Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a first (HP) and a second (BP) fluids. According to the invention, said exchanger comprises a plurality of modules (15,15a,15b,15c) respectively including an upper plate (17) and a lower plate (19) assembled so as to define, between said plates (17,19), an inner cavity (21) forming a first circulating channel for the first fluid (HP), wherein said exchanger further comprises a housing (3) in which said modules (15,15a,15b,15c) are assembled in order to form said exchanger while defining spaces (33) between said modules, said spaces forming second circulation channels for the second fluid (BP).

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck including a framework having a cross bow member supporting a cover and a locking spring clamp assembly. The locking spring assembly having: a linkage member coupled to at least one of the framework and the cover at a connection location along the linkage member; and a latch housing slidably coupled to the linkage member. The latch housing includes an engaging member engaging the cargo box of the pickup truck in a latched position. A first biasing member urges the latch housing into the latched position. A locking feature releasably couples the linkage member and the latch housing into a locked position, such that a distance between the connection location and the engaging member is generally constant in the latched position and generally maintained by the locking feature in a locked position.

Abstract: A flange plate closure for accessing a containment vessel has a metal base plate, having an interior and an exterior surface, at least one vertical metal tube having an open end, a metal flange ring at said open end defining an upper planar surface, and a lining made of non-corrosive material. The lining is disposed in overlying relation to the interior surface of the base plate, the interior of the tube and the upper planar surface of the flange ring. The lining is rigid, and is mechanically affixed to the metal components. The lining is made of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure relief latch for aircraft, able to absorb vibrations and shocks without inopportune opening, as well as to adapt to dimensional stresses during its assembly. The latch includes: a console, a lever mounted on the console, and an opening effort exerted on a fulcrum of the lever causing an angular displacement of the fulcrum between a closing position and an opening position. The latch also includes a roller able to roll against a profile of the lever and connected to an elastic return device. The latch further being provided with means able to vary the angular displacement of the fulcrum of the lever according to the opening effort, with two different slopes according to an opening effort E1.

Abstract: Provided is a degassing container for a refrigerator in which a portion of air within a storage space is forcedly discharged to allow the storage space to become a low pressure state. The degassing container includes a case, a door, a gasket, a pressing part, and a degassing adjustment part. The case has an opened side. The door selectively shields the opened side of the case. The gasket is interposed between the door and the case and elastically deformed and closely attached when the door is shielded. The pressing part is provided in the door and the case and selectively closely attaches the door by a rotation operation. The degassing adjustment part selectively enters and exits air within the case by operating the pressing part. Therefore, the refrigerator has improved storage performance.

Abstract: An actuated breach lock, comprises a hub for positioning on a pressurizable vessel, the hub being generally circular and having a central opening, a bearing surface disposed within the central opening, a head hingedly connected to the hub and having a shape which complements the central opening and which is received within the central opening, the hub having a plurality of teeth extending radially inward and separated by a plurality of gaps, a locking ring rotatably positioned on the head, the locking ring having a plurality of ring teeth separated by a plurality of ring gaps, each of the teeth having a circumferential length less than a circumferential length of the gaps in the hub, the bearing surface of the hub having an angle and the head having a bearing surface at the angle, the locking ring having a polygonal cross-section including two sides which engage the bearing surfaces respectively, the locking ring engaged by head and hub when the head is in a closed position, the closed position creating a lin

Abstract: A closure for pressure vessels provides ease in access to the inside of a pressure vessel and at the same time provides a tight pressure seal for the closure. The closure for pressure vessels includes a hub adapted to fit on to an opening on the pressure vessel, a door connected to the hub, a hinge assembly to secure the door to the hub, and a locking assembly attached to the door. The locking assembly includes a slide lock operating around a central support, a plurality of locking lug arms radially operating around the central support, a pressure alert valve connected to the door, and a handle connected to the slide plate operating around the central support. The handle moves the locking assembly from a locking position to an unlocking position as the result of the groove pattern machined in the back of the slide plate.

Abstract: A closure mechanism for pressure test chambers for testing electronic components, in particular ICs, has a plurality of pivoting jaws. At least some of the pivoting jaws have at least one lifting apparatus which can be advanced to two interacting cavity elements, which surround a cavity, by means of the pivoting jaws. Furthermore, at least some of the pivoting jaws have at least one locking device in order to move spacer elements into an intermediate space between the associated pivoting jaws and the compressed cavity element, as a result of which the tightness of the cavity is maintained even when the lifting apparatuses are retracted.

