U.S. patent application number 14/724004 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-17 for versatile container and pipe.
The applicant listed for this patent is Andre HOULE. Invention is credited to Andre HOULE.
Application Number | 20150259137 14/724004 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51983703 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150259137 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HOULE; Andre |
September 17, 2015 |
VERSATILE CONTAINER AND PIPE
Abstract
A versatile container a versatile pipe section comprising a
sleeve and a tube inserted into the sleeve, the tube being held in
place using a first capping element at a first end, at least one
mounting element in a middle portion and a second capping element
at a second end. The first and second capping elements are provided
with an opening of a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the
tube for allowing liquid or gas to flow through the tube. Also, a
versatile container comprising a sleeve, at least one liquid or gas
holding compartment adapted to be positioned within the sleeve, the
at least one compartment being held in place using at least one
mounting element. The sleeves are adapted to hold the contents of
the tube or the at least one compartment in case of a leak.
Inventors: |
HOULE; Andre;
(St-Gerard-des-Laurentides, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HOULE; Andre |
St-Gerard-des-Laurentides |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
51983703 |
Appl. No.: |
14/724004 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13907806 |
May 31, 2013 |
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14724004 |
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11819846 |
Jun 29, 2007 |
8453610 |
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13907806 |
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10888115 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
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11819846 |
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60486258 |
Jul 11, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/562 ;
137/551; 220/200; 220/500; 220/694 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/00 20130101;
F28D 20/0034 20130101; B65D 88/00 20130101; B65D 90/501 20130101;
Y10T 137/8158 20150401; Y02E 60/142 20130101; Y02E 60/14 20130101;
F24H 9/0021 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/50 20060101
B65D090/50; B65D 88/00 20060101 B65D088/00; B65D 51/00 20060101
B65D051/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. A versatile container, comprising: a sleeve; at least one liquid
or gas holding compartment adapted to be positioned within said
sleeve, said at least one compartment being held in place using at
least one mounting element; wherein said sleeve is adapted to hold
the contents of said at least one compartment in case of a
leak.
10. The versatile container of claim 9, wherein said sleeve
comprises a removable lid, said at least one compartment being
removable from said sleeve upon removal of said removable lid.
11. The versatile container of claim 9, wherein said sleeve forms
an air-tight space, said air-tight space being filled with an
insulating gas.
12. The versatile container of claim 9, wherein at least one of
said at least one compartment is provided with a temperature
regulating mechanism.
13. The versatile container of claim 9, further comprising a valve
to empty the contents of said sleeve.
14. The versatile container of claim 9, further comprising at least
one sensor for detecting a leak, said at least one sensor being
configured to inform an operator of said leak via a communication
link.
15. The versatile container of claim 9, wherein two or more of said
compartments are interconnected by connecting pipes.
16. The versatile container of claim 9, further comprising
partitions segregating said sleeve into portions associated with
two or more of said compartments.
17. The versatile container of claim 16, wherein each of said
segregated portions is provided with a valve to empty the contents
of said sleeve portion.
18. The versatile container of claim 16, wherein each of said
segregated portions is provided with at least one sensor for
detecting a leak, said at least one sensor being configured to
inform an operator of said leak via a communication link.
19. The versatile container of claim 9, wherein the versatile
container is a fuel tank for one of a motor vehicle, a ship, a
submarine, a plane and a rocket.
20. The versatile container of claim 9, wherein the sleeve is a
hull of a ship, providing a double-hull protecting said ship from
external punctures of the hull.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/907,806 filed on May 31, 2013, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/819,846
filed on Jun. 29, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/888,115 filed on Jul. 9, 2004, which
is a non-provisional application, which claims priority based on
provisional application 60/486,258 filed Jul. 11, 2003, all of
which are herein incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a versatile container and
pipe but more particularly to a versatile container and pipe for
use as tanks, reservoirs, hulls or pipelines.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Hot water tanks have not evolved much in many years. Whether
they are gas, oil or electric, they are basically large reservoirs
containing water and means for warming water. In the case of
electric water tanks, a lower and an upper element alternate to
keep the water evenly warm. An emergency vent on top handles high
pressure while a drain at the bottom is used when emptying the
tank.
