Abstract: The invention relates to a feeder for cast metal, comprising a feeder head (1) having a cavity (5) that is open towards the surroundings via at least one opening (8), and a tubular body (2) which is guided through the opening (8) and arranged in a mobile manner. According to the invention, the tubular body (2) comprises an abutment (9) in the section thereof facing the cavity (5), said abutment (9) being capable of taking its bearing on a surface adjacent to the opening (8) in the cavity (5).

Abstract: The fire extinguisher of the present invention includes a container housing a fire inhibiting material which may automatically discharge its fire inhibiting contents in response to a fire. In one exemplary embodiment, the fire inhibiting material is pressurized within the container and the container is structured and arranged to discharge its fire inhibiting contents in a predetermined direction. Also, a method is provided for constructing a container for holding fire inhibiting contents under pressure and a method and apparatus for effectively and efficiently filling and pressurizing the container with fire inhibiting material, forming a container structured and arranged to expel the fire inhibiting material contained therein in a predefined direction in response to a fire.

Abstract: A thrust screw (14) for applying force against an object. The thrust screw (14) comprising a housing having a ball (12) secured therein. The ball (12) having a flat planar surface (16) which contacts the objects for applying force against the object.

Abstract: The technique of the invention manufactures a gas storage tank, which includes a gas absorbent/adsorbent and is capable of storing a high-pressure gas. The manufacturing process of a hydrogen storage tank first assembles a heat exchanger unit and packs the particles of hydrogen storage alloy into the heat exchanger unit. The manufacturing process then blocks hydrogen storage alloy filling holes used for packing the hydrogen storage alloy in the heat exchanger unit and attaches a detachable cover member to a hydrogen inlet. The manufacturing process subsequently locates the heat exchange unit filled with the hydrogen storage alloy in a cylindrical tank and narrows both ends of the tank to form joint openings. The manufacturing process then heat-treating the tank under water cooling and detaches the cover member. The manufacturing process attaches joint assemblies to the joint openings and forms a reinforcement layer around the outer circumference of the tank to complete the hydrogen storage tank.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a percussion instrument has the steps of providing a first member into a liquid with the first member having a first diameter. The first member has a first end and a second end. The method also has the step of heating the liquid and stretching the first end of the first member into a second diameter. The method further has the steps of cooling the stretched first end and fitting a skin on the first end.

Abstract: A wrappable heat shield for an exhaust pipe and methods of construction and installation thereor includes an outer layer of metal having opposite inner and outer faces extending between opposite sides. An inner layer of non-woven insulation is attached to the the outer layer by a crimped portion extending along one of the opposite sides of the outer layer. The inner layer has a width sufficient to extend completely about a circumference of the exhaust pipe and is arranged in continuous contact with the exhaust pipe about its circumference while the outer layer remains spaced therefrom.

Abstract: A sensor probe for in-situ measurement of pH in a human tissue (e.g., cardiovascular) environment comprises a hollow needle having a tip and a back end. The tip is insertable through tissue into the tissue environment. An optic cable comprises a light conduit surrounded by a cladding. A first end of the light conduit not covered by the cladding is inserted from the back end of the needle and extends to within a predetermined distance of the tip to define a cavity within the tip. A porous dye layer is contained within the cavity adjacent to the first end of the light conduit, wherein the dye layer has a response to excitation light delivered through the light conduit that varies according to the pH of the tissue environment. An overcoat layer is deposited on the dye layer, wherein the overcoat layer is ionically permeable and substantially opaque at a light wavelength corresponding to the variable response of the dye layer.

Abstract: A container is provided including a receptacle with a seamed container sidewall and bottom member secured thereto. The container includes a lid. The bottom member is selected to provide a desired container volume with the bottom member having an inner convex surface. A plurality of differently contoured bottom members may be provided to permit selection of a container volume by selecting a container bottom member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carton including a lid and a container having a reinforcing ring that cooperatively engages the top portion of the container in a rib-and-groove snap-lock fit. The reinforcing ring is coextensive with the opening of the container and has a band located on the interior of the container, and exposes no sharp edges. The ring is butted against the inside of the container wall and the top edge of the container wall. An edge of the ring lies on the top edge of the container wall and is inwardly recessed from the wall thus preventing the ring from protruding beyond the container wall and eliminating interference with adjacent containers or the risk of injury to fingers or hands.

