Abstract: A storage column structure includes multiple storage column elements that interlock together in a vertical stack to form a compact, unitary tower assembly. A power supply module is positioned as a base unit to provide stability for the tower assembly. Each of the remaining storage column elements is adapted to receive and hold a removable modular storage device, such as a disk drive mechanism. Storage column elements are electrically interconnected in the stack to provide for the storage modules held by the storage column elements electrical power and connection to preferably a SCSI bus. The storage column elements are secured together by manually turnable fasteners provided in each storage column element. With the exception of the base unit, each of the storage column elements includes a floor that supports a removable storage device module; therefore, a storage device can be inserted or removed without affecting the structural integrity of the assembly.

Abstract: A work box comprises a central box unit and two lateral box units. Each of the box units has a bottom wall, a front end wall, a rear end wall, two opposing lateral side walls, and adjacent surfaces of complementary shape so that when the work-box is closed it forms an essentially solid block. Guide means of the work-box is arranged between the central box unit and the lateral box units, respectively. The bottom wall of the central box unit comprises downwardly inclined slanted wall portions, with the contour of the central box unit essentially corresponding to a triangular prism. The central box unit opens in an upward direction and has a lower edge defined by the slanted wall portions of its bottom wall, which faces in a downward direction. The upper edges of the front end, rear end, and side walls of the lateral box units define a plane that is parallel to the slanted wall portions of the central box unit.

Abstract: A knife holder includes a board having a rib laterally formed on the front surface and having two cavities formed in the rear surface for receiving magnets which may attach the knife holder to metal surface. A case includes a rear panel and two flanges extended rearward from the rear panel for engaging with the front surface of the board. The rear panel and the rib form a slot for receiving and for protecting knife blade. The knife blades may be completely received and protected between the board and the case.

Abstract: For convenience in storing and handling, a garden hose of substantial length is formed of a plurality of sections which can be readily stored and readily assembled into a hose of substantial length. Each section has a female coupler at one end and a male coupler at the opposite end. Most of the couplers in the chain of hose sections are threadless, quick-connect coupler units with a male coupler that clicks into a female coupler. The sections are so short as not to require winding into a coil and so long that only a small number of sections are required to form the hose of substantial length. There are unfolded shorter tube sections and longer sections folded into a U-shape.

Abstract: A reusable isolation structure features an easily cleanable shell having viewing windows formed therein, each protected by a framing ridge or a recess integrally formed in the shell provides protection of contents from contamination, impact, vibration and tampering. Framing ridges or recesses also facilitate stacking of shells. The closure member opening of the shell includes a groove formed around the periphery thereof and is preferably not more than slightly smaller than an interior cross-section of the shell. A door of the isolation structure is dimensioned to fit within the closure member opening and has a resilient seal clamped to the periphery of a backbone by front and rear plates. The front and rear plates cooperate with grooves formed in the backbone to define a preferred form of manifold for coupling pressure or a vacuum to the interior of the resilient seal whereby the resilient seal may be collapsed to allow removal of the door or allowed to expand or pressurized to provide secure closure.

Abstract: A casing includes a tubular wall portion of a deformation-resistant material and respective end portions. At least one longitudinal part of the wall portion is shaped as a lamellar part (12) with one longitudinal edge thereof being hinged to the remaining part of the wall portion. The best possible access to the interior of the casing will be obtained if the wall portion is assembled of several identical lamellar parts (12), so that a folding structure is provided which is also useful as a deposit and display tray.

Abstract: The Assembly has a base formed of a strip or sheet of plastic material which has a plurality of holes formed therein. Holes in ends of the sheet are aligned to receive fasteners to fix the sheet into a simple band. Other plastic sheets are turned into cylinders, which are set into the base, for the receipt therein of recyclable materials. The cylinders or sleeves are also formed of multi-holed sheets of plastic material. Again, sheet end holes are used, with fasteners, to fix the sleeves into their cylindrical form. Further ones of the holes are used to fix adjacent sleeves together, in the base, and some are used to fix the sleeves to the base. The Assembly can be provided as a rolled-up kit of the requisite holed sheets and a supply of fasteners.

