With Sorbing Or Mixing Patents (Class 62/46.1)
  • Patent number: 11692768
    Abstract: A delivery apparatus and method for delivering liquid cryogen to a chilling application includes a liquid cryogen feed tank; a liquid cryogen conduit in fluid communication between the feed tank and the application, wherein the feed tank is in fluid communication with a vessel which is in fluid communication with the conduit between the feed tank and the application; a weight measurement device for controlling the weight of liquid cryogen to be delivered to the application through the conduit; a flow controller for controlling the speed of delivery of the liquid cryogen to the application; wherein the application utilizes the liquid cryogen and produces an exhaust gas; a device for measuring the temperature of the exhaust gas, the device in operative communication with the flow controller; wherein the flow controller is configured to vary the speed of delivery of liquid cryogen from the vessel through the conduit in response to the temperature of the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: MESSER INDUSTRIES USA, INC.
    Inventors: Simon Shamoun, Isaiah Edmonds, Michael Newman
  • Patent number: 10971873
    Abstract: An electrical unit includes a contactor having a housing member, a first terminal, a second terminal, and/or a contact member disposed in the housing member and configured to selectively electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal. The electrical unit may include a cooling member connected to the housing member, a first bus bar connected to the cooling member and the first terminal, and/or a second bus bar connected to the cooling member and the second terminal. The cooling member may be configured to dissipate heat that is generated via electrical current flowing through the contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Rutunj Rai, Zheyuan Ding, Aric Anglin, Parminder Brar
  • Patent number: 10942234
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigeration system is provided having particular application in cooling a Magnetic Resonance Imaging system. The cryogenic refrigeration system comprises a conduit arranged as a cooling circuit through which a coolant fluid is pumped, the conduit being in thermal communication with a least one cooled stage for cooling the coolant fluid to a first temperature, and wherein the conduit comprises a cryotrap in communication with the coolant fluid, the cryotrap being operable to remove contaminants from the coolant fluid by cryogenic pumping. The conduit further comprises a flow impedance for cooling the coolant fluid to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a hydrogen filter upstream of the flow impedance and in communication with the coolant fluid, the hydrogen filter being cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of hydrogen in the coolant fluid and operable to remove contaminant hydrogen from the coolant fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: OXFORD INSTRUMENTS NANOTECHNOLOGY TOOLS LIMITED
    Inventors: John Garside, Timothy John Foster
  • Patent number: 10875009
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a gas-adsorbing material capable of reducing the generation amount of combustible gas without deteriorating gas-adsorbing performance, and a vacuum insulation material including the gas-adsorbing material. The gas-adsorbing material may include a metal selected from at least one of Li, V, Zr, or an alloy including the same, which adsorbs a nitrogen gas and is inactivated by moisture as a nitrogen adsorbing agent, and an additive added to the metal. The metal is attached on the particle surface of the additive. The metal may be an alloy including Li and an alkaline-earth metal, for example, Ba—Li alloy. The additive absorbs moisture, and is selected from at least one of an inorganic oxide, a transition metal, an oxide of a transition metal, an alloy including a transition metal, and a mixture including a transition metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nagahisa Sato, Ryosuke Kamitani, Kenichi Nagayama, Tomokazu Fukuzaki
  • Patent number: 10845110
    Abstract: A system and method for generation of hydrogen-rich ice (HRI) by introducing water that has been mixed with H2 and CO2 into the vertical tubes of a tube-ice machine is disclosed. The temperature and pressure within the vertical tubes can be maintained by refrigerant surrounding the vertical tubes to form carbon dioxide clathrate hydrates which entrap hydrogen molecules. The carbon dioxide clathrate hydrates cages with entrapped H2 are encased, transported and then delivered after HRI discharge Later, when the HRI tube-ice is formed and released from tube-ice machine, it warms whereupon the carbon dioxide clathrate hydrates dissociate and the H2 is released and used, for example by placement of the tube-ice small cylinders in a glass of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventors: Boris Altshuler, Alexander Altshuler
  • Patent number: 10736772
