Pressure differential containment structure

US6241117A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Steven R. Wickins · Westminster, US
• John E. Schumacher, III · Boulder, US
• Carl Eugene Lawrence · Longmont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 23, 1998
• Grant date: Jun 5, 2001
• Expiry date: Nov 23, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D88/128
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A pressure differential containment structure, including a vacuum chamber and a pressure vessel, for operation in the pressure range of 1 to 2 atmospheres of pressure differential, using relatively thin wall material and incorporating strengthening members by folding or forming the walls of the containment structure itself. The structural configuration of the preferred embodiment is of rectilinear geometry with four lateral walls and two end walls. Each lateral wall component is preferably fabricated from at least one sheet, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or synthetic material including polymers and composites, to comprise reinforcing ribs or corrugations transverse to the longitudinal direction of the wall and include transverse flanges at each end. The lateral walls are preferably joined, such as by welding or adhesion, along longitudinal joints with four corner members, along with separate reinforcing corner plates and gusset plates, to form a lateral wall structure with two open ends, oriented either as front and back ends or as top and bottom ends. The end walls are preferably joined at transverse flange faces or can be sealed as with sealing rings under removable fastenin…