Abstract: An electrochemical assembly includes a case defining an interior region, an electrochemical cell, a device, and a pressure relief valve. The electrochemical cell is disposed within the interior region. The device includes a spreader component. The spreader component includes a polymer matrix and an additive embedded in the polymer matrix. The additive includes an endothermic phase change material, a flame retardant material, an intumescent material, or any combination thereof. The device defines a device outlet. The pressure relief valve has a valve inlet fluidly connected to the interior region and a valve outlet fluidly connected to the device. The pressure relief valve is configured to transfer a gas from the interior region to the device when a pressure in the interior region exceeds a predetermined pressure. The spreader component is configured to be in fluid communication with the gas and direct the gas to the device outlet.

Abstract: A medical sterile container includes a tray-like first container part, a lid-type second container part, a fastener and a ventilation valve to ventilate a container interior surrounded by the first container part and the second container part. The fastener is mounted on one of the container parts so as to be pivotable between a closed position, in which the container parts are locked to one another by the fastener, and an open position in which the container parts are unlocked.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to provide a self-locking container to prevent unwanted access to materials stored in the container as a result of exposure to conditions that compromise the effectiveness or safety of the materials. A container may be threaded to receive a threaded lid, and the container may comprise a bolt movable within a channel from a retracted position, which allows the lid to be threadably connected or removed, to a locked position, which prevents removal of the lid. The bolt is movable to the locked position by a drive member, such as a bimetallic strip or a shape-memory element that drive the bolt in response to exposure to the condition that compromises the material.

Abstract: A vehicle panel assembly and related method are provided. The vehicle assembly includes a push plug that is movable between a pre-installed position and an installed position where the push plug is aligned with a hole in a vehicle panel. A fastening post extends from the vehicle panel and is received in an aperture in the push plug. An engagement member projects from a side of the fastening post and retains the push plug on the fastening post when the push plug is in the pre-installed position. The aperture is larger than the fastening post in at least one dimension such that the engagement member of the fastening post does not retain the push plug when the push plug is in the installed position. This allows the push plug to fall from the vehicle panel if the push plug is improperly installed in the hole.

Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof includes a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steamflow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.

Abstract: A safety valve is provided for metallic ammunition cans having lids which form an environmental seals when closed, the safety valve automatically vents cook-off gases generated when ammunition or other energetic in the ammunition can reach elevated temperatures. The safety valve is deployed in a hole formed in a wall of the ammunition can. The safety valve employs a vent cover which is soldered by means of a eutectic material either directly to an outer surface of the ammunition can or to an insert extending through the hole in the wall of the ammunition can. The vent cover seals gases in the ammunition can until elevated temperatures cause eutectic solder to melt thus freeing a vent cover and releasing cook-off gases from inside of the ammunition can.

Abstract: A container may have a first component configured to contain one or more articles, and a second component configured to confine the one or more articles contained in the first component where at least one of the first component and the second component have at least a portion made from a material having a negative thermal expansion coefficient.

Abstract: A lid for use with a cooking pot or pan having an upper part and a lower part fixed to each other such that the upper surface of the lower part and the lower surface of the upper part are spaced from each other except at the perimeters to define a thermal break between the upper and lower parts of the lid. The lower surface of the lower part includes a plurality of downward projections for contributing a continuous basting to food during the cooking process. A handle fixed to the upper part is thermally isolated from the pot or pan by the thermal break.

Abstract: A microwavable container for receiving food and to be put into a microwave oven for microwave heating. The microwave oven includes a support surface for supporting the microwavable container placed therein. The microwavable container is composed of a main body and a support member. The main body includes an internal bottom wall and an internal peripheral wall, both of which jointly define a chamber for receiving the food. The support member is provided with a predetermined height and located at a bottom side of the main body in such a way that a gap is formed between the internal bottom wall of the main body and the support surface of the microwave oven while the container is placed into the microwave oven. In this way, the microwave can pass through the gap to heat where the food is close to the internal bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A waste bin and a method for closing a filling hole of a waste bin including a container part, a cover part, and at least one filling hole formed in a side wall of the cover part and/or the container part. A retainer part, which is movable between first and second positions, is arranged between the cover part and the container part of the waste bin. When a temperature of the waste bin is below a predetermined value (T2), the retainer part keeps the cover part in a first position, and a passage via the filling hole to a container space of the container part is kept open. When the temperature has reached the predetermined value (T2), the cover part moves to a second position, and the retainer part moves to the second position, and the passage via the filling hole to the container space is closed.

