Patent ID: 6113366
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
An apparatus for pressurizing a vessel comprising:a one piece blow-molded hollow member;a first end of the member being constructed of a first plastic material, said first end being adapted to be attached to and in fluid communication with a pressure vessel;a second end of the member;an intermediate bellows portion of said member being sealingly attached at one end to said first end and sealingly attached at the other end thereof to said second end, said first, second and intermediate bellows portions being integrally made in one piece, said intermediate bellows portion being constructed of a plastic that is more flexible and less rigid than said first plastic material whereby said intermediate bellows portion can flex to change in size to vary the volume of fluid therein;a first one-way valve operatively disposed in said first end thereof for permitting flow from the interior of the intermediate bellows portion to said pressure vessel when the intermediate bellows portion is reduced in volume, but not allowing flow from the pressure vessel to said intermediate bellows portion as the intermediate bellows portion returns to a larger volume; anda second one-way valve operatively disposed in said second end thereof for permitting flow of fluid from outside of the hollow member to the interior of the intermediate bellows portion as the intermediate bellows portion moves from a reduced volume to a larger volume and prevents the flow of fluid therethrough as the intermediate bellows portion moves from a larger volume to a reduced volume.