Abstract: A metallic liner for a composite reinforced high pressure gas cylinder is composed of a seamless metal tube contoured with a top dome and bottom dome. The liner is further composed of a seamless top metal end cap having a mating shape of the top dome and a seamless bottom metal end cap having a mating shape of the bottom dome. Alternatively, an extruded cup is shaped to a dome at the open end and one or two seamless metal end caps are used. In the method of manufacturing, the top and bottom ends of the metal tube are contoured, the end caps are produced, and one or two end caps are attached to the ends of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underground reservoir for storing liquid products comprising an inner or main reservoir made from a material having known strength characteristics, such as a carbon steel typically used in the industry, and an outer or secondary reservoir comprising a coating, said coating comprising an iinner layer made from an impervious paper and an outer polyurethane-based layer. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing said reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel including an outer shell and an inner shell, the inner shell having spaced apart indentations formed therein to facilitate a thermal expansion and contraction of the inner shell to militate against failure thereof.

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: Enhanced containment, capture, transfer, and storage of hydrogen gas in sealed enclosures is achieved using multi-layered materials comprising polymer(s), metal(s), metal alloy(s) and/or metal oxide(s) that either form, line, or coat the wall(s) of the sealed enclosures. These composite materials decrease “loss” of hydrogen gas by combining equilibrium and kinetic barriers to hydrogen diffusion. Capture and separation of gaseous hydrogen permeating through the wall(s) of an enclosure is accomplished by trapping the gas in either one or more internal liquid layers, or in one or more attached, gas-tight covers. Tightly packed sets of sealed enclosures, especially pipes or tubes with one or more polymer/metal±metal oxide/liquid layers or interlayers can be placed in hydrogen “warehouses” and/or “silos” to provide seasonally firmed supplies of hydrogen gas to local or city-gate markets.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is disclosed which includes a lower metallic dome having a lower rim portion, and an upper metallic dome having an upper rim portion, a plastic liner disposed within the upper and lower metallic domes, a metallic band disposed between the plastic liner and the upper and lower metallic domes proximate the respective rim portions thereof, and an insulating material disposed between the metallic band and the plastic liner, the metallic band and insulating material protecting the plastic liner from elevated temperatures when the upper and lower rim portions of the metallic domes are welded together. A method of fabricating the pressure vessel and a connector for assembling the pressure vessel are also disclosed.

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 non-metallic, diaphragm-type tank assembly for use with a pressurized water system is disclosed. The tank assembly comprising a non-metallic outer body; a non-metallic inner shell assembly, including an upper portion and a lower portion, that is contained by the non-metallic outer body; and a diaphragm that is structured and arranged about the upper and lower portions of the inner shell assembly to separate said inner shell assembly into a water portion and a pressurized gas portion. Preferably, the diaphragm comprises a resilient, non-porous material and includes a bead portion comprising an annular ring that is convex on an inner side and concave on an outer side at its outer periphery. More preferably, the bead portion is removably secured to the overlapable end portion of the lower portion of the inner shell assembly by a clamping system that comprises an inner clamp hoop and an outer band.

Abstract: A pressure vessel (10) and a process for its fabrication, the vessel (10) having a liner shell (16) formed from composite materials cured out-of-autoclave, and an outer structure (18) formed by winding or laying up additional layers of composite material over the liner shell. The liner shell (16) is formed as two halves, each with an opening into which a boss fitting (20) is installed. The two halves may be separately formed by a lay-up process, or first formed as a whole liner shell by filament winding, the whole liner shell then being cut in half to permit installation of the boss fittings (20). After curing, the halves are assembled and the outer structure (18) is wrapped over the liner shell (16) and also cured out-of-autoclave. The resulting pressure vessel (10) can be used for reliable storage of cryogenic or other materials, yet is light in weight and not costly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fibre-reinforced pressure vessel (1, 6) comprising a rigid gas- or 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 in respect of one another and when the pressure vessel is under internal pressure the fibre filaments are strained 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 in respect of one another.

Abstract: A composite material and method of manufacture involve a mixture of an epoxy resin and a hardener being essentially free of methylenedianiline and vinylcyclohexene dioxide. A fiber reinforcement is located within the matrix. Advantageously, the matrix has a glass transition temperature of at least 250° F. dry, the resin has a pre-hardening mixed viscosity of 500–1500 cP at 75° F., and the composite material has, upon hardening, an interlaminar shear strength of at least 6.5 ksi dry at 75° F. and at least 3.5 ksi dry at 250° F.

