Abstract: A storage container for autoclaving and storage of a medical instrument cassette includes a tray portion and a lid assembly which are securely closed together by means of a pair of spring-biased end latches. The lid assembly includes a lid gasket which is compressed by an outer lip of the tray portion and further includes a pair of low profile filter assemblies. Each filter assembly includes a retainer plate with an assembled edge seal, a paper filter, and a cover plate. The stack of these components creates a low profile design whose overall thickness in a direction normal to the surface of the lid is less than 3/8 of an inch. The cover plate is easily attached and removed for replacing the paper filter by means of keyhole-shaped apertures in the cover plate and lock studs assembled to the lid assembly which fit within the keyhole-shaped apertures. The two latch assemblies provide a visual indication as to whether the lid assembly is securely sealed onto the tray portion or is open.

Abstract: A pressure vessel venting, dust collecting, and noise silencing system for continuous venting of dry process air during the filling and depressurization of pressure vessels configured to contain, for example, barite or the like, by filtering of vented air through a filter media, with the air discharge being controlled by a pressure sensor actuating a depressurizing regulator valve, located between the vessel and the filter. The present system contemplated a filter which may be cleaned by reverse pulse pressurization or backwash, thereby providing low maintenance filtration while preventing particle emissions into the atmosphere. The present system utilizes a high capacity, stacked filtration medium, which provides a greater filtration, with a surface contact area far in excess of the present systems on the market, which primarily rely upon bag house filtration.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for venting a transmission (10) is disclosed which provides a transmission breather (12) which allows pressure equalization between the interior and exterior of the transmission while reducing or eliminating fluid expulsion from the transmission. The breather includes a standpipe (18), a bowl (20) having a first end (70) secured to the standpipe and at least one aperture (80), a shroud (22) secured to the standpipe, and a filter (90) disposed between the bowl and the standpipe. The standpipe has a first end (30), a second end (32) and an intermediate portion (34) extending axially between the first and second ends. The second end of the standpipe has at least one surface (46) for transmitting torque to the standpipe to enable the breather to be top drivable to facilitate installation and removal of the breather with the transmission. The intermediate portion has an axially extending central passage (60) and at least one radially extending passage (64).

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for disinfecting and storing a contact lens comprising a container, a lens holding means for supporting a contact lens, a cap for sealably covering the open end of the container and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane fixed to the internal surface of the appliance and positioned to cover all apertures in the appliance to allow oxygen to escape from the device but preventing liquid from escaping from the device when an oxidative disinfectant is used in the appliance.

Abstract: A lid is disclosed having a pressure compensation device comprising a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane and a surge protection element comprising a gas permeable material which serves to break the surge pressure exerted on the membrane by the container contents. The lid is designed as an injection molded plastic part with the membrane being integrated in an upper cover portion of the lid by injection molding.

Abstract: A container assembly for keeping food stored therein fresh. The container assembly includes a plurality of nested members each having a bowl-shaped configuration comprising exterior and interior surfaces, a base and a perimeter side wall extending upwardly around the base. The perimeter side wall terminating at an upper edge. The nested members include an outer bowl, a filter, and an inner bowl. The filter is rested inside the outer bowl. The inner bowl is rested inside the filter such that the filter is interposed between the inner and outer bowls. The inner bowl having a plurality of spaced apart holes therethrough. A lid assembly is provided for substantially covering upper opening of the outer bowl.

Abstract: A disposable plastic lid is formed with a vent hole. A filter formed of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoraethylene is mounted over the vent hole. The pore size of the filter material is selected to allow for the free passage of air and to inhibit or block the passage of liquids such as water.

Abstract: A flash sterilization container (10) comprises a pan (12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). The filter (20) covers an opening in the cover (16) so that the inside of the container (10) formed when the cover is removably sealed to the pan (12) can communicate with the atmosphere surrounding the sealed container allowing steam to enter and exit the container passing through the filter (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container in then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. The filter (20) allows the steam to enter the interior of the container and sterilize any items contained therein. After sterilization, the container (10) is removed from the autoclave and any remaining steam escapes from the interior of the container through the filter (20).

