Abstract: An emergency communication system that is capable of broadcasting a live message to a specific zone of a protected structure, recording the live transmission, and repeating the recorded message to the same protected zone. In certain embodiments configured to protect multiple zones, the system further permits broadcast of a second live message to another zone of the structure, recording the second live broadcast, and repeating the second recorded message in the same zone to which the message was broadcast live. The system includes hardware such as a processing element and speaker assemblies and a computer program for instructing the processing element to carry out the transmission, recording, and re-broadcasting of messages through the speaker assemblies.

Abstract: A energy transfer device (10) is provided that is capable of transferring the energy output from one pyrotechnic device (52) to another device (78) for initiating firing thereof. Device (10) comprises a device housing (12) in which a deformable device insert (14) is received. Device insert (14) comprises a central passageway (34) for transmitting the output from a pyrotechnic device (52), including energy, gasses, and/or solids, to another pyrotechnic device (78). The passageway (34) conducts the pyrotechnic device output to a precise location on the second pyrotechnic device (78) where firing is most effectively initiated. The energy transfer device (10) may be employed as a part of a tool (44) used in well completion operations.

Abstract: Methods of creating various laser-defined control structures on pressure relief devices are provided that utilize a laser having a field of view that is smaller than the overall dimensions of the laser-defined structure to be milled into the pressure relief device. The methods generally involve partitioning the working surface of the device into a plurality of tiles within which a particular segment of the control structure will be milled. Upon milling of a control structure segment in one tile, the pressure relief device and/or laser is repositioned so that a control structure segment in another tile may be created.

Abstract: Nozzles (22) for reducing noise generated by the release of gas from a hazard suppression system (10) are provided. The nozzles (22) comprise a plurality of partitions (42, 44, 46, 48) that define a serpentine gas flow path through the nozzle. The flow path causes the gas to undergo a plurality of expansions and directional changes thereby reducing the velocity of the gas and dampening the generation of sound waves as the gas exits the nozzle (22) through the nozzle outlet (40).

Abstract: A rupture disc (10) is provided comprising a line of opening (16) formed in at least one face thereof. The line of opening (16) is formed by laser machining of the disc's face and includes at least one disc opening control feature (20). The disc opening control feature (20) may be an opening-initiation feature configured to assist with initial rupture of the disc (10). Alternatively, the opening control feature (20) may be an anti-fragmentation feature configured to dissipate the energy acting upon the disc (10) so as to prevent separation of the petal formed upon opening of the disc.

Abstract: A cementing tool (20) capable of being installed in a casing string (10) and configured to selectively permit the flow of cement through one or more ports (34) in the tool is provided. The ports (34) are normally sealed by rupture disc assemblies (36) comprising a rupture disc (62) that can be opened to permit flow of cement through the casing string central bore (32) and into the annulus (14) defined by the casing string (10) and the downhole formation (16). The cementing tool (20) is particularly useful during cementing operations in which the annulus (14) has become blocked by a collapsed portion of the formation by allowing the obstruction (104) to be bypassed and the flow of cement (100) into the annulus to be continued without substantial interruption. Tool (20) may also be used in multistage cementing operations.

Abstract: A non-metallic explosion vent is provided for protecting a confined space from a high overpressure condition. Reinforcing material having greater tensile strength than the resin, such as glass fiber roving, mesh or fabric, is embedded in the panel. An elongated, overall U-shaped groove extends inwardly from one of the surfaces of the panel through only a portion of the thickness of the panel. The groove interrupts the reinforcing material and defines a line of weakness that presents a relief area of the panel that opens under a predetermined overpressure condition. A plurality of spaced reinforcing components preferably overlie the groove, and optionally may extend across the relief area of the panel, transversely thereof and at an angle to one another. The reinforcing components contribute to control of the burst pressure of the vent and assist in preventing separation of the vent area from the body of the panel and/or fragmentation of the vent area during opening thereof.

Abstract: A pinch-type isolation valve (10) is provided having an integrated, on-board reservoir (42) for storing a pressurized fluid capable of effecting the collapse of an internal sleeve (32) upon actuation of the valve. Valve (10) comprises an outer wall 16 and an inner wall (30) which define the pressurized gas reservoir (42). An actuator assembly (14) is provided to cause and direct a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoir (42) into a gas-receiving chamber (39) defined between the inner wall (30) and sleeve (32).

Abstract: A pressure relief device and method of making the same are provided. The pressure relief device includes an over-pressure relief area with a plurality of co-linear spaced apart recesses located thereon. Gap segments are interspersed between the recesses to define a line of opening having desired performance characteristics during opening of the over-pressure relief area.

Abstract: Two-stage, sequential operation protective assemblies are provided, including a primary protective device (20) having an element (32) which shifts in response to operation thereof (preferably a rupturable burst member (35)), together with a secondary protective device (22). An actuating assembly (24) interconnects the primary and secondary protective devices (20, 22) and has an actuating cable assembly (28) preferably including a cable (94) and a frangible component (86). In certain embodiments, an operator (28) for the secondary device (22) may be provided which includes an actuator (106) carried by the cable (94). Upon operation of the primary protective device (20), the cable (94) and frangible component (86) are tensioned and translated in a first direction. The component (86) then severs, which causes operation of the secondary protective device (22).