[0004] Over the years, a variety of accessories have been developed
to complement the features of a hot water tank such as timers to
start and stop water heating as an energy saving feature and
humidity alarms to detect water leaks and shut off water intake to
the tank.
[0005] One problem remains with existing hot water tanks,
containers and pipes is that they are subject to leaks,
rusting/piercing/breaking.
[0006] Accordingly, there are many improvements to be brought to
the hot water tanks, containers and pipes which already exist in
order to palliate certain inefficiencies with these existing water
tanks, containers and pipes and therefore, there is a need for
improved hot water tank, containers and pipes.
SUMMARY
[0007] In a first embodiment, the disclosure generally relates to a
versatile container, more particularly to a versatile container
having a removable top lid. The container comprises a sleeve; at
least one compartment housed within the sleeve, the compartment
having walls for containing liquid or gas, and wherein the each
compartment is removable from the container upon removal of the top
lid, The sleeve can be sealed or not and has as its particularity
that it can be extremely versatile and can have changeable
compartments with heating means or not. The sleeve can be adapted
to any existing or future compartments of any size or model, with
or without heating means, and has the possibility of having one or
many individual compartments being exchangeable upon
rusting/piercing/breakage, instead of changing the complete
container. The sleeve can also hold the entire contents of the at
least one compartment, if it pierces. The sleeve can also possess a
diversified array of sensors (for example water, fire, electricity,
etc.) and a computer capable of cutting all energy, liquid, solids,
gas or other sources, when, for example, the container leaks. There
can also be a valve to empty the contents of the sleeve or the
container when there is a leak. The computer can report a problem
via Internet, telephone or other such means, to the insurance
company, police, medical and/or fire department, shut off the
energy, liquid, solids, gas or other sources until help arrives.
The container according to the present disclosure can also have a
plurality of interconnecting compartments which progressively warm
up the liquid or gas by way of interconnecting pipes. As the heat
loss from the lower compartments rises, the compartment on the top
level recuperates the heat loss from the air from the middle and
lower level compartments, so as to provide a more economical and
ecological container.
[0008] The container can be sealed or not and it has as its
particularity that it can be extremely versatile and can have
changeable compartments with heating means or not. It may be
adapted to any existing or future compartments of any size or
model, with or without heating means, and having the possibility of
having one or many individual compartments being exchangeable upon
rusting/piercing/breakage instead of changing the complete
container.
[0009] In the first embodiment, the versatile container includes a
plurality of vertically stacked compartments which are lodged
within a sleeve lining the container and providing increased
insulation as well as a safety in case of leaks. The container,
which can be sealed or not, and if sealed, it can be made airtight
or the air can be replaced with a gas to increase its insulation
properties. The vertically stacked compartments are linked together
by interconnecting pipes. Furthermore, as the heat loss from the
lower compartments rises, the compartment on the top level
recuperates the hat loss from the middle and lower level
compartments, so as to provide a more economical and ecological
container by heating the liquid or gas in the upper-most
compartment by convection. The container has a top removable lid
which allows for the removal of the compartments so as to minimize
the amount of disposable material (example: heating elements,
heating means, compartments, etc.) and to facilitate the
maintenance of the compartments and/or the sleeve, thus producing a
more ecologically friendly container. Of course, such an advantage
as a container with a top removable lid could be found on a single
compartment container but would lose some of the advantages of a
multi-compartment container. Optionally, features such as a
humidity detector can warn of a leak and send a signal to
electromechanically shut off the energy sources, liquid, solids,
gas or other to the container. A timer or computer can also be
programmed for partially or totally shut off heating at selected
times. This system can also be used to shut off all kind of energy,
liquid, solids, gas or other sources to the unit, when a problem
arises; example, a compartment leaks. The computer will let know of
the problem via the Internet, and can be programmed by internet to
correct the problem, or can contact by telephone, insurance
company, police, medical and/or fire department, shut off the
energy, liquid, solids, gas or other sources until help
arrives.