Abstract: A cleaning center for use in a home, motor vehicle or the like. The cleaning center is constructed with one or more outer caddy units which may be locked together and covered and locked with a lid. The caddy units are designed to store cleaning supplies and to prevent access to the supplies by small children. Each caddy unit has an internal cleaning device positioned in the center thereof with the home caddy having a vacuum cleaner unit and the auto caddy having a pail. The caddies as well as the internal cleaning devices are interchangeable and can be used separately and in various combinations.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a container which includes an air-impervious diaphragm which when subjected to differential pressure will expand to retain articles in place within a container. The diaphragm is retained in position by a ring member that secures the marginal portions of the diaphragm in position. the diaphragm may be secured to a container filled in a vacuum chamber so that atmospheric pressure will extend the diaphragm into the desired position or it may be subject to high pressure air to extend the diaphragm. Means for exhausting the high pressure air or for admitting atmospheric air into the interior of the container for facilitating removal of the closure assembly from the container are also described.

Abstract: A lid with a sealing device for containers includes a horizontal top (2; 50; 62), at least one air tube (6;51;63;73;83) attached to the lid (1;50;60;71;81), one or more suction cups (8;55;67;75;74;85;84) attached to the air tube and a hole (9;53;77;87) made in the lid and communicating with each air tube. Each suction cup accomplishes its sealing action between the lid and the container on which the lid is applied when the air tube to which each suction cup is attached is expanded by a compressed fluid, thereby causing the suction cups to adhere against the edge of the container and/or the lid applied on the container itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for the storage and transport of used and unused beverage containers is provided, wherein a matrix of tubular housings are arranged in a plurality of rows, including a central web directed orthogonally and medially of the tubes to secure the tubes together, with the web including a handle at a forwardmost end thereof. The web includes a rear projection, wherein the rear projection includes a plurality of tether lines, with the tether lines fixedly mounting lid members at equal spacings therealong for securement removably to upper terminal end portions of each tube. Lower portions of each tube include bottom lids, wherein the bottom lids are provided for containment of the beverage containers therewithin.

Abstract: A device for containing a plurality of individual refuse bins which includes a hollow base having substantially vertical front, back and side walls. The front wall has a height less than that of the back wall. A bottom support extends inwardly from the lower edge of the back, front and side walls for supporting the individual refuse bins within the base. A bin cover is hingedly connected to an upper edge of the back wall for simultaneously covering the tops of the plurality of refuse bins when in a first position and uncovering the tops of the refuse bins when in a second position. The bin cover is penetrated by a plurality of access ports matching the position and number of the plurality of refuse bins to allow refuse to be deposited in the bins when the cover is in the first position.

Abstract: A transport and storage container for nuclear fuel elements comprises a vessel with a removable internal structure. The internal structure defines a plurality of elongate compartments to receive fuel elements and the walls of the compartments are formed by inter-engageable elongate rectangular plates disposed at right angles to one another. Spider assemblies arranged at intervals along the length of the structure hold the plates together.

Abstract: This is a multi-tubular container for transporting, storing and securing materials such as rolled plans, blueprints, maps, charts, art work, or anything else one desires to deposit into a container which shields the contents from the elements and yet are readily accessible by authorized persons such as office personnel, building inspectors, foremen, or superintendentants of any building project.The invention consists of an opted number of elongated, hollow, tubular receptacles that are assembled together by a connection process with two multi-encircling flat flange plates.Closure of the two ends of each receptacle is facilitated by the use of snugly fitting caps or covers. The bottom cap shall be a permanent seal but still could be openable if one so desires. The top cap although snug may be pulled off easily by hand for convenient access to the contents. For field use, the removeable cover cap is attached to the tubal unit with an optional retainer line as not to be misplaced when unit is opened.

Abstract: A disk of joined segments, having a water resistant sheet over the seams of joining, is mounted on a ring around the nozzle, and water tightly sealed against the ring by expandable rings. A circular portion of the disk that is concentric with the central axis of the nozzle is thinner than the central portion of the disk at the central axis of the nozzle, measured in solid cross section. The thinner circular portion is contoured for resistance to stress from pressure of fluid against the disk. The contour includes a concave annular outer surface of the disk, rising toward the center of the disk. At least one segment includes a beam oriented longitudinally with the segment, traversing and clearing the concave annular surface, and attached at each end to the segment. A plurality of bolt fasteners hold the disk to the segment. The bolt is threaded at the front end for screwing into the ring, and threaded at the back end for receiving a hold-down finger knob.