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fluid circulation and mixing system (100) for a cryocabin arrangement used in a whole-body cryotherapy treatment and a related cryocabin arrangement (120), including a system (100) and a cabin (101) for accommodating a patient. The fluid circulation system (100) includes appliances for effective mixing of cryogenic liquid with ambient air and/or for preventing the cryogenic liquid from settling down on the bottom of evaporator. The cryocabin arrangement (120) further includes appliances for generating and maintaining a fluidic whirl (vortex) within the patient cabin, thus enhancing an overall efficiency of the cryotherapy treatment in general and improving beneficial effects of each individual cryotherapy treatment session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: CRYOTECH NORDIC OU
    Inventors: Juha Tapani Yliollitervo, Jan Eklund, Jean-Patric Martins
  • Patent number: 10258253
    Abstract: A cryogenic cooling apparatus comprises a supply gas line and a return gas line adapted to be coupled to a compressor. A coupling element is positioned in gaseous communication with the supply and return gas lines, the coupling element being adapted in use to supply gas to a mechanical refrigerator so that the pressure of said supplied gas is modulated by the coupling element in a cyclical manner. A sensing system is used to monitor the operational state of the mechanical refrigerator and a control system modulates the frequency of the cyclical gas pressure supplied by the coupling element in accordance with the monitored operational state. The mechanical refrigerator has a first cooled stage and a second cooled stage, the second cooled stage being adapted to be coupled thermally with target apparatus to be cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools Limited
    Inventor: John Garside
  • Patent number: 10145513
    Abstract: Cryogenic device comprising at least two chambers at two different temperatures, a first chamber at a first temperature T1 accommodating a sample, and a second chamber at a second temperature T2 greater than T1 and being adapted to accommodate a cooling device, said cooling device being adapted to cool wirelines connecting said sample to an external element detector, wherein said cooling device is an IMS thermalization plate comprising at least one wire-guide having an input for plugging a wire line connected to the sample and an output for plugging a wire line connected to said external element, said wire-guide being thermally connected to the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ID QUANTIQUE SA
    Inventors: Sylvain Chuard, Félix Bussieres, Boris Korzh
  • Patent number: 10093539
    Abstract: The invention relates a method for storing a solution of methane and a C2-C30 hydrocarbon, the method comprising: mixing gaseous methane and a C2-C30 hydrocarbon to provide a mixture of methane and C2-C30 hydrocarbon, wherein the mixture comprises greater than or equal to about 50 mole percent of methane; maintaining the mixture of methane and C2-C30 hydrocarbon as a liquid solution at a pressure of 30 to 150 bar within a storage vessel, wherein the storage vessel comprises a porous adsorbent framework. The invention also relates to similar methods for storing hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The invention also relates to the use of a non-polar solvent such as a hydrocarbon for storing a non-polar gas in a porous adsorbent framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Framergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Mathew Ornstein, Osman Koray Ozdemir
  • Patent number: 9829156
    Abstract: An integrated cryogenic fluid delivery system includes a cryogenic liquid tank having an interior, a wall and a geometry. The interior of the cryogenic liquid tank contains a supply of cryogenic liquid. A fuel pickup line is positioned within the interior of the tank and is in fluid communication with a vaporizer so that the vaporizer receives and vaporizes cryogenic liquid from the tank. The vaporizer is positioned outside of the tank and is secured to the wall. The vaporizer also has a shape that conforms with the geometry of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Chart Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Gustafson, Jeff Patelczyk, David Davis, Michael Sable, Luis Serentill, Peter Murray
  • Patent number: 9506673
    Abstract: A container is described having a wall with a thickness defined by inner and outer surfaces, said inner surface defining an internal cavity for receiving fluid, the container having an opening through which fluid can enter/exit the container, said opening being connected to a fluid conduit at least a length of which extends through the wall in between the inner and outer surfaces thereof which exits through the inner surface to communicate with the internal cavity. Also described is a pulse tube refrigerator/cryocooler system including such a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: THE HYMATIC ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Scott Spooner, Chun Fai Cheuk
  • Patent number: 9487081
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank system is disclosed in which a vent tank is provided with an ullage vent for use in combination with an eternal flamer barrier means during a refuelling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Lynas, Peter William James, Keith Macgregor
  • Patent number: 9475383
