Temperature control system for automotive storage components

Claim 1

A system for controlling the temperature of the contents of a storage vessel integral with an automotive transport system, said automotive transport system including a fluid-cooled internal combustion engine, during periods when said internal combustion engine is not in operation, comprising: (a) a storage tank, having two end sections; (b) a generally coiled length of pipe, having two end sections, disposed within said tank, each pipe end section sealably inserted through a common tank end section, and fitted, externally to said tank end section, to receive conduit couplings; (c) two conduit means, each having two ends, each coupled at a first end to a respective pipe end section, the first conduit means having interposed along its length heating and pumping means and coupled at a second end to an inlet fluid coolant line, the second conduit means coupled at a second end to an outlet fluid coolant line, said fluid coolant lines being normally in communication with the internal combustion engine; (d) temperature sensing means attached to said storage tank; (e) valve means, inserted in the first conduit means, operable responsively to the temperature sensing means; (f) an external electrical power source for operating said heating and pumping means and valve means; (g) a three-way cut-off valve positioned at the junction of said inlet fluid coolant line, and said second end of said first conduit means; and (h) by-pass conduit means connecting the cut-off valve to the outlet fluid coolant line; whereby the fluid coolant can be optionally diverted from passage through the internal combustion engine, heated and pumped in response to the power source and temperature sensing means through at least the respective pipe coils and conduit means, to control and maintain the temperature of the contents of the storage vessel.

Claim 2

A system for controlling the temperature of the contents of a storage vessel integral with an automotive transport system, said automotive transport system including a fluid-cooled internal combustion engine, during periods when said internal combustion engine is not in operation, comprising: (a) a storage tank, having two end sections; (b) a generally coiled length of pipe, having two end sections, disposed within said tank, each pipe end section sealably inserted through a common tank end section, and fitted, externally to said tank end section, to receive conduit couplings; (c) two conduit means, each having two ends, each coupled at a first end to a respective pipe end section, the first conduit means having interposed along its length heating and pumping means and coupled at a second end to an inlet fluid coolant line, the second conduit means coupled at a second end to an outlet fluid coolant line, said fluid coolant lines being normally in communication with the internal combustion engine; (d) temperature sensing means attached to said storage tank; (e) valve means, inserted in the first conduit means, operable responsively to the temperature sensing means; (f) an external electrical power source for operating said heating and pumping means and valve means; (g) a three-way cut-off valve positioned at the junction of said inlet fluid coolant line, and said second end of said first conduit means; and (h) by-pass conduit means connecting the cut-off valve to the outlet fluid coolant line; whereby the fluid coolant can be optionally diverted from passage through the internal combustion engine, heated and pumped in response to the power source and temperature sensing means through at least the respective pipe coils and conduit means, to control and maintain the temperature of the contents of the storage vessel.