and the sub-chamber are integrally formed to form the fuel storing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Murabayashi, Shoichiro Kumagai, Koichiro Toyoda, Tohru Wako, Yoshinobu Terada, Manami Endo, legal representative, Yasunobu Endo
  • Patent number: 7337926
    Abstract: The present invention teaches that air may be injected into the sloping bottom of a bulk dry particulate cargo container (micron-sized through quarry-sized dry particulate) accompanied by traditional conveyance-variety pneumatic air, causing the bulk dry particulate cargo to enter a bi-phase state having an air matrix with particulate inclusions. The result of this air lubrication is a dramatically reduced coefficient of friction. This bi-phase material may be extremely fluid, easily exiting a discharge port without regard to normal bulk dry particulate friction or angle of repose. The present invention also teaches a cargo container having a plurality of air injectors on the sloping bottom of a particulate plenum and having air supply apparatus feeding the air injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis LeRoy
  • Publication number: 20080029519
    Abstract: A fuel cylinder for use in fueling vapor-powered machines and devices is claimed. The fuel cylinder contains a fuel vapor withdrawal pipe that bends upward towards the top edge of the cylinder when the cylinder is in its position of use, for example, the horizontal position if the tank is used horizontally. A liquid splash guard surrounds the inlet of the fuel vapor withdrawal pipe to protect the inlet from splashing of liquid propane in the cylinder. A brace connects to the fuel vapor withdrawal pipe to stabilize the fuel pipe during high vibration use. In one embodiment, the splash guard and brace are welded to the internal surface of a joggle in the rim of the upper head portion of the cylinder before the upper head portion and lower head portion of the cylinder are mated and welded together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Manchester Tank & Equipment Co.
    Inventors: James G. Sommer, Robert F. Lane, Thomas B. Freeland
  • Publication number: 20080000916
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for supplying a fuel to an engine mounted on an upper frame of heavy construction/forest equipment is provided. The fuel supply system includes a junction tank unit for interflowing a fuel supply line which is connected to a lower end of a primary fuel tank and a fuel supply line which is connected to a lower end of a secondary fuel tank, the fuel supply lines being connected in parallel to each other, a water separator connected to the junction tank unit via a fuel supply line, a fuel supply line for supplying the fuel to an engine from the water separator, and a fuel recovery line for recovering a remaining fuel from the engine to the primary fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Soo Bong Hwang
  • Patent number: 7311827
    Abstract: A tank assembly is disclosed having a plurality of tank sections each capable of being connected to at least one other tank section, wherein each tank section has a dimension that enables the section to be accommodated at or within a predetermined width limit for transportation by public road, and wherein a dimension of the tank directly across the sections when the tank is assembled exceeds said predetermined width limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: Glenn Clark, Colin Morrell
  • Publication number: 20070272696
    Abstract: A fuel tank arrangement for a vehicular agricultural applicator is provided. The fuel tank arrangement includes a fuel tank having an interior cavity defined by an uppermost wall, a lowermost wall, and a series of side walls extending therebetween. The interior cavity includes an expansion space defined upwardly in the vertical direction above a maximum fill line. The arrangement further includes a fill neck extending from the uppermost wall to receive the supply of fuel. The fill neck includes an uppermost end opposite a lowermost end that defines the maximum fill line. A bridge that defines a passage therethrough interconnects the fill neck and the expansion space of the fuel tank. A lowermost end of the passage is horizontally aligned at the lowermost end of the fill neck, and the passage extends upwardly in the vertically direction therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Dane M. Kallevig, Kevin C. Lent, Stephen H. Stuhr
  • Patent number: 7290675
    Abstract: A method of making a tank out of blown, thermoformed, or rotomolded thermoplastic material, the method comprising the following steps: making a portion in relief on the inside of the tank, said portion in relief enabling an attachment to be mounted inside the tank and defining a permanent housing for receiving at least a portion of said attachment, the portion in relief being made: either by implementing the following steps: a) placing at least one insert inside an enclosure; b) inserting the material that is to form the wall of the tank inside the enclosure; and c) forming the wall of the tank by blowing, thermoforming, or rotomolding, the insert being positioned inside the enclosure in such a manner that while the wall is being formed, it covers the insert at least in part, the insert also being of a shape that is selected in such a manner that said wall, by taking on at least part of the shape of the insert, constitutes said portion in relief; or else by mounting a mounting member on the wall of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Patrice Gombert, Alexis Rosseel