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank system is disclosed in which a vent tank is provided with an additional ullage vent for use, in combination with an eternal flamer barrier means, when refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Lynas, Peter William James
  • Patent number: 9200826
    Abstract: A cooling system can control a coolant temperature with a simple configuration. The cooling system 90 includes a vaporization vessel 80, a first fluid source 92, a first flow rate control unit 91, and a pressure control unit 99. The vaporization vessel 80 has a space, a supply opening 80a and a discharge opening 80b through which the coolant is supplied and discharged, respectively. The first fluid source 92 stores a first fluid having a vapor pressure higher than that of the coolant. The first flow rate control unit 91 connects the first fluid source 92 to the vaporization vessel 80 and controls a first fluid supply amount into the vaporization vessel. The pressure control unit 99 controls an internal pressure within the vaporization vessel to be higher than the vapor pressure of the coolant and equal to or lower than that of the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Yasuharu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9096326
    Abstract: An assembly of fuel tank and bubbler system comprises a fuel tank defining a storage volume adapted to receive fuel therein. The fuel tank comprises at least one fuel inlet, at least one fuel outlet, and at least one gas inlet adapted to be connected to an inert gas source to feed inert gas to fill an ullage in the storage volume. A bubbler system has at least one pipe extending into the fuel tank and adapted to be immersed into the fuel of the fuel tank. The pipe has a porous structure. The pipe is adapted to be connected to an inert gas source to inject inert gas via the porous structure into the fuel of the fuel tank. A method for treating fuel in a fuel tank is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, David Waddleton, Thomas A. Bush
  • Patent number: 8857195
    Abstract: An absorbent adapted to be used in a spray can charged with a liquefied gas, which exhibits excellent absorbing performance and excellent liquid retention. The absorbent is composed of an assembly of pulverized cellulose fibers that includes at least 45 mass % of fine cellulose fibers having a fiber length of 0.35 mm or less. The absorbent is formed into a sheet-shaped or a columnar configuration, or a surface sheet is laminated on a surface of the absorbent. The absorbent composed of 70 through 90 mass % of cellulose fibers that include 45 mass % or more of fine cellulose fibers having a fiber length of 0.35 mm or less, and 5 through 30 mass % of a fusion-bondable resin exhibits good formability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: NKK Co., Ltd., Toyota Tsusho Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Hatanaka, Masaki Okada, Kiyotaka Miyata, Teruo Miura
  • Publication number: 20140174103
    Abstract: A system in one embodiment includes a mixing module, an oxidation module, and a heat exchanger. The mixing module is configured to receive and mix a boil-off gas stream from a cryotank. The oxidation module is configured to receive the mixed stream, and to oxidize the boil-off gas in the mixed stream to produce an exhaust stream. The heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between streams passing through a first passage configured to receive at least a portion of the exhaust stream, and a second passage configured to receive a fluid including the boil-off gas. The heat exchanger is configured to heat the fluid including the boil-off gas and cool the at least a portion of the exhaust stream. The fluid including the boil-off gas is heated by the heat exchanger upstream of the oxidation module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • Patent number: 8464542
    Abstract: Cryogenic refrigeration employs a pulse tube cryo-cooler and a dilution refrigerator to provide very low temperature cooling, for example, to cool superconducting processors. Continuous cryogenic cycle refrigeration may be achieved using multiple adsorption pumps. Various improvements may include multiple distinct thermal-linking points, evaporation pots with cooling structures, and/or one or more gas-gap heat switches which may be integral to an adsorption pump. A reservoir volume may provide pressure relief when the system is warmed above cryo genic temperature, reducing the mass of the system. Additional heat exchangers and/or separate paths for condensation and evaporation may be provided. Multi-channel connectors may be used, and/or connectors formed of a regenerative material with a high specific heat capacity at cryogenic temperature. Flexible PCBs may provide thermal links to components that embody temperature gradients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: D-Wave Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy P. Hilton, Geordie Rose
  • Patent number: 8448454
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that expand environmental support for an HVAC system with an HVAC fluid circulating throughout by vaporizing a cryogen; and sparging the vaporized cryogen to dispense sparge bubbles to the HVAC fluid to cool the HVAC fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Boyd Bowdish, John Hammerman
