Abstract: A medical apparatus (FDA Classifications: “Sputum Specimen [In-Home] Self-Collection Device” and “In Vitro Medical Diagnostic Device”) and method for self-collection, transport, decontamination and storage preservation of expectorated sputum specimens, to optimize specimen quality and reliability of clinical laboratory stain interpretation, culture and molecular diagnostic tests, thereby improving laboratory support for pathogen-specific treatment (antibiotic stewardship).

Abstract: Disclosed are a pressure vessel boss and a pressure vessel having same, the boss comprising: a boss body in which a through hole configured to connect an interior to an exterior of the pressure vessel is formed; and a boss joint portion which surrounds an outer surface of the boss body, radially extends outward, and has an outer surface coming into surface contact with and joined to an opening surface of a liner, wherein the outer surface has a cross-sectional shape having three or more line segments connecting a top to a bottom of the boss joint portion and including at least one convex corner and at least one concave corner.

Abstract: A bolted hinge assembly is provided for a waterbox cover (a “waterbox hinge assembly”). The waterbox hinge assembly generally does not require welding on the waterbox cover or the heat exchanger in an HVAC system (“HVAC unit” hereinafter). Further, the waterbox hinge assembly may be installable to the HVAC unit without removing the heat exchange fluids (e.g., water, refrigerant, etc.) from the HVAC unit. In some cases, the waterbox hinge assembly can be installed on an HVAC unit without removing any bolts from the waterbox cover. Once installed, the waterbox hinge assembly can be left in place so that it can be reused anytime the HVAC unit is serviced.

Abstract: An injection valve for introducing fluids into a subsurface environment includes a valve housing including a conduit having an inlet and an outlet. A valve seat is arranged in the valve housing. An anti-rotation dart is arranged in the valve housing adjacent the valve seat. The anti-rotation dart includes a valve element that is selectively engageable with the valve seat. An anti-rotation feature is provided on at least one of the valve seat and the anti-rotation dart. The anti-rotation feature constrains rotation of the anti-rotation dart relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: A tank for pressurized gas, such as hydrogen, comprises a structure, a base, a sealing jacket and a ring. The structure has a substantially cylindrical shape along an axis and includes at least one axial opening along the axis. The base is able to be positioned in said opening and comprises, on the inner side, a housing of revolution about the axis and a first fastener, and is pierced with at least one through pipe that is axial along the axis. The sealing jacket is flexible and tight, and is to cover the inner wall of the structure and comprises a neck able to be received in the housing. The ring is substantially of revolution about the axis, and comprises a second fastener able to cooperate with the first fastener in order to assemble the ring with the base, on the inner side, by bringing the ring closer to the base along the axis, so as to progressively press the neck between the ring and the base.

Abstract: A sample container (1) with a sample-receiving chamber (2) and with a closure piece (3) for closing the sample-receiving chamber (2) in a sealed manner. The sample container (1) has at least two seals (4, 5, 15, 16) arranged separately from each other, and/or the sample-receiving chamber (2) is subdivided into at least two compartments (6) which are thermally decoupled from each other and are connectable by liquid, and/or the sample container (1) has, on an outer wall (7) of the sample-receiving chamber (2), at least one coupling point (8) for the docking of an auxiliary container (9) via a matching counter-coupling point (10) of the auxiliary container (9). The outer wall (7) has at least one predetermined breaking point (11), which is pierced through upon coupling to the auxiliary container (9).

Abstract: A sealing member of this substrate housing container has: a base part-side deformation part that couples the base part and the container contact tip part and is elastically deformable to allow the container contact tip part to oscillate relative to the base part; and a protruding part that is present in the portion of the container contact tip part connected to the base part-side deformation part and that protrudes from the outer surface of the container contact tip part. The thickness of the container contact tip part in the oscillating direction of the container contact tip part is configured to be greater than the thickness of the base part-side deformation part.