  • Publication number: 20070252412
    Abstract: A vehicle front body structure includes left and right diagonal connecting members extending diagonally between and connecting together the lower end portions of left and right legs and the front end portions of left and right upper members. Left and right horizontal connecting members, the left and right legs and the left and right diagonal connecting members together form left and right frame sections of substantially triangular hollow prismoidal configuration having an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Yatsuda
  • Publication number: 20070228050
    Abstract: A fuel tank has a fuel tank body with an upper wall and a lower wall, an upper recess formed in the upper wall and a lower recess formed in the lower wall, and at a cover that seals the one of the upper recess or the lower recess. The upper recess and the lower recess extend into the fuel tank. Soles of the upper recess and the lower recess are abutted against each other and joined to form a first joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Isoda
  • Publication number: 20070221674
    Abstract: A sub sealing projection of an elastic sealing member for a fuel tank is entirely angled, and shaped so as to satisfy 20°??1(angle defined by its upper surface and a cylindrical sealing portion)?35°, 50°??2(angle defined by its lower surface and the cylindrical sealing portion)?70°, 0.4?B (radial distance between a portion having a diameter corresponding to an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion and a leading end of the sub sealing projection)/A (maximum projecting distance of the sub sealing projection)?0.55, and a leading end portion of the sub sealing projection is shaped so as to satisfy a condition, 0.1?R (curvature radius of cross-section thereof)/C(length of a base portion of the sub sealing projection)?0.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Mori, Yoshiki Kodaka
  • Publication number: 20070215623
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple fuel vent assembly for use in inboard and outboard fuel tanks for marine vessels. The vent assembly includes upper and lower portions defining an L shaped interior passageway. The lower portion includes upper and lower valve seats positioned within this passageway. Spaced vent openings extend through the lower portion above and below the valve seat. A spherical float is positioned within the passageway between the upper and lower valve seats. As fuel is added to the tank, pressure can escape through the fuel vent. The flow valve is within the passageway as the level of liquid fuel in the tank rises during the fuel refilling process. When the tank is at its desired fill level the float engages the upper valve seat and forms a seal preventing liquid fuel from traveling past the upper seat and through the passageway into the atmosphere outside the tank. The second vent opening remained open to vent pressure from the space between the top of the tank and the fuel level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Tony Riviezzo
  • Patent number: 7244293
    Abstract: A reservoir tank which includes: a container for storing fluid therein, having an inlet through which the fluid flows into the container and an outlet through which the fluid flows out of the container; and a duct provided inside the container, which is connected to the inlet of the container and has a first opening open inside the container. The first opening is located above the outlet of the container and below a surface of the fluid in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiko Morita, Hitoshi Shimonosono, Shizuo Yamamoto, Katsuyuki Fujii, Tomoyuki Hanada, Toshihiro Yamashita, Kenichiro Minami
  • Patent number: 7244123
    Abstract: A self-contained training device for simulated personnel entry, exit and rescue in confined space scenarios. The device features an enclosed tank mounted on a truck trailer. The tank has at least one top portal and at least one side portal for entry and exit. An enclosed pipe is situated within the tank and has separate points of entry and exit. The top of the tank features a walkway and handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Matrix Service, Inc.
    Inventor: John Barron
  • Patent number: 7228847
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a cover made of a metal material adapted to close an opening in the fuel tank having a fuel reservoir disposed therein and an insert molded to the cover to form a plurality of members to allow components to be attached thereto. The insert is integral, unitary, and one-piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Burke, Joanne Tersigni, Sharon Beyer, William Zimmerman, Ulf Sawert, Tom R. Paveglio, Christopher J. Czyzio
  • Patent number: 7222744
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a tank having a partially cylindrical body extended by a cylindrical extension of smaller section by the intermediary of a tapered junction extension, and at least one internal reinforcement ring integral with the internal surface of the tubular part of smaller section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Etablissements Magyar S.A.
