Abstract: A high pressure vessel (19), having a curved end piece (22) and an access plug (20) threaded into a recessed hole (26) in the end piece and sealed therein by a weld (46) disposed around the periphery of the plug, is provided with an annular lip (28) around the access hole. The flask lip has a sloped surface (34) that cooperates with the lip (38) of a cap (36) that is clamped to the vessel so that the clamping force on the cap is directed by the sloped surface through the weld to precompress the weld, thereby relieving the tensile stresses on the weld which result from pressure inside the vessel acting inside the hemispherical end piece of the vessel.

Abstract: This invention is a storage container for a garden hose coiled therewithin, a removable top cover, and a means to lock and seal the cover on the container.

Abstract: A hydrostatic seal for sealing an annular gap between two flat substantially horizontal coplanar surfaces, and particularly a gap in a nuclear reactor cavity which comprises a generally flat annular plate of a width sufficient to span the gap between the two surfaces, compressible annular sealing rings or gaskets disposed on the bottom surface of the flat annular plate for sealingly engaging the two flat surfaces when a downward force is exerted on the plate, and a plurality of fastening arrangements, distributed along the center line of the plate, for releasably fastening the plate in a position to span the gap and exert a downward force on the plate.

Abstract: A hermetically sealable fluid containment assembly is provided. Fluids, such as compressed gases, are typically stored in a base container having a shoulder with a neck projecting outwardly from the shoulder. In accordance with the invention, a collar member generally surrounds the neck and rests upon the shoulder of the base container. A locking arrangement is provided to securely fasten the collar member to the base container. A closure member in the form of a protective cap engages the collar member. To prevent the leakage of fluid between the collar and the base container, a seal is provided between respectively engaging surfaces of the base container and the collar. The leakage of gas between the collar member and the closure member is also prevented by a second seal disposed between respective engaging surfaces of the closure member and the collar member.

Abstract: An improved gasket for a panel assembly to close an access opening for the wall of a wing mounted fuel tank in an aircraft. The gasket comprises a lubricant impregnated wire mesh material, having at its edge portions annular seal members, with the material of the seal members being impregnated in the mesh elements at the edge portions of the wire mesh material. The gasket is positioned between a clamping ring which is in bearing relationship against the panel and an edge portion of the wall of the fuel tank.

Abstract: An obstructing plate construction for a tank having an opening in a top wall thereof and a cover with a base plate having an opening aligned with the opening in the top wall, the obstructing plate construction including an adapter plate mounted between the base plate and the top wall, bolts permanently affixed to the adapter plate for receiving nuts at the underside of the top wall, an opening in the adapter plate aligned with the opening in the top wall and the opening in the base plate, a plurality of nut and bolt assemblies extending through the base plate, adapter plate and top wall for securing them in assembled relationship, an obstructing plate, and locking bolts for selectively securing the obstructing plate to the adapter plate in obstructing relationship to aligned openings in the base plate, adapter plate and top wall.

Abstract: A container for produce, fruit, groceries, dairy products, and the like comprising a hollow container of substantially rectangular shape, the container including laterally spaced normally vertical side walls, longitudinally spaced normally vertical end walls connecting the side walls at the respective opposite ends of said container and a bottom wall closing the normally lower end of the container. Means defining a guide channel for a slidable cover member on the upper end of said container is provided. The cover member being slidably positioned in the guide channel. The container is open at the upper end of one of the normally vertical walls to permit movement of the slidable cover into or out of the guide channel. A ventilating passage means is provided in at least one of the normally vertical walls.

Abstract: Tank valve apparatus providing the usual functions of excessive pressure venting and relief of normal over pressure and negative pressure conditions, and also adopted to instantaneously close the venting system on tanker truck rollover. This is done by an inertia valve which remains closed until the vehicle is righted. The apparatus also includes gravity sensitive flap closures which pivot to a position blocking large fuel surges against the tanker dome cap on vehicle rollover.

