CN117836554A

CN117836554A - Cryogenic fluid delivery system and air conditioning apparatus using the same

Info

Publication number: CN117836554A
Application number: CN202280046735.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 罗恩·阿拉齐; 艾瑞丝·希莫诺夫-本雅明; 塔尔·拉齐尔
Original assignee: Green Jiyeke Co ltd
Current assignee: Green Jiyeke Co ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-08
Filing date: 2022-06-07
Publication date: 2024-04-05
Also published as: IL283826B2; EP4352404A4; IL285241A; KR20240034184A; WO2022259246A1; JP2024522602A; EP4352404A1; MX2023014644A; IL283826A

Abstract

A cryogenic fluid delivery system for use with a cryogenic fluid tank and a tank connector arrangement for connecting the cryogenic fluid tank to the cryogenic fluid delivery system. The cryogenic fluid delivery system has: a tank engagement member configured to be attached to the cryogenic fluid tank; at least one distribution member configured to distribute cryogenic fluid; and a vaporizer module comprising a boiling chamber configured to receive a liquid cryogenic fluid and to allow the liquid cryogenic fluid positioned in the boiling chamber to boil into a gaseous cryogenic fluid and to facilitate delivery of the gaseous cryogenic fluid in a non-pressurized manner toward the at least one distribution member.

Description

Cryogenic fluid delivery system and air conditioning apparatus using the same

Technical Field

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to the field of air conditioning devices, and in particular, to air conditioning devices utilizing release of cryogenic fluid to their surroundings.

Background

Examples of such vectors to which the presently disclosed subject matter relates are disclosed in:

US5960635, which discloses an air conditioning apparatus using liquid nitrogen, having: a source of liquid nitrogen located in the pressure vessel, a release valve to release liquid nitrogen from the pressure vessel into the housing to absorb latent heat and become nitrogen. The apparatus further comprises: a thermostat controlling the release valve, and a dehumidification arrangement that blows warmer air from outside the enclosure to mix with nitrogen inside the enclosure to become a cooler air mixture. The dehumidifying arrangement further dehumidifies the colder air mixture before directing the colder air mixture to the atmosphere outside the enclosure; and

KR101666183, which discloses a cooling device for oxygen discharge, the cooling device having: a cooling air discharging unit formed at an upper end of the main body, wherein a lower cover is detachably attached to a lower end of the main body; and a control unit for controlling an amount of oxygen discharged from the filling container, wherein the oxygen discharged from the at least one Liquefied Oxygen (LOX) filling container is discharged through the blower fan and the at least one discharge pipe for guiding the discharge of the discharge pipe.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a cryogenic fluid delivery system for use with a cryogenic fluid tank, comprising:

a. A tank engagement member configured to be fixedly attached to the cryogenic fluid tank and selectively allow cryogenic fluid to flow out of the tank and into the system,

b. a distribution member configured to distribute cryogenic fluid out of the system; and

c. a vaporizer module fluidly connecting the tank engagement member and the distribution portion and comprising a boiling chamber having a liquid receiving portion configured to receive a liquid cryogenic fluid and a gas releasing portion that allows the liquid cryogenic fluid positioned in the gas releasing portion to boil into a gaseous cryogenic fluid and facilitates delivery of the gaseous cryogenic fluid in a non-pressurized manner toward the distribution member.

The first aspect may include at least the embodiments listed below.

1. A cryogenic fluid delivery system for use with a cryogenic fluid tank, comprising:

b. a dispensing member configured to dispense cryogenic fluid out of the system and at least during operation of the system, remain in an elevated position relative to the tank engagement member; and

2. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 1, wherein the boiling chamber comprises:

a. a liquid receiving container constituting the liquid receiving portion, the liquid receiving container including a liquid cryogenic fluid inlet in fluid communication with the tank engaging member and a liquid outlet;

b. a gas distribution vessel constituting the gas release portion, the gas distribution vessel comprising a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the liquid outlet of the liquid receiving vessel and a gaseous outlet in fluid communication with the distribution member; and

c. a flow blocking member configured to selectively block liquid communication between the liquid receiving container and the gas dispensing container when a predetermined amount of liquid is found/positioned within the gas dispensing canister.

3. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 2, wherein the flow prevention member comprises a float member located within the gas distribution vessel and a plug member located within the liquid receiving vessel and connected to the float member by a connecting element, wherein the plug member is configured to have a shape suitable for plugging the liquid outlet of the liquid receiving vessel.

4. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 3, wherein the liquid receiving vessel is positioned adjacently below the gas distribution vessel and the liquid outlet of the liquid receiving vessel is positioned adjacently below the fluid inlet of the gas distribution vessel.

5. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 4, wherein the connecting element is a metal rod extending from the float member to the plug member through the fluid inlet of the gas distribution vessel and the liquid outlet of the liquid receiving vessel.

6. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of any of embodiments 3-5, wherein the float member is configured to have a size and density sufficient to allow floatation in a type of cryogenic fluid stored in the cryogenic fluid tank.

7. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 6, wherein the float is formed of a material adapted to work with a cryogenic fluid.

8. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 7, wherein the float is formed from polyoxymethylene.

9. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of any one of embodiments 3-8, wherein the float member is configured to have a cross section similar to but smaller than a cross section of the gas distribution vessel.

10. The cryogenic fluid delivery system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cryogenic fluid delivery system is ambient.

11. The cryogenic fluid delivery system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cryogenic fluid delivery system is at least partially uninsulated.

12. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 11, wherein at least a portion of the boiling chamber is configured with an insulating layer.

13. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 12, wherein the insulating layer is configured to enable its nesting (dressing) on and removal from the boiling chamber.

14. The cryogenic fluid delivery system of any one of embodiments 1-13, further comprising a pressurization arrangement configured to controllably apply pressure to the cryogenic fluid within the boiling member.

15. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 14, wherein the pressurization arrangement comprises at least one heating element configured to apply heat at least indirectly to the interior of the boiling member and a pressure sensor configured to measure a gas pressure within the interior of the boiling member.

16. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the pressurization arrangement is configured to be operated by a separate power source.

17. The cryogenic fluid delivery system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cryogenic fluid is a non-toxic cryogenic liquid.

18. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 17, wherein the cryogenic fluid is liquid nitrogen.

19. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of embodiment 17, wherein the cryogenic fluid is liquid air.

20. The cryogenic fluid delivery system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the boiling chamber further comprises a safety arrangement configured to prevent liquid cryogenic fluid from exiting the system.

21. An air conditioning apparatus for use with a cryogenic fluid tank, comprising a housing having: a tank receiving portion at a bottom end of the housing, the tank receiving portion configured to hold a cryogenic fluid tank; a hollow neck extending vertically upward from the tank receiving portion and configured to house therein the cryogenic fluid delivery system according to any one of embodiments 1-20; and a distribution portion at an upper portion of the housing, the distribution portion configured to house the distribution member of the cryogenic fluid delivery system.

22. The air conditioning apparatus according to embodiment 21 wherein the neck is configured with an elongation mechanism to enable the neck portion to increase and decrease the length of the neck and correspondingly increase and decrease the distance between the canister receiving portion and the dispensing portion.

23. The air conditioning apparatus of embodiment 21 or 22 wherein the neck portion has a substantially smaller footprint than the tank receiving portion and the dispensing head.

24. The air conditioning apparatus according to any of embodiments 21-23 wherein the dispensing portion is configured to be positioned between 1 meter and 3 meters above the tank receiving portion at least in operation of the apparatus.

25. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of embodiments 21 to 24, wherein the apparatus further comprises a scale configured to measure an amount of cryogenic fluid stored within the cryogenic fluid tank.

26. The air conditioning apparatus of embodiment 25 wherein the weight measurement arrangement includes a communication module configured to transmit the measurement to at least one remote device.

27. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of embodiments 21 to 26, wherein the air conditioning apparatus further comprises a low temperature gas saving module configured to transfer cold generated around the boiling chamber after operation of the boiling chamber to an outside of the housing while preventing a flow of a low temperature fluid toward the boiling chamber.