Abstract: A collection container for collecting biological fluid specimens having an integral fill-line indicator which corresponds to a desired specimen volume is disclosed. The integral fill-line indicator may comprise a ridge that is raised from the surface of the collection container. The integral fill-line indicator may also be altered by surface modification to impart a distinct visual appearance and/or texture. The collection container may have a single or a plurality of integral fill-line indicators which correspond to a desired specimen volume range. A method of manufacturing a collection container having an integral fill-line indicator is also disclosed.

Abstract: Arrangement in a tube for an engine powered tool for support of a drive shaft extending inside the tube. A tube shaped section (15) acts as a shaft support (14) for the drive shaft and the tube shaped section (15) is constituted by a number of sections (19) provided with ribs (16) for support of the tube shaped section (15) inside the tube. The sections (19) are connected by flexible parts (17) placed between the sections (19) to absorb movements between the sections (19).

Abstract: A method for making a rotor for a permanent magnet electric motor comprising the steps of providing an annular permanent magnet and an annular back-up member. Affixing the magnet to the inner surface of the back-up member in an un-magnetized condition and overmolding both in an injection molding process while controlling the flow of the molten plastic so as to cause the plastic to engage the opposite sides of the magnet at substantially the same time resulting in a knit line intermediate the magnet sides on the inner surface of the magnet. Magnetizing the magnet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid container adapted to store liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG storage container include a sealing wall directly contacting liquid contained in the tank and a structural wall, which is an exterior wall or inner structure integrated with the exterior wall. The container further includes a plurality of connectors mechanically connecting the sealing wall and the structural wall and an intermediate wall structure positioned between the structural wall and the interior wall. The intermediate wall structure is configured to move relative to at least one of the interior wall and the structural wall.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a percussion instrument has the steps of providing a first member into a liquid with the first member having a first diameter. The first member has a first end and a second end. The method also has the step of heating the liquid and stretching the first end of the first member into a second diameter. The method further has the steps of cooling the stretched first end and fitting a skin on the first end.

Abstract: An explosion resistant waste container (10) includes an outer open-topped container (16). The outer open-topped container (16) is sized to receive an inner open-topped container (12) and leave a space therebetween. Both the outer open-topped container (16) and the inner open-topped container (12) are cylinders made of sufficiently strong materials, e.g. 11 gauge steel, for withstanding the forces of an explosion. A reinforcing material (14), e.g. reinforced concrete, is disposed within the space between the outer open-topped container (16) and the inner open-topped container (12). The outer open-topped container (16) and the reinforcing material (14) reinforce the inner open-topped container (12) so as to provide greater resistance to deformation caused by explosions and to shield surrounding persons and property from the explosive forces.

Abstract: A magneto-generator, a method of manufacturing the same and a resin molding die for manufacturing the same. In the magneto-generator, a guard ring is omitted with the performance of the magneto-generator being enhanced. The magneto-generator is manufactured by making use of a resin molding die (21) having an outer peripheral surface (21d) to be positioned in opposition to an inner peripheral surface of a flywheel (11) and projections (21a) provided in the outer peripheral surface (21d) for holding a plurality of magnets (12) at predetermined positions, respectively. The magnets (12) are positioned and held stationarily at predetermined positions by the aforementioned projections, respectively, and spaces defined between the resin molding die (21) and the inner peripheral surface of the flywheel (11) are filled with a resin. After hardening of the resin, the resin molding die (21) is detached from the flywheel (11).

Abstract: A keyless chuck is provided, comprising a generally cylindrical body having a forward and rearward portion with respect to an axis, the forward portion including a radially outwardly projecting portion of the body. The body further includes a plurality of guides extending obliquely to the axis and converging toward the forward section, and a groove extending around the body. Each of a plurality of jaws is slidably disposed within a respective guide and includes a thread section along an outer surface thereof. A jaw-engaging mechanism is configured to operably engage the groove so as to be rotatable around the body, and includes a thread section configured to complementarily engage the thread sections of the jaws. A sleeve extends over the jaw-engaging mechanism. A retaining member is disposed substantially within the sleeve, and is operably engaged with and extends between the body and the sleeve, rearwardly of the radially outwardly projecting portion of the body.

