A container (10) is produced from a spiral-shaped, bent sheet strip (20) having a first edge section (22) extending in a spiral shape, being bent, and forming a bending edge (24) extending in a spiral shape toward the inside or the outside of the container (10). The sheet strip (20) has a second edge section (32) opposite the first edge section (22) in the longitudinal direction of the sheet strip (20) and extends in a spiral shape. The second edge section (32) overlaps a third section (28) opposite the first edge section (22) in relation to the bending edge (24) and is adjacent to the bending edge (24). The second edge section (32) and the third section (28) are welded to each other in the region of the overlap (30). The welding seam (40) extends at least partially into the region between the second edge section (32) and the third section (28) of the sheet strip (20).

A collapsible storage silo having an expanded configuration includes: (a) a shell for circumscribing storage space and comprising a plurality of concentrically nested tubular members that are collapsible; (b) a lift system operable to slidably expand the plurality of concentrically nested tubular members to place the silo in its expanded configuration; and (c) a mast operable to support the lift system, The mast is pivotable between horizontal and vertical positions relative to a frame. A winch attaches to the mast and a cable extends between the winch and an outermost tubular member to expand the silo such that inwardly and outwardly projecting lips of nested members engage each other and a conical hopper engages an innermost tubular member. A flexible inner liner attaches between an outermost tubular member and the hopper. A collapsible roof has a flexible roof membrane and a plurality of radially extending foldable rib members.

A curtain closure for the cargo opening of an air cargo container and the air cargo containers that have the same. The curtain closures include a fabric layer, and at least one of an insulating layer or a reinforcing layer attached to the inside of the fabric layer.

This invention relates to inner-plies for bulk-bags that surprisingly offer not only high thermal resistance, but also high flex-crack resistance. This invention also relates to such bulk-bags made for packaging of flowable materials, aseptic or otherwise, and the process for improving their flex-crack and thermal resistance. Preferably, the packaging is aseptic. More specifically, the inner-ply of the invention comprises a resin blend comprising the Exceed® XP resin; an LDPE resin or an ethylene—α-olefin copolymer (EAO copolymer); or a blend of said LDPE resin and said EAO copolymer, with flex-crack resistance improved in both machine direction and transverse direction, in conjunction with an improved thermal resistance. Thus, in addition to possessing good flex-crack resistance, the bulk-bags can withstand steam sterilization and/or aseptic packaging conditions.

A conformable tank includes a body with a plurality of walls defining a cavity in the body, and an internal support connected to an internal surface of one of the plurality of wall of the body and protruding into the cavity of the body. The body and the internal support are an additively manufactured integral structure formed by a fiber filament reinforced composite material.

A vertical fluid storage tank includes an oval-shaped body having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first and second ends. The body defines an interior fluid storage cavity and has a major axis and a minor axis along a horizontal cross section through the body. The fluid storage tank further includes a top wall at the first end of the body, a bottom wall at the second end of the body, and a frame member connected to the sidewall of the body. The frame member includes a first portion that extends longitudinally along the sidewall of the body and a second portion that extends along the bottom wall and is connected to the first portion. The fluid storage tank further includes a connection port on the sidewall of the body adapted for connection to the connection port on an adjacent fluid storage tank.

The present disclosure relates generally to containers. In at least one embodiment, the disclosed containers include a nestable structure that can facilitate stacking while limiting reliance on satellite rings. For example, in certain embodiments, a container includes a nestable corner structure with a series of nestable portions. Thus, in these embodiments, more containers can be stacked together in a smaller space, such that shipping and manufacturing processes are more efficient and less costly than with traditional containers.

A modular multiple mobility base assembly apparatus is described for transporting an item being shipped having a base adapter plate and two cooperating and coordinating modular mobility bases that are each coupled to the bottom of the base adapter plate and collectively support the base adapter plate. One of the modular mobility bases operations a master autonomous mobile vehicle, while the other operates as a slave autonomous mobile vehicle that receives propulsion and steering control signals from the master while providing feedback sensor data to the master for use in coordinated and cooperative movement of the assembly apparatus. Each of the modular mobility bases also including respective wireless transceivers through which at least the control signals and sensor data are provided between mobility base units.

A modular mobility base for a modular autonomous bot apparatus transporting an item being shipped including a mobile base platform, a component alignment interface, a mobility controller, a propulsion and steering system, and sensors. The component alignment interface provides an alignment channel into which another modular component can be placed and secured on the platform. The mobility controller generates propulsion control signals for controlling speed of the modular mobility base and steering control signals for navigation of the modular mobility base. The propulsion system is connected to the platform and responsive to the propulsion control signal. The steering system is connected to the mobile base platform and is responsive to the steering control signal to cause changes to directional movement of the modular mobility base. The sensors are disposed on the platform provide feedback sensor data to the mobility controller about a condition of the modular mobility base.

A large volume natural gas storage tank comprises rigid tubular walls having closed tubular cross-sections that are interconnected at opposing ends with two other rigid tubular walls such that interiors of the rigid tubular walls define an interior fluid storage chamber. The storage tank also includes bulkheads positioned in the interior fluid storage chamber across intermediate segments of the rigid tubular walls and closure plates connected between exterior surfaces of successive interconnected rigid tubular walls to define sides of the storage tank. Interior surfaces of the closure plates and exterior surfaces of the rigid tubular walls define an auxiliary fluid storage chamber. The storage tank also includes exterior support structures extending through the closure plates and between the exterior surfaces of the rigid tubular walls on some of the sides of the storage tank to reinforce the storage tank against dynamic loading from fluid in the interior fluid storage chamber.