Tank Or Boiler Patents (Class 280/830)
  • Patent number: 7077228
    Abstract: A combination oil tank and chin spoiler cantilevered from the down tubes of a motorcycle. The chin spoiler oil tank is shaped so that the volume of air flowing over the top is greater than the volume crossing the bottom. Gutters are provided inside the tank for passing recirculating oil along the sidewalls of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Reed J. White
  • Patent number: 7063355
    Abstract: A fuel tank mount structure (24), to be placed in a lower area of a floor formed in a vehicle body, is provided including a rear suspension member (13) disposed rearward of the fuel tank and having a front edge portion formed with a front suspension cross member (27) formed in a configuration contoured along a rear profile of the fuel tank (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadayoshi Hashimura
  • Patent number: 7044504
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a modular component such as a fuel tank on a vehicle includes sub-assembly of the fuel tank on a carrier for installation on the chassis. Alignment is provided by alignment arms extending outwardly from the chassis cooperating with mounting tabs disposed downwardly from the module. The alignment arms are members of a pair of brackets which are attached to the frame rails. The module rests on the brackets when lowered onto the chassis. Frame and module are connected by fasteners between the brackets and the mounting tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Curt J. Studebaker, John M. Ammer
  • Patent number: 7000950
    Abstract: A filler neck for a fuel tank used on busses achieves higher filling rates by varying the geometry and cross sectional size of the filler neck depending on local slope of the neck and available space to fit the neck, particularly between a bus chassis frame rail and the bus body floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Robert H. Neely, Jr., David J. Martin, Howard L. Pratt, Brad A. Hively, Len A. Hindsley
  • Patent number: 6983945
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vehicle body structure safeguarding a fuel tank from damage resulting from collisions without greatly increasing the weight of the vehicle. The vehicle body structure includes a front floor under which a fuel cell stack case accommodating a fuel cell stack is disposed, and side sills and floor frames which extend along the sides of the vehicle, and on which a sub-frame for housing a fuel tank is installed. The front face of the sub-frame and the rear face of the fuel cell stack case are flat and oppose each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Kawasaki, Hiroshi Ito, Yoshitaka Sekiguchi, Tohru Ono, Masaru Shibasawa
  • Patent number: 6886861
    Abstract: A trunk mounted fuel tank assembly including a cradle, a fuel tank, and at least one retention strap is disclosed. The cradle includes a back portion and bottom portion with a fuel feed passage that is placed over a surface of a trunk. The fuel tank includes a fuel line that is placed about the back portion and bottom portion of the cradle. The fuel line extends through the fuel feed passage and a passage in the surface of the trunk. The at least one retention strap includes a first leg and a second leg that is placed over a top portion of the fuel tank for retaining the fuel tank to the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent J. Marsala, Gregory E. Rich
  • Patent number: 6857661
    Abstract: A tank for storing a fluid is provided. The tank has an outer shell defining an inner volume for containing the fluid, a filler opening in the outer shell for placing the fluid into the tank, and a partition within the outer shell. The partition divides the inner volume into a first lower portion, a second lower portion, and a common portion. A first drain opening is located in the first lower portion and a second drain opening is located in the second lower portion. The partition separates the first lower portion from the second lower portion such that when the tank is in an operating position the fuel is prevented from passing between the first lower portion and the second lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: American IronHorse Motorcycle Company
    Inventor: Scott Waters
  • Patent number: 6761370
    Abstract: A transport device for hauling a load having a front axle with a pair of wheels and a rear axle with a pair of wheels. Four vertical hydraulic cylinders are provided, each cylinder having a bottom end supported on one of the axles adjacent a wheel, respectively. A pair of yokes are provided. Each yoke has one end supported by the ram extending from the top of one cylinder mounted on the front axle and the other end supported by the ram extending from the top end of a cylinder on the rear axle so that the yokes are parallel to one another and extend from front to rear of the device. A container containing the load is suspended from the pair of yokes. In one version, the device is coupled for transport to a truck. In another version, an engine is mounted on a cantilever frame extending from the rear of the truck controlled by operators in a cab mounted on the front end of the device. In another version, the device has a tongue extending from the front axle and attachable to a truck tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph Colet
  • Publication number: 20040094947
    Abstract: A fender for a motor vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having a tank for containing fluids, such as oil. The fender limits the amount of materials thrown by a rear wheel of the motor vehicle onto a rider and provides a reservoir for fluids used by the engine. The fender also increases the amount of free space located under the seat and proximate to an engine of the motor vehicle, thereby enabling engine components to be placed under the seat in a more protected position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Erick J. Ackley
