Field of Invention The invention pertains to devices for storing gases and fluids under pressure. More particularly, the invention relates to pressure vessels that are formed out of flexible materials and that can be made to conform to a variety of shapes.

Background of the Invention Typically, pressure vessels capable of containing liquids or gases at significant pressures have involved fixed shape cylinders or spheres formed of high-strength metals such as steel or aluminum. Such pressure vessels, while successful for their designed applications, involve a number of problems. First, such metallic cylinders are relatively heavy compared to the gases o fluids that they contain. Second, pressure cylinders contain all of the gas or liquid in a single space. Should the vessel rupture, the entire vessel is destroyed, often with a violent explosion sending shards of metal in all directions. Third, metallic cylinders have a definite shape and cannot be adapted to fit readily in many space- constrained applications. The present invention involves a number of small cells linked to each other by small conduits. The cells are collected in a flexible matting material that adds to the structural integrity of the cells.

A pressure vessel of this type can be lightweight, adaptable to a variety of spaces and unusual applications, and is inherently safer in rupture situations.

Various designs have been developed using linked cell technologies, most in the area of packaging materials. U. S. Patent No. 4,551,379 issued to Kerr discloses heat-sealable packaging material comprised of interconnected cells formed by laminating two facing sheets of air impermeable material to define designated partitions and passageways. Discontinuities are provided at selected locations in each of the partitions to provide limited communication between the adjacent passages. The packaging material may be cut to the desired length and sealed at one end and then inflated by the insertion of a suitable manifold at the other end and supplying pressurized air. While inflation is maintained, the passages are sealed by a heat- sealing bar trapping the air within the passages.

U. S. Patent No. 4,096,306 issued to Larson, describes air inflated cushioning material comprising a series of interconnected cells formed by heat-sealing two facing sheets of film together. Here the cells are connected to each other and a central passageway that is used to inflate the cells. After inflation, the entrance to the passageway is then sealed.

U. S. Patent No. 4,465,188, issued to Soroka et al., is directed to an inflatable packaging structure that includes an envelope with an inner liner. The inner liner located within envelope includes an inflatable first layer and a second or upper inflatable layer formed of flexible sheets of heat salable plastic material. The sheets are sealed to form zones that are connected to a single valve used for inflation.

U. S. Patent No. 5,267,646 issued to Inoue et al. describes containers formed of laminated, interconnected cells. The cells are arranged in pairs that can communicate with

each other. One chamber is designed to hold powdered, liquid or solid preparations while the second chamber is designed to hold an oxygen absorbent and a desiccant.

U. S. Patent No. 5,824,392 issued to Gotoh et al., is directed to a method and apparatus for producing an air cushion having a plurality of independent bubbles. The bubbles have communicating portions extending in a continuous direction so that a plurality of them may be filled simultaneously and then individually sealed. A sheet of bubbles is formed by heat-sealing films together having the bubble forming depressions shapes with a hollow tubing communicating portion extending at the center line of the films in a continuous direction. A portion corresponding to the bubble forming depressions communicates with the right and left sides of the communicating portion. Air blown from a nozzle and fed through the communicating portion inflates the bubbles so that the films can be sealed at the communicating conjunction area making each bubble independent.

While other variations exist, the above-described designs involving linked cell technologies are typical of those encountered in the prior art. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a flexible pressure vessel that is capable of maintaining gasses or liquids at relatively high pressures. It is a further objective to provide this capability in a vessel that is light in weight and that presents a significantly reduced risk of injury in rupture situations. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a pressure vessel that may be easily adapted to a variety of space constraints.

It is yet a further objective to provide a pressure vessel that is durable, easily serviced, and that may be produced inexpensively. It is still a further objective to provide a flexible pressure vessel that is protected against contamination by liquids and gases that it may

contain. It is another objective to provide means to increase the pressure handling capabilities of the flexible pressure vessel. It is yet another objective of the invention to provide such increased pressure handling capability with a minimal increase in weight.

While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.

Summary of the Invention The present invention addresses many of the deficiencies of prior art flexible container and pressure vessel inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above.

A flexible pressure vessel providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. At least one upper dome-shaped cell portion is provided. The upper cell portion is formed from a first sheet of resilient material and has an inner surface, an outer surface, an inner perimeter, an outer perimeter, a border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter, and at least one upper passageway portion. The upper passageway portion extends outwardly from the inner perimeter to the surrounding sheet material.

