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US 12,013,277 B2Granted
Systems and methods for storing fluid and measuring volume
AssigneeRAPA Technologies, LLC
InventorMarc C. Ramsey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for storing fluid are described. In some embodiments, a system may include a container having an internal volume that is configured to change as fluid enters or exits, a first shell component, and a second shell component. The first shell component may limit an expansion of the container in a first direction, and the second shell component may limit the expansion of the container in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
Claims20
A system for storing fluid, the system comprising:
- a container, the container having an internal volume that is configured to change as fluid enters or exits the container;
- a first shell component;
- a second shell component, the internal volume of the container being disposed between the first shell component and the second shell component such that the first shell component limits an expansion of the container in a first direction, and the second shell component limits the expansion of the container in a second direction that is opposite the first direction;
- wherein a first space is defined between the second shell component and a first surface portion of the container, the first space having a volume that decreases as fluid enters the container and the internal volume of the container increases;
- an outer pressure shell that fully encapsulates the container, the first shell component, and the second shell component;
- wherein a second space is defined, the second space having at least a first sub-volume between the outer pressure shell and the first shell component and a second sub-volume between the outer pressure shell and the second shell component;
- wherein the second space is configured to hold a pressurized gas;
- and
- wherein at least one of the first shell component and the second shell component comprise one or more vents such that the first sub-volume and the second sub-volume are in fluid communication with each other.
6 more elements
A method for storing fluid, the method comprising:
- filling with fluid a container having an internal volume that changes as fluid enters the container;
- wherein the container is disposed between a first shell component and a second shell component, the internal volume of the container being disposed between the first shell component such that the first shell component limits an expansion of the container in a first direction, and the second shell component limits the expansion of the container in a direction that is opposite the first direction;
- wherein a first space is defined between the second shell component and a first surface portion of the container, the first space having a volume that decreases as the fluid enters the container and the internal volume of the container increases;
- wherein the container, first shell component, and second shell component are fully disposed within an outer pressure shell;
- wherein a second space is defined, the second space having at least a first sub-volume between the outer pressure shell and the first shell component and a second sub-volume between the outer pressure shell and the second shell component;
- wherein the second space is configured to hold a pressurized gas;
- and
- wherein at least one of the first shell component and the second shell component comprise one or more vents such that the first sub-volume and the second sub-volume are in fluid communication with each other.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.