Stationary Tank Patents (Class 220/565)
  • Patent number: 7246717
    Abstract: An above-ground, double-walled, tank for holding combustible material and supporting a generator has an outer tank and an inner tank with structural baffles, all made from type 316 stainless steel. An interstitial space formed by the outer tank and inner tank is filled with a fire resistant solution consisting of a fire block gel and water. An internal support system, including structural baffles in the inner tank, provide a structure to support a generator and other equipment on the top of the tank without the use of tank wall stiffeners or external beams. A level detector in the interstitial space detects changes in the level of the fire resistant solution. A water detector in the inner tank detects the presence of water. The fire resistant solution may be removed from the interstitial space for tank inspection and repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Power Generation & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Rodgers, Scott E. Buske
  • Publication number: 20070158351
    Abstract: A tank has a pair of elongated, generally parallel, and hollow plastic chambers having longitudinally extending side walls and closed ends, and a transverse plastic connector tube having one end connected to and opening into one of the elongated chambers and an opposite end connected to and opening into the other of the elongated chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventor: Manfred Roth
  • Patent number: 7188747
    Abstract: A polygonal fluid storage tank comprises a tank frame and a tank liner. The tank frame comprises vertical support members, including upper and lower brackets, and upper and lower cross members secured to the brackets so as to enable relative angular motion between cross members and vertical support members. The tank frame may therefore be assembled on rough, uneven, and/or sloped terrain. The tank liner comprises a polygonal bottom panel and vertical side panels. Each side panel has a liner sleeve running along its upper edge open at both ends that is spaced apart from adjacent liner sleeves by liner gaps. Each upper cross member is positioned within a corresponding liner sleeve, and each of the upper brackets is positioned at a corresponding liner gap. The tank may be readily transported, assembled, filled, disassembled, and transported for fire fighting in remote areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Paul D. Bennett, Paul J. Silva, Theodore C. Kruysman
  • Patent number: 7171978
    Abstract: A storage container for water-endangering liquids that includes a leakage detection and restraint system. The container allows for a short-notice alarm system and minimizes the collection volume, to ensure that the water-endangering liquid spreads as little as possible, as well as to reduce construction and maintenance costs. To this end, the storage container features a gutter surrounding the tank that is directly contiguous with the outer wall of the storage container and that collects leaked liquid, at least one gutter outlet at least one liquid collection container, and at least one detection system for the water-endangering liquids. The gutter outlet is adapted to guide the liquid collected in the gutter to the liquid collection container that is provided with the detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ruhr Oel GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Nagler, Reiner Stolze, Werner Wychlacz
  • Patent number: 7118700
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting the growth of algae and like organisms in plastic water tanks exposed to sunlight comprises providing an outer tank surface operative to reflect off a substantial portion of sunlight that hits the tank off the outer tank surface; and providing an opaque inner tank layer operative to substantially prevent sunlight passing through the outer tank surface from entering an interior of the tank. A two layer tank is provided comprising a light colored outer layer and a dark sun-blocking inner layer, and is conveniently made by a rotational molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Bourgault Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Neil Eisner
  • Patent number: 7111751
    Abstract: A plastic lined concrete tank includes a floor, an upright wall having a lower edge adjacent the floor, a plastic wall lining on an interior surface of the wall, and a plastic waterstop structure inhibiting penetration of water between said floor and said lower edge of the wall. The waterstop includes an anchor embedded in the floor and an upper flange which overlaps the lining. A sealed joint is provided between the upper edge of the flange and the lining. The flange and the lining are fused together to form a supporting structure at a position lower on the wall than the sealed joint, whereby outward bending of the flange away from the wall lining at said joint during shifting of the wall relative to the floor is inhibited and outward bending of the flange away from the wall lining at a location remote from said joint during shifting of the wall relative to the floor is promoted. The tank also includes a plastic floor liner and a floor liner attachment member fused to said anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Crom Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Copley, Clark Gunness
  • Patent number: 7036676
    Abstract: A foldable water tank comprises a foldable receptacle having a bottom wall and vertical sidewalls, the sidewalls being inclined inwardly; and a plurality of support structures connected to the sidewalls to support the sidewalls in the inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Eldred Corporation