Abstract: A lever mechanism for holding an escape hatch onto a vehicle surface covering an opening in the vehicle surface, for enabling emergency escape through the escape hatch. The lever mechanism includes a base portion, a handle portion and a clamp portion, with the handle portion and clamp portion linked so that by pushing on the handle portion, and so placing the lever mechanism in its engaged state, the clamp portion is pushed against the vehicle surface, drawing the escape hatch against the vehicle surface. By pulling on the handle portion of the lever mechanism, and so placing the lever mechanism in its disengaged state, the clamp is pulled up and away from the vehicle surface and clear of the opening in the vehicle surface, thus allowing the escape hatch to be pushed out away from the vehicle surface, thereby enabling emergency egress.

Abstract: A closure is shown for an equipment sub. A closure door is carried by a sub body and movable thereto between open and closed positions for providing access to a pressure vessel. Various improvements are disclosed including a new mechanism for positioning wedge shaped arcuate segments between the door and the sub body, a retainer mechanism for guiding movement of cross bars, a split hinge adjustment mechanism for adjusting planarity and concentricity between the closure door and the sub body, an increased annular wall body thickness region surrounding the sealing surface for reducing warpage during welding, a pressure lock rod member which also engages a combination of cross bars and a crank for driving the cross bars, and a pry bar that can facilitate better manually operated leveraging of the closure door.

Abstract: A door sealing system is used to seal a container of a vacuum system. In a preferred embodiment the vacuum system has a container door supported on a frame and adapted to seal the container when the container door is closed. A latch assembly supported on the container door is used to latch the container door to the container along a load bearing axis. A power operated pulling assembly located within the container forces the container door against the container by applying a load on the door that is collinear with the load bearing axis of the latch assembly. The power operated pulling assembly seals the container door to the container. The mechanical locking assembly is adapted to maintain the door in a sealed configuration after the power operated pulling assembly has sealed the container.

Abstract: System for opening and closing a structural part arranged on a support structure. The system includes at least one hinged joint device for flexibly connecting the structural part to the support structure. The at least one hinged joint device is arranged inside the support structure and has an axis of rotation about which the structural part can be pivoted relative to the support structure during opening and closing. A locking arrangement is structured and arranged to connect the structural part to the support structure in a form-locking manner when the structural part is in a closed position. In the closed position, the locking arrangement is arranged to relieve the at least one hinged joint device. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A closure safety interlock system is provided for a pressure vessel having a closure assembly with a primary locking system. The closure safety interlock defines a secondary locking system for assuring that the primary locking system may be opened only by following a proper sequence, thereby minimizing misuse of the primary locking system. The closure safety interlock includes a blocking member movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position for blocking movement of a primary lock when in the engaged position and until a release mechanism in the primary lock has been activated. A mechanism is provided for moving the blocking member from the engaged position to the disengaged position once the release mechanism has been activated.

Abstract: A lever mechanism for holding an escape hatch onto a vehicle surface covering an opening in the vehicle surface, for enabling emergency escape through the escape hatch. The lever mechanism includes a base portion, a handle portion and a clamp portion, with the handle portion and clamp portion linked so that by pushing on the handle portion, and so placing the lever mechanism in its engaged state, the clamp portion is pushed against the vehicle surface, drawing the escape hatch against the vehicle surface. By pulling on the handle portion of the lever mechanism, and so placing the lever mechanism in its disengaged state, the clamp is pulled up and away from the vehicle surface and clear of the opening in the vehicle surface, thus allowing the escape hatch to be pushed out away from the vehicle surface, thereby enabling emergency egress.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronically controlled hatch system for safe ingress, egress, hazard detection, and methods thereof are provided to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access port, skylight or elevated deck. Said hatch system reduces the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access port. In certain embodiments, severe weather, hazard, security, and other safety information are detected and transmitted to a central control unit for processing and regulating the opening and closing of a hatch covering the access port and/or raising and lowering a safety railing system based on said information and/or user input.

Abstract: System for opening and closing a structural part arranged on a support structure. The system includes at least one hinged joint device for flexibly connecting the structural part to the support structure. The at least one hinged joint device is arranged inside the support structure and has an axis of rotation about which the structural part can be pivoted relative to the support structure during opening and closing. A locking arrangement is structured and arranged to connect the structural part to the support structure in a form-locking manner when the structural part is in a closed position. In the closed position, the locking arrangement is arranged to relieve the at least one hinged joint device. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: System for opening and closing a structural part arranged on a support structure. The system includes at least one hinged joint device for flexibly connecting the structural part to the support structure. The at least one hinged joint device is arranged inside the support structure and has an axis of rotation about which the structural part can be pivoted relative to the support structure during opening and closing. A locking arrangement is structured and arranged to connect the structural part to the support structure in a form-locking manner when the structural part is in a closed position. In the closed position, the locking arrangement is arranged to relieve the at least one hinged joint device.

