Abstract:
The present invention relates to a multi-cell tank (2) for pressurized gas formed by a group of tubes (2a) immersed in a fibrous resin body (4) and reinforced by means of external texture (7), closed with two covers that feature a intercommunicating series of domes on the internal side, which exactly match the opening of the tubes of the group.
Abstract:
Portable cooling systems, employing a high pressure reservoir adapted to ergonomically interface with a user and/or a wearable article to deliver a flow of cooling gas through a conduit system are provided. Such a system is adapted to provide powered cooling to locations where only very small and portable cooling systems can fit. Various user retainable appliances or articles may have cooling features incorporated therein. The molded plastic high pressure reservoir may have other uses as well.
Abstract:
A vessel for containing a fluid under pressure comprises essentially flat parallel surfaces connected by hemispherical edge closures. Internal tension members are connected between the parallel surfaces to distribute the pressure of the fluid in the vessel. The shape of the vessel can be generally square, triangular, toroidal, or other variation to conform to an available space. The skin of the vessel, the hemispheric edge closures, and the internal tension members are typically fabricated from a high strength lightweight material, such as titanium.
Abstract:
Described herein is a portable storage device that stores a hydrogen fuel source. The storage device includes a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source. A housing provides mechanical protection for the bladder. The storage device also includes a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector. The device may be a portable electronics device such as a laptop computer. Refillable hydrogen fuel source storage devices and systems are also described. Hot swappable fuel storage systems described herein allow a portable hydrogen fuel source storage device to be removed from a fuel processor or electronics device it provides the hydrogen fuel source to, without shutting down the receiving device or without compromising hydrogen fuel source provision.
Abstract:
The storage tank for cryogenic liquids incorporates an ullage vessel that provides for an ullage space. The ullage vessel is in communication through an ullage line to a fill line that provides cryogen to a cryogen space. The junction where the ullage line and fill line meet is of a certain cross-sectional area. Downstream of the junction within the fill line, measured in reference to the direction of cryogen flow during a coruse of filling the cryogen space, is of a greater cross-sectional area than is the case at the junction. This creates a pressure reduction at the junction during a course of filling that causes a net flow of material from the ullage space over the course of filling. Once the cryogen tank is liquid full causing cryogen to be redirected down the ullage line, the smaller cross-sectional area of the ullage line compared to the fill line causes a reduction in flow of cryogen which is detected by the fill pump causing filling to stop providing the ullage space. A means of draining the ullage vessel prior to and during filling of the storage tank is provided.
Abstract:
The tank for fluid under pressure comprises one or an assembled-together plurality of individual containers or modules made at least in part out of composite material. The or each individual container (20) comprises a cylindrical body (22) of composite material, two end plates (30) closing the axial ends of the cylindrical body, and at least one belt passing around the container substantially in a longitudinal direction and bearing against portions of the outside faces of the end plates.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a tank (1) for fluids under pressure comprising two compartments (8, 10). According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps: assembling a winding mandrel; placing a metal wall (4) on the mandrel, said wall (4) being in a folded shape; forming the external wall (2) by winding around an assembly comprising the mandrel and the folded wall (4); polymerising the wall (2) and dismantling the mandrel; unfolding the metal wall (2), in such a way as to obtain a first compartment (8) within the interior of the metal wall (4), and a second compartment (10) between the two walls (2, 4). The invention also applies to a tank (1) such as that obtained by the method described here above. Application in the field of launch vehicles and rockets.
Abstract:
A cellular reservoir flexible pressure vessel is formed as a series of closely packed tubes fitted into a pair of opposing end caps. The end caps have individual receptacles sized and shaped to receive the tube ends that are secured with adhesive or radio frequency welding. At least one end cap has a passageway for connection of the vessel. The vessel may be formed in a variety of useful shapes and the tubes may have various internal and external cross-sections. The end caps may be filled with sintactic foam with canals leading to the passageway. Microtubes through the syntactic foam may connect the tubes to the passageway. The vessel is further strengthened by overwrapping with high-strength braiding material, hoop winding or by overlayment with high-strength fabric. The vessel is further strengthened by coating with plastic resin. Apparatus and methods for forming the cellular reservoir flexible vessels are described.
Abstract:
A hydrogen storage unit which uses hydrogen storage alloys to store hydrogen, and more particularly a heat transfer management/compartmentalization system for use in such system. The hydrogen storage alloy may be divided into compartments, separated by discs, further divided into sub-compartments by a flapper wheel. The discs and flapper wheel provide for optimal heat transfer throughout the system. The compartmentalization of the vessel may prevent compaction of the hydrogen storage alloys, which could lead to excessive strain on the vessel causing damage, deformation, or rupture of the vessel.
Abstract:
A fitting with a dual locking swaging mechanism includes a projection to be inserted into the open end of an elastomeric tube. A ferrule is connected at one end thereof to a body portion of the fitting and is swaged over the tube to hold the tube onto the projection inserted into the tube. The tube is thereby held to the fitting by both frictional engagement of the tube with the projection and the ferrule and by the connection of the ferrule with the main body of the fitting.