Abstract: A method of forming a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly includes simultaneously extruding an inner tube, an outer tube, and a plurality of connecting members for connecting the inner tube to the outer tube, thereby forming a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping coil ends of a generator's stator having a plurality of sets of U-shaped large and small conductor segments. The apparatus includes four twister cylinders holding connection ends of the large and small conductor segments in four radial layers at an axial end of the stator, a rotating mechanism rotating the twister cylinders alternately in opposite directions, an elevating mechanism moving the twister cylinders in the axial direction of the stator, and a controller synchronously controlling the rotating mechanism and elevating mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shirring netting onto a netting tube. A second tube is placed over and coaxially to the netting tube and netting is stretched over the second tube. The two tubes are caused to move in a reciprocating manner through a plurality of spring-loaded fingers, which allow the netting to pass on the downstroke and hold the netting on the upstroke. As the two tubes move, the netting is pulled over the second tube and shirred onto the netting tube. An annular space formed by a tube ring placed between the netting tube and the second tube causes the netting to shir in multiple, neatly aligned layers.

Abstract: A container system comprising an outer container, an inner container and a spout. The outer container includes a body and an outer spout. The inner container includes a bag and an inner spout. The inner container is positionable within the outer container such that the inner spout can extend through the outer spout. The spout interfacing assembly comprises a gasket and a lock ring. The gasket includes an outer container interfacing surface engagable with the outer spout and an inner container interfacing surface engagable with the inner spout. The lock ring is couplable to one of the inner spout and outer spout, the lock ring capable of limiting the movement of the inner spout relative to the outer spout. The attachment of a valve assembly substantially uniformly compresses the gasket to, in turn, maintain a substantially uniform and fluid tight seal between the inner spout and the outer spout.

Abstract: A tank for fluids and processes for manufacturing the same. The tank includes a first end plate and a second end plate, wherein the end plates are substantially planar. The tank also includes an interior wall, wherein a periphery of the interior wall comprises a flange. A sheet is attached to a periphery of the first end plate or the second end plate, and another portion of the sheet is attached to the flange by a seam located on an exterior of the tank. A first end and a second end of the sheet each define a portion of the first surface of the tank, and a portion of the sheet between the first end and the second end define a portion of a second, opposing surface of the tank.

Abstract: A method for securing a branch assembly to a pipeline includes positioning a first containment ring surrounding an area from which the branch is to extend, positioning a first annular seal within the containment ring to provide a first ring/seal arrangement, positioning a second containment ring spaced from the first containment ring and first annular seal, positioning a second annular seal within the second containment ring to provide a second ring/seal arrangement, positioning the second part of the branch assembly onto the seals, and positioning a first part of the assembly on the pipe line and securing the first and second parts together so as to leave an annular gap between the first and second ring/seal arrangements and to provide an access point or vent in the second part communicating with the annular gap.

Abstract: A keyless chuck is provided, comprising a generally cylindrical body having a forward and rearward portion with respect to an axis, the forward portion including a radially outwardly projecting portion of the body. The body further includes a plurality of guides extending obliquely to the axis and converging toward the forward section, and a groove extending around the body. Each of a plurality of jaws is slidably disposed within a respective guide and includes a thread section along an outer surface thereof. A jaw-engaging mechanism is configured to operably engage the groove so as to be rotatable around the body, and includes a thread section configured to complementarily engage the thread sections of the jaws. A sleeve extends over the jaw-engaging mechanism. A retaining member is disposed substantially within the sleeve, and is operably engaged with and extends between the body and the sleeve, rearwardly of the radially outwardly projecting portion of the body.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for producing a particulate reactor substrate according to the invention includes the steps of first roll-stamping small, raised dimples into the fabric substrate to control its coiled density. The dimpled fabric then undergoes high temperature firing for hardening and degreasing, and then water quenching to harden the metal which improves heat tolerance. The treated metal weave is then aluminum oxide shot-blasted to etch the fabric surface for improved ceramic coating adhesion and to increase surface area. Next, the fabric is coated with a wet slurry of an undercoating (“wash coat”) prior to spooling and pressing the fabric into individualized cartridges that are held tightly wound by an encircling sleeve. Next, the sleeved spools are oven-fired and then the fired spools are impregnated with the catalytic precious metal. The impregnated sheathed spools are finally oven-fired again and “canned” into an outer enclosure.