Abstract: An impact and fire resistant coating laminate is provided which serves as an outer protective coating for a pressure vessel such as a composite overwrapped vessel with a metal lining. The laminate comprises a plurality of fibers (e.g., jute twine or other, stronger fibers) which are wound around the pressure vessel and an epoxy matrix resin for the fibers. The epoxy matrix resin including a plurality of microspheres containing a temperature responsive phase change material which changes phase in response to exposure thereof to a predetermined temperature increase so as to afford increased insulation and heat absorption.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reinforcement of thin wall hollow thermoplastic storage vessels with one or more wraps of continuous fibers. This method requires thermal bonding between the reinforcement fibers and the outer surface of the thermoplastic storage vessel while the interior cavity of the storage vessel is being pressurized. The fiber wraps can also be oriented in spatial directions further resisting internal stress on the storage vessel walls when put in service.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fiber-reinforced pressure vessels and the product produced therefrom. A ductile metal vessel liner, being formed with at least one nozzle, is wrapped with a first composite layer of resin-impregnated fibers. Pressure is applied to the vessel sufficient to yield the liner but is insufficient to cause deformation of the nozzle. The liner retains a residual compressive stress critical for withstanding cyclical service pressures. A second composite layer is applied over the first layer to increase the strength of the vessel sufficient to maintain the vessel's integrity at very high cyclical service pressures (such as about 0-10,000 psig). The vessel is then pressure tested at 1.5 times the intended service pressure to ensure vessel integrity.

Abstract: A process of fabricating a composite vessel includes the steps of: A) fabricating a thermoplastic liner for the vessel; B) overlaying a layer comprising fiber and a thermoplastic material (preferably by winding commingled filaments, rovings or yarns) onto the thermoplastic liner to obtain a composite intermediate structure (the fiber and thermoplastic material can be heated if desired during the overlaying, e.g. winding, step); C) heating the composite intermediate structure in a mold while applying at least one force thereto tending to urge the composite intermediate structure against and into the shape of the interior walls of the mold; D) continuing step C) until the thermoplastic liner and the overlaid layer consolidate to form a composite vessel; E) cooling the mold and composite vessel until the composite vessel is solidified; and F) removing the formed composite vessel from the mold.

Abstract: An improved container is formed by attaching plates to outer side surface areas on opposite end portions of a liner with adhesive. The liner is supported for rotation about an axis which extends through the end portions of the liner and through the plates. The liner is rotated under the influence of torque transmitted to the liner through at least one of the plates and the adhesive attaching the one plate to the liner. Flexible material, which may be strands of continuous glass fibers impregnated with a thermosetting resin, is wound around the liner. As the flexible material is wound around the liner, the flexible material is wound over the plates at the opposite end portions of the liner. The surface areas, to which the plates are attached at opposite ends of the liner, are free of openings to the interior of the liner.

Abstract: A stapler for driving a staple into a sheet stack. The stapler includes a first cartridge configured to receive a first staple defined by a first leg length, and a second cartridge configured to receive a second staple defined by a second leg length. The stapler includes a stapling head configured to drive the staples into the sheet stack, and a cartridge positioning actuator configured to selectively position either the first or the second cartridge over a predetermined position on the sheet stack. The stapler can have a single stationary stapling head, and the cartridges can be moved in position over the stapling head. Alternately, each cartridge can have its own associated stapling head. The stapler can include a sensor to determine the thickness of the sheet stack. A controller can receive a thickness signal from the sensor and determine which of the cartridges to position over the sheet stack.

Abstract: Pressure vessel end dome reinforcements are placed upon resin impregnated fiber wound pressure vessels to improve the strength to weight ratio of high performance pressure vessels, such as those that are used as rocket motors, gas generators, and the like. The reinforcement structures are assembled from gore pieces to form gore bodies over dome regions of the pressure vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure device (1) having a cylindrical high-pressure vessel (3) and prestressing means in order to exert an axial pressure on the vessel. The vessel (3) can have been formed from a number of layers of composite material, such as glass, carbon or aramide fibers which are oriented in the peripheral direction and are embedded in a matrix of epoxy resin or polyurethane. By applying the axial prestress to the pressure vessel (3), the tangential stress is distributed more uniformly over the wall thickness of the high-pressure vessel (3), the stress decreasing at the inside of the wall and increasing at the outside thereof. As a result, the innermost fibers of a high-pressure vessel (3) made of composite material are subjected to appreciably less stress, which has a beneficial effect on the life of the high-pressure vessel (3), and all fibers of the wall are utilized effectively.

