Abstract: A vacuum system pipe coupling includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The vacuum system pipe coupling has a seal system that is to be positioned to seal between the first and second coupling members and a securing system to releasably secure the first coupling member to the second coupling member. The seal system has an inner seal element and an outer seal element spaced from the inner seal element. The first coupling member is provided with a flow passage configured to conduct a pressurized gas to a space between the inner and outer seal elements to shield the outer seal element from fluid flowing through the pipe coupling in the event of failure of the inner seal element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flat panel display (FPD) manufacturing apparatus for performing a desired process for a substrate positioned in a chamber after establishing a vacuum atmosphere in the chamber. The vacuum chamber is divided into a chamber body and an upper cover to ensure easy opening/closing operations of the upper cover.

Abstract: An activity and storage bag is includes a central compartment for holding one or more removable objects. The central compartment has an inner surface that is water-resistant and an outer surface. The activity and storage bag further includes a wallet attached to the outer surface of the central compartment for storing wallet items. The wallet includes an external flap that folds out from and attaches back with an internal flap that is connected to the outer surface of the central compartment. The activity and storage bag further includes one or more side pockets attached to the outer surface of the central compartment adjacent to the wallet.

Abstract: A conical hole plug for efficiently sealing various size and configuration holes and openings. The conical hole plug generally includes a first elongated portion including a first inner end and a first outer end, wherein the first inner end is opposite the first outer end and wherein the first elongated portion includes a first tapered outer surface extending inwardly toward the first outer end. A second elongated portion extends from the first elongated portion, wherein the second elongated portion includes a second inner end and a second outer end, wherein the second inner end is opposite the second outer end and wherein the second inner end extends from the first inner end and wherein the second elongated portion includes a second tapered outer surface extending inwardly toward the second outer end.

Abstract: A conical hole plug for sealing various types of holes and openings. The conical hole plug generally includes a first elongated portion having a first varying diameter that uniformly increases from a terminating outer end to a terminating inner end, a second cavity extending within the first elongated portion, the second cavity having a second varying diameter that uniformly decreases from a terminating outer end to a terminating inner end, a second elongated portion having a third varying diameter that uniformly increases from a terminating outer end to a terminating inner end, the second elongated portion linearly extends from the first elongated portion, a first cavity extending within the second elongated portion, the first cavity having a fourth varying diameter that uniformly decreases from a terminating outer end to a terminating inner end.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an enclosure and a door configured to seal the enclosure. The door includes a plate. A rotational apparatus is disposed over the plate. At least one first member with a first arm extends from a first rib of the first member. At least one second member with a second arm extends from a second rib of the second member. The first and second arms are connected to the rotational apparatus. At least one corner member has a first edge. The first edge has a shape corresponding to a shape of a corner of the frame. The corner member is connected to a first end of the third arm. A second end of the third arm is connected to the rotational apparatus. A sealing material is disposed along a first longitudinal side of the first rib and a second longitudinal side of the second rib.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel paste tin, comprising a dished tin body (1) and a sealing lid (3), fixed to the tin body (1) with two pre-scored lines (6), along which a partial lid section (7) may be removed from the sealing lid (3) by breaking a material connection to generate a precisely defined opening (4, 10, 11) in the sealing lid (3). The invention permits the production of fuel paste tins with may be employed directly as paste burners with a desired burn capacity and burn duration, which are economic to produce and cause little litter.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing temperature and pressure extrusion failure in o-ring seal assemblies. One embodiment employs a bore in the plug so that the thin wall of the plug flexes outward at high pressures to partially fill the gap between the chamber member and the plug where the o-ring is located, thereby preventing the o-ring from extruding through the narrowed gap. A second embodiment utilizes a plug of a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the chamber member that expands outward slightly at high temperatures, thus partially filling the gap. A third embodiment secures the o-ring in the gap between a backup ring and a retaining ring, and the backup ring has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the plug and chamber member. At high temperatures the backup ring expands to partially fill the gap. Additional embodiments are created by combining these three embodiments.

