Abstract: In an airtight shelter or container having an impermeable flexible base sheet sealed to an impermeable flexible cover sheet by an inflatable tubular seal within a slotted tubular frame, the slotted tubular frame is formed of lengths of slotted tube secured together by a flexible part annular locking element having a lug or projection resiliently engaging in aligned transverse apertures through mated slotted tubes.

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: An air-cushion supported, manually manoeuverable, load-carrying apparatus including a load-carrying base, a dependent perimetric skirt for laterally confining pressurized air, and a member for restraining a foot portion of the skirt to a permanently inwardly extending configuration so as to be urged into sealing engagement with the ground by the internal air pressure during operation. The skirt restraining member is secured to the skirt at spaced inner and outer regions, spanning the foot portion. The rectilinear spacing is substantially less than the corresponding width of the foot portion so as to provide the foot portion with freedom to seal with the ground.

Abstract: A sealing device comprising two interengageable elongate seal members, of which at least one is flexible and has an internal void extending along the length thereof, said one member being arranged to deform so as sealingly to engage the other seal member when said void is at least partially evacuated with the seal members interengaged.

Abstract: A lifting cushion apparatus is equipped with five inflatable compartments. Each of the compartments extends the full length of the cushion and is connected to adjacent compartments by air ways. Several cushions may be connected to a common source of compressed air. The cushions may be stacked with the compartments interconnected in the vertical direction by apertures. In use, a load supported on the lifting cushion apparatus remains substantially stable as the device is inflated to elevate the load.

Abstract: In a container of the kind having a rigid impermeable base and a flexible impermeable cover which is sealed to the base, and in which air is evacuated from the region between the cover and the base so that the cover is drawn down onto goods on the base, there is provided a bellows-type vacuum sensor which senses the air pressure in the container and which operates switch contacts controlling a pump. When the container is used in an aircraft, where the ambient pressure inside the aircraft falls considerably when the aircraft is at high altitudes, the pump is actuated to ensure that the pressure in the container is maintained below the ambient pressure in the aircraft. An excess pressure difference, which might overload shock absorbing mounts for goods on the container base, is prevented by the bellows opening relief air ports.

Abstract: A sealing device for providing a hermetic seal, for example between the body and lid of a container, comprises elongate interengageable sealing members of respectively male and female form in transverse cross-section, the two members being arranged to define an enclosed space extending lengthwise between them when interengaged, and means for drawing and holding a vacuum in such space to bring the members into sealing engagement along their lengths.

Abstract: A platen for a press comprises a housing having a recess therein, an inflatable member being received in the recess. When the inflatable member is inflated, it acts as a pressure applying member. The press may be provided with one or two such platens.