Abstract: This invention is related to ultra-light conduit for used air and a method for construction of such a conduit with sandwich sheet type of material such as “THERMO-FOIL™” permitting to avoid losses of heat and humid air. The method of construction of a used air rectangular conduit includes the following five (5) steps: 1) cutting of a sandwich sheet 2) sealing around the sandwich sheet 3) heat formation of lengthwise channels on the surface of sandwich sheet 4) assembling the sandwich sheet into a conduit of a predetermined length and 5) installing a lengthwise vertical reinforcement into the conduit and providing a male adaptor to a fore end of the conduit which could be adapted to an aft end of a joining conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine and a method for assembling blower wheels. The machine comprises a drive motor rotatably coupled to a first die, whereon a plurality of blower wheel components reside. A second die is oppositely disposed from the first die, and is operable to engage one or more of the plurality of blower wheel components. A transfer gear assembly rotatably couples the first die and the second die, wherein a rotation of the first die generally transfers to the second die, and wherein the rotation of first die and the second die is generally synchronized. A two-stage press is coupled to the first die and the second die, and is operable to axially compress the blower wheel components between the first die and the second die. A deforming member is operable to deform the hub during the compression of the blower wheel components. One or more springs couple the second die to the press, wherein the second die is operable to axially translate with respect to the press.

Abstract: A method for forming an article having a wall that is at least partially fabricated from tubing. The methodology employs a pressurized fluid to deform the tubing such that an outer surface of the tubing substantially conforms to a predetermined first wall configuration, an inner surface of the tubing substantially conforms to a predetermined second wall configuration and each of segment or loop of the tubing is substantially contiguous with at least one other segment or loop between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to make a perforating gun for use in oil and natural gas wells comprising the steps of: obtaining a length of a first tube; cutting scallop holes into the first tube forming an outer layer; placing the outer layer in a holder; cutting a second tube to the approximate length of the outer layer; pulling the second tube into the outer layer forming a laminate structure having a first and second end; repeating the process for a desired number of layers in the laminate structure; machining internal structures into the laminate structure; inserting the loading tube into the laminate structure; and forming thread protectors in the first end and the second end of the laminate structure.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank and a method of fabricating and testing the liquid storage tank. The tank is collapsible for ease of transportation when not holding a liquid and includes a base portion and a top portion. The base portion has a bottom wall and a frusto-conical sidewall that is sealed to the bottom wall. The top portion is sealed to the sidewall, and has a flexible opening. The opening is linear in the preferred embodiment and is openable to draw liquid from the tank and closable to prevent contaminants from entering the tank. The bottom wall is substantially circular and the top portion includes two substantially semi-circular sections joined and overlapped along the straight edges to form an overlapped region. The sidewall includes generally triangular-shaped sections, and the sections are joined to one another with seams that extend in a slightly helical fashion about the tank. The opening includes a slit in the overlapped region and two L-shaped members.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing a branch assembly (1) to a “live” pipeline (6). An upper part (2) of the assembly incorporating the branch (13) is positioned on the pipeline over a first containment ring/annular seal arrangement (16/17) and a second containment ring/annular seal arrangement (116/117) spaced from the first arrangement to leave an annular gap (118) therebetween. A lower part 3 of the assembly is positioned on the pipeline beneath the upper part and the two parts are secured together so that the seals are compressed. An access point (119) allows the monitoring of the pressure in the annular gap (118) to check for seal integrity of the inner seal (17). If pressure is detected, as a result of leakage of fluid via the branch (13) past the seal (17) the vent can be closed so that the second seal (117) becomes effective.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a portable platform (10) for use in gasket manufacture, comprising a shaft connected to a motor and can receive at least one mandrel, and a surface to receive at least one molding tool, the mandrel being activated by the motor to turn in relation to the platform (10) and to the tool, and to move gasket-forming elements, such as metallic or non-metallic strips, among others, to be processed by the tool. Moreover, as much the mandrel as with the tool are replaceable respectively between mandrels and tools with different characteristics. Thus, the same platform (10) may produce different types of gaskets, and, consequently, speed up and facilitate the gasket replacement process.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a mailbox is disclosed comprising the steps of obtaining an extruded metal bar having a generally L-shaped cross section defining an elevation flange and a base flange, wherein the length of the elevation flange is selected to correspond to the desired height of the side walls of the mailbox and the length of the base flange is selected to correspond to one-half of the desired width of the mailbox floor. The outside face of the elevation flange has one or more areas shaped as a decorative molding detail to create the appearance of a case mailbox. The base flange has an inside face in a pattern of raised longitudinal ribs that define a grooved surface. The open channel of the mailbox is created by cutting two equal-length billets from the extruded bar, welding them together facing each other, attaching a back pate, a hinged door plate and an ornamental cast metal roof. The appearance of the finished box creates the illusion of a cast metal mailbox.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to make a perforating gun for use in oil and natural gas wells comprising the steps of: obtaining a length of a first tube; cutting scallop holes into the first tube forming an outer layer; placing the outer layer in a holder; cutting a second tube to the approximate length of the outer layer; pulling the second tube into the outer layer forming a laminate structure having a first and second end; repeating the process for a desired number of layers in the laminate structure; machining internal structures into the laminate structure; inserting the loading tube into the laminate structure; and forming thread protectors in the first end and the second end of the laminate structure.

