Patents Assigned to BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
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Patent number: 8517041Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure relief devices and to corresponding pressure relief assemblies that have improved vacuum resistance, improved fragmentation resistance, and/or improved burst control while maintaining low mass. The pressure relief device includes a substantially flat flange section and a domed section. The domed section may include a transitional line that defines a change in the shape of the domed section. The pressure relief device may also include a bracket for securing or aligning a domed section to a flange section. The pressure relief device may further include a stress distribution feature that is disposed transversely to a line of weakness in the domed section. The pressure relief assembly may include a fastener having a wire that is configured to break and release the pressure relief device when subject to a predetermined tensile load.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen P. Farwell, Gregory P. Klein, Geoffrey C. Brazier, Gary M. Plunkett
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Patent number: 7784482Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure relief devices and to corresponding pressure relief assemblies that have improved vacuum resistance, improved fragmentation resistance, and/or improved burst control while maintaining low mass. The pressure relief device includes a substantially flat flange section and a domed section. The domed section may include a transitional line that defines a change in the shape of the domed section. The pressure relief device may also include a bracket for securing or aligning a domed section to a flange section. The pressure relief device may further include a stress distribution feature that is disposed transversely to a line of weakness in the domed section. The pressure relief assembly may include a fastener having a wire that is configured to break and release the pressure relief device when subject to a predetermined tensile load.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen P. Farwell, Gregory P. Klein, Geoffrey C. Brazier, Gary M. Plunkett
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Patent number: 6843098Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, John P. Clark, III, John E. Smallwood
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Patent number: 6792964Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure relief devices and to corresponding pressure relief assemblies that have improved vacuum resistance, improved fragmentation resistance, and/or improved burst control while maintaining low mass. The pressure relief device includes a substantially flat flange section and a domed section. The domed section may include a transitional line that defines a change in the shape of the domed section. The pressure relief device may also include a bracket for securing or aligning a domed section to a flange section. The pressure relief device may further include a stress distribution feature that is disposed transversely to a line of weakness in the domed section. The pressure relief assembly may include a fastener having a wire that is configured to break and release the pressure relief device when subject to a predetermined tensile load.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen P. Farwell, Gregory P. Klein, Geoffrey C. Brazier, Gary M. Plunkett
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Publication number: 20040055384Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, John P. Clark, John E. Smallwood
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Patent number: 6598454Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, John P. Clark, III, John E. Smallwood
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Patent number: 6494074Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donall Cullinane, John Daly, Stephen Farwell, Greg Klein, Barry Lowe, Mitch Rooker, John Tomasko, Geof Brazier
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Patent number: 6491055Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam, Michael Hitz
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Patent number: 6488044Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam, Michael Hitz
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Patent number: 6484742Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: BS & B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam
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Patent number: 6446653Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donall Cullinane, John Daly, Stephen Farwell, Greg Klein, Barry Lowe, Mitch Rooker, John Tomasko, Geof Brazier
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Patent number: 6446654Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, Greg Klein, John Nguyen
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Patent number: 6431196Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arnold Mundt
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Patent number: 6367498Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam, Michael Hitz
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Publication number: 20010052358Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Applicant: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donall Cullinane, John Daly, Stephen Farwell, Greg Klein, Barry Lowe, Mitch Rooker, John Tomasko, Geof Brazier
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Patent number: 6321582Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donall Cullinane, John Daly, Stephen Farwell, Greg Klein, Barry Lowe, Mitch Rooker, John Tomasko, Geof Brazier
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Patent number: 6321771Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, Greg Klein, John Nguyen
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Patent number: 6192914Abstract: The present invention provides an improved rupture disk apparatus and manufacturing method. The apparatus includes a rupture disk having at least one area of weakness formed by the displacement of material through a partial shearing motion. The weakened area is capable of withstanding pressure cycling because the rupture disk flange acts to support the weakened area during use. The apparatus further includes a safety member adjacent to the rupture disk on the outlet side to ensure opening, the safety member having at least one rupture-initiating, stress-concentrating point positioned to contact the rupture disk weakened area.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventor: Stephen P. Farwell
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Patent number: 6178983Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly for a pressure relief system is disclosed. The rupture disk assembly is sealed between an inlet support member and an outlet support member, each of which define a central fluid pathway. A rupture disk that includes a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area is sealed between the support members. The rupturable portion may include an indentation positioned at the apex of the dome and a score line having a first and a second end. A safety member that has a hinge including a knuckle and a tongue is positioned between the rupture disk and the outlet support member. The knuckle extends downwardly into the dome and extends laterally across the dome to a point that is inside the area circumscribed by the score line or inside the area circumscribed by an arc connecting the two ends of the score line.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donall Culliinane, John Daly, Stephen Farwell, Barry Lowe, Mitch Rooker, John Tomasko
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Patent number: 6098495Abstract: Rotatable valve assembly includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably mounting a valve in a housing. The mounting mechanism includes a shaft having an outside end extending through the housing. A conversion mechanism converts fluid pressure in the housing into torque exerted on the shaft. A release mechanism is located outside the housing for preventing rotation of the shaft and valve when the torque exerted on the shaft is below a selected magnitude. A linearizing mechanism converts the forces exerted on the release mechanism by the shaft into a linear force. The release mechanism allows the shaft to rotate when the torque exerted on the shaft and the linear force exerted on the release mechanism exceeds a selected magnitude. A seal is provided for sealing the gap between the valve and the housing in the closed position of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Zhenggang Wang, John A. Tomasko, Stephen P. Farwell