28. The air conditioning apparatus according to embodiment 27, wherein the low temperature gas saving module includes: a cryogenic valve interconnecting the tank engagement member and the boiling chamber and configured to prevent fluid flow of the tank engagement member and the boiling chamber when a predetermined amount of cold accumulates around the boiling chamber; and a convection element configured to generate an air flow for promoting/conveying the accumulated cold to the outside of the enclosure.

29. The air conditioning apparatus of embodiment 28, wherein the cryogenic valve is normally open and is configured to close when the temperature element and the convection element are operated by electricity.

According to a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a tank connector apparatus for connecting a cryogenic fluid tank to a cryogenic fluid delivery system, the cryogenic fluid tank comprising a neck and an inner vessel having a bottom, a top formed by the neck and a sidewall extending between the bottom and the top, the cryogenic fluid delivery system comprising a cryogenic liquid inlet, the tank connector apparatus comprising:

a. a tank attachment arrangement configured to fit around the neck of the cryogenic fluid tank in a fluid-tight manner, said tank attachment arrangement having an outwardly facing surface, a tank facing surface, and a central tunnel passing between the outwardly facing surface and the tank facing surface along a vertical axis of the tank attachment arrangement;

b. A fluid extraction module mounted in a fluid-tight manner within the central tunnel and having a fluid inlet portion projecting vertically from the tank-facing surface and a fluid outlet portion projecting vertically from the exterior-facing surface, the fluid inlet portion being configured to be received within the inner vessel and operative to allow cryogenic fluid to flow from the inner vessel toward the fluid outlet portion; and

c. at least one fluid distribution member in selective fluid communication with the fluid outlet portion operative to selectively enable cryogenic fluid to flow out of the tank connector apparatus.

The second aspect may include at least the embodiments listed below.

30. A tank connector apparatus for connecting a cryogenic fluid tank to a cryogenic fluid delivery system, the cryogenic fluid tank comprising a neck and an inner vessel having a bottom, a top formed by the neck, and a sidewall extending between the bottom and the top, the cryogenic fluid delivery system comprising a cryogenic liquid inlet, the tank connector apparatus comprising:

b. A fluid extraction module mounted in a fluid-tight manner within the central tunnel and having a fluid inlet portion projecting vertically from the tank-facing surface in a direction away from the exterior-facing surface and a fluid outlet portion projecting vertically from the exterior-facing surface in a direction away from the tank-facing surface, said fluid inlet portion being configured to be received within the inner vessel and operative to permit cryogenic fluid to flow from the inner vessel toward the fluid outlet portion; and

31. The tank connector apparatus according to embodiment 30, wherein the at least one fluid distribution member comprises a gas distribution member configured to selectively distribute cryogenic gas to an exterior of the tank connector apparatus, and the fluid extraction module comprises a gas extraction member operative to allow cryogenic gas to flow from the inner vessel toward the gas distribution member.

32. The tank connector apparatus according to embodiments 30 or 31, wherein the at least one fluid dispensing member comprises a liquid dispensing member configured to selectively dispense cryogenic liquid to the cryogenic liquid inlet of the cryogenic fluid delivery system, and the fluid extraction module comprises a liquid extraction member operative to allow cryogenic liquid to flow from the inner vessel toward the liquid dispensing member.

33. The tank connector apparatus according to any one of embodiments 30 to 32, wherein the liquid extraction member comprises a liquid inlet portion and the gas extraction member comprises a gas inlet portion, both the liquid inlet portion and the gas inlet portion constituting said fluid inlet portion, wherein the liquid inlet portion protrudes from the tank facing surface to a greater distance than the gas inlet portion.

34. The tank connector apparatus according to embodiment 32, wherein the liquid extraction member is in the form of a tube having a first diameter, the fluid extraction module further comprising a sleeve surrounding the liquid extraction member and having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter, such that an annular space is formed between the sleeve and the liquid extraction member, thereby constituting the gas extraction member.

35. The tank connector apparatus according to embodiments 33 or 34, wherein the liquid distribution member comprises an engagement member configured to fittingly receive a corresponding engagement member of the cryogenic fluid delivery system in the engagement member in a liquid-tight manner so as to enable fluid communication between the tank connector apparatus and the cryogenic fluid delivery system.

36. The tank connector apparatus according to embodiment 35, wherein the engagement member includes a liquid flow prevention mechanism configured to prevent liquid flow through the engagement member when the corresponding engagement member is not fittingly received therein.

37. The tank connector apparatus according to embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the engagement member of the plug portion is constituted by a shaft hole having a certain cross section, and is configured to closely receive a corresponding engagement member having the same cross section.

38. The tank connector apparatus according to any one of embodiments 30 to 37, wherein the tank attachment arrangement is formed as a hollow cap-like body configured to fit tightly onto an outer surface of the neck portion of the cryogenic fluid tank, and the tank-facing surface comprises at least one aperture forming a fluid passage between the inner container of the cryogenic fluid tank and the hollow cap-like body.

39. The tank connector apparatus according to embodiment 38, wherein the cap-like body includes a pressure gauge, a fill tube having a one-way inlet, and a pressure relief valve, the pressure gauge, the fill tube, and the pressure relief valve extending through the sidewall and in fluid communication with the hollow space in the hollow cap-like body.

40. The tank connector apparatus according to embodiments 37 or 38, wherein the tank connector apparatus further comprises a clamp element configured to fit over both the cap-like body and the neck portion of the cryogenic fluid tank, and configured to have a relaxed state in which the tank connector apparatus is capable of fitting over and removing from the neck portion, and a tightened state in which the clamp element presses a portion of the cap-like body against the neck portion, thereby forming a fluid-tight attachment between the cap-like body and the neck portion.

41. The tank connector apparatus according to any one of embodiments 30 to 37, wherein the tank attachment arrangement comprises an extendable body that is transitionable between a conventional state in which the extendable body is adapted to be inserted into the neck portion of the cryogenic fluid tank and an extendable state in which the extendable body is operable to fit tightly within the neck portion of the cryogenic fluid tank.

42. The tank connector apparatus according to embodiment 41, wherein the extendable body is configured to transition from the conventional state to the extendable state by a fastening arrangement having an upper portion positioned adjacently above the externally facing surface and a lower portion positioned adjacently below the tank facing surface, wherein the fastening is operable to reduce and increase the distance between the upper portion and the lower portion to transition the extendable body between its conventional state and extendable state.

43. The tank connector apparatus according to embodiments 41 or 42, wherein the central tunnel is formed of a rigid material and the extendable body is formed as a sleeve surrounding the central tunnel.

44. The tank connector apparatus according to embodiment 43, wherein the diameter of the sleeve remains the same in both the normal state of the extendable body and the extendable state, wherein in the normal state the sleeve and the central tunnel form an annular space therebetween, and in the extendable state the sleeve is pressed tightly against the central tunnel in a fluid-tight manner.

45. The tank connector apparatus according to any one of embodiments 41 to 44, wherein in the normal state the extendable body is configured to have a first diameter and in the extendable state the extendable body is configured to have a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.

46. The tank connector apparatus according to any one of embodiments 41 to 44, wherein in the normal state the extendable body is configured to have a first cross-sectional surface area, and in the extendable state the extendable body is configured to have a second cross-sectional surface area that is greater than the first cross-sectional surface area.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how the subject matter may be implemented in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example cryogenic air conditioner in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cryogenic fluid transfer system attached to a cryogenic fluid tank according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a liquid receiving portion of the cryogenic fluid transfer system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the boiling chamber of the cryogenic fluid transfer system shown in FIG. 2, the boiling chamber having transparent sidewalls for clarity;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an enlarged portion of region 4B in the boiling chamber of FIG. 4A taken along plane A-A, the boiling chamber having a flow blocking member in an allowable state;

FIG. 4C is the same as FIG. 4B, with the flow blocking member in a blocked state;

FIG. 5A is an exemplary embodiment illustrating a cross-sectional view of an enlarged portion of region 4B in the boiling chamber of FIG. 4A taken along plane A-A, the boiling chamber having an insulating mechanism in a wrapped state;

FIG. 5B is the same as FIG. 5A, with the insulating mechanism in a remote state;

the boiling chamber has an insulating mechanism in a folded state;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a gas conservation module attached to a gasification module according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of region 6B in the vaporizer module of FIG. 6A taken along the inside of the neck of a cryogenic air conditioner with a cryogenic fluid delivery system, with the cryogenic valve open and the convector closed;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of region 6B in the vaporizer module of FIG. 6A taken along the inside of the neck of a cryogenic air conditioner with a cryogenic fluid delivery system, with the cryogenic valve closed and the convector open;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a cryogenic fluid tank known in the art;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the cryogenic fluid tank of FIG. 7A taken along plane B-B;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a tank connector apparatus attached to a cryogenic fluid tank and a system connection portion attached to the tank connector apparatus according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the cryogenic fluid tank of FIG. 7A with the tank connector apparatus of FIG. 8A attached to the cryogenic fluid tank;

FIG. 9A is a partially exploded view of the tank connector apparatus and system connection shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the tank connector apparatus of FIG. 8A and a system connection attached to the tank connector apparatus, taken along plane C-C;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a tank connector apparatus attached to a cryogenic fluid tank according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter; and is also provided with

Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the tank connector apparatus of fig. 8A and a system connection attached to the tank connector apparatus, taken along a central vertical plane.

