Abstract: A tank closure assembly adapted to releasably couple tank sections formed by transversely splitting an integral bag-molded fiber-reinforced tank. The assembly includes external circumferential flanges secured to the tank sections adjacent their severed faces and in opposed relation to each other. An O-ring seal, disposed externally of the tank sections and between the flanges, is compressed into sealing engagement with surrounding surfaces, by tightening of a circumferential band encircling the flanges, to seal the tank sections at their plane of separation. A method of machining a tank to simultaneously form the split sections and suitable flange receiving grooves thereon is disclosed, as well as a method of pressure-testing the machined tank sections prior to assembly of the flanges and O-ring seal.

Abstract: A tank closure assembly adapted to releasably couple tank sections formed by transversely splitting an integral bag-molded fiber-reinforced tank. According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly includes external circumferential flanges secured to the tank sections adjacent their severed faces and in opposed relation to each other. An O-ring seal, disposed externally of the tank sections and between the flanges, is compressed into sealing engagement with surrounding surfaces, by tightening of a circumferential band encircling the flanges, to seal the tank sections at their plane of separation. According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly includes a unitary clamping band having hooked ends which engage grooves adjacent the severed faces of the tank sections and the clamping band retains a pair of O-rings which seal the tank at their plane of separation.

Abstract: A tank closure assembly adapted to releasably couple tank sections formed by transversely splitting an integral bag-molded fiber-reinforced tank. The assembly includes external circumferential flanges secured to the tank sections adjacent their severed faces and in opposed relation to each other. An O-ring seal, disposed externally of the tank sections and between the flanges, is compressed into sealing engagement with surrounding surfaces, by tightening of a circumferential band encircling the flanges, to seal the tank sections at their plane of separation. A method of machining a tank to simultaneously form the split sections and suitable flange receiving grooves thereon is disclosed, as well as a method of pressure-testing the machined tank sections prior to assembly of the flanges and O-ring seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a fiber preform for use in molding fiber-reinforced, plastic articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a perforated form which is rotated about its longitudinal axis while a vacuum is applied internally. Cutters deposit short lengths of fibers on the rotating form by traversing the form from one end to another, and a binder resin is sprayed onto the fibers as they are deposited. The form is cylindrical and at least a major portion of its sidewall is initially covered with a flexible bellows. As the cutters traverse the form, the bellows is collapsed ahead of the cutters to incrementally expose the perforations. An oven is provided to cure the resin while the preform remains on the form.

Abstract: A machine and method for detecting and identifying the approximate location of air leak-causing defects in flat, thin rubber stock used to manufacture inflatable, expandable bags. The detection of air leak-causing defects is accomplished by continuously moving at a relatively constant rate the flat rubber stock to be tested between two cylindrical rollers. These two rollers are maintained at a voltage which will fluctuate in response to any air leak-causing defect passing between them. The machine disclosed is composed of a frame to which is mounted a feed spool and a take-up spool, numerous supports and guides, a set of two test rollers, a dielectric analyzer, and a marker which punches the edge of the rubber stock adjacent to the in-line location of a detected defect. The disclosed machine and method enable detection of small pin-hole sized defects often undetectable to the naked eye.