Abstract: A method for forming and attaching a clamping collar to a pipe configured for forming a pipe section in a concrete pumping line for carrying of fluid concrete includes the steps of placing a sleeve on the pipe to provide a heat transfer limit area between the sleeve and the pipe; welding the sleeve to the pipe; heat treating the pipe; and assembling a collar to the sleeve and welding the collar to the sleeve.

Abstract: A dispenser package for fluent products such as cosmetics and lotions that includes an integrally molded plastic container having a flexible body with a sidewall, a closed bottom, and a top wall having a dispensing opening offset from the axis of the container body. A closure has a base wall and a peripheral skirt. In some embodiments of the invention, the closure is rotatably mounted on the container body, and has a dispensing opening in the closure base wall for selective registry with the dispensing opening in the top wall of the container body. Detent elements are provided on the closure and container body for selectively locking the closure in open and closed positions. In alternative embodiments, the closure includes a flip-top hinged to the base wall, with a plug extending therefrom for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening in the container body top wall.

Abstract: A steering column locking mechanism. A stationary tube is provided with a movable tube telescopically positioned over it. A plurality of teeth is provided on the outer surface of the movable tube that mesh with teeth defined on the outer diameter of a ring-shaped gear. The ring-shaped gear has an axial opening defined therein and first and second camming pins capable of being arranged in both an unlocked and a locked position are placed within the opening of the gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the production of double-walled hollow sections by means of internal high-pressure forming, a first hollow section being inserted into a second hollow section, after which the double-walled hollow section thus formed is subjected to high internal fluid pressure in such a way in an internal high-pressure forming die that the double-walled hollow section is expanded. During this process, an air gap is formed between the first, inner, hollow section and the second, outer, hollow section.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for inserting an end of a first tubular member into a complementary end of a second tubular member and attaching (e.g., welding) the adjacent surfaces of the inserted ends in a tight peripheral bond. In the method, a substantially continuous protrusion is formed in either the first or second member. Thereafter, the first and second tubular members are placed relative to each other such that a current may be passed through the protrusion and a seal may be formed, thereby joining the members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a mould body (40) serving as an original or master or, alternatively, a matrix, said mould body having at least one surface area (41a) in the form of a microstructure, designed so that it can be transferred as a complementary surface area to a matrix or an object. The mould body (40) is constructed from one or more prefabricated discrete elements (41). A base plate belonging to the mould body (40) is applied and secured in at least one of these discrete elements (41). This element shall be provided with said surface area (41a) in the form of a microstructure. A matrix or object formed by the mould body (40) is provided with a complementary microstructured surface area from said discrete elements. The invention also relates to a mould body produced in this way.

Abstract: A dispenser package for fluent products such as cosmetics and lotions that includes an integrally molded plastic container having a flexible body with a sidewall, a closed bottom, and a top wall having a dispensing opening offset from the axis of the container body. A closure has a base wall and a peripheral skirt. In some embodiments of the invention, the closure is rotatably mounted on the container body, and has a dispensing opening in the closure base wall for selective registry with the dispensing opening in the top wall of the container body. Detent elements are provided on the closure and container body for selectively locking the closure in open and closed positions. In alternative embodiments, the closure includes a flip-top hinged to the base wall, with a plug extending therefrom for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening in the container body top wall.