  • 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: 6715195
    Abstract: A material delivery system has a trailer with a deck and a plurality of tanks mounted thereon. In preferred embodiments, a main tank has curved lower sidewalls and a pair of lateral support tanks have concave curved sidewalls for laterally supporting the main tank. The lateral support tanks and main tank are anchored to the deck as is associated ancillary components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Craig M. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6692028
    Abstract: A vehicle has at least one fuel tank for holding a fuel for the operation of a vehicle propulsion system. A fuel tank is arranged in an area in front of a front axle or behind a rear axle. Structure is provided for executing a controlled deflection movement of the fuel tank, so that in the event of an impact a movement can be executed shifting the fuel tank towards the front axle or rear axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Andreas Köster
  • Patent number: 6637706
    Abstract: A fuel tank cradle device for forklift trucks is swingable to the lateral side and then foldable into a substantially vertical position, thereby assuring easy and safe change of a used fuel tank with a new one. The cradle device includes a counterweight, a cradle provided with a first body and a second body, the first body pivotally mounted to the counterweight for rotation between a home position above the counterweight and a rotated position outside of the counterweight, the second body capable of replaceably supporting a fuel tank and foldably connected to the first body so that the second body can be moved between an unfolded position and a downwardly folded position with respect to first body, and a locking arrangement for locking the cradle to the counterweight while the first body of the cradle is at the home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Daewoo Heavy Industries & Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung Ho Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Hong Sub Shim, Jin Hong Park
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6616994
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer tank or tubing made of a thermoplastic, comprising at least one layer comprising a barrier resin, adjacent to at least one layer consisting of a blend comprising at least one polyolefin and at least one functionalized polyolefin, and the said functionalized polyolefin of which comprises functional monomeric units chosen from carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids and the anhydrides corresponding to the said dicarboxylic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Solvay (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Serge Dupont
  • Patent number: 6612591
    Abstract: A multi-function truck of the present invention has a load-carrying platform, a pump having a motor driven by electric power from an AC power supply and mounted in a space below the load-carrying platform, and a liquid collector loaded on the load-carrying platform. The load-carrying platform also has thereon a hose having the length enough to connect one pipe-end of a suction or a delivery of the pump to the liquid collector and a hose having the length enough to connect the other pipe-end of the pump to a on-site liquid container placed at a collection site, containing an accumulated liquid, wherein a switch is disposed between a plug connected to the AC power supply and the motor, and when a load current exceeds a specified value due to a cause on the side of the truck, the electric current of the AC power supply borrowed is automatically intercepted by the side of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Fumio Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20030146616
    Abstract: An adaptor (11) for converting a bulk solids container (13) for fluid storage/transportation comprising a rigid tank (23) secured to a base member (27) and moveable between a raised position in which the container (13) can hold bulk solids, and a lowered position in which the rigid tank (23) can contain fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Graham Francis Twomey, William Mark Dyson
  • Publication number: 20030127255
    Abstract: An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Publication number: 20030090077
    Abstract: A transport device for hauling a load having a front axle with a pair of wheels and a rear axle with a pair of wheels. Four vertical hydraulic cylinders are provided, each cylinder having a bottom end supported on one of the axles adjacent a wheel, respectively. A pair of yokes is provided. Each yoke has one end supported by the ram extending from the top of one cylinder mounted on the front axle and the other end supported by the ram extending from the top end of a cylinder on the rear axle so that the yokes are parallel to one another and extend form front to rear of the device. A container containing the load is suspended from the pair of yokes. In one version, the device is coupled for transport to a truck. In another version, an engine is mounted on a cantilever frame extending from the rear of the truck controlled by operators in a cab mounted on the front end of the device. In another version, the device has a tongue extending from the front axle and attachable to a truck tractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Ralph Colet
  • Publication number: 20030047932
    Abstract: A vehicle body rear part structure includes a rectangular support frame carrying thereon a cylindrical fuel tank and attached to left and right rear frames from below via left and right front brackets and left and right rear brackets so as to define therebetween a pair of laterally spaced openings generally corresponding in position to the axis of the fuel tank and receiving therein a pipe system of the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiro Kawazu, Hiroshi Osato, Toshiaki Shimizu, Yoshitaka Sekiguchi, Tohru Ono, Masaru Shibasawa