At least one mating lower dome-shaped cell portion is provided. The lower cell portion is formed from a second sheet of resilient material and has an inner surface, an outer surface, an inner perimeter, an outer perimeter, a border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter, and at least one lower passageway portion. The lower passageway portion extends outwardly from the inner perimeter to the surrounding sheet material. The upper cell portion is joined to the mating lower cell portion such that a cell is formed. The cell has at

least one passageway extending outwardly from the cell for connection to either a passageway of another cell or a valve.

A first ring is provided. The first ring has a first inner circumference, an outer circumference and a first predetermined thickness. The first ring is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over the upper cell portion and surround its outer perimeter. A second ring is provided. The second ring has a second inner circumference, an outer circumference and a second predetermined thickness. The ring second ring is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over the lower cell portion and surround its outer perimeter.

A first flexible blanket is provided. The first blanket has an upper surface, a lower surface and is sized and shaped to cover the upper cell portion and surrounding sheet material.

The first blanket is fixedly attached at its lower surface to the outer surface of the upper cell portion and surrounding sheet material. A second flexible blanket is provided. The second blanket has an upper surface, a lower surface and is sized and shaped to cover the lower cell portion and surrounding sheet material. The second blanket is fixedly attached at its lower surface to the outer surface of the lower cell portion and surrounding sheet material. A valve is provided. The valve is connected to the passageway and provides means for controlling a flow of either of gasses and liquids into and out of the cell.

In a variant of the invention, heavy duty stitching is used to attach the first blanket to the second blanket. The stitching penetrates the first and second blankets and the first and second resilient sheets between the upper and lower cell portions and serves to prevent movement of the first and second rings with respect to the upper and lower cell portions.

In another variant, the heavy duty stitching is high-pressure hoop and lock braiding. In still another variant, a cell-shaped sponge is inserted between the upper cell portion and the lower cell portion prior to joining the upper and lower cell portions. The sponge serves to prevent the cell from collapsing after either of gas and liquid is removed from the cell. In yet another variant, the sponge is impregnated with a with a zeolite compound.

In yet a further variant of the invention, either a heat-reflecting plastic film or a metal foil is inserted between at least one of the first blanket and the upper cell portion or the second blanket and the lower cell portion.

In still a further variant, the upper cell portion is joined to the lower cell portion by either radio frequency welding or high strength adhesive. In another variant, either of the first and second blankets is formed of high-strength fiber impregnated material. In still another variant the passageway has a cross-section of between. 050 and. 100 inches.

In yet a further variant, the flexible pressure vessel includes an upper retaining plate.

The upper retaining plate has a third inner circumference, an outer circumference and a third pre-determined thickness. The upper retaining plate is sized and shaped to fit over the upper cell portion and surround its outer perimeter when the upper cell portion is covered by the first blanket. The third inner circumference is larger than the outer circumference of the first ring.

A lower retaining plate is provided. The lower retaining plate has a fourth inner circumference, an outer circumference and a fourth pre-determined thickness. The lower retaining plate is sized and shaped to fit over the lower cell portion and surround its outer perimeter when the lower cell portion is covered by the second blanket. The fourth inner circumference is larger than the outer circumference of the second ring. Means are provided

for attaching the upper retaining plate to the lower retaining plate. When the upper retaining plate is attached to the lower retaining plate, surrounding the upper and lower cell portions and the first and second blankets covering the first and second rings, the pressure capacity of the cell will be increased.

In still a further variant of the invention, the means for attaching the upper retaining plate to the lower retaining plate includes a series of holes. The holes penetrate the upper retaining plate between its outer circumference and the third inner circumference, the lower retaining plate between its outer circumference and the fourth inner circumference and the first blanket, the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the upper cell portion, the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the lower cell portion and the second blanket. The holes are outside of the outer circumference of the first and second rings.

A series of fastening means are provided. The fastening means are sized and shaped to pass through the series of holes and capable of securing the upper retaining plate to the lower retaining plate. In another variant, the fastening means is a series of bolts and locking nuts. In still another variant, the fastening means is a series of rivets.

In a further variant of the invention, the means for attaching the upper retaining plate to the lower retaining plate includes a series of holes. The holes penetrate the upper retaining plate between its outer circumference and the third inner circumference, the first blanket, the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the upper cell portion, the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the lower cell portion and the second blanket. The holes are outside of the outer circumference of the first and second rings.

