Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for relieving the pressure within a high pressure tank having an opening plugged by a broken safety valve of a special type utilizes a mechanism acting between the annular flange of the tank normally provided for the securement of a valve protector cap and the valve to permit pressurized contents confined within the tank to escape through the valve. The special valve includes a flow passage in axial alignment with the tank opening in which the valve portion is received and defines a ball chamber in which a spherical ball is seated. The apparatus of the invention includes a stem which is movable through the valve portion flow passage for engagement with the spherical ball to thereby unseat the ball and open the valve flow passage. By unseating the ball, contents of the tank pass out of the valve flow passage and are directed either into the atmosphere or another vessel for reclaiming purposes.

Abstract: A safety vent for an internally pressurized fluid container is disclosed. The safety vent is provided in a wall of the container which is subject to outward deformation when the internal pressure of the container exceeds a predetermined level. The wall has a weakened line of reduced material thickness formed therein which is adapted to fracture to vent the pressurized fluid from the container in response to the stresses therein during the outward deformation of the wall. The wall further includes an elongated rib formed therein with at least one end of the line proximate the weakened line of reduced material thickness. The rib locally weakens the resistance of the wall to outward deformation so that outward deformation of the wall is initiated adjacent the location of the rib.

Abstract: A flowable granular, powder or flake material storage bin of the type having an inflatable generally cup-shaped bag with a blower for inflating and a blower for deflating the bag has a valve assembly of unique construction for controlling high-volume low-pressure flow for inflation and deflation cycles. The cycles themselves may be automatically controlled from sensing units which sense when the bag is fully emptied and fully deflated. The valve assembly may be adapted for the sequential discharge of a plurality of bins which may, for example, be located on a freight vehicle.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for an internally pressurized container. The device is imperforate, forms an integral part of the container surface, and has a concave annular outer area integrally joined to an inwardly protruding circular central area by an annular intermediate area. These areas have different thicknesses resulting exclusively from the device having been drawn from a metal blank. The juncture of the annular outer and intermediate areas forms a first circular line of strain hardened material having a reduced thickness and increased hardness and strength as compared to the material thickness, hardness and strength of the annular outer area. The cross sectional configuration of the device is such that upon eversion thereof occasioned by an over-pressurization of the container contents, the material along the first circular line will fracture at at least one location, thereby allowing the container contents to escape therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying gas to a liquid in a container (2) having a gas pipe (6) discharging thereinto, the apparatus being particularly intended for preparing aerated beverages. The container comprises an orifice (8) for introducing liquid into the container, an orifice (19) for emptying liquid therefrom, and a gas-venting orifice (13). From a security point of view the apparatus is provided with structure preventing a gas pressure to be built up in the container (2) unless it is filled with liquid to a given level.

Abstract: For the purpose of safely sampling fluid from a high pressure hydraulic system there is provided a valve assembly in which the passage of fluid through a fluid flow passage in a valve housing is controlled by a pressure regulated flow velocity limiting valve followed by an external lever controlled passage occluding poppet valve. The flow passage feeds a needle nosed nozzle with all passages sized to limit the discharge flow velocity to a safe maximum. A pressure relief valve is provided to divert fluid to a safe discharge if nozzle flow should become impeded and pressure should build up above a predetermined level.

Abstract: An automatic valve shut-off system useful for gas cylinders and the like employing a pneumatically actuated rotatable shaft to engage the valve handle on the cylinder. A control box is located remotely and conduits carry pressurized gas to energize the pneumatic activator. Solenoid or manual type operated switches select the delivery of pressurized gas to the cylinder and a pneumatic feed back device is provided to indicate the position of the valve handle.

Abstract: A safety apparatus and method of using same in dispensing beverages, such as soft drinks and beer, in which the beverage is dispensed by introducing gases under pressure into the beverage container to force the beverage to flow from the container through a dispensing outlet, or faucet. The apparatus comprises a pair of redundant pressure reducing regulators, a frangible burst disc and one or more flow control check valves all interconnected in a predetermined sequence. The apparatus is installed between the high pressure gas source and the beverage container. In accordance with the method of the invention the various components are adjusted at particular pressure settings depending upon the beverage to be dispensed.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for a metal container having a generally cylindrical side wall and being of the type adapted to contain fluids under pressure. The device includes a concave closure element circumferentially joined to one end of the container side wall. The closure element is deep drawn of tempered steel, with a generally convex tab member integrally formed in a central area thereof. The tab member is partially circumscribed by a weakened line of reduced material thickness, and the closure element has a structural integrity which reacts to an overpressurization of the fluid in the container by undergoing a partial eversion which initiates a fracture along the weakened line accompanied by an outward deflection of the tab member, thereby permitting the overpressurized fluid contents to escape through the fracture.

