Liquified Gas Content (cryogenic) Patents (Class 220/901)
  • Patent number: 5542255
    Abstract: The invention consists of at least one layer of super insulation surrounding the vessel containing the cryogenic liquid. A thin layer of high temperature insulation surrounds the super insulation. Both layers of insulation are surrounded by an outer jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Preston, Thomas K. Drube
  • Patent number: 5533340
    Abstract: A double-walled container for transporting and storing a liquified gas or cryogenic liquid at low temperature. The container has an inner liquified gas holding vessel and an outer shell enclosing the inner vessel. The outer shell is coaxial with the vessel and of such a size as to provide a closed insulated space all around it. The inner vessel is suspended by its ends within the outer shell, with one end of the vessel being rigidly connected to the adjacent end of the shell while the other opposite end of the vessel is slidably connected to the other adjacent end of the shell so as to allow thermal expansion of the inner vessel and outer shell with respect to each other. Closable feeding and exit pipes pass through the outer shell and the inner vessel for introducing and draining the liquified gas into and off from the inner vessel. This container is light weight and can be of very great size; it can be used for the international transportation of liquid hydrogen by air, sea, rail or road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignees: Hydro-Quebec, Econoden Inc., FRE Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Elie W. Shama, Bertrand Legrand, Dominique Kluyskems
  • Patent number: 5531075
    Abstract: In a process to transport acetylene which is dissolved in a solvent in a pressurized, insulated tank, the acetylene-to-solvent mass ratio of the solution is 0.30 at the maximum, whereby the solution has a temperature of up to -55.degree. C. [-67.degree. F.]. The surface of the solution in the tank is covered by a multilayer configuration consisting of pieces of floating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Messer Griesheim GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Behringer, Siegfried Pottkamper, Hans-Werner Stephan, Gerrit Marcks
  • Patent number: 5531178
    Abstract: A support structure for a self-standing storage tank used in a liquefied gas carrier ship is disclosed. The carrier ship comprises a hold for housing the storage tank. Between a bottom section of the tank and a bottom surface of the hold, lateral movement restraining devices for restraining the lateral movements of the tank and fore-aft movement restraining devices for restraining the longitudinal movements of the tank are disposed. Between a roof section of the tank and a roof surface of the hold, only lateral movement restraining devices are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Abe, Akitoshi Ando
  • Patent number: 5529239
    Abstract: A large spherical vessel is produced by welding commercially available large plane metal plates together to form a composite plane plate, cutting the composite plane plate to a form adaptable to a spherical surface, and thereafter forming the resulting composite plate blank to spherical form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Kvaerner Masa-Yards Oy
    Inventors: Jari Anttila, Jukka Gustafsson, Matti Heinakari, Jukka Linja, Matti Vaihinen
  • Patent number: 5518138
    Abstract: A double walled insulating jacket having a vacuum zone and a getter composition within the zone. The getter composition is barium oxide and a second oxide of palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and/or silver and mixtures thereof. A process for producing this composition is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: SAES Getters S.p.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Boffito, Bruno Ferrario
  • Patent number: 5505053
    Abstract: Cryosystem for cryogenic liquids which contain small amounts of foreign fluids with higher melting and boiling points, wherein the cryosystem comprises at least one tank, pipelines and assembly units and is used under defined gravitation conditions. The pipelines slope, at least in some areas, toward the tank, and areas of the pipelines and assembly units, from which the cryogenic liquid and the foreign fluids cannot flow back into the tank under the action of gravity, are provided with drain openings and drain lines, which open into the tank or into at least one additional collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace AG
    Inventors: Peter Luger, Franz Grafwallner, Helmuth Peller, Martin Muller, Valentin V. Malyshev, Alexsander S. Shengardt
  • Patent number: 5503291
    Abstract: A bladder is disclosed for providing a liquid impervious liner for the cargo compartments of vessels used to transport liquids such as petroleum and petroleum products. The bladder prevents spillage of the liquid cargo in the event the hull is breached and facilitates cleaning of the cargo compartments without environmental impairment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: James E. Craig
