Abstract: The disclosure describes a pressure vessel having a first end with a first boss and a cylindrical portion. The vessel includes a liner, a composite shell disposed over the liner, and a first longitudinal vent disposed between the liner and the composite shell. The first longitudinal vent includes an elongated vent defining element and extends at least from the cylindrical portion of the vessel to the first boss.

Abstract: A high-pressure tank includes a liner for storing a fluid, and a reinforcing layer covering an outer surface of the liner and including a fiber wound around the liner and a resin. The reinforcing layer includes a helical layer group including laminated helical layers, and a large-angle layer provided adjacent to the helical layer group and on the liner-side. The helical layer group includes an innermost layer that is closest to the liner and that is one of first and second helical layers respectively having the largest and second largest fiber winding angles, an outermost layer that is closest to an outer surface of the high-pressure tank and that is the other one of the first and second helical layers, and an intermediate layer disposed between the innermost and outermost layers and including a helical layer that is smaller in winding angle than the innermost and outermost layers.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a high-pressure tank includes joining a cylindrical member and dome members to each other so that a first reinforcing layer and a second reinforcing layer to which a cap is attached are formed, and after a resin material is poured inside the first reinforcing layer, rotating the first reinforcing layer so that the resin material covers an inner surface of the first reinforcing layer, and solidifying the resin material so that the liner is formed. The cap is attached to the first reinforcing layer so that a recessed portion in which the resin material is collected is formed between the cap and the first reinforcing layer. After the first reinforcing layer is rotated, the resin material is solidified in a state where the cap side is positioned on a lower side.

Abstract: A filament winding apparatus includes: N guide members arranged around a liner having an elongate shape such that the N guide members are centered around a center axis of the liner, the center axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the liner, each of the N guide members being configured to supply one bundle of fibers, and N being an integer equal to or larger than two, a drive unit configured to repeat, W times, a winding operation to helically wind N bundles of fibers supplied respectively from the N guide members around the liner at the same winding angle to form a reinforcing layer, the winding operation being an operation in which each of the N guide members travels, in a direction parallel to the center axis of the liner, from and back to a winding start position, and W being an integer equal to or larger than two.

Abstract: A pressure vessel has an interior chamber and includes an outer shell, a boss, and an internal liner disposed within the outer shell. The boss includes a port extending between the interior chamber and an exterior of the pressure vessel; and an annular flange extending radially from the port and having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The liner includes an exterior portion adjacent the exterior surface of the flange; an interior portion adjacent the interior surface of the flange; and a vent in the interior portion. A method for forming a pressure vessel includes mounting a boss on a mandrel, flowing a non-metallic polymer around a flange of the boss to form an internal liner of the pressure vessel, forming a vent in an interior portion of the liner; and forming an outer shell surrounding the liner and at least a portion of the flange of the boss.

Abstract: An opening-side flange may include a connecting surface including an inclined surface, a corner part, and an annular groove on a bottom-face side. A conical surface part of the inclined surface may be a conical surface of a truncated cone, and may be inclined such that a radially outer end thereof approaches an opening side. The corner part may be a corner formed between the inclined surface and the annular groove, and may function as a sealing surface with the liner. The annular groove may be a part that connects the inclined surface to an outer surface part, and may be a part that is hollowed toward the opening side relative to the inclined surface.

Abstract: Devices and methods for addressing permeation of a gas through a liner of a pressure vessel involve a porous layer between the liner and a composite shell of the pressure vessel around the liner. The porous layer provides fluid communication with atmosphere for gases that permeate through the liner. Such porous layers may be provided in a continuous wound set of fibers about the liner. Further, an inner composite structure may be provided between the liner and the porous layer to reduce the rate of permeation to the porous layer.

Abstract: A tank for storing liquid configured to withstand overpressures caused by a projectile impact and positioned in a structure. The tank includes an overpressure management device having a layer of polyethylene-based hyperelastic foam. An expansion in a simple, durable and passive manner is sought both for existing tanks and for new tanks.

Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator comprises a pressure shell, a bladder, and a rod. The pressure shell is filament wound around a leak proof barrier/mold. The bladder is tubular and carried by the rod. The rod extends though the pressure shell and seals to the ends of the shell. The shell has generally frustoconical sections connecting the ends of the shell to mid section. The bladder is tubular and expandable. A first chamber having an annular cross section for gas is formed between the rod and the bladder. A second chamber having an annular cross section for liquid is formed between the bladder and the shell. A first flow passage is formed through an end seal means communicating with the first chamber. A second flow passage is formed though an end seal means communicating with the second chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure tank made from fiber-reinforced plastic for, in particular, gaseous media, wherein, on its inner wall, the tank is equipped completely or partially with a substantially permeation-tight foil made of metal, wherein the metal has a high elastic range and a low thermal expansion coefficient, and the foil has a thickness of ?0.5 mm. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing tanks of this type.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a fuel tank including a thermoplastic wall and a fibrous reinforcement on at least one portion of its outer surface, according to which: a molten thermoplastic parison is molded in a mold and is left to cool in order to obtain a wall of the tank; a fibrous reinforcement is chosen that includes a thermoplastic similar to or compatible with that of the wall of the tank and the reinforcement is heated so as to soften or even melt the thermoplastic of the reinforcement; and the reinforcement is applied to an outer surface of the tank by exerting a force that makes it possible to weld the reinforcement and the outer surface.

Abstract: A pressure vessel structure includes a vessel main body, and a grid layer provided on a periphery of the vessel main body and including a plurality of grid lines formed by intersecting strip-form raw materials so as to overlap alternately. Thus, a burst pressure of the pressure vessel is increased.

Abstract: A vessel for storing pressurized gas. The storage vessel may be manufactured in a variety of predetermined shapes. Plural frame members are interconnected with each other, collectively forming a lattice frame. A network of internal supports is disposed within the interior of the lattice frame, the internal supports being made of a carbon-reinforced composite material. The storage vessel has an outer shell made up of layers of carbon-reinforced composite material sheets enveloping the exterior of the lattice frame.

Abstract: A composite pressure vessel assembly method includes fitting an end portion of a tubular member into an annular slot formed in an end cap. Sealant may be in the annular slot. The end cap includes an annular groove in an exterior surface of the end cap body portion. A first material layer is formed on an exterior surface of the tubular member. The first material layer includes a first composite material including fibers oriented circumferentially to the tubular member. A second material layer is formed on the first material layer with a portion of the second material layer being disposed into the annular groove, and includes a second composite material including fibers oriented axially to the tubular member. A third material layer is formed adjacent the second material layer and in the annular groove, and includes a third composite material including fibers having an orientation circumferential to the tubular member.

Abstract: A tank that includes layers of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) formed by alternately winding hoop and helical bundles of fiber over its outer surface. The winding produces stepped portions, i.e. unevenness, in a helical layer positioned as the innermost layer. Such unevenness affects an outer layer (especially a hoop layer) directly adjacent to the innermost helical layer and lowers fatigue strength of the adjacent outer layer. In order to prevent this fatigue strength decrease, the bundle of fiber used for the innermost helical layer has a smaller sectional area than the bundles used for the outer layers. Consequently, decreasing the sectional area of the innermost helical bundle decreases the stepped portions, which, in turn, decreases the transfer of unevenness to the outer layer (especially a hoop layer) directly adjacent to the helical layer. As a result, fatigue strength of the adjacent outer layer (especially a hoop layer) increases.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is disclosed. The pressure vessel may include a boss, a liner, an O-ring, and a composite overwrap of shell. A boss may comprise a through aperture, a first groove encircling the through aperture, and a first engagement mechanism. A liner may comprise an interior surface, exterior surface, and a second engagement mechanism. The interior surface may define an interior cavity of the pressure vessel. The second engagement mechanism may mechanically engage the first engagement mechanism to secure the liner to the boss. An O-ring may be positioned within the first groove of the boss and abut the exterior surface of the liner. A composite overwrap may surround the liner and at least a portion of the boss.

