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 pressure vessel for containing a fluid at elevated pressure features an unstressed corrugated metallic liner forming part of a hermetic seal. The liner has corrugations extending parallel to a first direction to accommodate deformation in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Around the liner is a filler layer of elastic material forming a contiguous layer adjacent to the external surface of the liner and filling the corrugations. An external primary load-bearing container has at least one wall made of fiber-reinforced composite material adjacent to the filler layer. The shape of the primary container, the reinforcing directions of the fiber-reinforced composite material, and the mechanical properties of the filler layer are configured such that, under a given change in the pressure of the contained fluid, a strain caused in the liner parallel to the first direction is at least one order of magnitude less than a corresponding strain in the second direction.

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 double wall tank for the storage of liquids is manufactured from a rigid, inner tank by helically extruding a synthetic resin outer sheath over the sidewall portion inner tank while preventing bonding between the extruded outer sheath and the inner tank, with outer end portions that are sealingly bonded to the outer sheath sidewall portion.

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 compact storage system for fluids is provided by multitudes of closely spaced parallel planes of adsorptive material (88) that is contained within a substantially impervious barrier layer (2). In normal pressure-containing embodiments, reinforcement (4) is wrapped upon the impervious barrier layer (2) to increase the burst strength of the assembly that results. In higher pressure containing embodiments, material (88) provides reinforcement of barrier layer (2).

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 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 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 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 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: An insensitive composite pressure vessel for containing an energetic compound includes at least two fibers having different temperature resistance characteristics. A dynamic fiber loses a substantial portion of its tensile strength at a transformation temperature which is preferably substantially less than the combustion temperature of the energetic compound, whereas a stable fiber retains substantially all of its tensile strength at temperatures exceeding the transformation temperature. Hence, a pressure vessel formed of dynamic fibers and stable fibers has sufficient burst strength to resist operating pressures under normal conditions. The vessel loses strength and develops additional orifices to vent combustion products from the energetic compound in the event of an external fire, thereby allowing unintentionally ignited rocket motors to burn substantially in place.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a liner having an end wall assembly formed by connecting two rigid end wall members at a fixed distance from each other by a connecting member, and an elastic peripheral wall sheet fixed to the two end wall members so as to enclose a space between them. The two end wall members are made of aluminum alloy by an extrusion process. The connecting member is a pipe made of aluminum alloy by an extrusion process and having a large number of communicating holes in the pipe wall. The peripheral wall sheet is made of aluminum foil and is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to enclose the space between the two end wall members. Around the liner are provided a helical reinforcing layer and a hooped reinforcing layer which are both made of FRP. This pressure vessel is lightweight and can be easily produced at a low cost.

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: The present invention involves a pressurized water treatment system and method having a unitary liner and flange and a plurality of interchangeable heads. The system utilizes non-threaded connections where periodic detachment is desirable to eliminate the cross-threading problems posed by plastic threads. The coupling devices include an improved clamp assembly to removably secure the water treatment heads to the liner flange or other system components and an improved spring clip to removably attach inlet and outlet lines to water treatment heads and fittings. By including L-shaped tabs, the spring clip reduces the chance of inadvertent dislodgement. The use of common connectors allows any of the interchangeable heads to be used with the liner and other fittings. Adapters can also be used to allow non-system components to be integrated into the system. A fill port adaptor can also be disposed between the liner and water treatment head to provide access to the tank interior without the removal of the head.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a main portion bounding an internal chamber for accommodating a pressurized fluid medium, and a hollow stem portion projecting from the main portion and bounding a passage communicating with the internal chamber. The vessel walls are formed by an inner liner that extends into the stem portion, and a fiber reinforced outer jacket overwrapping a main portion of the liner to confer structural strength to the main portion of the vessel. A fitting axially adjoins the stem portion and is secured thereto by a strengthening body that is situated externally of and engages the stem portion of the liner and an axial portion of the fitting, and the strengthening body being anchored to the outer jacket. The axial portion of the fitting has an external projection or ring that is firmly engaged by the strengthening body to prevent at least axial movement of the fitting relative to the stem portion of the liner.

Abstract: The invention provides cryogenic structures, e.g. vessels or tanks joined by longerons, which are made of durable plastic composite materials rather than of metal, which vessels can contain cryogenic materials including fuel, without need of a liner or other weighty layers of the prior art. The structures are made of, e.g. a fiber network impregnated with a matrix of thermoset plastics, thermoplastics or a combination thereof. Thus the invention includes a cryogenic vessel of, e.g. 3 tank lobes, made of a composite of plastic reinforced with fibers, which lobes are joined together and supported by woven, cruciform shaped longerons which are also impregnated with plastic, to define a composite support member.

