Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus to store matter out of contact with gas. A container for storage of matter is combined with a vacuum pump for extracting gas from the container. The vacuum pump has an inlet tube in which is arranged a sealing means for locking the inlet tube and thereby preventing re-entry of gas into the container after the gas has been exhausted by the vacuum pump therefrom, and during storage. The lockable sealing means may be arranged on the inlet valve of the vacuum pump, or it may be internally located in a probe serving as the inlet tube of the vacuum pump and inserted through the container's gas tight sealing means, such as the interlocking strip closure of a food storage bag. In both instances the locking means is operated by external force.

Abstract: The foregoing and other objects of the invention will be realized by a closure assembly engageable with the filler tube of a fuel tank for preventing the outflow of fuel vapors from the fuel tank during a filling procedure and including a manually grippable generally circular top member having a central axial opening therein for permitting the passage of a fuel delivery nozzle therethrough and receiving a relatively smaller press fitted cap thereat. A threaded bottom member of generally circular cross section extends from the top member for threadable engagement with a threaded opening in the filler tube. The bottom member is of a generally hollow construction and has a central axial opening therein and in which a resilient circular annular fuel vapor absorbent filter element is located.

Abstract: A rectangular storage container having a pivotal cover and a body either of which having semicylindrical blocks or rods mounted to their structure providing fulcra in opening the cover. In a preferred embodiment, the storage container includes a square cover and a square body. The square cover comprises a pair of pivots on an inside surface and symmetrically positioned on opposite peripheral sides, a block on the inside surface and centrally positioned at a first end thereof, a chamfer at the first end, and a notch at an opposite second end thereof. The square body comprises an upper peripheral rim and a flange. The pair of pivots and the block rest on the upper peripheral rim of the body while the peripheral sides of the cover rest on the flange of the body. The pair of pivots serve as fulcra and thereby the cover can be opened by applying a force on the first end with the chamfer of the cover being flush with the flange of the body.

Abstract: An improvement in manually operable vents includes a pair of barbs positioned on the end of a leg attached to a vent screw. A vent body is formed with a retaining well on its underside facing the barbs. A throat is formed in the vent body, opening into a flat upper surface of the retaining well. During assembly, the vent screw is screwed into the vent body, causing the barbs to deflect inwards as they are urged through the throat. Once clear of the throat, the barbs restore to their normal position. The vent screw is then held captive, if removal is attempted, by the barbs wedging against the flat upper surface and a cylindrical side wall of the retaining well.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum seasoning device, which is compact in size and simple in structure, and comprises a main body casing which contains a vacuum pump mechanism consisting of a piston, cylinder, and the like arranged horizontally; and said main body is so rotatably supported by a support column that it can transpose itself from a horizontal position to a position where its front portion is slightly raised; and when it is positioned horizontally the base plate of the same hermetically contacts the upper opening edge of the pressure container placed below it, and sucks the air out of the container by means of the horizontal reciprocating movement of the piston, and vent through suction port arranged on the base plate, suction channel of aforementioned vacuum pump mechanism, and then through communicating section thereof.

Abstract: A container for semi-solid substances includes a releasable seal adapted to be opened by a user. Opening of the seal releases vacuum pressure inside the container to allow the semi-solid substance to be dispensed from the open end of the container as a unitary mass.

Abstract: A easy-open beverage container which can be selectably reclosed and reopened, after the container initially is opened. The reclosure structure may be contained on an opening tab, or alternatively may be separate from the tab.

Abstract: This relates to a closure unit of the type including a closure member lockable in place having secured thereto a lever for effecting unlocking of the closure member. The closure unit has a tamper indicating feature in the form of a rivet projecting from the closure member and being received in a ring member releasably integrally formed with the lever. The rivet has been modified to have a blind hole opening through the underside of the closure member for presentation to the interior of an associated container whereby, should the rivet be severed from the closure member, the blind hole will open to the atmosphere and permit a venting under high pressure of the interior of the container.

Abstract: A centrifuge having an access opening is closed by a door having a chamber defined on the interior thereof. The chamber is connectable to a low pressure region so that the chamber may be evacuated.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus comprising a container defining a chamber adapted to contain a substance to be dispensed into the atmosphere, the container including a first surface having therein a first opening communicating with the chamber, a plate member including a second surface and being secured to the container with the second surface facing and spaced from the first surface, and a valve plate including a second opening and being trapped between the first and second surfaces in sliding relation thereto for movement between a first position wherein the valve plate closes the first opening and a second position wherein the second opening is aligned with the first opening to permit the chamber to communicate with the atmosphere.

