Abstract: A foldable portable container provided with an integral mechanical mechanism for folding or unfolding the container is described. The integral mechanical drive mechanism is utilized to simultaneously angularly displace the opposing container end walls and the container roof attached thereto to fold or unfold the portable container.

Abstract: A container compression device and a method for associating a beverage container with the container compression device is provided, wherein the container compression device is configurable between an extended configuration and a compressed configuration, container compression device including a first handle portion, wherein the first handle portion includes a plurality of first handle portion linking members pivotably associated with the first handle portion. The container compression device also includes a second handle portion, wherein the second handle portion includes a plurality of second handle portion linking members pivotably associated with the second handle portion. Additionally, the plurality of second handle portion linking members are rotatably connected to the plurality of first handle portion linking members via at least one releasable locking device, wherein the at least one releasable locking device is configurable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expansion vessel for closed heating, cooling, drinking-water, or solar systems, with two spaces separated from one another via a separator, wherein the casing of the vessel i) has an inner surface composed of polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, polyacetal, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyether sulfone, or polysulfone, and ii) has a wound outer surface composed of oriented fibers.

Abstract: A container, such as a bottle or jar, that includes a closed compartment and an active insert device for pressurizing the closed compartment. The active insert device comprises an elastic liner and an active insert that are affixed to a closure or cap or the container. The active insert includes at least one reactant that is triggered to a reaction by an external energy source. The reaction produces a gas, which is delivered to the closed compartment via the liner. The gas causes the liner to expand and open a passage to deliver the gas to the closed compartment.

Abstract: A device (D) for opposing sloshing in a flexible tank (21) provided with a top cushion (22) and having a bottom (23) and a plurality of sides (24), the device includes at least first and second ties (1 and 2). The first and second ties (1 and 2) are secured respectively to first and second edges (221 and 222) of the cushion, with the first edge (221) being opposite from the second edge (222). The device is remarkable in that it includes main distributor elements (10) for blocking only one of the ties when the tension exerted on that tie is greater than the tension exerted on the other tie, the first and second ties (1 and 2) also being secured to the main distributor unit (10).

Abstract: To prevent breakage by abnormal deformation when seal function of a seal section becomes ineffective to cause pressurized liquid remaining in the liquid chamber to be lost, a metallic bellows-type accumulator having a metal bellows, a bellows cap, an outer gas chamber and an inner liquid chamber, in a shell is structured to have a bellows constructed such that, when pressure in the liquid chamber (12) is further reduced after the bellows cap (31) is brought into contact with an oil port (4), surface contact sections (35) are formed on the metal bellows (3) and a curvature radius of U-shaped sections (3A) of crest portions (32) at the outer diameter side is reduced, and a curvature radius of U-shaped sections (3A) of root portions (33) at the inner diameter side is enlarged.

Abstract: A container insert for taking up extra space may be placed in a container intended for storage and/or shipment of material to an end user. The insert may be generally longitudinal having a helical configuration that may be expanded and constricted for taking up different volumes of space within the container respective of the amount of material stored therein. The insert may also be elastically deformable or generally pliable and may absorb impact forces for preventing or minimizing damage to the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for an expandable condiment cup that is configured to attach to a common fast-food type food scoop or other surface to provide hands-free access to a condiment. An attachable storage device for multiple cups in the collapsed state is also disclosed. In one embodiment, the condiment cup is made of rigid sheet material and uses fold lines as hinges to change from the collapsed, storage state to its deployed, or expanded, state. In the deployed state, the cup takes on the form of an inverted pyramid forming a reservoir for a condiment. In one embodiment, the collapsed condiment cup has a substantially planar shape. The condiment cup is stored in its collapsed state in a condiment cup holder configured to hold multiple collapsed condiment cups. The condiment cup holder is removably attachable to various surfaces.

Abstract: In a holder for insertion of a beverage container, such as, for example, a can or a bottle, in order to compensate for the diameter, three pivotable flaps form compensating elements, of which one compensating element is mounted on the holder so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis and the other two compensating elements project from the one compensating element in both peripheral directions and are mounted on the one compensating element to be pivotable about vertical pivot axes. All three compensating elements are urged by spring-loading into a container receptacle of the holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible packaging of parallelepipedal form for flexible, superposed flat elements, which may or may not be interlinked, forming a stack of axis XX, comprising a breakable zone (1) capable of constituting a dispensing opening that is initially closed and delimited by a line of weakening (2), said zone (1) extending over three faces (11, 12, 13) of the packaging. The breakable zone (1) is circular, or substantially circular, of diameter D, the greater part of the zone (1) is centred on one (11) of the faces of the packaging perpendicular to the stacking axis XX, and the other two parts of the breakable zone (1) being arranged on two faces (12, 13) of the packaging that are parallel to the axis XX of the stack.