  • Patent number: 8291725
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for cooling at least one super-conducting magnet. According to the invention, the cooling of the super-conducting magnet(s) takes place exclusively by means of one or more helium flows which are at at least two temperature levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andres Kundig
  • Patent number: 8225617
    Abstract: Bulk storage of natural gas or methane is facilitated by absorbing and storing the gas in a liquefied medium through the interaction of moderate pressure, low temperature and a solvent medium. Systems and processes are provided that facilitate the absorption of natural gas or methane into a liquid or liquid vapor medium for storage and transport, and back into a gas for delivery to market. In a preferred embodiment, the absorptive properties of ethane, propane and butane under moderate conditions of temperature and pressure (associated with a novel mixing process) are utilized to store natural gas or methane at more efficient levels of compressed volume ratio than are attainable with natural gas alone under similar holding conditions. The preferred mixing process efficiently combines natural gas or methane with a solvent medium such as liquid ethane, propane, butane, or other suitable fluid, to form a concentrated liquid or liquid vapor mixture suited for storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Seaone Maritime Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Morris, Patrick A. Agnew, Bruce Hall
  • Publication number: 20120102977
    Abstract: A method and system for controlled rate freezing and nucleation of materials is provided. The presently disclosed system and method provides the ability to rapidly cool the materials contained in vials or other containers within a cooling unit via forced convective cooling using a laminar and uniform flow of cryogen in proximity to the plurality of vials disposed within the cooling unit. The rapid cooling of the biological materials is achieved by precisely controlling and adjusting the temperature of the cryogen being introduced to the system as a function of time. The presently disclosed methods to systems also provide nucleation control via temperature quench and depressurized nucleation control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Alan T. Cheng, Yeu-Chuan Simon Ho, Ying Zhou
  • Patent number: 8002457
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for forming multi-component refrigerant compositions comprising: (a) introducing a first refrigerant component into a vessel at a first flow rate; (b) introducing at least a second refrigerant component into said vessel at a second flow rate, which may be the same as or different than the first flow rate, during at least a portion of said first refrigerant introducing step; and (c) controlling at least one of said first and second flow rates to obtain the desired relative proportions of said first and second refrigerants in the refrigerant composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Cottrell, Stephen Delo, Clifford Riegel, Jarrad Garrison
  • Patent number: 7977411
    Abstract: The invention involves composite materials containing a polymer foam and an aerogel. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability, good acoustic insulation, and excellent physical mechanical properties. The composite materials can be used, for instance, for heat and acoustic insulation on aircraft, spacecraft, and maritime ships in place of currently used foam panels and other foam products. The materials of the invention can also be used in building construction with their combination of light weight, strength, elasticity, ability to be formed into desired shapes, and superior thermal and acoustic insulation power. The materials have also been found to have utility for storage of cryogens. A cryogenic liquid or gas, such as N2 or H2, adsorbs to the surfaces in aerogel particles. Thus, another embodiment of the invention provides a storage vessel for a cryogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, James E. Fesmire, Erik S. Weiser, Jared P. Sass
  • Publication number: 20110100026
    Abstract: A coolant delivery system and method for maintaining a temperature within a predetermined range of a set-point temperature in a vessel into which a coolant gas is discharged or a temperature of a material onto which the coolant gas is discharged. The coolant gas results from the mixing of a supply gas with a cryogen. Temperature regulation is provided by regulating the flow rate of a cryogen using a proportional valve, while providing an essentially constant flow rate of a supply gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel James Gibson
  • Publication number: 20110041519