[0010] One advantage of a multi-compartment container is that only
one compartment needs to be heated to provide hot liquid or gas on
demand during off peak hours, such as night time when water from
other compartment could be left unheated in order to provide
further energy savings while at the same time providing a quicker
warm-up time since each compartment has its own heating means.
Heating means generally refer to means of generating or
transferring heat to water such as, but not limited to,
electricity, gas, oil, wood, coal, combustible solids, solar,
geothermal, nuclear and so forth. All the heating means can be
activated at the same time there is constant demand for hot liquid
or gas. However, it is not necessary to have heating means on all
the compartments, as the top compartment recuperates the heat from
the lower compartments via the air or the fitted pipes.
[0011] But this concept can also be applied to many other things
such as any type of liquid or gas contained from leaking, like a
double-walled pipeline or pipe, or even a container in or above
ground, lakes, river and ocean or provided or a motor vehicle, a
ship, a submarine, a plane or a rocket tank. This also applies to
stopping the infiltration of gas, liquid or any contaminant.
Another example of this concept is double-hulled boats or even
submarines or tanker trucks that upon rupturing the outer hull, the
inner hull will not be breached and allow anything to enter.
Conversely, rupturing of the inner hull will not breach the outer
hull.
[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
this disclosure will become more readily apparent from the
following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the
disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the
preferred embodiment of the disclosure is shown and described, by
way of examples such as illustrating a specific number compartments
whereas any two or more compartments are defined as
`multi-compartments`. As will be realized, the disclosure is
capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without
departing from the spirit of the disclosure.
[0013] Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded
as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
[0014] Accordingly, there is provided a versatile pipe section,
comprising; [0015] a sleeve; and [0016] a tube inserted into the
sleeve, the tube being held in place using a first capping element
at a first end, at least one mounting element in a middle portion
and a second capping element at a second end, the first and second
capping elements having an opening of a diameter corresponding to
the diameter of the tube for allowing liquid or gas to flow through
the tube; wherein the sleeve is adapted to hold the contents of the
tube in case of a leak.
[0017] There is also provided a versatile pipe section as above,
wherein the tube is removable from the sleeve upon removal of the
first and second capping elements.
[0018] There is further provided a versatile container, comprising:
[0019] a sleeve; [0020] at least one liquid or gas holding
compartment adapted to be positioned within the sleeve, the at
least one compartment being held in place using at least one
mounting element; wherein the sleeve is adapted to hold the
contents of the at least one compartment in case of a leak.
[0021] There is also provided a versatile container as above,
wherein the sleeve comprises a removable lid, the at least one
compartment being removable from the sleeve upon removal of the
removable lid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0022] Embodiments of the disclosure will be described by way of
example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a side cutaway elevation of a first example of a
versatile container in the form of a hot water tank in accordance
with a first illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a side cutaway elevation of a second example of a
versatile container in the form of a hot water tank in accordance
with the first illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of an example of a heat trap;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a side view of an example of a versatile pipe in
the form of a pipeline in accordance with a second illustrative
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sections of the versatile pipe of
FIG. 4 sectioned, respectively, along lines A-A and B-B; and
[0028] FIG. 5 is a side cutaway elevation of an example of a
versatile container in the form of a tanker in accordance with a
third illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] Similar references used in different Figures denote similar
components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, there is provided a first example of a
versatile container in the form of a hot water tank (10). The hot
water tank (10) includes a sleeve (13) in which are vertically
stacked a plurality of compartments (12, 12', 12'') spaced from
each other by an air-tight space (14). The sleeve (13) is
preferably hermetically sealed or air-tight. The sleeve (13) can
adapt to any existing or future water container of any size or
model, with or without heating means, and having the possibility of
having individual or many water compartments being re-changeable
upon rusting/piercing/breaking instead of completely changing the
tank, The sleeve (13) can also contain or hold the entire contents
of the hot water tank if the compartments (12, 12', 12'') are
pierced. Preferably also, there is a valve (28) to empty the
contents when there is a hot water leak in the sleeve. Furthermore,
the sleeve (13) may comprise a diversified array of sensors (29)
(for example water, fire, electricity, etc.) and a computer (29)
capable of cutting all energy, liquid, solids or gas or other
sources, when a problem arises: for example, when a water container
leaks. The computer can inform a user of a problem via internet,
and the user can correct the problem remotely, or contact by
telephone, insurance company, police, medical and/or fire
departments as well as cut off all energy, liquid, solids or gas or
other sources of the water tank (10) until help arrives.