Fig. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the tank connector apparatus of fig. 8A and a system connection portion attached to the tank connector apparatus, taken along plane D-D of fig. 10A.

Detailed Description

An example of a cryogenic air conditioner (hereinafter, "device") according to the presently disclosed subject matter is configured to operate as an outdoor independent cooling unit, thereby allowing cryogenic fluid to be released into its vicinity.

Generally, the apparatus may include a housing having a hollow interior and a cryogenic fluid delivery system positioned within the housing and configured to be connected to a cryogenic fluid tank. The cryogenic fluid delivery system may be configured to enable cryogenic fluid to flow into the system from the first portion, allow the received liquid cryogenic fluid to boil into gaseous cryogenic fluid, and facilitate release of the gaseous cryogenic fluid to the outside of the system at a different portion of the system. In some cases, the cryogenic fluid tank may be positioned near the device, forming a single portable device. In other cases, the cryogenic fluid tank may be positioned in a remote location and connected to one or more devices in a detachable fluid-tight connection via one or more piping elements.

The device may be configured for use with a cryogenic fluid tank that may be integrated within or compatible with the housing. In further embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, the cryogenic fluid tank may be configured with a tank connector apparatus attached thereto configured to enable quick and safe removal of the tank and connection of the tank to the device, as will be described in further detail.

One of the advantages of using a cryogenic fluid for cooling is the liquid-gas expansion rate of the cryogenic fluid. Some cryogenic fluids have a liquid-to-gas expansion ratio (at 20 degrees celsius) of greater than 1:650, and for example, one liter of liquid nitrogen may provide about 700 liters of gas that may be released to the exterior of the device at relatively low temperatures and used to reduce the temperature of the surrounding environment of the device.

The device may be configured to operate in an environmental manner outdoors. The device may also be configured to operate without connection to a power grid (i.e., may be operated by a small portable power source), and in other cases without insertion of any power source. The device may do so by absorbing heat from the environment that is sufficient to cause boiling of the cryogenic fluid within the device. To this end, the device may have a hollow housing defining an interior space that may be configured to house the cryogenic fluid delivery system while providing or preventing insulation from the cryogenic fluid delivery system so as to allow for adequate heat transfer between the system and the environment. By working in an environmental manner, the device can be configured to be mobile so that it can be easily maneuvered from place to place in a manner similar to a gas operated deck heater. In other examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, an apparatus can include at least one element that utilizes electrical power. In such examples, the apparatus may include a heating device for accelerating heat absorption of the system or a cryogenic solenoid valve for assisting in regulating the flow of cryogenic fluid in the apparatus.

The housing may include a tank receiving portion configured to house the cryogenic fluid tank and enable insertion and removal of the tank from the tank receiving portion, e.g., for replenishment purposes. The hollow body of the housing may comprise a thin outer shell defining an inner space, wherein the outer shell may be adapted to achieve a sufficient heat transfer with the outside of the device at least in some parts of the outer shell. To this end, at least a portion of the housing may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum, polycarbonate, and polypropylene, or ABS, and may be formed to have a thickness of about 1mm to 4mm (depending on the type of material used). In some cases, some portions of the enclosure may be narrower than other portions to reduce the volume of air in the interior space separating the cryogenic fluid delivery system from the outer shell of the enclosure. In some cases, some portions of the outer housing may be thinner or thicker than other portions.

The tank receiving section of the housing may include a weight sufficient to stabilize itself. In other cases, the housing may be relatively lightweight, where sufficient stability may be provided by a canister disposed within the housing. In some cases, the tank receiving portion may be configured to have a scale at a bottom surface thereof on which the cryogenic fluid tank may be positioned for measuring an amount of cryogenic fluid stored in the cryogenic fluid tank. The tank receiving section may also include a retractable cart that is integrated into or may be integral with the tank receiving section, on which the cryogenic fluid tank may be positioned.

The housing may include a distribution portion through which the cryogenic gas is released to the exterior of the device at an upper portion of the device, and the distribution portion is connected to the tank receiving portion through an elongated neck portion.

Referring to fig. 1, an exemplary device of the present invention, generally designated 10, has a housing 12 and a base 14 that may be separate from or integral with the housing 12. The housing 12 includes a tank receiving portion 16 at a bottom portion of the housing, a dispensing portion 18 at a top portion of the housing, and an elongated neck 19 interconnecting the tank receiving portion 16 and the dispensing portion 18, the tank receiving portion being configured to receive and contain a cryogenic fluid tank (not shown) therein.

The tank receiving section 16 may include an opening (not shown) having a selectively removable hatch providing access to the interior space within the housing 12. The opening and hatch are sized to receive cryogenic storage tanks of different sizes, such as 25 to 50 liter dewars, particularly 35 liter dewars. In some cases, the cryogenic fluid that may be used with the device must be a non-toxic and non-flammable cryogenic fluid, such as nitrogen. In other cases, the cryogenic fluid may be liquefied air (i.e., a gas mixture that simulates the composition of the atmosphere cooled to condensing temperature), and in such cases the device may operate indoors.

Generally, the dispensing portion may be configured to dispense gas up to 360 ° thereabout by having one or more gas outlets positioned in the dispensing portion. The gas outlets may be arranged at equal distances from each other. The one or more gas outlets may be configured to have an open state in which the cryogenic fluid gas is dispensed through the gas outlet and a closed state in which the cryogenic fluid gas is prevented from being dispensed through the gas outlet. In some cases, one or more of the gas outlets may be manipulated to change their angle relative to the housing in order to increase or decrease the angle of gas distribution.

In the present example, the distribution portion 18 is positioned at the top of the device 10 and includes three gas outlets 17A, 17B (a third not shown), each positioned 120 degrees around the device from the other two gas outlets, so as to form a cooled sphere around the device.

Generally, the dispensing portion may be positioned between 0.5 meters and 3 meters above the canister receiving portion, at least during operation of the apparatus. To this end, the neck may be configured with an elongation mechanism such that the neck can be elongated and shortened, thereby increasing and decreasing the distance of the dispensing portion from the can receiving portion. In some cases, the distribution member may comprise at least one guiding element for each gas outlet for guiding the gas released from the gas outlet. In further examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, the one or more gas outlets can be positioned along a neck of the housing.

In the present example, the elongated neck 19 is hollow and is configured to have a much smaller footprint than the canister receiving portion 16 and dispensing portion 18. The footprint of the neck is configured to accommodate a cryogenic fluid delivery system that provides a channel for the cryogenic fluid delivery system to couple the cryogenic fluid tank to the distribution portion 18. Although illustrated in a circular cross-section, the elongated neck may take a variety of forms, such as an elliptical cross-section or a hexagonal cross-section or an octagonal cross-section.

