Abstract: A container comprising a jar which has a cylindrical throat or neck and a closure including a closure body having a laterally extending circular rim of greater diameter than said neck and a cylindrical wall of less diameter than that of said neck depending from said rim and providing an annular space between said neck and closure wall, said wall having a grooved annular seat adjacent the outer end thereof, and an initially flat circular sealing gasket having an inner diameter slightly less than the innermost diameter of said seat and a thickness substantially equal to the width of the innermost surface of said seat, the outer diameter of said gasket being greater than that of the inner diameter of said neck of said jar and said gasket being disposed with the inner edge thereof in said seat in a manner to distort said gasket from a flat shape into a relatively frusto-conical shape of limited height and the outer edge extending upwardly toward said rim of said closure and outwardly a greater distance than the i

Abstract: Closure for a sample vial utilized to introduce sample into a gas chromatograph in accordance with the head space method. The closure includes a flexible disc for closing the opening through the neck of the vial and overlying the margin of the neck about the vial opening. A cap having a central aperture defining an annular shoulder about the aperture overlies the disc. The cap has an annular depending skirt encompassing the disc for clamping about the neck of the vial to retain the disc and the cap on the vial. A portion of the closure is deformable for venting the vial to atmosphere in response to a pressure within the vial when the closure is applied thereto in excess of a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A container lid is released at a desired point in a sterilizing cycle with the actuating movement being provided by an expandable chamber having a quantity of sterilizing environment captured during the sterilizing cycle.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for the culturing of aerogenic microorganisms. It includes a culture bottle having a neck portion defining an opening therein. A lip is provided near the bottle opening and a stopper is positioned within the opening. A stopper lock is mounted on the bottle neck to prevent the stopper from blowing off due to pressure generated within the bottle. The lock is capable of limited movement along the neck, however, to allow the stopper to rise to a height which allows venting of the bottle. The stopper lock includes an inwardly extending upper flange, an inwardly extending lower flange, and sidewalls interconnecting the flanges. The upper flange is capable of engaging the upper surface of the stopper while the lower flange is capable of engaging the lower surface of the lip. The stopper lock is movable along the neck between positions of engagement with the upper surface of the stopper and the lower surface of the lip.

Abstract: A container is disclosed with a valve opening at its bottom wall to permit steam to circulate into the container and to permit any condensation to drain from the container while the valve is open. The valve is closed by an expandable chamber in response to the pressure drop at the end of a sterilizing cycle. A valve controlling the flow of steam into the expandable chamber closes when subjected to the high temperature steam, thus capturing steam within the chamber. This steam expands when the pressure drops to close the valve in the container. The container lid and gasket permit steam to be withdrawn from the container but prevent air flow into the container. A vacuum created in the container at the end of the sterilizing cycle holds the container lid in place and holds the valve closed.Also disclosed is a bimetallic spring valve which opens when steam is applied to a container and closes when the temperature drops as steaming ceases.

Abstract: The neck of a bottle is closed and sealed by a one-piece cap having a cylindrical portion which surrounds the neck, a deformable end wall which extends across the open end of the neck, and a flexible hose which is integral with the end wall. The outer side of the end wall has a diametrically extending projection consisting of two discrete sections having flat elongated outer surfaces which are parallel to each other when the pressure in the bottle equals the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere and which are inclined with respect to each other when the pressure inthe interior of the bottle is reduced below atmospheric pressure. The person observing the surfaces of the two sections can ascertain the presence and absence as well as the extent of pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the bottle.

Abstract: An end unit intended for packaging products in an associated can or container wherein the product is of the type producing gases so as to normally increase the internal pressure within the can after the closing of the can. The end unit has a vent opening therethrough and is normally closed by a closure member which is held in contact with the container wall surrounding the vent opening by a strip of stretchable material having a memory. When pressure within the container exceeds a predetermined pressure, the closure will move out of the container sealing position under the restraint of the strip, and the container will be vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A one-way valve located anywhere on a stopper used in vacuum blood collection tubes, which permits venting or displacing any positive air pressure in a filled vacuum tube so that, when the pressure of the filled tube is greater than the pressure of the vein, the valve is actuated in the open position and when the pressures equalize, the valve closes. Such device also provides other advantages hereinafter set forth.