Optionally, features such as a humidity detector can warn of a leak
and send a signal to electromechanically shut off the water supply
to the tank (10), A timer, or the computer (29), can also be
programmed to partially or totally shut off water heating at
selected times.
[0031] The whole sleeve (13) could be sealed or not, and if sealed,
it can be made air-tight and the aft inside (30) can be changed to
a gas to increase insulation. The air-tight space acts to increase
the insulation properties of the compartments (12, 12', 12'').
[0032] Each compartment may further be provided with one or more
heating means (11). The compartments (12, 12'. 12'') are
interconnected by a connecting pipe (16, 16') of a diameter
equivalent to a water inlet pipe (18') or a water outlet pipe (20)
so that water can circulate between compartments (12, 12', 12'') as
fast as it can be taken in by the water inlet pipe (18) or taken
out by the water outlet pipe (20). It is interesting to note that
the connecting pipes (16, 16') may be contained within the
compartments (12, 12', 12''), or, alternatively, may extend between
the sleeve (13) and the compartments (12, 12', 12'').
[0033] The tank (10) is also provided with a top removable lid
(15). The lid (15) can be fastened onto the sleeve (13) by way of
any type of mechanical fasteners adequate for securely attaching
the lid (15) in a non-permanent manner so as to make it removable.
The lid also allows for removal of the compartments (12, 12', 12'')
and the interconnected pipes (16, 16') with heating means or not so
as to minimize the amount of disposal material, (example: heating
elements, heating means, water containers, etc,) thus producing a
more ecologically friendly hot water tank.
[0034] Cold water travels downward from the uppermost compartment
(12) where it becomes warm, by way of the connecting pipe (16) to
the middle compartment (12'') where it becomes warmer. The water
then travels to the lowermost compartment (12''), by way of the
connecting pipe (16') where it is heated to a typical hot water
tank temperature. From the lowermost compartment (12'') it exits by
the outlet pipe (20) for use. As shown in FIG. 3, to reduce water's
tendency to migrate between compartments (12, 12', 12''), a heat
trap (22) is set on connecting pipes (16, 16'). A heat trap (22) is
designed to create an eddy which slows down water circulation, thus
slowing down water migration. It consists of two ends (23, 23')
interfacing with a pipe; in this case, the pipe is the connecting
pipe (16, 16') which is sectioned off to allow insertion of the
heat trap (22). The heat trap (22) is generally formed by two
substantially parallel pipe segments (25, 25') and joining segments
(27, 27').
[0035] When a user uses hot water, the water will be taken from the
lowermost compartment (12'') which will require water from the
middle compartment (12') to replenish it, Therefore, water in the
connecting pipes (16, 16') will travel from a higher compartment,
either the uppermost compartment (12) or the middle compartment
(12'), towards a lower compartment, either the middle compartment
(12') or the lowermost compartment (12'') respectively. However,
when no one uses the water, warmer water will tend to migrate, by
way of the connecting pipes (16, 16'), from the lower compartments,
where it is warmer, to higher compartments, where it is cooler. In
order to slow down the migration, a heat trap (22) is placed within
the path of the connecting pipe (16, 16'), Because of the two paths
water can take in the pipe segments (25, 25'), along with the
direction as indicated by the arrows, an eddy is created by
conflicting tendencies of water having different temperatures. For
example, warm water does not want to travel downwards as it is
forced to do in the pipe segment (25) but it wants to go up as it
does in the pipe segment (25'), which creates an eddy which in turn
tends to draw cooler water rather than letting warmer water migrate
towards cooler water. There is still transfer of heat but it is
slowed down.