Abstract: An isolator (10) formed to facilitate the entry and exit of products into and out of the isolator, the wall (12) of which includes an upper part (16) and a lower part (18) capable of being disconnected completely along one section of the isolator. The upper part (16) includes a flexible wall (24) forming a skirt, the lower edge of which emcompasses the upper edge of the lower part (18). A sealed connection of the two parts is obtained by inflating an inflatable seal (36) mounted in a recess (34) formed in a rigid portion of the lower part (18). The seal (36) then comes into sealing contact with an unstretchable belt (26) affixed to the lower end of the flexible wall (24).

Abstract: A container connector for interconnecting a pair of shipping containers to n essence form a single container of a larger size. There are to be utilized a plurality of these container connectors to secure together a pair of shipping containers. Each container connector comprises a grab bar and a position bar. Interconnecting the grab bar and position bar are a pair of threaded bolts. The threaded bolts are to be operable independently so that the position bar can be located at a skewed angle relative to the grab bar during installation of the container connector. Once the grab bar and the position bar are correctly installed, the bolts are rotated to cause the position bar to be moved in an outward direction from the grab bar to cause the grab bar to tightly engage with the side wall of a pair of aligned openings formed within the shipping containers which are located in a closely spaced, almost abutting, relationship.

Abstract: A baking pan having a multiplicity of baking units constructed by forming the baking units as individual pieces, disposing the pre-formed baking units within openings formed in a sheet material and securing the baking units to the sheet material. The means for securing the baking units to the sheet material comprises interlocking portions of the baking units with the sheet material to form an assembly of baking units.

Abstract: A box-like sealable container for transporting and discharging material includes an improved tailgate and tailgate seal. The container has walls which define an opening, and the tailgate attached thereto has a periphery that overlies the opening. The tailgate seal is an elongated tubular member mounted inside a metal channel fastened on an outer wall of the container about the opening. When pressurized, the tubular member expands out of the channel and sealingly engages the tailgate if the tailgate is in a closed first position. Reinforcement members mounted on an outer wall of the tailgate prevent tailgate distortion.

Abstract: A multi-unit dispensing container assembly, comprising a plurality of separate, elongate tubular dispensing containers which mate together in surface-to-surface contact along adjacent side walls. Hinges connect the containers along side edges of the adjacent side walls to permit movement of the containers. The containers can move back and forth between a closed position in which the adjacent walls mate together in surface-to-surface contact and a plurality of open positions in which the adjacent walls are variably spaced from each other except at their respective side edges.

Abstract: A gas cylinder locking mechanism is provided to maintain threaded gas cylinders firmly in position on a manifold. The mechanism requires the use of at least two gas cylinders, each of which is provided with a locking tab. The tabs are in interfering relationship with each other to prevent inadvertent unthreading of the gas cylinders.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting containers to each other. The apparatus has three of elastic loops which compressively secure three containers inserted therein. One loop is oriented with respect to two other loops such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the two other loops and is saubstantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal axes of the two other loops. The apparatus has particular advantages in connecting together cleaning solution containers for contact lenses and a case for storing contact lenses.

Abstract: A container for a liquid radioactive and/or fissionable substance includes an outer container. An inner container is disposed in said outer container for receiving the substance. The inner container includes a primary container and a separate, closed secondary container having upper and lower ends. The primary container has an upper end protruding beyond said upper end of said secondary container and a lower end protruding beyond said lower end of said secondary container in longitudinal direction. A first connecting tube leads continuously downward in a direction from said lower end of said secondary container toward said lower end of said primary container. A second connecting tube leads continuously upward from said upper end of said secondary container in a direction toward said upper end of said primary container. The outer container has a fill chamber disposed therein for filling with heat-conducting filler.

Abstract: A nozzle dam 14 has an integral diaphragm 50 and peripheral seal 58 radially engaged by bladder 46 to seal against the nozzle dam surface 12. The bladder receives force from a surface 44 on a plunger member 42. The plunger member 42 moves with the nozzle dam securing pin 32 as it seats in socket 40. A manual toggle type action clamp 20 actuates the pin 32.