    Inventor: Georges Magyar
  • Patent number: 7216818
    Abstract: A windshield washer fluid reservoir tank for a vehicle is externally formed with a side stepping surface, and is internally defined with a space for storing windshield washer fluid replenished through a feeding pipe having a cap, and for allowing the windshield washer fluid stored therein to be pumped to a windshield of the vehicle through supply hoses under the operation of a supply motor pump installed in position within the windshield washer fluid reservoir tank, in order to ensure extended use of the windshield washer fluid without requiring frequent replenishment, by virtue of such a space having a sufficient storage capacity capable of storing a large amount of the windshield washer fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-pyll Lee
  • Patent number: 7208210
    Abstract: A fuel container with high fuel barrier properties is provided. The fuel container is a coextrusion blow-molded fuel container having a container body made of a layered structure. The layered structure comprises: a barrier layer made of a barrier resin (A); and an inner layer and an outer layer made of a thermoplastic resin (B) that is different from the barrier resin (A); wherein a ratio (X/Y) of a distance (X) between end portions of the barrier layer at a pinch-off part of the fuel container and an average thickness (Y) of the container body is at least 1/10000 and at most 1/10; and wherein a ratio (Y1/Y) between a total thickness (Y1) of the layers of the container body that are located on the inside with respect to the barrier layer and an average thickness (Y) of the container body is at least 3/10 and at most 7/10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keizo Michihata, Nahoto Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7195285
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for detachably connecting a first flexible tank and a second flexible tank in an aircraft includes a latching device, a first tubular connecting element attached to the first tank, and a second tubular connecting element attached to the second tank. The first and the second connecting elements are detachably connected to each other using the latching device. In a connected state of the connecting elements, fluid exchange can take place between the first and the second tanks via the first and the second connecting elements, the latching device is disposed inside one of the first and second flexible tanks and is actuatable from outside the respective flexible tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Eleftherios Rodousakis, Harald Kiowsky
  • Patent number: 7195282
    Abstract: Hydrogen tanks 21 are located in the vicinity of a front axle of a left front wheel FWL and a right front wheel FWR in a front space 61 of a motor vehicle and are arranged to have their longitudinal axis along a width of the vehicle. The hydrogen tanks 21 are positioned at a height substantially the same as a mounting height of a front bumper 64. This layout desirably ensures sufficient spaces in a trunk room 62 on the rear side of the vehicle and in a passenger compartment of the vehicle. This layout also enables the load of the hydrogen tanks 21 to be directly applied to the left and right front wheels FWL and FWR, while ensuring the good weight balance over the width of the vehicle. The positioning of the hydrogen tanks 21 at substantially the same height as the mounting height of the front bumper 64 effectively reduces a potential shock to the hydrogen tanks 21 in the event of a vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minobu Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7191032
    Abstract: In hydroforming of hollow metal articles in a die, such as pressure-ram-forming procedures, a method of decreasing cycle time of the forming process, while ensuring acceptable product properties and avoiding failures, by modeling the process using finite element analysis to establish a pressure-time history that optimizes the forming operation and applies failure limits to selected variables such as minimum wall thickness or maximum strain rate, and transferring this pressure-time history to a computer controlling the forming process. Thermocouple and/or continuity sensors are incorporated into the die wall and connected to the computer so as to provide active feedback from the die to the control of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart R. MacEwen, Peter Hamstra, Robert William Mallory, Yihai Shi, James D. Moulton
  • Patent number: 7168443
    Abstract: A tank which is primarily intended for spraying applications and mountable on an all terrain vehicle (“ATV”). The tank (10) includes a main tank section (11) which, in use, extends laterally of the ATV and at least one longitudinally extending arm 12. The pump assembly is located in a cavity (14) in the underside of the main tank section (11). A cover (15) can cover the cavity (14) to mount the pump assembly in place. The tank (10) can include a removable auxiliary tank (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: C-Dax Systems Limited
    Inventors: Warwick Bruce Smith, Christopher Torr
  • Patent number: 7141099
    Abstract: A flare tank apparatus for separating combustible gases from a mixture of such gases and a liquid, for example combustible gases in drilling fluid from an oil or gas drill string. The apparatus has an inlet conduit having two or more connectors which permit components of the inlet conduit to swivel relative to each other. The connectors can be loosened to permit swivelling without disassembling the inlet conduit. The swivelling of the connectors permits the free end of the inlet conduit to be moved and positioned for connection to the outlet end of a flare line from the drill string and to be positioned against the holding tank of the flare tank apparatus for convenient transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Wellco Energy Services Partnership
    Inventors: Stanley R. J. Ross, Roddy J. Ross
  • Patent number: 7108285
    Abstract: A tanker trailer includes tanks mounted one behind the other to a chassis using a flexible mounting system. The mounting allows individual tank movement in upward and downward directions from a rest position. Close nesting is accomplished by provided adjacent tanks with complimentary curved ends. The tanks may have progressively increasing depths from the front to the rear of the trailer. Two sight gauges disposed on a diameter passing through a volumetric center line provides a means of assessing the quantity of liquid in the tank. Alternatively, a single gauge may be used in conjunction with a level meaning device on a horizontal line intersecting the volumetric center line and the gauge. A vapour recovery system includes two volumetrically matched members mounted within the tank equidistant from the volumetric center line one of which serves as a vent pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Allan William Stobart