    Inventor: Jan Christensen
  • Patent number: 6968970
    Abstract: A container system and method for shipping and storing an item is provided. The container system may comprise a storage vessel with an interior compartment, and an access opening at one end. A removable end cap may be releasably and mechanically coupled to the storage vessel at the access opening, fully enclosing the access opening. Mechanical fasteners may also be secured to the storage vessel and removable end cap to form the releasable, mechanical connection. In one embodiment, at least one stacking lug may be provided at the perimeter of the storage vessel. In another embodiment, the container may comprise a pressure vessel, which may be adapted to receive a round of ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Franky Lee Shacklee
  • Patent number: 6936368
    Abstract: A system and method for removal or oxidative decomposition of fuel from a fuel storage container for use in a direct oxidation fuel cell and direct oxidation fuel cell system wherein the fuel permeates through a material and can be exposed to a catalyst/enzyme which oxidizes the fuel as it leaves the storage container. The system includes a fuel storage container provided with a catalyst-coated material. An airtight seal is provided over the catalyzed area, which seal is broken to allow oxygen access, and consequently the catalytic reaction. The airtight seal may be broken by simple manual methods or automatic methods on removal of the container from the fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Hirsch, Shimshon Gottesfeld, Xiaoming Ren
  • Patent number: 6842955
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank and a method of fabricating and testing the liquid storage tank. The tank is collapsible for ease of transportation when not holding a liquid and includes a base portion and a top portion. The base portion has a bottom wall and a frusto-conical sidewall that is sealed to the bottom wall. The top portion is sealed to the sidewall, and has a flexible opening. The opening is linear in the preferred embodiment and is openable to draw liquid from the tank and closable to prevent contaminants from entering the tank. The bottom wall is substantially circular and the top portion includes two substantially semi-circular sections joined and overlapped along the straight edges to form an overlapped region. The sidewall includes generally triangular-shaped sections, and the sections are joined to one another with seams that extend in a slightly helical fashion about the tank. The opening includes a slit in the overlapped region and two L-shaped members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: GTA Containers, Inc.
    Inventors: Yatish J. Joshi, Larry J. Costa, Louise E. Addicott
  • Publication number: 20040256396
    Abstract: A resin tank includes a tank body, a pipe sealing member and a pipe. The tank body reserves a liquid and is made of resin. Also, the tank body has at least a circular hole that connects with an inside of the tank body. The pipe sealing member is closely fitted into the circular hole. The pipe is installed in the pipe sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Makoto Suenaga
  • Publication number: 20040244932
    Abstract: Containers for collecting and discharging particulate lignocellulosic material are disclosed, including a cylindrical upper portion, a lower portion tapering towards a bottom elongated space, an exit pipe below the bottom, a pair of parallel screws mounted on parallel shafts in the elongated space in a common horizontal plane for feeding the particulate lignocellulosic material towards the exit pipe, a pair of distributors disposed on the parallel screws above the exit pipe comprising radial discs, and a pump below the exit pipe for transporting the particulate lignocellulosic material to a subsequent step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Kjell Forslund, Mikael Syedman
  • Publication number: 20040245255
    Abstract: A plastic lined concrete tank includes a floor, an upright wall having a lower edge adjacent the floor, a plastic wall lining on an interior surface of the wall, and a plastic waterstop structure inhibiting penetration of water between said floor and said lower edge of the wall. The waterstop includes an anchor embedded in the floor and an upper flange which overlaps the lining. A sealed joint is provided between the upper edge of the flange and the lining. The flange and the lining are fused together to form a supporting structure at a position lower on the wall than the sealed joint, whereby outward bending of the flange away from the wall lining at said joint during shifting of the wall relative to the floor is inhibited and outward bending of the flange away from the wall lining at a location remote from said joint during shifting of the wall relative to the floor is promoted. The tank also includes a plastic floor liner and a floor liner attachment member fused to said anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: James D. Copley, Clark Gunness
  • Publication number: 20040211783
    Abstract: A relocatable storage tank for flowable materials such as liquids and granular materials comprises a bag of flexible material and has a generally square, rectangular, or circular shape, resting on a solid surface, together with at least one central post which supports the upper portion of the bag, wherein the post aids in carrying the weight of the flowable materials to the ground, thereby reducing the associated mechanical tensions in the fabric of the flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Rowland D. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20040209143