Abstract: A hole plug system for efficiently sealing various size and configuration holes and openings. The hole plug system generally includes a first elongated portion including a first inner end and a first outer end, wherein the first inner end is opposite the first outer end and wherein the first elongated portion includes a first tapered outer surface extending inwardly toward the first outer end. A second elongated portion extends from the first elongated portion, wherein the second elongated portion includes a second inner end and a second outer end, wherein the second inner end is opposite the second outer end and wherein the second inner end extends from the first inner end and wherein the second elongated portion includes a second tapered outer surface extending inwardly toward the second outer end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a, in the closed state, gas-tight detonation-proof container for the transport and storage of detonation-dangerous material, which container can be opened and closed by remote control. The container (1, 2), which is of the type which can be opened by separation, will also, if required, be able to be used for the active detonation of dangerous material inside the same. The detonation-proof transport container according to the invention is particularly characterized in that it is opened and closed by means of a locking ring (3), which is disposed between the two parts (1, 2) of the container and is arranged such that it can be circumrotated in the parting plane of the said parts and which, in the closed state, holds together the two parts of the container and, for this purpose, has a double-sided multi-toothed bayonet coupling (11, 12, 7, 8, 15, 16) which, upon a limited circumrotation, locks in the two parts (1, 2) of the container.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to sea containers. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a sea container including an interior region suitable for storing one or more movable goods. At least one sacrificial plug is located in a first side of the container. At least one vent is located in a second side of the container. The at least one sacrificial plug and/or the at least one vent is/are suitable for allowing water to enter into and/or air to exit out of the sea container. The at least one sacrificial plug and/or vent may be a pressure-sensitive sacrificial plug. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one sacrificial plug and/or vent may be dissolvable (e.g., dissolvable in water). Thus, when such sea containers fall off of a ship, they may provide a suitable window for recovery but also reduce the likelihood that damage will be done to other ships.

Abstract: The expandable seal assembly can be used to seal the contents of a container. When air pressure is applied to a chamber, rods with leaf springs on a distal end extend outward mating an expandable elastic to the inside edge of the container to be sealed. A spring-mounted ball valve maintains the pressure in the chamber when the source of the air pressure applied to the chamber is removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sealing a portion of a fluid vessel. The apparatus includes an inflatable and collapsible enclosed structure constructed and arranged to transition between an inflated configuration and a collapsed configuration when pressurized fluid is received therein and released therefrom, respectively. The apparatus includes at least one annular seal member protruding from an outer surface of the enclosed structure, wherein the annular seal member is constructed and arranged to engage an inner surface of the fluid vessel to form a fluid tight seal between the inner surface and the outer surface of the enclosed structure when the enclosed structure is disposed therein and pressurized to substantially the inflated configuration.

Abstract: High-pressure static seals and pressure vessels with static seals for containing fluid at high pressures are shown and described. Embodiments of the invention allow a plug to be easily, manually inserted into and removed from the pressure vessel. A metallic ring in the seal is configured to expand under pressure to prevent an O-ring in the seal from being extruded into a gap between the plug and the vessel wall, but not to expand so much as to cause galling or similar damage when the seal moves with respect to the wall under elevated pressure.

Abstract: The expandable seal assembly can be used to seal the contents of a container. When air pressure is applied to a chamber, rods with leaf springs on a distal end extend outward mating an expandable elastic to the inside edge of the container to be sealed. A spring-mounted ball valve maintains the pressure in the chamber when the source of the air pressure applied to the chamber is removed.

Abstract: A clean box is composed of a box body having an opening in one surface thereof and a lid member for closing the opening. An annular groove is formed so as to surround the opening on one of the box body or the lid member for defining a suction space sealed between the lid member and the box body under the condition that the lid member is mounted on the box body. Furthermore, intake/exhaust ports are provided for vacuum exhaust/release from the outside.

Abstract: A container with a secured closure is provided with a sealing system having an inflatable seal. A user actuated pneumatic or hydraulic pump supplies a quantity of air to inflate the seal. When the seal is inflated, a surface of the seal acts against surfaces of the container and the closure to effect a hermetic seal. The air may be selectively released from the inflatable seal by the user of the container to facilitate access to the contents of the container. Conversely, the air may be selectively pumped into the inflatable seal by the user to provide a secure, impermeable seal when the container is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering an opening in a cabinet for housing electronic devices includes a grommet for covering the opening in the cabinet. A plurality of slits are formed in the grommet defining a plurality of flexible tab portions to allow one or more cables to pass through the grommet. The plurality of slits include at least one longitudinally oriented slit and a plurality of transversely oriented slits which intersect the longitudinally oriented slit.

Abstract: An insulated wall panel for a shipping container, comprising a base panel having an outer surface, a first end and an opposite second end, at least one rib being disposed on the outer surface and substantially extending from the first end to the second end, a film being at least partially disposed over the base panel and the rib creating a first and second enclosure between the film, the base panel and the rib, and the first and second enclosures being independent from each other with substantially no convection therebetween.