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for loading and/or unloading a substance into or from a sorption media. A substance is presented at an edge of the sorption media, which comprises parallel layers of a sorption material. To load (i.e., via absorption and/or adsorption) the substance into the sorption media, heat is transferred away from the sorption media, a loading voltage is applied to the sorption media, and/or a pressure is increased relative to the sorption media. To unload the substance from the sorption media, heat is transferred into the sorption media, a voltage of an opposite polarity from the loading voltage is applied to the sorption media, and/or a pressure is decreased relative to the sorption media. In some embodiments, the sorption media includes surface structures that may load molecules of the substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Publication number: 20110041518
    Abstract: A method and system of storing and transporting gases comprising mixing the gases with liquid natural gas to form a mixture. The mixture is a liquid-liquid mixture or slurry, and is stored in vessel configured for maintaining the mixture at a first location. The mixture is transported to a second location for storage in vessel for maintaining the mixture. The mixture is removed from the second location storage vessel for separation and use in additional processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: SYNFUELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Edward R. Peterson, Thomas A. Rolfe
  • Patent number: 7891196
    Abstract: A quench line and exit plenum configuration for a mobile MRI system housed in a transportable trailer includes an exit plenum with deflector plates that direct the quench flow of cold gases upward and away from surrounding objects. In addition, the plenum also includes dual vents to facilitate optimum gas flow and water drainage. The deflector plates are configured to utilize the Venturi effect to create an auxiliary flow of the ambient air to help deflect the flow of cold gases away from nearby pedestrians, when the magnet is quenching, and to enable service personnel to fill the magnet safely while in the vicinity of the exit plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Plc
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Trowell, Keith White
  • Publication number: 20100281885
    Abstract: Cryogenic refrigeration employs a pulse tube cryo-cooler and a dilution refrigerator to provide very low temperature cooling, for example, to cool superconducting processors. Continuous cryogenic cycle refrigeration may be achieved using multiple adsorption pumps. Various improvements may include multiple distinct thermal-linking points, evaporation pots with cooling structures, and/or one or more gas-gap heat switches which may be integral to an adsorption pump. A reservoir volume may provide pressure relief when the system is warmed above cryogenic temperature, reducing the mass of the system. Additional heat exchangers and/or separate paths for condensation and evaporation may be provided. Multi-channel connectors may be used, and/or connectors formed of a regenerative material with a high specific heat capacity at cryogenic temperature. Flexible PCBs may provide thermal links to components that embody temperature gradients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: D-WAVE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Randall C. Black, Jeremy P. Hilton, Geordie Rose, Jacob Craig Petroff, Sergey V. Uchaykin
  • Publication number: 20100275617
    Abstract: The invention involves composite materials containing a polymer foam and an aerogel. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability, good acoustic insulation, and excellent physical mechanical properties. The composite materials can be used, for instance, for heat and acoustic insulation on aircraft, spacecraft, and maritime ships in place of currently used foam panels and other foam products. The materials of the invention can also be used in building construction with their combination of light weight, strength, elasticity, ability to be formed into desired shapes, and superior thermal and acoustic insulation power. The materials have also been found to have utility for storage of cryogens. A cryogenic liquid or gas, such as N2 or H2, adsorbs to the surfaces in aerogel particles. Thus, another embodiment of the invention provides a storage vessel for a cryogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicants: Space Administration
    Inventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, James E. Fesmire, Erik S. Weiser, Jared P. Sass
  • Publication number: 20100257873
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the withdrawal of gas from a sorption reservoir. The temperature in the sorption reservoir having a decreasing amount of gas therein is increased until a maximum acceptable temperature is reached such that a predetermined minimum pressure in the sorption reservoir does not fall below that threshold. The invention also relates to a device for storing at least one gas, having a sorption reservoir that has at least one attachment via which the sorption reservoir can be filled with gas or via which gas can be withdrawn from the sorption reservoir. The invention also relates to a device having at least one heating element which can warm the sorption reservoir, also a control system that can increase the temperature in the sorption reservoir when withdrawing the gas in such a manner that a predetermined minimum temperature in the sorption reservoir is not fallen below in order to attain a maximum acceptable pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Ulrich Mueller, Frank Poplow, Markus Schubert, Jan-Michael Graehn, Werner Gruenwald, Ian Faye
