Abstract: The invention relates to a spill proof self-closing flow control device (SCFCD) with adjustable actuator element for flexible or rigid containers with fluids. The SCFCD comprises a spout (2), a flexible valve-retaining element and a container closure element (12). The valve-retaining element is a one-part component consisting of an actuator element (9), a cylindrical valve holder (11) and a valve (10) for alternately opening and closing the flow-through orifice. In the various embodiments two or three pressure chambers are formed with pressures P1, P2 and P3 controlling the flow control device, separated by the valve-retaining element. In a first, second and fourth embodiments the actuator element is configured to move the valve in the downstream direction by an under pressure in the first chamber thereby bringing the valve in the open position, while in a third embodiment, the actuator element opens the valve in the upstream direction.

Abstract: An integral inner seal opening means within a sport closure cap for containers having a cylindrical mouth opening, for which a tamper evident inner seal with a reinforced rim secures the mouth opening. The closure cap holds a plurality of protrusions, preferably three, extending towards the inner seal, each having cutting edges of which the lower one is at a smaller radius. These protrusions engage with the tamper evident inner seal, when the cap is rotated clockwise, thereby cutting off part of the inner seal rim edge and at the same time cutting three banana shape slots in the inner seal. For single serve beverage bottles with tamper evident inner seal and a sport closure, there is no need to unscrew the cap for opening the inner seal and getting access to the beverage. Initially the reinforced inner seal rim is used to prevent protrusions from accidentally opening the bottle inner seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spill proof self-closing flow control device (SCFCD) with adjustable actuator element for flexible or rigid containers with fluids. The SCFCD comprises a spout, a flexible valve-retaining element and a container closure element. The valve-retaining element is a one-part component consisting of an actuator element, a cylindrical valve holder and a valve for alternately opening and closing the flow-through orifice. In the various embodiments two or three pressure chambers are formed with pressures P1, P2 and P3 controlling the flow control device, separated by the valve-retaining element. In a first, second and fourth embodiments the actuator element is configured to move in the downstream direction by an under pressure in the first chamber thereby bringing the valve in the open position, while in a third embodiment, the actuator element opens the valve in the upstream direction.

Abstract: An integral seal opening means within a sport closure cap for containers, in which a tamper evident seal with a reinforced rim secures the mouth opening. The closure cap holds a minimum of three protrusions, extending towards the seal, each having cutting edges of which the lower one is at a smaller radius. These protrusions engage with the tamper evident seal, when the cap is rotated clockwise, thereby cutting off part of of the seal rim and at the same time cutting three banana shape slots in the seal. For single serve beverage bottles with tamper evident seal and a sport closure, there is no need to unscrew the cap for opening the seal and getting access to the beverage. Initially the reinforced rim is used to prevent protrusions from accidently opening the bottle seal. The opened seal remains in place while the sport closure is held onto the bottle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow control device (1) for a container (20) for fluids, wherein the flow control device is attachable to an opening of the container for fluids. The flow control device comprises a top cover section (2) with an outflow orifice (7), wherein a connection is formed between the container and the outflow orifice. The device is provided with a valve retaining element (5) with a through-flow orifice (8), and a movable valve (4) for alternately opening and closing the through-flow orifice. The flow control device comprises an actuator element (3), which is arranged to open the valve. A first chamber (11) and a second chamber (12) are formed in the flow control device, which are separated from one another by means of the actuator element. The actuator element is made to move in an upstream direction by an underpressure in the second chamber for bringing the valve into an opened position.