Abstract: To prevent penetrating hydrogen of the hydrogen tank and occurring buckling phenomenon, High-pressure hydrogen tank 10 possesses a liner 11 made of high-density polyethylene. A shell 12 made by winding a fiber-reinforced material for hardening is formed outside of this liner 11 to enhance liner synthesis. Hydrogen barrier layer 14 is piled up inside of the liner 11. This hydrogen barrier layer 14 prevents hydrogen filled in liner 11 from penetrating to outside.

Abstract: An innovative technology for composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) has been developed which significantly increases cost effectiveness, increases reliability, and reduces weight over state-of-the-art COPVs. This technology combines an innovative thin liner made of a metal having a high modulus of elasticity and a high ductility, a high-performance composite overwrap and a high-performance film adhesive at the overwrap/liner interface. The metal liner can be fabricated from readily available titanium alloy sheet and plate using a combination of spin forming and machining to fabricate components and electron-beam welding for tank assembly. The composite overwrap is filament-wound onto an adhesive-covered titanium liner and the overwrap and adhesive are co-cured in an oven to yield an integrated tank structure.

Abstract: A hybrid fiberglass/steel underground storage tank that combines the advantages of a fiberglass tank with those of a steel tank and can be used with various monitoring systems. The tank includes an interior portion made of steel and an exterior portion made of fiberglass. The exterior portion has at least one resin and glass layer, preferably formed of chopped glass mat and 100% solids epoxy resin, coupled to a spacer formed of a three-dimensional woven glass fabric, such as Parabeam®. The interior steel portion and the exterior fiberglass portion are integrally formed to create a single structure. A method of making a hybrid tank is also described.

Abstract: A composite pressure vessel for storing gaseous media under pressure, having a plastic liner two neck pieces arranged in the neck region, and a winding of a fiber composite material that reinforces the liner. In the neck piece that accommodates the valve there is provided a clamping ring which can be screwed into the neck piece and has on the outer circumference a threaded section which is adjoined by a thread-free, frustoconical section. A groove is arranged between internally threaded sections of the neck piece to accommodate a sealing ring and extends radially into the neck piece. On the outside of the respective neck piece, in the region adjoining the collar, provision is made to arrange at least one bead which extends radially outward over the entire circumference.

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: A wheel-shaped pressure-resistant vessel for storing gaseous, liquid or liquefied fuel and which has a substantially rigid shape. Specifically, the vessel contains a substantially continuous shell of a fiber-reinforced resin. The shell has a central opening, an inner lining and an axial reinforcement member. The shell has a substantial mechanical equilibrium shape such that the axial member is situated in a central opening. The axial member contains an inner member and two end plates, with each of the end plates fixing the shell to the inner member. Further, the axial member is attached, through both end plates, to the shell such that outer surfaces of the shell are pulled towards each other, thus reinforcing the vessel and maintaining the vessel, even while it is pressurized, in its wheel-like shape.

Abstract: The invention relates as a whole to composite structures and may be used, in particular, in the manufacture of bodies or compartments of flying vehicles used in rocketry and aeronautics.A composite shell shaped as a body of revolution comprises a load-bearing framework of a multilayer structure consisting of intersecting spiral and annular strips arranged at intervals and forming cross nodes and stiffening ribs therebetween, an outer load-bearing shell, fine-cellular layers consisting of spiral and annular strips therebetween, surrounding the stiffening ribs of the framework in the directions thereof, and having the width exceeding the width of the strips in the ribs and forming their bearing flanges. The spiral and annular strips of the framework and of the fine-cellular layers, and the outer load-bearing shell are made of unidirectional fibers and a polymer binder.

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: 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 boss for a pressure vessel with an outer reinforcing shell and an inner liner has a radially extending flange and a tubular neck projecting outwardly to provide a fluid communication port. The flange is embedded in and structurally integrated with the material of the inner liner during molding. The flange is divided by a conical annular groove into an outer skirt and an inner skirt. The inner skirt protrudes from the outer skirt and has a flattened end facing toward the vessel wall. The flattened end and/or the surfaces of the annular groove are textured, knurled or otherwise unevenly surfaced for gripping the liner material. A number of apertures extend from inside the groove to the opposite side of the flange. The liner material is molded on and in the groove of the flange and fills the apertures to form anchoring segments integral with the liner, extending through the flange to liner material on both sides.

Abstract: A seal system for a pressure vessel which includes a substantially rigid outer shell with at least one opening therein, an inner liner disposed within the outer shell against the inside surface thereof, an opening aligned with the opening of the outer shell and a boss disposed in the opening of the outer shell. The boss includes a neck portion for fitting in the opening of the outer shell, a flange portion extending outwardly from one end of the neck portion and having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a generally cylindrical hollow substantially aligned with the outer shell opening and having an inwardly projecting annular shoulder. The lip segment of the liner extends radially inwardly under the lower surface of the flange portion of the boss and then upwardly into the hollow of the boss, along the interior wall of the hollow until a portion of the lip segment rests on the shoulder.

