Abstract: The present invention is a material transfer device (1), utilizing flexible outer and inner liners (13,10). The present invention may additionally include a window (18) for viewing the load disposed inside the device. the transfer device may be formed from flexible material to integrally form a sealing valve.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an articulated joint for a pressure vessel, especially a pressure suit, by separately forming a structural fabric and a gas barrier layer into a series of alternating peaks and valleys. The structural fabric can be formed into the three dimensional shape by patterning or heat shrinkage. The resulting articulated joint, pressure vessels and pressurized suits are also described.

Abstract: A space frame (100) capable of facilitating the deployment, and subsequent support, of a space structure includes a packageable, deployable, and rigidizable frame assembly (110), a packageable, deployable, and inflatable frame assembly shell (120) disposed around the frame assembly (110); means for attaching the frame assembly shell (120) to the frame assembly (10); and a shell inflator.

Abstract: An economical and reliable system for the contained transfer of particulates by means of a series of transfer containers facilitates the particulate transfer without either exposure of the operating personnel and the environment to the particulate, or environmental contamination of the particulate itself. The system employs a multiple o-ring canister assembly which can be attached to either the discharging port or charging port of a piece of processing equipment. The canister has a series of circumferential o-ring grooves which allows the attachment of a series of individual transfer containers. In a charging mode, once the particulate is charged to the processing equipment, a first transfer container is collapsed and a second transfer container is placed in the next o-ring groove, thereby containing the remaining contaminated section of the first transfer container. The first transfer container is removed through a bag-out sleeve which is an integral part of the second transfer container.

Abstract: An inflatable structure, such as a fabric confining a gas, can be regulated as to its shape by the provision of auxiliary tubes, integral or adjacent to the fabric which can be separately pressurized. The separate pressurization will create local tensile forces to change the shape of the structure. Alternatively, a mechanical system, such as tensioned cables can be used to control the shape of the structure.

Abstract: A product having a metal-fabric joint includes forming a fabric anchoring component by casting a low melting point yet high compressive strength material into a cavity in a metal component. The product includes (a) a metal housing including an interior entrance, at least first and second opposed interior walls, and an interior end opposite the interior entrance, the at least first and second opposed interior walls and the interior end defining an interior cavity; (b) a fabric; (c) a fabric anchor assembly; and (d) a castable material disposed in the interior cavity so as to envelop the fabric and the fabric anchor assembly. A method of fabricating the product includes the steps of (a) anchoring the fabric with the fabric anchor assembly; (b) inserting the anchored fabric in the interior cavity; (c) providing the interior cavity with the castable material so as to envelop the anchored fabric; and (d) solidifying the castable material to a cast material so as to form the product.

Abstract: A method and lightweight apparatus (100) that provide linear actuation effected by the controlled inflation of a deployable tube (120) permits the deploying end (125) of the tube (120) to be guided out in a linear motion by a yoke (140) that constrains the inflated portion of the tube (120) immediately behind it A means for imparting resistance to deployment facilitates a smooth actuation by controlling both the rate and the directionality of deployment, and by maintaining a uniform internal pressure in the tube being deployed. A frame assembly (180) at the deploying end (125) of the tube (120) can be configured to interface with a variety of components to be linearly deployed.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for imparting constant mechanical torque to effect a braking action is capable of operating in a constant, smooth, and adjustable manner, yet operates essentially independent of friction and temperature, as well as independent of rotational speed. The braking apparatus includes a hub assembly having a hub, a collar, a plurality of torsional springs, a spring cap, a spring bushing, and damping means, and a sprocket assembly having a sprocket, a hub bearing, a retaining ring, and a plurality of roller assemblies each of which has a roller. The sprocket assembly is rotatably connected to the hub assembly by a hub assembly spring, a sprocket assembly spring, an adjustment cap, and an adjustment means. The apparatus provides braking by releasably contacting at least one of each of the rollers with at least one of each of the torsional springs so as to deflect and then release the torsional spring as the sprocket assembly rotates about the hub assembly.

Abstract: Rigidifiable composites are formed by stitching a reinforced B-stage resin sheet stock to form a three-dimensional preform. The preform is subsequently rigidified by initiating final cure of the resin. Molded articles, inflatable and other structures, such as, tank, tunnel and sewer liners are some of the typical structures which can be formed by the methods of the invention. Control of thread count, thread tension and thread spacing can be used to consolidate multi-ply or layered preforms, which, upon cure, can have up to 90% of the load carrying capacity of compression molded fiber reinforced articles.

Abstract: Rigidifiable composites are formed by stitching a reinforced B-stage resin sheet stock to form a three-dimensional preform. The preform is subsequently rigidified by initiating final cure of the resin. Molded articles, inflatable and other structures, such as, tank, tunnel and sewer liners are some of the typical structures which can be formed by the methods of the invention. Control of thread count, thread tension and thread spacing can be used to consolidate multi-ply or layered preforms, which, upon cure, can have up to 90% of the load carrying capacity of compression molded fiber reinforced articles.

Abstract: A collapsible flexible tank having an outer tank body of dimensionally stable material and an inner liner of which may be readily interchanged by opening up of zippered seams in the outer tank body. There are a plurality of toggle fasteners inside the outer tank for holding the inner liner in place. A fill and drain fitting at the top of the inner liner enables rapid filling and complete emptying of the tank.

Abstract: A device for stopping leaks in the sidewall of a container such as a 50-55 gallon drum comprising a band of flexible but non-elastic plastic material for manually wrapping around the drum so that a central portion of the band is centered over the leak. An integral inflatable bladder on the inner surface of the central portion is inflatable by a CO.sub.2 cartridge carried on the outer surface of the central portion. A lanyard runs from a CO.sub.2 release valve to one end of the band so that an installer can stand behind the drum while pulling the lanyard to inflate the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hood mask for protecting the wearer from chemical and biological environmental contaminants. The hood mask includes a hood having a substantially tubular portion which includes a closed upper end, an open lower end and a continuous side wall having inner and outer surfaces. An air filter assembly is connected to the tubular portion to purify air breathed into the interior of the hood by the wearer. The filter assembly includes a first layer formed of a first member and a second layer including a holder which supports a rigid shell member which houses a second filter member. The holder is formed of a flexible material which as a throughbore in which the shell member is disposed. The first layer and the holder are sealed to one another at their outer edges.

Abstract: A novel composite material in the form of a laminate is disclosed which has particular utility for forming gas-holding structures such as hull structures of aerostats. The laminate is composed of plies wherein a polyester fabric/strength member which is woven from a polyester yarn having low shrinkage, laminated to an amorphous, thermoplastic polyester film that provides distortion and shrinkage resistance during manufacture of the composite and fabrication into hull structures of an aerostat. The composite utilizes a thermoplastic polycarbonate polyurethane film on each side of the fabric to provide a dual gas barrier, weatherability, and a wear layer. The hull structure can be fabricated by radio frequency, thermal heating or adhesive cement techniques to provide structural seams on either side of the laminate material.