Multilayer Container Patents (Class 220/586)
  • Patent number: 7525072
    Abstract: A heated O-ring that has particular application for providing sealing in the connector region of a compressed hydrogen storage tank in a fuel cell system. In one embodiment, an electrical heating wire is wound through the O-ring so that resistive heating is provide by applying an electrical potential to the wire so that the temperature of the O-ring does not decrease below a predetermined temperature. In another embodiment, electrical heating elements are provided adjacent to and in contact with the O-ring, where an electrical potential applied to the heating elements causes the heating elements to maintain the temperature of the O-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Pechtold, Thorsten Rohwer
  • Publication number: 20090090726
    Abstract: A pressure vessel is configured such that a plurality of liners 1 are juxtaposed with one another. Each liner 1 includes a tubular trunk 4, and end plates 5 for closing opposite end openings of the tubular trunk 4. Two adjacent liners 1 are integrally connected together via a connection member 2 provided therebetween. The interiors of the integrally connected two adjacent liners 1 communicate with one another via a communication path 3 formed in the liners 1 and in the connection member 2. The ends of connection-member-forming projections 16 provided respectively on the two adjacent liners 1 are butt-joined together, thereby forming the connection member 2. The two adjacent liners 1 have respective through-holes 17 extending from the inner surfaces of the two adjacent liners to the ends of the connection-member-forming projections 16, and the through-holes 17 of the two adjacent liners 1 establish communication therebetween, thereby forming the communication path 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventor: Yasuji Kawamata
  • Publication number: 20090071965
    Abstract: A pressure container has an inner shell with a pair of fittings and a reinforcement layer formed around the inner shell, and is configured so that a reinforcement member is attachable to the pair of fittings in a process of forming the reinforcement layer and a functional component which performs a predetermined function is also attachable to the fittings. This can allow the reinforcement member to prevent expanding deformation of the pressure container in production of the pressure container, and can ensure effective use of openings after removal of the reinforcement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Iida, Natsuhiko Katahira, Koichi Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20090057319
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel and a method of forming the vessel including an inner shell, an outer shell, and a diffusion layer disposed therebetween, wherein the diffusion layer facilitates the venting of a fluid from between the inner shell and the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Harald Schlag
  • Patent number: 7451829
    Abstract: A composite reservoir for an onboard fire suppression system includes an outer wall of composite material, with the outer wall having a generally cylindrical section. An inner reinforcement has a section inserted into the generally cylindrical section of the outer wall. A closure plug is inserted into the generally cylindrical section of the outer wall. The closure plug has an inner surface in contact with the inner reinforcement. A circumferential groove circumscribes the closure plug, and a tension member displaces the outer wall into contact with the circumferential groove, so as to maintain the closure plug in contact with the outer wall and the inner reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080272130
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides hydrogen storage and delivery systems, including both on-board and off board systems. Additionally, the technology provides a conformable high-pressure hydrogen storage vessel that utilizes porous hollow microspheres to store and release hydrogen. This technology still further provides a net endothermic (upon gas desorption) material inserted into and encapsulated within the porous hollow microspheres to store hydrogen, and a heat exchange system to release the stored hydrogen out of the microspheres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Tarek Saleh Abdel-Baset
  • Publication number: 20080251520
    Abstract: A pressure vessel capable of securely sealing a mouth ring with a liner portion, and being manufactured at low costs. A boss seal part 112 is provided in a liner portion 11 of the pressure vessel, and an inner peripheral surface of a boss part 20 of a mouth ring 2 is covered with the boss seal part 112. A boss-side collar part 114 is provided in the boss seal part 112 so as to project outwardly, and a sealing member 4 composed of a resilient body is disposed in a space between an inner peripheral surface of the boss seal part 112 and an outer peripheral surface of the valve 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicants: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiko Ota, Motohiro Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20080203101
