Patents by Inventor Geof Brazier

Geof Brazier has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7051570
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a pressure relief device are provided. The system includes a release sensor that provides an indication when the pressure relief device activates. A wireless transmitter is connected to the release sensor and sends a wireless transmission having an activation signal when the indication is provided by the release sensor. A receiver receives the wireless transmission from the transmitter and generates a warning when the activation signal is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems Limited
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, John P. Clark, III, John E. Smallwood
  • Patent number: 7011104
    Abstract: A pressure relief device is provided. The pressure relief device includes a sealing member and a low-pressure support member that is adapted to provide support to the sealing member when the sealing member is subject to a certain pressure differential. The low pressure support member includes an annular flange and at least one supporting projection. A cutting element is adapted to puncture the sealing member when the sealing member is subject to a predetermined pressure differential. The pressure relief device may further include a high pressure support member and safety heads forming a pre-torqued assembly. The supporting projection may optionally include an area of weakness either wholly within or on the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems Limited
    Inventors: Mitch Rooker, Greg Klein, Charlie Beair, Geof Brazier
  • Publication number: 20060049635
    Abstract: A flange adapter is provided for positioning an insert device within a pressurized fluid system. A flange adapter assembly includes a pressure containing boundary and a flange adapter configured to be selectively connected to the pressure containing boundary. The adapter is configured to interchangeably fit a plurality of flange standards for the same nominal size. The adapter may also interchangeably fit a plurality of pressure ratings for the same nominal size. The flange adapter may be manufactured separate from the pressure containing boundary to allow for utilizing less costly material and to increase standardization of safety heads. The present invention also includes a gasket design having multi-flange compatibility for use in pressurized fluid systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Donall Cullinane, John Tomasko
  • Publication number: 20050160786
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a pressure relief device are provided. The system includes a release sensor that provides an indication when the pressure relief device activates. A wireless transmitter is connected to the release sensor and sends a wireless transmission having an activation signal when the indication is provided by the release sensor. A receiver receives the wireless transmission from the transmitter and generates a warning when the activation signal is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, John Clark, John Smallwood
  • Patent number: 6843098
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a pressure relief device are provided. The system includes a release sensor that provides an indication when the pressure relief device activates. A wireless transmitter is connected to the release sensor and sends a wireless transmission having an activation signal when the indication is provided by the release sensor. A receiver receives the wireless transmission from the transmitter and generates a warning when the activation signal is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, John P. Clark, III, John E. Smallwood
  • Publication number: 20040206393
    Abstract: A pressure relief device is provided. The pressure relief device includes a sealing member and a low-pressure support member that is adapted to provide support to the sealing member when the sealing member is subject to a certain pressure differential. The low pressure support member includes an annular flange and at least one supporting projection. A cutting element is adapted to puncture the sealing member when the sealing member is subject to a predetermined pressure differential. The pressure relief device may further include a high pressure support member and safety heads forming a pre-torqued assembly. The supporting projection may optionally include an area of weakness either wholly within or on the periphery thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Mitch Rooker, Greg Klein, Charlie Beair, Geof Brazier
  • Publication number: 20040055384
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a pressure relief device are provided. The system includes a release sensor that provides an indication when the pressure relief device activates. A wireless transmitter is connected to the release sensor and sends a wireless transmission having an activation signal when the indication is provided by the release sensor. A receiver receives the wireless transmission from the transmitter and generates a warning when the activation signal is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, John P. Clark, John E. Smallwood
  • Patent number: 6598454
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a pressure relief device are provided. The system includes a release sensor that provides an indication when the pressure relief device activates. A wireless transmitter is connected to the release sensor and sends a wireless transmission having an activation signal when the indication is provided by the release sensor. A receiver receives the wireless transmission from the transmitter and generates a warning when the activation signal is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, John P. Clark, III, John E. Smallwood
  • Publication number: 20030071736
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a pressurized container having an auxiliary device are provided. The system includes a sensor operable to provide a signal representative of at least one operating condition of the pressurized container. The system also includes a control operable to receive the signal from the sensor and generate a warning when the sensed operating condition will impact the operation of the auxiliary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, John P. Clark, John E. Smallwood
  • Publication number: 20030019277