Abstract: A tank which optimizes a laminating configuration of hoop layers and helical layers to enhance an efficiency of strength development by wound fibers, and a manufacturing method of the tank. The tank includes a liner, and an FRP layer constituted of an axial fiber layer formed by winding fibers around the outer periphery of the liner at a winding angle in a range exceeding 0° and less than 30° with respect to a tank axis in the center of the tank and a peripheral fiber layer formed by winding the fibers around the outer periphery of the liner at a winding angle in a range of 30° or more and less than 90° with respect to the tank axis, and folded fiber ends of the peripheral fiber layer in a tank axial direction draw a track.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiberglass reinforced plastic pressure tank including a first tank section and a second tank section; a welded diffuser plate having and a weld guide disposed about a circumference of the diffuser plate and including first and second weld grooves; a first weld joint between the first weld groove and the first tank section; a second weld joint between the second weld groove and the second tank section; wherein the welded diffuser plate forms a hermetic seal in an exterior wall of the combined tank sections, and further wherein the welded diffuser plate seals the plastic tank sections together and contains the diffuser plate inside the welded plastic tank.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a ported fitting having an annular flange formed on an end thereof and a tank that envelopes the annular flange. A crack arresting barrier is bonded to and forming a lining of the tank within the outer surface thereof. The crack arresting barrier includes a cured resin having a post-curing ductility rating of at least approximately 60% through the cured resin, and further includes randomly-oriented fibers positioned in and throughout the cured resin.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to increase the strength and reliability of a high-pressure container. To achieve this, the high-pressure container comprises a thin-walled, closed, sealed, metal cylindrical liner (1) with at least one neck and at least one outer reinforcement jacket (2) consisting of a composite material that is formed from at least one group of layers of high modulus fiber of a reinforcement material, said fibers being aligned spirally and in an annular direction in relation to the cylindrical liner (1) and having previously determined linear arrangement densities. One layer of fibers of the spiral reinforcement (4) is positioned above a layer of fibers of the annular reinforcement (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure vessel (1) for a high pressure press comprising at least a first sub-cylinder (4) and a second sub-cylinder (6), which are axially connected to form a cylinder body (2) for enclosing a high pressure medium, and a sealing arrangement arranged at the inner wall of the cylinder body for sealing the joint (3) between the first and the second sub-cylinder (4, 6) against leakage of the pressure medium. The sealing arrangement is comprising a ring shaped sealing band (18), a first circumferential protruding flange (30), which is arranged on the inner wall of the first sub-cylinder and which axially extends from the joint (3) and away from the second sub-cylinder (6), and a second circumferential protruding flange (32), which is arranged on the inner wall of the second sub cylinder (6) and which axially extends from the joint (3) and away from the first sub-cylinder (4).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system configured to be able to suppress loads imposed on a liner caused by gas filling, as well as a method for supplying fuel gas in the fuel cell system, and a mobile body. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a tank which includes a liner and a reinforcement layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the liner and in which fuel gas is stored, an adjustment device configured to adjust a supply amount of fuel gas to be fed from the tank to the fuel cell, an information acquisition section configured to acquire information on a pressure and a temperature in the tank, a calculation section configured to calculate a gap amount between the liner and the reinforcement layer based on information acquired by the information acquisition section during operation of the fuel cell system, and a decision section configured to decide whether or not to limit the supply amount based on the calculated gap amount.

Abstract: A packaging system for providing lateral support for a packaged appliance is provided. The packaging system comprises a carton sized to fit around the appliance and having opposing side walls, each having an aperture extending there through; a cross brace having opposing ends and a hollow interior space at each end, the cross brace extending between the first pair of opposing sidewalls such that the cross brace hollow interior space at each end communicates with an aperture; and a pair of plugs, each plug having an elongated body and a flange extending laterally from an end of the elongated body, the flange located adjacent the exterior surface of one of the first pair of opposing side walls, the body of the plug extending through the corresponding aperture and within the hollow interior space of one end of the cross brace so that together the plugs position and secure the cross brace within the carton.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is provided including a liner forming a cavity and having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a composite wrap including a plurality of composite layers disposed adjacent to the outer surface. The composite wrap has a desired strain modulus gradient across a thickness of the composite wrap. Also provided is a method for producing the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is a tank suitable to contain high pressure fluids, especially for compressed natural gas used for automotive purposes. The tank has a discoid shape to be easily placed on board of vehicles. The tank comprises a sealed internal core and an external coating made through a twisted coats fiber wrapping of composite material with a very high mechanical tensile resistance. According to some executive variants, the tank internally comprises a reinforcing structure made up of a plurality of elements welded in contact with the internal surface of the core.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tank for storing flammable and combustible liquids underground includes fabricating a cylindrical tank core. Structurally, the core encloses a chamber and has an outer surface. Further, the core includes at least one opening for monitoring the integrity of the chamber positioned on the core's bottom centerline. Also, the tank includes a screen attached to the outer surface of the core along the bottom centerline to cover the opening. Moreover, a foil is affixed to the screen and to the outer surface of the tank core. Sprayed or applied on the foil is a seamless jacket formed from polyurea, thermoplastic, polyurethane or polyamine epoxy to encapsulate the tank core.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of a high pressure tank and a method thereof includes providing a liner of the high pressure tank. A liner having at least one open end with a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter. The method also including providing a cap having a second outer diameter which is greater than the first inner diameter. The method further includes providing a collar having a second inner diameter which is less than the first outer diameter. The liner is brought to a first temperature, the cap is brought to a second temperature which is less than the first temperature, and the collar is brought to a third temperature which is greater than the first temperature. At least a portion of the cap is placed inside the open end and at least a portion of the collar is placed over the open end.

Abstract: Composite pressurizable structures overwound with fibers or braided bundles of fibers are described. The pressurizable structures comprise one or more axial sections which themselves comprise both concave and convex surfaces. The shape characteristics are related to geodesic as well as to non-geodesic trajectories of the fibers. Axial sections of the pressurizable structures can be rotated, expanded, or bended with respect to their longitudinal axis. Such pressurizable structures may be used in pressure vessels, flexible pipelines, spring elements, robotic actuators, adaptive buildings among other uses. Manufacturing techniques facilitated by the present structures allow for the construction of very large structures.

Abstract: A linerless tank structure has a body that defines an enclosed interior volume. The body has a cylindrical section having an axis of symmetry and a dome section coupled with the cylindrical section. The construction of the pressure vessel includes multiple fiber plies. At least one of the fiber plies is a helical ply having fibers traversing the dome helically about the axis of symmetry. At least a second of the fiber plies is a braided or woven ply.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for storage of a pressurized fluid is provided. The pressure vessel includes a composite layer having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines an internal cavity. The pressure vessel further includes at least one pressure relief device in fluid communication with the internal cavity. At least one thermally conductive element is continuously wound on the outer surface of the composite layer and adapted to carry load and transport heat from a heat source adjacent the composite layer to the at least one pressure relief device. A method for producing the pressure vessel is also provided.

Abstract: A pressurized container includes two plastic casings (12, 14) and produces a leakproof container or storage arrangement which is economical to produce. A gap opening (24) between the casings (12, 14) extends up to a point at which the casings (12, 14) are positioned together in a coaxial manner. An external support ring (22) with a wedge-shaped tapering (26) extends to that point and is embodied as an individual piece or has at least two metal, ring-shaped individual segments (28, 30).

Abstract: A tank (1) for storing fluid under high pressure, of cylindrical overall shape and round cross section comprising at each of its ends along its axis (2), a metal end piece (3, 4), a liner (6) enveloping the said end pieces, and a structural layer (7) of fibre impregnated with thermosetting resin enveloping the said liner.

Abstract: A method of making a cylindrical pressure vessel (11) with a large diameter port in its sidewall includes the step of providing a mandrel (23) of desired diameter and filament winding upon the same. After winding one overall innermost layer, an annular reinforcement belt (16) is helically wound atop a defined region using a band (60) of resin impregnated parallel strands (39) under tension. The annular belt (16) is then itself helically overwound with the resin impregnated parallel strands of filamentary material under tension to provide two complete outer layers. After curing and removal from the mandrel (23) at least one aperture (71) is cut in the sidewall within the reinforcement belt (16) and a side port fitting (75) is installed in the aperture (71).

Abstract: A bottom plate type distributor which may be provided integrally at a internal bottom of FRP pressure vessels. The distributor is composed of a distribution plate and a bowl-shaped inlet dome. The distribution plate comprises an outlet connected to a water outlet pipe, a reinforcing structure around the outlet, a water distribution slot structure supported by the reinforcing structure, a ring structure around the water distribution slot structure, and first connecting structures on the ring structure for connecting the inlet dome. The inlet dome comprises a bowl-shaped body, a receiving structure provided on the concave surface of the bowl-shaped body for connecting said reinforcing structure, second connecting structures around the bowl-shaped body respectively connecting the first connecting structure, an inlet in the center of the bowl-shaped body which is on the same center line as the outlet; and a process hole.