Abstract: In a drain structure for an electric connection box, a drain hole (5) for discharging water permeating within a case (4) is provided in a bottom wall (4a) of the case (4) of an electric connection box (1) having a terminal insertion port (3b) of a terminal receiving portion (3); and a permeation prevention wall (6) for preventing the water discharged from the drain hole (5) from permeating within the terminal receiving portion (3) is provided at least in a portion between a discharge port (5a) of the dram hole (5) and the terminal insertion port (3b) of bottom wall surface (4b) close to the discharge port (5a) of the drain hole (5) in a projecting manner.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A new Portable Upright Cooler for keeping food and drinks cool. The inventive device includes a container member defining an enclosed volume, handles secured to the container, and adjustable support feet for supporting the cooler in an upright position. A drip tray is disposed within the volume for collecting dripping liquids. The tray is configured to prevent the liquids therein from splashing out of the tray. The walls of the cooler are adapted to guide dripping liquids into the drip pan.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protective box for the sterilization of organic material. The box includes a box body adapted to receive and immobilize a packing, a box lid fitting on the body and forming, internally, at least one protuberance for cooperation with the capsule of the packing, removable connecting means designed to bring the body and the lid relatively closer axially when the box is closed, and at least one opening provided in the body and/or the lid to place the inner volume of the closed box in relation with the ambiant medium. The invention is more particularly applicable to bone transplants.

Abstract: Plutonium powders are stored in three embodiments of stainless steel canisters with stainless steel lids. The stainless steel canisters are extruded and have no interior welds. Each canister has a stainless steel lid with a vent having an integral HEPA filter. In order to secure the lids on the canister, collars with annular internal notches and external threads are disposed between the bodies of the canisters and the lids. The lids have internal threads so that the lids can be tightly screwed onto the collars. O-ring seals are disposed between the lids and collars.

Abstract: Vent structures are provided on the upper and lower sides, and lid of an organic waste cart so that wet biomass deposited in the cart is dried by convective air currents passing through the cart. The lid vent is hooded to prevent moisture from passing into the biomass. A perforated false bottom within the cart elevates the biomass above the lower vents to assure that drying air can circulated throughout the biomass.

Abstract: A container having a closure comprising a closure wall having a puncturable region in communication with the interior of the vessel, and having on an inwardly facing region of the closure wall a desiccant material separated from the interior of the vessel by a semi-permeable membrane which permits transmission of water vapor therethrough but is substantially impermeable to liquid water.

Abstract: A display box for retail displays is provided. The display box has a top that has a plurality of equally sized compartments, and an upper compartment. A bottom is hingedly fastened to the top to enable access to the compartments. A display card having an elongated portion, a top and a display portion are disposed within the top of the display box such that the elongated portion encloses the plurality of compartments and provides a colorful background therefor. The top and display portion fit within the upper compartment such that the display portion is completely visible from the top side of the box. Thus, the retail goods can be seen through the transparent box and the header/display card can also be seen unobstructed without having to manipulate or change the position of the box.

Abstract: A multiwell tissue culture assembly for culturing cells comprising a plate and a lid. The plate includes a plurality of wells for accommodating a cell culture insert and the lid includes means for varying the gas diffusion into and out of the assembly and for substantially minimizing biological contamination of the cells being cultured in the cell culture insert. The means for varying the gas diffusion is a gas permeable membrane provided in an opening in the lid and a removable thin impermeable film label is provided for selectively occluding passage of gases through the gas permeable membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-function filter type pot cover, comprising an outside plate, an inside plate, a diverting cover, a filter element and a switching knob, wherein the outside plate, the inside plate and the diverting cover are combined as one, while the switching knob can rotate in relation to the diverting cover, on the inside plate are air vents, on the diverting cover is a separating plate that divide it into a first space with a filter element and a cover plate and a second space with steam holes and an arched guide groove, while on the inner rim of the switching knob is a protruded obstructing plate that is located in the guide groove, so that by rotating the switching knob, when the obstructing plate is away from the steam holes, the steam in the pot will escape without obstruction from the air vent on the inside cover to the first space and out of the steam holes, suitable for cooking food with water, or on the other hand, in case the cooking involves frying with oil, the obstructing plate

Abstract: A flexible pouch having a filter. A multi-compartment flexible pouch having a common axis of radial symmetry and removable sealing means separating the compartments. A process for making a multi-compartment pouch having a common axis of radial symmetry.

Abstract: A moisture barrier seal for use on a hopper car hatch opening that does not need to be removed before vacuum unloading of the hopper car due to the use of a grained plastic such as vertically drawn or cast polyethylene which will rupture as soon as the seal is subjected to the pressure differential across the seal created by the application of vacuum to the hopper car. The moisture barrier layer when combined with a filter layer forms a combination moisture barrier and filter seal.

Abstract: A container for Kimchi includes a receptacle body and a detachable cap for the body. An underside of the cap carries a filter for removing Kimchi odors, an air vent extending from the filter to the exterior of the cap, and a microporous membrane extending across an outlet of the vent.

Abstract: A desiccant canister comprised of a generally cylindrical body portion, first and second end portions, and at least one gas permeable disk-shaped member, wherein the body portion is generally impermeable to liquids and gases, wherein at least one of the said end portions is perforated, and wherein the disk-shaped member is secured to the end portion of the canister containing perforations.

Abstract: Hopper plug (143) vents out air pressure build-up which cause toner leaks. One side of the plug has a series of entrance openings (491) which communicate with the inside of the hopper (61). Air, potentially containing some toner particles, passes through those openings and enters a first chamber (507). The first chamber has exit holes (499) which do not face the entrance openings. Air passing through the exit holes of the first chamber enters a second chamber (509). The second chamber has exit holes (495) which are at the opposite end and do not face the entrance openings. Third chamber (511) of this labyrinth faces a mat toner filter (501) which leads to exit holes (503).

Abstract: A package for maintaining a modified atmosphere around contents being contained therein when stored in an ambient environment is set forth. The modified-atmosphere package includes a tray, a membrane, and a structural member. The tray has a base and side walls extending upwardly from the base. The side walls and the base define a cavity wherein the contents are disposed. A membrane is attached to a top portion of the side walls and encloses the cavity. The structural member is detachably connected to the top portion of the side walls and is disposed above the membrane to prevent the membrane from contacting an external structure which inhibits permeation through the membrane. The structural member also has at least one opening for exposing the membrane to the ambient environment. Stacking means at the base of the tray and the top of the structural member allow the modified-atmosphere packages to be easily stacked.

Abstract: Plutonium powders are stored in stainless steel canisters with stainless steel lids. The stainless steel canisters are extruded and have no interior welds. Each canister includes a vent with an integral HEPA filter. The canisters are of various capacities and nest, one within another, when not used for storage.

Abstract: A vent assembly useful for venting bags containing radioactive waste material includes a base plate with a chamber projecting therefrom and a cap plate which has a center portion that snap fits over the chamber. The base plate and cap plate have flange portions which overlie the inner and outer surfaces of the bag to secure the vent to the bag by clamping against the wall of the bag. A ring is snap fitted into the chamber prior to snap fitting the cap plate to the base plate and a compressible mass of fibrous filter material is contained within the ring. The filter material may be selected from a number of filter materials such as spun polyester, activated carbon felt, fibrous cellulose or sintered stainless steel fibers. Preferably, the filter material is electrically charged, fibrous polymer material.

Abstract: Rigid container structure for hermetic sealing of particulate solids which emit an off-gas during containment. Provisions are made for enclosing chamber space with a gas-permeable imperforate membrane film so as to selectively separate and retain an off-gas out of contact with container contents. In a specific embodiment, carbon dioxide is selectively separated from coffee contents while the entire container, including such enclosed chamber as established, is hermetically sealed from ambient atmosphere. Provision is also made for venting of a separated off-gas in initiating a rupture of an end closure structure prior to full opening of the container. That arrangement further diminishes the opportunity for inadvertent discharge of particulate solids due to expulsion of gas from inert gas purging and from gas emitted during hermetic sealing.

Abstract: An explosion proof drain for incorporation into an enclosed electrical system including a hollow housing with an opening at an upper end and an annular flange circumscribing a smaller opening at a lower end. A porous, metallic disk is force fitted into a bore in the housing and seated against the annular flange. A filling material is poured into the bore of the housing and is supported by the porous metallic disk. A second porous, metallic disk is force fitted into the opening in the upper end of the drain to ensure that the sand does not exit the drain.

Abstract: A venting container prevents the incursion of contaminants and water during the breathing of the contents and has a central body received in a collar in the top wall of the container and adapted to accommodate a filter element. The central body is secured to a cover which is provided with break-away means signalling improper opening of the container and with a protective cap turned toward the interior thereof.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser having a closing member which is provided with an outlet opening for the dispensing of a liquid containing in the dispenser. In order to prevent the outlet opening from being blocked, a disc shaped filter member is provided which comprises a plurality of holes. The individual holes are smaller in diameter than the outlet opening. The filter member can be fixed to the dispenser in the region of its outlet opening by means of the closing member. In order to provide for a simple centering of the filter member on the dispenser, the filter member comprises a tapered circular rib running along its outer edge. Moreover, the filter member is provided with a plurality of notches along its peripheral edge to form a plurality of yielding tongues.

Abstract: A filter assembly is used in combination with a piece of electrical equipment having a vertical side wall formed with vent opening. The assembly has a housing secured to the side wall at the opening thereof and having a closed top side, a closed front wall, and a pair of closed end walls. The end and front walls form below the vent opening a downwardly opening mouth. A panel of air-pervious filter material in the housing has a back face turned toward the side wall at the vent opening and an opposite front face turned away from the side wall. A holder in the housing secures the filter panel therein with lower edge of its back face operatively engaging the equipment side wall below the opening and an upper edge of its front face engaging the housing front wall and with the panel tipped out away from the equipment side wall.

