Amcast Industrial Corporation

Superior Valve Company

Robin N Borland

David E Hughes

Dino V Sciullo

James R Daniels

William S Kalaskie

Paul L Wellener, Iii

Alan J Porter

Timothy R Stiffy

Charles A Geis

Paul Rafalowski

John Piscatelli

A pressurized fluid transfer system is provided comprising a supply storage vessel, a receiver storage vessel, a fluid flow passage extending from the supply storage vessel to the receiver storage vessel, a sonic nozzle comprising a convergent nozzle portion, a divergent nozzle portion, and a nozzle throat positioned between the convergent nozzle portion and the divergent nozzle portion. The nozzle throat defines a minimum flow area orifice having a cross sectional flow area which is smaller than a remainder of flow orifices within the system. Further, a sonic nozzle is provided in a pressurized fluid storage system such that sonic fluid flow into the fluid storage vessel is maintained until the storage vessel is about 90-95% full.

Pressurized fluid storge and transfer system including a sonic nozzle

An in-line fuel fill valve assembly which provides for rapid and efficient refueling of compressed natural gas powered vehicles is provided and includes a receptacle adapted to mate with a fuel supply nozzle and a valve body having an in-line gas flow passage therethrough. The gas flow passage has first and second ends, with the first end communicating with the receptacle, and the second end terminating at an outlet which is adapted to communicate with a fuel storage vessel. A check valve is positioned in the gas flow passage of the valve body and is normally biased into a closed position to prevent the flow of gas through the first gas flow passage, but which opens in response to a flow of fuel under pressure.

In-line fuel fill valve

A relief device which activates in response either to excess temperatures or pressures in or around a pressurized vessel and which resists extrusion related failures even at high pressures is provided. The relief device includes a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow passage communicating with the inlet and outlet. The body further includes a fluid escape passage having a member therein which is porous to gases and liquids but not to solids and a plug of a fusible material which melts at a predetermined temperature positioned adjacent to the porous member. A first piston is positioned in the fluid flow passage and is normally biased into a sealing relationship with the inlet. A second piston is positioned in the fluid escape passage and is normally biased against and applies a compressive force on the plug of fusible material.

Piston-type thermally or pressure activated relief device

A bidirectional solenoid operated valve for controlling the flow of a compressed gas to and from a pressurized vessel is provided which automatically blocks the flow of gas out of a cylinder to a gas line in the event of an electrical failure or crash and which will not fail catastrophically in the event of a crash. The bidirectional valve includes a manual lockdown feature, an integral electrical pass through assembly, and a thermally activatable pressure relief device.

Crashworthy solenoid actuated valve for CNG powered vehicle

A thermally activated relief device which resists extrusion-related failures even at high pressures and yet reliably activates to relieve pressure in a vessel and to prevent a catastrophic pressure rupture of a vessel is provided. The thermally activated relief device includes a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow passage communicating with the inlet and outlet. The body further includes a fluid escape passage having a member therein which is porous to gases and liquids but not to solids. A plug of a fusible material which melts at a predetermined temperature is positioned adjacent to the porous member and normally seals the fluid escape passage. A piston is normally biased into a sealing relationship with the inlet, but, when the fusible plug melts, moves upwardly to open the flow passage and relieve fluid pressure.

Piston-type thermally activated relief device

A refueling check valve assembly which provides for rapid, efficient, and safe refueling of compressed natural gas powered vehicles is provided and includes a receptacle adapted to mate with a fuel supply nozzle and a valve body having first and second gas flow passages therethrough. The respective first ends of the first and second gas flow passages communicate with the receptacle, while the respective second ends of the first and second gas flow passages are adapted to communicate with a fuel storage vessel, typically through a fuel supply line. A check valve is positioned in the first gas flow passage of the valve body and is normally biased into a closed position to prevent the flow of gas through the first gas flow passage. The check valve opens in response to a flow of fuel under pressure, permitting the flow of gas to the fuel storage vessel. A by-pass valve is also provided in the second gas flow passage in the valve body for depressurizing the fuel system prior to servicing.

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McMurray, PA, United States of America

Robin N Borland