A series of pins is provided. The pins are affixed orthogonally along an upper surface of the lower retaining plate and are sized, shaped and located to fit slidably through the series of holes and extending slightly above an upper surface of the upper retaining plate. A series of welds are used to fixedly attach the pins to the upper retaining plate, thereby securing the upper and lower retaining plates to each other.

In still another variant, a series of cell shaped sponges is provided. A tube is provided.

The tube is formed of flexible, gas and liquid impervious material and is sized and shaped to surround the sponges. The sponges are inserted in the tubing at spaced intervals. The encased sponges are inserted between the upper cell portions and the lower cell portions prior to joining the upper and lower cell portions. The tubing extends through the passageways. The sponges serve to prevent the cells from collapsing after either of gas and liquid is removed from the cells. The tube serves to prevent contamination of gas or liquid by the inner surfaces of the upper and lower cell portions.

In yet another, the sponges are impregnated with a zeolite compound.

In a final variant of the invention, the tube is formed from material selected from the group comprising: thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, polyurethane polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride, and thermoplastic elastomer.

An apparatus for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel includes first and second rolls of planar resilient material. First and second thermal die stamping stations are provided. The stamping stations are capable of forming the upper and lower cell portions. Means are provided for moving resilient material from the first and second rolls of planar resilient material into the first and second thermal die stamping stations.

A radio frequency welder is provided, the welder is capable of joining the upper cell portion to the lower cell portion. Means are provided for moving the first and second cell portions into the radio frequency welder. A series of first and second rings is provided. The first ring is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over the upper cell portion and to surround its outer perimeter. The second ring is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over the lower cell portion and to surround its outer perimeter.

First and second rolls of high-strength fiber impregnated blanket material are provided.

Means are provided for attaching the first and second blankets over the upper and lower cell portions. Means are provided for attaching a valve to a passageway of a cell.

In variant of the apparatus for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel, a series of cell- shaped sponges are provided. Means are provided for inserting the cell-shaped sponges between the upper and lower cell portions. In still another variant, first and second rolls of either heat-reflecting plastic film or metal foil are provided. Means are provided for attaching either heat-reflecting plastic film or metal foil to the outer surface of at least one of the upper cell portion and the lower cell portion.

In another variant, means are provided for moving the blanketed cells to a high pressure hoop and lock braiding machine for stitching. In yet another variant, a series of cell shaped sponges is provided. A tube is provided. The tube is formed of flexible, gas and liquid impervious material and is sized and shaped to surround the sponges. Means are provided for inserting the sponges in the tube at spaced intervals. Means are provided for inserting the encased sponges between the upper cell portions and the lower cell portions prior to joining the upper and lower cell portions. The tube extends through the passageways.

In a final variant of the apparatus for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel means are provided for positioning an upper retaining plate to fit over the upper cell portion and surround its outer perimeter when the upper cell portion is covered by the first blanket. Means are provided for positioning a lower retaining plate to fit over the lower cell portion and surround its outer perimeter when the lower cell portion is covered by the second blanket.

Means are provided for producing a series of holes that penetrate the upper retaining plate between its outer circumference and the third inner circumference, the lower retaining plate between its outer circumference and the fourth inner circumference and the first blanket, the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the upper cell portion, the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the lower cell portion and the second blanket. The holes are outside of the outer circumference of the first and second rings.

Means are provided for inserting and securing fastening means through the holes, thereby securing the upper and lower retaining plates to each other.

A method for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel includes the following steps: Providing first and second rolls of planar resilient material. Providing first and second thermal die stamping stations. Moving the first and second rolls of planar resilient material into the first and second thermal die stamping stations. Forming upper and lower cell portions in the first and second thermal die stamping stations.

Providing a radio frequency welder. Moving the first and second cell portions into the radio frequency welder. Joining the upper cell portion to the lower cell portion in the radio frequency welder. Fitting a first ring frictionally around the outer perimeter of the upper cell portion and fitting a second ring frictionally around the outer perimeter of the lower cell

portion. Providing first and second rolls of either of heat-reflecting plastic film and metal foil.

Attaching either heat-reflecting plastic film or metal foil to the outer surface of at least one of the upper cell portion and the lower cell portion.

Providing first and second rolls of high-strength fiber impregnated blanket material.

Attaching the first and second blankets over the upper and lower cell portions and either the heat-reflecting plastic film or metal foil. Stitching through the first and second blankets and the resilient material surrounding the upper and lower cell portions. Providing a valve and attaching the valve to a passageway of a cell.