    Abstract: The technique of the invention manufactures a gas storage tank, which includes a gas absorbent/adsorbent and is capable of storing a high-pressure gas. The manufacturing process of a hydrogen storage tank first assembles a heat exchanger unit and packs the particles of hydrogen storage alloy into the heat exchanger unit. The manufacturing process then blocks hydrogen storage alloy filling holes used for packing the hydrogen storage alloy in the heat exchanger unit and attaches a detachable cover member to a hydrogen inlet. The manufacturing process subsequently locates the heat exchange unit filled with the hydrogen storage alloy in a cylindrical tank and narrows both ends of the tank to form joint openings. The manufacturing process then heat-treating the tank under water cooling and detaches the cover member. The manufacturing process attaches joint assemblies to the joint openings and forms a reinforcement layer around the outer circumference of the tank to complete the hydrogen storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Masahiko Kimbara, Daigoro Mori, Takehiro Nito, Hidehito Kubo, Akiko Kumano, Makoto Tsuzuki, Yoshihiro Isogai
  • Publication number: 20080190939
    Abstract: Combustion gas cartridge for a gas internal combustion fastening device, comprising an external casing over which is crimped the edge of an internal cup beyond which an outlet end projects. The external casing is stepped and includes three longitudinal zones having different respective diameters, namely a first edge zone, a second bearing zone for the head of a crimping machine having a smaller diameter than that of the edge zone and a third zone having a diameter equal to or greater than that of the edge zone and forming an annular shoulder together with the second bearing zone for the crimping head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Cyril Marion, Frederic Nayrac, Pascal Reverchon, Christian Ricordi, Jean-Luc Simonin
  • Publication number: 20080190938
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved tank structure having an outer shell of metal material with an inner surface and an outer surface, and an inner shell of a plastic resin material fused to the inner surface of the outer shell. The tank structure has at least two insert fittings mounted in corresponding openings formed in the outer shell, each insert fitting defining an opening for providing access to the interior of the tank structure. A top end of each insert fitting projects above the outer surface of the outer shell, and is formed with a peripheral flange for welding to the outer surface of the outer shell. The remaining body portion of each insert fitting extends into the interior of the tank structure and has a circumferential groove formed in the outer surface thereof which provides a gripping surface to which the inner shell is fused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: I-MARK INC.
    Inventors: Sigurdur Bjarni Johannsson, Johann Gisli Sigurdsson
  • 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: 20080128430
    Abstract: The cut laminate edges of aircraft fuel tanks formed of carbon fiber reinforced polymers are sealed to prevent the exposure of carbon fibers to combustible fuel. The edge seal is produced from a prepreg form using a thermosetting resin matched to the characteristics of the resin used in the laminate. The prepreg form can be applied to the cut laminate edges either before or after the laminate is cured. The edge seal acts a dielectric layer that both electrically insulates the cut laminate edges from the fuel and mechanically contains energetic particles produced at the edges due to lighting strikes or other sources of electrical charges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kovach, Kari L. Stromsland, Diane L. Heidlebaugh, John A. Ward, Arlene M. Brown, Donald K. Dabelstein
  • Publication number: 20080121643
    Abstract: Enhanced containment, capture, transfer, and storage of hydrogen gas in sealed enclosures is achieved using multi-layered materials comprising polymer(s), metal(s), metal alloy(s) and/or metal oxide(s) that either form, line, or coat the wall(s) of the sealed enclosures. These composite materials decrease “loss” of hydrogen gas by combining equilibrium and kinetic barriers to hydrogen diffusion. Capture and separation of gaseous hydrogen permeating through the wall(s) of an enclosure is accomplished by trapping the gas in either one or more internal liquid layers, or in one or more attached, gas-tight covers. Tightly packed sets of sealed enclosures, especially pipes or tubes with one or more polymer/metal±metal oxide/liquid layers or interlayers can be placed in hydrogen “warehouses” and/or “silos” to provide seasonally firmed supplies of hydrogen gas to local or city-gate markets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: HYDROGEN DISCOVERIES, INC.
