Abstract: A breather device connects to a vessel. The breather device inlets air to the vessel and filters the air upon inlet via a filter media, and exhausts air from the vessel. The vessel has a pressure that may vary and a low pressure threshold and a high pressure threshold. The breather device includes a housing, a cartridge removable from the housing for containing the filter media, an inlet check valve to the housing, the inlet check valve is selectively biased to prevent flows therethrough unless the pressure in the vessel falls below the low pressure threshold, an outlet check valve from the housing, the outlet check valve is selectively biased to prevent exhaust therethrough unless the pressure in the vessel exceeds the high pressure threshold, and a pressure gauge connected to the housing for measuring internal pressure in the vessel. The breather device can additionally include seals and/or an internal check valve between the filter media and the vessel.

Abstract: A connector for a container, particularly a cask, comprises a bush (14), intended to be received in an opening (11) in the container through which liquid is discharged, in use. The bush has a closed end (17) with a weakened portion (18), an inner thread (20) and an inner deformable portion (21). Sealing means (23) are intended to be disposed between the exterior of the bush and the interior of the opening at the position of the deformable portion. An insert (15) is screw-threadedly engageable within the bush so as to deform the deformable portion, thereby effecting compression, and thus sealing, of the sealing means between the bush and the container.

Abstract: An illumination device for vessels that have access ports terminated with pipe flanges. The illumination device includes a retention collar that is adapted to receive a flashlight at its first end. The opposite second end of the retention collar terminates with a flange. A conduit extends through the retention collar from the first end to the second end. A mounting element is provided for attaching the retention collar and the flashlight to the access port of the vessel. The mounting element includes an annular base plate. A coupling mechanism is attached to the annular base plate. The coupling mechanism selectively receives the flange of the retention collar. The annular base plate of the mounting bracket clamps to the pipe flange of the vessel over an inspection window. This provides an unobstructed passage through which light from the flashlight can enter the access port of the vessel.

Abstract: An illumination device for vessels that have access ports terminated with pipe flanges. The illumination device includes a retention collar that is adapted to receive a flashlight at its first end. The opposite second end of the retention collar terminates with a flange. A conduit extends through the retention collar from the first end to the second end. A mounting element is provided for attaching the retention collar and the flashlight to the access port of the vessel. The mounting element includes an annular base plate. A coupling mechanism is attached to the annular base plate. The coupling mechanism selectively receives the flange of the retention collar in an orientation wherein the center of the retention collar aligns with center of the mounting bracket. The annular base plate of the mounting bracket clamps to the pipe flange of the vessel over an inspection window. This provides an unobstructed passage through which light from the flashlight can enter the access port of the vessel.

Abstract: A bung hole closure for cans is described, in which a liquid is stored under pressure or without pressure and from which it is removed under pressure by means of a tap fitting. It comprises a plug-like soft portion bored thru axially having at least one sealing portion in the inside bore, a projection serving for support on the rim region of the can lid surrounding the can opening and a seal seat for the rim of the can opening provided underneath the projection. This soft portion is surrounded by a reinforcing hard portion in the form of a sleeve, which has a projection which is embedded in the projection of the soft portion. The jacket of the sleeve is perforated and has smooth continuous webs and, arranged between these webs, conically outward protruding catches which can be pushed into the material of the soft portion.

Abstract: This invention provides for a quick-disconnect coupling and valve assembly which consists of a single-service coupling and valve assembly and a connector for cooperating therewith. The single-service coupling and valve assembly is comprised of two main parts, namely, a spout fitment for a flexible bag and a valve member which slidably fits within the spout for axial movement. The valve member is provided with an outwardly-opening socket for receiving the connector and this socket has at least one dispensing outlet in the base thereof. In use, the valve member is normally in closed position with the outlet disposed within the spout axially-outwardly of an inner seal between the spout and valve member. A one-way stop arrangement permits axial inward movement of the valve member relative to the spout but prevents axial outward movement, the inward movement opening the valve by moving the outlet inwardly beyond the spout.

Abstract: A device for protecting wine against the harmful oxidation and spoilage resulting from ullage (air space) which develops in wine aging containers. An inflatable bladder within the container, but free of contact with the inner surface thereof, is in communication with a reservoir of water disposed above the container, enabling it to expand to replace the volume of wine that normally seeps out of the container. A second duct allows the escape of air usually trapped, and a third duct may be opened to allow the water in the bladder to force out a sample of wine for tasting.