[0036] As such, one advantage of a multi-compartment tank is that
only one compartment needs to be heated to provide hot water on
demand during off peak hours, such as night time when water from
other compartments could be left unheated in order to provide
further energy savings while at the same time providing a quicker
warm up time since each compartment has its own heating means,
Heating means generally refer to means of generating or
transferring heat to water such as, but not limited to,
electricity, gas, oil, wood, coal, combustible solids, solar,
geothermal, nuclear and so forth, All the heating means can be
activated at the same time when there is a constant demand for hot
water. However, it is not necessary to have heating means on all
the water containers, as the top container recuperates the heat
from the lower compartments via the air-tight space (14)
surrounding the compartments or the fitted pipes.
[0037] The heat trap (22) can be used on standard hot water tanks
as well as any type of plumbing where heat transfer needs to be
slowed down and can therefore have applications well beyond the
application discussed in this instant disclosure.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is provided a second example
of a versatile container in the form of a hot water tank (10),
which can include the heat traps (22) but where the connecting
pipes (16, 16') run inside the compartments (12, 12', 12'') instead
of outside of as per the first example shown in FIG. 1.
[0039] But this concept can also be applied to many other things
such as any type of liquid or gas contained from leaking, like a
double-walled pipeline or pipe, or even a tank or container in or
above ground, lakes, river and ocean. This also applies to stopping
the infiltration of gas, liquid or any contaminant. Another example
of this concept is double-hulled boats or even submarines or tanker
trucks that upon rupturing the outer hull, the inner hull will not
be breached and not allow anything to enter. Conversely, rupturing
of the inner hull will not breach the outer hull.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B, there is provided a
versatile pipe in the form of pipeline formed of multiple pipeline
sections (30) in accordance with a second illustrative embodiment
of the present disclosure. The pipeline section (30) includes a
sleeve (32) in which is inserted a tube (34) held in place using
one or more mounting elements (36) and, at each end, a capping
element (38) forming a flange. Each capping element (38) has an
opening (39) of a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the
tube (34), thus allowing liquid or gas to flow from one pipeline
section (30) to another when joined, and forming an space (37). The
whole sleeve (32) can be sealed or not, and if sealed, it can be
made air-tight and the air inside space (37) can be changed to a
gas to increase the insulation properties of the tube (34), which
may further be provided with a heater, cooler or other temperature
regulating mechanism (41).
[0041] In the illustrative embodiment the mounting elements (36)
circle the tube (34) in order to support the weight of a liquid,
for example petrol, being transported therein. However, in the case
where the pipeline section (30) is used to transport a gas or is of
small dimension, the mounting elements (36) may be spaced around
the perimeter of the tube (34) and not circle it completely. It is
to be understood that the number, dimensions and spacing of the
mounting elements (36) will depend on the dimensions of the
pipeline section (30) and the liquid or gas being transported
therein. The mounting elements (36) may hold the tube (34) in place
permanently, for example by soldering the mounting elements (36) to
the tube (34) and the sleeve (32), or removably, for example by
soldering the mounting elements (36) to either of the tube (34) or
the sleeve (32), thus allowing the replacement of the tube (34)
(once the capping elements (38) are removed) upon
rusting/piercing/breaking instead of completely changing the
pipeline section (30).
[0042] The sleeve (32) may be provided with a valve (40) to empty
its contents when there is a leak in the tube (34). Furthermore,
the sleeve (32) may comprise a diversified array of sensors (42),
for example liquid or gas detectors, configured to inform an
operator of a problem such as a leak via a wired or wireless
communication link. Advantageously, if a valve (40) and/or sensors
(42) are provided, the mounting elements (36) may be perforated or
include openings so as to allow displacement of any leaked liquid
or gas within the air-tight space (37).
[0043] Individual pipeline sections (30) are connected together by
abutting respective capping elements (38) with a washer
therebetween and bolting them into place, the capping elements (38)
being provided with bolt or rivet holes (44) along its flange for
the use of securing bolts or rivets (46), It is to be understood
that in alternative embodiments the capping elements (38) may be
provided with a connector other than a flange and that other
techniques, mechanisms and means know in the art may be used to
interconnect pipeline sections (30), allowing individual pipeline
sections (30) to be replaced. It is also to be understood that
individual pipeline sections (30) can also be permanently
interconnected.