  • Patent number: 5501359
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated structure providing fluid-tight and thermo-insulated walls for a heat-insulated confinement container such as a fluid-tight reservoir for storage and/or transport of a very low temperature fluid. Said structure (1) comprised of an internal flexible and fluid-tight barrier (2), a heat insulation system (4) and an external wall (3) forming support for the structure (1), is characterized in that distribution walls (53) integral with the external wall (3) are fixed to the latter particularly by means of screws or the like (35) arranged facing holes (435) drilled in an external insulation layer (43) at a distance from the joints (63) between plates (43a) forming said layer, a fluid-tight connector (80) being sealingly arranged in each of the holes (435) and joints (63). The invention applies to the construction of structures forming fluid-tight reservoirs, for example for tankers which transport cryogenic liquids such as methane tankers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Nouvelle Technigaz
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Chauvin, Jean M. Claude
  • Patent number: 5499623
    Abstract: A gas mask and breathing equipment arrangement with a storage tank for liquefied respiration gas and an air circulation duct intended for transmitting heat of evaporation from the ambient air to the liquefied respiration gas. A sufficient flow rate of ambient air will be achieved under all conditions of use by providing a fan (22) for delivering ambient air through the air circulation duct (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Dragerwerk AG
    Inventor: Adalbert Pasternack
  • Patent number: 5494188
    Abstract: A fluid pressure vessel includes an exterior composite structural shell formed with a cylindrical sidewall and first and second dome-shaped end sections with two axially aligned openings in the end sections. An interior fluid impermeable liner is disposed in the shell to fit against the inside surface thereof, and includes two openings, each aligned with and adjacent to a respective one of the openings in the shell. A pair of end bosses are each disposed in respective adjacent openings of the shell and liner. The improvement of the invention involves forming the bosses so that each includes a cylindrical neck portion, an annular collar extending radially outwardly from the neck portion, a central hollow or bore extending axially through the neck portion, and an annular groove formed in the bore to include downwardly and inwardly sloping shoulders on one side of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: EDO Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Sadanandan N. Sirosh
  • Patent number: 5492267
    Abstract: A package for preserving perishable food products such as produced shipped in large quantities on a pallet wherein the invention includes panels formed of honeycomb material covered by aluminum foil panels to provide a stronger and better insulated package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Transtech Service Network, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Hollander, Mark S. Rubenstein
  • Patent number: 5484098
    Abstract: A large spherical vessel is produced by welding commercially available large plane metal plates together to form a composite plane plate, cutting the composite plane plate to a form adaptable to a spherical surface, and thereafter forming the resulting composite plate blank to spherical form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Kvaerner Masa-Yards Oy
    Inventors: Jari Anttila, Jukka Gustafsson, Matti Heinakari, Jukka Linja, Matti Vaihinen
  • Patent number: 5450806
    Abstract: A watertight and thermally insulating tank built into the bearing structure of a ship. The tank includes a primary watertight barrier contacting a product contained within the tank. A secondary watertight barrier is located between the primary watertight barrier and a bearing structure of the ship. The tank also includes a primary thermal insulating barrier and a secondary thermal insulating barrier. The thermal insulating barriers are alternated with the watertight barriers. A fastener holds the primary thermal insulating barrier pressed against the secondary watertight barrier. A corner connection connects elements of the primary and secondary watertight barriers at a corner of the tank in zones where the transverse bulkheads meet the internal sides of the double hull of the ship at an intersection ridge. The corner connection secures the elements of the watertight barriers to opposite sides of a band along weld lines. The weld lines are substantially parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: GAZ Transport
    Inventor: Pierre Jean
  • Patent number: 5445096