Abstract: Attachment plates which are constructed to slidably interlock with various items including containers, housings, walls, fixtures and other entities in which the sliding interlocking connection includes male and female dovetailed, longitudinally wedge shaped structures with the attachment plates being capable of connecting various items, articles, containers and the like with the attachment plate including a support structure to enable the connected items to be carried or effectively supported, handled and the like with the wedge shaped configuration of the dovetailed connection providing a positive and secure interconnection between the attachment plate and the item connected thereto. The items or articles, such as containers or the like, are constructed with the wedge shaped tapered dovetailed connection facilities on surface portions thereof to enable a plurality of the items to be connected to each other or connected to the attachment plate.

Abstract: A device for sealing the gap between the opening of a tank and a filler pipe passing movably through the opening. It includes a coupling tube which can be placed in the gap and which can be sealed against the opening at one end and against the filler pipe at the other by radially inflatable gaskets. The inwardly facing second gasket is disposed at a distance above the opening and the first gasket, and the coupling tube has at least one secondary opening in the area between the first gasket and the second which serves for the connection of a vacuum line or a pressure line.

Abstract: This invention provides an all metal seal for vacuum or pressure vessels or systems. This invention does not use gaskets. The invention uses a flange which fits into a matching groove. Fluid pressure is applied in a chamber in the flange causing at least one of the flange walls to radially press against a side of the groove creating the seal between the flange wall and the groove side.

Abstract: A combination beverage package having a primary chamber and a secondary chamber beneath. The primary chamber includes a substantially cylindrical sidewall containment and a bottom closure panel. The secondary chamber below being a detachable substantially cylindrical sidewall containment with a secondary bottom closure panel being spaced apart from the primary closure panel by the secondary substantially cylindrical containment. A complimentary product is placed in the secondary chamber during manufacture and can be removed by the user through detachment of the secondary containment chamber.

Abstract: An annular plate is mounted on and sealed to the spaced apart pressure vessel flange and vessel containment structure of a nuclear reactor to form a leak-proof bottom for a refueling canal for the reactor. The sealing arrangement for the plate establishes redundant seals to each of the flange and containment structure, the seals being pneumatically expandable to enhance the integrity thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing an opening (7) defined by an edge (6), comprising a sealing element (2, 102), the dimensions of which are at least equal to those of the opening (7), means for securing the said sealing element opposite the opening, and means for ensuring fluid-tightness between the sealing element (2, 102) and the edge (6). The means for ensuring tightness between the sealing element (2, 102) and the edge (6) consists of a flexible membrane (8), means for fixing the circumference of this membrane to the sealing element (2, 102) so as to define a volume (16) between the membrane (8) and the sealing element (2, 102), and a communication hole (18, 32) provided in the sealing element so as to connect the volume (16) to a source of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A nozzle dam for providing a fluid-tight seal across a primary fluid nozzle in the plenum of a nuclear steam generating vessel includes two fluid-impermeable seals, each comprising a circular three-section foldable seal plate covered with a flexible diaphragm and circumferentially encompassed by an inflatable seal member disposable in frictional sealing engagement with the inner surface of the nozzle. The center sections of the two seals are interconnected by tubular coupling means. The diaphragms are disposed on the high pressure sides of the seal plates, and the sections of each seal plate are hinged on the high pressure side. The center section of each seal plate carries two pairs of support tabs attached to the low pressure side thereof and respectively projecting from opposite ends thereof in cantilever fashion for supported engagement with a frustoconical portion of the inner surface of the nozzle.

Abstract: A nozzle between the nuclear steam generator and nuclear reactor vessel has a dam, plug, or barrier mounted on the tapering internal wall of the conduit. A seating ring is mounted on the tapered internal surface of the nozzle through screws which will ensure release of the ring after pressure on the dam is removed, and the screws are backed away from engagement with the tapered surface.