  • Publication number: 20020121772
    Abstract: A vehicle has at least one fuel tank for holding a fuel for the operation of a vehicle propulsion system. A fuel tank is arranged in an area in front of a front axle or behind a rear axle. Structure is provided for executing a controlled deflection movement of the fuel tank, so that in the event of an impact a movement can be executed shifting the fuel tank towards the front axle or rear axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Andreas Koster
  • Patent number: 6435557
    Abstract: A fluid tank assembly comprises a first tank half having an upper edge flange with an expanded section or ledge extending outwards. A second mating tank half similarly has a lower edge flange and extending ledge. Both ledges have apertures, with lower ledge aperture having a smaller diameter than the upper ledge aperture. The second aperture has a raised edge or lip, so that an annular groove is formed between the lip and the inner edge of the upper aperture when the surfaces of the mating flanges and ledges are in contact and the apertures are coaxial. The two flange and ledge surfaces are normally welded or otherwise secured together. A binding material is added to the annular groove to substantially fill its volume so that a sealing connection is created. This sealing connection near the bolt aperture overcomes the sealing problem that is normally present in this region, and therefore extends the service life of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Sandor Palvoelgyi
  • Patent number: 6402199
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting assembly for firmly securing a storage tank having a curved bottom wall to a chassis of a vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a pair of longitudinal support structures for securing to the bottom wall of the storage tank, a cross bracket for mounting between the longitudinal support structures, a sub-frame for supporting the longitudinal support structures, and a bracket assembly for securing the cross bracket to the sub-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: United Plastic Fabricating Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley J. Wojnowski
  • Patent number: 6402198
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel tank (1) for heavy vehicles, said fuel tank being adapted for mounting to a vehicle frame (2) by means of at least one supporting bracket (3) which discloses a partly circular contact surface (4) against said fuel tank, wherein the tank (1) comprises two end gable sections (5, 6) and an essentially cylindrical casing section (7) which extends between said end gable sections. The invention is in particular characterized in that the fuel tank (1) comprises a first section (8) which is partly circular and faces towards the vehicle frame (2) and is adapted for bearing against said partly circular contact surface (4) on the supporting bracket (3), and a second section (9) which is essentially rectangular and faces away from the vehicle frame (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Magnus Gollungberg
  • Patent number: 6394496
    Abstract: An apparatus used in pairs, each formed of two components, a spring lift roller assembly, (SLRA) and a pair of spring lift lid rollers, (SLLRs) all of which are attached to a mobile tank lid. The roller assembly is mounted at about the midpoint of the depth of the lid, while one of the spring lift lid rollers is mounted at each of the distal and proximal ends along the sidewall of the lid equally spaced from the spring lift roller assembly. The apparatus's SLRA is disposed on and confined to a track and moves from a central position in the desired direction, left side or right side, for the lid raising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignees: ESP Mfg. Inc., Environmental Service Products Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Piona, Jason Ries
  • Publication number: 20020053795
    Abstract: A wheel support assembly comprising a leg coupled to a wheel and rotatably coupled within a journal, wherein the end of the leg opposite the wheel is provided with a lateral planar surface, and a base plate is provided over the journal with a collar secured to the base plate and having a substantially flat surface is secured around the inner leg with the substantially flat surface provided over the planar surface. The wheel support assembly is also provided with a spring secured to a spring plate and means for rotating the base plate relative to the spring plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: James A. Schaffer
  • Publication number: 20020030358
    Abstract: A fluid tank assembly comprises a first tank half having an upper edge flange with an expanded section or ledge extending outwards. A second mating tank half similarly has a lower edge flange and extending ledge. Both ledges have apertures, with lower ledge aperture having a smaller diameter than the upper ledge aperture. The second aperture has a raised edge or lip, so that an annular groove is formed between the lip and the inner edge of the upper aperture when the surfaces of the mating flanges and ledges are in contact and the apertures are coaxial. The two flange and ledge surfaces are normally welded or otherwise secured together. A binding material is added to the annular groove to substantially fill its volume so that a sealing connection is created. This sealing connection near the bolt aperture overcomes the sealing problem that is normally present in this region, and therefore extends the service life of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Sandor Palvoelgyi
  • Publication number: 20020020573