A variant of the method for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel includes the following additional steps: Providing a series of cell-shaped sponges impregnated with a zeolite compound. Inserting the cell-shaped sponges between the upper and lower cell portions prior to joining the upper and lower cell portions.

Another variant includes these steps: Providing first and second rolls of either heat- reflecting plastic film or metal foil. Attaching either heat-reflecting plastic film or metal foil to the outer surface of at least one of the upper cell portion and the lower cell portion.

Still another variant includes moving the blanketed cells to a high pressure hoop and lock braiding machine prior to stitching. Yet a further variant of the method includes the following steps: Providing a series of cell shaped sponges. Providing a tube. The tube is formed of flexible, gas and liquid impervious material and is sized and shaped to surround the sponges. Providing means for inserting the sponges in the tube at spaced intervals. Providing means for inserting the encased sponges between the upper cell portions and the lower cell

portions prior to joining the upper and lower cell portions. Extending the tube through the passageways.

In yet another variant of the invention, the method for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel includes the following additional steps: Providing upper and lower retaining plates.

Providing a series of holes. The holes penetrating the upper retaining plate between its outer circumference and the third inner circumference, the lower retaining plate between its outer circumference and the fourth inner circumference and the first blanket, the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the upper cell portion, the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the lower cell portion and the second blanket. The holes are outside of the outer circumference of the first and second rings. Inserting and securing a series of fastening means through the holes, thereby securing the upper and lower retaining plates to each other.

In still a further variant, a series of cell shaped sponges is provided, as is a tube. The tube is formed of flexible, gas and liquid impervious material and is sized and shaped to surround the sponges. The sponges are inserted in the tube at spaced intervals, the encased sponges are wound with high-strength filament material. The filament wound tubing containing the sponges is inserted between the upper cell portions and the lower cell portions prior to joining the upper and lower cell portions with the tube extending through the passageways. The sponges serve to prevent the cells from collapsing after either gas or liquid is removed from the cells. The tube serves to prevent contamination of either gas or liquid by the inner surfaces of the upper and lower cell portions and the filament material serves to increase strength of the tubing.

In yet a further variant, the sponge is impregnated with a zeolite compound.

In still a further variant of the invention, the tube is formed from material selected from the group comprising thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, polyurethane polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride and thermoplastic elastomer.

In another variant, the high-strength filament material is selected from the group comprising KEVLAR, carbon fiber, steel, stainless steel and nylon.

In still another variant, an apparatus for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel further comprises a series of cell shaped sponges and a tube. The tube is formed of flexible, gas and liquid impervious material and is sized and shaped to surround the sponges. Means are provided for inserting the sponges in the tube at spaced intervals. Means are provided for winding the encased sponges with a high-strength filament material. Means are provided for inserting the filament wound tubing containing the sponges between the upper cell portions and the lower cell portions prior to joining the upper and lower cell portions with the tube extending through the passageways.

In yet another variant, an apparatus for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel further comprises means for positioning an upper retaining plate to fit over the upper cell portion and surround its outer perimeter when the upper cell portion is covered by the first blanket. Means are provided for positioning a lower retaining plate to fit over the lower cell portion and surround its outer perimeter when the lower cell portion is covered by the second blanket.

Means are provided for producing a series of holes. The holes penetrate the upper retaining plate between its outer circumference and the third inner circumference, the lower retaining plate between its outer circumference and the fourth inner circumference and the first blanket,

the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the upper cell portion, the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the lower cell portion and the second blanket. The holes are outside of the outer circumference of the first and second rings.

Means are provided for inserting and securing fastening means through the holes, thereby securing the upper and lower retaining plates to each other.

In still another variant of the invention, a method for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel further comprises the following steps: Providing a series of cell shaped sponges.

Providing a tube formed of flexible, gas and liquid impervious material that is sized and shaped to surround the sponges. Inserting the sponges in the tubing at spaced intervals.

Winding the encased sponges with a high-strength filament material. Inserting the filament wound tubing containing the sponges between the upper cell portions and the lower cell portions prior to joining the upper and lower cell portions with the tubing extending through the passageways.