    Abstract: A tank body is covered at its outer surface with an insulation material and is supported by tank supports arranged on a bottom of an inner shell of a hull. A drainer for discharging leaked liquid is mounted each at least at four corners on a lower surface of the insulation material at the bottom of the tank body. A drip tray is arranged below each drainer. Sealing is provided between the tank support and the insulation material. Leaked liquid is reliably collected and disposed by the drip tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Aoki, Koichoro Yamada, Tatsuhiko Yukitomo
  • Patent number: 5379981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding a storage tank by tensile stress inside an object, especially a movable object, e.g., a satellite, aircraft or motor vehicle, in which the storage tank is used for the storage of liquid or gaseous fluids, whose temperature exhibits a difference of at least 10.degree. C., in particular 30.degree. C., preferably 50.degree. C., to the outside temperature of the object. Here, the holding device contains a molded part made of a shape memory alloy (memory metal), which in the case of comparatively high mechanical stresses, especially during the take-off or lift-off of an aircraft or satellite or the driving of a motor vehicle, results in an increase of tensile stress, and in the case of comparatively small mechanical stresses, especially during flying of an aircraft or satellite or the standing of a motor vehicle, results in a reduction of tensile stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hermann Leiderer
  • Patent number: 5375547
    Abstract: A rectangular-shaped self-standing liquefied gas storage tank carried in a low temperature liquefied gas carrier ship is disclosed. The tank is of an approximate box-shape having a bottom plate section, front and rear sections, two side wall sections, and a roof plate section. The carrier ship has bulkheads inside thereof, formed along the direction of the width of the carrier ship, to define holds for each of the tanks. The tank has reducing sections between the roof plate section and the lateral wall sections, which are directed toward the inner side of the tank and extend upwardly. Lateral movement restraining members are provided between the front wall section of the tank and one of the bulkheads of the carrier ship, and between the rear wall section of the tank and another bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Abe, Akitoshi Ando
  • Patent number: 5368067
    Abstract: A system for recovering and recycling gases is disclosed having, in one aspect, inlet and outlet flow lines and controllers with an inflatable enclosure which, in one aspect, has a series of one or more inflatable rib stiffeners which, in one aspect, are inflatable by the gas to be stored. In one aspect the system does not present gas at an undesirable back pressure to the gas source. In one aspect a filtering relief valve is employed which prevents environmental airborne contamination from flowing back into the system when the relief valve is closing. In one aspect the system is for storing and re-using helium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Joseph S. Cook, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5368184
    Abstract: A vessel for use in the transportation of cryogenic liquids in over the road cryogenic tankers has a double wall with a highly efficient, relatively light weight fiber glass insulation in the cavity between the walls. The fiber glass insulation increases in density from the inner wall of the cavity to the outer wall of the cavity having the least density adjacent the cold inner wall of the vessel which contains the cryogenic liquid and the highest density adjacent the outer wall of the cavity which is exposed to ambient conditions. One or more layers of reflective septa can be incorporated into the fiber glass insulation to reduce radiant heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Schuller International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph M. Fay, Mark A. Albers
  • Patent number: 5263329
    Abstract: In a tank 10 for cryogenic liquid to be used in a low-gravity environment (e.g., on a space vehicle), a liquid transfer apparatus 15 (which comprises an elongate array of fins 32 and a sponge structure formed from panels 31) functions to transfer cryogenic liquid from the interior of the tank 10 to a bowl structure 20 defining a reservoir region adjacent an outlet of the tank 10. A perforated plate 22 disposed between the sponge structure and the outlet of the tank 10 causes cryogenic liquid to pass through the outlet into an outlet line 40 in a regular and generally unbroken flow. To prevent any substantial amount of heat transfer into the reservoir region of the tank 10, the bowl structure 20 is separated from the inner surface of the tank 10 by a capillary distance in order to provide a thermally insulating space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Lockheed Missiles & Space Company, Inc.