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motored vehicle featuring a main body portion and an oblong neck portion coupled to the main body portion. The oblong neck portion extends diagonally upward away from the main body portion. The main body portion is configured and positioned to provide a wave interference portion therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Andre Fournier, Eric Bertrand
  • Publication number: 20020012602
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a fuel tank made of a ferritic stainless steel sheet having long lasting corrosion resistance under the environment of the fuel tank and excellent in formability when fabricating the fuel tank; more specifically, a fuel tank made of a ferritic stainless steel sheet containing 10 to 25 mass % of Cr and having an average r-value of 1.9 or larger, an r-value in-plane anisotropy &Dgr;r of 1.0 or smaller, and a total elongation of 30% or larger, having a plane intensity ratio I(111)/I(100) of 10 or larger, and having lubricant films on the surfaces of the steel sheet and a surface friction coefficient of 0.10 or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Akihiko Takahashi, Shunji Sakamoto, Yuji Koyama, Katsuhiko Kato, Tadashi Komori, Naoto Ono, Masayuki Abe
  • Publication number: 20010028168
    Abstract: A fuel tank mounting structure for a scooter having a front frame extended downward from a head pipe, a pair of footboard support frames extended backward from the front frame, a footboard attached to the pair of footboard support frames, and a fuel tank disposed under the footboard. The fuel tank mounting structure includes fuel tank shelves extended from lower parts of the footboard support frames toward the center of the body of the scooter, wherein the fuel tank is seated on cushions placed on the fuel tank shelves, and is held in place by the footboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Mitsuo Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20010027890
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a vehicle for off-road use with an improved frame, rear suspension, fuel tank, air intake, and four-stroke engine. Preferably, the vehicle has four wheels and a rider sits astride thereon. The frame has twin spars and is formed of aluminum. The frame further includes a removable engine frame. In one embodiment, one spar is used as an oil tank and the other spar is a cooling fluid reservoir. A swing arm pivotally connected to the frame and rotatably supports an axle assembly. The swing arm is connected to the frame by a rear shock that is disposed on the central plane of the vehicle. The frame supports a front body panel that includes an engine, air intake that is high and forward on the vehicle. The fuel tank is configured and dimensioned to be disposed beneath a seat, and has a rear portion with a T-shaped cross-section. The engine of the vehicle has and electronically controlled fuel injectors, and has a forward air intake and a rearward exhaust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph James Bria, Paul E. Hammerstrom, Thomas C. Patterson, Christopher Philip Dodman, Jared B. Floyd
  • Patent number: 6291042
    Abstract: The wall of the container comprises at least one thick outer layer consisting essentially of a thermoplastic material which imparts good mechanical properties, and a thin inner layer consisting of a thermoplastic material adapted to receive a surface treatment intended to increase its impermeability to hydrocarbons, preferably consisting essentially of one or plurality of virgin polyolefins. The container is particularly suitable for use in automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Solvay (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: Didier Masson, Thierry Debelle, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Paul Wouters
  • Patent number: 6286870
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a tank to a tractor. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a drum attachable to a rear axle of the tractor, the rear axle having a longitudinal axis of rotation, a spindle connectable to the drum along the longitudinal axis of the rear axle so that the drum can rotate with respect to the spindle, and a support structure connected to the spindle and connectable to the body of the tractor, wherein the support structure is adapted to mount a tank substantially adjacent a rear wheel of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Brent Mulder, Ryan Mulder
  • Patent number: 6203065
    Abstract: A fluid tank for use with a vehicle having an axle and a rim supported by the axle. The tank includes a hollow body defining a reservoir for containing fluid. The reservoir at least partially extends about the axle. Preferably, the reservoir projects into a hollow area of the tire rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: John L. Batton
  • Patent number: 6196590
    Abstract: A slide hatch for a bulk carrier vehicle for removing a hatch cover from an access port on the top of a carrier tank on the vehicle, the slide hatch including a slide carriage connected to the hatch cover and to an actuator which displaces the slide carriage and back cover with the slide carriage mounted on a track and connected to a cam mechanism for forcing the cover against the access port when the cover is displaced over the port for sealing the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Sun Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 6176452
    Abstract: A fuel containment area, and method of forming the same are disclosed herein. A fuel containment area is defined in part by a vehicle interior structure, such as an aircraft wing. Portions of the fuel containment area are provided with elastomeric partial bladders or appliqu{acute over (e)}s to bridge sections of the vehicle interior structure, to provide additional container integrity, and/or to segregate fuel from certain areas of the vehicle interior, e.g., about electrical components, mechanical linkages, or high temperature areas. The appliqu{acute over (e)}s are sealed to the vehicle interior by flexible transition joints to define a continuous, hybrid fuel container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: David Paul Gallegos