Abstract: High pressure gas vessels can have a sensitivity to temperature of the compressed gas. Over-temperature conditions in particular may cause decreased durability and/or vessel damage, including gas leakage to the environment. Articles of manufacture, methods, and systems are provided for over-temperature protection using a passive device. The passive closing device does not require electrical power and no controller, sensors, or wiring is needed. This affords cost savings in comparison to other systems. Pressure vessels using the passive closing device can protect themselves, independent of the compressed gas fueling station configuration.

Abstract: An air venting arrangement for a liquid cooling system associated with an internal combustion engine has a shunt vessel, and a transfer conduit connecting a flange portion of the shunt vessel to the liquid cooling system, and configured to pass coolant between the shunt vessel and the liquid cooling system. A venting conduit is disposed in a bore of the flange portion, and positioned to vent entrained air in the transfer conduit, developed during a filling of the cooling system, to a portion of the shunt vessel, and reduce the time required in filling of the liquid cooling system. A compression limiter and fastener connected to the compression limiter maintains and positions a first and a second end of the venting conduit at predetermined locations to provide venting of the transfer conduit to the reservoir portion.

Abstract: A stopper and container body are molded in the same molding machine. An assembly device, such as a pick and place robot, transfers the stopper from one mold cavity into the opening in the container body located within another mold cavity, or vice versa, to assemble the stopper and container body. Then, the assembled container body and stopper are removed from the molding machine and transported to a needle filling and laser resealing station for filling and laser resealing. A laminar flow source directs a substantially laminar flow of air or sterile gas over the mold surfaces, stoppers and container bodies, and assembly device, to prevent contamination during assembly.

Abstract: A packaging device allowing for the distribution, storage and cooking of various food products, such as perishable or frozen food product(s). The packaging device includes a plurality of micro-perforations that may promote the extended shelf-life of the perishable food product and the maintenance of the quality of the perishable food product or be configured to maintain the integrity of a frozen food product. The packaging device also includes a venting system that allows the cooking of the perishable or frozen food products within the packaging device.

Abstract: A closure (2) for a container for pharmaceuticals, in particular a sterile container, includes a closure body (2) that is prefabricated from a non-elastic material. The container has a crucible shape with a bottom (3) and a wall (4, 5). At least one piercable opening (8) is incorporated in the bottom (3) of the crucible-shaped closure body (2) and provided for adding or removing liquid pharmaceuticals. The piercable opening (8) is sealed by a sealing element (7). The sealing element (7) is held in a receptacle (12), which is formed by the bottom (3) and a holding element (11) protruding toward the inside in the use position of the closure (1).

Abstract: A plug (10) for sealing holes in a vehicle body comprises a central closure section (12) and engaging section (14) arranged on the rim and provided for receiving portions of the vehicle body. The closure section (12) and the engaging section (14) are made of a plastics material and the plastics material of the engaging section (14) is softer than the plastics material of the closure section (12). The plastics material of the engaging section (14) can be softened by heating such that a tight connection is produced between the engaging section (14) and the portions of the vehicle body that are received by it.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a container includes a lid engaging device, a transmission assembly mounted on the lid engaging device, and a lid including a first pivotal section and a second pivotal section disposed opposed to each other. The first and second pivotal sections define an imaginary axis “A” extended therebetween, and the first and second pivotal sections are mounted on the lid engaging device. The first pivotal section is engaged with the transmission assembly. The lid is pivoted automatically by the transmission assembly. The lid is pivotal about the imaginary axis “A” and is moveable between an open position that enables items to be put in the container and a closed position in which the lid prevents items to be put in the container.

Abstract: A method for closing a filling hole of a waste bin (1), which waste bin comprises a container part (2) and a cover part (3) and at least one filling hole (4) which is formed in a side wall of the cover part (3) and/or the container part (2). Between the cover part (3) and the container part (2) of the waste bin is arranged a retainer part (6), which retainer part keeps the cover part in a first position, whereby a passage via the filling hole (4) to a container space (24) of the container part is open and, after the temperature has reached a predetermined value (T2), the retainer part (6) moves to a second position in which the cover part (3) is released to move with respect to the container part (2) to a second position in which the passage via the filling hole (4) to the container space (24) of the container part is closed. The invention also relates to a waste bin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bottom part (4) intended to receive food (1) thereon, and a container part (2) where the said bottom part (4) and the container part (2)) are intended to enclose the said food. The package is provided with means to hold the bottom part (4) and the container part (2) together in a detachable fashion and means to separate the said bottom part (4) from the container part (2) fully or partially. Separating takes the form of removing the said bottom part (4) with the bottom part (4) of the package standing in an essentially horizontal position on a serving surface (8) so that the food (1) is so arranged as to come into contact with the serving surface (8), as a consequence of which the said container part (2) is essentially retained in its position enclosing the said food. The invention also relates to a method for transferring food from a package (5) to a serving surface (8).