In a final variant of the invention a method for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel further comprises the following steps: Providing upper and lower retaining plates. Providing a series of holes. The holes penetrate the upper retaining plate between its outer circumference and the third inner circumference, the lower retaining plate between its outer circumference and the fourth inner circumference and the first blanket, the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the upper cell portion, the border of sheet material surrounding the outer perimeter of the lower cell portion and the second blanket. The holes are outside of the outer circumference of the first and second rings. Inserting and securing a

series of fastening means through the holes, thereby securing the upper and lower retaining plates to each other.

An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment.

Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the invention illustrating diamond- shaped cells, connecting passageways and a valve; Figure 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention illustrating circular- shaped cells, connecting passageways and a valve; Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 2 embodiment illustrating the upper and lower cell portions, upper and lower rings, upper and lower blankets and reinforcing stitching; Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 2 embodiment illustrating the an included cell-shaped sponge; Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 2 embodiment illustrating a metal or foil layer surrounding the cell portions; Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 2 embodiment illustrating the radio frequency welding or high-strength adhesive used to join the cell portions;

Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 2 embodiment illustrating first and second blankets formed of high-strength fiber impregnated material; Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 2 embodiment illustrating upper and lower retaining plates held in place by welded pins; Figure 9 is a plan view of the Figure 2 embodiment with the addition of the upper and lower retaining plates; Figure 10 is a partial plan view of the cells and connecting passageways; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a first ring; Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 2 embodiment illustrating upper and lower retaining plates held in place by nuts and bolts; Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the upper and lower retaining plates and fastening bolts; Figure 14 is a schematic illustrating an apparatus for making the flexible pressure vessel; Figure 15 is a plan view of the cell shaped sponges encased in an impermeable plastic tube; Figure 16 is a side elevational view of the cell-shaped sponges encased in an impermeable plastic tube; Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 2 embodiment illustrating the cell-shaped sponge encased in the impermeable plastic tube; Figure 18 is a plan view of the cell shaped sponges encased in an impermeable plastic tube and wound with a high-strength fimament;

Figure 19 is a side elevational view of the cell-shaped sponges encased in an impermeable plastic tube and wound with a high-strength fimament; Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 2 embodiment illustrating the cell-shaped sponge encased in the impermeable plastic tube and wound with a high-strength filament; and Figure 21 is a schematic illustrating an apparatus for making the flexible pressure vessel including cell-shaped sponges encased in the impermeable plastic tube and wound with a high-strength filament.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Figures 1-3 illustrate a flexible pressure vessel 10 providing the desired features that may be constructed from the following components. At least one upper dome-shaped cell portion 14 is provided. The upper cell portion 14 is formed from a first sheet 18 of resilient material and has an inner surface 22, an outer surface 26, an inner perimeter 30, an outer perimeter 34, a border of sheet material 38 surrounding the outer perimeter 34, and at least one upper passageway portion 42. The upper passageway portion 42 extends outwardly from the inner perimeter 30 to the surrounding sheet material 38.

At least one mating lower dome-shaped cell portion 46 is provided. The lower cell portion 46 is formed from a second sheet 50 of resilient material and has an inner surface 54, an outer surface 58, an inner perimeter 62, an outer perimeter 66, a border of sheet material 70 surrounding the outer perimeter 66, and at least one lower passageway portion 74. The lower

passageway portion 74 extends outwardly from the inner perimeter 62 to the surrounding sheet material 70. The upper cell portion 14 is joined to the mating lower cell portion 46 such that a cell 78 is formed. The cell 78 has at least one passageway 82 extending outwardly from the cell 78 for connection to either a passageway 82 of another cell 78 or a valve 86.

A first ring 90 is provided. The first ring 90 has an inner circumference 94, an outer circumference 98 and a first predetermined thickness 102. The first ring 90 is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over the upper cell portion 14 and surround its outer perimeter 34. A second ring 106 is provided. The second ring 106 has an inner circumference 110, an outer circumference 114 and a second predetermined thickness 118. The second ring 106 is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over the lower cell portion 46 and surround its outer perimeter 66.

A first flexible blanket 122 is provided. The first blanket 122 has an upper surface 126, a lower surface 130 and is sized and shaped to cover the upper cell portion 14 and surrounding sheet material 38. The first blanket 122 is fixedly attached at its lower surface 130 to the outer surface 26 of the upper cell portion 14 and surrounding sheet material 38. A second flexible blanket 134 is provided. The second blanket 134 has an upper surface 138, a lower surface 142 and is sized and shaped to cover the lower cell portion 46 and surrounding sheet material 70. The second blanket 134 is fixedly attached at its upper surface 138 to the outer surface 58 of the lower cell portion 46 and surrounding sheet material 70. A valve 86 is provided. The valve 86 is connected to the passageway 82 and provides means for controlling a flow of either of gasses and liquids into and out of the cell 78.