    Abstract: A system and method for removal or oxidative decomposition of fuel from a fuel storage container for use in a direct oxidation fuel cell and direct oxidation fuel cell system wherein the fuel permeates through a material and can be exposed to a catalyst/enzyme which oxidizes the fuel as it leaves the storage container. The system includes a fuel storage container provided with a catalyst-coated material. An airtight seal is provided over the catalyzed area, which seal is broken to allow oxygen access, and consequently the catalytic reaction. The airtight seal may be broken by simple manual methods or automatic methods on removal of the container from the fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Robert S. Hirsch, Shimshon Gottesfeld, Xiaoming Ren
  • Patent number: 6758361
    Abstract: A relocatable storage tank for flowable materials such as liquids and granular materials comprises a bag of flexible material and has a generally square, rectangular, or circular shape, resting on a solid surface, together with at least one central post which supports the upper portion of the bag, wherein the post aids in carrying the weight of the flowable materials to the ground, thereby reducing the associated mechanical tensions in the fabric of the flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Chinook Concepts Inc.
    Inventor: Rowland D. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20040112901
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tank for a fluid product, having a bottom (4) and a resistant side wall (10) composed of juxtaposed prefabricated panels (1) each comprising a wall element (2) covered, on an internal face (22), with a continuous sealing sheet (3) extended by three sections (33, 33′, 34) which cover respectively the lateral sides (23, 23′) and the lower side (24) of the wall element (2) and overlap on the outside of the wall (10). Said panels are placed on a slab (4) covered with a sealing sheet (42) and the adjacent overlapping sections of the sealing sheets (3, 42) covering the set of the panels (1) and the bottom (4) are connected together in a sealed fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Marcel Matiere
  • Publication number: 20040115506
    Abstract: A mixing tank for a fuel cell is provided with a container housing fuel for the fuel cell, an absorbent member housed in the container, which has a cavity therein, an inlet flow path interconnecting the fuel cell and the container so as to conduct an exhaust from the fuel cell to the container and admix the exhaust with the fuel to form a mixture absorbed in the absorbent member, an exhaust flow path interconnecting the cavity and an outside of the mixing tank so as to conduct gas to the outside and an outlet flow path interconnecting the absorbent member and the fuel cell so as to conduct the mixture absorbed in the absorbent member to the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Kaname Miyazaki, Eiichi Sakaue
  • Patent number: 6742554
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Rainer Immel
  • Patent number: 6739469
    Abstract: A water tank made of stainless steel and having a substantially cylindrical shape is provided. The water tank comprises curved stainless steel panels forming a cylindrical body of the water tank, fan-shaped stainless steel panels forming a cone-shaped top part and a cone-shaped bottom part of the water tank, packing members being inserted between connecting portions of the stainless steel panels, reinforcing members, each having an L-shaped cross-section, which are arranged on both side of the connecting portions, bolts and nuts for coupling the stainless steel panels and the reinforcing members together by being inserted into holes formed thereon, reinforcing bars, an air vent disposed on the center portion of the top part, and a drain pipe disposed on the center portion of the bottom part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Dong Gyun Kim
  • Patent number: 6732878
    Abstract: A lid apparatus for a tank opening that retains fluid within the tank while allowing air to vent into or out of the tank. An air manifold is provided, preferably as part of an installation ring of the apparatus which is mounted to the tank around the tank opening. The air manifold has an outer radial wall and an inner radial wall spanned by an annular base surface. A plurality of angularly spaced openings in the outer radial wall are angularly offset from a plurality of openings in the inner radial wall to be out of angular alignment therewith, and the space above the annular base surface between the outer radial wall openings and the inner radial wall openings provides a plurality of air flow passageways. A cap of the apparatus has a cover portion and a depending mounting member adapted to insert within the installation ring and engage a cap mounting portion of that ring to detachably mount the cap to the installation ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Banjo Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Gillen
  • Patent number: 6715243
    Abstract: To produce a silo or tank, plates provided with joining flanges are made, both plates and flanges being produced from aluminium alloy. The plates are joined to one another in order to form rings, and said rings are joined to one another in order to form a silo or tank. In order to make the said joins between the shaped plates and between the rings watertight, according to the present invention sealing mastic is applied in a channel formed by two adjoining recesses, each made in the outward-facing free end of one of two flanges engaging on one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Jansens & Dieperink B.V.
    Inventor: Bas Fons
  • Patent number: 6698610
    Abstract: A triple-walled underground storage tank is provided with primary, secondary and tertiary walls. Between each two adjacent walls, an annular space is provided. The annular space is continuous throughout, and permits the flow of liquid therein. Monitors may be provided separately for each annulus, to detect the formation of leaks, or a lack of containment, in either wall defining the annular space. In one embodiment, the tertiary wall is a smooth cylinder formed about the circumferential ribs of the secondary wall. In the alternative embodiment, the rib-bearing wall is the tertiary wall, and the walls and annular materials of the tank are formed within a female mold. In either case, a tank prepared from integral ribs, with superior robustness and strength, is provided with triple containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventors: Robin Berg, John Burwell, Albert F Dorris, John Smith
  • Publication number: 20040026428
    Abstract: A storage structure for being used both as a container for storing a liquid and as a supporting structure for supporting an entity such as an object or a person. The storage structure includes a base wall, a substantially opposed top wall and a peripheral wall extending between the base and top walls. The base, top and peripheral walls together form a liquid tight platform enclosure encompassing a liquid storing volume. The storage structure also has an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture both extending through the platform enclosure substantially adjacent respectively to the top wall and the base wall. The inlet and outlet apertures both establish fluid communication between the liquid storing volume and the exterior of the platform enclosure for respectively allowing filling and emptying of the liquid storing volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Serge Dupras, Gerald Dupras
  • Publication number: 20030211371
    Abstract: Fuel delivery system and method for delivering liquid fuel to an electrode in a liquid-type fuel cell are disclosed. The liquid fuel is passively delivered to a reaction surface of an electrode by capillary force through a porous structure. The porous structure has a shape and a capillary force distribution to facilitate fuel flow, and can be part of a fuel cartridge for easy transportation and storage of fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Alfred I-Tsung Pan
  • Patent number: 6637469
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Hoffman, Vladimir Yliy Gershtein, Alexandre De Almeida Botelho, Robert William Ford, Paul David Kottler
  • Publication number: 20030141306
    Abstract: An improved pressure vessel comprising a polymer inner bladder inside a containment envelope is provided which is well-suited for transporting hazardous materials therewithin via air transport. The improved pressure vessel features a seal placed over the closure of the containment envelope which has been found to suppress failure of the pressure vessel by creep which occurs as a result of the high internal pressure that the pressure vessel experiences at high altitudes. The seal also serves to indicate whether or not the containment envelope has been tampered with after having been sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Barbara Klimowicz O'Rourke, Mark Allan Lamontia, Joseph Herbert Mason
  • Publication number: 20030082427
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a fuel supply for a fuel cell. The fuel supply includes a fuel storage area configured to hold a fuel solution, a fuel solution outlet configured to pass the fuel solution from the fuel storage area, a waste storage area, a waste inlet configured to pass waste into the waste storage area, and a movable barrier separating the fuel storage area and the waste storage area. The movable barrier is configured to move as fuel solution is passed from the fuel storage area and waste solution is passed into the waste storage area to simultaneously decrease the volume of the fuel storage area and increase the volume of the waste storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Ravi Prasad, Qin Liu, Loren E. Johnson, Michael L. Bullock, Winthrop D. Childers, L. Chris Mann, Joseph W. Tsang
  • Publication number: 20030057214
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Neil M. Miller, David L. Jordan, Joseph J. Cuneo, Robert D. Goldbuch, Edmund G. Tornay
  • Publication number: 20030047563
    Abstract: A fuel tank of plastic material has at least one holding means for fixing functional components in the interior of the tank. The holding means comprises at least one connecting element for receiving the functional component, with the connecting element being latched in an opening in the tank body wall, in a position of passing therethrough. The opening is sealingly closed at the outside of the tank by a closure member or a cover cap or a connection portion can be fitted to the opening for the connection thereto of a device intended to communicate with the tank interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Georg Reinelt, Jorg Koith
  • Publication number: 20030004654
