Abstract: The proper inflation of playground balls is controlled by fixing a strap to a predetermined circumference equal to the circumference of the ball at proper inflation. The strap is then placed around the center of the ball and the ball inflated until the strap is tight. The strap is then removed and the ball is properly inflated. The strap may be secured at any of a plurality of settings equal to the circumference at proper inflation of any of a plurality of different balls. The strap is marked with numbers equal to the diameter at proper inflation of the ball to be inflated. The desired circumference of the strap is preferably maintained with a hook-and-pile type fastener.

Abstract: A pump (18) draws liquefied carbon-dioxide from a reservoir (4 or 6) and delivers it via a controllable heater (20) and a filling valve (14) to a cylinder (26) to be filled to any required density. This receiver cylinder (26) is controllably warmed by a heater (32) while sensors (22,24) are provided to indicate the pressure and temperature of its contents.For each required density a table of figures is provided relating pressures (above saturation pressure) to temperature, for that density.A temperature (which must be clear above the lowest temperature at which the receiver will be liquid-fill at the required density but which need not exceed the critical temperature) is selected, and the heaters (20 and 32) are controlled so that the receiver cylinder and its contents will converge at or near that temperature as filling is completed.During the final phase of filling the indicated temperature will rise slowly and the pressure (from the time the receiver is liquid-full) will rise relatively fast.

Abstract: Apparatus for inflating tires to a test pressure. The apparatus includes a shop supply of air and a regulated supply of air. A valve system is used to connect the tire to the shop supply to seat the bead on the test rim; to exhaust the air from the tire to bring the pressure in the tire to approximately the test pressure; and to the regulated supply to bring the air in the tire to the preselected test level. The difference between the actual test pressure and the desired test pressure is measured and that difference is used to control the pressure regulator so as to correct the test pressure in the next succeeding tire.

Abstract: Method of inflating tires wherein the tires are inflated to a bead seat pressure and thereafter the pressure is reduced without deflating the tires through the valve.

Abstract: In a method of, and an apparatus for accelerating air or gas exchange during cyclical operation of a pressure chamber with the aid of a pumping device connected to the pressure chamber, and with the aid of a compressor for at least partially compressing the air or gas, the steps include filling the pressure chamber with compressed air or gas through the compressor, thereafter discharging the air or gas from the pressure chamber, and operating the pumping device during at least one of the filling or discharging steps.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling carbon dioxide and excluding it from contact with the atmosphere while carbonating and storage, transfer, and dispensing of the carbonated beverage. The apparatus includes one or two vessels and a valve assembly for each vessel. Each valve assembly has a pressure relief valve and an outlet tap, which are normally closed to isolate the interior of the vessel from the atmosphere, and a pump for transferring and dispensing air and liquid from or to its vessel, all without bringing the carbon dioxide in contact with the atmosphere.

Abstract: A tire pressurizing system is provided for automatically pressurizing a pneumatic tire. The system employs centrifugal force to actuate a pump which is attached to the interior of the tire. Centrifugal force causes a pump actuating member to follow a different orbital path around a rotating tire from the path of the pump housing, which is attached to the tire. The difference is due to the flexing of the tire in the load bearing "footprint" area. The result is reciprocation of the actuating member, which in turn operates a pump. Piston and diaphragm pump embodiments are disclosed. An automatic pressure regulator is also provided.

Abstract: Metal particles are introduced to reactor beds in a hydrogen generator without introducing contaminating oxygen or nitrogen to the generator. The particles are protected against oxidation under an inert gas atmosphere, are flooded with water prior to injection into the generator, and are further flooded with hydrogen gas drawn from the generator to replace the water prior to injection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique whereby when multi-component liquefied gases such as liquefied natural gases (LNG), liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) or the like which are different in composition, density or the like are stored in the same storage tank, any stratification of the liquefied gases within the storage tank is prevented.The introduction of the liquefied gas into the storage tank is accomplished in such a manner that the introduced gas enters the storage tank in the form of a jet of liquefied gas which is shoot out from near the tank bottom obliquely upwardly with an ascending vertical angle in a predetermined range and reaches or comes near to the free surface within the storage tank, and in this way the desired mixing of the introduced liquefied gas with the liquefied gas previously existing in the storage tank is effected as soon as the introduced liquefied gas enters the tank.

