초록 ▼

A pressure vessel for holding a pressurized fluid such as compressed natural gas (“CNG”) includes two end cells and zero or more interior cells. The cell geometry ensures that the cells meet one another at tangential circular surfaces, thereby reducing the tendency of adjacent cells to peel apart. A

A pressure vessel for holding a pressurized fluid such as compressed natural gas (“CNG”) includes two end cells and zero or more interior cells. The cell geometry ensures that the cells meet one another at tangential circular surfaces, thereby reducing the tendency of adjacent cells to peel apart. A web secured about the cells includes two sheets that are tangent to the cells. Unused volumes between the cells and the web contain wedges of foam or rubber. A valve provides fluid communication between the interior of the pressure vessel and a pressurized fluid line. The filled weight of one pressure vessel does not exceed the filled weight of a conventional gasoline tank that occupies substantially the same space as the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel may be configured with exterior recesses for engaging conventional gasoline tank straps.

대표청구항 ▼

A pressure vessel comprising: at least two end cells, each end cell having a cross-section comprising: an arcuate outer wall defining a substantially constant outer wall radius; an arcuate upper wall having an end unitary with said outer wall at an upper-outer junction, said upper wall defining a su

A pressure vessel comprising: at least two end cells, each end cell having a cross-section comprising: an arcuate outer wall defining a substantially constant outer wall radius; an arcuate upper wall having an end unitary with said outer wall at an upper-outer junction, said upper wall defining a substantially constant upper wall radius which is less than said outer wall radius; and a web secured about said end cells, said web comprising a substantially planar upper sheet which is generally tangent to said upper-outer junction of each of said end cells.