    Inventors: James G. Blencoe, Simon L. Marshall
  • Patent number: 7316327
    Abstract: Pressure vessel end dome reinforcements are placed upon resin-impregnated fiber-wound pressure vessels to improve the strength-to-weight ratio of high performance pressure vessels, such as those that are used as rocket motors, gas generators, and the like. The reinforcement structures are assembled from gore pieces to form gore bodies over dome regions of the pressure vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Wright, Marcus A. Darais, James A. Yorgason, Alan J. Loveless, Darrel G. Turner, David R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7287663
    Abstract: A pressure vessel is disclosed which includes a lower metallic dome having a lower rim portion, and an upper metallic dome having an upper rim portion, a plastic liner disposed within the upper and lower metallic domes, a metallic band disposed between the plastic liner and the upper and lower metallic domes proximate the respective rim portions thereof, and an insulating material disposed between the metallic band and the plastic liner, the metallic band and insulating material protecting the plastic liner from elevated temperatures when the upper and lower rim portions of the metallic domes are welded together. A method of fabricating the pressure vessel and a connector for assembling the pressure vessel are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Amtrol Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Vandal, Bruce Murdock, Christopher A. VanHaaren
  • Patent number: 7284674
    Abstract: A double-layer vacuum container includes: an inner container having a bridging member supported by an outer container in a bridging manner; the outer container through which the bridging member extending from the inner container is externally exposed; and a cover member for externally covering the portion of the outer container through which the bridging member is exposed and for sealing a space inside the cover member and a space between the inner container and the outer container in a vacuum state between the cover member and the outer container. With such a structure of the double-layer vacuum container, the inner container other than a lip is supported by the outer container with a good heat retaining property to prevent the displacement or damage of the inner container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignees: Tiger Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueda, Shigetaka Yoshikawa, Hideo Kobayashi, Yoshikazu Shinpo, Mamoru Suzuki, Isao Goto, Masaaki Iinuma, Toshio Morikawa, Shigeo Ito, Yoshio Miyata
  • Patent number: 7255245
    Abstract: A pressure vessel with a protective jacket disposed thereon, wherein the vessel is formed of a metal liner surrounded by a layer of thermoplastic composite filament winding and a protective jacket disposed thereon that facilitates stacking and portability of the vessel, while also providing sufficiently sized openings for visual inspection of the composite layer integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Amtrol Inc.
    Inventors: Tiago Oliveira, Joao Carlos V. Antunes Guimaraes, Eduardo J. Alves
  • Patent number: 7172825
    Abstract: A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 7159737
    Abstract: A pressure containment apparatus includes a shell having a top end and a bottom end forming a pressure chamber. The pressure containment apparatus also includes a liner having an outside diameter larger than an inside diameter of the shell, wherein the liner is removably restrained within the shell by a frictional force between the liner and the shell. A retainer and retainer spring supporting the retainer are disposed within a space between the liner and a bottom manifold such that the retainer and retainer spring minimize axial forces exerted on a bottom end flange of the pressure containment apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro-Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter W. Robertson, Jason L. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7159738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-cell tank (2) for pressurized gas formed by a group of tubes (2a) immersed in a fibrous resin body (4) and reinforced by means of external texture (7), closed with two covers that feature a intercommunicating series of domes on the internal side, which exactly match the opening of the tubes of the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Sida Engineering -S.R.L.