Abstract: An improved fire seal comprises: an elongated flexible carrier incorporating structure for affixing the seal in a gap between opposing surfaces; a resilient cellular core; a bead of intumescent material; a flexible outer protective liner covering the cellular core and the intumescent bead; and, a remotely actuatable heat source disposed in the seal for activating the intumescent material responsive to a remotely generated signal, whereby the gap may be sealed by expansion of the intumescent material responsive to an alarm condition in a location remote from the gap.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ship's door or ship's frame arrangement which is provided with a door frame and a removable door leaf mounted in it. Peripherally mounted on one of the mutually facing peripheral edges of the frame and the door leaf and serving as a dynamic seal is an elastic tube which is connected to a pressure medium source and which, when pressurized, presses between the peripheral edges of the frame and the door leaf, thereby forming a seal between them and, when depressurized, lifts away from the opposite peripheral edges to form an annular clearance. In addition to the dynamic seal, a peripheral static seal is provided which serves as a spray-guard.

Abstract: A baking utensil which is designed for use in commercial baking operations has a rigid frame for supporting baking pans. The pans themselves have non-stick baking surfaces and are attached to the frame in a manner which permit ready detachment and replacement. Typically, the pans' baking surfaces are coated with PTFE (polytetrafluororethylene).

Abstract: A kit for performing a medical procedure comprising, a procedure tray having a plurality of recesses to receive procedural components. The kit has a prepping tray having a plurality of recesses to receive prepping components, with the prepping tray being disposed in a side-by-side relationship with the procedure tray. The prepping tray has an outwardly directed upper transparent flange which is sufficiently large to cover the procedure tray.

Abstract: The invention comprises a core barrel plug capable of being remotely installed in a port of a core barrel of a pressurized water nuclear reactor for converting the reactor from a by-pass downflow configuration to a by-pass upflow configuration. The plug comprises a body having an expandable cylindrical portion with a movable mandrel disposed in the body. Remote fluid pressurization causes the mandrel to be advanced thus expanding the body into contact with the port. The plug also comprises a locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent release of the plug and a venting mechanism to prevent inadvertent overpressurization of the plug.

Abstract: A device in which units being transported can be adequately secured for protecting those units from damage during shipment. A chock that engages and substantially conforms to the surface of the unit to be secured is utilized. The paperboard chock can be utilized in numerous ways. The paperboard chock can be used independently by inserting it between a rigid structure and the unit to be secured such that the chock actively engages both the unit to be secured and the rigid structure. Two chocks could be used together by inserting the chocks between two units to be secured such that the chocks actively engage the units and are flush with each other. Various alternative schemes of use can be utilized by inserting a cushioning means against the chock to apply pressure to the unit to be secured. The chock comprises contact elements and a support element. The contact elements actively engage the unit to be secured and are themselves attached to the support element.

Abstract: Hydropneumatic energy reservoir for accumulating the braking energy recovered on a vehicle by means of a hydrostatic energy recovery-restoration device, combined or not with the vehicle transmission and working between a high-pressure accumulator and a low-pressure accumulator, characterized in that it comprises several oblong cylindrical hydropneumatic accumulators (1) connected hydraulically in parallel and placed side by side inside a single casing (6) of small height, the space included between the said casing (6) and the said accumulators (1) forming the low-pressure accumulator (16).

Abstract: A transportable container for the storage and transportation of goods in a hermetically sealed environment, comprising a base member and a cover member both of flexible air-impermeable sheet material, and a load-bearing structure underlying said base member and provided with at least one substantially continuous channel to receive and air-tightly interconnect the edges of said base and cover members.

Abstract: A nozzle plug (22) for blocking a nozzle (46) in a nuclear steam generator (16) is improved by the addition of hinges (40a, 40b) which allow the nozzle plug (22) to be inserted into the steam generator (16) through an access port (52) of substantially smaller diameter than the nozzle (46). A recess (54) is provided in one of the semi-circular plates (28) allowing the plates to nest, further reducing the necessary size of the access port (46).

Abstract: A plug means for effecting a temporary blockage of a passage through which liquid is designed to flow. The subject plug means includes a frame means capable of being readily disassembled and embodying in the assembled state dimensions corresponding to the cross-sectional dimensions of the passage in which the plug means is to be employed, and inflatable means mountable on the frame means and co-operable therewith for providing a liquid tight seal in the passage. The frame means comprises a frame member including a plurality of readily interconnectable sections of plate, the latter each possessing a high strength-to-weight ratio; interconnecting means for effecting the interconnection of the plurality of plate sections; and securing means cooperable with means provided in the side walls of the passage for securing the frame means and thereby the plug means in the passage in blocking relation thereto.