Abstract: A shelf mounting support includes an annular flange portion having a side surface from which projects a cavity defining body portion. The mounting support is adapted to extend through an aperture formed in a liner of an appliance with the body portion of the mounting support being inserted in a respective aperture from an outer insulation zone side of the liner. Each mounting support is initially retained in the aperture through the use of an adhesive element that attaches the flange portion of the mounting support to the liner. Thereafter, the liner is positioned within an outer shell of the appliance and foamed insulation is then injected into the insulation zone and into the internal cavity of the mounting support to anchor the mounting support in position. To support a shelf, a plurality of mounting supports are arranged in a common plane upon which the shelf is adapted to rest.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for manufacturing a wrought triple-glazed stained-glass panel, in which are combining the single-glazed stained-glass panel techniques with the wrought-iron techniques for obtaining a final product with combined decorative and resistance features provided by the single-glazed stained-glass panel and the wrought-iron frame, respectively.

Abstract: The inventive method of preparing an insulation article comprises providing a sealed first container comprising aerogel particles under a first air pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure. The unrestrained volume of the aerogel particles at the first air pressure is less than the unrestrained volume of the aerogel particles under a second air pressure that is greater than the first air pressure. The sealed first container then is placed within a second container, and the sealed first container is breached to equalize the air pressure between the first and second containers at the second air pressure and to increase the volume of the aerogel particles, thereby forming the insulation article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an index/seal pin indexed precisely in a resin transfer molding die to assure the desired resin-to-fiber ratio in the mold part, and, thereby, to produce reliably and consistently a part of minimum weight with adequate strength. The index/seal pin seals via replaceable O-rings on the threaded stem of the pin to prevent low viscosity resin from exiting a mold cavity and invading the threads, bolts, pins, or other elements of the internal mandrel. The pin also assures accurate positioning of a mandrel in the die cavity while it allows the entire inner mandrel to be enclosed and sealed within the mold cavity, simplifying the sealing system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of constructing a food display case. The construction techniques make use of a crimping tool which stitches together overlapping metal flange portions of the component display panel. The resulting stitched seams permit the rapid assembly of the non-glass structural components. In situ foaming of the spaces between the interior and exterior display walls, floor panels, and top panels, provides a rigid spaced connection between the adjacent panels and provides for the overall rigidity and increased strength of the resulting display case.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated vessel which may be produced at low cost, has superior insulating capabilities and excellent volumetric efficiency, and which may be suitably employed in a thermos, cooler, icebox, insulated cup, thermal insulated lunch box, thermal insulated electric pot, heat retaining rice cooker, refrigerator or freezer box insulating material, or as an insulating layer in a bath tub. The insulated vessel of the present invention is characterized in the formation of an insulating layer in the space interval between the inner vessel and the outer vessel of a double walled vessel which is filled with a low thermoconductive gas consisting of at least one the gases of xenon, krypton, and argon, and in the disposition of a metallic heat radiation preventing material at the insulating layer.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for manufacturing a wrought triple-glazed stained-glass panel, in which are combining the single-glazed stained-glass panel techniques with the wrought-iron techniques for obtaining a final product with combined decorative and resistance features provided by the single-glazed stained-glass panel and the wrought-iron frames respectively.

Abstract: A process and machine to make double-walled pipe to be connected end to end, wherein each pipe includes inner and outer tubes arranged coaxially with a ring-shaped space between them except at a connecting area at the end of the pipe where the outer tube is longitudinally retracted with respect to the inner tube. An end-wall of the outer tube is deformed to close off the ring-shaped space by the gradual application of pressure to its wall by means of a series of bars spaced in a ring around a connecting area and tilted over in a radial direction by a crown that is fixed with respect to the outer tube and onto which the bars are attached in an articulated manner.

Abstract: A vacuum-insulated beverage container has a body and a vacuum-insulated liner enclosed by the body. Seals between the body and the liner prevent all types of leaks of the beverage held in the liner. A handle is attached to the container using a method that permits the handle to be removably attached with only a single removable fastener. Nesting drinking cups are provided that removably attach to the container and to one another. The drinking cups can be separated from one another by directly pulling the cups apart or by rotating one cup relative to another.