Generally, the cryogenic fluid delivery system may have a tank engagement member at one end of the cryogenic fluid delivery system configured to receive a liquid cryogenic fluid and at least one dispensing member at the other end of the cryogenic fluid delivery system configured to dispense a gaseous cryogenic fluid therefrom. The tank engagement member may be configured to be removably attached to the cryogenic fluid tank in a fluid-tight manner and selectively allow cryogenic fluid to flow into the system. Cryogenic fluid flow from the cryogenic fluid tank into the system may occur naturally solely by means of internal forces acting within the tank through vaporization of the cryogenic fluid in the tank. In other cases, external devices may be used to apply a force to the fluid within the tank to facilitate the flow of liquid cryogenic fluid from the tank.

The at least one dispensing member may be configured to remain in an elevated position relative to the tank engaging member at least during operation of the system and to dispense the gaseous cryogenic fluid out of the system, i.e., to and through the dispensing member of the housing.

The cryogenic fluid transfer system further includes a vaporizer module that fluidly connects the tank engagement member and the distribution member in a gas-tight manner. For example, the tank engagement member and the distribution member may be connected by a piping member configured for use with a cryogenic fluid. In order to enable the received liquid cryogenic fluid to be converted to gaseous cryogenic fluid, the gasifier module may include a boiling member configured to allow the liquid cryogenic fluid received in the boiling member to boil and gasify into unpressurized gaseous cryogenic fluid that is pushed from the boiling member to the distribution member.

The cryogenic fluid delivery system 100 of the present example is best shown in fig. 2-5B and includes a tank engagement member 110, a distribution member 120, and a vaporizer module 130 fluidly connecting the tank engagement member 110 and the distribution member 120. Tank engagement member 110 is configured to effect a fluid-tight connection with cryogenic fluid tank 20 so as to effect fluid communication between cryogenic fluid tank 20 and cryogenic fluid delivery system 100. In some cases, the tank engagement member 110 may be configured to connect to a tank connector apparatus fitted around the neck of a cryogenic fluid tank, as will be further discussed with respect to fig. 8A-10C.

Generally, the distribution member of the cryogenic fluid delivery system may be configured to receive the cryogenic gas from the gasifier module and distribute the cryogenic gas to the exterior of the gasifier module. In some cases, the dispensing arrangement may be configured to provide a continuous flow of gas, while in other cases the dispensing device may be configured to provide bursts of gas of different intensities.

The distribution member 120 is configured to receive the gaseous cryogenic fluid from the gasifier module 130 and to urge the gaseous cryogenic fluid in a gas-tight manner toward and out of the distribution portion 18 of the enclosure 12. In the present example, the distribution member 120 is comprised of at least one outlet 122 configured to enable gaseous cryogenic fluid to flow from the boiling chamber 140 to the at least one gas outlets 17A and 17B of the distribution portion 18 at about atmospheric pressure.

Generally, the gasifier module may be formed as a gas-impermeable tubing configured to enable cryogenic fluid to flow in the tubing from the tank engaging member to the distribution member. To this end, the gasifier module may be formed of a material suitable for working with a cryogenic fluid. It is emphasized that the system may operate solely by the travel of the cryogenic fluid inside the gasifier module, which travel occurs solely by the pressure generated by the ambient gasification of the cryogenic fluid inside the tank.

The vaporizer module may include a liquid-receiving portion and a gas-releasing portion. The liquid receiving portion may include a safety relief valve having a pressure relief valve configured to enable the cryogenic fluid to be released from the liquid receiving portion when the pressure within the liquid receiving portion rises above a threshold.

The liquid receiving portion (labeled 132 in fig. 3) of the exemplary vaporizer module 130 of the present invention comprises: a system connection portion 133 adapted to be connected to the cryogenic fluid tank 20 as will be described in detail below; a liquid outlet 134; a stopcock 135 configured to enable a user to manually block fluid flow to the system; a pressure reducing valve 136 configured to open in the event that the pressure in the liquid receiving portion 132 is dangerously high (i.e., above 22 PSI) so as to direct the liquid cryogenic fluid from the liquid receiving portion 132 to the outside of the system. The gas release portion of the present example is constituted by the dispensing member 120 of the system.

Generally, the vaporizer module may be configured with a boiling chamber in which a liquid cryogenic fluid may boil in a controlled manner and convert to a gaseous cryogenic fluid. The boiling chamber may be configured to have a liquid receiving portion configured to enable liquid cryogenic fluid to accumulate in the gas releasing portion and a gas releasing portion configured to allow the liquid cryogenic fluid accumulated in the gas releasing portion to boil into gaseous cryogenic fluid and to facilitate delivery of the gaseous cryogenic fluid in a non-pressurized manner toward the dispensing member. The term "unpressurized" as used herein means that the gaseous cryogenic fluid can flow through the dispensing member of the system and out the dispensing portion of the enclosure, at least by pressure created solely by boiling occurring in the gas release portion of the boiling chamber.

The boiling chamber may comprise a liquid receiving vessel and a gas distribution vessel in fluid communication with each other. The liquid receiving vessel may constitute a liquid receiving portion of the boiling chamber and be in fluid communication with the liquid receiving portion at one portion of the liquid receiving vessel and with the gas distribution vessel at a different portion of the liquid receiving vessel. The liquid-receiving vessel may be configured to receive and accumulate liquid cryogenic fluid in the liquid-receiving vessel in a manner that mitigates boiling of the liquid cryogenic fluid within the liquid-receiving vessel.

The gas distribution vessel may constitute a gas release portion and be in fluid communication with the receiving vessel for receiving liquid cryogenic fluid from the receiving vessel and in fluid communication with the distribution member for enabling distribution of gaseous cryogenic gas from the distribution member. The gas distribution vessel may be configured to allow a cryogenic liquid positioned therein to boil into its gaseous form in a controlled manner. The gas distribution container may include side walls that may be configured to have dimensions suitable for positioning and/or fitting in close proximity to the outer envelope of the housing (and more particularly, in close proximity to the elongated neck of the housing) so as to achieve ambient heat transfer between the exterior of the housing and the interior space of the container.

The liquid receiving container and the gas dispensing container may be connected to each other in such a way that: only when the liquid receiving container is approximately full, will liquid begin to flow into the gas distribution container. In one example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the gas distribution container can be positioned on top of the liquid receiving container, and more specifically, at least a portion of the top panel of the liquid receiving container constitutes at least a portion of the bottom panel of the gas distribution container. In other examples, the liquid receiving container and the gas dispensing container may be fluidly connected by a fluid impermeable tubing element.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4A-4B, the vaporizer module 130 includes a boiling chamber 140 configured to allow a liquid cryogenic fluid positioned in the boiling chamber to boil into a gaseous cryogenic fluid. In the present example, the boiling chamber 140 is configured to be positioned within the elongated neck 19 of the housing 12. In this example, the boiling chamber has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the elongated neck 19. The boiling chamber 140 includes a liquid receiving vessel 150 and a gas distribution vessel 160 fluidly connected to the liquid receiving vessel 150 in a fluid-tight manner.

The liquid receiving container 150 is formed as a cylinder defining a central axis X passing vertically therethrough, and includes a bottom divider 152, a top divider 153, and a sidewall 154 extending between the bottom and top dividers and having a first inner diameter D1. A liquid inlet 155 through which liquid cryogenic fluid can enter from the tank via the liquid receiving portion 132 is formed in the bottom partition 152, and a liquid outlet 156 is formed at the top partition 153 of the liquid receiving container. Both the liquid inlet 155 and the liquid outlet 156 are concentric with the central axis X. The gas distribution container 160 is also formed as a cylinder and includes a bottom partition 162, a top partition 163, and a sidewall 164 extending between the bottom and top partitions and having a second inner diameter D2 greater than D1, which constitute an upper surface of the top partition 153 of the liquid receiving container 150. The bottom partition 162 includes a liquid inlet 165 fluidly connected to the liquid outlet 156, and the top partition 163 includes gas outlets 122A and 122B that together comprise the dispensing member 120. The liquid inlet 165 is also concentric with the central axis X and forms a connecting channel 170 with the liquid outlet 156 of the liquid receiving container 150. The gas distribution vessel 160 includes at least one connector 168 configured to enable integration of an add-on to the system.