Abstract: A switch box having a box-like lower compartment with a locking upper edge and mounting flanges positioned in the interior upper corners, and a cover with downwardly turned edges provided in the area of each of its corners with mounting sockets, the locking fastener comprising a connector which is retained in the mounting sockets on the cover of the switch box, the connector having a locking component which may be inserted in a single, predetermined position in a locking element fixed to the mounting flanges to retain the connector in an axially non-displaceable manner, thereby fastening the cover to the lower compartment of the switch box.

Abstract: Arcuate concrete segments of a tunnel wall are joined together in the peripheral direction by abutting steel castings embedded and anchored in the segment ends, and nut and bolt assemblies interconnecting the castings. Longitudinally adjacent segments are joined together by arcuate openings through the segments, nesting positioning members at the interface between the segments, and arcuate nut and bolt assemblies extending through the openings and positioning members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for and method of retaining a compressor check valve assembly in a cylinder. Each one of a plurality of wedge segments includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a tapered hole which passes through the wedge segment between the outer surface and a portion of the inner surface. A bolt passes through the tapered hole in the wedge segment and is received in a threaded bore means within the compressor check valve assembly. With this arrangement, the bolt may be used to draw the wedge segment between the check valve assembly and the interior surface of the cylinder so as to frictionally lock said valve assembly within the cylinder.

Abstract: A unitary structure access panel (10) for use particularly in aircraft wing tanks (32) having openings (30). The panel is made having a molded nylon fiberglass reinforced base (12) and having a high strength-to-weight core (96, 132) spaced between a nylon base first face (24) for extending into the tank and an outer second face (98) for extending outwardly of the tank. In a peripheral portion (20) of the base, there are multiple peripherally spaced recesses (50), each of which contains a lightweight simplified fastener retainer and anti-rotation device (66).

Abstract: In combination, a vessel (10), opening means (16) in the vessel, a cover (18), flange means (20) surrounding the opening means, a primary closing means (22, 24) for the cover including a plurality of studs (22) securing the cover onto the vessel, the studs having inner ends threaded into openings (26) in the vessel, nuts (24) cooperating with the outer ends of each of the studs, secondary closing means (32, 34, 38, 40) for the cover including cylindrical clamp means (30, 32) made up of more than one piece, a protruding ledge (34) on the cover over which the clamp means extends, an annular groove (36) in the flange means into which the clamp means extends, a circular retaining ring (38) which surrounds the clamp means, a plurality of threaded openings (42) in the retaining ring, and a plurality of set screws (40) threaded into the openings, so that their ends force the clamp means into tight clamping engagement with the ledge on the cover and the groove in the flange means.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved removable closure assembly (28) for use in feedwater heater or other pressure vessels requiring periodic internal access thereto for service, etc. The closure assembly (28) includes an o-ring seal (54) seated in a groove (58) chamfered into the outer edge of one end of a cylindrical cover (30) disposed in the open end of the channel or casing (12) of the pressure vessel. A compression ring (56) is disposed between the cover (30) and a split retaining ring (36) which are drawn together by bolts (60). The compression ring (56) overlies the o-ring (54) and a portion of the cover (30) so that only a portion of the compression force is transmitted through the o-ring, whereby an effective seal is provided without undue deformation such that the closure assembly (28) can be readily disassembled and removed, if desired.

Abstract: A pressure vessel 11 has a hollow member 10, an end closure 19 in telescope relationship with the hollow member, a flexible continuous element 26 extending around the end closure and operatively connecting the closure and the hollow member, a passage 14 for insertion and withdrawal of the continuous element, a removable plug 18 closing said passage for resisting removal of the continuous element, and annular seals 24, 25 between the hollow member and the end closure on both sides of the continuous element. The continuous element may be a length of wire spring.

Abstract: Pressure containment vessel apparatus includes a cylinder which receives a leaking gas cylinder and which includes an outwardly extending flange for receiving a dome. The dome includes a valve for venting the gas which leaks out of the leaking interior gas cylinder and locking elements which mate with fasteners on the outwardly extending flange to secure the top dome onto the cylinder.

Abstract: A lid is secured to a housing by a lid latching handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a pair of resilient pads which are compressed against the lid when latched. A pair of locking screws with chamfered shoulders are threaded to the housing and engage a corresponding pair of chamfered holes in the handle to wedge and lock the handle in place as the screws are tightened.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved removable closure assembly (28) for use in feedwater heaters or other pressure vessels requiring periodic internal access thereto for service, etc. The closure assembly (28) includes an o-ring seal (54) seated in a groove (58) chamfered into the outer edge of one end of a cylindrical cover (30) disposed in the open end of the channel or casing (12) of the pressure vessel. A compression ring (56) is disposed between the cover (30) and a split retaining ring (36). The compression ring (56) overlies the o-ring (54) and a portion of the cover (30) so that only a portion of the compression force is transmitted through the o-ring, whereby an effective seal is provided without undue deformation such that the closure assembly (28) can be readily disassembled and removed, if desired.

Abstract: A closure for a cylindrical opening having improved venting means including a plug body for removably positioning within and sealing a cylindrical opening, the body having an axial opening therethrough and having means when the plug is within the cylindrical opening to seal against pressure, a tubular valve element slidably received in the plug body opening, the element having at least one radial opening adjacent to and spaced from its closed inner end, a spring normally biasing the tubular element towards the plug outer end so that the radial opening is sealed by the wall of the plug member axial opening and a push rod for displacing the tubular element inwardly to expose the radial opening to the interior of the plug body to vent fluid pressure.

Abstract: Sealing between an access opening in a pressure vessel and a closure member fitted in the opening is provided by an O-ring of perfluoroelastomer in an annular groove formed in a surface of the closure member. The sidewall of the groove on the low pressure side of the seal has a concave curvature in cross section so as to form a "hook" or lip which retains the O-ring in the groove and prevents creeping extrusion of the O-ring under prolonged exposure to high temperature and pressure fluid on the high pressure side of the seal, even with a clearance between the closure member and the access opening of up to approximately 1 percent of the diameter of the O-ring cross section.

Abstract: A cap assembly for sealing engagement with the upper end of a cylindrical steel well casing is provided in two initially separate, upper and lower sections. The lower section has a major opening therethrough for encircling the upper end of the well casing, the diameter of said opening tapering from a dimension at the lower side which is slightly larger than the diameter of the casing, to a slightly smaller diameter at the upper side. The material of the cap and dimensions of the major opening relative to the outside diameter of the well casing are such that the lower section may be manually inserted on the casing, with the latter extending completely through the major opening, whereby the lower section is in tightly sealing engagement with the casing without requiring a gasket. The upper cap section provides a cover for the lower section and includes a recessed portion bounded by a lip of continuous, closed outline extending downwardly from the lower surface of the upper section.

Abstract: An integral flange for a composite dome closure wherein the flange has a lip on its lower outer periphery about which the flange rotates when a clamping force is applied to prestress the dome closure adjacent the flange to minimize the stresses in this area of the dome under normal internal pressurization of the dome closure.

Abstract: A cap member has an annular wall extending from one side thereof. Interior threads are formed around the inside of said annular wall whereby the cap may be screwed to the exterior threads of a connector to close an opening. Two angularly spaced apart slots are formed through the annular wall of the cap member transverse to the axis thereof. The annular free edge of the wall next to each slot is deformed into each slot a small amount and a gap is formed through each of the deformed portions of the annular wall.

Abstract: A hollow rotor shaft 34 having a bore 36 sealed by an end cap 40 is disclosed. The end cap abuttingly engages a first side 42 and second side 44 on the shaft which extend radially inwardly into the bore of the shaft. The sides face in opposite directions and are oriented in a generally axial direction. The end cap includes at least one dog 48, a cover 46 pressed tightly against the first side by the rotatable dog and a lock means such as the bolt 50. The dogs are rotatable to a first position during insertion and rotatable to a second position during assembly by the lock means which extends through the cover to permit assembly and disassembly of the end cap from the exterior of the rotor shaft. In one embodiment a gasket 72 is trapped between the side of the shaft and the cover by the side of the shaft and the cover.

Abstract: A lid for a pressure vessel which is seamless and which includes a peripheral groove in an outer surface formed by deforming the material of the lid, for example by a swaging process. The groove accommodates a seal, such as an O-ring.