[0044] It is also to be understood that although reference has been
made to pipeline sections, the preceding can also apply to smaller
diameter pipes, for example water mains or household piping.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 5, there is provided a versatile container
in the form of a tanker (50) in accordance with a third
illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. The tanker (50)
includes a sleeve (52) in which are positioned a one or more
compartments (54) held in place using one or more mounting elements
(56), each compartment (54) having an associated access hatch,
valve or other access mechanism (58) providing access therein. It
is to be understood that an alternative embodiment each compartment
(54) may be provided with multiple access mechanisms. The whole
sleeve (52) can be sealed or not, and if sealed, it can be made
air-tight and the air inside space (57) can be changed to a gas to
increase the insulation properties of the compartments (54). One or
more of the compartments (54) may further be provided with a
heater, cooler or other temperature regulating mechanism (61).
[0046] In the illustrative embodiment the mounting elements (56)
conform to the geometry of the compartments (54) and the sleeve
(52) in order to support the weight of a liquid, for example
petrol, being transported therein. However, in the case where the
tanker (50) is used to transport a gas, the mounting elements (56)
may be spaced around the perimeter of the compartments (54) and
conform to it completely. It is to be understood that the number,
dimensions and spacing of the mounting elements (56) will depend on
the dimensions of the tanker (50) and the liquid or gas being
stored therein. The mounting elements (56) may hold the
compartments (54) in place permanently, for example by soldering
the mounting elements (56) to the compartments (54) and the sleeve
(52), or removably, for example by soldering the mounting elements
(56) to either of the compartments (54) or the sleeve (52), thus
allowing the replacement of the compartments (54) upon
rusting/piercing/breaking. Optionally, two or more of the
compartments (54) may be interconnected by connecting pipes (59),
which may also be provided with remote control valves, for the
distribution of the liquid or gas amongst the compartments (54)
especially in applications where the distribution of weight is
important.
[0047] The tanker (50) may also be provided with a removable lid
(55). The lid (55) can be fastened onto the sleeve (52) by way of
any type of mechanical fasteners adequate for securely attaching
the lid (55) in a non-permanent manner so as to make it removable.
The lid (55) also allows for removal of the compartments (54) and
the interconnected pipes (59), if present, so as to minimize the
amount of disposal material, thus producing a more ecologically
friendly tanker.
[0048] The sleeve (52) may be provided with a valve (60) to empty
its contents when there is a leak in one of the compartments (54).
Furthermore, the sleeve (52) may comprise a diversified array of
sensors (62), for example liquid or gas detectors, configured to
inform an operator of a problem such as a leak via a wired or
wireless communication link. Advantageously, if a valve (60) and/or
sensors (62) are provided, the mounting elements (56) may be
perforated or include openings so as to allow displacement of any
leaked liquid or gas within the air-tight space (57). In an
alternative embodiment, partitions may be added to segregate the
air-tight space (57) for two or more of the compartments (54), in
which case each segregated air-tight space (57) may be provided
with associated valve (60) and/or sensors (62).
[0049] It is to be understood that although reference has been made
to a tanker, the preceding can also apply to other types of liquid
or gas tanks, for example a motor vehicle, a ship, a submarine, a
plane or a rocket tank, as well as in or above ground
reservoirs.
[0050] It is further to be understood that the preceding can also
apply to hulls, providing ships with a double-hull having either a
single or a plurality of segregated compartments, either
longitudinally aligned in a single line or in a plurality of
parallel lines. In the double-hull embodiment, protection is
provided for internal punctures or leaks in one of the
compartments, for example in the case of a tanker ship, as well as
protection from external punctures of the hull. In this embodiment,
the valve (60) may be replaced by a pump to pump any liquid or gas
accumulated in the air-tight space (57).
[0051] Although the present disclosure has been described with a
certain degree of particularity and by way of an illustrative
embodiments and examples thereof, it is to be understood that the
present disclosure is not limited to the features of the
embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all
variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the
disclosure as hereinafter claimed.
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