Generally, the boiling chamber may further comprise a blocking arrangement configured to selectively block fluid communication between the liquid receiving container and the gas dispensing container when a predetermined amount of liquid is positioned within the gas dispensing tank. Thus, when the liquid receiving container is filled to such an extent that liquid cryogenic fluid enters the gas distribution container, and when sufficient cryogenic fluid enters, the blocking arrangement blocks the fluid path. Thus, the liquid cryogenic fluid within the vessel absorbs latent heat and evaporates into gaseous form. Then, since the liquid-gas expansion ratio of the cryogenic gas is large, the gaseous cryogenic fluid itself is self-pressurized to exit the gas outlet of the gas distribution chamber, pass through the distribution member, and out of the system.

The blocking arrangement may comprise a measuring element and a blocking element. The measuring element is configured to measure an amount of liquid in the gas distribution container and to actuate the blocking element when a predetermined amount of liquid is measured, and the blocking element is configured to block fluid communication between the liquid receiving container and the gas distribution container when actuated by the measuring element.

As shown in fig. 4A to 4C, the boiling chamber 140 further includes a flow blocking member 200 configured to have an allowable state in which the fluid can flow into the gas distribution container 160 and a blocking state in which the fluid is blocked from flowing into the gas distribution container 160 so as to enable boiling of the liquid cryogenic fluid positioned in the gas distribution container. The flow prevention member 200 includes a float 210 positioned in the gas distribution container 160 and a plug member 220 positioned in the liquid receiving container 150. Float 210 is configured to rise with the liquid level in gas distribution vessel 160 and thus constitutes a measuring element for measuring the amount of liquid in the gas distribution vessel. Plug member 220 is configured to fit onto liquid outlet 156 of the liquid receiving container so as to selectively prevent liquid from flowing from the liquid outlet toward gas distribution container 160 when actuated by float 210.

Float 210 is configured to have a size suitable for operation with cryogenic fluid and is formed of a material suitable for operation with cryogenic fluid while allowing the float to float in a type of cryogenic fluid stored in a cryogenic fluid tank. Where the cryogenic fluid is nitrogen, the float may be formed from an engineering thermoplastic such as polyoxymethylene. Float 210 is configured to have a slightly smaller but similar shape than gas distribution vessel 160 to prevent float 210 from angulating with sidewall 164 of gas distribution vessel 160 while forming gap 180 between float 210 and sidewall 164 through which gaseous cryogenic fluid can pass. Float 210 includes a third inner diameter D3 that is smaller than second inner diameter D2 of gas distribution vessel 160 and larger than first inner diameter D1. The distances D2-D3 are configured to be sufficient to enable vaporization of the liquid cryogenic fluid located below the float 210 and to enable the vaporized gaseous cryogenic fluid to be urged toward the dispensing member 120. In the present example, float 210 is formed from a hollow body 211 having a cap 212 that fits tightly over the hollow body. In general, the measuring element and the blocking element may be constituted by two different elements in wired or wireless electrical communication with each other. For example, the float and plug may communicate wirelessly with each other, and when the float reaches a distance from the bottom partition of the gas distribution container, the float may signal the plug to block the liquid outlet. In some cases, the measuring element and the preventing element may be physically connected to form a single element, wherein the preventing element may be located in the liquid receiving container and the measuring element may be located in the gas dispensing container with a connecting member connecting the measuring element and the preventing element via the connecting channel. In some cases, the length of the connecting element may be varied in order to bring the float and plug closer to each other or further away from each other.

In the present invention, the float 210 and the plug member 220 are connected via a connecting member 230 having a top end connected to the float 210 and a bottom end constituted by the plug member 220. The connection member 230 extends through the connection channel 170 along a vertical axis X and has a gas distribution section 231 positioned within the gas distribution chamber and a liquid receiving section 232 positioned within the liquid receiving container 150. In the admitted state, the gas distribution section 231 is configured to have a length L1, and in the blocked state, the gas distribution section 231 is configured to have a length L2 that is greater than L1, wherein the length L2-L1 determines the distance that the float should rise so that the plug reaches and blocks the liquid outlet 156. In the present example, the liquid receiving section 232 of the connection member 230 is configured with a spring 234 element threadably connected to the connection member, the spring element being configured to apply a force opposite to the lifting force applied to the connection member 230 by the float in the blocked state so as to promote smooth operation of the flow blocking member 200 and transition between the states of the flow blocking member. In other examples, float 210 is configured with sufficient weight to provide sufficient gravity to facilitate transition between smooth operation and state.

According to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, the apparatus can include an insulation arrangement surrounding any of the gasification module sections. In particular, the device may comprise an insulation arrangement surrounding the boiling chamber, the insulation arrangement being configured to selectively provide an insulation layer between the boiling chamber and an outer housing of the device. The insulating arrangement may be configured to have a retracted state in which the boiling chamber side wall is immediately adjacent to the outer shell of the housing and only air separates the boiling chamber from the outer shell. The insulation arrangement may also be configured to have a deployed state in which the retractable layer surrounds at least a portion of the boiling chamber. The retractable layer may be configured with thermal insulation properties for slowing the boiling rate of the cryogenic fluid within the boiling chamber, thereby resulting in less gaseous cryogenic fluid being dispensed through the device. In other cases, the retractable layer may be configured with heat transfer characteristics for accelerating the boiling rate of the cryogenic fluid within the boiling chamber, thereby causing more gaseous cryogenic fluid to be dispensed through the device.

The insulation arrangement may include a deployment mechanism configured to selectively deploy and retract the retractable layer around any portion of the boiling chamber. The deployment mechanism may be configured to deploy the retractable layer to a desired degree between a fully deployed in which the retractable layer at least completely surrounds the gas distribution chamber and a non-deployed in which the retractable layer may be fully retracted within the deployment mechanism, or away from the gas distribution chamber. In some cases, the deployment mechanism may be constituted by a scrolling mechanism, or by a sleeve that can be manipulated vertically to fit over and remove from the gas distribution chamber.

In an example of the invention, the device further comprises an insulation arrangement 250, which is in the deployed state in fig. 5A and in the retracted state in fig. 5B. The insulating arrangement 250 comprises an operating mechanism 251 and a retractable layer 252 having a cylindrical shape and sized to fit between the liquid receiving container 150 and the outer shell of the housing 12 so as to enclose the entire liquid receiving container 150. The steering mechanism 251 of the present example is illustrated as a scrolling mechanism (in which one side of the retractable layer 252 is fixedly attached) and is configured to receive approximately the entire retractable layer 252 in the deployed state and to deploy approximately the entire retractable layer 252 in the deployed state. The steering mechanism 251 of the present invention is manually operated by actuating the handle 253 without the need for electrical power, thereby enabling a user to determine the extent to which the retractable layer 252 encloses the gas dispensing container 160.

Generally, the cryogenic fluid delivery system may include a cryogenic gas conservation module that may be configured to extend the amount of time that each cryogenic fluid tank may be used. The low temperature gas saving module may be transited between an accumulation state in which the boiling chamber may accumulate cold in the form of ice and/or cold air around the boiling chamber due to strong cold within the boiling chamber and a distribution state in which cooling is performed by the convection device. The low temperature gas saving module may be configured to utilize the accumulated cold in order to cool the surrounding environment without using the low temperature fluid, which means that the low temperature fluid flow may be prevented when the low temperature gas saving module is operated. The low temperature gas saving module may be operated by: at least one flow generator is actuated which generates a flow of air to be cooled by the cold within the device and delivers the flow of air to the external ambient environment of the device, while a cryogenic valve is used in order to reduce and/or prevent the flow of cryogenic fluid towards the boiling chamber. The accumulated cold convection can also raise the temperature of the boiling chamber and its surroundings in a temperature range that is preferred for smooth operation of the boiling chamber.

The low temperature gas saving module may be configured to operate by electricity, which may originate from an external power grid, from a self-generating or from a battery forming part of the system. In some cases, power may be generated during operation of the boiling chamber and discharged during activation of the low temperature gas saving module. In the case where a battery is available to power the low temperature gas saving module, the system may include two battery compartments configured such that one battery can power the module while the other battery can be charged outside the system.

In some cases, the cryogenic gas conservation module may be configured with a thermal sensor in electronic communication with the cryogenic valve and the convection device. In such cases, when the temperature of the boiling chamber falls below a predetermined threshold, the cryogenic gas conservation module provides instructions to the cryogenic valve to prevent or substantially reduce flow from the tank toward the boiling chamber while activating the convection device.