In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, heavy duty stitching 146 is used to attach the first blanket 122 to the second blanket 134. The stitching 146 penetrates the first 122 and second 134 blankets and the first 18 and second 50 resilient sheets between the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions and serves to prevent movement of the first 90 and second 106 rings with respect to the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions.

In another variant, as illustrated in Figure 4, the heavy duty stitching 146 is high- pressure hoop and lock braiding 150. In still another variant, also illustrated in Figure 4, a cell-shaped sponge 154 is inserted between the upper cell portion 14 and the lower cell portion 46 prior to joining the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions. The sponge 154 serves to prevent the cell 78 from collapsing after either of gas and liquid is removed from the cell 78. In yet another variant, the sponge 154 is impregnated with a zeolite compound.

In yet a further variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 5, either a heat- reflecting plastic film 158 or a metal foil 162 is inserted between at least one of the first blanket 122 and the upper cell portion 14 or the second blanket 134 and the lower cell portion 46.

In still a further variant, as illustrated in Figure 6, the upper cell portion 14 is joined to the lower cell portion 46 by either radio frequency welding 166 or high strength adhesive 170.

In another variant, as illustrated in Figure 7, either of the first 122 and second 134 blankets is formed of high-strength fiber impregnated material 174. In still another variant the passageway 82 has a cross-section of between. 050 and. 100 inches.

In yet a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 8,9,12 and 13, the flexible pressure vessel 10 includes an upper retaining plate 250. The upper retaining plate 250 has a third

inner circumference 254, an outer circumference 258 and a third pre-determined thickness 262. The upper retaining plate 250 is sized and shaped to fit over the upper cell portion 14 and surround its outer perimeter 34 when the upper cell portion 14 is covered by the first blanket 122. The third inner circumference 254 is larger than the outer circumference 98 of the first ring 90.

A lower retaining plate 266 is provided. The lower retaining plate 266 has a fourth inner circumference 270, an outer circumference 274 and a fourth pre-determined thickness 278. The lower retaining plate 266 is sized and shaped to fit over the lower cell portion 46 and surround its outer perimeter 66 when the lower cell portion 46 is covered by the second blanket 134. The fourth inner circumference 270 is larger than the outer circumference 114 of the second ring 106. Means 282 are provided for attaching the upper retaining plate 250 to the lower retaining plate 266. When the upper retaining plate 250 is attached to the lower retaining plate 266, surrounding the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions and the first 122 and second 134 blankets covering the first 90 and second 106 rings, the pressure capacity of the cell 78 will be increased.

In still a further variant of the invention, the means 282 for attaching the upper retaining plate 250 to the lower retaining plate 266 includes a series of holes 286. The holes 286 penetrate the upper retaining plate 250 between its outer circumference 258 and the third inner circumference 254, the lower retaining plate 266 between its outer circumference 278 and the fourth inner circumference 274 and the first blanket 122, the border of sheet material 38 surrounding the outer perimeter 34 of the upper cell portion 14, the border of sheet material 70 surrounding the outer perimeter 66 of the lower cell portion 46 and the second blanket 134.

The holes 286 are outside of the outer circumference 98,114 of the first 90 and second 106 rings.

A series of fastening means 290 are provided. The fastening means 290 are sized and shaped to pass through the series of holes 286 and capable of securing the upper retaining plate 250 to the lower retaining plate 266. In another variant, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the fastening means 290 is a series of bolts 294 and locking nuts 298. In still another variant, the fastening means 290 is a series of rivets 302. (Figure needed) In a further variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 8, the means 282 for attaching the upper retaining plate 250 to the lower retaining plate 266 includes a series of holes 286. The holes 286 penetrate the upper retaining plate 250 between its outer circumference 258 and the third inner circumference 254, the first blanket 122, the border of sheet material 38 surrounding the outer perimeter 34 of the upper cell portion 14, the border of sheet material 70 surrounding the outer perimeter 66 of the lower cell portion 46 and the second blanket 134. The holes 286 are outside of the outer circumference 98,114 of the first 90 and second rings 106.