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an industrial safety/environmental protection identification system and methods of same. Embodiments of the invention comprise a system to provide visual and electronic industrial safety information for manufacturers, handlers, shippers, and the like, to provide for safer chemical management.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond Jusak
  • Patent number: 6491181
    Abstract: A treatment tank for a water conditioning apparatus includes a tank head with a wall with an interior surface and a noncircular rim that defines a first through hole in the wall. A generally cylindrical flange defines a first aperture and has a first nipple portion with a periphery and a noncircular portion radially extending from the periphery of the nipple portion. The noncircular portion is configured to matingly engage the noncircular rim so that contact between the noncircular rim and the noncircular portion prevents rotation of the flange relative to the tank head. A first fastener is engageable on the first nipple portion to secure the flange on the tank head through contact between the fastener and the tank head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley S. Martin, Mark E. Wichmann, Andrew J. Kajpust
  • Patent number: 6484899
    Abstract: A fluid storage tank assembly is provided which includes a tank having sidewalls, a bottom wall and a top wall, and a support columns positioned between the sidewalls. The support columns blend into the sidewalls to avoid sharp corners and the sidewalls join with the bottom wall and the top wall along rounded edges to avoid stress concentrations in the tank. The tank is rotationally molded of synthetic resin, and is provided with a plurality of detachably mounted discrete legs which thread into recesses in the bottom wall. The top wall includes an indentation, and the indentation and the reception surfaces atop the support columns receive the legs of a second fluid storage tank stacked thereon. A bottom protector provided as a relatively thin sheet of synthetic resin material has a plurality of holes therethrough to permit insertion of the threaded shanks of the legs to pass therethrough for coupling the protector to the bottom of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Snyder Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darwin Garton
  • Patent number: 6474496
    Abstract: A containment tank assembly is provided which includes an inner tank, and an outer vessel with a containment area therebetween. Discharge from the inner tank is provided through a discharge outlet preferably located adjacent the bottom wall of the inner tank, the discharge outlet extending through the outer vessel. Anchor assemblies are provided to tie down the roof of the inner tank and to abut the outside of the outer vessel. The outer vessel is preferably configured with substantially flat, vertical chord sections which are tangential to the cylindrical sidewall of the lower section of the inner tank. The inner tank is preferably provided with chutes which fit into notches along the upper margin of the outer vessel to permit liquid to flow from an internal trough back into the lower section of the inner tank and to resist relative rotational movement between the inner tank and the outer vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Snyder Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darwin Garton
  • Patent number: 6464094
    Abstract: A stand-by water tank for remote access fine suppression is adapted to be transportable to the fire by grappling of the tank about its balance point by a skidder grapple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: George Zacharias
  • Publication number: 20020134786
    Abstract: A container module for intermodal transportation and temporary storage of dry flowable product includes a pressure tank supported by hanger plates welded to end frames of a support frame defining a standardized container envelope. The pressure tank has a wall with a flat top center section and short flat side sections joined by upper cylindrical intermediate sections and lower cylindrical sections below the flat side sections which blend into a plurality of intersecting, downwardly discharging hoppers. Elongated beam members extending along each side of the support frame tie the hoppers together to resist bending of the suspended tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hinkle, Craig C. Menzemer, Janet C. Swearingen, Charles I. Fuller, David S. Bennett, Daniel D. Roup, James T. Burg
  • Patent number: 6431387
    Abstract: The invention relates to an above-ground storage tank having a leakage protection lining for storing media posing a hazard to water, and to a process for equipping and particularly refitting an existing above-ground storage tank with a lining protecting it against leakage. The lining can be mounted permanently and vacuum tight on the walls of the tank. A medium-resistant foil almost completely covers the tank bottom and extends up into the lower zone of the inner side of the tank wall. This foil is secured around the outer limitation of the tank bottom by a clamping device. An insert covers the tank bottom and extends up to the clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: UTEK Umweltschutztechnologien GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Piehler