Abstract: A fluid flow valve having a rigid tube associated therewith for extending into a tank. In one embodiment, an on-off gas valve includes an extension threadedly mounted thereto with an insert positioned between the extension and valve. A passage extends from the valve through the insert and extension to a rigid tube attached to the extension and a flexible hose attached to the tube. A spring biased safety valve has a stem slidably mounted to the insert and is operable to close the passage in the insert preventing fluid flow. In another embodiment the tube is attached to an insert positioned in the tank passage receiving an on-off valve.

Abstract: A safety pressure reducing regulator for use in systems operable by pressurized gas incorporates multiple safety features which preclude excessive pressure buildup in the system and provide protection against catastrophic failures. The regulator includes primary and secondary regulator stages through which pressurized gas from a gas pressure source is supplied to a pressure control chamber which provides the operating pressure for the system. The primary regulator stage is designed to reduce the inlet gas pressure to an intermediate level. The secondary regulator stage is designed to automatically regulate the supply of the pressurized gas at the intermediate pressure to the pressure control chamber to maintain a desired operating pressure therein. A flexible diaphragm is normally disposed across the pressure control chamber which is adapted to function as a check valve to control communication between the secondary regulator stage and the pressure control chamber.

Abstract: A propellant storage construction having a storing chamber for storing the propellant and a passage leading to the storing chamber and containing a valve unit therein for opening and closing the passage. The construction has a pressure regulator operatively associated with the valve unit for operating the valve unit in relation to the pressure of the propellant, the pressure regulator comprising a self-contained capsule having a movable wall for engaging the valve unit and an opposed wall spaced therefrom by a side wall. The construction has a wall cooperating with the capsule to define an output chamber for receiving propellant dispensed from the storing chamber through the valve unit. An annular sealing member is disposed between and against the capsule and the wall to define the output chamber therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying liquid to a surface includes an outer vessel, an inner liquid container which is housed within the outer vessel and which is substantially closed but includes an inlet for pressurized gas and a separate outlet for liquid, and means for supplying pressurized gas to the container. An interface of the container and the outer vessel is sealed around the inlet for pressurized gas whereby in use a region of the space between the outer vessel and the inner container is not pressurized. The unpressurized region of the outer vessel is vented. An applicator is connected via a length of flexible tube to the liquid outlet.

Abstract: The invention herein consists of an apparatus and method whereby containers such as syrup cannisters can be depressurized for disassembly and cleaning after use. The invention includes a relief head having a circular array of depending resilient, projecting members which are positioned to contact the dispensing valves of the containers and to allow air or other gases contained therein to escape.

Abstract: A portable beverage dispenser is disclosed and includes a self-contained unit that is conveniently located on the shelf of the user's refrigerator for dispensing a cooled carbonated drink. The dispenser automatically mixes carbonated water and a syrup of selected flavor and then dispenses the mixture for obtaining a low-cost carbonated drink. The dispenser is of relatively simple construction and includes a water container that receives water from the sink tap and further includes a bottle of carbon-dioxide gas that communicates with the water container for periodically supplying carbonated gas thereto for obtaining the carbonated water. A unique flavor selector valve assembly is embodied in the dispenser and operates to dispense the carbonated drink from a nozzle communicating therewith.

Abstract: A pressure release device for an internally pressurized fluid container has a dome-shaped inwardly concave closure element circumferentially joined to one end of the tubular container side wall. The closure element is deep drawn of tempered steel, with a circular central area spaced from an annular outer area by an annular intermediate area traversed by radially extending L/u/ ders Lines. A tab member is located in the central area. The tab member is partially circumscribed by a single weakened circular line of reduced material thickness, with the ends of the line being separated by a connecting area of substantially undisturbed material thickness and strength.

Abstract: A liquid container containing liquid, such as paint, to be applied to a surface includes a radially inwardly facing sealing wall on the top of the container extending in a complete circle around the center of the container. An aperture is provided in the top of the container inside the sealing wall. The sealing wall has a depth of at least 4 mm and there is a free space projecting at least 4 mm radially inwardly of the sealing wall and extending in a complete circle around the inside of the sealing wall. In use the container is housed in an outer vessel, a conduit passes through the outer vessel and the top of the container to the bottom of the container, and a pressurizing assembly is provided for applying pressure inside the container. The outer vessel includes a circular seal member mounted on a radially outwardly facing wall extending downwardly from the top of the vessel and cooperating with the sealing wall on the liquid container.