  • Publication number: 20100115970
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing gases such as hydrogen gas at cryogenic temperatures. The hydrogen gas is stored in a storage vessel at cryogenic temperatures and those cryogenic temperatures are sustained by a heat exchanger apparatus which provides nearly uniform distribution of a volatile liquid throughout the hydrogen gas being stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Ron Lee, Frank R. Fitch, Satish Tamhankar
  • Patent number: 7712605
    Abstract: An elongate gas distributing tube, which extends in a longitudinal direction of a container, is accommodated within the container that constitutes a gas storage container. Discharge ports, through which the gas is discharged, are provided only on a side circumferential wall of the gas distributing tube. Therefore, the discharged gas advances while being directed toward the inner side wall of the container. The gas distributing tube is surrounded by a gas absorbing/adsorbing material. On the other hand, the gas absorbing/adsorbing material is surrounded by a mixture, which is prepared by mixing the gas absorbing/adsorbing material with a heat storage material, such that heat is absorbed by the heat storage material contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Suzuki, Yusuke Sogawa, Terumi Furuta
  • Patent number: 7686855
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for transporting one or more synthetic products produced from a carbonaceous source, such as coal, natural gas, or biomass, which may be located in a location that is remote from markets for such products. The synthetic products may include lower molecular weight alcohols such as methanol, lower molecular weight ethers such as dimethyl ether, olefins and/or the products of a Fischer-Tropsch or other hydrocarbon synthesis. The methods include transport of such synthetic products via a pipeline in the dense phase state, either neat or blended with light hydrocarbons, such as natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Sills, Theo H. Fleisch, Taras Y. Makogon, Michael D. Briscoe
  • Patent number: 7678485
    Abstract: The operability of a fuel cell which uses a fuel cartridge housing a liquid fuel is improved. A fuel cartridge 1400 houses a liquid fuel 124. The fuel cartridge 1400 includes a gas-liquid separation film 1408 which divides a fuel housing section 1402 into a liquid housing chamber 1402a and a gas housing chamber 1402b. A fuel gas, which is the vaporized liquid fuel, is housed in the gas housing chamber 1402b. A gas exhaust pipe 1410 is connected to the gas housing chamber 1402b, and the fuel gas housed in the gas housing chamber 1402b is discharged to outside the fuel cartridge 1400 via a gas discharge port 1414.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Yasutaka Kono, Yoshimi Kubo, Tsutomu Yoshitake, Takashi Manako, Hiroshi Kajitani, Hidekazu Kimura, Satoshi Nagao, Eiji Akiyama, Yoshinori Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20100058779
    Abstract: Bulk storage of natural gas or methane is facilitated by absorbing and storing the gas in a liquefied medium through the interaction of moderate pressure, low temperature and a solvent medium. Systems and processes are provided that facilitate the absorption of natural gas or methane into a liquid or liquid vapor medium for storage and transport, and back into a gas for delivery to market. In a preferred embodiment, the absorptive properties of ethane, propane and butane under moderate conditions of temperature and pressure (associated with a novel mixing process) are utilized to store natural gas or methane at more efficient levels of compressed volume ratio than are attainable with natural gas alone under similar holding conditions. The preferred mixing process efficiently combines natural gas or methane with a solvent medium such as liquid ethane, propane, butane, or other suitable fluid, to form a concentrated liquid or liquid vapor mixture suited for storage and transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: IAN MORRIS, PATRICK A. AGNEW, BRUCE HALL
  • Publication number: 20100037628
    Abstract: An absorbent adapted to be used in a spray can charged with a liquefied gas, which exhibits excellent absorbing performance and excellent liquid retention. The absorbent is composed of an assembly of pulverized cellulose fibers that includes at least 45 mass % of fine cellulose fibers having a fiber length of 0.35 mm or less. The absorbent is formed into a sheet-shaped or a columnar configuration, or a surface sheet is laminated on a surface of the absorbent. The absorbent composed of 70 through 90 mass % of cellulose fibers that include 45 mass % or more of fine cellulose fibers having a fiber length of 0.35 mm or less, and 5 through 30 mass % of a fusion-bondable resin exhibits good formability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicants: NKK CO., LTD., TOYOTA TSUSHO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshifumi Hatanaka, Masaki Okada, Kiyotaka Miyata, Teruo Miura
  • Publication number: 20100024542
