Abstract: A thermally responsive pressure relief system is provided for a receptacle such a pressure vessel. A passage communicates the interior of the vessel with the exterior thereof. A closure member is positioned in the passage. A fusible bonding material of a selected melting point fixes the closure member in the passage. The closure member includes an integral rupturable section that ruptures at a selected pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the vessel. The closure member may be mounted in a body member which, in turn, is mounted in an opening in the pressure vessel. The body member may be mounted on a valve which has the passage from the interior of the vessel communicating therethrough.

Abstract: A natural gas vehicle fuel system includes a composite pressure vessel for storing natural gas. The vessel includes an internal storage space accessible via a port opening. A solenoid valve is operatively coupled to the port opening for selectively connecting the storage space to a natural gas supply for filling or to a vehicle engine, in use. A sensor is integrally mounted with the vessel for sensing a select event of vessel operation indicative of the vessel exceeding a useful life expectancy. A control is operatively associated with the sensor for controlling the valve operation, the control preventing further operation of the solenoid valve after the vessel has exceeded the useful life expectancy.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is disclosed for holding fluids and the like. The vessel includes an outer shell fabricated of a composite material. A damage mitigating material is integrated within the outer shell, with a major thickness of the shell being disposed inside the damage mitigating material and a minor thickness of the shell being disposed outside the damage mitigating material. The minor thickness of the shell and the damage mitigating material are physically alterable or deformable upon impact by a given exterior force which may be insufficient to affect the major thickness of the shell.

Abstract: A thermally responsive pressure relief system is provided for a receptacle such as a pressure vessel. A passage communicates the interior of the vessel with the exterior thereof. A closure member is positioned in the passage. A fusible bonding material of a selected melting point fixes the closure member in the passage. The closure member includes an integral rupturable section that ruptures at a selected pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the vessel.

Abstract: A hot top lining for use in casting metal ingots is positioned in the mouth of the mould or in a head box at the top of the mould and comprises a plurality of refractory, heat-insulating lining slabs at least one of which has, at its outward-facing surface and adjacent to its lower edge, at least two ribs extending horizontally across the slab to inhibit upward flow of molten metal behind the slab. The ribbed slabs themselves form a part of the invention.