SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND ASSEMBLIES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF EXPLOSION AND FIRE RESISTANT PROPERTIES IN FLUID CONTAINERS
The present invention includes systems, assemblies, and methodologies for inhibiting combustion within fluid containers, enhancing the safety of such containers. One aspect includes novel methods for assembling base modules by rolling sheets of expanded mesh into generally cylindrical shapes. Tension within the sheet of expanded mesh may be modulated during the rolling process in order to vary the density of the base module as desired. In further embodiments, the method includes arranging a plurality of base modules along a cylindrical axis to form an assembly. Assemblies may be utilized to fill containers that store fuel and other combustible fluids.
1 . A method for producing containers with explosion-resistant properties, the method comprising:
arranging a continuous sheet of mesh in at least two layers;
rolling the sheet of mesh into a cylindrical form, thereby creating a base module;
arranging a plurality of base modules along a cylindrical axis, thereby forming an assembly; and
disposing a plurality of assemblies within a container.
2 . The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the step of rolling the sheet of mesh into a cylindrical form comprises rolling the sheet from approximately the mid-point thereof.
3 . The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step of applying a net to the exterior of the plurality of base modules.
4 . The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the step of arranging a continuous sheet of mesh in at least two layers further comprises unspooling, from a spool of mesh, a sheet of mesh onto at least a first and second carriage path.
5 . The method as recited in claim 4 further comprising holding said sheet of mesh captive against a shaft at approximately the mid-point of the sheet.
6 . The method as recited in claim 5 further comprising rotating the shaft while the sheet of mesh is captive against the shaft.
7 . The method as recited in claim 1 further comprises of adjusting the tension of the sheet of mesh to determine a diameter of the base module.
8 . A method for producing containers with explosion-resistant properties, the method comprising:
disposing a sheet of expanded mesh at least partially about a spindle;
adjusting the tension within the sheet of expanded mesh to a predetermined amount;
rolling the sheet of expanded mesh about the spindle to form a base module while maintaining the predetermined amount of tension; and
disposing the base module within the container.
9 . The method as recited in claim 8 wherein adjusting the tension within the sheet of expanded mesh is accomplished via modulating the torque applied to the spindle as the sheet of expanded mesh is rolled about the spindle.
10 . The method as recited in claim 8 wherein adjusting the tension within the sheet of expanded mesh is accomplished via modulating the speed of the spindle as the sheet of expanded mesh is rolled about the spindle.
11 . The method as recited in claim 8 wherein adjusting the tension within the sheet of expanded mesh is accomplished via a tensioning roller disposed against the sheet of expanded mesh.
12 . The method as recited in claim 8 further comprising disposing a weighted roller against the sheet of expanded mesh while rolling the sheet of expanded mesh about the spindle.
13 . The method as recited in claim 8 further comprising the step of forming a plurality of base modules before disposing the plurality of base modules within the container.
14 . The method as recited in claim 13 further comprising the step of arranging at least some of the plurality of base modules along a cylindrical axis to form an assembly and wrapping the assembly with a net.
15 . The method as recited in claim 13 further comprising the step of forming a plurality of assemblies before disposing the plurality of assemblies within the container.