Abstract: A pinball machine having multi-level playfields with a transparent window mounted in at least an upper level playfield to allow observation therethrough to a lower level playfield. The window is mounted on a ledge in an opening in the upper level playfield with compressible rings and screws extending through the window, rings and ledge to compress said rings until the window is in the same plane as said playfield.

Abstract: A solar collector assembly wherein a frame surrounds a heat absorber and a flexible glazing spans the frame, wherein the frame includes a pivotable elongated member which secures and tensions the glazing such that the glazing remains under substantially constant tension notwithstanding shrinkage.

Abstract: A seal joining a vacuum vessel head to a shell includes a flange on the head and a flange on the shell with a seal ring interposed therebetween. Spacers transfer the weight of the head and the vacuum load in the vessel to the seal ring. A sealing skirt attaches to the head flange and to the seal ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing and replacing the primary manway cover (18) which is secured to the shell (10) of a nuclear steam generator by a multiplicity of nuts (24) and studs (22), including the steps of removing two of the studs and replacing them with two overlength special studs (30); removing the nuts (24) from all of the other studs (22); unthreading the nuts (24) on the overlength studs (30) until the cover (18) is positioned outside the ends (28) of the other studs (22); attaching (44) a cable (40) to the periphery of the cover; removing one of the overlength studs (30); and pivoting the cover (18) on the other of the overlength studs (30) out of alignment with the manway opening while supporting it by means of the cable (40).

Abstract: An electric immersion heater for use in conjunction with tanks made by different manufacturers. The tanks are typically cylindrical and include an annular mounting flange at the upper open end provided with a specific arrangement of mounting apertures receiving fasteners connecting the heater mounting flange to the tank. Tank mounting flanges of different manufacturers use different number of fasteners and this presents a problem in that, unless an adaptor of some kind is used, an immersion heater must be provided with a special flange with mounting apertures matching the tank apertures for the fasteners.The immersion heater is provided with a mounting flange having an arrangement of mounting apertures which permits the heater to be used with tanks with mounting flanges having different mounting aperture arrangements without the necessity of adaptors or special flange arrangements.

Abstract: A special purpose removable hatch lid. It incorporates a connector for attaching suction means to it. And, it is adapted for being fastened down over the coaming of a thief hatch which is located on a large tank. The lid is applied prior to entry into the large tank for the purpose of cleaning the interior of the tank. Use of the lid greatly facilitates a degasing of the tank interior.

Abstract: A closure arrangement for a pump housing having a generally cylindrical bore, comprising a closure member connected to the housing by a closure ring and a plurality of shear studs received in threaded openings, a portion of each opening being in the housing member and a portion being in the closure ring, and locking or compression means comprising compression bolts received in the closure ring and acting on the closure member.

Abstract: An apparatus for plugging a pressure piping system includes one or more segments that may be positioned in the system to hold a plug therein. Each segment is held in position by a holding assembly including a plunger slideably mounted within the apparatus and actuable to move the segments to a position for engaging and locking the plug in place. A pin or similar member may be employed to affix the segment to the plunger, and an actuator is threadably mounted within the apparatus and used to adjust the position of the plunger. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator is coupled to the plunger by a threaded stud, with the threads of the actuator and of the stud being cut in opposite directions. The stud threadably engages the plunger such that rotation of the actuator activates the plunger toward and away from the segment.

Abstract: A flexible diaphragm can be moved to line opposite surfaces of a tank vehicle so that incompatible fluids alternately can be transported in the vehicle without the need for cleaning it. The diaphragm is prevented from entering a manway on the vehicle, and an outage gauge is confined entirely within the manway to prevent damage to the diaphragm.

Abstract: Spacers are used where added bolt length is advantageous. Such spacers are usually one piece and are formed from tubing having a solid cylindrical wall which often splits or yields when stressed by highly torqued bolts. An improved spacer (10) is formed from wound coil (12) to form a spiral walled cylindrical body (20) having advantageous over prior spacers. Each spiral (14) includes a portion (26) which abuts each adjacent spiral (14) and a portion (30) which is free of such abutment.