Abstract: A method for establishing a vacuum in a container includes the following steps. The container having an exhaust through hole defined therein is provided. A sealing cover including a connecting material located on the periphery of the sealing cover is provided. The sealing cover is spaced from the exhaust through hole for forrn at least gaps between the sealing cover and the exhaust through hole. A vacuum is established in the container. The connecting material is heated. The sealing cover covers the exhaust through hole and the connecting material is cooled. After that the container is packaged.

Abstract: A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.

Abstract: A hole plug comprising: a main body part including a cover flange portion for covering an opening, an insertion portion extended from a central portion of a back surface of the cover flange portion to be inserted into the opening, and an engaging portion formed on an outer periphery of the insertion portion to be engaged with a back side peripheral edge of the opening; a thermo-softening resin member mounted on a peripheral edge of the cover flange portion and allowed to flow into a clearance between the cover flange portion and an opening peripheral edge of the plate-shaped member, thereby fixing them together; and an elastic flange portion extended in a skirt-like manner from the back surface of the cover flange portion toward the peripheral edge of the opening and elastically contactable with the peripheral edge of the opening of the plate-shaped member.

Abstract: A sealing lid for the fixed nozzle of a container, particularly a motor vehicle radiator, comprising an outer part and an inner part. The outer part of the lid is provided with a sealing element for the container nozzle and a grip element which is rotatable in relation thereto. A torsional stop acts between the grip element and the sealing element of the outer part of the lid. The inner part of the lid is provided with a flow connection between the inside and outside of the container and a valve system opening and closing the flow connection. The torsional stop which can be disengaged by applying prestress to a spring or is disengaged, can be engaged by a pressure-controlled drive in the form of a membrane. The drive is positioned in the outer part of the lid and is provided with an elongate pressure-transmitting element which penetrates the pressure relief valve body in the lid axis and extends into the area of the inner part of the lid, which is connected to the container nozzle so as to interact therewith.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion, are laminated together to make plastic bodies that move in response to temperature change. The thermally movable plastic can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices. In one embodiment, the thermally moveable plastic can be used in a beverage safety lid. The safety lid is particularly useful as a lid for hot drinks, such as hot coffee, soups and other foods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety cap system with a pressure and temperature activated external locking cum unlocking means for an automotive cooling system to prevent accidental removal of the safety cap. The safety cap further uses a torque overriding mechanism to ensure an effective closure and removal torque.

Abstract: A pressure cap for a fixed neck of an automobile radiator is provided with an outer cap component and with an inner cap component which has a flow connection between the inside and the outside of the tank and a valve arrangement for releasing and blocking the flow connection. The invention allows the bias of the pressure-relief valve body to be adjustable while the temperature inside the tank can be measured directly and the action of the pressure-relief/vacuum valve body remains constant, it is provided that the bias with which the pressure-relief valve body is pressed against the sealing seat can be adjusted by means of a thermal drive in the form of an expansion-material membrane capsule which has a temperature sensor that passes through the cap axis and extends into the tank's neck, and it is also provided that the vacuum valve body is arranged eccentrically in relation to the cap axis.

Abstract: A container for storing hazardous material and a method of enclosing hazardous material in a concrete container body defining a storage space and having an access opening for introducing the hazardous material in the storage space comprises fluid-tight sealing of the storage space by introducing a closure body of concrete in the opening subsequent to the introduction of the hazardous material. The closure body is formed by casting concrete in the access opening subsequent to the introduction of the hazardous material in the storage space and allowing the concrete to harden while supplying heat to the portion of the concrete container body surrounding the access opening.