  • Patent number: 6422413
    Abstract: A liquid container for the above-ground storage of flammable fuels is shown having an inner tank with a bottom surface, side surfaces, and a top surface placed within an outer shell having a bottom surface, side surfaces, and an open top. The bottom surfaces of the inner tank and outer shell are spaced apart from each other by first bottom spacers which connect the two bottom surfaces. The side walls of the inner tank and outer shell are also spaced apart from each other by second side spacers which connect the tank and shell. The side spacers for connecting the tank and shell prevent the inner tank from floating within the outer shell when an insulating material, such as concrete, is added therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: William Y. Hall, William A. Hall
  • Patent number: 6398057
    Abstract: A triple-walled underground storage tank is provided with primary, secondary and tertiary walls. Between each two adjacent walls, an annular space is provided. The annular space is continuous throughout, and permits the flow of liquid therein. Monitors may provided separately for each annulus, to detect the formation of leaks, or a lack of containment, in either wall defining the annular space. In one embodiment, the tertiary wall is a smooth cylinder formed about the circumferential ribs of the secondary wall. In the alternative embodiment, the rib-bearing wall is the tertiary wall, and the walls and annular materials of the tank are formed within a female mold. In either case, a tank prepared from integral ribs, with superior robustness and strength, is provided with triple containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Xerxes Corporation
    Inventors: Robin Berg, John Burwell, Albert F Dorris, John Smith
  • Patent number: 6390325
    Abstract: The invention is a tank trailer which can be towed to location. It is generally rectilinear, although the roof slopes at the back end, where the stairs are. The stairs enable the top of the tank to be accessed by personnel without having to clamber over the piping assembly mounted low on the end of the tank The dual staircases also enable personnel to safely move from tank to tank when several of them are parked alongside each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Ricardo Gonzales
  • Patent number: 6379630
    Abstract: A salt grid for supporting salt above a portion of a concentrated brine solution in a brine tank for use in a water softening system. The grid comprises first and second platforms disposed at first and second elevational levels with respect to the vertical wall of the brine tank. The fluid level in the brine tank can be adjusted to be higher than the lower platform of the salt grid but lower than the upper platform of the salt grid. In this manner, salt dissolves only above the lower platform part of the grid and consequently, the dirt included in the salt only passes through the lower platform of the grid. The brine well which transports brine solution from the brine tank to the resin tank is located away from the localized area in which the dirt collects at the bottom of the brine tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Chemical Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Rudy B. Wilfong, Alan B. Channell
  • Patent number: 6371323
    Abstract: An improved double wall tank has two or more threaded fittings, with a steel outer tank and a thermoplastic inner tank. The inner tank is formed within the outer tank by rotational molding. The inner tank is bonded to the outer tank in an area of the fittings, but is otherwise separate and apart from the outer tank. Before carrying out the rotational molding process, bonding material is applied to the outer tank in the area of the fittings. The thermoplastic material is in powder form and includes mold release material. The thermoplastic material is inserted into the outer tank before rotational molding. The degree of shrinkage of the inner tank can be controlled by air pressure including an area between the fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Clemmer Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Elson G. Fernandes
  • Patent number: 6349873
    Abstract: An above ground storage tank for holding combustible material and for supporting equipment thereon, such as an electric power generator, has an inner tank with a bottom wall, opposed side walls, opposed end walls and a top wall preferably formed as metallic skins, the inner tank top and bottom walls having stiffening members, which is enclosed and supported in an outer tank having a bottom wall, opposed side walls, and opposed end walls, formed as metallic skins. A barrier insulation is preferably provided between the inner and outer tanks and mounting members are provided on top of the assembly to support equipment on the above ground storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Electus P. Slater
  • Publication number: 20020008112