Abstract: A closure for a canning glass container with a glass cover and a rubber ring therebetween has an upper rim which is formed in the container and provided with a sealing lip with a wedge having a tip with a radius of curvature between 1 mm and 3 mm, a supporting rim formed in the glass cover and having a circular depression located opposite to the wedge and having a radius of curvature exceeding the radius of curvature of the wedge with the wedge and the circular depression extending over an angle of approximately 110.degree.-70.degree., and a projection formed in the glass cover at its side facing toward the canning glass container and provided with a circular outer edge arranged so that it laterally limits the supporting rim of the canning glass container, centers and holds the rubber ring and centers the glass cover in an inner edge of the canning glass container so that relative displacement of the glass cover and the canning glass container which can hinder closing of the latter, is excluded.

Abstract: A water-sealed type pot in which water can be retained between a flange portion at the upper portion of the pot body and its lid to obtain a sealing property. The lid includes a steam escape hole around which a valve seat is formed. Since a valve member is slidably provided on the valve seat, it can be selectively changed over between a position for opening the hole and a position for closing it. Although the valve member is pressed against the valve seat by a spring, it can rotate around the axis defined by the knob on the lid. In order to reduce friction during rotation, at least one of the slide surfaces of the valve member and of the valve seat is formed of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A package for preserving fresh fruits, meats, flowers and the like by vacuum packing same in a tubular shaped cylindrical type container.The container is covered with a thermo, transparent, resilient, plastic material and sealed after the air is withdrawn. There is a signaling means for indicating whether the vacuum has been breached and air has entered into the chamber comprising of a green disc that falls away from a red spot whereby the red spot appears through an opening in the end plate.There are end plates independent of the cylindrical chamber and secured to same for convenience in storage and safety in transit. The end plates have a flat surface of sufficient area so as to act as support members and are secured at each end of the cylindrical container so as to form a unitary package.

Abstract: A container lid (12) is held open by a support plate (18) carrying a chamber (20) which expands at a predetermined point in a sterilizing cycle to react against the lid, moving the plate outwardly to permit the lid to drop onto the container base. A resilient gasket (16) prevents fluid flow into the container after the lid is fallen, but permits fluid flow outwardly past the gasket when interior pressure exceeds exterior pressure. When the container is to be opened, a relief valve (60) relieves the vacuum within the container and filters air entering the container at that time.

Abstract: A bottle closure cap stampable from sheet metal as a shallow cylindrical inverted dish having a rounded juncture forming a fillet between its crown and its cylindrical wall; a layer of elastomeric material being disposed in the fillet and engageable with the axial end of the bottle when the cap is attached. A generally radially extending rip tab is integral with the cylindrical wall at the bottom edge thereof and is adapted to tear through the cylindrical wall by a generally circumferential pull of the user to gain access to the container. A rip line is provided commencing at a corner defined by the bottom edge of the cylindrical wall where it meets the rip tab. At least one groove is formed in the rip tab extending in the inner surface of the side wall. The rip line extends at a shallow angle across the cylindrical wall, without crossing the groove, continuing to a level which is spaced below the crown, continuing parallel to the crown circumferentially about half-way around the closure cap.

Abstract: A container for produce, fruit, groceries, dairy products, and the like comprising a hollow container of substantially rectangular shape, the container including laterally spaced normally vertical side walls, longitudinally spaced normally vertical end walls connecting the side walls at the respective opposite ends of said container and a bottom wall closing the normally lower end of the container. Means defining a guide channel for a slidable cover member on the upper end of said container is provided. The cover member being slidably positioned in the guide channel. The container is open at the upper end of one of the normally vertical walls to permit movement of the slidable cover into or out of the guide channel. A ventilating passage means is provided in at least one of the normally vertical walls.

Abstract: A self-venting waterproof container includes upper and lower waterproof body portions along with a sealing mechanism to effect a seal therebetween. A pressure relief valve provides venting communication between the interior of the container and the environment in which the container is used when there is a differential in environmental pressure and the pressure in the interior of the container. A vacuum relief valve eliminates, when opened, any vacuum existing in the interior of the container. Deformable material used for the body portions allows the container to collapse around the equipment therein under environmental pressure.

Abstract: A molded, threaded port and plug may be produced in a container top in which a threaded port is defined at least in part by an inwardly projecting sleeve from the container top having first lateral aperture means, a plug threadedly mounted in the sleeve having an outwardly facing open recess defined by a tubular wall, and second lateral apertures communicating through the tubular wall. In one rotational position of the plug a flow channel is opened to the interior of the container, while in another rotational position of the plug the flow channel is sealed.