    Inventors: R. K. Grove, Ronald W. King, Julie M. L'Heureux
  • Patent number: 5253778
    Abstract: A fluid pressure vessel includes an exterior composite structural shell formed with a cylindrical sidewall and first and second dome-shaped end sections with two axially aligned openings in the end sections. An interior fluid impermeable liner is disposed in the shell to fit against the inside surface thereof, and includes two openings, each aligned with and adjacent to a respective one of the openings in the shell. A pair of end bosses are each disposed in respective adjacent openings of the shell and liner. The improvement of the invention involves forming the bosses so that each includes a cylindrical neck and an annular collar extending radially outwardly from the neck, and forming the perimeters of the openings in the liner each with a first radially inwardly projecting section for overlying the top of the collar of a respective boss, and a second section projecting from an underside of the first section radially inwardly for underlying the bottom of the collar of a respective boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Edo Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Sadanandan N. Sirosh
  • Patent number: 5230439
    Abstract: The container includes a shell defining an interior volume and including a main part, peripherally bound by a portion of a main partition and an end part defining a duct giving access to the interior volume, the transverse dimensions of the duct being smaller than those of the main part and being closable by a shutter, and a level detector typically of the capacitive type, permanently disposed in the shell on at least one zone of the portion of the main partition, and connected to an outside box for the treatment of a signal of the detector. Application for example to cryogenic containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Cornelis Klok, Daniel Delatte
  • Patent number: 5160769
    Abstract: A pipeline has an inner surface which comes into contact with cryogenic fluid at a temperature of 70.degree. K. The outer surface of the pipeline carries a coating of foamed polyurethane having closed cells containing carbon dioxide. The pipeline is located in an outer sleeve. The annular space defined between the pipe and the sleeve is filled with perlite powder and is able to be purged with dry nitrogen gas.In operation with the inner surface of the pipelines subjected to a temperature of 70.degree. K., the carbon dioxide in the cells of the polyurethane solidifies creating a vacuum therein. This increases the temperature difference across the polyurethane coating and enables the perlite powder to be maintained at a temperature above 77.degree. K. so that the nitrogen purgant does not condense. A relatively simple alternative to conventional vacuum insulation is thereby provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventor: Michael E. Garrett
  • Patent number: 5147063
    Abstract: The invention resides in the fabrication of a structural element comprising a laminated composite having one portion or layer comprising alpha-phase titanium aluminide and another adjacent portion or layer comprising gamma-phase titanium aluminide. Preferably, the gamma-phase portion or layer is joined with the alpha-phase portion or layer by such processes as hot-spraying, diffusion bonding, or vapor deposition. The invention contemplates the utilization of the structural element in the fabrication of the wall of a container or tank for storage of the hydrogen fuel material, where the gamma-phase titanium aluminide portion or layer is oriented so as to be placed in direct contact with the hydrogen fuel material, or at the least be oriented toward any hydrogen leak path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Pulley, George W. Stacher
  • Patent number: 5110006
    Abstract: A heat insulation system may protect surfaces along which a hot gas stream is conducted. The insulation may be several plies of slightly compressed ceramic fiber mats, separated by intermediate plates. Cover plates are attached to the hot side. The cover plates are mounted by holding bolts on the support structure carrying the insulation. The support structure may be the liner of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel. Thickness and size of the cover plates are optimized with regard to the stresses occurring at the edges of the holes provided for the holding bolts to ensure dimensional stability of the fiber mats and the functional capability of the metallic mounting system during a long period of time. Several sealing sleeves may be arranged on each holding bolt. In a first solution, some intermediate plates exhibit lug-shaped points stamped out of the plates on both sides in vertical areas of the heat insulation system. The lug-shaped points which transfer the forces of the fiber mats to the intermediate plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Hochtemperatur Reaktorbau GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Becker, Hans-Gunter Gross, Johannes Henssen, Josef Schoning
  • Patent number: 5104700