Abstract: A transport and storage container for liquids with a pallet-like underframe, an exchangeable inner container of synthetic material with four side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall, a closeable inlet opening at the top and a lower outlet opening with a draining device, and with an outer casing surrounding the inner container, wherein the outer casing is formed of vertically and horizontally extending grate rods of metal. The transport and storage container is provided with a support insert with four side walls arranged between the inner container and the outer casing, wherein the support insert is of an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A closure is provided for a container. The closure has a body and a lid. The closure includes a tamper-indicating member connected to the body of the closure by an anchor member received in an anchor member-receiving aperture defined in the closure body. The tamper-indicating member is also connected along a frangible junction to the lid of the closure. A plug member extends from the tamper-indicating member and is receivable in a plug member-receiving aperture defined in the body. When the tamper-indicating member is depressed to force the plug member into the plug member-receiving aperture, the frangible junction is broken, and the tamper-indicating member is retained in its depressed position. This provides an indication that the closure may have been previously opened. Also, an overhanging portion of the lid can be readily engaged by a finger to facilitate opening of the lid relative to the body of the closure.

Abstract: A container 10 comprising a circumferential sidewall 12 having an integral base wall 14 for support of the container. The container 10 has an open top end 7 closeable by a lid 34. An article support base 24 is displaceable in the container in a guided manner and is provided with a biasing structure 38, 40 which urges it in an upward direction towards the open top end 7 to expose one or more objects 8 placed on the support base 24 and immersed in a liquid 9 which is placed within the container. The support base 24 has a projection 32 which is engageable by the lid 34 to maintain the support base 27 into the liquid 9. Passages 6 permit liquid to be displaced from opposed top and bottom ends of the support base 24. The biasing structure 38, 40 in one embodiment is constituted by a floatation casing 38 and in a further embodiment is constituted by a spring member 40.

Abstract: A drinking glass liner (20) is utilized to retain ice pieces within a drinking glass (10) and permit a liquid entrapped within the ice pieces to drain away from the ice pieces. The drinking glass liner comprises a mesh sheet (22) having a textured front side (24), interconnected links (32) which define openings (34), and ridges (44) extending outwardly from a back side (26). Protrusions (38) optionally may extend outwardly from the front side to additionally retard movement of ice pieces. The ridges are provided to create a gap (46) between an inner surface (14) of the drinking glass and the back side to enable the liquid to freely flow away from the ice pieces.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressure vessel device. The device is comprised of a vessel body having an open end. The device also comprises an end cap disposed on the open end of the body. A self-energizing seal is disposed between the end cap and the vessel body to seal them together. Preferably, the seal consists of a C-shaped polymeric body with a stainless steel spring or an O-ring in the middle. The spring pushes two lips of the seal out. One lip of the seal touches the body of the vessel and the other lip of the seal touches the cap. When the pressure inside the vessel increases, it acts against the seal and pushes the lips even further towards the wall. In order to eliminate bolts, the cap can be threaded to the vessel body. The threads provide an additional bonus in that a simpler motor mechanism can feed the cap into the vessel thereby providing an automated method of opening and closing the vessel. This simple automation provides considerable amount of safety to the operator.

Abstract: A bulk box has a base with side and end wall panels pivotally attached to the base for moving between a collapsed position and an upright position. The bulk box has an insert positioned in the interior of the base for receiving a flowable material. In a foot portion of the base, two outlets for the flowable material are provided. A first outlet permits flow of the material to a side of the base and a second outlet permits flow of the material through a bottom wall of the base. A cutoff device is movable between a first position blocking the flow of the material through the outlets. A diverter is movable between a first position permitting flow of the material through the side outlet and a second position permitting flow of the material through the bottom wall of the base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retrofit underground storage tank (30) and method for making the same. A portion of an underground primary tank (32) its uncovered and an access opening (42) in formed therein. A plurality of trifolds (50, 120, 122, and 124) comprising three folded up and banded together panels (52, 54, 56) which are jointed together by hinges are inserted into the primary tank. A monorail or conveyor (90) is inserted into and suspended from above the primary tank (32). Trolleys (102, 104) on the monorail (90) assist in transporting the trifolds (50, 120, 122 and 124) within the primary tank (32) and then the monorail (90) is removed. Trifolds (50, 120, 122 and 124) are unbanded and unfolded and are arranged circumferentially about the tank. Jack stands are used to hold panels of the trifolds in place.