Abstract: A composite overwrapped pressure vessel is provided which includes a composite overwrapping material including fibers disposed in a resin matrix. At least first and second kinds of fibers are used. These fibers typically have characteristics of high strength and high toughness to provide impact resistance with increased pressure handling capability and low weight. The fibers are applied to form a pressure vessel using wrapping or winding techniques with winding angles varied for specific performance characteristics. The fibers of different kinds are dispersed in a single layer of winding or wound in distinct separate layers. Layers of fabric comprised of such fibers are interspersed between windings for added strength or impact resistance. The weight percentages of the high toughness and high strength materials are varied to provide specified impact resistance characteristics. The resin matrix is formed with prepregnated fibers or through wet winding. The vessels are formed with or without liners.

Abstract: To provide a fiber reinforced resin sleeve that is superior in mechanical strength in low cost and easily without enlarging the sleeve and increasing the weight of the sleeve, a method for manufacturing an internal pressure container in which both end portions of a fiber reinforced resin sleeve 1 formed by continuously winding a fiber in a filament winding method with both ends having larger diameters are closed by closure lids 2, and the closure lids 2 are supported by retainer rings 3 coupled to the sleeve 1, comprising the following steps of: continuously winding the fiber, impregnated with the resin, on a mandrel substantially in a perpendicular direction to an axial direction of the mandrel to form a first layer F; setting the first layer F so that a distal end is located in a position at a predetermined position L from an end of the sleeve 1 and a proximal end is located in a position inside of the closure lid 2 and the retainer ring 3; subsequently continuously winding the fiber on the first layer F at

Abstract: The invention relates to a fibre-reinforced pressure vessel (1, 6) comprising a rigid gas- of fluid-tight body (2, 7, 13, 19) overwound with fibre filaments (3, 10,11, 18), whereby the fibre filaments are wound such that at least a number of fibre filaments can freely move with respect to one another and when the pressure vessel is under internal pressure the fibre filaments are loaded exactly in their longitudinal direction. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a fibre-reinforced pressure vessel whereby no matrix material (for example, resin) is used so that at least a number of fibre filaments would be incorporated in a matrix for that section of the pressure vessel in which the fibre filaments can freely move with respect to one another.

Abstract: A high pressure tank has a cylindrical liner and a fiber reinforced plastic layer which covers the outer surface of the liner. At least one end of the liner is separable. The liner includes a cylindrical liner body and a lid. An O-ring is located between the contact surfaces of the liner body and the lid in the circumferential direction. Each contact surface has a seal surface which contacts the O-ring. One of the liner body and the lid has a deformable portion which deforms toward the seal surfaces. The structure can securely seal the separated portions of the liner when the high pressure tank is in a high pressure state.

Abstract: A process for the production of a vessel for high pressure gas, particularly helium, for a space launcher or for a satellite with a short lifetime, includes the steps of: a production of an internal skin of a plastic material selected from polyethylene and crystallized polyamide, a winding a reinforcement of fibers and resins, and a providing the obtained vessel with the necessary conduits and control valves.

Abstract: A light weight high performance vessel, e.g., tank and method of making same which is produced primarily from reinforced plastic composite materials. The vessel can be used for the containment of liquids or pressurized gases. The tank is comprised of an inner shell which is split to remove a mandrel on which it is formed and to install components in the inner shell. The inner shell pieces are then secured together by means of a joinder ring. An outer shell is then formed around and completely encapsulates the inner shell. There is also no need for the employment of an inner liner although one can be used.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a process for the production of a vessel for high pressure gas, particularly helium, for a space launcher or for a satellite with a short lifetime, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

Abstract: A pressure container in accordance with the invention is provided with a mouth piece having a cylindrical boss portion and a flange portion which is protruded from an outer periphery of the boss portion and a synthetic resin liner which is integrally formed in the flange portion. In the pressure container, an annular groove to which an inner peripheral portion of an inner edge portion of the liner is fitted so as to slide in a direction of expanding a diameter is provided on an inner side surface of the flange portion. Accordingly, it is possible to improve a reliability of an airtight seal in a bonding portion between a liner and a mouth piece.