A series of pins 306 is provided. The pins 306 are affixed orthogonally along an upper surface 310 of the lower retaining plate 266 and are sized, shaped and located to fit slidably through the series of holes 286 and extending slightly above an upper surface 314 of the upper retaining plate 250. A series of welds 318 are used to fixedly attach the pins 306 to the upper retaining plate 250, thereby securing the upper 250 and lower 266 retaining plates to each other.

In still another variant, as illustrated in Figures 15-17, a series of cell shaped sponges 154 is provided. A tube 338 is provided. The tube 338 is formed of flexible, gas and liquid impervious material and is sized and shaped to surround the sponges 154. The sponges 154 are inserted in the tube 154 at spaced intervals. The encased sponges 154 are inserted between the upper cell portions 14 and the lower cell portions 46 prior to joining the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions. The tube 338 extends through the passageways 82. The sponges 154 serve to prevent the cells 78 from collapsing after either of gas and liquid is removed from the cells 78. The tube 338 serves to prevent contamination of gas or liquid by the inner surfaces 22,54 of the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions.

In yet another variant, the sponges 154 are impregnated with a zeolite compound.

In still another variant of the invention, the tube 338 is formed from material selected from the group comprising: thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, polyurethane polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride, and thermoplastic elastomer.

An apparatus 178 for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel 10 as illustrated in Figure 14, includes first 182 and second 186 rolls of planar resilient material 18,50. First 190 and second 194 thermal die stamping stations are provided. The stamping stations 190,194 are capable of forming the upper 14, and lower 46 cell portions. Means 198 are provided for moving resilient material 18,50 from the first 182 and second 186 rolls of planar resilient material 18,50 into the first 190 and second 194 thermal die stamping stations.

A radio frequency welder 206 is provided, the welder 206 is capable of joining the upper cell portion 14 to the lower cell portion 46. Means 210 are provided for moving the first 14 and second 46 cell portions into the radio frequency welder 206. A series of first 90

and second 106 rings is provided. The first ring 90 is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over the upper cell portion 14 and to surround its outer perimeter 34. The second ring 106 is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over the lower cell portion 46 and to surround its outer perimeter 66.

First 226 and second 230 rolls of high-strength fiber impregnated blanket material 174 are provided. Means 234 are provided for attaching the first 122 and second 134 blankets over the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions. Means 246 are provided for attaching a valve 86 to a passageway 82 of a cell 78.

In a variant of the apparatus 178 for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel 10, a series of cell-shaped sponges 154 are provided. Means 202 are provided for inserting the cell- shaped sponges 154 between the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions prior to joining the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions.

In another variant, first 214 and second 218 rolls of either heat-reflecting plastic film 158 or metal foil 162 are provided. Means 222 are provided for attaching either heat- reflecting plastic film 158 or metal foil 162 to the outer surface 26,58 of at least one of the upper cell portion 14 and the lower cell portion 46. In still another variant, means 238 are provided for moving the blanketed cells 78 to a high pressure hoop and lock braiding machine 242 for stitching.

In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figures 14-17, a series of cell shaped sponges 154 is provided. A tube 338 is provided. The tube 338 is formed of flexible, gas and liquid impervious material and is sized and shaped to surround the sponges 154. Means 342 are provided for inserting the sponges 154 in the tube 338 at spaced intervals. Means 346 are

provided for inserting the encased sponges 154 between the upper cell portions 14 and the lower cell portions 46 prior to joining the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions. The tube 338 extends through the passageways 82.

In still another variant of the apparatus 178 for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel 10 means 322 are provided for positioning an upper retaining plate 250 to fit over the upper cell portion 14 and surround its outer perimeter 34 when the upper cell portion 14 is covered by the first blanket 122. Means 326 are provided for positioning a lower retaining plate 266 to fit over the lower cell portion 46 and surround its outer perimeter 66 when the lower cell portion 46 is covered by the second blanket 134.

Means 330 are provided for producing a series of holes 286 that penetrate the upper retaining plate 250 between its outer circumference 258 and the third inner circumference 254, the lower retaining plate 266 between its outer circumference 278 and the fourth inner circumference 274 and the first blanket 122, the border of sheet material 38 surrounding the outer perimeter 34 of the upper cell portion 14, the border of sheet material 70 surrounding the outer perimeter 66 of the lower cell portion 46 and the second blanket 134. The holes 286 are outside of the outer circumference 98,114 of the first 90 and second 106 rings. Means 334 are provided for inserting and securing fastening means 290 through the holes 286, thereby securing the upper 250 and lower 266 retaining plates to each other.

