Flexible containment charging device

Abstract

The present invention is a material transfer device ( 1 ), utilizing flexible outer and inner liners ( 13,10 ). The present invention may additionally include a window ( 18 ) for viewing the load disposed inside the device. the transfer device may be formed from flexible material to integrally form a sealing valve.

1 . A flexible material transfer device for transferring a load contained therein comprising: 
 a flexible inner liner, having a closed end and an open end;    a sanitary fitting affixed to the open end of the flexible inner liner; and    an outer restraint surrounding the inner liner.    
     
     
         2 . The flexible material transfer device of  claim 1 , further comprising a window for viewing the load.  
     
     
         3 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner liner is formed from a plurality of patterns, thermally welded or sewn together.  
     
     
         4 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sanitary fitting comprises a sealing element for forming an airtight seal with a filling device used to deliver material to be transferred, such that the material is substantially prevented from escaping.  
     
     
         5 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an O-ring and a locking member.  
     
     
         6 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner liner is formed from a polymeric material.  
     
     
         7 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner liner is formed from a thermoplastic film.  
     
     
         8 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner liner is formed from a polyolefin.  
     
     
         9 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner liner is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, and the like.  
     
     
         10 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner liner comprises at least one barrier layer to protect the contact of the load with the environment.  
     
     
         11 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one barrier layer is impervious to the load.  
     
     
         12 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner liner is impervious to the load.  
     
     
         13 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer restraint is formed from a flexible fabric.  
     
     
         14 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims , wherein the window is sewn over an opening in the outer restraint.  
     
     
         15 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible fabric is formed from a thermoplastic material.  
     
     
         16 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible fabric is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of linear and branched polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene.  
     
     
         17 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible fabric is conductive.  
     
     
         18 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible fabric comprises at least one conductive material selected from the group consisting of powder, flakes, fibers, wires, spokes, and non-metallic materials and threads.  
     
     
         19 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the non-metallic material is selected from the group consisting of carbon black and graphite particles.  
     
     
         20 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, further comprises a grounding loop.  
     
     
         21 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the grounding loop is attached to the flexible fabric.  
     
     
         22 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a lifting loop attached to the outer restraint.  
     
     
         23 . The flexible material transfer device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting loop is integrated with the grounding loop.  
     
     
         24 . A method of transferring a load comprising: 
 providing a material transfer device, the transfer device comprising a flexible inner liner, having a closed end and an open end; a sanitary fitting affixed to the open end of the flexible inner liner; and an outer restraint surrounding the inner liner and    filling the transfer device with the load.