    Abstract: A storage tank for fluids comprises a novel striker plate. The striker plate is comprised of a sacrificial galvanic anode and a steel core, and it is situated opposite an access opening used for measuring depth of fluid in the tank. The striker plate can also function adjacent other corrosive areas in a tank, such as along a seam in a tank wall, to reduce corrosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: James B. Bushman, Brian C. Donovan
  • Patent number: 6330767
    Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently removing grain from a grain storage device, which uses a plurality of augers. An unloading auger is used to begin removal of grain from a grain storage device. As the amount of grain decreases, a proximity sensor sends an activation signal to a cross auger that rests horizontally on the bottom of the grain storage device. The cross auger will pull the remaining grain to the entry point of an unloading auger. The unloading auger then removes the grain from the grain storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Gary W. Clem, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Carr, Donald F. Handorf, Scott Sporrer, Ryan D. Jensen, Nick Merfeld, Mark D. Mathis
  • Patent number: 6318581
    Abstract: A discharge outlet is provided for attachment to a double wall containment tank assembly having an inner tank and an outer containment vessel. The discharge outlet includes a conduit fluidically connected to the fluid receiving chamber of the inner tank and extending exteriorly of the outer containment vessel, a flexible annular sealing member positioned between the inner tank and the outer containment vessel, and couplers for attaching the sealing member to the inner tank and the outer vessel in surrounding relationship to the conduit. The containment area between the two tanks which is designed fro containing spills from the inner tank is thereby fluidically isolated form the access opening through which the conduit passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Snyder Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darwin Garton
  • Publication number: 20010028965
    Abstract: A tank for receiving a carbon- and hydrogen-containing fluid for supplying a fuel cell system with an operating medium has an inlet and an outlet for the fluid and at least one straining means for the fluid arranged between the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Stefan Boneberg, Martin Karl, Thomas Roser, Martin Schussler, Detlef Zur Megede, Klaus Harth, Markus Holzle, Michael Sprague
  • Patent number: 6290473
    Abstract: A fluid cooling device in the form of a modular unit has a motor which drives a ventilator wheel and a hydraulic pump which takes fluid from an oil reservoir and delivers it to a hydraulic work circuit. The circuit heats the fluid and sends it to a heat exchanger from which the fluid returns, cooled, to the oil reservoir. The oil reservoir, being shaped like a trough and surrounding at least part of the motor and the hydraulic pump and having high walls in the manner of a half-shell, results in a relatively high-volume oil reservoir with is a part of the fluid cooling device with a compact, space-saving structure by at least partially containing parts of the fluid cooling device to save space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Flutec Fluidtechnische Gerate GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Thome, Wolfgang Schabbach
  • Patent number: 6286707
    Abstract: A container for the above-ground storage of flammable fuels has an inner tank which may be rectangular, with a bottom surface, side surfaces, and a top surface, or which may be some other shape, such as cylindrical, placed within an outer shell having a similar shape. In the case of a rectangular inner tank and a rectangular outer shell, the bottom surfaces of the inner tank and outer shell are spaced apart from each other by first bottom spacers which connect the two bottom surfaces. The side walls of the inner tank and outer shell are also spaced apart from each other by second side spacers which connect the tank and shell. The side spacers for connecting the tank and shell prevent the inner tank from floating within the outer shell when an insulating material, such as concrete, is added therebetween. The inner tank may be constructed of metal, fiberglass, fiberglass-coated metal, polyethylene, or other like materials, while the outer shell is steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventors: William Y. Hall, William A. Hall
  • Patent number: RE39721
    Abstract: A discharge outlet is provided for attachment to a double wall containment tank assembly having an inner tank and an outer containment vessel. The discharge outlet includes a conduit fluidically connected to the fluid receiving chamber of the inner tank and extending exteriorly of the outer containment vessel, a flexible annular sealing member positioned between the inner tank and the outer containment vessel, and couplers for attaching the sealing member to the inner tank and the outer vessel in surrounding relationship to the conduit. The containment area between the two tanks which is designed fro containing spills from the inner tank is thereby fluidically isolated form the access opening through which the conduit passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Snyder Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darwin Garton