    Abstract: A fire protective insulating device adapted to be placed about articles to be protected from fire. The device comprises at least one layer of resilient and compressible insulative material having a plurality of compressive fastener means for mechanically compressing the insulative material to a high density, at least a portion of the fastening material being substantially less resistive to high temperature than the insulative material. A scrim means may be wrapped about the outside of the compressed insulative material for retaining the compressed insulative material. At least a portion of the scrim means is also preferably constructed of a material which is substantially less resistive to high temperature than is the insulative material. Upon contact with high temperature, the structural integrity of the fastening means is decreased allowing the compressed insulative material to mechanically expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Roger L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5099779
    Abstract: A LNG tank for ships having a heat insulation material applied over the outer circumference thereof, the tank being supported on a ship hull via a vertical cylindrical skirt, wherein a portion of the tank above the equator is formed by a cylinder and by a top portion of the head structure with a upward convex portion, the head structure being arranged above the cylinder, and another portion of the tank below the equator is formed by a part of the sphere having a radius substantially equal with that of the horizontal section of the equator substantially up to the range of the lat. 30.degree., and the remaining portion of the tank further below the range is formed by a flat semi-spherical hull structure which is a part of the laternally elongated ellipsoid of gyration or semi-ellipsoid and having the aspect ratio of substantially 1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsumi Kawaichi, Tomoaki Iyoku
  • Patent number: 5024342
    Abstract: A composite wall for storage of organic liquid is disclosed. The wall has an outer layer and the outer layer is a resin that is reinforced with chopped glass strands. The wall has an inner layer that is positioned adjacent the outer layer. The inner layer is in contact with the organic liquid. The inner layer comprises a resin containing an inorganic filler and the inner layer provides an inner surface that is resistant to organic liquids to reduce the effect of the organic liquids on the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventors: Barry J. Dallum, David H. Bartlow
  • Patent number: 5024865
    Abstract: An article comprising compressed particles of polyolefin microfibers is provided. The article has a solidity of at least 20% is particularly suitable as a container for shipping and storing hazardous liquid materials or a cryogenic container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Thomas I. Insley
  • Patent number: 5012948
    Abstract: A cryogenic vessel arrangement for a superconductive apparatus that is adapted to be launched into outer space for operation therein. A vacuum vessel, within which a liquid helium vessel containing the superconductive apparatus is positioned, is supported from an external frame. The liquid helium vessel is supported by a cable arrangement from the external frame independently of the vacuum vessel. The cable arrangement is preferably constructed to maintain a constant length throughout a service temperature range. A bumper arrangement is provided to provide direct support for the vacuum vessel independently of the cable arrangement during launch of the cryogenic vessel arrangement into space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division
    Inventor: Hugo H. Van Den Bergh
  • Patent number: 5000372
    Abstract: A package for preserving perishable food products such as produce shipped in large quantities on a pallet wherein the invention includes panels formed of honeycomb material covered by aluminum foil panels to provide a stronger and better insulated package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Transtech Service Network, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Hollander, Mark S. Rubenstein
  • Patent number: 4996479
    Abstract: A magnetometer device for measuring the magnetic fields caused by field sources includes a Dewar vessel that has an interior with access through a neck. The interior contains several superconducting gradiometers as well as corresponding SQUIDs. The Dewar vessel is arranged underneath or laterally to the field source. An insertion vessel for a liquid refrigerant which is thermally coupled to the SQUIDs and is located in the interior. The gaseous refrigerant taken from the insertion vessel is supplied to the gradiometers through hose lines. The refrigerant escaping into the interior is discharged to the outside via the neck. A throttling device is inserted into the neck to prevent warmer gaseous refrigerant from entering the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Eckhardt Hoenig
  • Patent number: 4988014
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing loss of liquid cryogen due to heat infiltration into the cryogen stored in a dewar. At least one transient heat shield disposed in the vacuum space between the inner and outer vessels of the dewar in heat exchange with normal cryogenic liquid, cold gas, or supercritical fluid withdrawal means of the stored cryogen, intercepts heat transfer into the stored cryogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Varghese, Robert H. Herring
  • Patent number: 4979452
