Worthington Industries has filed a patent for a fuel transfer station that allows for the refilling of fuel canisters used in combustion-powered equipment. The station includes a base, a frame, connection ports, and fluid flow lines. A supply tank can be connected to the station to refill fuel canisters through a pressure gradient. The patent claim specifies the components and configuration of the fuel transfer station. GlobalData’s report on Worthington Industries gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Worthington Industries, hydrogen fuel dispensers was a key innovation area identified from patents. Worthington Industries's grant share as of September 2023 was 64%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
A fuel transfer station with detachable supply tank and canister
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230312329A1) describes a fuel transfer station that includes a first connection port, a second connection port, and a fluid flow line connecting the two ports. The station also includes a first coupler for attaching a supply tank to the first connection port, a second coupler for attaching a refillable fuel canister to the second connection port, and check valves positioned at the inlet and outlet portions of the fluid flow line. A pump is in fluid communication with the fluid flow line to pressurize it as needed.
The patent also mentions the inclusion of a pressure relief valve in the fluid flow line, between the check valves, which releases pressure when it reaches a predefined level, preventing overfilling of the fuel canister. The first connection port and coupler are designed to accommodate different supply tanks with varying capacities, while the second connection port and coupler can be used with different fuel canisters of varying capacities.
The second connection port of the fuel transfer station includes a keying feature, such as a contoured inner section, that matches the contour of a corresponding outer section on the fuel canister. This alignment of contours ensures proper insertion orientation for coupling the fuel canister to the second connection port. Additionally, the second connection port may have a movable release pad that engages with the contoured inner section. A release mechanism, including a release arm and button, can depress the release pad to disengage the fuel canister from the first connection port.
The patent also mentions the possibility of including a thermal device with a detachable thermal jacket that can be coupled to either the supply tank or the refillable fuel canister. This thermal device helps regulate the temperature of the fuel during transfer.
In addition to the fuel transfer station, the patent also describes a refillable fuel canister with a translucent portion that allows visibility into the interior of the canister. The canister includes a cap portion and an adapter that can be easily attached and detached using a quick disconnect coupler.
Overall, this patent describes a fuel transfer station with various features to facilitate the safe and efficient transfer of fuel between supply tanks and refillable fuel canisters. The inclusion of check valves, pressure relief valves, and keying features ensures proper and secure connections, while the option for thermal devices helps maintain optimal fuel temperature during transfer.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies
