Bicc Public Limited Company

Other

Michael R Cane

Michael H Groves

Digby R Redshaw

A system for introducing a flowable additive (3) from a capsule (1) to paint (4), varnish, woodstain or the like in a closed (preferably lidded) container (2) (for example a paint container) modified by the provision of a relatively easily openable inlet (9) into the container. Preferably the inlet is located in a lid (6). The capsule comprises a chamber (23) which defines a volume which contains the additive. The system is provided with means (25 and 34) for creating an opening in the chamber which can communicate with the inlet and means (preferably a compressible chamber) for positively expelling additive through the opening by contracting the volume which contains the additive. The capsule and container are also provided with co-operable locating means (10 and 30 with 25) which can co-operate to assist in locating the opening created in the chamber in communication with the inlet. Also a capsule and a closed container for use in the system and a method of introducing additive using the system. Use of the system reduces the risk of spillage and splashing and permits more controlled tinting of paint and therefore is more suitable for use by inexperienced people.

System for introducing additive into a container

A pressure regulating device for fluidtight, fluid-filled apparatus comprises a solid body with a shallow recess in a surface enclosed by a flexible diaphragm. A narrow passage, preferably of capillary dimensions, connects the recess to the interior of the apparatus and the diaphragm is flexible enough to be deformed without injury so as to enter the recess and reduce its volume substantially and preferably practically to zero. The recess contains a volume of air which for optimum performance should be equal to the amount by which the volume can be reduced by movement of the diaphragm and also equal to the volume expansion of the fluid (or if more than one device is fitted its share of the fluid) from atmospheric conditions to mean working temperature (less the volume of any air occluded elsewhere in the apparatus). By this means, the diaphragm is substantially unstressed both under atmospheric conditions and under mean working conditions, since the gas will be compressed to a negligible volume.

Pressure regulating devices

A separable electric connector for use 'downhole' in the oil industry or else where when large pressure changes are encountered comprises a socket part which, prior to the assembly of the part, can be filled with a viscous insulating fluid. The corresponding plug part has a tubular member which is closed at one end and surrounds the socket part with a clearance when the connector is assembled. A male member which forms or carries contacts is upstanding from the closed end of the tubular member to enter the socket part and make the required contact or contacts. A passage is provided to allow flow of the fluid from the socket member into the space within the tubular member. A sleeve member subsequently enters the tubular member, whereupon the fluid flows mainly between the sleeve member and the tubular member until a seal is formed, for instance by a sealing ring. An escape path is formed, as between the socket member and the sleeve member, to allow the subsequent escape of excess fluid. In this way air is reliably purged from the spaces between the parts of the connector.

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Prescot, United Kingdom

Michael R Cane