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a pressure relief device are provided. The system includes a release sensor that provides an indication when the pressure relief device activates. A wireless transmitter is connected to the release sensor and sends a wireless transmission having an activation signal when the indication is provided by the release sensor. A receiver receives the wireless transmission from the transmitter and generates a warning when the activation signal is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, John P. Clark, John E. Smallwood
  • Patent number: 6494074
    Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly and methods and apparatuses for forming a rupture disk are disclosed. The rupture disk assembly includes a rupture disk having a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area. The rupturable portion includes a structural apex formation at or near the apex of the dome and is configured to rupture when exposed to a fluid having a predetermined pressure. Preferably, a safety member is disposed adjacent the rupture disk. The safety member includes a hinge about which the disk bends when the disk ruptures. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for consistently, accurately, and repeatably forming a structural apex formation in a rupture disk before the formation of to the rupture disk dome, during the formation of the rupture disk dome, and after the formation of the rupture disk dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donall Cullinane, John Daly, Stephen Farwell, Greg Klein, Barry Lowe, Mitch Rooker, John Tomasko, Geof Brazier
  • Patent number: 6491055
    Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam, Michael Hitz
  • Patent number: 6488044
    Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam, Michael Hitz
  • Patent number: 6484742
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a valve is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge containing an activation component. The cartridge and activation component are configured to be replaceable as a unit. The activation component prevents the valve from either opening or closing until either a predetermined pressure is exerted on the valve or a predetermined temperature is experienced by the activation component. The cartridge may include any of a variety of activation component types, such as buckling pins, tensile pins, shear pins, springs, or fusible alloys, either individually or in combination to control the valve opening or closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: BS & B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam
  • Patent number: 6446654
    Abstract: A pressure relief device for a sealed system is provided. The device includes a negative pressure support that is engageable with the system. A seal is disposed between the support and the system such that a negative pressure differential created in the system acts on the seal to move the seal away from the negative pressure support. A wire connects the seal to the support. The wire is configured to break, thereby releasing the seal, when the seal is exposed to a negative pressure differential having a predetermined level. The device may also include a positive pressure support disposed between the seal and the negative pressure support. The positive pressure support prevents the seal from releasing until the system experiences a positive pressure differential of a predetermined level. The device may also include a sensor that indicates when the seal has released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Greg Klein, John Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6446653
    Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly and methods and apparatuses for forming a rupture disk are disclosed. The rupture disk assembly includes a rupture disk having a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area. The rupturable portion includes a structural apex formation at or near the apex of the dome and is configured to rupture when exposed to a fluid having a predetermined pressure. Preferably, a safety member is disposed adjacent the rupture disk. The safety member includes a hinge about which the disk bends when the disk ruptures. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for consistently, accurately, and repeatably forming a structural apex formation in a rupture disk before the formation of the rupture disk dome, during the formation of the rupture disk dome, and after the formation of the rupture disk dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donall Cullinane, John Daly, Stephen Farwell, Greg Klein, Barry Lowe, Mitch Rooker, John Tomasko, Geof Brazier
  • Patent number: 6431196
    Abstract: A pressure relief device with a permanently attached rupture disk is disclosed. The pressure relief device includes a valve body. The valve body includes an inlet and an outlet defining a flow passage therebetween. A valve mechanism is housed in the valve body and is movable between a closed position where it blocks the flow passage and an open position. A rupture disk configured to burst when exposed to a predetermined pressure is provided. The rupture disk is permanently attached to the valve body to prevent the pressurized fluid from flowing through the flow passage until it bursts. Permanently attaching the rupture disk to the valve body makes them a compact unit to be replaced and discarded together. The rupture disk may be permanently attached to the valve body by welding, soldering, brazing, crimping, or adhesive bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arnold Mundt
  • Publication number: 20020050291
    Abstract: A pressure relief device for a sealed system is provided. The device includes a negative pressure support that is engageable with the system. A seal is disposed between the support and the system such that a negative pressure differential created in the system acts on the seal to move the seal away from the negative pressure support. A wire connects the seal to the support. The wire is configured to break, thereby releasing the seal, when the seal is exposed to a negative pressure differential having a predetermined level. The device may also include a positive pressure support disposed between the seal and the negative pressure support. The positive pressure support prevents the seal from releasing until the system experiences a positive pressure differential of a predetermined level. The device may also include a sensor that indicates when the seal has released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: BS&B Safety System
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Greg Klein, John Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6367498
    Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam, Michael Hitz
  • Publication number: 20020007848
    Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: BS&B Safety Systems
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam, Michael Hitz