Abstract: Provided is a device for preventing the inward deformation of a hollow plastic container which would normally inwardly deform after closure due to the cooling of hot liquids therein. The device comprises a membrane extending across the container spout for sealing the spout, which membrane is more flexible than the walls of the container, means for securing the membrane into sealing engagement with the spout, and means for applying the ambient pressure existing on the outside of the container to the outside of the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A bottle seal particularly adapted for ink bottles used in automatic ink feed systems wherein the bottle seal is to be pierced by an ink withdrawal needle, the seal having a stopper which has a portion extending into the bottle neck terminating in a lip seal. The stopper portion has an outer diameter groove adjacent the lip seal with at least one air channel communicating from the groove to the exterior to allow aeration of the bottle.

Abstract: The neck of a bottle is closed and sealed by a one-piece cap having a cylrical portion which surrounds the neck, a deformable end wall which extends across the open end of the neck, and a flexible hose which is integral with the end wall. The inner side of the end wall has an annular bead which sealingly engages the inner surface of the neck when the pressure in the interior of the bottle is reduced below atmospheric pressure. An annular groove at the inner side of the end wall surrounds the bead and communicates with the atmosphere by way of at least one channel in the cylindrical portion. The groove communicates with the atmosphere during expulsion of air from the bottle, for example, in response to heating, but is sealed from the interior of the bottle when the end wall bulges inwardly and maintains the bead in sealing engagement with the neck.

Abstract: A pressure reactor which avoids leakage and prevents sample loss upon depressurization. Leakage is avoided by providing a reaction vessel with a screw-threaded closure member. Loss of sample is prevented by the provision of a vapor trap which collects any liquid or vapor which may include dissolved sample, from escaping upon disassembly i.e. de-pressurization of the reactor. A novel solvent system for use in conjunction with the reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A closure for food containers embodying an open-ended resilient tubular elastomeric nipple adapted for connection to a source of vacuum so that air within the container may be evacuated prior to storage of the container and its contents. The nipple is provided with an inner frusto-conical wall of small slant angle which constitutes a valve seat. A spherical ball loosely disposed within the nipple is forcefully drawn against the seat incident to differential air pressure on opposite sides of the ball. Unseating of the ball to equalize the air pressure inside and outside the container is accomplished by pinching the nipple immediately below the ball. An obstruction near the upper rim of the nipple prevents escape of the ball during evacuation of the container or during handling of the closure.

Abstract: Stopper for an evacuated tube with an open end for collecting fluid such as blood samples. The stopper includes a plug adapted to be mounted in the opening in the tube so as to normally seal the tube. The plug permits access of a fluid sample needle therethrough into fluid communication with the reduced pressure interior of the tube so that fluid is collected in the tube from the needle. A check valve is on the plug to automatically open when the needle is inserted through the plug and subjected to the reduced pressure in the tube and to automatically close when subjected to a predetermined amount of pressure from within the tube such as that caused by backflow thereby preventing any fluid passing into the needle from the tube. The check valve includes a chamber which can be used as a reagent holder prior to the tube use.