Abstract: Refrigerated dough packaging has a pressure release valve associated with a flange to substantially prevent the expanding dough from interfering with the gas venting abilities of the packaging.

Abstract: A rugged case for a motorcycle including a base having apertures through which ground-borne anchors may be received to which the base or a vehicle may be secured. Two housings hinged at the base pivot in a vertical plane transverse to the length of the base to enclose the vehicle. The housings have vent holes to exhaust volatile fumes incident with internal combustion engine-driven vehicles. The housings, transparent or colored, loosely outline the contour of the vehicle without requiring disassembly. Wheels may be attached to the base to facilitate ready mobility of the case.

Abstract: A closure for providing selective access to and for closing a cell culture vessel includes an open cylindrical first portion for attaching the closure to the cell culture vessel. The first portion includes a passageway for access to the vessel. The closure includes a second portion attached to the first portion by a hinge for closing the access passageway. The second portion additionally includes a vent which has a porous membrane covering it to prevent passage of microorganisms through the vent. The closure includes a third portion which is attached by a hinge to the second portion for closing the vent. Either the vent or the access passageway may be opened with one hand providing easy access and selective closure of the cell culture vessel.

Abstract: A one-way degassing valve (4) for aromatic products, such as coffee and the like, comprising a valve body (5,6), a valve element (12) and a selective type filter (17, 170), preferably consisting of activated charcoal which allows the passage of low molecular weight gases, such as carbon dioxide, and retains the high molecular weight gases that constitute the product's aroma.

Abstract: This invention is a system which purifies or removes air pollutants from the vent gas stream of a fixed roof liquid storage tank. It incorporates a novel method for insuring that tank venting will not be restricted or prevented by the air pollution control or purification devices, and thereby eliminates a potential cause of deformation or collapse of a fixed roof liquid storage tank upon which it may be installed. It is constructed of essentially two parts as follows:1. a purification unit, which may contain filtration and/or sorptive media, connected by a pipe or chamber to the vent connection of a fixed roof liquid storage tank2. a forced draft fan, selected according to specific design criteria, which forces air into the pipe or chamber which connects the purification unit and the fixed roof liquid storage tank.

Abstract: A sealing plate for sealing a cartridge containing a liquified gas under pressure and having a neck with an opening with a syphon tube thereof extending from the neck into the cartridge has mounted on a side surface thereof a powdered metal cylindrical filter having a blind bore with open end closed by the plate. An integral annulus centrally disposed on the plate and projecting outwardly from a side surface of the plate mounts the filter in fixed assembly with the sealing plate. The filter is press-fitted into the annulus with its open end against the plate so that an annulus inner cylindrical surface is circumferentially disposed about the open end of the cylinder. The plate is mounted in use on the neck closing it. The cylindrical filter and the annulus around it extend into the neck and the marginal peripheral surface portion of the plate around the annulus overlies the neck closing its opening and is welded thereto to effect a seal.

Abstract: A closure device for fermentation test tubes or flasks (vessels) comprises a cylindrical cap which is either molded integrally with the vessel as one piece or is molded separately and is snugly fitted over the neck of the vessel, in a fashion which not only allows for free gaseous flow between the contents of the vessel and the ambient atmosphere but also facilitates easy access to the contents of the vessel without having to detach the closure from the vessel. Particular features of the cover permit manipulation with the fingers of the hand holding the vessel. Embodiments disclosed include those adapted to function selectively in aerobic or anaerobic procedures.

Abstract: A vessel and closure assembly for culturing cells wherein a gas permeable membrane is provided in the closure to allow rapid and uniform equilibration of gases between the atmosphere of the vessel and the atmosphere of the incubator. A plug is provided for occluding passage of gases through the gas permeable membrane when the vessel is removed from the controlled atmosphere of the incubator.

Abstract: A vent filter assembly may be disposed in a wall of a sealed waste container containing radioactive waste or the like and utilized for venting gases. The vent filter includes a housing coupled to the container. The housing includes a first opening communicating with an interior of the container and a second opening communicating with an exterior of the container. The housing defines a gas flow path between the first and second openings. A filter is coupled to the housing and disposed across the gas flow path such that gas flowing between the openings flows through the filter. The filter includes a porous metal hydrophobic filter medium. The components of the assembly may be fabricated from materials that are durable and resistant to deterioration due to elements stored within the container, as well as environmental elements. Further, the components may be fabricated from the same or similar materials or materials which are compatible with one another.