Abstract: An inflatable member fabricated of an elastomeric expandable material is provided. The inflatable member has a sack-like configuration and is provided with a substantially centrally disposed nipple. A plastic disc is secured to the upper portion of the inflatable member or formed integrally therewith and the nipple extends upwardly through a central aperture in the disc. The inflatable member is positioned within the neck of a bottle, especially a wine bottle, with the disc positioned atop the lip of the bottle. The inflatable member is then filled with a pressurized inert gas through the nipple causing the elastomeric material to expand and be forced into contiguous and coextensive relationship with an interior portion of the bottle neck, thereby hermetically sealing the bottle. The nipple is then heat fused to maintain the hermetic seal.

Abstract: A system for the packaging, shipment, storage, and reconstitution of dry pharmaceuticals includes a flexible bag manufactured from two layers of plastic laminated film and a rigid port-forming member. In the system, the package is used for shipment and storage of dry pharmaceuticals and for their reconstitution in a liquid solution and their intravenous administration. A plurality of such packages may be handled as an assembly by flexible plastic strips both during processing and packaging and during the reconstitution of the dry medicine as a liquid solution. The flexible plastic strips are formed with a plurality of cavities. Each cavity of the strip has a plurality of sites located in its central portion and adapted to engage and retain the port-forming member and to protect its opening from contamination. A plurality of such package assemblies can be enclosed within an outer protective bag to provide protection against moisture and the effects of the environment during shipment and storage.

Abstract: Sealing means for maintaining a seal between a closed door of a sterilizer and a wall framing an opening into a sterilizer chamber, comprising an endless ring having elastic walls with an internal partition dividing the ring into two independently inflatable, expansible channels. A tube secured to a wall of the ring opens into each of the channels respectively, for independently inflating the channels. Elastic studs with enlarged heads are secured to one side of the ring for detachably engaging in holes in the open wall of the chamber. A pneumatic circuit including a source of compressed air may be connected to the two tubes and provided with a two-way valve for inflating either one of the two channels.

Abstract: A container of the kind having a rigid base to which a flexible cover is sealed by means of an inflatable sealing tube is formed with a rigid support plate as part of the base, the support plate being carried on a support member having an upwardly-extending pressure wall surrounding and facing inwardly towards the edge of the plate. The pressure wall extends upwardly from below the level of the edge of the plate to above that level and the sealing tube is located between the edge of the plate and the pressure wall so that when the tube is inflated the edge of the plate forms a localized pressure region along the length of the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of a new and novel English muffin on a mass production basis is provided wherein the English muffin is produced by the use of a conventional bun oven. The apparatus for use in the production of the English muffin provides an insulated baking pan which prevents an overbaking of the bottom of the English muffin and a perforated cover plate which permits an even baking of the top surface and imparts a pattern effect on the top surface of the English muffin corresponding to the perforations in the cover plate.

Abstract: A vessel for collecting liquid has a plurality of juxtapositioned hollow bodies secured to one another to form an assembly. Each hollow body defines an essentially closed inner chamber separated from one another. There are further provided liquid-collecting grooves extending on a top external surface of the assembly. Each groove is defined by adjacent external surface portions of two adjoining hollow bodies. Drainage openings are provided in the hollow bodies within the confines of the grooves at the respective bottom thereof for maintaining communication between the respective grooves and the respective chamber therebelow.

Abstract: A container system, including a carrier and a lightweight, disposable container, for storing and dispensing film processing chemicals. Different carrier and container configurations create a system in which a particular container can be used only with a particular carrier. The container includes a plurality of individual bottles, each for holding a different film processing chemical. One of the bottles is considerably larger than the others and includes a handle portion to facilitate positioning the container into the carrier which in turn is usable in a film processing machine. The bottles are held together by an interlocking mortice/tenon and the bottles are preferably retained in place by a wrapper adhered to a portion of the external surface of the container.

Abstract: A microtest plate is characterized by a tray conveniently moulded of foam plastics, having a multiplicity of compartments and a multiplicity of individual wells fitted into the compartments, at least some of the wells preferably being moulded integrally with one another, and preferably being arranged in one or more rows.