Abstract: The panel enclosure is used to house electrical equipment and not only shields the equipment from stray RF fields but also protects the equipment against water, moisture and the like. The enclosure is in the form of a shallow rectangular box having an opening outlined by an upwardly sloping flange. A cover has a downwardly depending skirt or lip which overlaps the flange, the cover including an interior gasket which is positioned to seat over the entire perimeter of the flange. One side of the cover is hinged to the box and the other side has securing bolts passing through the lip to engage the sloping surface of the flange. By threading the bolts inwardly, the cover is cammed into tight engagement with the gasket to provide the desired weatherproof features.

Abstract: An improved closure member is provided for sealing the open end of a pipe and which is particularly suited for a plastic pipe system. The closure member comprises a tubular cylindrical body closed at one end and which is insertable into the open end of a pipe. An O-ring around the closure member engages the inner periphery of the pipe and fluidly seals the closure member to the pipe while an enlarged diameter flange at the outer end of the closure member abuts against the open end of the pipe in order to prevent over insertion of the closure member into the pipe. At least one and preferably two axially extending channels are formed along the outer periphery of the closure member which are open to the outer end of the closure member through the enlarged diameter flange.

Abstract: A closure which is particularly useful to seal a container of material that is used in a process for the manufacture of preforms from which fiber lightguides are drawn includes an annular seal having a tapered opening therethrough. The annular seal is supported in engagement with an outwardly facing surface of a flared neck of a container by a shelf of an annular retainer which is held about the neck by an adjustable clamp which is disposed about the retainer. The neck opens to an external surface of the container which is covered by a stepped cap made of plastic material that is clamped in engagement with a ring seal positioned in a groove formed in the external surface by an outer clamp plate. A smaller diameter portion of the cap is received in a centrally disposed opening of the outer clamp plate which is connected to the retainer by a plurality of circumferentially disposed fasteners.

Abstract: A filter system comprising a tank and a filter assembly removably mounted therein. The filter assembly includes a plurality of filter tubes in fluid communication with a plenum chamber on the bottom thereof. The plenum chamber is open on its bottom, and rests on the bottom of the filter tank. Suitable seals maintain the fluid integrity of the plenum chamber against the bottom of the tank. The filtrate leaves the plenum chamber through an outlet port in the bottom of the tank.The inlet port is also in the bottom of the tank, and the fluid to be filtered passes upwardly through a channel formed in the center of the plenum chamber. The top of the tank is sealed by a U-shaped gasket, with the cover of the tank resting on the gasket. No auxiliary flanges are needed to provide a top seal. The cover of the tank is raised by a lifting mechanism, and is rotatable away from the top of the tank to permit access to the tank.

Abstract: The vessel cover has an outer section which engages over a coaxial inner section of the bottom part of the vessel. The outer section has radial bores each of which contains a blocking member in the form of a ball while the inner section has recessed abutment surfaces for each ball. A closure ring surrounds the outer section and when in a locked position, the ring presses the balls against the abutment surfaces whereas in a released position, the balls are allowed to move outwards from the abutment surfaces. The inner surface of the ring pressing the balls against the abutment surfaces is formed by the end surfaces of set screws which are threadably inserted in the ring so that pressure can be exactly adjusted for each ball.

Abstract: An improved joint for removably attaching first and second members together. The first member has a circular opening and a circular wall surrounding the opening and projecting axially outwardly from the opening. A double curved second member with a circular periphery has an annular flange with an inner surface surrounding the first member wall. Transmittal of radial forces from the second member annular flange to the first member wall is effected by contact of the walls with each other or by a spacer between and in contact with the walls. Removably securing the first and second members together is effected by shear studs or other securing devices.

Abstract: A protective cover or cap for connection to a toilet mounting flange installed on a drain or discharge pipe is described. The cover protects the stems of bolts for connecting the flange to the toilet by means of at least two tubular extensions on the cover which surround the bolts and by means of nuts over washers on the bolt stems when the cover is installed on the flange. The cover makes it much easier to align the flange visually with the surrounding walls by means of the tubular extensions for the bolts. In addition, the cover is adapted for hydrostatic testing of the drainage system, prevents any foreign material from entering the discharge pipe and protects the slots and holes in the flange from becoming clogged or filled.