Abstract: A sterilization container system comprises a lid. The container system has a wall positionable on a tray. The lid has a large aperture and small attachment apertures. A support is formed with an interior central circular disk. An exterior circular ring is provided. Ribs connect the ring and the disk. The disk has a central aperture. Small attachment apertures are provided for coupling the upper surface of the ring to the lower surface of the wall. A thin plate has a central aperture and a periphery. Also provided is a spring positioned between the disk and the plate. The spring and plate are adapted to expand when heated. A space is created between the plate and the disk whereby medical instruments within the container system will be sterilized. The spring and plate are adapted to contract when cooled. Any space between the plate and the disk will be eliminated.

Abstract: Apparatus for venting a container containing a fluid and including a poppet mounted to the bottom of a cap or flap mounted to a housing for being mounted to the container, a fastener for fastening the cap of flap to the housing and which fastener may be a fusible fastener for unfastening the cap or flap and for venting the container to the atmosphere upon heat applied externally to the container reaching a predetermined temperature. The poppet venting the container to the atmosphere upon the pressure in the container reaching a predetermined pressure and the poppet may be a combination poppet for venting the container to the atmosphere upon pressure in the container reaching a predetermined pressure and for venting the container to the atmosphere upon a vacuum in the container reaching a predetermined vacuum.

Abstract: A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.

Abstract: Apparatus for venting a container containing a fluid and including a poppet mounted to the bottom of a cap or flap mounted to a housing for being mounted to the container, a fastener for fastening the cap of flap to the housing and which fastener may be a fusible fastener for unfastening the cap or flap and for venting the container to the atmosphere upon heat applied externally to the container reaching a predetermined temperature. The poppet venting the container to the atmosphere upon the pressure in the container reaching a predetermined pressure and the poppet may be a combination poppet for venting the container to the atmosphere upon pressure in the container reaching a predetermined pressure and for venting the container to the atmosphere upon a vacuum in the container reaching a predetermined vacuum.

Abstract: A self-heating container (10) has an internal cavity (22) for its contents and an external cavity (20) for a heating mechanism, for example, comprised of first and second chemically reactive materials which are arranged to be mixed when heating is required. A protective cover (52) is engaged on the can over the top end member (14) to prevent access to a ring-pull opener (50). The protective cover (52) has been shrunk onto the can such that it cannot be removed normally. However, when the can and its contents have been heated to the predetermined temperature by operation of the heating mechanism, the protective cover (52) expands in size relative to the can (10) and is removable. The ring-pull opener (50) may then be opened to enable the contents to be dispensed. After opening, the cover (52) may be reengaged on the can to provide an insulated drinking lip which protects the consumer against the heat of the can and provides a more pleasant surface to drink from than the edge of the can itself.

Abstract: A closure cap which can screw onto the fixed neck of a cooling system expansion tank. The closure cap is provided with a screw cap and a threaded section in which a combination pressure-vacuum valve is mounted concentrically and in such a way that it can rotate in relation to the screw cap. The valve is provided with a sealing element which comes into tight contact with the fixed neck when the closure is screwed. To endure that the closure cap can be unscrewed only when the excess heat in the cooling system has been completely dissipated, it is proposed that the closure cap when screwed onto the fixed neck would be prevented from unscrewing means of a temperature-dependent control element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatable cover which can be screwed or plugged on and is to be fastened on a stationary connection of a motor vehicle radiator or compensator reservoir of cooling and heating systems. The cover has a screw or plug cap and/or swivel cap and a rotatable engagement part in which a valve in the form of a combined overpressure/underpressure unit is arranged concentrically. The valve has a sealing member which produces a sealing connection with the stationary connection when the cover is applied. When the cover is positioned on the stationary connection, it is possible to prevent by means of a temperature-related control member removal, such as unscrewing or twisting of the cover. The temperature-related control member or a coupling part actuated by means of the temperature-related control member can be moved substantially radially between a coupling position and a release position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a preferably screwable or attachable and twistable closure cap for attaching to a fixed spout, for example of a car radiator, a compensating reservoir in cooling or heating systems or the like, with a screw cap or an attachable and twisting cap and a twistable contact part within which preferably an excess/low-pressure combination valve is concentrically mounted on the cap. The valve has a sealing element which comes into tight contact with the fixed part when the closure cap is fastened. The closure cap, when screwed onto the fixed spout, is prevented from being removed or unscrewed or untwisted by means of a temperature-dependent control element in which the temperature-dependent control element (12) creates a coupling of the cap (2) and the contact part (4) when the temperature is normal and a decoupling when the temperature rises.