    Inventor: Nicolantonio Luongo
  • Patent number: 7147124
    Abstract: Containers suitable for storing pressurized fluids at cryogenic temperatures of ?62° C. (?80° F.) and colder are provided and comprise a self-supporting liner and load-bearing composite overwrap, whereby means are provided for substantially preventing failure of the container during temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Exxon Mobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Moses Minta, Ronald R. Bowen
  • Patent number: 7032768
    Abstract: A steel-body vessel, suitable for storing ultra-high purity gases, has a relatively inert metal lining which covers the interior surface of the steel vessel body, preventing the stored gas from making any contact and reacting with the steel vessel body. The relatively inert metal lining extends into the vessel end pieces which are interiorly threaded, in the steel, proximate the relatively inert metal lining. The surface of the inert metal lining is conditioned to be smooth, preferably to 15 ?Ra or better. The vessel end pieces are sealed with end closure devices, which are secured by a securing portion carrying exterior threads to matingly engage the interior threads on the vessel end pieces. The end closure devices contain a sealing portion constructed of the relatively inert metal, which retains an annular sealing gland to seal the vessel in a removable, non-contaminating manner at service pressures when the end closure device is seated within the vessel end piece by means of the securing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: John W. Felbaum
  • Patent number: 7021488
    Abstract: A pressure vessel assembly, and method of use, for storing a gas at an elevated pressure. The assembly includes a vessel body having a rigid wall with an inner surface defining a storage chamber and with an inlet allowing the gas to enter the storage chamber. The assembly includes a flexible liner positioned within the storage chamber to be in fluid communication with the inlet to receive any fluid entering the vessel body. The liner is formed of an elastic inner layer contacting the gas and a metallic outer surface. The inflated, unrestrained liner volume is generally at least as large as the chamber volume and more typically, slightly larger. Stored gas contacts the inner surface of the liner and expands the liner from a smaller deflated volume until the outer surface of the liner contacts the wall of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Thompson
  • 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: 6810567
    Abstract: The invention relates to the partial or complete use of a pressurized gas cylinder known per se for compressed, liquefied or dissolved gases as a liner for a composite cylinder. This enables production costs of a composite cylinder to be reduced by ⅓ when compared to the costs arising from the production of a new composite cylinder using current manufacturing technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Messer Griesheim GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Markhoff, Martin Kesten
  • Publication number: 20040118857
    Abstract: Pressure vessel end dome reinforcements are placed upon resin-impregnated fiber-wound pressure vessels to improve the strength-to-weight ratio of high performance pressure vessels, such as those that are used as rocket motors, gas generators, and the like. The reinforcement structures are assembled from gore pieces to form gore bodies over dome regions of the pressure vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Roger D. Wright, Marcus A. Darais, James A. Yorgason, Alan J. Loveless, Darrel G. Turner, David R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6737131
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid tank for carrying hazardous materials such as a automobile gasoline tank which is non flammable and flame resistant. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a fluid tank_having an outer layer of a polyolefin containing a non halogen char forming additive to prevent flammability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Cerowa, Inc.
    Inventor: Rod A. Garcia
  • Patent number: 6719165
    Abstract: Pressure vessel end dome reinforcements are placed upon resin-impregnated fiber-wound pressure vessels to improve the strength-to-weight ratio of high performance pressure vessels, such as those that are used as rocket motors, gas generators, and the like. The reinforcement structures are assembled from gore pieces to form gore bodies over dome regions of the pressure vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Wright, Marcus A. Darais, James A. Yorgason, Alan J. Loveless, Darrel G. Turner, David R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040045971
    Abstract: A compression tank device (1) for sea transport of petroleum products, comprising a relatively elongated metallic cylindrical portion (4) and end gables (6, 6′), the cylindrical portion (4) being fixedly connected to the end gables (6, 6′) through sealing connections (16, 16′), and the cylindrical portion (4) of the compression tank (1) and a portion of the end gables (6, 6′) being braided with a fibrous material (8), the fibrous material (8) being oriented mainly in the circumferential direction of the compression tank (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Per Lothe
  • Publication number: 20040045970
