Abstract: A canning system for a jar is described. The system includes a plunger configured to translate through a neck of the jar. A seal is in communication with the plunger and configured to flex its shape so as to conform to the size of the jar as it passes through the neck. The seal extending beyond the periphery of the plunger. A rod is configured to engage the plunger and selectively locate the position of the plunger within the jar. An optional cap may be used to assist in locating the plunger in the jar prior to sealing the jar with a lid.

Abstract: A receptacle for storing, pressurizing, and dispensing packaged beverages. The receptacle includes an airtight chamber with a removable lid, wherein the joint between the lid and the chamber is also airtight. A gas valve allows for the inflow and outflow of gas, and a tap port and tap stem allow the beverage to be dispensed without breaking the seal of the chamber. A pressure relief valve allows for more rapid depressurization. The chamber can be used at high and low pressures, such as a partial vacuum, to prevent oxidation of a number of open beverages, such as beers, wines, and sodas. A pressure gauge port coupled with an optional pressure gauge allows a user to verify the appropriate pressure for the type of beverage being preserved. The gas valve may be disposed on a base of the receptacle, as may the pressure relief and/or the pressure gauge port.

Abstract: Vessels, or housings, and covers therefor are detailed herein. Loads and load-bearing surfaces exist principally at the periphery of the covers, by contrast with centralized loading utilized in other designs. In some versions of the vessels, a cover is sandwiched, at its periphery, between a cap assembly formed of both a jack ring and an upper component or cap and thus carried on and off the associated vessel when the cap is placed onto or removed from the vessel, respectively.

Abstract: Closure means for fastening a cover over the open end of a cylindrical drum, utilizing an annular split ring contoured to mate the cover to the drum. Included are a pair of depending lugs, extending from the ring on opposite sides of the split. Each of the lugs has a substantially parallel lateral face and a transverse opening therethrough. Spacer means are provided between the lugs. A tie bolt mounted through the openings of the lugs is tightened so the lugs are drawn together, contracting the ring. The spacer means between the lugs form a pivot point with the lugs, drawing the ring in a direction toward the pivot point.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a container, such as a "beer ball", is disclosed wherein a cap member is removably attached to a neck, portion of the container. The assembly includes a seal between the cap member and the container neck and uses a split ring to urge the cap member into contact with the container neck in order to keep them sealed. The cap member has a first cam surface which interacts with a second cam surface formed on the split ring member to convert a transverse force exerted on the cap member by the split ring member into a generally axial force acting on the cap member to urge it into contact with the container neck. The cap member may close the end of the container neck and may also be used to attach various accessories to the container.

Abstract: An autoclave useful for pressure digestion of samples for chemical analysis, consisting of a closeable vessel containing the sample, which during operation sustains elevated temperatures and pressures. The autoclave has a PTFE (Teflon) beaker and lid, in direct contact with each other thus forming a tight seal with an excess-pressure release mechanism. The assembled vessel is held in a device that presses the sealing surfaces of the beaker and lid together, through pressure on a metallic lid support disc. The sealing surfaces of the beaker and lid are free-standing, which permits a direct release of excess-pressure and necessitates an extended clamping device for the lid support disc, which is fixed at a single point.