Abstract: A pump mechanism primarily designed for use in sealing and pressurizing a container for tennis balls and the like. An alternate embodiment is adaptable for use in pressurizing items such as game balls and air-inflated shock absorbers and forks as used on motorcycles. The pump has a cylinder with a one-way valve at the outlet end. A piston is provided for moving longitudinally in and out of the cylinder to provide the pumping action. The piston is hollow and contains a second, spring-biased piston therein. The side wall of the piston contains a relief channel or hole at a pre-set distance from the bottom thereof. As the pressure in the pump increases, the piston within the piston is forced back against the increasing bias of the spring. When the biased piston moves sufficiently to expose the outlet channel or hole, the pressure limit of the pump is reached as any additional pressure is vented therefrom.

Abstract: This relates to the provision of a vacuum indicator in a container wherein a product is vacuum packaged. Most specifically, an end unit for a conventional container is provided with a vent opening through which air rushes into the container when opened. There is secured to the underside of the end unit a whistle device in communication with the opening so that the inwardly rushing air actuates the whistle device and causes the whistle device to emit a whistling sound in accordance with the vacuum present within the container and thereby gives an audible indication of the freshness of the product.

Abstract: An insulated holder for beverage containers having walls defining a generally cup-shaped, open-topped compartment for receiving a chilled beverage container therein, the holder being dimensioned so that the side walls of the holder are spaced from the container side walls throughout the major portion of the height of the compartment, a flexible member sealingly engaging the side walls of the beverage container at the upper end of the compartment to form an airtight, sealed space within the compartment and provide effective insulation to the beverage container. The walls of the holder are formed of an inner air-impervious layer and an outer soft cushion layer of foam plastic insulating material. The lower portion of the holder may be provided with a refrigerant which engages the bottom of the beverage container in conductive heat transfer relation and is disposed in convective heat transfer relation with the sealed air space surrounding the side walls of the beverage container.

Abstract: A container lid (12) is held open by a support plate (18) carrying a chamber (20) which expands at a predetermined point in a sterilizing cycle to react against the lid, moving the plate outwardly to permit the lid to drop onto the container base. A resilient gasket (16) prevents fluid flow into the container after the lid is fallen, but permits fluid flow outwardly past the gasket when interior pressure exceeds exterior pressure. When the container is to be opened, a relief valve (60) relieves the vacuum within the container and filters air entering the container at that time.

Abstract: A vessel or container for storing ground coffee and which comprises a housing for receiving the ground coffee therein and having an access port and a discharge port in communication with the interior thereof, a handle member secured to the outer periphery of the housing and having a pump chamber provided therein, a passageway providing communication between the pump chamber and the interior of the housing, a check valve interposed in the passageway, a pump plunger reciprocally disposed in the pump chamber and a plunger rod extending axially outwardly from the plunger for facilitating the reciprocation of the plunger within the pump chamber, a removable cover provided for the access port and a removable plug member provided for the discharge port to seal the interior of the housing from the atmosphere whereby reciprocation of the plunger creates at least a partial vacuum in the interior of the housing for storing of the coffee ground in at least a partial vacuum for preserving the freshness thereof.

Abstract: A cookpot lid according to the instant invention has a lid body formed with two vertically throughgoing apertures and a reservoir overlying the aperture and rotatable on the lid body about an axis adjacent the aperture. The reservoir is formed with two vertically throughgoing holes alignable vertically with the respective apertures in a predetermined angular position of the reservoir on the lid body. The holes and apertures are spaced the same distance from the axis. A stop is provided so that in one end position of the reservoir, which is formed as a handle, the two holes are aligned with the apertures for maximum flow, and in the opposite end position only one of the apertures is aligned with only one of the holes for less flow. In between these positions no hole is aligned with an aperture so no flow is possible.

Abstract: A plug and socket cleanout assembly for fluid transmission lines, storage tanks, and like receptacles comprises a socket connectible to the receptacle and communicating therewith. A plug is removably seated in the socket, there being a relatively tapered interface between the plug and socket. Seal means is seated at the interface. Interengaging means carried by the plug and socket releasably interengage these two members in sealed relation to each other when the plug is seated in the socket. Pressure relieving means mounts in the plug and is manually operable to vent excess pressure from the receptacle.

Abstract: A pot lid adaptable to a cookpot for boiling down foods such as fish, meat and the like. The pot lid has a plate having a contour adaptable to the cookpot, and a cover detachably installed on an upper surface of the plate. The plate has a threaded hole at its center, openings for releasing steam and grooves which extend to the circumferential end of the plate. The cover has a diameter large enough to close the openings and a rod projecting downwardly. The rod has a threaded groove at its end portion with an ungrooved portion being left above the threaded groove. The threaded groove is engageable with the threaded hole of the plate. When in use, the ungrooved portion of the rod is slidably held within the threaded hole of the plate to permit a heated broth of the boiled foods to discharge from at least the openings.