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fibre-reinforced pressure vessel (1, 6) comprising a rigid gas- or fluid-tight body (2, 7, 13, 19) overwound with fibre filaments (3, 10, 11, 18), whereby the fibre filaments are wound such that at least a number of fibre filaments can freely move in respect of one another and when the pressure vessel is under internal pressure the fibre filaments are strained exactly in their longitudinal direction. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a fibre-reinforced pressure vessel whereby no matrix material (for example, resin) is used so that at least a number of fibre filaments would be incorporated in a matrix for that section of the pressure vessel in which the fibre filaments can freely move in respect of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Andy Debecker, Oscar Christoph van der Jagt, Jan Jacobus M. Koppert
  • Publication number: 20040040969
    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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas K. DeLay, Raj K. Kaul
  • Patent number: 6676159
    Abstract: A device for storing fuel in an engine-powered transport vehicle including at least one closed construction element which is incorporated as an integral part of the body or chassis structure of the transport vehicle. The closed construction element is arranged as a storage unit for the fuel. As a result of the invention, an improved fuel storage unit is provided for, in particular, hydrogen-gas-powered motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Per-Ivar Sellergren
  • Patent number: 6648167
    Abstract: A substrate protected by a polymeric lining wherein passageways are provided between the lining and the substrate for channeling of fluids which may penetrate through the lining to the substrate surface. In one embodiment the lining is formed to provide for passages between the lining and the substrate. Mesh attached to the substrate provides for securement of the lining to the substrate by at least partial embedment of the mesh within the lining. Wire spacers are positioned between the mesh and the substrate to separate portions of the lining from the substrate surface and form passageways for channeling fluid which may penetrate the lining. In another embodiment a vessel includes a network of spacers forming a generally parallel array of passageways and at least one passageway transverse to the parallel array of passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sermatech International, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Brupbacher, Scott E. Vogt
  • Publication number: 20030189053
    Abstract: A steel-body vessel, suitable for storing ultra-high purity gases, has a relatively inert metal lining which covers the interior surface of the steel vessel body, preventing the stored gas from making any contact and reacting with the steel vessel body. The relatively inert metal lining extends into the vessel end pieces which are interiorly threaded, in the steel, proximate the relatively inert metal lining. The surface of the inert metal lining is conditioned to be smooth, preferably to 15 &mgr;Ra or better. The vessel end pieces are sealed with end closure devices, which are secured by a securing portion carrying exterior threads to matingly engage the interior threads on the vessel end pieces. The end closure devices contain a sealing portion constructed of the relatively inert metal, which retains an annular sealing gland to seal the vessel in a removable, non-contaminating manner at service pressures when the end closure device is seated within the vessel end piece by means of the securing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: John W. Felbaum
  • Patent number: 6595383
    Abstract: An overpack is provided for packaging cylinders containing compressed gas. Cylinders containing compressed gas typically have a pressure relief mechanism that releases the gas from the cylinder when the pressure inside the cylinder approaches a pressure detrimental to the cylinder. In high heat, high temperature situations such as when the overpack is exposed to a fire, the overpack of the present invention extends the time that it takes for the cylinders to trigger the pressure relief mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis P. Pietrantoni
  • Publication number: 20030111473
    Abstract: A composite pressure vessel includes an endcap with first and second layers. The first layer is a thermoplastic layer and the second layer is a thermoplastic and glass fiber composite layer. A method for making the vessel includes placing commingled thermoplastic and glass fibers in a heated mold to melt the thermoplastic. The molten thermoplastic and the glass fibers are molded into the endcap shape. An outer surface of the pressure vessel is finished in accordance with another aspect of the invention. A pressurizable bladder with an inwardly facing surface is deflated. The outer surface of the vessel is heated to soften the thermoplastic. The pressure vessel is positioned in the bladder so that the inwardly facing surface of the bladder is adjacent to an outer surface of the pressure vessel. The bladder is pressurized to move the bladder inwardly into contact with the adjacent surfaces to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: POLYMER & STEEL TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING COMPANY, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Carter, Robert J. Pristas
  • Patent number: 6547092