Abstract: A tape cassette comprises an upper half casing and a lower half casing and male hollow cylindrical projections having a notch mounted on either of the upper half casing or the lower half casing and female hollow recesses mounted on the other half casing at the corresponding positions. The upper and lower half casings are superposed to fit the male hollow cylindrical projects into the corresponding female hollow recesses and are fixed together by screwing self-tap bolts from the female hollow recesses into the male hollow cylindrical projections having notches to fix the projections on the inner surfaces of the female hollow recesses.

Abstract: A flexible diaphragm can be moved to line opposite surfaces of a tank vehicle so that incompatible fluids alternately can be transported in the vehicle without the need for cleaning it. Both sides of the diaphragm are vented to the atmosphere automatically whenever the vehicle container is filled with fluid. The diaphragm is prevented from entering a manway on the vehicle, and an outage gauge is confined entirely within the manway to prevent damage to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp comprising a housing having a base wall and a peripheral wall surrounding the base wall and having a free edge and a first lens adapted to overlie the free edge of the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall has an opening therein extending toward the lens and a second lens is provided in the opening and has a free edge aligned with the free edge of the peripheral wall. An annular gasket is positioned on the peripheral wall and engages and holds the second lens in position. The first lens and the gasket have cooperating portions to provide a seal between the first lens and the gasket.

Abstract: This invention provides improved apparatus for clamping together a pair of flanges of a processing vessel. The apparatus includes an elongated tubular stem having a handle at one end thereof for applying torque to the stem. Means defining a surface at the other end of the stem for engaging one of the pair of flanges in the clamping position of the apparatus is provided together with means defining screw threads on at least a portion of the interior of the tubular stem. An elongated threaded stud is at least partially received in the threads of the tubular stem. The end of the stud remote from the stem has a pivot axis defining means thereon for pivotally connecting the stud to the other one of the flanges of the processing vessel.

Abstract: Centrifuge tube cap has a plug which fits into the open end of the tube. A reduced diameter stud on the plug has an axial bore and extends outside of the tube thereby forming a shoulder at the lip of the tube. The peripheral portion of the shoulder is beveled. An annular cap is placed over the open tube end and stud portion of the plug and secured thereto by a nut which, when tightened, wedges the tube wall between the cap and the shoulder portion of the plug. The cap has a downwardly extending skirt whose inner wall is flared outwardly. This wedging action compresses the wall of the tube between the plug and the cap thereby forming a seal. A post fill screw is threaded into the central bore formed in the plug.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine end shield for closing the ends of a cylindrical shell, the end shield comprising a pattern of valleys and plateaus to create a reinforcing rib pattern that provides increased strength. The end shield, which may be formed from thin cross section sheet material, provides a close fitting rabbet that does not require machining and provides a structure that will not transmit possible distortion of the lighter gauge material from the mounting bolts to the bearing. Because of the additional strength afforded by the reinforcing rib pattern, radially inward displacement of the extended portions of extended clamp bolts also is minimized.

Abstract: Defective coated workpieces are repaired. To this end a coated plate is placed on to the defective area so as to cover and overlap the defective area. A seal is disposed between the defective area and the plate and the latter is secured by means of bolts or screws extending through the workpiece from the uncoated side and extending into the plate.

Abstract: A reinforced stamped valve cover including an elongated housing having a trough-like configuration including an elongated base wall, a pair of spaced, elongated side walls attached to and extending from one side of the base wall, and a pair of spaced, relatively short end walls extending from the base wall and adjoining the end walls. The walls are stamped from a single sheet of metal and are provided with an outwardly directed ledge substantially surrounded by a peripheral flange. A pair of spaced, U-shaped strengthening members are disposed within the housing with each having a bight and a pair of legs extending therefrom. Each bight is configured to substantially conform to the base wall and is in substantial abutment therewith. Each leg abuts a corresponding one of the side walls along substantially the entire extension thereof from the base wall and past the ledge to define with the flange a gasket-receiving pocket.