Raytheon Company

Clayton B Melton

Keith A Elkins

Thomas M Seach

An expandable liquid tank device is secured to a vehicle to provided externally pressurized fuel to the fuel system of the vehicle. The tank can comprise an outer bladder containing a flexible inner bladder. An end plate can secure the bladders to the vehicle. Upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder, the outer bladder expands and conforms to a tank region of the vehicle. The outer bladder (a pliable material) transitions from a flexible state to a semi-rigid or substantially rigid state upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder. To provide pressurized fuel to the vehicle, pressurized gas is injected between the bladders, which exert pressure against the flexible inner bladder to dispense the fuel through the end plate and to the fuel system. A method of making the tank and dispensing fuel is provided.

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Tucson, AZ, United States of America

Clayton B Melton