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for containing a fluid at elevated pressure features an unstressed corrugated metallic liner forming part of a hermetic seal. The liner has corrugations extending parallel to a first direction to accommodate deformation in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Around the liner is a filler layer of elastic material forming a contiguous layer adjacent to the external surface of the liner and filling the corrugations. An external primary load-bearing container has at least one wall made of fiber-reinforced composite material adjacent to the filler layer. The shape of the primary container, the reinforcing directions of the fiber-reinforced composite material, and the mechanical properties of the filler layer are configured such that, under a given change in the pressure of the contained fluid, a strain caused in the liner parallel to the first direction is at least one order of magnitude less than a corresponding strain in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Solomon Chervatsky
  • Patent number: 6510672
    Abstract: Through a chemical vapor deposition process, a tubular graphite body is fabricated as a hydrogen storage element that comprises a tubular graphite body forming an elongated shell and at least one metal plug closing an open end of the elongated shell so as to form a closed inside space for storing hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Ohki, Sohji Tsuchiya, Akira Taomoto
  • Publication number: 20020175088
    Abstract: A flexible pressure vessel is constructed from at least one pair of upper and mating lower dome shaped cell portions. The dome portions are molded from sheets of resilient material and joined together by radio frequency welding or high-strength adhesives. Upper and lower passageway portions extend outwardly from each cell portion to the surrounding sheet material. When the cell portions are joined the passageway portions are joined to form a passageway for connection to a valve or another cell. Upper and lower rings surround the upper and lower cell portions to provide reinforcement for the cells. First and second blankets of heavy-duty fiber reinforced material are attached over the upper and lower cell portions and stitched in place with heavy-duty stitching extending through the resilient material surrounding the cell portions. Cell shaped sponges impregnated with absorbent materials are encased in liquid and gas impermeable plastic tubing and inserted into the cells prior to joining of the cell portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Stan A. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20020175167
    Abstract: An underground storage tank includes an outer wall having integrally formed ribs, the ribs being closed off by a layer of material applied directly over the space defined created by the ribs and attached to the outer wall, a layer of plastic film or other annular material through which liquid may flow placed over portions of the outer wall between the ribs and extending past the shoulders of the ribs but not extending completely over the material covering the opening of the rib, and an inner wall formed over the annular material and attached to the portion of the material covering the opening provided by the rib that is not covered by the annular material. In this way, the inner wall is tied and preferably chemically and mechanically bonded to the outer wall through the material covering the opening of the rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Robin L. Berg
  • Patent number: 6460721
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing and storing pressurized liquefied natural gas (PLNG) are provided, wherein the systems and methods include (a) a natural gas processing plant suitable for producing PLNG; and (b) at least one container suitable for storing the PLNG, the at least one container comprising (i) a load-bearing vessel made from a composite material and (ii) a substantially non-load-bearing liner in contact with the vessel, said liner providing a substantially impermeable barrier to the PLNG. The systems and methods also preferably include (c) means for transporting the at least one container containing PLNG to an import terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Ronald R. Bowen, Moses Minta
  • Publication number: 20020125257
    Abstract: The method for treating the internal surface of a gas bottle includes the following steps:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Catherine Ronge, Daniel Boucheron, Roberto Frande
  • Patent number: 6418962
    Abstract: A compressed gas vehicle fuel storage system comprised of a plurality of compressed gas pressure cells supported by shock-absorbing bumpers positioned within a low cost, shape-conforming container. The container is dimensioned relative to the compressed gas pressure cells whereby a radial air gap surrounds each compressed gas pressure cell. The radial air gap allows pressure-induced expansion of the pressure cells without resulting in the application of pressure to adjacent pressure cells or physical pressure to the container. The pressure cells are interconnected by a gas control assembly including a thermally activated pressure relief device, a manual safety shut-off valve, and means for connecting the fuel storage system to a vehicle power source and a refueling adapter. The gas control assembly is enclosed by a protective cover attached to the container. The system is attached to the vehicle with straps to enable the chassis to deform as intended in a high-speed collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: John J. Wozniak, Paul D. Wienhold, Dale B. Tiller
  • Patent number: 6401963