Abstract: A method for making a unit including a pressure-sealed container (2) with at least one connecting port (3), and an active solid (1) placed in said container (2). The container (2) is formed directly on a preformed body of the active solid (1) and made of a material having a thermal conductivity of more than 18 W/m. K. The resulting units are particularly useful for making portable air-conditioning devices for garments.

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: A lined composite pressure vessel is adapted for mounting in upright position on a flat surface or the like in which a filament wound pressure vessel has a polar closed end and is formed with a liner. An end boss extends through the closed end with an annular skirt positioned adjacent to an outside surface of the liner in which the skirt is encapsulated by the filament windings of the pressure vessel. The end boss has a generally axial portion extending from the skirt forming an outwardly opening annular recess, the recess having an outer knurled surface, and receives therein winding filaments of the pressure vessel body so that the end boss is encapsulated in place. A face portion of the end boss is provided with a means by which a support platform may be mounted on the end boss for supporting the torsional and bending stresses are distributed by the end boss over a substantial area of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A structure obtained by laying filaments on a convex axisymmetric surface to provide a hemispherical surface. The structure may include with a circular hole or a dead zone centered on an axis of the surface and may be formed by laying filaments along a geodesic path. The structure includes a first and second part, in which the first part includes the axis. The geodesic path formed by the filaments on the first part may be spaced a predetermined distance the opening or circular dead zone.

Abstract: A plastic container for pressurized fluids, presenting a hollow body (10) in plastic material and comprising at least one annular mounting portion (11) molded around a tubular metallic insert (20) defining the nozzle for access to the inside of the container. The tubular metallic insert (20) carries a connecting ring (40) axially compressing an annular sealing means (30) against an annular seat (26) of the insert and to which is subsequently fused the body (10) of the container through the annular mounting portion of the latter.

Abstract: A lightweight structure for containing fluid under pressure, the structure having no inner seal sheath and including a cylindrical zone formed with a single sheath consisting of a composite material which avoids microcracking phenomena provided by differential pressure existing betweeen an environment surrounding the structure and the pressure of the fluid within the structure. The sealed sheath remains sealed up to a pressure that is very close to the burst pressure of the structure. The composite material is made up of a polyamide 12 matrix and of carbon fibers embedded in the matrix to withstand longitudinal and transverse components of the differential pressure.

Abstract: A composite storage tank is built which has double wall characteristics. A method of building the tank comprises the steps of applying a viscous resinous core material to a support surface and then winding onto, into or along with the viscous resinous core material discrete filament bundles. The resinous core material encapsulates the filament bundles, but does not significantly penetrate into an interior of the bundles. The substantially resin-free interiors provide flow paths for the ready detection of wall leakage. The resultant composite storage tank has double wall characteristics. A crack or hole in either an inside or outside surface which extends at least to the encapsulated filament bundle interiors will alert the tank's operator/owner to a leakage problem.

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: A tank for storing a pressurized gas including walls of a layered material 15 and continuous fibrous bundles of fibers (16) woven through the walls of layered material (15). The continuous fibrous bundles (16 and FIG. 8) have first ends (17) that extend over a first wall of material (15), pass through the first wall of material (15), extend through the interior of the tank (11 ), pass through another wall of the material (15) and have second ends (17) that extend over the other wall of the material (15). Other bundles of fibers (18, 20) can be woven between different walls of the tank (11) in a similar pattern to produce complex three dimensional shapes (FIGS. 3-8).

Abstract: A double walled storage tank system has two closely associated discreet walls with a closed communication space therebetween. The system comprises (a) a tank having a main body side wall and attached end walls, (b) a continuous wall of a fibrous reinforced resinous material which substantially follows the contour of at least a portion of the tank and (c) an array of interlocking filament bundles disposed between the tank and the continuous wall. The array has a first face bonded to a tank wall and a second face bonded to the continuous wall. A mid-portion of the array is in a substantially unbonded state to create the closed communication space for leak detection purposes. The strength of the double walled storage tank system is substantially enhanced by the array securely bonded to both the tank wall and the continuous wall and by its own inherent tensile strength.

