Abstract:
A non-rigid inflatable gas storage apparatus comprising a plurality of layers of which one is gas impermeable and at least one controllable gas inlet and outlet component wherein the apparatus is substantially spherical when inflated and has a diameter of approximately 10 ft to 40 ft and can store gas at a range of pressure between 140 psi and 500 psi.

Description:
FIELD OF USE 
       [0001]    The apparatus of the present invention is for inflatable spherical containers used to hold gas, particular gas under pressure. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    There is a need for a lightweight, collapsible storage device that can be used to collect compressed gas, store the gas and tow it over the water surface to a collection point. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    The invention pertains to a non-rigid inflatable gas storage apparatus preferably comprising a plurality of gas impermeable layers. In one embodiment, there are at least two layers comprising uniform aligned fibers and the separate layers are oriented in different directions. The apparatus also includes at least one controllable gas inlet and outlet component, and the apparatus is substantially spherical when inflated and, in one embodiment, has a diameter of approximately 10 ft to 40 ft. The apparatus may hold gas within a range of 140 psi to 500 psi. The apparatus is attachable to a gas outlet component of a gas compression system. The gas compression system may be located on the ocean surface utilizing compressors powered by wave motion. The filled gas storage apparatus can be towed across the ocean surface to the shore or other collection point. Reference  FIG. 5 . 
     
     
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  illustrates the construction of a spherical gas storage apparatus. In one version, the surface is comprised of a series of interlocking segments comprising five and six sided segments. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  illustrates a second embodiment wherein the spherical gas storage apparatus comprises a series of elongated wedge shaped devices with two circular end pieces. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  illustrates the multiple layer construction of the apparatus wall. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  illustrates the tongue and groove construction technique of one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  illustrates the use of the gas storage apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    This disclosure incorporates application Ser. No. 11/473,357 entitled Ocean Wave Energy Converter filed Jun. 22, 2006. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment of the invention, the gas storage apparatus comprises a single layer formed in a spherical shape. The spherical shape is selected because it can hold the greatest volume within a given surface area. The walls of the apparatus may be substantially inelastic. Some elasticity may be advantageous as the gas volume changes with temperature. The wall may be fiber reinforced. The fiber reinforcement may be in a single helical pattern or may comprise a second counter wound helical pattern. 
         [0011]    The apparatus may be comprised of rubber or preferably a lightweight gas impermeable material such as a polymer. 
         [0012]    The apparatus also includes a gas inlet port. This port may be sealably closed. It may also serve as an outlet port for the gas. It will be appreciated that the gas will be stored in the apparatus at a positive pressure. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the walls of the apparatus will comprise multiple layers. Again, the layers will be non-rigid and inflatable. When inflated, the apparatus will form a spherical shape, although other shapes are contemplated by the invention. 
         [0014]    At least one of the layers may be fiber reinforced. 
         [0015]    The apparatus may also contain a pressure relief valve. 
         [0016]    The walls of the apparatus may contain line attachment points or components for towing lines. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example of the apparatus comprised of multiple segments shaped in pentagrams and hexagrams. Other shapes are possible. The segments may be joined by sewing, adhesive tape, fuse bonding or similar process. This may form a first inner layer of a multi-part apparatus wall system.  FIG. 2  illustrates the spherical apparatus  80  comprised of multiple 5 sided  85  and 6 sided  86  segments. 
         [0018]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment wherein the wall of the apparatus  80  is not monolithic but is made of separate segments  84 ,  82  bonded or joined together. In one embodiment, the segments  84  are elongated wedge shaped devices narrow at each end and widest at the middle. A top segment  82  is used where the narrowing segment join together. Analogizing to a globe, a series of these shapes can be joined together wherein the narrow ends meet a pole of the sphere and the broad segment forms the equator. Each segment may be fiber reinforced. For example the fibers can be oriented along the length of the segment. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment, a second layer, similarly configured, can be utilized. However, it may be appreciated that the orientation of the segments can be altered by rotating the poles 90°. In this manner, the segment junctures of the separate wall layers do not align. This enhances the strength of the combined wall system of the apparatus. 
         [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates the multiple layers of a wall segment of the apparatus. Illustrated is an outer layer  91  comprising fibers oriented in a first direction. A cut out shows a layer of fibers  92  oriented in a different direction. A third layer  93  shows a woven fiber layer. Also illustrated is a solid or monolithic inner layer  94 . 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, the individual wall segments may comprise a tongue and groove construction. This is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The edge of one segment  85  may have a tongue or protruding strip that fit within a groove contained on the edge of the adjoining segment  86 . The edges of the segments may be joined together by mechanical means such as rivets  87  or similar devices. There may also be reinforcing metal or polymer strips through which the mechanical devices are inserted. In this embodiment, a separate inner liner is installed which is gas impermeable. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, each segment contains a fiber reinforcement component wherein the fibers for each segment are aligned in a single direction. The joined segments, forming the spherical shape, comprise fiber reinforced segments with differing orientations. A second wall can be constructed over the first wall wherein the segment junctures are not contiguous to or do not align with the segment junctures of the first inner layer. It will be appreciated that the orientation of the fiber reinforcement of the second layer will differ from the first inner layer. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, there may be an inner gas impermeable layer protected and reinforced by one or more layers described in the proceeding paragraph. 
         [0024]    The apparatus is not limited in size. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the inflated apparatus is suggested to be between 10 ft and 40 ft in diameter. An apparatus of larger diameters may be difficult to tow due to wind resistance. 
         [0025]      FIG. 5  illustrates the apparatus in conjunction with air compressors powered by wave motion. Illustrated is the gas storage apparatus  80 . Also illustrated is the closeable gas inlet and outlet component  54 . Connected to the apparatus is a compressed air line  53  extending from the grid  11  that is suspended by the plurality of the floats.