    Abstract: An innovative technology for composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) has been developed which significantly increases cost effectiveness, increases reliability, and reduces weight over state-of-the-art COPVs. This technology combines an innovative thin liner made of a metal having a high modulus of elasticity and a high ductility, a high-performance composite overwrap and a high-performance film adhesive at the overwrap/liner interface. The metal liner can be fabricated from readily available titanium alloy sheet and plate using a combination of spin forming and machining to fabricate components and electron-beam welding for tank assembly. The composite overwrap is filament-wound onto an adhesive-covered titanium liner and the overwrap and adhesive are co-cured in an oven to yield an integrated tank structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Ellis C. Seal, Norman C. Elfer, Torben Brandt, Robert O. Edman
  • Patent number: 6378722
    Abstract: Watertight and thermally insulating tank intended for the transportation of liquefied gases by sea, said tank being built into a bearing structure (1) comprising longitudinally adjacent faces (2) forming a dihedron (4); said tank comprising two successive watertightness barriers, one of them a primary watertightness barrier in contact with the product contained in the tank and the other a secondary watertightness barrier (14,55,30,40) arranged between said primary watertightness barrier and the bearing structure, a primary thermally insulating barrier (12,13,24,27,28,29,37,38,51,54,71) being arranged between these two watertightness barriers and a secondary thermally insulating barrier (15,16,57,58,31,32,41) being arranged between said secondary watertightness barrier and the bearing structure; said primary watertightness barrier comprising substantially flat running metal strakes (62) and, on each side of the longitudinal solid angle of intersection (A) of at least one of said dihedra, a longitudinal row of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Gaz Transport et Technigaz
    Inventor: Jacques Dhellemmes
  • Publication number: 20020023926
    Abstract: Watertight and thermally insulating tank intended for the transportation of liquefied gases by sea, said tank being built into a bearing structure (1) comprising longitudinally adjacent faces (2) forming a dihedron (4); said tank comprising two successive watertightness barriers, one of them a primary watertightness barrier in contact with the product contained in the tank and the other a secondary watertightness barrier (14,55,30,40) arranged between said primary watertightness barrier and the bearing structure, a primary thermally insulating barrier (12,13,24,27,28,29,37,38,51,54,71) being arranged between these two watertightness barriers and a secondary thermally insulating barrier (15,16,57,58,31,32,41) being arranged between said secondary watertightness barrier and the bearing structure; said primary watertightness barrier comprising substantially flat running metal strakes (62) and, on each side of the longitudinal solid angle of intersection (A) of at least one of said dihedra, a longitudinal row of
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Jacques Dhellemmes
  • Patent number: 6347719
    Abstract: A light weight fuel tank for a hydrogen powered airplane used as a platform for communication repeaters for communication services. An outer spherical shell member of a sandwich configuration surrounds an inner thin walled spherical shell member in which the liquid hydrogen is contained. A radial gap between the shell members is evacuated to a high vacuum. The facing surfaces of the shell members are coated with a low emissivity material. Electrical heaters are provided to control the evaporation rate of the hydrogen to match the fuel usage and to prevent icing during ascent and descent of the airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Harold Rosen, Alois Wittmann, Scott Pano
  • Publication number: 20020014490
    Abstract: An internally cooled pressure vessel includes a high pressure cylinder having an inner shell, and a shrink-fit, floating liner. The movement of the liner is restrained by the axial friction force between the liner and the shell. The liner is removable and has cooling grooves that can be cleaned and inspected in site. The end load is restrained by a tie rod frame, including tie rods and end flanges that are positioned at both ends of the cylinder. Pressure is introduced through separate top and bottom manifolds. To cool the vessel, water is pumped into the bottom manifold, travels through the cooling grooves, and flows out the top manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Walter W. Robertson, Jason L. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20010038013
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank for holding chemicals and heating oil and water and liquids compatible with high-density polyethylene that is lap welded with a perforation in the lap weld and contains a polyethylene lining inside the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: Charles A. Frey
  • Patent number: RE38433
    Abstract: An innovative technology for composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) has been developed which significantly increases cost effectiveness, increases reliability, and reduces weight over state-of-the-art COPVs. This technology combines an innovative thin liner made of a metal having a high modulus of elasticity and a high ductility, a high-performance composite overwrap and a high-performance film adhesive at the overwrap/liner interface. The metal liner can be fabricated from readily available titanium alloy sheet and plate using a combination of spin forming and machining to fabricate components and electron-beam welding for tank assembly. The composite overwrap is filament-wound onto an adhesive-covered titanium liner and the overwrap and adhesive are co-cured in an oven to yield an integrated tank structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Ellis C. Seal, Norman C. Elfer, Torben Brandt, Robert O. Edman