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US 4,496,073 AGranted
Cryogenic tank support system
AssigneeThe Johns Hopkins University
InventorsDavid M. Silver, Newman Dehaas
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A single-stage cryogenic tank support system is disclosed having a large-radius support tube surrounding an internal storage tank, both of which are enclosed by an external shell. The attachment tube is secured to the internal storage tank and external shell by cold and hot support rings, respectively, in a manner that inhibits thermal conductivity, provides low bending stress to the system, and avoids resonant vibrations of the system at low frequencies.
Claims18
A support system for an internal mass at a first temperature comprising:
- an internal mass;
- a support tube with a longitudinal axis and a cross sectional area, surrounding the internal mass and attached thereto via a first area of contact;
- an external shell at a second temperature enclosing the support tube and attached thereto via a second area of contact which is positioned a predetermined distance along the support tube axis from the first area of contact such that a substantial temperature gradient exist through the support tube area between first and second areas of contact;
- wherein the support tube is dimensioned such that beam dynamics apply thereto;
- and the support system is a single-stage system dimensioned to not have a natural frequency below a predetermined frequency.
2 more elements
A tank support system comprising the following elements:
- an internal storage tank;
- two internal attachment rings;
- a support tube with a longitudinal axis and a cross sectional area, surrounding the internal storage tank and connected thereto via the two internal attachment rings;
- a first insulation section defined by the internal storage tank, the two internal attachment rings and the support tube;
- at least one external attachment ring separated a distance along the support tube axis from an adjacent one of the two internal attachment rings such that a substantial temperature gradient exists through the support tube area between the at least one external attachment ring and the adjacent internal attachment ring;
- an external shell enclosing the support tube and connected thereto via the at least one external attachment ring;
- a second insulation section defined by the support tube and external shell;
- wherein the elements as connected provide a single-stage tank support system and the support tube is dimensioned such that beam dynamics apply thereto.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.