Abstract: A filament-wound pressure vessel having a pressure vessel liner and a continuous filament polar wound over the surface of the liner in an isotensoid pattern. The liner has a geodesic dome surface extending between a diameter of the liner and a polar opening. The dome surface is defined by oppositely curving surfaces of revolution of a meridia joined by an inflection point. The first surface of revolution curves from the liner diameter to a first point just unto but not at said inflection point. The second surface of revolution curves from the polar opening to a second point just unto but not at said inflection point in a direction opposite the curvature of the first surface of revolution. The first and second surfaces are joined, and the inflection point is traversed by a straight line third surface of revolution closely approximating geodesic curvature through the inflection point.

Abstract: A pressure vessel liner for fuel tanks used to store high pressure gasses including methane or compressed natural gas includes thermoplastic materials exhibiting low permeability and mechanical properties resistant to thermal and pressurization strains over the operating cycle of the fuel tanks. The pressure vessel liner is made from a material selected from the group consisting of modified nylon 6 or nylon 11. The present invention also discloses a method of forming a reinforced composite fuel tank wherein the pressure vessel liner is overwrapped with both low-angle helical and high-angle helical filament windings. The high-angle helical windings are overwrapped around the liner across at least the cylinder-to-dome transition region at angles between 60.degree. and 88.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis of the liner. High angle helical filament windings at these angles eliminate excessive composite windings typically added to account for weak transition points in these regions.

Abstract: An inflator for an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a plastic housing encased in fiber windings that is rupturable upon the production of a predetermined combustion gas pressure internally of the housing to effect venting of the gases into the air bag and inflation thereof.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic filament-wound pressure vessel is disclosed. The vessel has first and second cup-shaped tank liners having circular open mouths which are provided with a seal and diaphragm assembly. The seal assembly includes a pocket formed by an inner wall and shelf associated with the first liner and a ledge associated with the second liner. The shelf, ledge and cylindrical wall cooperate with an inner surface of the second liner to provide an O-ring pocket. An O-ring is provided in the pocket and the O-ring defines the periphery of a flexible diaphragm which divides the interior of the liners into separate pressure chambers. A continuous filament is wound over the surface of the liners in an isotensoid pattern. Each liner has a geodesic dome surface extending between a diameter of the liner and a polar opening. The dome surface is defined by oppositely curving surfaces of revolution of a meridia joined by an inflection point.

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: A storage tank for compressed natural gas (CNG) comprises a hydroxy-phenoxyether polymermethane barrier liner and a fiber composite outer shell. The hydroxy-phenoxyether polymer has a methane transmission rate of not more than about 50 cc-mil/100 in.sup.2 -day (19.5 cm.sup.3 -mm/m.sup.2 -atm-day) at 25.degree. C. and 2000 psi (13,800 kPa) methane pressure.

Abstract: Method for laying filaments on a convex axisymmetric surface, especially a hemispherical surface, provided with a circular hole or a dead zone centered on the pole, wherein a regular set of points are defined on a reference circle of the surface, the filament being laid along a geodesic path from one first departure point to one first arrival point on the reference circle, the same laying process being reproduced for a second pair of departure and arrival points so as to lay a set of filaments (so-called a lap) and then the same laying process is repeated via successive shifts until each point of the reference circle is at the same time and solely a single departure and arrival point, so as to obtain a layer, and possibly restarting the process until the desired thickness is obtained.

Abstract: A boss is disposed in a polar opening in a pressure vessel which has a filament wound outer shell and a non-metallic internal liner. The boss has a tubular neck which projects outwardly from the vessel interior and an annular support flange which extends radially from the internal end of the neck and supports the perimeter of the polar opening. An offset attachment flange extends radially from the support flange and has two axially opposed surfaces with locking grooves formed therein. Each locking groove has a bottom wall intermediate a pair of mutually skewed sidewalls for maintaining positive engagement with and retention of complementary respective tabs on the liner. In an application where the liner is a blow molded component, an injection molded interface member is attached to the support flange and provides a site at which the liner is welded.

Abstract: Vessel for storing a fluid under pressure, such as a gas storage vessel, of the type comprising an internal casing surrounded by an external hooping. The internal casing has symmetry about a longitudinal axis, a central pipe section and two extremity portions, and at least one of the extremity portions protruding outwardly. The hooping is of reinforcing fibers coated with a thermoplastic of thermosetting binder, and opposite the pipe section the hooping has at least one layer of fibers, known as longitudinal fibers, having a flat winding pattern and a winding angle as small as possible, so as to allow a boss, centered on the longitudinal axis of the protruded extremity, to be uncovered with fibers. Further, the hooping has at least one layer of fibers, known as circumferential fibers, having an almost 90.degree. winding angle. Moreover, the pipe section further comprises at least one layer of fibers having a winding pattern that is either flat or helical with a winding angle (.alpha..sub.