Compressed natural gas tank for vehicles
US6481751B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K2015/0638
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A compressed natural gas fuel tank for vehicles employing internal combustion engines. A fuel tank of heavy gauge metal is interposed within the vehicle frame as an integral portion thereof. Overlay channel members are welded or otherwise affixed to the tank and then welded or otherwise affixed to the side rails or channel members of the vehicle frame. The tank, of heavy gauge metal and non-circular cross section, is also welded or otherwise appropriately affixed to the vehicle floor. The tank is capable of receiving natural gas at high pressure levels, while also serving structurally as a frame element, providing continuity of the side rail members of the frame, while also serving to further interconnect the vehicle floor with the side rails. Also presented are tank assemblies in which a tank housing receives a plurality of cylindrical pressure tanks of composite material construction. The cylindrical tanks are nested within the tank housing, which also serves as an integral part of the vehicle frame. A manifold with inlet and outlet valves interconnects the cylindrical tanks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.