Abstract: The present invention features a breather cap for use in venting an oil reservoir. The cap vents high-velocity air flowing out of the oil reservoir, entraining the droplets of oil that are suspended in the escaping air. The breather cap is designed to slow the speed of the escaping air. This slowing mechanism is usually a large-volume chamber that is typically placed within the bottom of the cap. The air is directed against a deflector plate or a deflecting surface on top of the chamber. This deflected air deposits the tiny droplets upon the deflection surface. The separated oil is caused to pool or accumulate and drip back into the bottom of the chamber and then into the oil reservoir. The purified, lighter air thus rises above the deflector and is then vented through exit holes located in the top or side of the cap.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for continuous and regular liberation of active constituents into domestic water supplies. The apparatus comprises a receptacle having a body portion which is impermeable to water and to the active constituent. The receptacle is provided with an aperture closed by a membrane which is permeable to water and to the active constituent. An operculum surrounds the membrane to secure the membrane to the receptacle. The active constituent is provided into the receptacle and is released through the membrane in a controlled manner over an extended period of time. Preferably, the membrane has a mean pore diameter greater than 0.05 microns.

Abstract: A washing machine is arranged to reuse and accordingly recycle rinse water for a laundry procedure, wherein a plurality of solenoids are operative and in cooperative relationship relative to one another to arrange for initial directing of rinse water into a recycling tank and subsequently directing the rinse water from the recycling tank back to the washing machine tub permitting subsequent drainage of the rinse water subsequent to its reuse.

Abstract: A filtered vent useful for venting drums, such as 55-gallon drums, includes a cylindrical housing having an anular activated carbon filter cartridge disposed therein. The cylindrical housing has a threaded collar with vents at one end and a pressure relief valve at the other end. The pressure relief valve is connected to a J-shaped tube which has an open end positioned proximate the threaded collar. An annular filter is disposed in the housing, the annular filter has an inner surface in communication with an inlet connected to the pressure relief valve and an outer surface in communication with the vents in the threaded collar. Volatile liquid in the air space between the top wall of the container and the top surface of the liquid passes through the activated carbon filter before venting into the atmosphere. If nesessary or desired, a HEPA filter may be disposed upstream of the activated carbon filter and a GORTEX.TM.

Abstract: In a sterilizing container with a perforated zone which can be covered over in relation to the interior of the container by a filter designed so that it can be displaced and covered over, in order to improve the protection of the filter, on the one hand, and the sealing-off of a bypass under different operating conditions, on the other hand, it is proposed that force elements be used for displacing a covering disc of the filter and the filter itself which change the displacement forces acting on the covering disc and on the filter, respectively, as a function of the temperature.

Abstract: A blanking plug is used for sealing provisionally connection openings (3) of non-installed liquid-operated units, in particular of oil-hydraulic systems (1) for motor vehicles. A section (12) of the blanking plug (10) is inserted into, and fills up, the connection opening (3). The section (12) is provided with a hollow space communicating with a closed portion of the connection opening (3). The hollow space is filled with a material tending to absorb the respective liquid, for example a tampon (17).

Abstract: A pan cover for covering a cooking pan, comprising a cover plate retained in between a top member and a bottom member, wherein a plurality of parallel slots are respectively made on said top and bottom members and aligned with each other, and a smoke absorber is retained between said top and bottom member to absorb smoke coming below. The cover plate is made from transparent, reinforced fiber glass the inside can be clearly seen.

Abstract: A water dispenser supports a bottle having a filter neck accommodating a water filter and a fill neck closed with a cap equipped with a water refill counter. The cap can be removed from the fill neck to allow the bottle to be filled with water without removing the filter from the filter neck. The filter neck has a plurality of inwardly directed projections that are engaged by the filter to position the filter in the filter neck and prevent the filter from being pushed into the chamber of the bottle. A ring having an air bleed hole mounted on the filter neck engages the filter to retain the filter on the filter neck.

Abstract: A low pressure relief valve made of elastomeric material is capable of relieving pressure in fixed and movable systems and is both economical and reliable.

Abstract: A solid waste container has a container body with an open top which accepts a removable lid. The container also has a passage for evacuating air from within the container through a filter disposed at an inboard end of the passage. A check valve prevents air from re-entering the container through the passage. The container optionally includes integrally formed grooves for strapping the lid to the container, slots for allowing transport and handling using a fork truck, and handles for hand manipulation. Utilizing an evacuated container for transporting solid waste such as asbestos, prevents the discharge of particulates from the containers during handling and transport and thus, reduces the potential for exposure to such substances.