Abstract: A composite laminated, generally cylindrical container for over-the-road transportation of liquids by truck is fabricated using a core of cellular thermoplastic expanded foam material, with an encapsulating layer adhered to each of the interior and exterior surfaces. The encapsulating layers of the cylindrical portion each utilize at least one layer of resin-impregnated unidirectional filament material, with the primary filaments extending in the longitudinal direction to provide bending strength, and a plurality of layers of spirally wound, resin-impregnated filaments to resist shear, torsion and external and internal pressure. The core and the encapsulating layers define a bonded sandwich type of construction. The container can be supported only at its forward and rearward ends during over-the-road transportation of liquids, like presently available stainless steel containers.

Abstract: Glass fiber reinforced plastic container for liquefied petroleum gas or compressed air. The container is made of two halves, the open ends of which are conically chamfered and joined to each other by an adhesive. In each half the reinforcement is made with inner, intermediate and outer layers, which comprise longitudinally as well as transversely and diagonally oriented bundles of reinforcing strands.

Abstract: An improvement of boss for a pressure vessel which has a plastic internal liner and a filament wound around outer shell and an opening at one end of the outer shell. The boss is made by pressing a metallic material and has a double wall neck projecting outwardly through the opening. The neck has an outside wall which extends radially at one end opposite the opening to form a flange embedded in the liner to form an air tight binding. The flange has an annular V-shaped notch ring in the upper surface and a plural number of protrusive stubs on the lower surface thereof to strength the binding with the liner for withstanding high pressure without leaking or rupture.

Abstract: A composite barrier can and method of making same for use with industrial magnetic drive pumps. The barrier can is used to prevent leakage between the inner magnet assembly attached to the pump and the outer magnet assembly attached to the pump drive or motor. The barrier can is a non-metallic, composite barrier can composed of fiber and resin and includes a pole piece. The nonmetallic material and high strength configuration of the composite barrier can permits pump operation at high speeds and pressures with negligible eddy current generation. Using the composite barrier can results in minimizing heat developed in the coupling area and minimizing horsepower required from the motor. A resistance temperature detector is operatively positioned on the exterior of or within the fiber layer of the can such that the sensing portion of the detector is located proximate the closed end of the can. A method of manufacturing the barrier can is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual-chamber composite pressure vessel includes a first enclosure formed of a fiber reinforced resin matrix, having a hollow cylindrical central section, and first and second oblate end sections formed integrally over respective ends of the central section to define a first chamber. Also included is a second enclosure formed of a fiber-reinforced resin matrix, integrally with the first enclosure, and having a second hollow cylindrical section which is joined at one end to and extends from the second end section co-cylindrically with the central section of the first enclosure. The second enclosure also includes a third oblate end section formed integrally over the other end of the second cylindrical section to define a second chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding steel ribbon around a vessel inner shell having forward and rearward ends to construct a pressure vessel includes a vessel support and rotation mechanism, a vessel elevation adjusting mechanism, tracks for supporting and guiding the vessel support and rotation mechanism, a carriage having rail track engaging mechanism for traveling along the track on at least one side of the vessel inner shell, and a ribbon pulling mechanism mounted on the carriage for delivering the ribbon to the vessel inner shell under ribbon tensile loading to pre-stress the vessel. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a locking mechanism for locking the vessel support and rotation mechanism to the track, after the vessel support and rotation mechanism is positioned at forward and rearward ends of a given vessel inner shell. The vessel support and rotation mechanism preferably includes several vessel support roller sets in the form of annular members rotatably mounted on tracks.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is disclosed for holding fluids and the like. The vessel includes an outer shell fabricated of a composite material. A damage mitigating material is integrated within the outer shell, with a major thickness of the shell being disposed inside the damage mitigating material and a minor thickness of the shell being disposed outside the damage mitigating material. The minor thickness of the shell and the damage mitigating material are physically alterable or deformable upon impact by a given exterior force which may be insufficient to affect the major thickness of the shell.

Abstract: An aircraft structure, such as a wing, is made of fiber composite material and includes a shell structural component also made of fiber composite material. The structural component has at least one access opening closeable by a cover. The shell structural component has a first area containing the access opening closeable by the cover. In the longitudinal direction of the wing the first area is predominantly flexible while a second area surrounding the first area is predominantly stiff, whereby these areas take up different longitudinally effective forces, relative to the length of the wing. Both areas are capable of transferring shear forces in the same manner.