Abstract: A propellant storage construction having a chamber for storing propellant and a passage leading to the chamber and containing a valve unit therein for opening and closing the passage, the construction having a removable pressure regulator unit interconnected thereto and being operatively associated with the valve unit for operating the valve unit in relation to the pressure of the propellant having passed through the valve unit. One of the passage and the pressure regulator unit defines a generally conical seat adjacent the valve unit and on the side thereof opposite to the chamber and the other of the passage and the pressure regulator unit having a generally conical nose-like member seated in the seat to fluidly interconnect the pressure regulator unit to the passage downstream from the valve unit.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is disclosed for a container having a cylindrical side wall which is closed at one end by an internally concave bottom wall. The device comprises an externally protruding first cup formed as an impression in the container bottom wall. The first cup has a first circular wall which is joined at one end to the container bottom wall and which is closed at the opposite end by a first base portion; A tab member is located in the first base portion. The tab member is partially circumscribed by a line of reduced material thickness along which the first base portion is adapted to separate in response to an overpressurization of the container contents, thus freeing the tab member for outward deflection to provide an outlet through which the contents may escape. A second element having a second circular wall is forcibly received within the first circular wall of the first cup.

Abstract: A high-pressure gas cartridge is formed by a metallic container (11) having a neck portion (11a) defining a mouth, a safety closure (12) sealingly closing the mouth, and a quantity of fluid under pressure stored in the container. The closure (12) comprises an inner base layer (14) of a metal formed therein with a pressure relief through-hole (13) and welded to the container neck portion (11a) around the mouth, an outer layer (16) of a corrosion-resistant metal thinner than the inner base layer and an intermediate layer of solder (15) sandwiched between the inner and outer layers (14 and 16) to sealingly secure them together so that the pressure relief through-hole (13) is closed by the thinner outer layer (16). The part of the outer layer (16) facing the pressure relief through-hole (13) is rupturable when the gaseous pressure in the cartridge is raised to an unduly high level.

Abstract: Apparatus for venting a pressurized gas container is disclosed. The container bottom moves outward as a result of over-pressure caused by excessive temperature. The bottom pushes against a member of the housing, thereby forcing the nozzle head to hit and become fixed against a second member of the housing. Continued movement of the container body toward the nozzle head effectively depresses the nozzle head, thus releasing gas from the container. In a preferred embodiment, a safety plug in a passageway in the nozzle head is melted to provide a channel for the vented gas.

Abstract: An appliance for making an aerated beverage by introducing carbon dioxide under pressure into a bottle (29) partly filled with water, in which a support member (16) is pivotally mounted by a pivot (15) on the casing (10) and carries the shatterproof housing, (24), which surrounds the bottle, the nozzle (31), the stopper (27) and the container (18) of pressurized liquid carbon dioxide, so that these all pivot with the support member as a pivotal assembly. Such a construction can be made relatively inexpensively.

Abstract: A utility brush usable to wash various objects includes a brush head and a handle member, the former including cleaning means such as bristles extending from one face thereof. Also included are port means formed through the head to provide communication between the cleaning means and a reservoir containing a cleaning fluid whereby the cleaning fluid can be fed into and out of the reservoir. Associated with the reservoir means is check valve means for allowing air to be exhausted from the reservoir during filling and for maintaining the reduced pressure in the reservoir means during the release of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing device for dispensing carbonated drinks that are mixed from a solution of carbonated water and syrup. The device includes a syrup package, a source of carbonated water, and a mixing head connected to the source of carbonated water and to said syrup package for mixing a measured amount of the carbonated water with the syrup for producing carbonated drinks. The syrup package is carried in a receptacle and is coupled to a source of pressurized gas. A valve having a valve actuator positioned thereon is interposed between the source of pressurized gas and the coupling device with the valve actuator obstructing the removal of the package when in a first position and when in a second position venting the syrup package prior to permitting removal thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved structure for aerating potable liquids used in the preparation of drinks. The structure includes a movable part which provides access for a container; a pneumatic seal arrangement engageable with the container, a traveller arranged to allow the movable part to move vertically; and a control system for supplying compressed carbon dioxide to the seal and to the liquid in the container.