In an example of the present invention, as shown in fig. 6A to 6C, the low temperature gas saving module 110 'interconnects the tank joint member 110 and the boiling chamber 140 through the low temperature valve 116'. The cryogenic valve 116' is connected to the valve engine box 112' in which there is a motor (not shown) configured to operate the cryogenic valve 116 '. The at least one convection member 119' may be positioned adjacent to the boiling chamber and may be configured to operate when transferring cold from within the air conditioning apparatus to outside the air conditioning apparatus. A communication module (not shown) is positioned within the valve engine box 112' and is configured to receive information about the amount of cold accumulated around the boiling chamber 140 via a temperature sensor (also not shown) and communicate with the convection device 119' and the motor of the cryogenic valve 116', respectively.

As shown in fig. 6B, the amount of cold (C) accumulated on the boiling chamber 140 is insufficient to cause sufficient cooling to the outside of the system, and thus, normal operation of the system 100 occurs, flowing liquid cryogenic fluid toward the boiling chamber (arrow L) and flowing gaseous cryogenic fluid toward the dispensing member (arrow G). In this case, the cryogenic valve 116 is open (in this case normally open) and the convection device is not operated.

As shown in fig. 6C, the amount of cold (C) accumulated on the boiling chamber 140 is now sufficient to cause sufficient cooling to the outside of the system, and thus, the low temperature gas saving module 110' transitions to the dispensing state. In the dispensing state, liquid cryogenic fluid flow (arrow L) towards the boiling chamber is prevented (arrow L). In this case, the cryogenic valve 116 is closed and the convection device 119 is operated to transfer heat to the outside of the enclosure.

Fig. 7A and 7B illustrate a typical cryogenic fluid tank for use with the apparatus of the present invention. The cryogenic fluid tank 20 comprises an outer jacket 21 and an inner fluid retaining vessel 22, between which an isolation layer (not shown) may be present. The inner fluid-holding vessel 22 forms a neck portion 23 together with the outer jacket 21, defining an opening of the inner fluid-holding vessel 22, and is formed with an inlet tube 24 extending from the neck portion into the inner fluid-holding vessel 22 almost to the bottom thereof.

In accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter, a tank engagement member of a cryogenic fluid delivery system can be configured to be removably attached to a cryogenic fluid tank in a fluid-tight manner in a manner that selectively allows cryogenic fluid to flow out of the tank and into the system. To this end, the cryogenic fluid tank may be configured with a tank connector apparatus to which a tank engagement member of the cryogenic fluid delivery system may be connected to enable the system to be attached and removed from the tank in a manner that is quick and convenient for a user without exposing the cryogenic fluid stored within the tank to the environment. The tank connector apparatus may include a coupling element configured to fixedly attach the tank connector apparatus to the cryogenic fluid tank.

Generally, a tank connector apparatus that may be configured to be attached to a cryogenic fluid tank in a fluid-tight manner may include a tank attachment arrangement configured to fit around a neck of the tank and a fluid extraction module configured to facilitate the flow of a fluid cryogenic fluid from the tank through the body and to the exterior of the body in a controlled manner. The tank attachment arrangement may comprise a central tunnel passing along a vertical axis of the tank attachment arrangement for enabling fluid to flow through the central tunnel.

In some cases, the fluid extraction module may be fitted within the central tunnel in a fluid-tight manner, and may have a fluid inlet portion protruding vertically from the tank-facing surface in a direction away from the tank-facing surface and a fluid outlet portion protruding vertically from the tank-facing surface in a direction away from the tank-facing surface. The fluid inlet portion may be configured to be received within the inner vessel and operate to allow the cryogenic fluid to flow from the inner vessel toward the fluid outlet portion. The fluid outlet portion may be configured to be in fluid communication with at least one fluid distribution member that operates to selectively enable cryogenic fluid to flow out of the tank connector apparatus.

One example of a tank connector apparatus 300 of the presently disclosed subject matter is shown in fig. 8A and 8B as attached to a cryogenic fluid tank 20 and shown in fig. 9A and 9B with a system connection portion 400 of a tank engagement member 110. The tank connector apparatus 300 comprises a cap-like body 310 having a sidewall 311 extending between a system-facing surface 312 and an opposite tank-facing surface 313. The side wall 311 is sized to fit snugly within the neck portion 23. The sidewall further includes a skirt 314 protruding laterally outward from a portion of the sidewall 311 above the tank-facing surface 313, extending to a degree sufficient to be positioned on top of the neck portion 23, while a portion of the neck below the skirt 314 defines a neck fitting portion 315 configured to fit tightly in the neck portion 23 when the tank connector apparatus 300 is attached to the cryogenic fluid tank 20. The skirt 314 includes a bottom surface having a circumferential groove (not shown) with a sealing band positioned therein to prevent fluid leakage from the cryogenic fluid tank when the cap body 310 is attached to the cryogenic fluid tank 20.

The cap body 310 further includes a pressure gauge 316, a one-way valve 317, and at least one pressure relief valve 318 that extend from the outside through into an interior space formed within the cap body 310 and are in fluid communication with three gas-permitting holes (two of which 315A and 315B are shown) formed in a tank-facing surface 313 of the cap body 310 (which is hollow in the present example) and enable fluid communication with the internal fluid holding vessel 22 when attached to a tank.

Generally, the coupling element of the tank connector apparatus may be constituted by an integral part of the cap-like body, such as an extension of the skirt, which extension may be screwed onto the neck portion of the tank. In other cases, the coupling element may be implemented by having any attachment means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. More specifically, the coupling element may have at least a portion of the coupling element configured to be placed against the cap-like body from inside the cap-like body or from outside the cap-like body, and at least a portion of the coupling element configured to be placed against the neck portion from inside the neck portion or from outside the neck portion. The coupling element may be configured with a fastening arrangement that operates to increase the attachment of the can attachment arrangement to the neck portion.

In the present example, the tank connector apparatus 300 comprises a coupling element 320 configured as a fastening clamp formed by two semicircles 321A and 321B pivotally connected to each other at one end thereof and having a fastening arrangement 324 at the other end thereof. Each semicircle of the coupling element 320 is configured to have an upper edge protruding laterally inwards from its top end and configured to fit over the skirt 314 of the cap-like body, and a bottom edge protruding laterally inwards from its bottom surface and configured to rest against a portion of the neck portion of the can, which in the present example is one of a plurality of circumferential grooves 25 embedded in the neck portion 23, enabling such an assembly.

Generally, the liquid extraction module may include a tank-facing portion and an attachment portion. In some examples, the tank-facing portion may extend perpendicularly outwardly from the tank-facing surface to a degree sufficient to reach approximately the bottom of the internal fluid holding vessel when connected to the tank, so that the tank-facing portion is capable of drawing liquid even when a small amount of cryogenic liquid is present in the tank. In other examples, the tank engaging member of the system may be constituted by a flexible hose, and the portion facing the tank may be fixed, so as to enable easy detachment of the flexible hose from the cryogenic fluid tank, and to enable easy attachment of the flexible hose, as the cryogenic fluid tank may be positioned in a radius rather than at a specific point, so that the flexible hose reaches the cryogenic fluid tank.

The attachment portion of the liquid extraction module t may face outwardly of the system-facing surface while being flush with, protruding from, or embedded in the system-facing surface. The attachment portion may include a receiving shaft bore configured to fittingly receive a corresponding engagement member of the cryogenic fluid delivery system in a gas-tight manner. The corresponding engagement member of the cryogenic fluid delivery system may have a shape complementary to the receiving shaft bore and the receiving shaft bore may be configured with a flow prevention mechanism configured to prevent fluid flow through the flow prevention mechanism when the corresponding engagement member is not fully engaged therewith.

In the present example, the tank connector apparatus 300 comprises a liquid extraction module t 340, concentric with the central vertical axis X', passing through the cap body 310 from the system facing surface 312 to the tank facing surface 313. The liquid extraction module t 340 comprises a tank-facing portion constituted by a tube 330 extending vertically downwards from the tank-facing surface 313 of the cap-like body 310. The tube 330 includes a height H3 slightly greater than the height H2 of the internal fluid holding vessel 22, the height H3 being sufficient to reach approximately the bottom of the internal fluid holding vessel to enable extraction of liquid even when the amount of liquid in the internal fluid holding vessel 22 is low.

