Abstract: A mixing vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By relatively moving the septum with respect to the ends of the vessel, and flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.

Abstract: A disposable flexible vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.

Abstract: A product having a metal-fabric joint includes forming a fabric anchoring component by casting a low melting point yet high compressive strength material into a cavity in a metal component. The product includes (a) a metal housing including an interior entrance, at least first and second opposed interior walls, and an interior end opposite the interior entrance, the at least first and second opposed interior walls and the interior end defining an interior cavity; (b) a fabric; (c) a fabric anchor assembly; and (d) a castable material disposed in the interior cavity so as to envelop the fabric and the fabric anchor assembly. A method of fabricating the product includes the steps of (a) anchoring the fabric with the fabric anchor assembly; (b) inserting the anchored fabric in the interior cavity; (c) providing the interior cavity with the castable material so as to envelop the anchored fabric; and (d) solidifying the castable material to a cast material so as to form the product.

Abstract: A disposable flexible vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an articulated joint for a pressure vessel, especially a pressure suit, by separately forming a structural fabric and a gas barrier layer into a series of alternating peaks and valleys. The structural fabric can be formed into the three dimensional shape by patterning or heat shrinkage. The resulting articulated joint, pressure vessels and pressurized suits are also described.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching a fabric component to a metal component includes a means for anchoring the fabric component by casting a low melting point yet high compressive strength material into a cavity in the metal component. The assembly includes (a) a metal housing including an interior entrance, at least first and second opposed interior walls, and an interior end opposite the interior entrance, the at least first and second opposed interior walls and the interior end defining an interior cavity; (b) a fabric; (c) a fabric anchor assembly; and (d) a castable material disposed in the interior cavity so as to envelop the fabric and the fabric anchor assembly.

Abstract: An economical and reliable system for the contained transfer of particulates by means of a series of transfer containers facilitates the particulate transfer without either exposure of the operating personnel and the environment to the particulate, or environmental contamination of the particulate itself. The system employs a multiple o-ring canister assembly which can be attached to either the discharging port or charging port of a piece of processing equipment. The canister has a series of circumferential o-ring grooves which allows the attachment of a series of individual transfer containers. In a charging mode, once the particulate is charged to the processing equipment, a first transfer container is collapsed and a second transfer container is placed in the next o-ring groove, thereby containing the remaining contaminated section of the first transfer container. The first transfer container is removed through a bag-out sleeve which is an integral part of the second transfer container.

Abstract: An inflatable structure, such as a fabric confining a gas, can be regulated as to its shape by the provision of auxiliary tubes, integral or adjacent to the fabric which can be separately pressurized. The separate pressurization will create local tensile forces to change the shape of the structure. Alternatively, a mechanical system, such as tensioned cables can be used to control the shape of the structure.

Abstract: A product having a metal-fabric joint includes forming a fabric anchoring component by casting a low melting point yet high compressive strength material into a cavity in a metal component. The product includes (a) a metal housing including an interior entrance, at least first and second opposed interior walls, and an interior end opposite the interior entrance, the at least first and second opposed interior walls and the interior end defining an interior cavity; (b) a fabric; (c) a fabric anchor assembly; and (d) a castable material disposed in the interior cavity so as to envelop the fabric and the fabric anchor assembly. A method of fabricating the product includes the steps of (a) anchoring the fabric with the fabric anchor assembly; (b) inserting the anchored fabric in the interior cavity; (c) providing the interior cavity with the castable material so as to envelop the anchored fabric; and (d) solidifying the castable material to a cast material so as to form the product.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an articulated joint for a pressure vessel, especially a pressure suit, by separately forming a structural fabric and a gas barrier layer into a series of alternating peaks and valleys. The structural fabric can be formed into the three dimensional shape by patterning or heat shrinkage. The resulting articulated joint, pressure vessels and pressurized suits are also described.

Abstract: Rigidifiable composites are formed by stitching a reinforced B-stage resin sheet stock to form a three-dimensional preform. The preform is subsequently rigidified by initiating final cure of the resin. Molded articles, inflatable and other structures, such as, tank, tunnel and sewer liners are some of the typical structures which can be formed by the methods of the invention. Control of thread count, thread tension and thread spacing can be used to consolidate multi-ply or layered preforms, which, upon cure, can have up to 90% of the load carrying capacity of compression molded fiber reinforced articles.

Abstract: Rigidifiable composites are formed by stitching a reinforced B-stage resin sheet stock to form a three-dimensional preform. The preform is subsequently rigidified by initiating final cure of the resin. Molded articles, inflatable and other structures, such as, tank, tunnel and sewer liners are some of the typical structures which can be formed by the methods of the invention. Control of thread count, thread tension and thread spacing can be used to consolidate multi-ply or layered preforms, which, upon cure, can have up to 90% of the load carrying capacity of compression molded fiber reinforced articles.

Abstract: Fluid flow through a conduit is selectively blocked upon the occurrence of an alarm condition by an inflatable member normally folded when not in use to occupy as small a volume as is practicable. The small size volume together with securement of the inflatable member in a preferred location minimizes the effect of the inflatable member to normal fluid flow. A thin, tear-away sleeve maintains the inflatable member in the folded state and quickly tears apart during inflation enabling the inflatable member to fill and plug the interior of the conduit. The shape of the inflatable member, together with the fluid source utilized for inflation assures rapid, liquid-tight sealing. Alarm signal monitoring and inflation initiation is guaranteed under substantially all conditions through the employment of an electronic controller with a stand-by battery.

Abstract: An economical and reliable system for the contained transfer of particulates by means of a series of transfer containers facilitates the particulate transfer without either exposure of the operating personnel and the environment to the particulate, or environmental contamination of the particulate itself. The system employs a multiple o-ring canister assembly which can be attached to either the discharging port or charging port of a piece of processing equipment. The canister has a series of circumferential o-ring grooves which allows the attachment of a series of individual transfer containers. In a charging mode, once the particulate is charged to the processing equipment, a first transfer container is collapsed and a second transfer container is placed in the next o-ring groove, thereby containing the remaining contaminated section of the first transfer container. The first transfer container is removed through a bag-out sleeve which is an integral part of the second transfer container.