Abstract: A trash receptacle having a trash bag or liner attached thereto. The trash receptacle includes an evacuation device designed to evacuate or depressurize the area between the trash receptacle and the trash bag upon insertion of the trash bag within the receptacle.

Abstract: A temperature-retaining food container includes an outer shell having an inner chamber that can be filled with a temperature storing medium. The shell is shaped to provide an expansion zone within the chamber to permit expansion of the medium. A support is formed to provide additional volume to the chamber and the expansion zone. The support structure can optionally be provided to automatically expand in response to an increase in pressure within the chamber. A lid is provided which covers the container and further operates as a serving platter. The shell of the container can optionally be formed from a plurality of separate portions, which interlock to form the complete serving container and disassemble for storage or use with smaller or crowded appliances.

Abstract: A pressure maintaining system for a hydrogen storage system includes a hydrogen supply feed that enables a hydrogen flow from the hydrogen storage system. A liquid phase hydrogen feed enables a liquid phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A gas phase hydrogen feed enables a gas phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A check valve enables fluid communication from the hydrogen supply feed to the liquid phase hydrogen feed when a pressure within the hydrogen supply feed is greater than a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A liner for use with a diaphragm tank and a through-wall connector. The through-wall connector includes a passage fitting having a neck and adapted to extend into the diaphragm tank, an o-ring mounted on the passage fitting, and an annular holder mounted on the passage fitting and having an annular groove. The liner has a raised portion defining an annular groove to receive the o-ring.

Abstract: A washable flexible trash can cover includes a tear-resistant water repellent flexible washable material substantially circular in shape, including an elastic perimeter which thereby gathers the perimeter inwardly for snugly fitting the material over the open ends of trash cans of varying perimeters, and two slits provided on opposing ends of a diameter of the washable material through which trash can handles can pass and clamp down over the cover, securing the cover snugly to the cans while permitting normal access to the handles. The material can be made of non-toxic biodegradable cloth. The material can be made of tear-resistant nylon. The elastic perimeter preferably includes an elastic band attached to the material by folding the perimeter of said material over said band and sewing, gluing or adhering the folded over perimeter to the material. The material can be made from material that is non-toxic when incinerated. The material can be fabric impregnated with insecticide.

Abstract: An airbag installed inside a fuel tank is manipulated when the vehicle is inclined along a slope without sufficient fuel in the tank such that the fuel in the tank is gravitated to one side thereof. Thereby, the remaining fuel is provided smoothly and consistently to the engine by optimally manipulating the leftover fuel of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A trash can closure cover to be used in place of existing lids to provide a resilient collapsible cover on the trash can that can be easily removed and retained thereon. The trash can closure defines a flexible sheet cover configuration to be resiliently retained temporarily over the open end of the receptacle trash can container that will be retracted and collapsed on itself as it is removed.

Abstract: A duct for containing a cable and method for mounting the cable therein include providing the duct with a collapsible or flexible wall movable between a contracted condition for mounting the duct in a conduit and an extended condition of increased cross-sectional area for inserting a cable in the duct. The duct is moved to its extended condition by an applied internal pressure and, after the cable has been inserted, the duct is returned to its contracted condition. The duct has a multiple layer construction: an inner layer, an outer protective layer and a reinforcing layer between them. There may be frictional reducing ribs on the inner and/or outer layer in order to reduce the forces necessary to place the duct and/or the cable. Alternatively, the duct may have a single, thin layer.

Abstract: An in-line expansion tank. As fluid traverses a pipe within the tank, it may pass into and displace a diaphragm disposed outside of the pipe if the fluid pressure is greater than a tank pressure pushing the diaphragm against the pipe. When the fluid pressure decreases, the fluid passes from the diaphragm back into the pipe.