Abstract: A method for detecting the location of a leak in a pneumatic tire. A leaking tire is filled with a suspension which is capable of flowing through a leak of the tire and staining the perimeter of the leak at the outside surface of the tire. The suspension is a powdered fluorescent pigment of small particle size suspended in a propellant and the air inside of the tire. A portable container is provided for storing the powdered pigment and propellant. The container has an outlet valve for controlling the release of the pigment and propellant from the container. One end of a flexible tube is connected to the outlet valve of the container and a fitting at the other end of the tube is connected to an inlet valve of the tire. The fitting has a means for sealing the attachment of the tube to the tire inlet valve and a means for opening the tire inlet valve. When the outlet valve of the container is opened, the pigment and propellant flow into the tire and combine with the air in the tire to form the suspension.

Abstract: A gas mixing device and method for filling gas storage cylinders with two or more diverse gases and automatically mixing the gases. A high pressure cylinder valve has an elongate hollow tube welded into the valve body and extending to the lower end of a storage cylinder. A plurality of holes through the tube sidewalls is distributed in a spiral along the length of the tube. Each gas is filled in order of its final pressure and distributed along the length of the cylinder thereby mixing with the other gases.

Abstract: A ball point pen cartridge capable of being pressurized in a pressure vessel including an end stopper having an enlarged section shaped to seal the end of a cartridge tube, a narrower section connected to the enlarged portion and extending into the cartridge, an axial tube running completely through the enlarged section and partly through the narrower section, a radial tube in the narrower section that intersects the axial tube and a flexible, gas impervious tube surrounding the narrower section to form a check valve with the radial tube.

Abstract: Combustible fuel gas at low or moderate pressure is supplied to an inlet in the top of an upright working cylinder. The working cylinder then is filled with liquid through a bottom liquid inlet to force the gas from the cylinder and direct it into a storage cylinder. A check valve prevents backflow of gas from the storage cylinder as the liquid is drained from the working cylinder and as the working cylinder again is filled with low or moderate pressure gas. The process of filling the working cylinder with liquid to force the gas from it into the storage cylinder and holding the gas in the storage cylinder while the liquid is drained and the working cylinder is refilled with gas is repeated until the gas in the storage cylinder is a desired high pressure, such as 1500 psi or higher. Two working cylinders can be provided so that, as one of them is drained, the other is filled with liquid, such that gas is substantially continuously forced into the storage cylinder until the desired high pressure is achieved.

Abstract: Pressurized cylinders are rapidly filled with acetylene gas and solvent in a staged process that is closely monitored by a control unit to assure that filling progresses with all critical variables maintained within safe bounds. An operator performs certain preliminary cylinder hookup tasks as monitored and prompted by the control unit. The control unit conducts the actual filling of the cylinder, carrying out this procedure in distinct filling stages with alternate injections of solvent and gas into the cylinder. The improved system enhances the safety and efficiency with which acetylene cylinders are filled.

Abstract: A method and system for enclosing a gas at a preselected pressure in a nuclear reactor fuel rod having two ends open to its interior. Hermetically enclose each end in a separate airtight chamber. Introduce the gas into the first chamber and open the second chamber to purge the fuel rod interior and both chambers of residual atmosphere. After purging close the open second chamber and determine the gas pressure in the fuel rod interior. When the pressure reaches the preselected value, hermetically seal each fuel rod end while in its respective chamber. After sealing, remove the fuel rod from the chambers.

Abstract: A balloon-inflation and load-lowering device which comprises an inverted cup-shaped member containing one or more side-opening ports operative when covered by the neck of a balloon to cooperate therewith and form a one-way valve effective to trap the lifting gas inside the balloon once the latter is inflated and the inflation pressure released. Spaced-parallel disk-supporting arms journal a shaft mounting a notched disk. A load-letdown device is operative to slowly lower a load to the end of a tether.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing compressed gas from a storage tank is disclosed in which the temperature and pressure in the tank is measured before and after the dispensing cycle and electric signals representative of these values are applied to a processor/computer which is programmed to compute from these signals the volume of gas dispensed.

Abstract: An air pressure filling system for tires includes a rotary table receiving a plurality of tires arranged in a circle. A rotary distribution joint is placed over the rotary table and is connected to an air source through a pressure control device for controlling an air pressure of the tires at a predetermined pressure. A plurality of air hoses are connected to the rotary distribution joint at one end thereof and are adapted to be connected to the tires by an operator at the other end thereof. The operator simply keeps one place where he is able to connect the hoses to the tires one by one while the tires are transferred on the rotary table, and the tire filled with a predetermined air pressure is returned the operator.

