Abstract: The specification and drawings disclose a plastic sealing or locking cover 1, and a process for using it to seal an aperture of a support 3, such as an opening in an automobile body component. At least one cavity 5 of the locking cover 1 is filled with a medium 6 which can expand under the influence of temperature after mounting of the locking cover 1 in the support aperture 2 to thus press areas of the locking cover against neighboring areas of the support aperture to create a tight seal.

Abstract: In a sterilizing container with a perforated zone which can be covered over in relation to the interior of the container by a filter designed so that it can be displaced and covered over, in order to improve the protection of the filter, on the one hand, and the sealing-off of a bypass under different operating conditions, on the other hand, it is proposed that force elements be used for displacing a covering disc of the filter and the filter itself which change the displacement forces acting on the covering disc and on the filter, respectively, as a function of the temperature.

Abstract: Containers for dispensing a liquid or powder fabric conditioner wherein the container is caused to break or detach in response to temperature change. Thus, when a container of this type is placed in a clothes washer, the washing cycle is set to a warm or hot temperature and the final rinsing cycle is set to cold. The cold water causes the container to break or to separate, so that the conditioner is released into the rinse water.

Abstract: A safety radiator cap for radiator providing a safety plate or wire made of shape memory alloy. The safety plate or wire bends downward under ambient temperature. High temperature water in the radiator causes the safety plate to extend out due to the memory characteristic of the alloy, and the safety plate thus presses against the neck of the filling hole.

Abstract: The protective device against an overheating, in particular by fire, of individual or batteries of pressure vessels (10) of a length (1) of at least 1.5 m serves for the storage and/or transportation of high- pressure gases. The pressure vessels (10) have at least one end cap (14) with a valve (18) or an end plug (20) with a melting plug (22) of an alloy melting at a low temperature. On at least one end cap (14) a pressure pipe (24), communicating constantly with the interior of a pressure vessel (10) branches off, which pressure pipe is led in axial direction (A) along at least a part of the pressure vessel (10). At intervals (a), essentially T-shaped fittings (26) are installed in the pressure pipe (24), which fittings have in their branching-off leg a melting plug (22) of an alloy melting at a low temperature. A blindly ending pressure pipe (24) is closed off by such a melting plug (22).

Abstract: A container having at least one detachable component particularly useful for dispensing a liquid or powder fabric conditioner. The component breaks or detaches in response to temperature change. Thus, when the container is placed in a clothes washer, the washing cycle is set to a warm or hot temperature and the final rinsing cycle is set to cold. The cold water causes the component to separate, so that the conditioner is released into the rinse water.

Abstract: A cup-shaped freeze plug for a coolant hole in an engine block. The plug includes a base section having a diameter less than the hole's nominal diameter, the base diameter being sized to permit the plug to be hand-fitted into the coolant hole at an intermediate non-sealing position. The plug also includes a rim section formed integral with the base section, the rim section having a diameter greater than the hole's nominal diameter, the rim diameter being sized to allow the plug to be force-fitted into the coolant hole at a final coolant sealing position.

Abstract: A thermally locking radiator cap for fitting on the filler neck flange of an automotive radiator, which prevents the radiator cap from becoming detached from the filler neck flange when the radiator is hot. The cap uses a bi-metallic strip captured on the top surface of the radiator cap and having an end which goes through the opening of the radiator cap and engages the filler neck flange to lock the cap in place. Colors are placed on the bi-metallic strip adjacent to a window at the top of the radiator cap so that when the bi-metallic strip moves as a result of expansion, the colors change to indicate that the cap is either locked or free.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a safety device for a radiator cap detachably mounted on a fluid supply opening for closing the radiator opening. The safety device comprises a lock means for preventing the opening of the radiator cap when the temperature of the coolant in the radiator is higher than a predetermined value. The lock means is provided between the radiator cap and an inner surface of the fluid supply opening. The lock means comprises a lock portion provided on an inner surface of the fluid supply opening and a lock member fixedly secured to the radiator cap. The lock member is formed of a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A box for storing combustible or easily inflammable substances comprising heat-insulated side and bottom walls and a heat-insulated cover pivotally connected to one side wall, means being provided for equilibrating the weight of said cover in the open position thereof, said equilibrating means being connected to said cover by a heat-sensitive coupling, the latter being adapted to disrupt the connection between said equilibrating means and said cover when a predetermined temperature is exceeded so as to cause said cover to be closed by its own weight.

Abstract: A food storage and reheating receptacle (1) with a lid having heat openable apertures (4). Material of lid is such that cut outs on lid tend to bend or deflect from lid surface upon heating thereby causing ventilation of contents of receptacle.

Abstract: A temperature regulated dual pressure radiator cap for an engine coolant system is disclosed having a temperature actuated valve that operates to normally open a large pressure responsive valve area to the coolant pressure below a predetermined coolant temperature and close communication therewith thereabove while then exposing the coolant pressure to a small pressure responsive valve area whereby the coolant pressure required for blow off is higher at coolant temperatures above such temperature.