Abstract: A push-pull closure including a shell and a tip. The shell includes a body with a fluid opening, a stem extending axially through the opening, and a first lip on the body outer surface and a second lip on the body inner surface, with the lips facing the shell one end with the second lip being further from the shell one end than the first lip. The tip has a pouring aperture with an outer flange having an inwardly extending third lip receivable over the body outer surface and an inner flange having an outwardly extending fourth lip receivable in the body opening and spaced from the stem. The third lip is positioned between the shell one end and the first lip and the fourth lip is positioned between the shell one end and the second lip. The first lip has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the third lip and the second lip has an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the fourth lip.

Abstract: In an accumulator which is provided in a pipe of an equipment so as to temporarily accumulate a pressure within a piping flow passage or absorb a pulsation of a fluid pressure generated within the pipe by a pump or the like, in order to improve a durability against repeated bending and stretching motions of a bladder (3) under a low temperature environment not more than 0° C., and effectively prevent a cushion gas in a gas chamber from being reduced, the bladder (3) has a laminated structure, for example, constituted of a center elastic layer (321), a gas shielding layer (322) in an outer side thereof and an outer elastic layer (323) in a further outer side thereof, the center elastic layer (321), the gas shielding layer (322) and the outer elastic layer (323) are made of a polyamide resin, and the gas shielding layer (322) has a module of bending elasticity higher than that of the center elastic layer (321) and the outer elastic layer (323).

Abstract: A deployable bag for a container embraces a containment web and a deployment system. In one embodiment, the deployment system embraces an inflatable bladder system that provides a plurality of ribs attached to or integrally part of the web that assist in deploying and supporting the bag in the container. Air may be employed as an inflation medium. The bag can be deployed in the container and employed as a liner. The container can be a vacuum box.

Abstract: A pressure tank having a reinforced stainless steel connector that can bear heavy weight and the stainless steel connector makes the pressure tank well water-tightened. The pressure tank mainly contains: an upper chamber, an inner chamber, a sealing washer, a stainless steel connector, a leakproof ring, an elastic diaphragm, a stainless steel ring washer and a lower chamber. The upper chamber has a hole on top thereof. The upper chamber encloses the inner chamber. The inner chamber has an inward protrusion on top thereof. The inward protrusion has a through hole aligned with the hole of the upper chamber and a recession around the through thereof. The sealing washer is installed between the upper chamber and the inner chamber. The sealing washer has a through hole aligned with the through hole of the inner chamber. The stainless steel connector is engaged through the hole of the upper chamber, the through hole of the sealing washer, and the through hole of the inner chamber in order.

Abstract: An elastic thermoplastic diaphragm for use in a vessel having an inner surface. The vessel includes a liner that has an inner liner surface and first and second ends. A first endcap is secured to the liner first end and a second endcap to the liner second end. The diaphragm is secured to the inner vessel surface and seals along a peripheral edge to the vessel inner surface so as to define a volume inside the vessel. The diaphragm can flex, and thereby increase or decrease the volume.

Abstract: An inflatable cup holder secures a variety of beverage container sizes and shapes. The cup holder includes a shell having an inner wall defining an internal bore, the inner wall having an aperture therein. An inflatable bladder adjacent to the aperture extends through the aperture and reduces the bore volume upon pressurization. An inflation device for pressurizing the bladder is located within the shell. A manual or air compressor inflation device operation are contemplated. A pressure release valve in full communication with the bladder prevents bladder inflation above a pre-selected threshold and also is activated to release a beverage container from the inventive cup holder.

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

Abstract: A flexible diaphragm is disposed in a housing between a working fluid and a gas-charged chamber to damp pulsations in the working fluid. The diaphragm has a flat base that, when fully distended by pressure in the gas chamber, lies against a flat, perforated circular metal sheet. The perforated metal sheet is closely spaced from a planar backing surface that prevents the sheet from permanently deforming under the force exerted by the pressurized diaphragm. An annular channel formed in the backing surface places the working fluid in contact with the perforated metal sheet. Pressure in the working fluid displaces the diaphragm away from the perforated metal sheet. A flat retaining wall in the gas chamber limits the travel of the diaphragm away from the metal sheet. Pressure pulsations in the working fluid move the diaphragm back and forth between the retaining walls.

Abstract: This container is designed for receiving a liquid through a filler neck (1), then for delivering this liquid under pressure via a nozzle (3), said container being formed by a case (5) with extensible capacity subjected to transforming means which displaces it, in opposition to elastic means, from an inoperative position to a storing position. The invention is characterised in that these means comprise a mechanical member (6) having a structure with linear development comprising a seat (7) and a head (8) and capable of taking up, by control means external to the case, either an expanded position, or a retracted position in which the seat (7) and the head (8) are brought closer and for which the case (5) is urged in its inoperative state by the effect of the elastic means.