Abstract: Containers 6, adapted to receive a product which does not of itself give off a gas, receive an amount of a liquefied pressurizing gas from a tank 1 provided with an outlet nozzle 3. The containers 6 are aligned on a machine 7 which conveys them, in the direction of the alignment, under the tank 1 which is provided with trunnions 2 and is oriented in such manner as to be pivotable about an axis parallel to the direction of alignment. A control device 8 regulates the angular position of the tank 1. The amount of the liquefied pressurizing gas received in each container depends on the angular position of the tank relative to the vertical position.

Abstract: The loading station of the invention includes an intake fitting, a pair of pressure operated motorized flow control valves, and a pair of loading boom assemblies that are all mounted on a movable equipment skid. The intake fitting is connectable with a source of high pressure natural gas, and the boom assemblies are universally adjustable and include coupler portions that are connectable with matching coupler portions carried on pressure vessels. Natural gas is loaded into the pressure vessels through the boom assemblies, and the loading station further includes a pressure control system that operates the motorized valves and which prevents natural gas from flowing into the boom assemblies when a pressure vessel is not connected thereto.

Abstract: A home portable tabletop carbonated beverage making apparatus and method of making carbonated beverages utilizing a pressurized source of gas, as carbon dioxide, to carbonate a container of liquid by causing the liquid to agitate and to flow within the container while the gas is being supplied to it and vented to escape from it so that the liquid presents changing surfaces to the gas to effect substantial saturation of the liquid with the gas to enhance its carbonation.

Abstract: A coupler adaptor is provided for use in operative association with a container and a valve. The container houses relatively high pressurized carbon dioxide gas for use in carbonating a beverage. The valve is actuated in order to release the gas to an interface passage formed in the coupler adaptor. The coupler adaptor also has a pair of grooves formed on opposite sides of the interface passage for receiving O-rings. The coupler adaptor is also in operative association with a pressure regulator. The pressurized gas enters the pressure regulator from the coupler adaptor interface passage. In one embodiment, the coupler adaptor remains operatively joined to the pressure regulator without retaining structure due to the balanced gas pressure which results because of the O-rings positioned adjacent the coupler adaptor interface passage.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a tank in the event of an emergency requiring drainage of the tank. The device is adapted to be coupled to a strategically located port on the tank and upon coupling therewith automatically ejects a plug to establish an outflow circuit from the tank. The device includes a flow limiting feature which is calibrated to avoid the buildup of an excessive vacuum in the tank, provisions to introduce an inert replacement gas into the tank, and structure to limit the pressure of the replacement gas.

Abstract: A cylinder device including a main body defining a cylinder therein, a cap member secured to the main body for closing one end of the cylinder, a piston working in the cylinder and having a piston rod passing through the cap member to project out of the main body, and a seal member surrounding the piston rod and being urged to abut with the inner surface of the cap member. There is provided a cavity between the cap member and the seal member, and an opening formed in the cap member for communicating the cavity with the outside.

Abstract: To eliminate the costly and laborious procedure of emptying the contents of furniture drawers and boxing the contents in the movement of furniture, an inflatable drawer contents stabilizer is placed in each drawer to prevent movement of the drawer contents when a desk or other drawer equipped furniture item is laid on its side or otherwise manipulated during transport.

Abstract: A valve actuator is adapted to connect between an outlet valve of the type having a projecting operating needle on a pressure vessel and an inlet valve on a container, and comprises a coupling having securing means to releaseably secure the actuator to the body of the outlet valve. The coupling has a bore within which a piston is arranged to slide, and the piston is adapted to engage with the operating needle on sliding movement of the piston relatively to the coupling, to operate the outlet valve.

Abstract: A method for inflating the inner tire of dual pneumatic wheels wherein a valve extender is used which can be easily attached and detached. The extender includes a coupling on one end which grips the wheel valve stem and a connector at the other end adapted for engagement with the air supply hose. Another tool is used for removing and replacing the mud cap.

Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly distributing mixed gases throughout a partially evacuated ball mold. The invention is particularly useful in the pressurizing of tennis ball centers with a mixture of air and a low permeability gas. By this invention, the distribution of the low permeability gas throughout the mold can be accomplished by first partially evacuating air from the mold then injecting the mixed gases into the mold.