  • Patent number: 7104425
    Abstract: A method for loading and unloading of dry bulk freight containers vertically, and a device in the form of an improved intermodal dry bulk freight container for vertical loading and unloading. Standardized corner locks may be used and dimensions may be selected so as to provide a standardized cargo container. The present invention teaches that an intermodal dry bulk freight container may be loaded in either the customary horizontal orientation of such devices, or in a vertical orientation in which one end is opened and elevated. In particular, however, such a container may advantageously be emptied by elevating it into the vertical orientation. The method of the invention is thus to provide only a single hopper and yet allow one hopper to empty the entire container, as well as providing a more efficient gravity feed of bulk cargo as it is off loaded. The present invention furthermore teaches an intermodal dry bulk freight container suitable for this method of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Curtis W. Le Roy
  • Patent number: 7083065
    Abstract: A polymeric tank assembly is provided having a polymeric container with a neck opening. A ring with protruding barbs is inserted within the neck opening and the neck opening is placed in compression by a surround collar. The ring can be connected with clamping arms which can be engaged by a clamping ring which retains an instrument within the tank assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Millennium Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Zdroik
  • Patent number: 7059187
    Abstract: A seamless marine fuel tank having directly mechanically fastened component parts such as a fuel withdrawal assembly and a direct-sight fuel gauge system. The fuel withdrawal system contains a split-nut fastening device which fastens the system to the tank and allows for 360 rotation of fuel withdrawal outlet. The direct-sight gauge contains a threaded gauge neck with a cradle and tabs in its interior wall into which a one-piece float arm is snapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Tempo Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John Clarke, III, Ronald Eureka
  • Patent number: 6994699
    Abstract: A port, a container and a method for accessing a port for injecting or withdrawing a liquid from the container are provided. The port may allow for the administration of, for example, a drug, to a patient and may be located on the container. The port has a septum having a target area. The port also has a support ring in contact with the septum. A cap is provided to protect the septum. The cap has a ring handle and allows for removal and exposure of the target area of the septum. A needle, for example, may be used to penetrate the septum allowing the addition or withdrawal of a liquid or other drug to or from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent Houwaert, Denis Motta, Patrick Balteau, Francesco Peluso, Silvano Sforacchi
  • Patent number: 6989198
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignees: Kuraray Co., Ltd., Ube Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhisa Masuda, Yuji Munesawa, Koichi Warino, Tomoharu Nishioka, Yoshio Iwata, Koji Nakamura, Kozo Tamura, Tetsuya Hara
  • Patent number: 6957542
    Abstract: A fuel tank body has a double-layer structure composed of an inner tank shell and an outer tank shell, so that an inter-tank-shell space is formed therebetween. Because heat of fuel in the fuel tank body is discharged into the inter-tank-shell space, the temperature of fuel in the fuel tank body is prevented from rising. If the pressure in a canister becomes negative due to a negative pressure in an intake system of an engine, more specifically, a negative pressure in a surge tank leading to an air cleaner, high-temperature air in the inter-tank-shell space between the inner tank shell and the outer tank shell flows into the canister. On the other hand, low-temperature air flows from the air cleaner into the inter-tank-shell space which has become negative in pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Kido, Masahide Kobayashi, Takashi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6953129
    Abstract: An impact and fire resistant coating laminate is provided which serves as an outer protective coating for a pressure vessel such as a composite overwrapped vessel with a metal lining. The laminate comprises a plurality of fibers (e.g., jute twine or other, stronger fibers) which are wound around the pressure vessel and an epoxy matrix resin for the fibers. The epoxy matrix resin including a plurality of microspheres containing a temperature responsive phase change material which changes phase in response to exposure thereof to a predetermined temperature increase so as to afford increased insulation and heat absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Thomas K. DeLay
  • Patent number: 6953062
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel tank or a fuel pipe excellent particularly in the corrosion resistance of the outer surface in a salt damage environment, and is a fuel tank or a fuel pipe excellent in corrosion resistance characterized by: being formed by using a steel sheet or a steel pipe containing Cr of 9.0 to 25.0 mass % as the base material; on the outer surface thereof, having any one or more of welded portions, brazed portions and structurally gapped portions contacting components; and having one or more of metals, whose electrode potential in a 5%-NaCl aqueous solution at 30° C. is ?0.4 V or less relative to a saturated calomel electrode, attached to at least a part or parts of said portion(s) of the outer surface in an electrically conductive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Shunji Sakamoto, Akihiko Takahashi, Michio Kaneko, Toshio Tanoue, Kenji Kato, Naoto Ono, Masao Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6945422
    Abstract: An in-tank fuel line quick connector assembly for a fuel tank in a vehicle including a first member adapted to be disposed inside of the fuel tank and having a projection extending outwardly. The in-tank fuel line quick connector assembly also includes a second member adapted to be disposed inside of the fuel tank and having a cavity to receive the projection. The in-tank fuel line quick connector assembly further includes a seal ring disposed in the cavity to engage the first member. The second member has opposed latches adjacent the cavity and being movable to engage the projection for retaining the first member and the second member together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Elizabeth Beyer, Ulf Sawert, Douglas James Golla, Matthew L. Catlin, William Stuart Zimmerman