Abstract: A vent assembly has a locking mechanism to retain its cover on its base. The locking mechanism includes a latch and linkage coupled with the latch to move the latch between a locked and an unlocked position. A post member extends from the cover to cooperate with the latch such that in a locked condition, the cover is locked with the base in a closed position. When the latch is moved to a second position, the cover is enabled to pivot away from the base to an open position.

Abstract: A system for making a connection between the interior and exterior of a compartment, comprising a door opening through the compartment wall, a connector body which can engage with the wall, and having a connection port through it, and a removable cover on the connector body. The body is engaged with the door opening, and an inner door within the compartment engages and removes the cover. A preferred construction creates a single line of confidence seal. The system is particularly suited for sterile compartments.

Abstract: A hatch cover assembly for covering an opening in a vessel wherein a hatch port extends outwardly about the opening includes a hatch cover hingedly attached to the hatch port, and at least one latch assembly for fastening the hatch cover to the hatch port. The latch assembly includes a cam mount extending from the hatch port, and a first cam pin coupled to the cam mount. The first cam pin has a pin axis. A bolt member includes a first end and a second end, and the bolt member has a centerline axis extending between the first end and the second end. The centerline axis is generally perpendicular to the pin axis, and the first end is hingedly attached to the first cam pin about the pin axis. A securing member is in threaded relationship with the bolt member second end. The securing member is rotatable about the centerline axis of the bolt member. A cam member includes a cam lever portion and a clevis portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and assembly for retaining a substantially flat, protective panel within a frame such as a window frame. In one embodiment, the panel retention apparatus of the present invention includes a bracket member for fitting over an edge of the panel, such that the bracket member provides edge and lateral support for the panel. The apparatus further includes a rack and gear mechanism affixed to the bracket member. The rack and gear mechanism preferably includes a circular driving gear and a rack member having a foot member attached at one end and further having a rack gear engaging the circular driving gear such that the rack member is linearly movable with respect to the bracket member responsive to rotational actuation of the circular driving gear. In a preferred embodiment, the rack and gear mechanism components are fabricated of a Delrin composite material which provides a lightweight, corrosion resistant, and low surface friction actuation assembly.

Abstract: A system for making a connection between the interior and exterior of a compartment, comprising a door opening through the compartment wall, a connector body which can engage with the wall, and having a connection port through it, and a removable cover on the connector body. The body is engaged with the door opening, and an inner door within the compartment engages and removes the cover. A preferred construction creates a single line of confidence seal. The system is particularly suited for sterile compartments.

Abstract: A dome clamp for retaining the dome lid of a tanker truck in a closed position. The dome clamp includes an upper tube, right and left clamp members, and a vertically adjustable locking means adapted to be movable from an unextended position out of contact with a dome lid to an extended position in contact with a dome lid. Each of the right and left clamp members have downwardly extending legs having claw members extending inwardly from a lower portion thereof, and arms extending inwardly from an upper portion thereof. The arms are positioned within the upper tube, and are attached to spring means for urging the right and left arms towards each other in an unloaded condition. The spring means allows the right and/or left arms to be moved away from each other in a loaded condition.

Abstract: A wafer container, and methods of constructing a wafer container. The wafer container has an enclosure portion with at least a top, a bottom, a pair of opposing sides, a back, an open front, and a door to close the open front. The door includes a door chassis with at least a first latching mechanism. The latching mechanism has a rotatable cam member and at least one latching arm. The latching arm has a bifurcate cam follower portion that engages with the periphery of the cam member.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a vessel or pipeline closure. A closure 110 includes a hub 12 fixedly and sealingly secured to the vessel, and a cap 30 for threaded engagement with the hub 12. An anchor 122 may be fixedly secured to the hub, and a plurality of stops 132 each may be fixedly secured to a periphery of the cap 30. An end of a threaded rod 144 is attached to a selected stop, which may be a slot in the cap. A threaded collar 127 advances the threaded rod 144 axially, thereby rotating the cap 30 relative to the hub 12.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a vessel or pipeline closure. A closure 10 includes a hub 12 fixedly and sealingly secured to the vessel, and a cap 30 for threaded engagement with the hub 12. An anchor 22 may be fixedly secured to the hub and a tightening pulling stop 32 and a loosening pulling stop 132 each may be fixedly secured to the cap 30. A connector body 26 may be engaged with the anchor 22, and has a through bore 27 to accommodate a threaded rod 44. A flexible, elongate member 46 may be engaged at one end to the threaded rod 44, and selectively engaged with one of the pulling stops 32 or 132. A threaded collar 28 advances the threaded rod 44 axially, thereby rotating the cap 30 relative to the hub 12.