  • Patent number: 6095367
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for holding a pressurized fluid such as compressed natural gas ("CNG") includes two end cells and zero or more interior cells. The cell geometry ensures that the cells meet one another at tangential circular surfaces, thereby reducing the tendency of adjacent cells to peel apart. A web secured about the cells includes two sheets that are tangent to the cells. Unused volumes between the cells and the web contain wedges of foam or rubber. A valve provides fluid communication between the interior of the pressure vessel and a pressurized fluid line. The filled weight of one pressure vessel does not exceed the filled weight of a conventional gasoline tank that occupies substantially the same space as the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel may be configured with exterior recesses for engaging conventional gasoline tank straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Blair, Richard Kunz, Mark J. Warner, Kevin Davis, Edward Wolcott, Darrel Turner, John Bennett
  • Patent number: 6086103
    Abstract: A structure arranged under a floor panel for mounting a tank to be charged with a pressurized-fuel such as natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas in a motorcar of front engine --front drive type is provided. The pressurized-fuel tank installation structure in a motorcar includes a chassis frame formed in a frame-shape for surrounding and supporting the pressurized-fuel tank and attached to a lower surface of the car-body from underside of the floor panel, the pressurized-fuel tank being positioned in the frame-shape and fitted to the chassis frame integrally; a rear wheel suspension provided on the chassis frame; and a pipe arranged along a lower surface of the floor panel for connecting the pressurized-fuel tank and an internal combustion engine with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masami Fukagawa, Masayuki Sano, Shingo Nagamine, Hideya Miyashiro
  • Patent number: 6076769
    Abstract: A fuel containment area, and method of forming the same are disclosed herein. A fuel containment area is defined in part by a vehicle interior structure, such as an aircraft wing. Portions of the fuel containment area are provided with elastomeric partial bladders or appliques to bridge sections of the vehicle interior structure, to provide additional container integrity, and/or to segregate fuel from certain areas of the vehicle interior, e.g., about electrical components, mechanical leakages, or high temperature areas. The appliques are sealed to the vehicle interior by flexible transition joints to define a continuous, hybrid fuel container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: David Paul Gallegos
  • Patent number: 6053533
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a modular component such as a fuel tank for a vehicle such as a truck and a method of installing same on the vehicle. The method is accomplished via a combination of a set or sets of two brackets and an initial alignment means for each set of brackets. The initial alignment means is comprised of two mating components, with one mating component being a portion of one bracket and the other mating component being a portion of the second bracket. One bracket of each set is installed directly to a portion of the vehicle under manufacture, such as to the frame rail. A modular assembly is assembled separately with the second bracket of each set installed on the modular assembly. The sets of brackets are joined via the initial alignment means attaching the modular assembly to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp
    Inventors: Thomas J. Osborn, Roger W. Byers, Harold H. Hayes, James P. Manning, Michael C. DePoy, John M. Ammer, Jeffery D. Jenks, Nathan L. Schuler, Estle V. Townsend, Jr., Robert G. Beineke
  • Patent number: 6045157
    Abstract: A modular collapsible tank trailer railing assembly for connection to a catwalk on the top of a tank on a tank trailer, the modular collapsible tank trailer railing assembly including a base member connected to the catwalk, an upper rail, a middle rail located between the upper rail and the base member, a plurality of posts pivotally connected to the base member, the middle rail, and the upper rail, a handle for rotating one of the plurality of posts to raise and lower the upper rail and the middle rail, and a spring for biasing one of the posts toward the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Denis L. Poulin
  • Patent number: 6000720
    Abstract: The disclosure involves the combination of a vehicle chassis such as that used on a construction machine, e.g., a loader/backhoe. The chassis has a channel and a holding tank, e.g., a hydraulic oil tank, supported on the channel by first and second tank mounting ears. In the improvement, the channel includes a panel having outer and inner surfaces and first and second mounting plates are against the inner surface. First and second mounting fasteners extend through the first and second tank mounting ears, respectively, through the chassis panel and into the first and second mounting plates, respectively. A new method for mounting a holding tank to a vehicle chassis is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Philip A. Iannarelli, Marvin L. Linder, Robert E. Mozingo
  • Patent number: 5992885
