Abstract:
An accumulator insulator bracket for an accumulator in an air conditioning system includes a housing having a cylindrical shape with a first closed end, a second closed end and a wall extending between the first closed end and the second closed end. The housing is longitudinally divided into a first housing member and a second housing member. The accumulator insulating bracket also includes an air flow directing rib extending radially from and axially along an interior portion of the housing wall, such that the rib defines an insulating air pocket between the wall and the accumulator and supports the accumulator.
Abstract:
The development of polymer composite liquid oxygen (LOX) tanks is a critical step in creating the next generation of launch vehicles. A composite LOX tank will weigh significantly less than conventional metal tanks. This benefit of reduced weight is critical to enable future launch vehicles to meet required mass ractions. The high strength and low weight of a composite tank allows for a lighter weight craft and/or higher payload capacity which results in lower costs per pound to place an object in orbit. The unique, nontraditional idea described here is to use resin-based composite materials to make such a composite tank or other oxygen carrying component such as a feedline. Polymer composites have traditionally been regarded as being more flammable than metals and therefore deemed not oxygen compatible. However, a hybrid composite material may provide the optimal balance of oxygen compatibility and mechanical performance that would make composite oxygen tanks feasible.
Abstract:
An apparatus (10) includes a low-carbon steel tube (24). The low-carbon steel tube (24) yields plastically more than about 5% before fracturing at temperatures down to about null40null C. when stress is applied to the low-carbon steel tube sufficient to cause the low carbon steel tube to so yield.
Abstract:
A fuel ampoule for fuel cells delivers fuel by diffusion through the ampoule walls. The fuel ampoule is stored in a fuel impermeable container. These ampoules used with small low power fuel cells need a steady controlled uniform delivery of vaporous fuel such as alcohols. This fueling system avoids the leakage problems of liquid fuel, and may be easily packaged for small compact fuel cell systems.
Abstract:
A switchover valve for switching over from one supply of pressure fluid to another supply thereof in response to failing or failure of the one supply. The valve has a valve body having two inlets for connection thereto of the respective pressure fluid supplies and an outlet. A valve member is movable in the valve body between a position establishing communication for delivery of fluid from one inlet to the outlet and blocking flow from the other inlet to the outlet and a position establishing communication for delivery of fluid from the other inlet to the outlet and blocking flow from the one inlet to the outlet. The valve member is subject to pressure of fluid supplied to the one inlet for moving it from the first-mentioned position to the second-mentioned position and to pressure of fluid supplied to the other inlet for moving it from the second-mentioned position to the first-mentioned position. A latch for latching the valve member in one or the other of its positions is movable between a latching position engaging the valve member and a retracted position clearing the valve member for movement. The latch is biased toward the retracted position and is held in latching position against the bias by pressure of fluid delivered by the valve member in one or the other of its positions. The latch moves to the retracted position under the bias upon a drop in pressure of fluid delivered by the valve member in either of its positions.
Abstract:
A valve assembly is provided which includes a valve member for being shifted between open and closed positions, and a control member having an operative position for maintaining the valve member in the open position until a predetermined fluid level is reached and an inoperative position to allow the valve member to shift to the closed position at the predetermined fluid level. The valve assembly is preferably a two-way valve for use with LP tanks to prevent overfilling thereof beyond the maximum predetermined fluid level. A float assembly rises and falls in substantial correspondence to the rising and falling of the fluid level in the vessel space, and an actuator of the fluid assembly shifts the control member at the predetermined fluid level to the inoperative position to allow the valve member to shift to the closed position for preventing further fluid intake into the vessel. The use of the control member affords advantages in terms of providing a rapid and distinct cut off of fluid flow into the tank precisely at the predetermined fluid level.
Abstract:
A storage tank for storing and selectively dispensing pressurized combustible fluid comprises a main tank having a delivery outlet, and a first valve mounted on the main tank in fluid communication with the delivery outlet for controlling the flow of the pressurized combustible fluid from within the main tank to the ambient surroundings. A reserve tank is mounted in supported relation on the main tank and has a reserve outlet disposed within the main tank to permit direct fluid delivery from the reserve tank into the main tank. A selectively openable and closable second valve is mounted on one of the main tank and the reserve tank in operative connection with the reserve outlet for selective movement between a closed configuration whereat flow of the pressurized combustible fluid from the reserve tank through the reserve outlet to the main tank is precluded, and an open configuration whereat flow of the pressurized combustible fluid from the reserve tank through the reserve outlet to the main tank is permitted.
Abstract:
The invention comprises a system for supplying carbon dioxide liquids while maintaining a desirable pressure in a liquid carbon dioxide storage vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, an improved vaporizer is deployed in a downstream line from the storage vessel. The vaporizer converts a portion of the withdrawn liquid carbon dioxide into replacement carbon dioxide vapor using heat from steam or electricity supplied by the facility. This replacement carbon dioxide vapor is returned to the storage vessel to maintain the desired internal tank pressure as liquified carbon dioxide is withdrawn. The vaporizer includes an elongated cylindrical steel shell with spaced apart ends. Each end has a steel end cap that is welded to the body. Either end cap may be removed to service the vaporizer. The vaporizer body is penetrated by three ports, a steam inlet, a liquid carbon dioxide inlet and a carbon dioxide vapor outlet. The steam inlet accepts steam from the facility while the inlet accepts liquid carbon dioxide and the outlet emits carbon dioxide vapors. Other types of heating mediums such as air or hot water, may be used as well. The vaporizer body houses a tubing unit for vaporizing the liquid carbon dioxide. The tubing unit has an inlet, outlet and vaporization section. The vaporization section tubing is preferably formed from copper while the inlet and outlet pipes are preferably steel. The tubing unit includes several individual coils wound in a series of loops extending between the inlet and outlet pipes respectfully. When servicing the vaporizer, the technician may remove an end cap by cutting it off with a welding torch or another suitable method. The tubing unit may then be freed by uncoupling the inlet unions adjacent the inlet ports. The entire tubing unit may then be removed from the body.
Abstract:
A gas feed system is disclosed for supplying a gas such as chlorine to a water system for chlorinating the water. The gas feed system includes multiple containers and provides for automatic switching over from one container to a second container once the first container is empty and such that the first container can be completely emptied. The invention also includes a gas feed regulator for controlling the supply of gas from a container such as a chlorine cylinder, the regulator having a simplified construction.
Abstract:
An insulating mounting bracket for a pressure vessel in an engine compartment of an automobile, the pressure vessel having an elongated cylindrical sleeve having an outwardly projecting flange for attaching the pressure vessel within an engine compartment. The elongated cylindrical sleeve has a corrugated surface creating air pockets in the space between the insulating bracket and the pressure vessel contained therein. In one embodiment, the sleeve is open at both ends, in an alternate embodiment the lower end of the sleeve is narrowed and used as a connecting point. In both embodiments, the sleeve accommodates condensate run off and prevents moisture from accumulating in the air pockets. The flange has fasteners molded integral with the insulating bracket to facilitate mounting within the engine compartment.