Abstract: A gas spring includes a cylinder, a piston working in the cylinder, a piston rod with one end secured to the piston and another end extending out of the cylinder through one end thereof, and a seal ring slidably disposed in the cylinder and slidably and sealingly engaging with the piston rod. A gas passage is formed between the seal ring and the piston rod when the seal ring and the piston rod are positioned at a predetermined positional relationship. A seal supporting member is provided to prevent displacement of the seal ring toward the piston when the gas passage has been formed.

Abstract: A gas spring comprising a cylinder having a closed end and an open end with the rod of a piston projecting into the cylinder through the open end and a sealing assembly surrounding the rod adjacent the open end of the cylinder and normally sealing the interior of the cylinder from the surrounding atmosphere. The sealing assembly includes an annular resilient sealing member having surfaces which are in sealing engagement with the rod and the inner wall of the cylinder and a plurality of protuberances are formed on the inner wall of the cylinder and are located inwardly of the normal position of the sealing member. When the open end of the cylinder is placed in communication with a gas under pressure, the gas moves the sealing member into engagement with the protuberances so that openings are formed between the member and the inner wall of the cylinder and the gas flows into the cylinder through these openings.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire inflation device and method is disclosed, the device comprising an arrangement of parts that enables its user to selectively gradually inflate a tire at a specified intermediate rate and pressure, and then to selectively suddenly continue such inflation at a substantially greater rate and pressure until complete inflation is achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for rapidly distributing a first gas throughout a chamber that contains both the first gas and a second gas. The invention is particularly useful in the pressurizing of tennis ball centers with a low permeability gas, where the diffusion rate between the low permeability gas and air is very slow. By this invention, the distribution of the low permeability gas throughout the mold can be accomplished in a much shorter period of time by a mechanical mixing method and apparatus that involves circulating the mixture of gases inside the mold through a conduit and pump located outside the mold.

Abstract: Gas to be stored flows along a gas feed line and into a cylinder containing a solvent for the gas. During its passage along the gas feed line, the gas flows through a dosing device which, on the one hand, permits a substantially adiabatic expansion and concomitant cooling of the gas to occur and, on the other hand, automatically regulates the flow rate of the gas in dependence upon the pressure difference across the dosing device. The pressure upstream of the dosing device is maintained constant regardless of the pressure downstream thereof, which latter pressure is variable due to the fact that dissolution of the gas generates heat and an accompanying increase in the pressure inside the cylinder. The constant pressure upstream of the dosing device is slightly higher than the final pressure inside the cylinder when the latter has been filled.

Abstract: A method for filling gas into a cylinder having a rod slidably extending from one end thereof. The method involves the steps of forming a reduced diameter portion in the rod at a position adjacent to the inner end thereof, locating the rod at the position of maximum extension so as to form a gas filling passage between the reduced diameter portion and an annular seal ring, filling a high pressure gas into the cylinder, moving the rod inwardly to close the gas filling passage, and deforming a portion of the cylinder to form a stop restricting the outward movement of the rod.

Abstract: A cylindrical container with a rod slidably projecting from one end thereof such as a hydropneumatic shock absorber or a gas spring, in which a seal member through which the rod extends in sliding sealing engagement is normally urged by a spring against the inner surface of one end of the container and is adapted to move inwardly against the spring force of the spring to form a gas filling passage along the inner surface of the container when a pressing force is applied on the seal member from outside of the container.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for rapidly filling an inflatable dunnage bag with entrained ambient air to a predetermined maximum stabilized pressure level. A dunnage bag is provided with a housing defining a chamber extending from an opening on the exterior of the bag to an opening in the interior of the bag. In the preferred form of the method, a supply of pressurized gas or air is brought adjacent to the housing in the dunnage bag and is located relative to the housing and in alignment with the chamber to permit flow of ambient air into the chamber. One or more jets of high pressure gas or air are discharged into the chamber substantially parallel to, and spaced from, the walls of the chamber, whereby, ambient air is entrained through the chamber to the interior of the bag until an equilibrium is reached where the mass flow rate of the air entering the bag equals the mass flow rate of the air flowing back out of the bag in response to the internal pressure.