The attachment portion of the liquid extraction module 340 includes a receiving shaft bore 350 embedded within the system-facing surface 312 of the cap body 310, the receiving shaft bore having a quick connector (not shown) interconnecting the receiving shaft bore 350 with the tube 330. The receiving shaft bore 350 is configured with sloped side walls 351 that converge into a bottom bore 352 leading to the selective connector 355. The top surface of the sloped sidewall 351 is configured with a guide edge 353 that protrudes vertically upward from the system-facing surface 312 to enable a corresponding element to be guided into the receiving shaft hole 350. The alternative connector 355 of the present example is configured to selectively allow fluid to pass through the alternative connector only when the corresponding engagement element is fitted therein.

Generally, the tank engagement member of the cryogenic fluid transfer system may be comprised of a system connector portion configured to form a detachable flow path with the tank connector apparatus 300. The system connection portion may include a connector body having a system side surface and a tank facing surface. The system side surface may be configured with a system connector configured to enable fluid-tight connection to a cryogenic fluid delivery system, and more particularly to a gasifier module. The tank-facing surface may include a corresponding engagement element protruding vertically from the tank-facing surface and configured to fit tightly in a fluid-tight manner in the receiving shaft bore of the tank securing portion, and more particularly, with at least a portion of the corresponding engagement element fitting tightly through a hole at the bottom of the receiving shaft bore.

In an example of the present invention, the tank engagement member of cryogenic fluid transfer system 100 is configured to include a system connection portion 400 configured to engage tank connector apparatus 300. The system connection portion 400 includes a body 410 having a sidewall 411 extending between a system facing surface 412 and a tank facing surface 413, the tank facing surface 413 having a circumference that matches or is larger than the system facing surface 312 of the tank connector apparatus 300. To achieve a fluid-tight connection between the system connection 400 and the tank connector apparatus 300, the system-facing surface 312 of the cap body 310 includes a circumferential groove 319 that extends around the circumference of the system-facing surface and has a sealing band 319A that fits tightly in the circumferential groove.

The system connection portion 400 includes a corresponding engagement element 415 protruding from the tank-facing surface 413 and a system connector (not shown) protruding from the system-facing surface 412, both of which extend along and are concentric with the central vertical axis X'. The corresponding engagement element 415 includes a shaft hole mating portion 414 configured to have a cross section that mates with the receiving shaft hole 350 so as to fit tightly therein, and the corresponding engagement element 415 is configured to mate with the selective connector 355.

Generally, the tank connector apparatus may be configured with an extension mechanism configured to be manipulated between a retracted state in which the system connection portion is remote from the tank engagement member so that the tank can be removed with or without the tank engagement member, and an assembled state in which the system connection portion is assembled to the tank engagement member in a gas-tight manner. In some cases, the system connection portion may constitute an extension mechanism, wherein in the retracted state, at least the engagement element is distal to the system connector to a first extent, and in the assembled state, the engagement element is distal to the system connector to a second extent that is greater than the first extent, while still providing a fluid-tight passageway from the engagement element and out of the system connector.

Another example of a tank connector apparatus 300' of the presently disclosed subject matter attached to a cryogenic fluid tank 20 is shown in fig. 10A-10C. Tank connector apparatus 300 includes an extendable body 310 having a sidewall 311 extending between a system facing surface 312 and an opposite tank facing surface 313. The side wall 311 is sized to fit snugly within the neck portion 23. The body also includes a skirt 314 that projects laterally outwardly from the system-facing surface 312 to a degree sufficient to be positioned on top of the neck portion 23.

Generally, the tank connector apparatus may be connected to the neck of the cryogenic fluid tank by fitting tightly in the neck portion in a fluid-tight manner. In some cases, the can connector apparatus may be configured to increase its diameter to press against the inner wall of the neck portion and thereby provide a fluid tight seal. The tank connector apparatus may have a rigid core and a compressible envelope, wherein the compressible envelope is designed to fit onto the rigid core in such a way that it can be compressed in order to increase its diameter. In some cases, the portion of the tank connector apparatus 300' intended to be compressed against the sidewall may be configured with a rigid surface for increasing friction between the portion and the sidewall.

In the present example, the body includes a rigid hollow tunnel 370 having an inner wall 371, a tank-facing portion 370A, and an exterior-facing portion 370B. The rigid hollow tunnel 370 passes from the system-facing surface 312 through the body to the tank-facing surface 313 along its vertical axis X, and the compressible outer housing 372 is held on the rigid hollow tunnel by a bottom nut 373 attached to the rigid hollow tunnel 370. The extendable body 310 is configured to be transitionable between a conventional state in which the extendable body has a first diameter and an extendable state in which the extendable body has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, thereby enabling the extendable body to fit snugly within the neck portion 23. The body is configured to compress from a conventional state to an extendable state by a fastening nut 374 threaded onto threads on the outwardly facing portion 370B of the rigid hollow tunnel 370. The fastening nut 374 includes a lateral handle 374A to enable a user to change the state of the body from a conventional state to an extendable state.

The tank connector apparatus 300 'further includes a gas containing portion 375 (or fluid outlet) configured to receive the cryogenic gas from the cryogenic fluid tank and enable the cryogenic gas to be released to the exterior of the tank connector apparatus 300' in a selective manner. The gas containing portion 375 includes a pressure gauge 316 and a check valve 317 that extend from the outside into an inner space formed within the gas containing portion 375, and at least one pressure reducing valve 318.

The tank connector apparatus 300' includes a liquid extraction member 330 composed of a tube having a smaller diameter than the inner space of the gas containing portion 375. The liquid extraction member 330 includes a top portion having an attachment portion that protrudes from a top surface of the gas containing portion 375 and is identical to the attachment portion of the liquid extraction module t 340. The liquid extraction member 330 also includes a bottom portion that extends vertically away from the tank-facing surface 313 of the body 310 and is aligned with the vertical axis of the body. The liquid extraction member 330 and the inner wall 371 of the rigid hollow tunnel 370 are concentric and spaced apart from each other over their entire length so as to enable the flow of cryogenic gas from the cryogenic fluid tank to the gas containing portion 375 (as shown in fig. 10C) in this space.

Claims

b. at least one dispensing member configured to dispense cryogenic fluid to the exterior of the system and, optionally, remain in an elevated position relative to the tank engagement member at least during operation of the system; and

c. a vaporizer module fluidly connected to the tank engagement member and the at least one distribution member and comprising a boiling chamber having a liquid receiving portion configured to receive a liquid cryogenic fluid and a gas releasing portion allowing the liquid cryogenic fluid positioned in the gas releasing portion to boil into a gaseous cryogenic fluid and facilitating transport of the gaseous cryogenic fluid in a non-pressurized manner towards the at least one distribution member, wherein the boiling chamber comprises:

i. a liquid receiving container constituting the liquid receiving portion,

The liquid receiving vessel includes a liquid cryogenic fluid inlet in fluid communication with the tank engagement member and a liquid outlet;

a gas release container constituting the gas release portion,

the gas release container includes a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the liquid outlet of the liquid receiving container and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the dispensing member; and

a flow blocking member configured to selectively block fluid communication between the liquid receiving container and the gas releasing container when a predetermined amount of liquid is contained within the gas distribution tank.

2. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of claim 1, wherein the flow prevention member comprises a float member located within the gas release vessel and a plug member located within the liquid receiving vessel and connected to the float member by a connecting element, wherein the plug member is configured to have a shape suitable for plugging the liquid outlet of the liquid receiving vessel.

3. The cryogenic fluid delivery system of claim 2, wherein the liquid receiving vessel is positioned adjacently below the gas release vessel and the liquid outlet of the liquid receiving vessel is positioned adjacently below the fluid inlet of the gas release vessel.

4. A cryogenic fluid transfer system according to claim 3, wherein the connecting element is a metal rod extending from the float member through the fluid inlet of the gas release vessel and the liquid outlet of the liquid receiving vessel to the plug member.

5. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of any of claims 2-4, wherein the float member is configured to have a size and density sufficient to allow the float member to float on a type of cryogenic fluid stored in the cryogenic fluid tank.

6. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of claim 5, wherein the float is formed of a material adapted to work with a cryogenic fluid.

7. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of claim 6, wherein the float is formed of polyoxymethylene.

8. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the float member is configured to have a cross section similar to but smaller than a cross section of the gas release vessel.

9. The cryogenic fluid delivery system of any preceding claim, wherein the cryogenic fluid delivery system is exposed to ambient temperature.

10. The cryogenic fluid delivery system of any preceding claim, wherein the cryogenic fluid delivery system is at least partially uninsulated from the environment.

11. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of claim 10 wherein at least a portion of the boiling chamber comprises a boiling rate control arrangement.

12. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of claim 11, wherein the boiling rate control arrangement is configured such that it can be nested on and removed from the boiling chamber.

13. The cryogenic fluid delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a pressurization arrangement configured to controllably apply pressure to the cryogenic fluid within the boiling chamber.

14. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of claim 13, wherein the pressurization arrangement comprises at least one heating element configured to apply heat at least indirectly to an interior of the boiling chamber and a pressure sensor configured to measure a gas pressure within the interior of the boiling chamber.

15. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the pressurization arrangement is configured to be connected to a separate power source.

16. The cryogenic fluid delivery system of any preceding claim, wherein the cryogenic fluid is a non-toxic cryogenic liquid.

17. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of claim 16, wherein the cryogenic fluid is liquid nitrogen.

18. The cryogenic fluid transfer system of claim 16, wherein the cryogenic fluid is liquid air.

19. The cryogenic fluid delivery system of any preceding claim, wherein the boiling chamber further comprises a safety arrangement configured to prevent liquid cryogenic fluid from exiting the system.

20. An air conditioning apparatus for use with a cryogenic fluid tank, comprising a housing having: a tank receiving portion at a bottom end of the housing, the tank receiving portion configured to hold a cryogenic fluid tank; a hollow neck extending vertically upward from the tank receiving portion and configured to receive at least a portion of the vaporizer module of the cryogenic fluid delivery system of any one of claims 1-19 therein; and a distribution portion at an upper portion of the housing, the distribution portion configured to house the at least one distribution member of the cryogenic fluid delivery system.

21. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 20, wherein the neck includes an elongation mechanism operable to increase and decrease a length of the neck and to correspondingly increase and decrease a distance between the tank receiving portion and the dispensing portion.

22. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the neck is substantially narrower than the canister receiving portion and dispensing head.

23. The air conditioning apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the dispensing portion is configured to be positioned at a distance of 1 to 3 meters above the tank receiving portion at least in operation of the apparatus.

24. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the apparatus further comprises a scale configured to measure an amount of cryogenic fluid stored within the cryogenic fluid tank.

25. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 24, wherein the weight measurement arrangement includes a communication module configured to transmit the measurement to at least one remote device.

26. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the air conditioning apparatus further comprises a low temperature gas saving module configured to transfer cold generated around the boiling chamber due to operation of the boiling chamber to an outside of the housing while preventing a flow of a low temperature fluid toward the boiling chamber.

27. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 26, wherein the low temperature gas saving module comprises:

a cryogenic valve interconnecting the tank engagement member and the boiling chamber and configured to prevent fluid flow of the tank engagement member and the boiling chamber when a predetermined amount of cold is accumulated around the boiling chamber; and a convection device configured to generate an air flow for conveying the accumulated cold to the outside of the enclosure.

28. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 27, wherein the cryogenic valve is normally open and is configured to close when the convection device is operated by electricity.

29. A tank connector apparatus for connecting a cryogenic fluid tank to a cryogenic fluid delivery system external to the tank, the cryogenic fluid tank comprising a neck and an internal fluid holding vessel having a bottom, a top within the neck, and a sidewall extending between the bottom and the top, the system comprising a cryogenic liquid inlet, the tank connector apparatus comprising:

a. a tank attachment arrangement having a central vertical axis and configured to be fitted to the neck of the cryogenic fluid tank in a fluid-tight manner, the tank attachment arrangement having an outwardly facing surface, a tank facing surface, and a central tunnel extending along the vertical axis between the outwardly facing surface and the tank facing surface,

The central tunnel forms a sleeve having a first diameter;

b. a fluid extraction arrangement fitted in a fluid-tight manner within the canister attachment arrangement and having a liquid inlet portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and fitted within the central tunnel and protruding vertically from the canister facing surface in a direction away from the exterior facing surface, and a gas inlet portion, wherein at least a portion of the space formed between the sleeve and the liquid inlet portion constitutes the gas inlet portion; the fluid extraction arrangement further comprises a liquid outlet portion in fluid communication with the liquid inlet portion and a gas outlet portion in fluid communication with the gas inlet portion, the liquid outlet portion being associated with the externally facing surface, the liquid inlet portion being configured to be received within the internal fluid holding vessel and operable to allow cryogenic liquid to flow from the internal fluid holding vessel towards the liquid outlet portion; and

c. at least one fluid distribution member in selective fluid communication with the liquid outlet portion operative to selectively enable cryogenic liquid to flow out of the tank connector arrangement.

30. The tank connector arrangement according to claim 29, wherein the liquid inlet portion protrudes from the tank facing surface a greater distance away from the outer facing surface of the tank attachment arrangement than the inlet portion.

31. The tank connector arrangement according to claim 29, wherein the sleeve is concentric with the liquid inlet portion such that a space between the sleeve and the liquid inlet portion at least partially constituting the gas inlet portion is annular.

32. The tank connector apparatus according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the at least one fluid distribution member comprises a liquid distribution member configured to fittingly receive a corresponding member of the cryogenic fluid delivery system in the liquid distribution member in a liquid-tight manner so as to enable fluid communication between the tank connector apparatus and the cryogenic fluid delivery system.

33. The tank connector apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the liquid dispensing member comprises a transport system engagement member having a liquid flow prevention mechanism configured to prevent liquid flow through the liquid flow prevention mechanism when the corresponding member is not fittingly received in the liquid dispensing member.

34. The tank connector apparatus according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the transport system engagement member is constituted by a receiving shaft hole having a certain cross section, and is configured to closely receive the corresponding member having the same cross section.

35. The tank connector apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the tank attachment arrangement is formed as a hollow body configured to fit snugly onto an outer surface of the neck of the cryogenic fluid tank, and the tank facing surface comprises at least one aperture forming a fluid passage between the internal fluid holding vessel of the cryogenic fluid tank and the hollow body.

36. The tank connector apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the hollow body includes a pressure gauge, a fluid fill tube, and a tank relief valve extending through a sidewall of the body and in fluid communication with corresponding apertures formed in the tank-facing surface of the body.

37. The tank connector arrangement according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the tank attachment arrangement comprises a clamp configured to fit over both the body and the neck of the cryogenic fluid tank, the clamp being operable between a relaxed state in which the tank connector arrangement is able to fit over and remove from the neck of the tank, and a tightened state in which a clamp element presses a portion of the body against the neck, thereby forming a fluid-tight attachment between the body and the neck.

38. A tank connector arrangement according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the tank attachment arrangement comprises an extendable body which is transitionable between a normal state in which the extendable body is adapted to be inserted into the neck of the cryogenic fluid tank and an extended state in which the extendable body is capable of fitting tightly within the neck of the cryogenic fluid tank.

39. The tank connector apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the extendable body is configured to transition from the normal state to the extended state by a fastening arrangement having an upper portion positioned adjacently above the outwardly facing surface and a lower portion positioned adjacently below the tank facing surface, wherein the fastening arrangement is operable to reduce and increase a distance between the upper portion and the lower portion to transition the extendable body between its normal state and extended state.

40. The tank connector apparatus according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the central tunnel of the body is formed of a rigid material and the extendable body is formed as a sleeve surrounding the central tunnel.

41. The tank connector apparatus according to claim 39 or 40, wherein in the normal state the extendable body has a first cross-sectional area and in the extended state the extendable body has a second cross-sectional area that is greater than the first cross-sectional area.