    Abstract: A fuel cylinder mounting structure of a motorcar wherein a fuel cylinder can be attached together with suspensions and a spare tire easily so that productivity is improved, the vehicle can be made small and light, and reduction of cost can be attempted is provided. The fuel cylinder mounting structure comprises a fuel cylinder for storing compressed fuel gas; a chassis frame having a rectangular frame-like shape, supporting the fuel cylinder and attached to a car-body frame from the bottom; a protection plate fixed to the chassis frame for covering the fuel cylinder from the bottom; suspensions attached to both sides of the chassis frame and modularized with the chassis frame; and a spare tire rack attached under a rear car-body and supporting a spare tire laid down so as to be hung in rear of the protection plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masami Fukagawa, Masayuki Sano
  • Patent number: 5975161
    Abstract: A vehicle for transporting and delivering anhydrous ammonia. The vehicle includes a chassis and a large anhydrous ammonia tank. A mass flow sensor is provided on the chassis to accurately record transfer of anhydrous ammonia out of the tank. Accurate recording of anhydrous ammonia passing out of the tank allows the vehicle to dispense anhydrous ammonia to different customers from a single tank, and to deliver anhydrous ammonia in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: William S. Ridgley
  • Patent number: 5951050
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for storing and supplying a maximum amount of fuel from a fuel tank while maintaining a simple structure which is easy to gain access to and repair. The fuel tank structure includes a main fuel tank with an integral internal reservoir tank, a fuel pump, and primary and secondary fuel filters. The reservoir is permanently secured within the fuel tank and provides access, through a removable cover, to the fuel pump allowing efficient and cost effective maintenance to be performed whenever necessary. The system can be manufactured from a wide range of materials and is in compliance with the standards of the industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Jim Siekmann
  • Patent number: 5924734
    Abstract: A fuel cylinder mounting structure in a motorcar wherein a fuel cylinder can be attached together with suspensions and a spare tire easily so that productivity is improved, the vehicle can be made small and light at a reduction of cost. The fuel cylinder mounting structure comprises a fuel cylinder for storing compressed fuel gas; a chassis frame having a rectangular frame-like shape, supporting the fuel cylinder and attached to a car-body frame from the bottom; suspensions attached to both sides of the chassis frame and modularized with the chassis frame; and a spare tire rack attached to the chassis frame and supporting a spare tire laid down and hung under a rear part of the car-body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masami Fukagawa, Masayuki Sano
  • Patent number: 5904372
    Abstract: A gas bomb holding apparatus for industrial vehicles contains a holding device disposed on a rear portion of a vehicle for holding a gas bomb such that it is laid. The holding device includes a receiving stand for supporting a gas bomb and arm members mounted rotatably around a shaft in a cross direction of the vehicle for holding the gas bomb between the receiving stand and the arm members. This holding device has a rear end indicating member for indicating a rear end position of the vehicle to be visually confirmed by a driver. The driver can confirm the rear end position of the vehicle by means of the rear end indicating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ito, Yoshitaka Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5845940
    Abstract: A fuel tank mount for forklift trucks is adapted to hold a fuel tank over the top of a counterweight in a manner that the tank may be easily lifted up and lowered down. The fuel tank mount includes a swing arm replaceably carrying the fuel tank and mounted to the counterweight for swinging movement about a tilted pivot axis between a home position wherein the fuel tank is held over and laterally across the counterweight, a neutral position wherein the fuel tank remains at its highest elevation and a tank changing position wherein the fuel tank is oriented substantially vertically. The pivot axis remains tilted both forwards at a first tilt angle, e.g., 26 degrees, and outboards at a second tilt angle, e.g., 25 degrees, with respect to a vertical axis. A latch is provided to keep the swing arm in the home position against unwanted swinging movement into the neutral and the tank changing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignees: Daewoo Heavy Industries Ltd., Daewoo Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Richard Colburn
  • Patent number: 5779255
    Abstract: A carrier for a vessel which has a front support carriage and a rear support carriage removably attached to the vessel, the entire assembly cooperating to form an integral transport structure. Each support carriage is independently attached to the vessel and provides an independent mechanism for raising and lowering the respective ends of the vessel. The carrier is particularly adaptable for use with commonly available propane tanks and each carriage can be attached using commonly available chains and hooks. The assembled transport carrier can be used to transport vessels manually, or can be easily adapted for use with a towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel C. Garcia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5755264
    Abstract: A vehicle for transporting waste material comprising: a support bed; a tank mounted above the support bed for receiving the waste material; a system for generating vacuum and pressure within the tank; an air conduit system; a waste loading system; and a waste discharge system for expelling the waste material from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Guzzler Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Richards, Manikkam Madheswaran