Abstract: A mechanism that uses the shape recovery of a shape memory alloy for sealing openings or high pressure passages. A component made of a shape memory alloy can be processed in its martensitic state to have a reduced dimension smaller than that of the opening or the passage to be sealed. Upon heating, shape recovery takes place which is associated with the reverse crystalline phase transformation of martensite. The shape recovery of the previously processed shape memory alloy component yields a diameter which is greater than that of the opening or passage to be sealed. The shape recovery provides the dimensional interference and force required for sealing.

Abstract: A steam vent arrangement comprises a pan lid knob that incorporates a rotatable member that carries a slidable plunger. The plunger is moved by an SMA element to allow steam to vent via the knob and an aperture in a lid of the pan.

Abstract: A device, a system and a method are provided for controllably releasing a product (26) into a container (10) in which the product (26) is mixed with another product contained within an interior (14) of the container 10. The device (12) releases the product (26) due to variations in temperature or pressure that the system experiences during an autoclaving or sterilization procedure, for example. Materials and shapes of the members (20, 20a, 20b, 22) of the device (12) are selected such that the members (20, 20a, 20b, 22) react or otherwise move within the device in a predetermined manner in response to changes in temperature or pressure. As a result, products (26) within the device (12) may be maintained separately from products within the interior (14) of the container (10) in which the device (12) is held. Prior to administration of a solution within the container (10), the product (26) within the device (12) may be mixed with the solution or other product in the container (10) in a controllable fashion.

Abstract: A filler cap assembly includes a sleeve welded to a tank wall, and a non-indexing filler cap. The cap is formed with top and bottom members, each member having an outwardly bevelled surface opposing a corresponding surface on the other member. An elastic O-ring is positioned between the two surfaces. The top member and base member are held together by an axially extending shaft, with a spring biasing apart the two members. The shaft is connected in a hinged manner to a cam lever. Activation of the cam lever brings the two opposing surfaces together, forcing the O-ring outward to form a seal with the sleeve. The filler cap and the sleeve's inner wall are provided with additional features which maintain the filler cap in the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved, under-counter flammable material storage cabinet which complies with all present fire codes and which overcomes problems associated with access to the utility conduits behind the storage cabinet is provided. The cabinet is self-closing in the presence of internal or external heat to either contain a fire within the cabinet or to keep materials inside the cabinet from combusting from an external fire. The cabinet advantageously utilizes a wooden storage container insert which may be removably affixed within the cabinet frame to provide a storage area wherein flammable materials can be safely stored while at the same time allowing access as necessary to utility conduits installed behind the cabinets.

Abstract: A closure for covering the opening of a vessel containing a supply of cooking fluid preferably includes a flexible inner member adapted to cover the opening of the vessel in sealing engagement therewith and an outer member adapted to be positioned above the inner member. A coupling assembly is provided to couple the inner member to the outer member when the closure assembly is removed from the vessel. The coupling assembly permits a portion of the inner member to expand away from the outer member in response to an increase in temperature within the cooking vessel. The inner member is preferably a low thermal conductivity material so that after the inner surface of the inner member, which is exposed to vaporized cooking fluid, reaches the temperature of the vapor condensing thereon, the rate of additional condensation is substantially reduced. The vapor conserved by reduced condensation on the inner surface is used to generate pressure in the vessel more rapidly.

Abstract: A closure is intended for use on a container having an opening defined by a rim portion and a finish including a ledge situated below the rim portion. The closure includes a central body portion sized to cover the container opening and a peripheral portion adapted to contact the rim portion of the container. A plurality of tabs are unitarily fixed to the peripheral portion, each tab including a tang adapted to engage the ledge of the container finish. Each tab also includes a thinned, stressed portion between the tang and the rim portion which is reactive to an application of heat to cause shortening of the tab length. The thinned portion also acts as a hinge to permit flexural displacement of the tab with respect to the body portion. The closure when applied to a container is completed by a band which encompasses the tabs, the band also being reactive to an application of heat to cause contraction of the band to insure continued engagement between the ledge and tangs.