In still a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 18-20, a series of cell shaped sponges 154 is provided, as is a tube 338. The tube 338 is formed of flexible, gas and liquid impervious material and is sized and shaped to surround the sponges 154. The sponges 154 are inserted in the tube 338 at spaced intervals, the encased sponges 154 are wound with high-

strength filament material 350. The filament wound tubing 338 containing the sponges 154 is inserted between the upper cell portions 14 and the lower cell portions 46 prior to joining the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions with the tube 338 extending through the passageways 82.

The sponges 154 serve to prevent the cells 78 from collapsing after either gas or liquid is removed from the cells 78. The tube 338 serves to prevent contamination of either gas or liquid by the inner surfaces 22,54 of the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions and the filament material 350 serves to increase strength of the tubing 338.

In yet a further variant, the sponge 154 is impregnated with a zeolite compound.

In still a further variant of the invention, the tube 338 is formed from material selected from the group comprising thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, polyurethane polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride and thermoplastic elastomer.

In another variant, the high-strength filament material 350 is selected from the group comprising KEVLAR@, carbon fiber, steel, stainless steel and nylon.

In still another variant, as illustrated in Figure 21, an apparatus 178 for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel 10 further comprises a series of cell shaped sponges 154 and a tube 338. The tube 338 is formed of flexible, gas and liquid impervious material and is sized and shaped to surround the sponges 154. Means 202 are provided for inserting the sponges 154 in the tube 338 at spaced intervals. Means 354 are provided for winding the encased sponges 154 with a high-strength filament material 350. Means 358 are provided for inserting the filament wound tubing 338 containing the sponges 154 between the upper cell portions 14 and the lower cell portions 46 prior to joining the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions with the tube 338 extending through the passageways 82.

In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figures 8,9 and 12-14 and 21, an apparatus 178 for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel 10 further comprises means 322 for positioning an upper retaining plate 250 to fit over the upper cell portion 14 and surround its outer perimeter 34 when the upper cell portion 14 is covered by the first blanket 122. Means 326 are provided for positioning a lower retaining plate 266 to fit over the lower cell portion 46 and surround its outer perimeter 66 when the lower cell portion 46 is covered by the second blanket 134.

Means 330 are provided for producing a series of holes 286. The holes 286 penetrate the upper retaining plate 250 between its outer circumference 258 and the third inner circumference 254, the lower retaining plate 266 between its outer circumference 278 and the fourth inner circumference 274 and the first blanket 122, the border of sheet material 38 surrounding the outer perimeter 34 of the upper cell portion 14, the border of sheet material 70 surrounding the outer perimeter 66 of the lower cell portion 46 and the second blanket 134.

The holes 286 are outside of the outer circumference 98,114 of the first 90 and second 106 rings. Means 334 are provided for inserting and securing fastening means 290 through the holes 286, thereby securing the upper 250 and lower 266 retaining plates to each other.

In still another variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 18-21, a method 362 for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel 10 further comprises the following steps: Providing a series of cell shaped sponges 154. Providing a tube 338 formed of flexible, gas and liquid impervious material that is sized and shaped to surround the sponges 154. Inserting the sponges 154 in the tubing 338 at spaced intervals. Winding the encased sponges 154 with a high-strength filament material 350. Inserting the filament wound tubing 338 containing the sponges 154 between the upper cell portions 14 and the lower cell portions 46 prior to joining

the upper 14 and lower 46 cell portions with the tubing 338 extending through the passageways 82.

In a final variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 12,13 and 21, a method 362 for fabricating a flexible pressure vessel 10 further comprises the following steps: Providing upper 250 and lower 266 retaining plates. Providing a series of holes 286. The holes 286 penetrate the upper retaining plate 250 between its outer circumference 258 and the third inner circumference 254, the lower retaining plate 266 between its outer circumference 278 and the fourth inner circumference 274 and the first blanket 122, the border of sheet material 38 surrounding the outer perimeter 34 of the upper cell portion 14, the border of sheet material 70 surrounding the outer perimeter 66 of the lower cell portion 46 and the second blanket 134. The holes 286 are outside of the outer circumference 98,114 of the first 90 and second rings 106. Inserting and securing a series of fastening means 290 through the holes 286, thereby securing the upper 250 and lower 266 retaining plates to each other.

The flexible pressure vessel 10 and apparatus 178 and method for making same have been described with reference to particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.