Abstract: Glass-fibre reinforced plastic tank, for example for liquid petroleum gas under high pressure, compressed air for air brakes or for storage of acetylene. The tank is composed of two halves, the open ends of which are conically bevelled to form a male end and a female end, which are joined to each other by an adhesive. The reinforcement in the outer and inner layers of the halves contains essentially longitudinal glass-fibre strands and the intermediate layer contains essentially longitudinal glass-fibre strands and the intermediate layer contains essentially transverse glass-fibre strands. In the half with the male end, the longitudinal glass-fibre strands in the inner layer are densely located adjacent to each other, while the longitudinal glass-fibre strands in the outer layer lie in separate groups of densely arranged glass-fibre strands with the predetermined spacing between the groups to form channel-shaped spaces. In the half with the female end, the order is reverse.

Abstract: The present invention involves a pressurized water treatment system and method having a unitary liner and flange and a plurality of interchangeable heads. The system utilizes non-threaded connections where periodic detachment is desirable to eliminate the cross-threading problems posed by plastic threads. The coupling devices include an improved clamp assembly to removably secure the water treatment heads to the liner flange or other system components and an improved spring clip to removably attach inlet and outlet lines to water treatment heads and fittings. By including L-shaped tabs, the spring clip reduces the chance of inadvertent dislodgement. The use of common connectors allows any of the interchangeable heads to be used with the liner and other fittings. Adapters can also be used to allow non-system components to be integrated into the system. A fill port adaptor can also be disposed between the liner and water treatment head to provide access to the tank interior without the removal of the head.

Abstract: A filament-wound pressure vessel is disclosed which has a reinforced access opening. The pressure vessel comprises a blow-molded one piece liner having an outer surface defined by a cylindrical sidewall and oblate ellipsoidal ends. The liner defines at least one access opening into the vessel and the access opening has a cylindrical neck portion and a liner flange extending radially outwardly from an open distal end of the neck portion. A cylindrical reinforcement member surrounds the cylindrical neck portion and has a supporting flange at one end thereof, which engages and annular face of the liner flange. The reinforcement member has a radially extending supporting foot at the other end thereof, which contacts the outer surface of the liner. The reinforcement member comprises a plurality of separable arcuate segments so that it may be assembled around the cylindrical neck portion of the liner. A resin-impregnated filament-winding covers the liner and the supporting foot of the reinforcement member.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a device for sustaining longitudinal compressive loads applied to the ends thereof, the device including: a longitudinally extending tube; devices to seal the ends of the tube; pressurized fluid within the tube, the pressurized fluid having a pressure greater than the external pressure on the tube.

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 is disclosed for holding fluids. The vessel includes a generally cylindrical outer shell fabricated of a substantially rigid, mechanically strong material, and having a generally hemispherical end section with an opening therein. An inner, generally fluid impervious flexible liner is disposed in the outer shell against the inside surface thereof. The liner has a generally hemispherical end section with an opening aligned with the opening in the outer shell. A boss has a neck portion for fitting in the opening in the outer shell. A generally hemispherical extension projects radially outwardly of the boss substantially entirely to the cylindrical configuration of the outer shell against the inside surface of the inner liner to prevent the generally hemispherical end section of the liner from pulling away from the outer shell.

Abstract: A fluid pressure vessel includes an exterior composite structural shell formed with a cylindrical sidewall and first and second dome-shaped end sections with two axially aligned openings in the end sections. An interior fluid impermeable liner is disposed in the shell to fit against the inside surface thereof, and includes two openings, each aligned with and adjacent to a respective one of the openings in the shell. A pair of end bosses are each disposed in respective adjacent openings of the shell and liner. The improvement of the invention involves forming the bosses so that each includes a cylindrical neck portion, an annular collar extending radially outwardly from the neck portion, a central hollow or bore extending axially through the neck portion, and an annular groove formed in the bore to include downwardly and inwardly sloping shoulders on one side of the groove.

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 liquid propellant tank of the rolling bonded diaphragm type used for missile propulsion systems contains a flexible piston that is formed together with the outer tank diaphragm in a unitary one piece assembly.

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 method of manufacturing a fiber reinforced, resin matrix, tank with an integral fitting, such as an internally threaded pipe connection, bulkhead door or manhole entryway. A thread form tool having a cylindrical bore and a rounded pattern thread forming outer surface at one end is provided. The tool is secured to a drive shaft extending through the tank forming mandrel with the thread forming end adjacent to the mandrel. A second, thread is formed on the opposite end of the threat form tool opposite the tank mandrel and carries a consolidation nut. A consolidation washer rides on a wider cylinder surface of the thread form tool intermediate the two threaded ends. At least one fabric doily or band is placed over the thread forming tool rounded threads and the tank mandrel is filament wound with high strength fibers impregnated with a resin in a conventional manner, with filaments overlapping the rounded thread area.