Abstract: A plastic vent valve apparatus for use in connection with storage containers provides for equalization of the internal pressure of the container. Air is admitted into the container in response to a partial vacuum, while fumes or fluid contents of the container are expelled in response to over-pressurization of the container to prevent explosion of the container. Moderate over-pressurization resulting from normal expansion of the contents is relieved by venting of the fumes or liquid contents by means of a valve mechanism. Severe over-pressurization requiring rapid venting is better accommodated by ejection of a thin-walled break-away portion of the upper housing defining a large unobstructed vent aperture. Finally, under severe fire conditions the melting of the plastic valve components may provide a yet larger aperture for maximum venting.

Abstract: A unique temperature responsive operating mechanism is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment as a temperature responsive valve mechanism for use with a steam sterilization container. The mechanism includes a valve operating member which is movable by the action of a biasing spring from a first, opened position to a second, closed position with respect to an opening defined by the sterilization container. The mechanism further includes a temperature responsive, heat deformable member operatively associated with the biasing spring and the valve operating member to provide progressive movement of the valve operating member from its first to its second position in response to an elevation in temperature of the environment of the operating mechanism. Desired communication is provided between the interior and exterior of the sterilization container during a substantial portion of the steam sterilization process, with the mechanism subsequently tightly sealing the container.

Abstract: A sealed container provides with a plug valve which employs a heat responsive band having one end attached to the side of the plug which is on the outer side of the plug when the plug is positioned in the container wall. The other end of the band extends around the edge of the plug holding the edge away from a valve opening in the wall of the container. This inner end of the band is connected through a wire to a fusable pin centrally positioned on the inner side of the plug. At the desired time, the fuse melts releasing the wire and the ban shrinks or retracks, releasing the edge of the valve member allowing it to seal against the container wall.

Abstract: A valve for conduit systems, such as a base valve for precharged refrigeration circuits, wherein the valve element is initially closed, and is opened by the application of heat to the valve body exterior. The valve element is maintained in a closed or sealed position by a low temperature fusible material, such as solder, and the application of exterior heat melts the fusible material to release the valve element and open the valve to unrestricted flow therethrough. The valve structure includes means for preventing restriction by the released valve element.

Abstract: A container is provided 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.

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: A sealed container provided with a valve opening and a resilient valve member self-biased into closing position. The valve is manually openable by a lever which is held in the open position by a rigid fuse-like element which melts after being subjected to sterilizing temperatures long enough to sterilize the container and its contents. The valve then closes sealing the container. The valve and a gasket between the container lid and base will permit leakage out of the box to permit the withdrawal of steam from the container when a vacuum is applied to the container exterior but will prevent reverse flow so that a vacuum is maintained within the container once one is created. The vacuum may be released by opening the valve, which simultaneously cocks it for the next sterilizing operation.An alternate approach includes a disposable, resilient valve member which plugs into a hole in the wall of the container and covers a valve orifice into the container.

Abstract: A storage container for maintaining the sterilized condition of instruments or other articles. The container has a receiving tray and a lid with a unique sealing element that not only provides an excellent seal but also enhances the seating of the lid on the tray portion. Means are placed adjacent the interface of the lid with the tray for holding the lid above the tray during the sterilization process and for releasing the lid to seat in sealing engagement with the tray after the sterilization process. Mounted within the container is a combination relief and release valve to respectively control the amount of vacuum within the container and to release the vacuum in order to allow access to the interior of the container to remove the instruments or articles therein.

Abstract: A method of sealing electrical components by positioning over the electrical component a heat recoverable sealing member. When a metal sealing member is utilized, the metal is in a deformed, unstable martensitic state, and thereafter is allowed to heat recover to a stable, austenitic state. When a plastic material is used, the polymer is heated, deformed and quenched in an unstable state, so upon heating it recovers via its elastic memory to a stable state.

Abstract: A heat-activated fire extinguishing cover assembly comprising a top closure member adapted to extend across the open upper end of a container and form a lid thereto, an unobstructed opening formed through said member for disposing articles into the container, means carried by said member and overlying said opening to form a flue for heat to pass out of the container, a door movable between open and closed positions relative to said opening, and heat destructible latch means retaining said door in its open position until sufficiently weaked by heat to release said door.

Abstract: A device for plugging or sealing apertures comprising a heat recoverable dished disc which has the capability to increase its radial dimension upon being heated to a temperature above the transition temperature of the metal. Sealing is accomplished by selecting a heat recoverable dished disc having a radial dimension smaller than that of the aperture to be sealed, but which is capable of increasing its radial dimension to a magnitude greater than that of the aperture. The disc is inserted into the aperture and exposed to a temperature higher than its transition temperature whereupon the disc attempts to return to its original substantially planar configuration thereby increasing in radial dimension and sealing the aperture.

Abstract: A device for plugging or sealing apertures comprising a heat recoverable dished disc which has the capability to increase its radial dimension upon being heated to a temperature above the transition temperature of the metal. Sealing is accomplished by selecting a heat recoverable dished disc having a radial dimension smaller than that of the aperture to be sealed, but which is capable of increasing its radial dimension to a magnitude greater than that of the aperture. The disc is inserted into the aperture and exposed to a temperature higher than its transition temperature whereupon the disc attempts to return to its original substantially planar configuration thereby increasing in radial dimension and sealing the aperture.