Abstract: A lever is permanently attached to an aerosol can so it cannot be lost and the lever has a projecting pin which can be forced to penetrate the can to make a small hole for the complete release of the internal gas pressure.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical container for use in carbonating small quantities of water for household or individual use as a soft drink dispenser contains a spherical, porous stone through which carbon dioxide gas is expressed under pressure for diffuse dissemination into the contained water for carbonation, and a rounded container bottom providing for manual rocking and rotative movement of the container for agitation of the water to facilitate and enhance the carbonating process.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for a container which may have a flexible liner for holding liquid, for expelling the liquid therefrom. The dispenser is easily attachable to containers having a common inlet and outlet, and upon depression of a button will permit the liquid in the container to be dispensed from the normally closed dispenser outlet passage. A regulated source of pressurized gas is provided in the dispenser for assisting the flow of liquid if needed, as well as a safety pressure relief valve. The liner can be used when contact of the liquid with the pressurized gas is not preferred or permitted. In that case, the pressurized gas exerts pressure on the liner which forces the liquid out. Another feature is to provide an assembly for facilitating transfer of liquid into the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air pressure release assembly, which preferably is a valve, for attachment to a grease gun to release air pressure within the gun which air pressure retards dispensing of grease from the grease gun.

Abstract: A thermally insulating beverage container includes a dispensing assembly releasably secured to a beverage receptacle. The dispensing assembly includes one dispensing member rotatably mounted atop another dispensing member such that rotation thereof to a position in which two openings are in registry permits dispensing of the beverage from the beverage container.

Abstract: A non-aerosol pressure dispenser includes a pressurization chamber having a piston reciprocable therein and a manual actuator extends from outside the chamber into operative association with the piston. The actuator is reciprocable in a first direction to move the piston to compress a spring engaged therewith and to draw material into the chamber. The spring urges the piston in a second direction to pressurize the material in the chamber and a discharge valve or nozzle is connected with the chamber to release the pressurized contents thereof over a desired prolonged period of time and at a sufficient pressure to obtain a fine mist of the material.

Abstract: A disposable package dispenser comprises a replaceable, collapsible, prefilled package of the product to be dispensed, and includes a product discharge member and attachment structure for releasably attaching the package to a pressurizable dispensing container. The container includes a manually operable expansible chamber to pressurize the interior of the container and thus the collapsible product containing package to collapse the package and effect pressurized discharge of the product when the discharge member is operated.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for a high pressure gas cylinder of the type that is usable for oxy-fuel torches. The device comprises an aperture in the wall of the cylinder and a eutectic solder filling the aperture. The aperture and plug are also positionable in a substantially planar wall portion that is depressed below the surrounding cylinder wall to protect the plug from dropped objects or inadvertent poking and scraping by the user.

Abstract: Discharge of a high-pressure gas-occluding liquid from a pressureproof container holding therein said liquid in a compressed state is effected by a method which comprises connecting said pressureproof container through the medium of a valve to a pressureproof receptacle, allowing the liquid to transfer into said pressureproof receptacle, diminishing the pressure within said pressureproof receptacle for thereby separating the occluded high-pressure gas from the liquid and subsequently releasing the liquid alone from the receptacle.

Abstract: A tubular wall is axially telescoped over an end closure and a wall outer end portion is secured to the end closure so that complete separation between the wall and end closure will not take place up to internal reservoir pressures spaced above a predetermined pressure, but at the same time, such securement permitting fluid flow outwardly between the wall and end closure at reservoir pressures at least as low as the predetermined pressure. A wall inner end portion is formed in an annular zone arcuately inwardly against a resilient sealing ring positioned in an end closure arcuate recess compressing the sealing ring against the end closure.

Abstract: An aerosol, spray-dispensing apparatus comprising an outer, sealed container various neutral propellants are stored therein, an inner container having the lower portion thereof compressibly affected by the neutral propellant when the spray head of the spray valve is activated, the head and valve being attached to the outer, pressurized container in a normal manner, wherein the inner container includes an upper, non-collapsible, body member positioned within the pressurized container so as not to be affected by the internal pressure of the propellant gas stored therein. As arranged, the inner container provides a non-contaminated compartment wherein the active ingredient to be discharged is stored and sealed from the gas filled compartment of the outer container, whereby the pressure of the propellant gas therein will only collapse the lower, thin bag portion of the inner container, providing total discharge of the stored ingredient--be it in liquid or powder form.

Abstract: A flow control handle for supplying lubricant to a grease fitting. The handle includes a flow control valve interiorly thereof, a handle extension and a manual trigger for controlling the flow control valve. A pressure relief valve is operable to relieve high pressure grease in the handle extension. This valve is automatically closed and is opened by movement of the trigger in a direction opposite to that required to open the flow control valve whereby high pressure grease cannot enter the extension when the relief valve is open.