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank for containing solid-state hydrogen storage media, and method for determining the hydrogen fill level in the tank. The tank has at least one compartment for storing the storage media, passages for transporting hydrogen gas to and from the compartment, and a heat distribution system for establishing a substantially uniform temperature in the storage media. A look-up table is generated for the tank that relates hydrogen pressure changes in the tank versus hydrogen fill levels in the tank as a function of temperature. The tank is filled to full capacity by adsorbing hydrogen on the storage media. Thereafter, hydrogen is released from the storage media for a time period during which there is a substantially constant demand on the tank, the change in pressure of the released hydrogen gas is measured, and the look-up table is applied to determine the hydrogen fill level in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: PACKER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Yen, JingYing Zhang, Peter J. Schubert
  • Patent number: 7611566
    Abstract: A cryogenic gas storage system for optimal desorption of adsorbed gases, wherein a gas storage material is subjected to enhanced, ample selected recirculation of gas of the same type as the adsorbed gas, at suitable temperature and pressure, so as to supply of heat energy to the material and thereby provide optimal desorption of the gas. Output gas is heated by ambient heat or dissipation heat utilizing at least one heat exchanger. A portion of the output gas goes to a gas consumer, the remainder is fed back to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerd Arnold, Ulrich Eberle, Dieter Hasenauer
  • Patent number: 7607310
    Abstract: Systems and processes that facilitate the absorption of natural gas or methane through the interaction of moderate pressure and low temperature into a liquid or liquid vapor medium for storage and transport, and back into a gas for delivery to market. In a preferred embodiment, the absorptive properties of ethane, propane and butane under moderate conditions of temperature and pressure (associated with a novel mixing process) are utilized to store natural gas or methane at more efficient levels of compressed volume ratio than are attainable with natural gas alone under similar holding conditions. The preferred mixing process efficiently combines natural gas or methane with a solvent medium such as liquid ethane, propane, butane, or other suitable fluid, to form a concentrated liquid or liquid vapor mixture suited for storage and transport. The solvent medium is preferably recycled in the conveyance vessel on unloading of the natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: SeaOne Maritime Corp.
    Inventors: Ian Morris, Patrick A. Agnew, Bruce Hall
  • Publication number: 20090199574
    Abstract: When hydrogen is taken out, para-hydrogen having a low energy is converted into ortho-hydrogen having a high energy, and a cooling effect of endothermy of the para-ortho conversion is utilized for maintaining the temperature within a hydrogen storage device low. For accomplishing such a system, there is provided a hydrogen storage device for storing a liquid hydrogen, wherein a porous magnetic body serving as a para-ortho conversion catalyst is arranged in a hydrogen circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Hirose, Daigoro Mori
  • Patent number: 7527660
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel manufacturing system capable of efficiently producing each hydrogen fuel in accordance with a demanded quantity is disclosed. The system includes a hydrogen manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing hydrogen, more than two hydrogen fuel manufacturing apparatuses for manufacturing hydrogen fuels by letting the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen manufacturing apparatus change into a fuel-use form, wherein the fuel form to be manufactured by the hydrogen fuel manufacturing apparatuses is set to have more than two kinds. Additionally the system has a hydrogen fuel production volume receiver device for receipt of the information as to a hydrogen fuel production volume, thereby controlling the production volume of the hydrogen fuel being manufactured by the hydrogen fuel manufacturing apparatus, based on the hydrogen fuel production volume information as received by the hydrogen fuel production volume receiver device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masafumi Noujima, Takeyuki Itabashi, Takao Ishikawa, Hiroshi Kanemoto
  • Patent number: 7517391
    Abstract: An integrated ship mounted system for loading a gas stream, separating heavier hydrocarbons, compressing the gas, cooling the gas, mixing the gas with a desiccant, blending it with a liquid carrier or solvent, and then cooling the mix to processing, storage and transportation conditions. After transporting the product to its destination, a hydrocarbon processing train and liquid displacement method is provided to unload the liquid from the pipeline and storage system, separate the liquid carrier, and transfer the gas stream to a storage or transmission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: SeaOne Maritime Corp.