Abstract: Apparatus damps pulsations of a fluid conveyed through a conveying device. The fluid is led by way of a first tubular element into a cavity formed by a flexible element and emerges from the cavity by way of a second tubular element. The tubular elements are arranged within the cavity in the flexible element. The length of each of the individual tubular elements is less than the length of the cavity; however, the sum of the lengths of the tubular elements is greater than the length of the cavity.

Abstract: A noise suppressor device for absorbing pulsating fluids is disclosed. A noise suppressor device has a housing which defines an axially extending bore. A resilient bladder is coaxially positioned in the bore. A spool assembly is coaxially positioned within the bladder. The spool assembly has an inner spool layer and an outer spool layer which coaxially surrounds the inner spool layer. The inner spool layer and outer spool layers each define a plurality of perforations extending therethrough. The perforations in the outer spool layer are offset from the perforations in the inner spool layer such that a direct line of sight through the first perforations and second perforations is prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure accumulator which comprises a housing for accommodating fluid, a fluid connection for a fluid flowing into and out of the housing, as well as a spring arrangement against whose force a fluid flowing through the fluid connection is acting, characterised in that at least one part of the spring arrangement is formed by at least one part of the wall of the housing.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a fuel tank comprising a separator wall which separates an interior of the fuel tank into an air chamber and a fuel chamber. The separator wall is deformed according to an amount of fuel in the fuel chamber while the separator wall is in contact with a surface of the fuel in the fuel chamber. Further, the tank comprises fuel flow restricting elements extending within the fuel chamber to suppress movement of the fuel in fuel tank.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser assembly for medical applications includes a container holding a predetermined quantity of a therapeutic liquid in a storage chamber. The container has a wall or panel provided with a port. A dip tube is disposed in the chamber and extends from the port to a lower portion of the storage chamber. The disepnser assembly further includes a hollow compressible dispenser body. An applicator tube is attached at one end to the dispenser body and extends at a free end, i.e., an end opposite the dispenser body, into the dip tube. The applicator tube is removable from the dip tube after an expansion of the dispenser body from a collapsed configuration and a concomitant drawing of an aliquot of the liquid into the dispenser body through the dip tube and the applicator tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport and/or storage container (1), particularly of plastics, for transporting goods, such for example as cans, bottles or tubs, with a carrier body (2) which is formed at least by a base (3) which forms a support surface for the transport goods and a plate-shaped positioning device (4) extending parallel to the base (3) provided with apertures (27) for the transport goods, the positioning device (4) being connected by hinge arrangements (5) to the base (3) or with wall members (6) disposed on the base (3) at a spacing (33) from the base (3) and is mounted to be displaceable in a direction vertical to the base (3).

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for a safe, convenient and practical method of securing goods and packages inside a vehicle. The device comprises a generally rectangular, open storage facility which is collapsible to an approximately flat configuration. The device can be situated in various locations inside the vehicle, and can be easily stored in the trunk or under the seats when not in use. Two handles on either side of the device allow the same to be carried or readily moved within the vehicle. A generally flexible netting functions as an alternative base for the device, reducing the risk that fragile items would become loose and break or crack. The netting is also adapted to fit over the top of the device, preventing the escape of articles from open areas of vehicles such as a pick-up truck.

Abstract: The invention discloses a deployable, inflatable conformable fuel tank assembly constructed to be installed at a certain location on an aircraft and to be retained at that certain location throughout the entire flight operation of the aircraft. The fuel tank assembly is constructed to be movable between a first, deployed aerodynamic configuration in which the assembly can hold a supply of liquid fuel, and a second, stowed aerodynamic configuration in which the exterior surface of the assembly conforms to a surface of the aircraft underlying the assembly.

Abstract: A method of checking the volume of containers is disclosed according to which a gas is fed into a volume which is correlated to the volume of the respective container and a signal which depends from the fed amount of gas is evaluated as signal indicative of the volume of the container. In order to substantially reduce the time of the measuring cycle at such a method a gas is fed to the volume which is correlated to the volume of the container at a controlled flow, i.e. the mass flow of the gas per unit of time is pre-set in a controlled manner such that it is possible to drastically reduce the time spans during which it is necessary to wait due to transient processes and a chamber which must be loaded in advance will become superfluous.