Abstract: A metal lined pressure vessel has a filament wound shell with a curved polar end. The shell has polar opening, and a metal internal liner is substantially surrounded by the shell and has an opening aligned with the polar opening in the shell. A boss or fitting is disposed at the polar end and has a tubular neck projecting through the opening in the shell and an annular flange which extends radially from an inner end of the neck within the vessel. A shear stress relieving layer is bonded between the boss and the metal liner to relieve stresses induced when the vessel is pressurized, and the liner is affixed to the boss continuously about the opening in the liner for isolating the layer from fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: Method for storing a waste gas mixture comprised of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and inert gases, the gas mixture containing corrosive contaminants including inorganic acids and bases and organic solvents, and derived from space station operations. The gas mixture is stored under pressure in a vessel formed of a filament wound composite overwrap on a metal liner, the metal liner being pre-stressed in compression by the overwrap, thereby avoiding any tensile stress in the liner, and preventing stress corrosion cracking of the liner during gas mixture storage.

Abstract: A fluid pressure vessel includes an exterior composite structural shell formed with a cylindrical sidewall and first and second dome-shaped end sections with two axially aligned openings in the end sections. An interior fluid impermeable liner is disposed in the shell to fit against the inside surface thereof, and includes two openings, each aligned with and adjacent to a respective one of the openings in the shell. A pair of end bosses are each disposed in respective adjacent openings of the shell and liner. The improvement of the invention involves forming the bosses so that each includes a cylindrical neck and an annular collar extending radially outwardly from the neck, and forming the perimeters of the openings in the liner each with a first radially inwardly projecting section for overlying the top of the collar of a respective boss, and a second section projecting from an underside of the first section radially inwardly for underlying the bottom of the collar of a respective boss.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an integrally wound joint structure with filament wound composite structure at an adjacent end of the integrally wound joint structure and having means for attaching said integrally wound joint structure to another structure provided at other end of said joint structure. The joint structure includes filament winding over a joint tube or joint solid with appropriately sized and spaced grooves running circumferentially around the outer surface of the joint structure. A curable resin is employed in filament winding to complete an assembly which is placed in a conventional oven and allowed to cure.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for storing a highly pressurized pressure medium for use with motor vehicle air bags and the like has an elongated, pressure-tightly closable hollow body as well as at least one opening for the flowing-out of the pressure medium. The vessel can be made small and light by surrounding the circumference of the hollow body with a fiber composite winding.

Abstract: A reservoir for storing a pressurized fluid is disclosed, having a longitudinal axis and comprising a central tubular portion closed at its ends by two bottoms, one at least of which bulges outwardly and is provided with a neck, and also a method of manufacturing such a reservoir.According to the invention, said reservoir is formed by a tubular shell of a composite fiber-thermoplastic binder material and two end pieces made from a thermoplastic material strengthened with reinforcement fibers, said shell and said end pieces being secured solidly together by local heat-melted zones.

Abstract: A container or conduit for compressed gas and/or cryogenic gas is constructed with a gas impermeable synthetic polymer forming a gas barrier and a structural component that provides structural integrity to the container or conduit. The structural component is associated with the barrier. The gas impermeable synthetic polymer is preferably a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer.

Abstract: A method for making a dual wall tank for storing fluids by producing an inner wall for storing the said fluid, positioning a fabric exteriorally against the inner wall, applying a liquid resin exteriorally to the fabric so as to penetrate partially into the fabric, and curing the liquid resin so as to form simultaneously an outer wall for containing any leakage of the fluid from the inner wall and an interstice consisting of an intermediate layer of fabric permeable to any leakage of the fluid through the first wall; and includes the dual wall container formed thereby.

Abstract: A pressure vessel of fibre-reinforced plastic has an essentially cylindrical central portion (10) and two end portions (11, 12) and is preferably provided with a gas-tight liner (14). The central portion comprises a tangential winding (20) of the fibre material, in which the fibre material is oriented in an essentially tangential direction and an axial winding (21), located outside the tangential winding, of fibre material in which the fibre material is oriented in an essentially axial direction and the fibre material of which extends out into and forms a reinforcement of the fibre material in the end portions. The central portion, including its tangential winding and its axial winding, in each of its parts (10a, 20a, 21a) located nearest to an end portion, is formed with a diameter which decreases in a direction towards the end portion.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a receptacle for the storage of fluid under pressure and comprising an internal casing with axis X,X' and having one central cylindrical section and two extremity sections, an armouring encompassing said casing and leaving clear at the convex extremity section a cap centered on axis X,X'.According to the invention, the outer contour (8) of said convex extremity section (2b) of the casing (2) has, as a longitudinal section, a shape which is at least approximately elliptical so that the ratio G of the small half axis to the major axis is such that:0.32.ltoreq.G.ltoreq.0.4 (I)where the major axis corresponds to the outer diameter of the central cylindrical section (2a) of the casing (2), and the thickness e.sub.i of said convex extremity section (2b), said cap (6) being excluded, varies according to the formula: ##EQU1## in which: R.sub.i =distance to the axis X,X' of the point of the outer contour (8) of said convex extremity section (2b) at which the thickness e.sub.