Abstract: The vessel includes a fluid container or conduit. First and second magnets are situated on opposite sides of the vessel wall and are encircled by a metallic band or collar. The vessel may have an open mouth defined by a rim. In one embodiment, magnets are suspended by hangers form a rim of a cup. The cup and magnets are received in an exterior container with a removable lid. Other embodiments include oxygen tanks, oxygen tubes and containers for intravenous liquids.

Abstract: A preparatory supercritical extraction cartridge includes a chamber for sample having a volume in the range of 20 cubic centimeters to 2,000 cubic centimeters. An inlet and an outlet are fastened to the cartridge walls by threads and sealed to said cartridge walls With spring loaded seals so that they can be removed with a torque requirement of less than 35 pound inches. Inlet and outlet tubing are fastened to the inlet and outlet by quick release connectors.

Abstract: A radio frequency gasket assembly having a flexible hollow tube enveloped a conductive layer, and filled with an incompressible fluid. In one embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled with a sufficient volume of incompressible fluid such that when the gasket is compressed proper contact pressure is achieved between adjacent conductive surfaces of the enclosure. In another embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled completely with an incompressible fluid, such as ethylene glycol. When the gasket is compressed, a portion of the fluid is allowed to collect in a spring-loaded reservoir, preventing excessive pressure build-up and rupture. When the compressive force is removed, the collected fluid re-enters the gasket.

Abstract: A remotely operable vessel cover assembly used with a vessel. The cover assembly has a mounting rim secured to the vessel surrounding a circular opening and a circular cover to fit against the mounting rim. A force ring having a plurality of openings is attached to the cover. Connector pins are attached to and extend from the mounting rim and through a plurality of holes in the cover and the force ring. A lock ring is rotatably attached to the force ring and locks the extending heads of the connector pins to the force ring to restrain the cover in an initial position. A force actuator, disposed between the force ring and the cover, expands under fluid pressure to react against the cover forcing the cover against the mounting rim. Upper and lower ramps are connected to the periphery of the cover and a ramp ring respectively. The ramp ring, rotatably supported between the force ring and the cover, has lower ramps positioned to match upper ramps on the cover.

Abstract: A radio frequency gasket assembly having a flexible hollow tube enveloped a conductive layer, and filled with a compressible fluid, or a combination of both compressible and incompressible fluids. In one embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled completely with a compressible fluid, such as air. When the gasket is compressed, a portion of the fluid is allowed to collect in a spring-loaded reservoir, maintaining at all times a substantially constant internal pressure. When the compressive force is removed, the collected fluid re-enters the gasket, which may then assume its original undeformed profile. In another embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled with a mixture of both compressible and incompressible fluids. When the gasket is compressed, a portion of the compressible fluid is evacuated or collected in a spring-loaded reservoir or the like, maintaining at all times a substantially constant internal pressure.

Abstract: A gas cap permanently mounted to an access door for preventing back flow of fuel from a filler neck. A tubular member is secured to the access door including a mating member for connecting with the filler neck and locking members. Upon the presence of pressure caused by a fuel backflow, the locking members are engaged to the filler neck preventing the gas cap from being removed. Thus, release of fuel in vehicle accidents, such as rollovers, is prevented.

Abstract: The application describes a closure for a container, the closure comprising a first part to be mounted on the container and a second part pivotally connected to the first part to close upon the first part. First tamper-evident means are provided between the two parts and a catch is provided on one of the parts. The catch is movable between a first neutral position and a second position in which it can connect with the other part, the catch in its second position forming second tamper-evident means. The catch is preferably provided on the second part and it is pivotable between its said two positions.

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: This is an apparatus for attaching a removable cover to a large vessel. It is adaptable to existing vessels, especially those which have a mounting rim or flange. It uses multiple connector pins which are attached permanently to the vessel and which can be fastened to the cover assembly by a remote operation. It also uses fluid pressure to force the cover against the vessel opening, after which the cover is mechanically secured in place by a second remote operation.

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 multi-purpose pipe and seal/alignment device is provided for sealing pipe ends against internal or external pressure while protecting the pipe end preparation from damage to facilitate a permanent pipe joining process at a remote location in an adverse environment.

Abstract: An expandable inflatable circular plug for sealing one of the blind bore holes which are located in a reactor vessel body flange of a nuclear reactor and which are used to fasten the reactor vessel head to the reactor vessel body by means of bolts passing through corresponding bores in a mating flange on the reactor vessel head.