Abstract: A thermally activated self-releasing seal for a thermal mass container comprising (a) seal support located on the exterior of, separate and detached from, the container; (b) a fusible seal, attached to the seal support, to form a one piece seal when combined with the seal support; and (c) apparatus for attaching the fusible seal portion of the one piece seal to the container to cover the aperture, wherein the apparatus for attaching is located on the exterior of and is separate from the container. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the apparatus for attaching is an adhesive, such as a room temperature vulcanizing rubber (an RTV), a two part epoxy, or the like; having the property that heat is not required in order to accomplish the attachment of the fusible seal portion of the one piece seal to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a vessel or capsule under pressure comprises a preferred embodiment closure feature provided on a closure plate or metal wall to be sealed. The closure feature comprises a raised symmetrical protrusion having a small diameter elongated capillary aperture extending completely therethrough. The exposed end of the raised protrusion is heated by rodless welding to a molten state after filling the associated vessel. Then the exposed end of the cylindrical protrusion is allowed to cool while the surface tension of the metal in a molten state forms a convex bubble shape which completely closes the capillary in the exposed end of the cylindrical protrusion and maintains the heat affected zone from progressing radially outward where cracks could occur.

Abstract: An assembly (5) has two or more plastic parts joined together. One of the plastic parts (20) has an electrical heating element (31) whose function is to soften a portion of the plastic when the heating element is electrically energized. Once the plastic is softened, the two parts can be separated and the assembly disassembled. When the two parts are joined together with snap-fit joints, the snap-fits have a heating element to soften a portion of the snap-fit (24) when the heating element is electrically energized, thereby allowing the housing to be opened and separated. If the two parts are ultrasonically welded together to form a housing, a heating element is located therein to soften the ultrasonically welded portion (44), thereby allowing the two halves of the housing to be separated. The heating element can be a nichrome or thin film resistor that is energized by a source (33) located within the housing, or by an power source external to the housing, or it may be inductively coupled to the power source.

Abstract: A hole plug for closing an opening in a panel member comprises a rigid, disk-like main body for positioning in overlying relationship with the opening. Resilient retaining legs are carried by the main body for extending through the opening and engaging the edges thereof for maintaining the main body in the overlying relationship. A mass of heat expandable resilient material is carried by the main body at a location adjacent the retaining legs. The heat expandable resilient material is selected so as to be capable of being expanded through the application of heat to permanently extend from the main body a distance greater than the legs to thereby act as a shield to prevent undesired contact between the legs and associated structure.

Abstract: A closing device, for airtight closing of a package by use of a removable lid, has a facing lid fixedly joined to the package and springs made of shape memory alloy resting on the lid and the facing lid. The facing lid may be fixedly joined to the package by brackets or by other fixing mechanisms. These fixing mechanisms may include screws or may include a groove and tongue arrangement. The fixing mechanism may also include a ring made of a shape memory alloy forcing a flexible part of the facing plate against the package.

Abstract: An air bag system (10) includes an inflator (14) containing ignitable gas generating material (60) which, when ignited, generates gas for inflating the air bag (12). The system (10) further includes a collision sensor (96), a first actuator assembly (64) and a second actuator assembly (62). The collision sensor (96) senses a predetermined amount of vehicle deceleration which is indicative of a collision, and provides a collision signal upon sensing such deceleration. The first actuator assembly (64) ignites the gas generating material (60) in response to the collision signal. The second actuator assembly (62) ignites the gas generating material (60) when the ambient temperature of the inflator (14) reaches a predetermined elevated level. The second actuator assembly (62) includes a bi-metal disk (112) which deflects from a concave shape to a relatively convex shape when the ambient temperature increases to the predetermined elevated level.

Abstract: A mold assembly for use by children to produce in a microwave oven plastic play pieces. The assembly includes a mold, non-reactive to microwave energy and is provided with shaped cavities for receiving a flowable, plastic molding composition non-reactive to microwave energy and having a predetermined curing temperature. Underlying the cavities is a thermal heating element formed by microwave energy-absorbing ferrite particles dispersed in an inert matrix. The particles have a Curie point higher than the curing temperature of the molding composition so that the heating element heats the composition in the mold cavities to effect curing and hardening thereof, thereby forming the play pieces. The mold assembly is enclosed within a safety container non-reactive to microwave energy.

Abstract: A container (10) for compressed gas with a pressure relief member (18) made from a bimorph shape memory material. The bimorph (18) is impermeable by the gas. The bimorph (18) assumes a shape which changes depending on temperature. Below a critical temperature, the bimorph (18) lies in a first (deformed) state, and reverts to a second (remembered) state thereabove. The gas is entrapped within the container (10) when the bimorph (18) assumes the first state. When pressure rises due to temperature increase above the critical temperature, gas may escape from the container (10). This is because the bimorph (18) reverts to its second state, in which a relief gas passageway is opened, thereby relieving gas pressure.