    Abstract: A ship has on its upper deck a dome disposed between adjacent of transverse bulkheads aligned in the bow-stern direction of a hull and covering an opening in the upper deck. The dome is formed as a hemispherical shell-like member having a rigid structure. A short cylindrical member connects the circumferential edge portion of the hemispherical shell-like member with the circumferential edge portion of the opening in the upper deck. The transverse bulkheads of the hull are formed as a flexible structure having large openings. In a liquefied gas carrying vessel, a spherical tank for storing liquefied gas is disposed between the adjacent transverse bulkheads of the hull and projects upwards through the opening of the upper deck, and the dome covers the upper portion of the spherical tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Sakai, Kunifumi Hashimoto, Hiroshi Shirakihara
  • Patent number: 4948007
    Abstract: A steel rib, designed for affixation to the interior of an underground storage tank, provides improved compression characteristics, with a reduction in cost of preparation and materials. The rib is provided with diametrically opposed vents, which may be formed by cutting a portion of a hollow, rectangular rib, rotating it 90.degree. in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the rib, and reaffixing it, so as to occlude the interior of the rib. When used to reinforce a double-walled tank, the rib allows the strengthening of the outer wall to enhance resistance to penetration and damage frequently incurred in handling, and reduce installation costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Xerxes Corporation
    Inventors: Robin Berg, John Burwell
  • Patent number: 4930651
    Abstract: Closed pressurized storage vessels for holding liquefied gases and their vapors under high pressure at ambient temperature are provided on the interior surface with a covering of porous heat-conductive material, e.g. heat-conductive expanded metal foil for reducing or avoiding the risk of BLEVE of the vessel on accidental exposure of the vessel to a fire hazard. The filling serves to delay rise in temperature of the wall of the vessel, thus delaying weakening of the wall to the point where it may rupture under the increased internally-generated pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Explosafe North America Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Szego
  • Patent number: 4925060
    Abstract: There is disclosed an atmospheric pressure dewar with an improved closure for the neck opening. The improvement comprises a cork positioned in the neck opening with a fibrous material occupying the peripheral space between the neck opening and the cork to inhibit convection flow of gases in the peripheral space when the dewar is oriented other than in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Keith W. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 4923075
    Abstract: The thermostatically controllable tank container has a support structure with the dimensions of a parallelepipedic, standardized container. In the support structure (1) is provided a circular cylindrical tank (3) with a non-supporting thermal insulation jacket (4). Between the tank skin and the thermal insulation jacket are provided longitudinally directed ducts (9) for carrying a heating or cooling medium. The external diameter of the tank is essentially adapted to the internal dimensions of the square cross-section of the support structure, so that there is an optimum utilization by the cylinder of the theoretically available space of the parallepiped. The thermal insulation jacket adapted to the tank contour is arranged within the parallelepiped shape defined by the support structure (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventors: Jurgen Rohl, Heinz Rode
  • Patent number: 4897226
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide storage and dispensing apparatus and method for storing carbon dioxide which is characterized by a pressure vessel designed to hold carbon dioxide liquid and vapor, which pressure vessel is insulated to control heat input and includes a refrigeration system, fill and withdrawal piping, a fill line mixer provided in the fill line for rapidly mixing incoming liquid carbon dioxide with carbon dioxide in the vapor phase, a volume gauge, heating rod for introducing heat into the vessel and associated operating and safety control devices. The pressure vessel may be characterized by a horizontal or vertical tank and is designed to provide the user with an uninterrupted supply of carbon dioxide gas or liquid, while at the same time overcoming many of the problems associated with currently available carbon dioxide storage and dispensing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Carbonic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Hoyle, Charles V. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4883196
    Abstract: A packaging box is used for packaging frozen food with an improved heat-insulating property. The movement of air surrounded by a corrugated core of a conventional corrugated card-board is interrupted, thereby enhancing the heat-insulating property. The air is prevented from permeating through the corrugated property. Further in order to improve the heat-insulating property, laminated aluminum foil is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignees: Shizuoka Prefectural Government, Nihon Dimple Carton Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Kato, Katsumi Kuboshima, Tomoyuki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 4878594
    Abstract: The closing device is constituted by a principal stopper (11) having a lateral notch (17) and an auxiliary stopper (12) having a general shape conjugate with that of this notch, the auxiliary stopper being provided with at least one bore (22) and means (19) for fixing on the edge of the opening of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'etude et l'exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Daniel Delatte, Bernard Simon
