초록 ▼

A variable volume fluid storage tank or reservoir and related fluid transfer system are provided for storing and transferring volatile or hazardous fluids, particularly such as fuel in an aircraft fuel supply system. Each fluid storage tank comprises a tank body in combination with a movable base wa

A variable volume fluid storage tank or reservoir and related fluid transfer system are provided for storing and transferring volatile or hazardous fluids, particularly such as fuel in an aircraft fuel supply system. Each fluid storage tank comprises a tank body in combination with a movable base wall defining a variable volume internal chamber for receiving and storing fluid. Each storage tank further includes a dispense port for dispensing the fluid, e.g., to a manifold or the like for supply to one or more aircraft engines, with the base wall moving relative to the tank body during fluid dispensing to substantially preclude any residual air or vapor space within the storage tank. A fluid level sensor unit mounted outside the tank chamber tracks displacement of the base wall to provide an indication of the fluid volume remaining within the storage tank. Multiple storage tanks may be ganged together and the fluid contained therein transferred quickly and safely between the tanks in a variety of fluid handling and fluid transfer applications. In one form, multiple storage tanks may be configured for nesting together in a progressively reduced profile as fluid is dispensed therefrom.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A variable volume fluid storage tank, comprising:a hollow tank body having an open first end and a dispense port formed in a second end disposed generally opposite said first end;a base wall movably received within said open first end of said tank body, said base wall and

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A variable volume fluid storage tank, comprising:a hollow tank body having an open first end and a dispense port formed in a second end disposed generally opposite said first end;a base wall movably received within said open first end of said tank body, said base wall and said tank body cooperatively defining an interior chamber for receiving a selected fluid, said base wall displacing within said tank body to vary the volumetric size of said chamber in accordance with the volume of fluid within said chamber;means for sealingly interconnecting said base wall to said tank body, said interconnecting means including a flexible bellows annular membrane interconnecting said base wall with said tank body generally at said first end thereof; anda fluid level sensor unit coupled to said base wall and disposed outside said chamber, said sensor unit including means for tracking the position of said base wall relative to said tank body to indicate the fluid volume within said chamber.