Abstract: A reverse-acting rupture disc (10) having a laser-defined reversal initiation feature (16) is provided in the bulged section (12) of the disc. The reversal initiation feature comprises at least a first lased area (22) that has a reduced thickness relative to rest of the bulged section. A second lased area (24) may also be provided within the margins of the first lased area. The second lased area has a depth that is greater than the depth of the first lased area. A line of weakness (40) may be formed in the bulged section that functions to direct reversal of the bulged section toward a particular area of the disc, such as line-of-opening recess (56).

Abstract: An emergency communication system that is capable of broadcasting a live message to a specific zone of a protected structure, recording the live transmission, and repeating the recorded message to the same protected zone. In certain embodiments configured to protect multiple zones, the system further permits broadcast of a second live message to another zone of the structure, recording the second live broadcast, and repeating the second recorded message in the same zone to which the message was broadcast live. The system includes hardware such as a processing element and speaker assemblies and a computer program for instructing the processing element to carry out the transmission, recording, and re-broadcasting of messages through the speaker assemblies.

Abstract: A energy transfer device (10) is provided that is capable of transferring the energy output from one pyrotechnic device (52) to another device (78) for initiating firing thereof. Device (10) comprises a device housing (12) in which a deformable device insert (14) is received. Device insert (14) comprises a central passageway (34) for transmitting the output from a pyrotechnic device (52), including energy, gasses, and/or solids, to another pyrotechnic device (78). The passageway (34) conducts the pyrotechnic device output to a precise location on the second pyrotechnic device (78) where firing is most effectively initiated. The energy transfer device (10) may be employed as a part of a tool (44) used in well completion operations.

Abstract: Two-stage, sequential operation protective assemblies are provided, including a primary protective device (20) having an element (32) which shifts in response to operation thereof (preferably a rupturable burst member (35)), together with a secondary protective device (22). An actuating assembly (24) interconnects the primary and secondary protective devices (20, 22) and has an actuating cable assembly (28) preferably including a cable (94) and a frangible component (86). In certain embodiments, an operator (28) for the secondary device (22) may be provided which includes an actuator (106) carried by the cable (94). Upon operation of the primary protective device (20), the cable (94) and frangible component (86) are tensioned and translated in a first direction. The component (86) then severs, which causes operation of the secondary protective device (22).

Abstract: A pinch-type isolation valve (10) is provided having an integrated, on-board reservoir (42) for storing a pressurized fluid capable of effecting the collapse of an internal sleeve (32) upon actuation of the valve. Valve (10) comprises an outer wall 16 and an inner wall (30) which define the pressurized gas reservoir (42). An actuator assembly (14) is provided to cause and direct a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoir (42) into a gas-receiving chamber (39) defined between the inner wall (30) and sleeve (32).

Abstract: Improved, non-fragmenting, high efficiency vent apparatus (10, 78) are provided for protecting a structure (12) from potentially damaging or destructive abnormal pressure conditions. The apparatus (10, 78) is positioned in covering relationship to a vent opening (14) formed in the structure (12), and generally includes a burst member (16) and a tab assembly (18) equipped with a series of tabs (56); the tabs (56) bend or buckle to a burst member-clearing position when the vent apparatus (10, 78) experiences an abnormal pressure condition, thereby permitting rapid opening of burst member (16) to thus protect structure (12). The burst member (16) may be of domed or flat construction, and can be in the form of a quadrate panel or any other desired shape.

Abstract: A rapid-closure gate valve (10) comprising pressurized gas reservoirs (37, 39) that are integrated with the valve body (12). Pressurized gas stored in the reservoirs (37, 39) is utilized to shift a gate member (20) from a valve open position to a valve closed position upon actuation of the valve. Actuation of the valve is achieved by an actuator assembly (14) coupled with the valve body. The actuator assembly is configured to initiate a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoirs into a chamber (48) which effects shifting of the gate member.

Abstract: A reverse acting rupture disc is provided having a laser defined electropolished line-of-weakness recess, and an improved method of forming an electropolished line-of-weakness recess in a reverse acting rupture disc that assures full opening of the disc upon reversal. A rupture disc blank is pre-bulged, final bulged, and then provided with a layer of resist material. A laser is used to remove at least a portion of the layer of resist material corresponding to a desired line-of-weakness recess in the concave face of the bulged rupture disc. The disc is then subjected to an electropolishing operation to remove metal from the lased area of the rupture disc, thereby forming a lustrous polished line-of-weakness recess in the disc of desired configuration and of a predetermined depth that is related to material thickness.

Abstract: An apertured rupture disc support member (32, 90) is provided for use in a rupture disc assembly (70). A rupture disc (30, 30a) comprising one or more embossed segments (80) that are complemental with the support member apertures (56) is also disclosed. The pressure relief assembly (12) is particularly suited for use in sanitary pressure relief applications.

Abstract: A burst indicator (24) for use in a rupture disc assembly (12) is provided. The burst indicator (24) comprises a non-electrically conductive material having an outer annular portion (66) and an inner section (68) joined to the outer portion by a pair of bridge features (70, 72). A circuit comprising electrically conductive segments (78, 80) is located on the burst indicator (24) and can be used to monitor the integrity of the rupture disc (20). One electrically conductive segment (78) is located on the outer annular portion (66), and another electrically conductive segment (80) extends across the bridge features (70, 72) and inner section (68). Upon rupture of the rupture disc (20), one of the bridge features (72) carrying an electrically conductive segment (80) severs thereby opening the circuit.