Abstract: A flow control handle for supplying lubricant to a grease fitting. The handle includes a flow control valve interiorly thereof, a handle extension and a manual trigger for controlling the flow control valve. A pressure relief valve is operable to relieve high pressure grease in the handle extension. This valve is an internally seating pin valve disposed in the wall of the handle extension which is spring biased to a closed position. The valve is opened by movement of the trigger into engagement with the valve stem to compress the spring. Movement of the trigger is in a direction opposite to that required to open the flow control valve whereby high pressure grease cannot enter the extension when the relief valve is open.

Abstract: A combination vent and shut off valve for use in conjunction with a vessel having pressurized fluid therein, comprising a stem having a hollow cylindrical body portion with its inner end connected to an opening in the vessel. A stem head portion extends from the outer end of the stem body, and has a hole extending therethrough in alignment with the hollow body, the head portion having an outer diameter greater than that of the hollow body so that a shoulder is formed where the stem body and stem head meet. The outer end of the head terminates in an annular guide member having a diameter greater than the head. The head is provided with a fluid feed slot connecting the head hole with the outside of the head. A resilient cap is assembled onto the stem for reciprocation thereon and comprises a cylindrical hollow body sized to slidably fit over the stem head guide, said cap body having a closed end and an open end.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser can has a cylindrical body and an outwardly-concave bottom divided into an outer annular frusto-spherical part and a central dome like part by a plurality of discrete generally tangential scores spaced apart in circular configuration, the central part having a greater radius of curvature than the outer part. Generally tangential scores may also be spaced around a rolled rim at the edge of the bottom. These scores weaken the resistance of the bottom to outward deformation so that in the case of a certain internal overpressure, the bottom firstly deforms outwardly and one or more scores then gradually rip, without propagation of the ripping, to release the overpressure. The neighboring ends of adjacent scores may be arranged out of alignment with one another to prevent propagation of ripping from one score to the next.

Abstract: Molten metal is poured, in at least two successive operations, from a container having an interior closed off substantially gas-tightly and provided with a pour-out conduit which has an inlet communicating with the interior of the container and which has an outlet pouring opening located outside the container above the highest level to which molten metal in the container interior is permitted to rise. The metal in the conduit is established at a predetermined starting level prior to the start of the first pouring operation by feeding pressurized gas into the space above the molten metal in the container interior. Thereafter, each pouring operation is effected by boosting the gas pressure in such space by an amount requisite to effect pouring out through the pouring opening of the quantity of molten metal to be dispensed.

Abstract: A hygienic douche apparatus including a nozzle for insertion into a vaginal passage and a cooperating fluid holding container are provided. The container includes a separate compartment therein to hold a compound which is soluble in a fluid such as water and, when dissolved, forms a hygienic douching fluid. The compound includes an ingredient which reacts with water to evolve a gas to pressurize the container and dispel the hygienic douching fluid through the nozzle. The compartment includes means operable from outside the container to initiate contact between the liquid and the compound. The apparatus is also adaptable to be used with an enema-type nozzle to provide a convenient readily dispensible enema and with a bidet nozzle to provide a convenient bidet apparatus.

Abstract: A device for mixing gases with liquids is disclosed, which is characterized by the use of gas inlet and vent valves of unique construction and highly efficient in operation, and the use of a unique toggle mechanism for opening and closing said valves which consists of a minimum number of parts arranged to form a compact unit. The device further includes a fully enclosed or hollow float which coacts with the valve opening and closing mechanism, and a rigid metallic gas inlet tube which functions as a support for a gas diffuser.

Abstract: A reuseable dispensing apparatus for dispensing a flowable product by pressurized air, comprising a refillable container for the product to be dispensed and an air pump operable by the user to pressurize the container after filling. The air pump has a conveniently grippable and storable handle. A user-actuable dispensing valve on the container dispenses product utilizing pressurized air as a propellant. Apparatuses are provided to permit the container to be depressurized at any time without product being dispensed, to relieve pressure in the pumping chamber either automatically at operating pressure or manually at any lesser pressure, and to permit the pumping handle to be conveniently stored with respect to the container. The apparatus can operate at relatively low pressure and can be made almost entirely of plastic.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing carbonated beverages has a main body providing a receptacle for a CO.sub.2 cylinder and a hingedly mounted aerating head carrying a tube connected with the cylinder through a manually operated valve and a cylindrical shield coaxial with the tube for receiving a bottle containing the liquid to be carbonated. The shield is accessible for insertion or removal of a bottle only when swung away from the main body. In the operative position of the aerating head, a platform on the main body can be raised by a lever-operated cam to press the neck of the received bottle against a resilient nozzle on the aerating head. A safety valve linked with the cam releases excess pressure in the charged bottle when the platform is lowered.