    Inventors: Bruce Hall, Micahel J. Mulvany, Tolulope O. Okikiolu
  • Publication number: 20090044546
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: RONALD DE STRULLE
  • Publication number: 20080271466
    Abstract: A method system for providing a purified liquified gas including a vessel containing adsorbent submerged within a liquified gas and an impurity contained inside a storage tank wherein the liquified gas is purified by the adsorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Frederick W. Giacobbe, Elizabeth Giacobbe
  • Publication number: 20080221373
    Abstract: A solid clathrate hydrate comprising lactate anion and a calcium cation. The clathrate hydrate serves as a sponge that can be used to store a gas such as hydrogen, methane, oxygen, or carbon dioxide. The presence of carboxylate anion (lactate) stabilizes the clathrate so that it is solid and stable at relatively mild temperatures and pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Conant
  • Patent number: 7418822
    Abstract: This invention relates to the storage under pressure in a container and subsequent transport of the filled pressurized container of particular natural gas or natural gas-like mixtures that contain methane or natural gas plus an additive, and which mixtures have been refrigerated to less than ambient temperature. (This invention also relates to a similar mixture which has been created by the removal of methane or a lean gas from a richer natural gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Zedgas Inc.
    Inventor: Glen F. Perry
  • Publication number: 20080196416
    Abstract: A liquid cryogen based blending system and method is provided. The disclosed embodiment of the system includes a liquid cryogen flow circuit, a heated fluid circuit, and a plurality of injectors or nozzles disposed adapted for injection of a liquid cryogen into or near a product to be cooled. The disclosed system and method also includes a controller adapted to operatively control the injection of liquid cryogen and concurrently control the flow warm fluid, such as nitrogen vapor, to and thru the plurality of injectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: John Martin Girard, David Joseph King, Theodore Hall Gasteyer, Yeu-Chuan Simon Ho
  • Publication number: 20080168776
    Abstract: A gas storage system that stores a gas by cryo-adsorption on high surface materials. The gas storage system includes an outer container having insulated walls and a plurality of pressure vessels disposed therein. Each of the pressure vessels includes a high surface material. A manifold assembly distributes the gas under pressure to the pressure vessels where the gas is adsorbed by cryo-adsorption using the high surface materials. A cooling fluid is provided within voids between the pressure vessels to remove heat as the pressure vessels are being filled with the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerd Arnold, Ulrich Eberle, Dieter Hasenauer
  • Patent number: 7392657
    Abstract: ozone is dissolved ozone in a liquid cryogen. A container containing a liquified cryogen is provided. A gaseous stream of ozone is allowed to flow into at least one adsorption unit containing an adsorbent material, thereby adsorbing ozone thereupon. The cryogen is allowed to flow from the container to the at least one adsorption unit and therethrough thereby extracting an amount of the ozone adsorbed upon the adsorbent material, wherein the cryogen is in either a liquid, gaseous or supercritical phase as it flows through the adsorption unit. ozone becomes dissolved in the cryogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick W. Giacobbe