Abstract: A seal for a pivotally mounted door, which is arranged to close off a load area on board a ship and is provided with sealing elements around the periphery of the door and exhibits battening jacks that are caused to move to batten down the door to the deck and bulkhead or parts thereof. A sealing element pivotally supported along the top and/or bottom edge of the door is capable of actuation by a number of the battening jacks causing it to be moved into a sealing (SP) position along the top and/or bottom edge of the door against a contact surface.

Abstract: A latching mechanism that uses lubricant impregnated bearings to improve the operation, reduce the corrosion, ease the maintenance, and extend the life of the latching mechanism. The latching mechanism comprises a spindle rotatably disposed in a sleeve that is fixed to a frame (e.g., a door frame). Positioned in the annular space between the spindle and sleeve, the lubricant impregnated bearings separate dissimilar materials and provide a constant source of lubrication. To replenish the bearings, lubricant is introduced into the annular space through a channel in the spindle that communicates between an inlet opening in the end of the spindle and an outlet opening at the annular space. The lubricant impregnated bearings are grooved to enhance lubricant flow and distribution around the bearing surfaces. A shield is attached to the spindle and is disposed around the exterior of the sleeve to prevent debris from entering the annular space.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a vessel or pipeline closure such as the type used on pipeline pig launching and receiving systems, and closures on access portals for pressurized vessels. A threaded closure 10 is disclosed which may eliminate hammering on hammer-lugs to tighten or loosen the closure from the vessel, thereby improving safety, closure life expectancy and functional operation. A closure 10 according to the present invention may include a hub 12 fixedly and sealingly secured to the vessel, and a cap 30 for threaded engagement with the hub 12. An anchor 22 may be fixedly secured to the hub and a tightening pulling ear 32 and a loosening pulling ear 132 each may be fixedly secured to the cap 30.

Abstract: A latch assembly for securing a cover to a container comprises a base for mounting to the container cover adjacent to an edge thereof, a cover member secured to the base and a slider slidable between the base and cover member between a latched position wherein a portion of the slider interfits with the container and an unlatched position wherein the slider portion is disengaged from the container. A headed spring member interposed between the slider and the base interfits with holes or recesses in the slider to signal when the slider has reached its latched and unlatched positions and to releasably retain the slider at those positions.

Abstract: A latch assembly for securing a cover to a container comprises a base for mounting to the container cover adjacent to an edge thereof, a cover member secured to the base and a slider slidable between the base and cover member between a latched position wherein a portion of the slider interfits with the container and an unlatched position wherein the slider portion is disengaged from the container. A headed spring member interposed between the slider and the base interfits with openings in the slider to signal when the slider has reached its latched and unlatched positions and to releasably retain the slider at those positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a latch system and method which is rotatably engaged/disengaged. Accordingly, the preferred embodiment provides a latch actuator, disposed in a latch cup of a surface to be provided restricted movement, and a latch bolt coupled to the latch actuator such that rotational manipulation of the latch actuator results in rotational manipulation of the latch bolt. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a locking mechanism allowing controlled restriction of the rotational movement of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A latching mechanism that uses lubricant impregnated bearings to improve the operation, reduce the corrosion, ease the maintenance, and extend the life of the latching mechanism. The latching mechanism comprises a spindle rotatably disposed in a sleeve that is fixed to a frame (e.g., a door frame). Positioned in the annular space between the spindle and sleeve, the lubricant impregnated bearings separate dissimilar materials and provide a constant source of lubrication. To replenish the bearings, lubricant is introduced into the annular space through a channel in the spindle that communicates between an inlet opening in the end of the spindle and an outlet opening at the annular space. The lubricant impregnated bearings are grooved to enhance lubricant flow and distribution around the bearing surfaces. A shield is attached to the spindle and is disposed around the exterior of the sleeve to prevent debris from entering the annular space.