Abstract: A noise suppressor device for absorbing and dampening the noise of pulsating fluids is disclosed. The noise suppressor device has a housing which defines an axially extending bore. A resilient bladder is coaxially positioned in the bore. A spool assembly is coaxially positioned within the bladder. The spool assembly has a spool layer and a sleeve layer which coaxially surrounds the inner spool layer. The spool layer and the sleeve layer define a tortuous path for fluid to flow through from the axial bore to the bladder.

Abstract: A food-service kit and method includes a plurality of similar or diverse-type containers wherein the containers may be coupled together in various configurations to form toy-like assemblies. The respective containers include compatible projection and socket configurations so that they may be joined together as building blocks in order to create the toy-like devices.

Abstract: Accumulators normally have a first chamber filled with a pressurized gas, a second chamber in communication with the pressurized fluid of a hydraulic system and an elastomeric member separating the chambers. In the subject invention, an accumulator is provided which has an elastomeric member disposed in a closed chamber of a housing. The elastomeric member has an outer surface with a non-uniform linear surface and a cavity extending inward from one end thereof and in communication with an inlet conduit. As the pressure is introduced into the cavity of the elastomeric member, the non-uniform linear outer surface is progressively forced against an interior surface of the closed chamber. The progressive compression of the elastomeric member acts to increase the volume of the cavity as the pressure of the fluid in the cavity progressively increases.

Abstract: A secondary containment reservoir device having a bottom and side walls forming a reservoir, and communicating with the reservoir an expandable retention bladder which automatically expands to receive liquid from the reservoir, allowing the total capacity of the device to greatly exceed the capacity of the reservoir alone. The device can be adapted to receive or support any type of primary liquid container above the reservoir, including drums, barrels, tanks, IBC's, tanker vehicles, tanker trailers or railroad tankers. In one embodiment, the reservoir is formed within a pallet having a support deck to receive drums or barrels of liquid. A single bladder or multiple bladders may be used, and the bladders may be mounted internally or externally.

Abstract: A bottle (10, 110) is made of flexible material which can be folded or rolled up into a deformed configuration of limited dimensions. The bottle comprises, between the pouring neck (14, 114) and side walls (15, 115), elements which engage with a fastening element (17, 117) which can be fitted onto the bottle to keep it in the deformed configuration.

Abstract: A drinking cup for soft drinks and other beverages will resist spill of its content when it gets toppled over. The bottom end of a drinking straw is inserted into a built-in capping cavity at the bottom of the cup to keep the drink from flowing out through the straw, and a capping lid is disposed with corrugations, in a concentric pattern, to absorb the sudden force of the toppled over drink. Thus, there's better chance the lid will not break open and spill the cup's content.

Abstract: A cup is provided with a flexible lip containing a duct having an end provided with a flexible valve which is opened by pinching the lip; the duct communicates with a receptacle containing the beverage and the wall of the receptacle is made from a flexible material so as to expand when a liquid is injected into the receptacle and to exert on the liquid a pressure tending to expel the liquid from the receptacle; a cover is provided for storing the cup and includes a filling and washing area.

Abstract: A sewage tank comprising an outer shell of plywood which includes a platform for supporting a toilet pan. An inner lining of a compressible plastic material lines the interior of the outer shell and defines a hollow interior region of variable volume for a bladder for storing sewage. The inner lining accommodates expansion and contraction of the bladder in the event of freezing and thawing of the contents thereof. The contents of the toilet pan are discharged into the bladder, and sewage is discharged from the bladder under pressure through a discharge pipe.

Abstract: An accumulator (10) has a freely movable, flexible and deformable bladder (20) with a single relatively rigid ring (40) stationarily secured thereto and defining a circle on the bladder which remains substantially uniplanar with itself during the flexing and deforming movement of the bladder but moves with the bladder along variable deformation planes of random orientation. The bladder freely and randomly flexes and deforms such that the circle is randomly oriented along random and varying planes during movement of the bladder during a cycle.

Abstract: A fluid fill cap is provided including an intermediate, flexible extensible and retractable bellows housing mounting a cap therein, wherein the cap receives a plurality of spring clip members to maintain the bellows in a compressed configuration. A bottom cap of the organization is formed with a cylindrical conduit adapted for securement to an associated structural component of an automotive internal combustion engine.