Abstract: A semi-rigid, deflectable reusable lid in the shape of a disk and formed of a non-porous material is adapted to hermetically seal the open mouth of a container. The lid is positioned over the mouth of the container to be sealed and is retained in position by a threaded band. The inner lid surface adjacent the perimeter of the lid is elastomeric or pliable and is adapted to be depressed by the rim of the container during the cooling interval of the usual food processing cycle to provide a seal between the inner surface of the lid and the rim of the container. When the container is sealed, the central portion of the lid is drawn partially inwardly into the open mouth by the reduced pressure within the container. The lid may be formed of one or more types of suitable material to achieve the deflectable and sealing characteristics desired.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a liner for venting excessive internal pressure of an associated container, the liner including at least two plies of plastic material in which a first ply is formed of impermeable plastic and a second ply is deformable when subjected to a compressive force, the second ply including a plurality of indentations, the material in the areas of the indentations of the second ply are compressively deformed whereas second areas of the second ply are generally uncompressed or less compressed whereby when the liner is associated with a container and closure venting is permitted either through vents formed between a sealing lip of the container and the first or second areas depending upon the axial load of the closure relative to the container as determined by the torque involved in applying the closure to the container.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a liner for venting excessive internal pressure of an associated container, the liner including three plies of plastic material in which a first ply formed of foam plastic is sandwiched between second and third plies which are impermeable, the second ply including a plurality of indentations opening in a direction away from the third ply, such that the material in the areas of the indentations of the first ply are compressively deformed whereas second areas of the first ply are generally uncompressed or less compressed whereby when the liner is associated with a container and closure venting is permitted either through vents formed between a sealing lip of the container and the first or second areas depending upon the axial load of the closure relative to the container as determined by the torque involved in applying the closure to the container.

Abstract: In champagne and other types of effervescent wines which generate gases when bottled and enclosed by a cork which is used as a stopper, the cork is usually wired to the mouth of the bottle to prevent it from being blown therefrom should the pressure build up sufficiently therewithin. When the wire is removed and the cork moved from side to side, it will be released from the neck of the bottle and shot therefrom with a substantial force. A towel is usually wound over the cork and neck of the bottle before being released to prevent someone from being injured when the cork is blown from the bottle neck. The wire was eliminated when a hollow plastic stopper was developed as the pressure within the stopper was applied in all directions forcing the side against the inner surface of the bottle neck an amount corresponding to the increase in pressure.

Abstract: A vented top for a bacteria culture medium tube having a body with through openings to hold one or more tubes simultaneously. A cap closes off all openings or opens them together. Vent means enable automatic venting of gases generated by the bacteria.

Abstract: A one-piece reusable closure for home canning. The closure is adapted for sealing home canning containers, such as "Mason Jars." The closure has a one-piece threaded cap with a bonded annular closed-cell foam gasket at the periphery of a central cover section positioned to seal against the jar lip. The central cover portion is dished outwardly and moves to an inwardly dished configuration when a partial vacuum is developed in the container. When the closure is unscrewed, the central cover section springs with an audible click to the outwardly dished configuration. The closure incorporates a one-way pressure relief mechanism to limit the pressure in the container. The mechanism comprises a resilient sealing member overlying an orifice in the central cover section of the lid. As the container contents are heated, gas pressure in the container will increase and force the resilient sealing member from the orifice. Gases will then be vented through the orifice under the resilient sealing member.

Abstract: A home use seal container for food vacuum storage, comprising a vessel and a lid superimposable thereon through the interposition of a resilient gasket, the lid having fast therewith two valves through one of which it is possible to remove air from the container by means of a suction pump and respectively through the other of which it is possible to introduce air into the same container.

Abstract: A one-piece reusable closure for home canning. The closure is adapted for sealing home canning containers, such as "Mason Jars." The closure has a one-piece threaded cap with a bonded annular closed-cell foam gasket at the periphery of the central cover section positioned to seal against the jar lip. A central cover portion is dished outwardly and moves to an inwardly dished configuration when a partial vacuum is developed in the container. When the closure is unscrewed, the central cover section springs with an audible click to the outwardly dished configuration. The closure incorporates a stop mechanism to limit the extent of gasket compression by limiting the threaded engagement of the closure with the container. The mechanism can comprise either a deformed thread groove or a lower edge of the closure adapted to abut a flange on the container when the desired gasket compression is achieved. The compression of the gasket material against the lip of the container is thus limited to a predetermined degree.