Abstract: A drinking spout for beverage cans, bottles, cups or handheld containers that temporarily hold a drinking fluid (beverage), which can be carbonated or a hot drink under pressure and which is closed off by the spout. Spilling of the fluid held therein is prevented during awkward drinking situations such as in cars while driving, walking or other less controlled drinking conditions. The fluid in the container, remains under pressure while permanent access is possible through the spout. The spout comprises a suction piece that is leak tight attached to a valve housing which holds a spring, a centrally perforated inverted membrane and a valve. When suction is applied to the spout, the inverted membrane moves downwards thereby opening the valve against the internal pressure of the bottle or container and allowing fluid to pass to the mouth. When the suction stops, a spring closes the valve. Air venting is provided, through the same valve, when the internal gas pressure drops below the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an “SRS” with suction spout for beverage cans (canteens), bottles, cups or handheld containers that temporarily hold a carbonated fluid or hot drink under pressure and that is closed off with a top, holding an SRS. Spilling of the fluid held therein is prevented during awkward drinking situations such as in cars while driving, walking or other less controlled drinking conditions. The fluid in a beverage can, remains under pressure of the carbonation process while permanent access is possible through the subject SRS. For non pressurized fluids air is entered through the same valve in order to prevent a vacuum in the container when being emptied, which would reduce the fluid flow while drinking. In all situations and positions of the container, no spilling of the fluid is possible. In case of an aluminum beverage cans, the spout is permanently attached to the lid of the can, but may be removable when used for a drinking cup, bottle or handheld container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a “flow control element” with suction spout for (metal) carbonated beverage cans (canteens), cups or handheld containers that hold temporarily a carbonated fluid or hot drink under pressure and that is closed off with a leak proof cover. Spilling of the fluid held therein is prevented during awkward drinking situations such as in cars while driving, walking or other less controlled drinking situations. The fluid in a beverage can, remains under pressure of the carbonation process while access is possible through the subject flow control element when a suction is applied to the spout. For non pressurized fluids an air inlet vent is provided to prevent the suction of a vacuum in the container, thereby reducing the fluid flow while drinking. In all situations and position of the container no spilling of the fluid is possible.

Abstract: A puzzle using two layers of sixteen small, thin, disc type magnets in an upper and lower matrix of 4.times.4 each, whereby the top layer of revolving magnets are colored in two colors at the north and south pole of the magnets, and are horizontally confined to their place, but can turn around showing either one of the colors while the lower layer is confined vertically and whereby each of the magnets can change its position within the lower matrix by a mechanism of sliding bars in x and y direction, thereby maintaining its original north-south direction. This mechanism enables each of the confined individual magnets in the lower layer (matrix) to move around whereby always four magnets in a row are moved one position in the matrix either in x or y direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a puzzle embodied in a 3-sided regularly shaped pyramid comprising eleven smaller 3-sided pyramids and four small octaeder shaped bodies, which smaller pieces are connected to a string forming an endless chain. The complexity of the puzzle is achieved by coloring the side planes of the smaller parts in various colors and connecting the smaller pieces in a certain sequence to a string. The solution of the puzzle is obtained by placing the smaller parts of puzzle in such a way that the large pyramid is formed and the side planes of the large pyramid are uniformly colored by the smaller pieces. A preferred embodiment is given in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprising the 15 smaller pieces of FIGS. 3 and 4 placed in a continuous string as shown in FIG. 5.

Abstract: A method of repairing a heat exchanger comprising a housing within which a plurality of spaced apart tubes extend. The method comprises the steps of, once a leak in one of the tubes has been detected, sealing the defective tube at both ends, cutting the defective tube adjacent the ends, removing the tube and mounting a body of suitable shape in its place, thereby ensuring that a proper temperature distribution occurs in the vicinity of the body during operation of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid diode comprising a chamber between a supply pipe and a discharge pipe, in which chamber there are present balls within a space defined by two grids. The grids and balls are such that the grid at the side of the supply pipe with certainty can be shut off almost completely when a reverse flow occurs, whereas the other grid never can be shut off by the balls. A preferred embodiment is given in FIG. 1. The grid at the side of the discharge pipe may also be a perforated plate provided with bulges of different heights.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in which water tubes are heated by liquid sodium which minimizes the results of accidental contact between the water and the sodium caused by failure of one or more of the water tubes. A cylindrical protective tube envelopes each water tube and the sodium flows axially in the annular spaces between the protective tubes and the water tubes.

Abstract: A method for sealing leaking pipes in heat exchangers, comprising the installation, after detection of a leak and determination of the leaking pipe, of extension pieces on the two ends of the pipe, the severing of the pipe adjacent one end and the cutting of openings in the pipe wall adjacent the other end. Subsequently flow conductor tubes are inserted in the two ends of the pipe, and sealing caps are installed on the extension pieces. In operation the pipe is now entirely traversed by the liquid that normally flows around the non-defective pipes. The creation of so-called dead spaces (i.e., stagnant regions) is thus avoided.