Abstract: A fuel tank cap includes a ball cage centrally depending from a fuel tank cap body, said ball cage having a plurality of tank neck engaging balls located in a plurality of side openings through which the balls are selectively urged. A plunger cone within the ball cage is slidable between a first position where it urges the aforementioned balls outwardly for locking the cap to the fuel tank neck, and a second position allowing inward movement of the balls within the ball cage and removal of the cap from the fuel tank neck.

Abstract: A ventable steam cover for a culinary vessel includes a curvilinear wall forming an enclosed chamber to provide a modified convectional cooking atmosphere. The curvilinear wall has an annular seating rim for engagement over a range of different sizes and types of cookery. A flange depending from the annular rim centers the steam cover over the mouth of the vessel. A handle assembly incorporates a valve plate rotatably mounted for selective displacement to release the vapor and for introducing a flavor ingredient. A hooded vent deflects the escaping gases away from a hand engageable knob portion.

Abstract: A closure device for canisters and a reclosure for vacuum pack containers and comprised of a removeable diaphragm that seals with the opened end of the container and a cover overlying the diaphragm to form a pump chamber therebetween, there being actuating means to axially reciprocate the diaphragm relative to the cover, and check valves in the diaphragm and cover for drawing a high vacuum upon the contents within the said container, and with means to release said vacuum.

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 vent device for relieving pressure buildup inside an electrical enclosure due to an internal explosion of gases. A mass of stainless steel foam covers an opening in the enclosure and stops any flames or particles from escaping but provides a large equivalent cross section opening to permit the gases to escape and vent the pressure buildup. An outer cover protects the foam mass from impact damage and shields it from high pressure water spray used in cleaning. The cover is vertically hung from a knife-edge and held closed by means of a permanent magnet. A predetermined pressure differential is sufficient to overcome the attractive force of the magnet and allow the protective cover to be pushed open.

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 seedling sprouter comprises a base which supports a screen therein and a complimentary cover. The cover and base lock together by means which allow the cover to be spaced from the base when the sprouter is being drained. A closure on the cover is rotatable to three positions in which water may be added to the sprouter, water may be drained from the sprouter without the loss of the sprouted seeds therein, or the sprouter may be sealed.

Abstract: This invention provides a lid for a cooking pan having a central knob and two lid portions. The lid portions can be adjusted between a spaced-apart condition and a juxtaposed or surface-contact position. Each lid portion has apertures therethrough, but the apertures are not in alignment as viewed vertically. Thus, when the lid members are separated there are provided vent passages for cooking fumes, etc. to escape from a pan or pot being covered by the lid. Conversely, when the lid members are juxtaposed in surface-contact, the vent passages are closed, and escape of cooking fumes is restrained.

Abstract: A gas tank cap has an inner part connectable to a gas tank filler pipe and an outer part biased outwardly away from the inner part by a spring and normally freely rotatable relative to the inner part. One or more passages in the cap communicate with the filler pipe and with the ambient atmosphere and have valves interposed in them which are so positioned that when the outer part is pushed towards the inner part the valves are automatically opened to vent pressure from the gas tank. Only after the valves have opened in response to pushing of the outer part towards the inner part do the two parts become coupled for subsequent joint rotation so as to permit removal of the gas cap from the filler pipe.

Abstract: An air evacuating closure adapted for use with a container whereby the contents of a container can be maintained stored under a negative pressure environment after the container has been opened. The evacuating closure includes a member which forms a closure top for a container, and which closure top incorporates a pump for evacuating any air from a container. The closure also includes a vent for venting the container when under a negative pressure to facilitate the removal of the closure.

Abstract: A container is provided having a body adapted to contain a product therein and having a bottom wall and a side wall which terminates in a first circumferential bead defining an open end in the body. A closure is provided for the body and such closure has a main portion adjoined at its outer edge by an annular flange with the annular flange terminating in a second circumferential bead; and an annular indentation is provided in the flange and first bead which cooperates with seal means for the closure to provide an improved seal between the closure and the first annular bead.

Abstract: A container is provided having a deformable metal container body, adapted to contain a product therein and having a bottom wall and a side wall which has a tubular upper portion terminating in a first circumferential bead defining an open end of the container body. A deformable metal closure for the container body is provided and the closure has a main body portion adjoined at its outer edge by an annular flange which has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defined by a bight with an inner leg portion and an outer leg portion extending from opposite ends of the bight and the inner leg portion adjoins the main body portion and the outer leg portion terminates in a second circumferential bead. An annular indentation is provided in the inner leg portion of the flange and the tubular upper portion beneath the first bead with the annular indentation providing a seal between the closure and container body.

Abstract: A closure to be slidably fitted in a container to exclude air from the surface of the material in said container or to be withdrawn to allow access to said material, includes a disc-like closure body, an air vent through said body, a plug to close said vent, a flexible handle attached to said body, characterized by a connection between said plug and said handle whereby force on said handle to withdraw said closure retracts said plug from said vent.