Abstract: A venting closure is provided which retains the contents of a screw-top container yet prevents distortion of the latter under the influence of a pressure differential applied from without. It consists of a cap fitted with a gasket which is supported circumferentially around the entire rim of the container by a plurality of flanges which at no point have a pitch greater than that of the screw threads; and which are disposed in relation to one another so as to permit air that has passed from the outside of the container along the container threads to enter the space between the gasket and the underside of the cap. The gasket normally seals against a central boss depending from the cap underside; however when external pressure exceeds that within the container by a predetermined level it momentarily lifts the gasket from its seat, admits air into the container through a central hole in the gasket, and tends to equalize the pressures.

Abstract: A closure lid for a home canning jar includes a cap member threadably engaging the neck of a canning jar. A flexible dome shaped body extends upwardly through the cap member. A mechanism is provided for forming an airtight seal between the cap and the body. A mechanism is provided for forming an airtight seal between the body and an upper edge of the neck of the jar.

Abstract: This invention relates to a canning jar sealer lid provided with a mechanically activated valve and a means for operating the valve manually.In one embodiment, a sectional sealer lid designed for use with screw bands and other holders is constructed in two parts containing apertures and gaskets so arranged that when they are fitted together and held to a canning jar lip by a holder, they unite to form a sealer lid and a relief valve. In use on a jar, the valve formed by the sections of this lid working conjointly will activate according to internal jar pressure applied vacuum sealing the jar or releasing said pressure, and there is a means supplied to manually open the valve externally.A modified embodiment is a single thickness canning jar sealer lid designed for use with screw bands and other holders which has a pressure relief means installed directly through the lid section.

Abstract: A ventible closure for a container adapted to hold sterile fluids wherein the container has a neck with an open end surrounded by a beaded rim. The closure includes a rigid plug which fits down into the container neck and an elastic cap fitting over the open end of the neck in engagement with the rigid plug and the beaded rim to seal the container. For venting, internal pressure within the container causes outward flexing of the elastic cap to break the seal and establish flow paths for the fluid to escape from the container.

Abstract: A one-piece reusable closure for home canning. The closure is adapted for sealing home canning containers, such as "Mason Jars." The closure has a one-piece threaded cap with a bonded annular closed-cell foam gasket at the periphery of the central cover panel positioned to seal against the jar lip. A central cover portion is dished outwardly and moves to an inwardly dished configuration when vacuum is developed in the container. When the closure is unscrewed, the central panel portion springs with an audible click to the outwardly dished configuration. Limiting projections extending downwardly into the gasket bear and compress the gasket material against the lip of the jar to control tightening of the closure on the jar so that, when the jar contents are heated, gases will be vented under the circumferentially spaced portions of the gasket.

Abstract: A pressure relieving bottle closure is disclosed. The closure is of thin metal construction having an internal sealing disc and adapted to be received by a preferably screw threaded bottle neck to form top and side seals with finish surfaces of the bottle. The sealing material comprises a resilient liner within the closure. In the area of the side skirt of the metal portion of the closure which forms the area disposed over the side seal is at least one opening. If excessive pressure develops inside the bottle, pressurized fluid first escapes through the top seal of the bottle and, upon reaching the area of the side seal over which the said opening is located, pushes the sealing liner outwardly into the opening to escape through the side seal to the exterior of the bottle. The closure again seals when the excess pressure has been relieved, provided that the sealing material used possesses sufficient resiliency.

Abstract: A bottle closure of flexible thermoset synthetic material has a corrugated annular insert and an outer wall depending from its base. A thinned portion in the base is of a thickness and geometry adapted to burst at a predetermined pressure within the bottle. An annular shoulder on a severable skirt extends laterally beyond the outer wall which fits against the end of a plunger for urging an internal annular bevel groove in the skirt over an external annular bead near the mouth of the bottle.