Abstract: Apparatus for temporary containment of chemicals escaping from end members of a cylindrical container storing pressurized chemicals includes a plate, that can fit within the constricted walls of the ends of the cylinder and an inflatable tube around the edge of the plate. The tube, when inflated, will support the plate against the edges of the cylinder and contain the gas between the containment apparatus and the end members of the container. The repair device further includes a locking mechanism for positioning the plate with respect to threads of the cylinder and for preventing release of the plate in the event of deflation of the tube. A (CO.sub.2) pressurized gas capsule can be included to provide the pressure to expand the tubing. The plate can further include a valve for eventual release of the contained chemical at a convenient location.

Abstract: A casing safety device and method are disclosed for preventing tools from falling into an open well casing and for venting gases to a distance above the open mouth of the casing. An inflatable bladder is provided for placement in the casing adjacent the open mouth, and the bladder is inflated to block the casing and provide a stop against which falling tools come to rest. Damage to the bladder is prevented by a circular rubber shroud disposed between the bladder and the open mouth of the casing which reduces the velocity of falling objects before they strike the bladder. A vent is also provided for conveying downhole fluids, such as flammable gases, to a distance above the open mouth of the casing.

Abstract: A hole, particularly an accidental perforation, is closed by manoeuvering a bladder (g) into the hole employing a hollow rod (f) on which the bladder is mounted at one end. An operator operating from the other end of the rod actuates a device such as a triggered valve to cause the components of a settable foamed plastics material to pass (via tubes b and rod f) from their sources (in a) to fill the bladder (g) so that it closes the hole. The settable foamed plastics material is preferably polyurethane foam. The bladder may be of natural or synthetic rubber and may be protected against tearing by a textile envelope. The sources of foamed plastics material may be either in a portable kit (a) or rupturable containers within the bladder (g) or rod (f).

Abstract: A system for plugging holes in vessels which comprises the combination of a storage and delivery system for a foam-forming material, and a hole-plugging assembly. The hole-plugging assembly includes a flexible nonelastic bag member which is inserted in a folded position into the hole to be plugged and properly positioned with an associated locating means. Thereafter, a unitary foamable material is injected into the bag member to expand it and seal the hole. The locating means further assists in maintaining the inflated bag member in proper orientation and sealing engagement while the foam is curing.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing the annulus defined within a substantially cylindrical rotatable riser assembly and plug combination of a nuclear reactor closure head. The apparatus comprises an inflatable sealing mechanism disposed in one portion of the riser assembly near the annulus such that upon inflation the sealing mechanism is radially actuated against the other portion of the riser assembly thereby sealing the annulus. The apparatus further comprises a connecting mechanism which places one end of the sealing mechanism in fluid communication with the reactor cover gas so that overpressurization of the reactor cover gas will increase the radial actuation of the sealing mechanism thus enhancing sealing of the annulus.

Abstract: A system for sealing and repairing leaks in ruptured containers whereby an applicator including an open-celled sponge body is inserted into the rupture and the two interacting components of a binary fluid foam composition are mixed and injected into the sponge body, thereby expanding and forming a foam composite with the latter against the rupture to effectively seal and repair same upon curing of the foam in situ.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling to the base of a vertically suspended core barrel inside a drilling rig for controllably receiving intact the columnar mass of core material contained therein. A tubular housing is provided for connecting to the barrel and includes a piston element slidably positioned therein for abutting engagement with and underlying support of the core sample to be received from the barrel. The piston element includes expandable side walls adapted for frictional engagement with the side walls of the tubular housing. Control means are provided for controlling the expansion of the piston walls, the resultant friction produced therealong and the preferred rate of movement of the core into the tubular housing under the force of gravity. The construction of the tubular housing permits the core received therein to be retained in its original extracted condition while facilitating the handling, subsequent examination and analysis thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a purge unit for establishing a closed zone for an inert gas around a weld area. The purge unit is particularly adapted for use where a branch pipe is welded to a main pipe or header. The purge unit is inserted into an opening in the header and is then expanded to establish the closed zone around the inside of the weld area. An inert gas, in a volume much less than otherwise required, is then supplied through the unit into the zone to cover or blanket the inside of the weld area. After the weld is complete, the purge unit can be collapsed and withdrawn through the opening so as not to leave any material within the header which might cause contamination.

Abstract: A seal mechanism for the closure of a storage facility with means for monitoring and indicating any leakage at the seal. The sealing mechanism includes a chamber for containing gas under pressure which presses a seal against a seat on the storage facility so as to prevent leakage both from the gas chamber as well as the storage facility. Gauge means monitors the pressure in the gas chamber, indicating changes of pressure within the chamber to provide a warning of possible leakage at the seal, and, if desired, additional gauge means to indicate leakage within the storage facility that might be dangerous when said facility is opened.