  • Patent number: 4865331
    Abstract: A simple, yet fluid tight seal for a cryogenic enclosure. The seal between two portions of the enclosure becomes tighter as the temperature is lowered because both portions contract against a third member which does not contract with temperature to the same degree. Further, this contraction is elastic and therefore the enclosure may be disassembled and reassembled numerous times without damage to the seal. This is particularly advantageous for sealing lids or containers for cryogenic electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Warren W. Porter
  • Patent number: 4854343
    Abstract: Containers for storing fluids, especially carbon dioxide, under pressure comprise a tubular component (made of a deformable material capable of at least 7% elongation before fracture) which is preferably closed by a top plug with a filling/emptying device (and any end plug) by crimping open end(s) of the component over a circumferential shoulder on the plug(s). A primary pressure relief device comprising a poppet with a piston section, a return spring and a control (exit) orifice tolerates and ejects dirt, prevents the formation of solid phase material and vents the contents in brief spurts so as to minimize loss. Desirably, a narrow helical conduit connects the primary pressure relief device to the container interior and, by being in thermal contact with the tubular component, chills the contents during venting so as to minimize loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: John W. Rilett
  • Patent number: 4848103
    Abstract: A cryostat is provided comprising a closed cylindrical vacuum vessel and a helium vessel situated inside the vacuum vessel. The helium vessel has four mounting supports on either circular face of the helium vessel, with two supports on the upper portion and two supports on the lower portion. Eight composite straps are provided with one end of each of four of the straps rotatably mounted to each of the mounting supports on each end face of the helium vessel. The other end of the straps are mounted through a clevis arrangement to the helium vessel. The straps on each face are parallel to the circular end faces of the vacuum vessel and the helium vessel. The straps symmetrically located about the vertical and horizontal axes of the helium vessel. The radial suspension provided does not move the axial centerline of the helium vessel relative to the axial centerline of the vacuum vessel when the temperature of the cryostat varies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Pelc, William S. Stogner
  • Patent number: 4841969
    Abstract: A device for producing cyrotherapy with liquid nitrogen includes a container for the liquid nitrogen with electrical heating in its interior. The container has a maximum volume of 50 l and the electrical heating is a heating element comprising a self-regulating strip heater secured in the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Messer Griesheim GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Donnerhack, Kurt P. Schneider
  • Patent number: 4836292
    Abstract: A method and product for use in smothering a nuclear fire resulting from an accident in a nuclear plant comprises the discharging onto the fire liquified inert gas, e.g. argon, so the gas will block the flow of oxygen to the fire. The liquified argon may be contained in reinforced allantoidal casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Cecil R. Behringer
  • Patent number: 4823981
    Abstract: Cryogenic vessels provided with improved thermal insulation by spirally generating two layers of thermal insulation thereon; permits thicker insulation without requirement of increased space and heavier equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tonokowa, Emil Ekker, Hubert S. Smith
  • Patent number: 4821907
    Abstract: A cryogenic cooler is provided for use in craft such as launch, orbital and space vehicles subject to substantial vibration, changes in orientation and weightlessness. The cooler contains a small pore, large free volume, low density material to restrain a cryogen through surface tension effects during launch and zero-g operations and maintains instrumentation within the temperature range of 10.degree.-140.degree. K. The cooler operation is completely passive, with no inherent vibration or power requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stephen H. Castles, Michael E. Schein
  • Patent number: 4794748
    Abstract: Expansion gaps formed between bellows type side walls of evacuated heat ilating wall components of gas and pressure-tight containers are sealed by elastically deformable corrugated expansion sheet metal strips welded to the surfaces of neighboring wall components, and by specially shaped junction covers secured in a gas-tight manner to the wall components and to the strips. The covers have a central cavity and ondulating depressions merging into corrugations of the sheet metal strips. The expansion gaps are also evacuated and filled with a suitable insulating material. Mechanically loadable support elements may be located in the expansion gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventor: Lothar Schilf
  • Patent number: H943
    Abstract: A cryogenic tank that is made leak-proof under cryogenic conditions by successive layers of epoxy lining the interior of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Raymond E. Garvey