Abstract: A method for filling gas into a sealed cylinder device having a rod guide closing one end thereof and guiding a rod slidably therethrough comprising the steps of forming the rod guide to have a cavity consisting of a cylindrical portion to retain a seal therein and an inwardly divergent portion continuous with the cylindrical portion, displacing the seal inwardly so as to form an annular gap between the outer periphery of the seal and the wall of the divergent cavity portion, filling gas into the cylinder device through the annular gap, and displacing the rod outwardly to carry the seal therewith so as to displace the seal into the cylindrical cavity portion, whereby the seal is thereafter retained in its position due to gas pressure in the cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring gas from a first container to a second container of higher pressure comprising a free-piston compressor having a driving piston and cylinder, a smaller diameter driven piston and cylinder, and a rod member connecting the driving and driven pistons for mutual reciprocation in their respective cylinders. A conduit may be provided for supplying gas to the driven cylinder from the first container. Also provided is control apparatus for intermittently introducing gas to the driving piston, from the first container, to compress gas by the driven piston for transfer to the second higher pressure container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling motor vehicle gas bags. The inflating gas flows to a manifold, about which a motor vehicle gas bag or bags are disposed, whereby the filling of gas bag (or bags) is delayed, it being filled first with gas filling a part of the manifold, and then with a greater quantity of gas filling the entire manifold upon the rupture of burst disc means.

Abstract: A method for achieving acetylene gas mixtures which can be stored safely in increased quantities in closed containers, with undiminished safety, is provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of diffusing gaseous medium such as tritium into a vessel such as a tube of an overvoltage protector. According to the method, a vessel such as a tube including a wall portion made of a material permitting diffusion of gas therethrough is provided. This vessel is heated to a predetermined elevated temperature and sealed while the vessel is at the elevated temperature. The vessel is thereupon evacuated and exposed to an atmosphere of gas to be diffused into the vessel while maintaining this atmosphere for a predetermined period of time at an elevated temperature less than the sealing temperature and at a pressure higher than the pressure within the sealed and evacuated vessel, thereby causing diffusion of gas into the vessel for filling the same with the gas. There is also disclosed a device for carrying out the hereinbefore described method.

Abstract: A fluid supply for an occupant restraint system includes a pair of concentric cylindrical vessels defining inner and outer fluid chambers in fluid communication with each other and with a discharge passage which is normally closed by a shearable member and with expandable confinement. A valve member is slidingly carried within the inner cylinder, exposing one end of the valve member to the inner fluid chamber, and partially defines a control pressure chamber providing metered communication therefrom to the inner fluid chamber. The valve is responsive to the difference in pressure between the control chamber and the inner chamber to move from a position restricting flow from the outer fluid chamber to the inner to a position allowing relatively free flow.A shearing member is also provided for opening the discharge passage in response to the occurrence of a collision.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a dentifrice containing gas bubbles which comprises making a gas-free or substantially gas-free viscous extrudible paste or gel dentifrice comprising a polishing agent, a gelling agent and a vehicle, and mixing with such dentifrice bubbles of gas, the dentifrice having viscosity sufficient to maintain the bubbles suspended therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in connection with vehicle safety systems of the type including an inflatable confinement which is inflated by the combined energy of a stored fluid under pressure and gas generated by the burning of a propellant. Two distinct propellant charges are provided which are sequentially ignited. The outlet from the reservoir storing the fluid under pressure is opened in response to the ignition of the first propellant charge. The sequential ignition of the propellant charges reduces the peak pressure in the reservoir.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for pressurizing a reservoir comprising directly introducing gas into the reservoir from a first supply source in an amount to instantly pressurize the reservoir and balancing the pressure between a second supply source for service gas and the reservoir via a regulating valve mechanism which controls admission of gas under pressure from the second source into the reservoir when a differential exists between the second pressure source and the pressure prevailing in the reservoir due to its connection with the first pressure source.

Abstract: Ball inflating apparatus automatically operable through succession of cycles in each of which a ball inflation needle is momentarily exposed for reception of an end of the same through apertured valve housing of an inflatable ball of stretchable material. In each cycle the ball is also engaged between spaced ball sizing means. Simultaneously with each successive withdrawal of the needle from the valve housing, slide members reciprocated in fixed support base operable to present air sealing device in path of reciprocatable plunger, to urge the sealing device into valve housing aperture for retaining air in the inflated ball. With each withdrawal of inflating needle from fully inflated ball and after insertion of sealing device, full distention of inflated ball actuates ball sizing means to release inflated ball and initiate next successive ball inflation cycle.

Abstract: A home portable tabletop carbonated beverage making apparatus and method of making carbonated beverages utilizing a pressurized source of gas, as carbon dioxide, to carbonate a container of liquid by causing the liquid to agitate and to flow within the container while the gas is being supplied to it and vented to escape from it so that the liquid presents changing surfaces to the gas to effect substantial saturation of the liquid with the gas to enhance its carbonation.