Abstract: An illustrative valve block includes a pressure plate, a fluid transfer block, and a diaphragm. The pressure plate includes a pressure channel configured to receive a pressurized first fluid and a recess in a surface of the pressure plate. The pressure channel and the recess are fluidly connected. The fluid transfer block includes an inlet connection configured to receive a second fluid and an outlet connection. The fluid transfer block also includes a plurality of valve inlet bores each fluidly connected to the inlet connection. The plurality of valve inlet bores are distributed along at least part of a first circular shape. The fluid transfer block further includes a plurality of valve outlet bores each fluidly connected to the outlet connection.

Abstract: A system or arrangement for making and using a modular keg and bottom is disclosed. The modular keg includes one of a domed bottom or a conical bottom. An improved sealing system is also disclosed to sealably affix the bottom to the keg body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a threaded safety cap for a high pressure, high temperature filter press. One disclosed filter press includes a cell having an open end, a cap configured to be threadably coupled to the open end and comprising a retaining ring defining a central orifice and a cap seal having a longitudinal extension configured to extend through the central orifice, one or more filtration components, and one or more seals, wherein, then the cap is threadably coupled to the cell, the cap secures the one or more seals and the one or more filtration components within the cell.

Abstract: A resealable closure for a metal beverage container including a closure cap which engages with a dispensing mouth which provides an initial gas tight seal, tamper resistant and tamper evident means, good purchase and mechanical advantage to tighten and loosen as well as remove and apply the closure mechanism, a gas tight reseal capability, and a protected, hygienic dispensing mouth. The several embodiments of the invention employ designs, materials, and manufacturing methods which are inexpensive and consistent with current manufacturing practices. The functionality, size, cost, simplicity, reliability and robustness of the proposed designs are all advantageous.

Abstract: A high pressure vessel sealing ring formed by an annular body made up of at least two parts, a polymer gasket and a sealing gasket, wherein the ring is in contact with the surface of a high pressure lid and with the surface of a vessel and includes at least a first part coupled by means of a mechanical stop to a second part which is concentric to the first part, where the radius of the second part is of the same or different size with respect to the radius of the first part.

Abstract: A rupture resistant system, including a tank configured to increase an inner volume of the tank under increased pressure conditions, wherein the tank includes a component situated within the inner volume of the tank and susceptible to increasing pressure within the tank when under an electrical fault condition, a sidewall extending about the inner volume of the tank, and wherein the sidewall includes an interior surface and an exterior surface, a bottom wall coupled to the sidewall, and a tank cover coupled to the sidewall opposite the bottom wall, wherein the tank cover includes a first plate coupled to a second plate, wherein the second plate extends from the first plate, and the first plate extends over the sidewall and the second plate overlaps and couples to the exterior surface of the sidewall with a first joint.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump includes a first plate, a second plate and a diaphragm having first and second side surfaces. A fluid chamber is defined by the first plate and the first side of the diaphragm, a fluid inlet fluidly connected to the fluid chamber and a fluid outlet fluidly connected to the fluid chamber. An air chamber is defined by the second plate and the second side of the diaphragm, such that the diaphragm is retained between the first plate and the second plate. A clamp moves between a first position in which the first plate is fixedly connected to the second plate and the diaphragm, and a second position in which the first plate is disconnected from the second plate and the diaphragm to permit disassembly of the first plate, the second plate and the diaphragm.

Abstract: Connector assembly and methods usable to block fluid flow therethrough. The connector comprises a female hub having an axial bore, internal threads, and an internal shoulder. The hub is adapted to connect to a fluid container, valve, or conduit and to receive a male connector adapted to block fluid flow through the connector assembly. The male connector comprises external threads and a face comprising a front seal adapted to engage the shoulder. The face comprises a ring-shaped surface adapted to contact the shoulder and form a fluid seal. The face comprises an outer seal that is positioned outwards from the ring-shaped surface and adapted to engage a circumferential surface of the hub. Embodiments of the current invention relate to fluid connectors and methods usable to form a sealed fluid connection between a female connector and a male connector, wherein the male connector comprises an axial bore extending therethrough.

Abstract: A gasket made of a rubber-like elastic material is mounted in a mounting groove provided in one of two opposing members and is gripped between the one member and the other member so as to be in pressure contact with the two members. The gasket includes: a body section inserted in the mounting groove; one support protrusion provided on one side of the body section so as to be located on the side of the body section, and mounted in a deep groove provided on the bottom; the other support protrusion extending in a tilted manner from the other end side, in the width direction, of the body section toward the bottom in the direction away from the one support protrusion; and a lip ridge protrusion provided on the side of the body section, and located so that the tip thereof does not overlap the one support protrusion.

Abstract: A button includes a button body that is placed over a first main surface of a sheet having the first main surface and a second main surface opposing to the first main surface, the button body having a hole over the first main surface; a fixing member including a base that is placed over the second main surface, and a shaft that projects from the base and passes through the hole from the second main surface towards the first main surface side, in which a distal portion of the shaft includes: a plate-like base portion provided over the button body and covering the hole; and a plurality of ribs integrally formed with the base portion and onto a surface of the base portion, and radially extending from a center to a circumference of the base portion.

Abstract: A chamber formed of a dielectric material is sealed with a lid for use in a microwave oven. The lid contains a pair of translating grip that engage the chamber rim to seal the vessel to contain pressure. The grips can be activated to release the lid by a centrally disposed button type actuator. The grips are coupled to a vent release means formed within the shell like construction of the lid.

Abstract: A sealing system for an outlet of a plastic-lined cylinder has a plastic liner outlet extending into a bore of a boss. An insert is engageable with the bore, forming a primary seal between the insert and portion of the liner outlet. Further, a tapered compression surface of the insert engages a tapered bore portion of the liner outlet adjacent the primary seal for compressing the liner outlet and closing any annular assembly clearance at the primary seal for obviating opportunity for seal extrusion under pressure. An axial position in the boss, and dimensional integrity, of the liner outlet is maintained by engaging an annular distal end of the liner outlet in the bore by a stop. The stop can be integral with the boss. Reverse extrusion of the primary seal due to trapped gas and rapid decompression of the cylinder can be defeated by providing a leak path.

Abstract: A retail ready container is assembled from a single container blank having a container body portion and a protective cover portion. The container body portion includes a front container body panel, a left side container body panel and a right side container body panel. The protective cover portion includes a front cover panel, a left side cover panel and a right side cover panel. The left side cover panel is frangibly attached to the left side container body panel and the right side cover panel is frangibly attached to the right side container body panel. The container blank includes a finished side and an unfinished side. The container in the assembled state is configured so that the finished sides of the left and right side cover panels are respectively positioned adjacent to and opposed from the respective finished sides of the left and right side container body panels.

Abstract: A hingeless door system for a pressure vessel; especially, aeronautic and astronautic crafts. The door system has the following major components: a contour in a pressure vessel wall, a doorway opening, a seal, an upper track, a lower track and a door. The door translocates laterally along the tracks from an open position to a closed position and moves radially along the tracks to a sealed position against the contour which closes the door opening. The problem solved by the invention is to reduce weight, operational volume and complexity and increase durability of a door system for a pressure vessel.

Abstract: A seal for sealing engagement between a closure and a container. A seal ring has a sealing portion. A projection is coupled to the seal ring, extends circumferentially and radially outwardly of the seal ring, and has a closure-driven feature engageable by the closure when the closure is rotated on the container in a loosening direction to unseat the seal ring from sealing engagement between the container and the closure. The seal may be part of a package and sealingly engaged between a sealing surface of a container of the package and a base of a closure of the package when the closure is secured to the container.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein take the form of fixtures to be used in a manufacturing process. In particular, a manufacturing fixture may be sized to accept one or more electronic components, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) having various electrical elements. The PCB may be placed on the fixture in a predetermined area. The PCB may be placed in a depression or aperture sized to accept the PCB. When the PCB is placed within the fixture, a cover may be lowered or otherwise placed across the PCB in order to hold the PCB in place. The cover contacts the PCB and is pliable or malleable to conform to those portions of the PCB it contacts. When the cover is closed, a negative pressure may be induced in the fixture beneath the cover. When the PCB is held in position, the manufacturing fixture may operate on the PCB.

Abstract: A system for sealing an access port of a pressurized container or conduit comprises a metallic cap 10 having a sealing surface 20 which forms a seal with a corresponding sealing surface 16 of a metallic access port assembly 2, when the surfaces are pushed against each other by a clamping means 4 which is preferably separate from the cap. As shown the metal to metal sealing surfaces are frustro-conical in shape. The cap comprises a shoulder 26 which engages the rim of the access port if the cap is over tightened preventing deformation of the sealing surfaces. The cap may comprise a further frustro-conical sealing surface 40 which co acts with a corresponding surface 46 on an insert 6 which fits within and rests upon an internal shoulder 18 of the access port assembly 2 which may be welded onto a container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing element fastening system for at least one sealing element of a pressure vessel, which has at least one opening and a sealing part, in particular a cover, provided for the opening. In the operating state of the pressure vessel each sealing element is at least partially inserted in an accommodating groove in the sealing part and corresponding sealing element fastening devices are positioned in each case in an indentation in the sealing part. The indentations are in each case sealed by a fill element in the operating state of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: An assembly of a container and a closure: the container comprising an outer shell having a neck portion defining a first access opening and a flexible inner bag having a neck finish defining second access opening; the closure being fixed to the container, said closure comprising at least two access ports positioned in front of said access openings and; the assembly comprising sealing means positioned between the closure and the container, characterized in that said sealing means comprise at least two distinct sealing members, one positioned between the closure and the neck portion, the other positioned between the closure and the neck finish.

Abstract: A storage system including, in an exemplary embodiment, a unitary open-topped container, and an air-tight lid system, suitable for storage of food items. The lid system includes a plastic lid including a cover portion and a plurality of lid latches connected to the lid cover portion by living hinges, and a seal gasket fitted into an inner seal channel formed in a lid peripheral region. The latches are configured for movement between extended positions in which the lid is removable from the container, and a latching position in which latch features engage a peripheral edge of the container to secure the lid and gasket in a sealed position on the container.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a lid structure with latches is configured for sealing use with container vessels of different materials having differing manufacturing dimensional tolerances, such plastic vessels and glass vessels. Another feature of a lid and vessel combination is the provision of a lid receptacle feature, configured to capture the base of a vessel in a stacking arrangement, without utilization of special features on the vessel base. Another feature of an embodiment of a lid is the capability of lid nesting of multiple lids with interference fit between adjacent lids to lock the lids together.

Abstract: A container for holding contents includes a shell having a peripheral rim defining a substantially open top, a lid positioned on the shell, covering the substantially open top, and having a peripheral portion engaging the peripheral rim, and a liner disposed within the shell, conforming to the shape of the shell, and having peripheral ribbon secured to the lid forming a continuous seal between the liner and the lid.

Abstract: A lidded container includes a container having an open top defined by an annular rim; a lid having a central section and an outer rim attachable to the rim of the container; and an annular gasket between the rim and the lid. The annular rim of the lid includes an annular clamping section defined by spaced inner and outer walls for receiving the rim of the container in the space between the walls. The annular clamping section of the lid is integrally joined to the central section of the lid by an annular, elastically deformable juncture section effective to increase (a) the clamping action of the lid clamping section, and (b) the sealing action of the gasket, with an increase in pressure within the container.

Abstract: A container comprising a pail, removable cover, and a gasket disposed between the cover and the pail is disclosed. The pail has an angled bead at the proximal end of the pail and a plurality of satellite rings that extend circumferentially around the pail and form a wall junction with the pail. The wall junction has a substantially constant wall thickness. A bail ear is formed to connect at least two of the satellite rings to define an opening between the bail ear and the body. The pail also includes a shock absorbing wall section.

Abstract: A sealing lid is disclosed that includes a flexible annular closure membrane surrounded by a heavier annular rim member that is preferably adapted to hold the lid in place on a container to define a first position. The closure membrane can be axially flexed from the first position to a second position using a single hand. In the second position, the membrane axially depresses to lower down the pressure in the container and forms a hermetic vacuum seal with the container. The heavier rim member has a weight that is substantially greater than the weight of the membrane that is adapted to press down the lid over the container. The heavier rim member supports hermetic sealing by facilitating intimate contact between the lid and the container.

Abstract: A closure (100) having a hub (102) and pivotally connected head (104). The head is locked in a closed position within the hub by a locking ring (106). The locking ring is polygonal in shape and includes a substantially cylindrical surface and a conical surface. The device further includes a pressure warning device (126) which has a secondary function as a locking mechanism inhibiting unintentional opening of the head when the system is pressurized.

Abstract: A closure for a food can including a foil end panel bonded to an intermediate ring which is fixed to the can body. The foil panel comprises a diaphragm having a centre panel which included at least one concentric bead. The profile of this beaded panel is selected so that its downward position is no greater than the lowest point of the intermediate ring. The provision of the bead(s) reduces pressure differences experienced by the diaphragm, particularly during processing of the can contents, due to the volume increase available from the beads.

Abstract: A method of closing a vessel includes using a flexible sealing device to form a seal between two container components of the vessel. The method also includes closing the vessel by locking together the two container components using a locking mechanism capable of bearing an end pressure load against the vessel when the vessel is in operation. The seal is formed and the vessel is closed so that the sealing device bears substantially none of the end pressure load when the vessel is in operation. This method can be adapted to work in relation to many vessel designs and both high and low pressure and temperature conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing element fastening system for at least one sealing element of a pressure vessel, which has at least one opening and a sealing part, in particular a cover, provided for the opening. In the operating state of the pressure vessel each sealing element is at least partially inserted in an accommodating groove in the sealing part and corresponding sealing element fastening devices are positioned in each case in an indentation in the sealing part. The indentations are in each case sealed by a fill element in the operating state of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A sealing lid is disclosed that includes a flexible annular closure membrane surrounded by a heavier annular rim member that is preferably adapted to hold the lid in place on a container to define a first position. The closure membrane can be axially flexed from the first position to a second position using a single hand. In the second position, the membrane axially depresses to lower down the pressure in the container and forms a hermetic vacuum seal with the container. The heavier rim member has a weight that is substantially greater than the weight of the membrane that is adapted to press down the lid over the container. The heavier rim member supports hermetic sealing by facilitating intimate contact between the lid and the container.

Abstract: A container cover for sealing a container body includes a cover panel detachably coupling with an opening of the container body to enclose a receiving cavity thereof, and a sealable arrangement which includes a sealing element movably supported underneath the cover panel, and an actuation unit operatively mounted on top of the cover panel to move the sealing element between an unsealed and sealed position. At the unsealed position, the cover panel is free to detachably support at the opening, and at the sealed position, the sealing element is radially and outwardly moved to seal at and bias against the opening edge of the container body so as to seal the receiving cavity in an air-tight manner and to retain the cover panel in position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two or three phase separator including a centrifugal separator, a demister (if a three phase separator), and a filter contained within a housing. The filter uses an outside-in flow principle. The filter includes an inner layer or a center core that defines a hollow interior. An outer layer is positioned adjacent and surrounding the inner layer. The outer layer includes a re-enforcement layer, a first particle filter layer, a coalescer layer, and a second particle filter layer. An access cover of the separator includes a cover plug, an actuator cam, a plurality of idler cam plates, and a plurality of mechanisms. The access cover cooperates with an opening and an annular groove in the housing to close off and seal the separator.

Abstract: Techniques for a door system for sealing an opening between two chambers in a semiconductor processing system are described. A sealing member seals the opening when a door is in a closed position. To selectively open and close the opening, an actuator moves the door. A valve actuator switch provides a first or second pressure to the actuator depending on the pressure inside a first chamber. In one embodiment, a sensor monitors the pressure inside the first chamber.

Abstract: A can end combination, a resealable beverage can, and a method of sealing a beverage can are disclosed. The can end combination may include a metal can end and a resealable closure coupled to the can end. The can end may include a center panel having an aperture formed therethrough. The closure may include a base plate and a top plate coupled to the base plate. The closure may have a sealed position in which the base plate contacts the center panel about the aperture to form at least one of a bore seal and a face seal. The closure may also have an intermediate position in which the base plate is proximate the aperture but the closure is devoid of the bore seal and the face seal. The closure may also have a fully open position in which the aperture is exposed to enable pouring liquid through the aperture.

Abstract: A pressure cap comprises a closing part associable with an opening of a container engaging means associable with a neck of said container, said engaging means being provided with retaining means for engaging in a projection of said container, a line of intended opening in said engaging means interposed between a side body of said engaging means and said closing part, said line of intended opening being defined by fracturable means, said line of intended opening and said closing part being positioned in relation to one another so that said fracturable means breaks along said line of intended opening when said closing part is induced to detach itself from said side body.

Abstract: A container for storing products includes a tub and a cover which is equipped with a seal positioned in a peripheral groove formed in the inner face of the cover. The tub includes an inner and outer flat peripheral rim, the cover including a vertical peripheral rim designed to cover the outer peripheral rim upon closure of the cover, and in that the inner and outer peripheral rims are in different planes and constitute a shouldered shape, the cover including, between its vertical peripheral rim and its inner face, a clearance with a shape matching the shouldered shape of the tub, the distance between the plane of the clearance and the plane of the inner face of the cover being less than the distance separating the planes of the peripheral rims of the tub.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for fabricating measuring devices, e.g., a pressure gauge, thermometer or the like. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for fabricating measuring device assemblies having at least a case, window and gasket, where the measuring device may be assembled in multiple different ways using the same case, window and gasket.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing temperature and pressure extrusion failure in o-ring seal assemblies. One embodiment employs a bore in the plug so that the thin wall of the plug flexes outward at high pressures to partially fill the gap between the chamber member and the plug where the o-ring is located, thereby preventing the o-ring from extruding through the narrowed gap. A second embodiment utilizes a plug of a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the chamber member that expands outward slightly at high temperatures, thus partially filling the gap. A third embodiment secures the o-ring in the gap between a backup ring and a retaining ring, and the backup ring has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the plug and chamber member. At high temperatures the backup ring expands to partially fill the gap. Additional embodiments are created by combining these three embodiments.

Abstract: A spill resistant cap includes a normally closed membrane. The membrane normally restricts a flow through the cap. The membrane includes a cut or slice through the membrane. The cut or slice is preferably and “X”. When pressure is applied to a volume below the membrane and when vacuum is applied to a volume above the membrane, the “X” opens outward, and a flow is allowed to pass through the resulting opening.

Abstract: A method of making an easy open end for a container includes steps of providing a can end blank having an end panel and forming the can end blank in a series of forming operations that are performed with specialized and unique tooling. The can end is preferably shaped during the forming operations so that a major portion of the end panel is curved. Specifically, the curvature is preferably such that a top surface of the major portion is generally concave and a bottom surface of the major portion is generally convex. The end panel is also preferably shaped and constructed so that the curved major portion will invert in shape upon the application of a sufficient predetermined pressure differential between the top and bottom surfaces. A method of testing a fill level of a sealed container is performed in reliance on this “cricketing” or “oil canning” effect.

Abstract: The enclosure assembly includes an enclosure body which is adapted to accommodate a laser scanner therein for use in a sawmill environment. The enclosure body includes a lid portion which is hinged to permit access to the interior of the enclosure for convenient removal and cleaning of the laser scanner.

Abstract: A vacuum canister includes a storage space and a removable lid. The lid includes a pump housing that defines a pumping chamber within which a sliding piston is disposed. The piston is connected to a handle via a piston rod and features a skirt-like piston valve that seals against the side wall of the pump housing when the piston travels downward but permits air to pass when the piston travels upward. Air is pumped from the canister storage space via the pump. A vacuum indicator and release valve are also positioned in the lid. A bellows communicates with the canister storage space and contracts when a vacuum is present. The bellows is connected to a lever which pivots to extend a button indicating the presence of the vacuum. Pushing the button causes the lever to engage a vacuum release valve.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for providing an intrinsically safe chamber door for a processing chamber capable of operating at high pressures are provided. One exemplary apparatus includes a processing chamber for a substrate where the chamber is configured to operate at a positive pressure. The processing chamber includes a port loading slot for providing access for the substrate into and out of the chamber. A chamber door positioned inside the chamber is included. The chamber door is configured to seal against an internal surface of the chamber thereby blocking access through the port loading slot. An internal pressure of the chamber assists in sealing the chamber door against the internal surface of the chamber. Also included is a door actuating mechanism configured to move the door along a door path where the door path is positioned at an angle to a path to be traversed by the substrate.