Abstract: A two-way pressure relief assembly includes a disk having a peripheral flange for clamping the disk between inlet and outlet clamps in a passageway. The inlet side of the disk has a selected inlet relief pressure which will cause the flange and disk to pull out from between the inlet and outlet clamps and move toward the outlet side. The outlet side of the disk has an outlet relief pressure which will cause the flange and disk to pull out from between the inlet and outlet clamps and move toward the inlet side. A pressure support may be clamped between the disk flange and the inlet clamp for increasing the outlet relief pressure to a selected magnitude. The open center of the pressure support may be enlarged to decrease the outlet relief pressure or reduced to increase the outlet relief pressure. Support members may be extended across the central portion of the pressure support for increasing the outlet relief pressure. Inlet and outlet gaskets may be provided on the corresponding sides of the disk.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A stake assembly includes a spike having a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis of the stake. A flange is connected at the second end of the spike and extends laterally therefrom, the upper surface of the flange forming the axially and extremity of the second end of the spike. A receptacle is recessed axially into the flange and second end of the spike. A resilient fastening member, such as a coiled spring, has a first end connected in the receptacle between the flange and the first end of the spike and a second end extending out of the receptacle beyond the upper surface of the flange. A tether or leash may be fastened to the second end of the resilient fastening member.

Abstract: Rotatable valve assembly includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably mounting the valve in a housing, the mounting mechanism including 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. The release mechanism allows the shaft to rotate when the torque exerted on the shaft exceeds a selected magnitude. A seal is provided for sealing the gap between the housing and the valve in the closed position. The seal has a first portion secured to the housing on a first side of the rotational axis of the valve, a second portion secured to the valve on a second side of the rotational axis, a first transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis, and a second transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An inverting, rupturable, pressure relieving apparatus includes a structure having a wall for containing pressurized fluid and an asymmetrical indentation in the wall. The indentation has a base connecting the indentation to the wall, a protuberant side for contacting the pressurized fluid, a recessed side opposite the protuberant side, and an axis about perpendicular to the base and extending through the center of the indentation at the base. The asymmetry of the indentation creates an inversion initiation face in the indentation having a smaller angle with the base and less resistance to inversion than the remainder of the indentation.

Abstract: Rotatable valve assembly includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably mounting the valve in a housing, the mounting mechanism including 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. The release mechanism allows the shaft to rotate when the torque exerted on the shaft exceeds a selected magnitude. A seal is provided for sealing the gap between the housing and the valve in the closed position. The seal has a first portion secured to the housing on a first side of the rotational axis of the valve, a second portion secured to the valve on a second side of the rotational axis, a first transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis, and a second transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis.

Abstract: Vacuum support and rupture disk assembly in which the vacuum support member does not restrict flow through the rupture disk includes a rupture disk having opposite faces defining a plane and a blow-out portion of selected planar dimension; a vacuum support member positionable adjacent a face of the rupture disk and being smaller in planar dimension than the blow-out portion; and a retainer for holding the vacuum support member adjacent the face of the rupture disk and restraining motion of the vacuum support member in all directions except through the rupture disk in such a manner than the entire vacuum support will pass through the blow-out portion if the rupture disk ruptures.

Abstract: An inverting, rupturable, pressure relieving apparatus includes a structure having a wall for containing pressurized fluid and an asymmetrical indentation in the wall. The indentation has a base connecting the indentation to the wall, a protuberant side for contacting the pressurized fluid, a recessed side opposite the protuberant side, and an axis about perpendicular to the base and extending through the center of the indentation at the base. The asymmetry of the indentation creates an inversion initiation face in the indentation having a smaller angle with the base and less resistance to inversion than the remainder of the indentation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure surge resistant rupture disk assembly adapted to be sealingly clamped across a pressurized fluid containing passageway. The assembly basically comprises first and second rupture members having predetermined rupture pressures and means disposed between the first and second rupture members for providing a space for containing pressurized fluid within the assembly and for supporting the second rupture member against the first rupture member during a momentary pressure surge. The second rupture member faces the pressurized fluid and has at least one opening therein for allowing a restricted pressurized fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure surge resistant rupture disk assembly adapted to be sealingly clamped across a pressurized fluid containing passageway. The assembly basically comprises first and second rupture members having predetermined rupture pressures, the second rupture member facing the pressurized fluid and having a predetermined rupture pressure equal to or lower than the rupture pressure of the first rupture member. At least one opening is provided in the second rupture member for allowing a restricted pressurized fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: Nonfragmenting rupture disk assemblies and methods are provided. The assemblies basically comprise an inlet rupture disk supporting member for communicating fluid pressure to said rupture disk, an outlet rupture disk supporting member including a pressure relieving fluid flow passageway therethrough, a rupture disk sealingly clamped between the inlet and outlet supporting members which forms a hinged blow-out portion that is folded into the outlet supporting member upon pressure relieving rupture and fluid flow through the ruptured disk, and catching means disposed in the outlet supporting member for catching the leading edge of the blow-out portion as it is folded into the outlet supporting member thereby preventing fragmentation of the blow-out portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure surge resistant rupture disk assembly adapted to be sealingly clamped across a pressurized fluid containing passageway. The assembly basically comprises first and second rupture members having predetermined rupture pressures, the second rupture member facing the pressurized fluid and having a predetermined rupture pressure equal to or lower than the rupture pressure of the first rupture member. At least one opening is provided in the second rupture member for allowing a restricted pressurized fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: An improved pressure relieving rupture disk assembly is provided which includes a rupture disk having at least one perforation therein. The perforation at least partially defines a blow-out part in the rupture disk which opens and relieves pressure therethrough when the perforation is sealed and a pressure differential of predetermined magnitude is exerted on the rupture disk. A sealing member is positioned over the perforation in the rupture disk for sealing the perforation when a pressure differential is exerted on the rupture disk.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing fragmentation of a rupture disk during pressure relieving rupture and fluid flow through the ruptured disk includes a rupture control assembly for rupturing the disk into a petal having a body and a base for retaining the petal to the rupture disk; protrusions extending from opposite sides of a housing adjacent the rupture disk for retarding motion of generally opposed edges of the petal as the petal is forced away from the ruptured disk and thereby bending the body of the petal into a channel shape; and a protuberance in general alignment with and spaced away from the base of the petal for impacting the channel-shaped body of the petal as the petal is forced away from the rupture disk and converting the kinetic energy of the petal into deformation of the channel-shaped body in order to prevent severance of the base of the petal from the rupture disk.

Abstract: A flash gas venting and flame arresting apparatus for preventing damage to a closed vessel or system by flash gas formed therein. The apparatus generally includes a pressure responsive valve means for venting the flash gas and a flame arresting receptacle connected to the valve means including an elongated housing having an inlet end, sides having a plurality of flash gas exit ports therein and a closed opposite end.

Abstract: An improved scored reverse buckling rupture disk assembly is provided. The assembly includes a reverse buckling rupture disk having one or more scores on a surface thereof forming lines of weakness which define a blow-out portion connected by a hinge area in the rupture disk. An annular rupture disk support member is positioned adjacent the concave side of the rupture disk, and a supporting member for preventing the blow-out portion from fragmenting or tearing away from the rupture disk at the hinge thereof is disposed within the concave recess in the rupture disk.

Abstract: An ultra low pressure flow sensor consisting of a support gasket defining a flow way and having a thin, pliable membrane extending thereacross with right angle slits formed totally across the flow way portion. An electrical conductor strip is then bonded across each pair of opposing quadrants of the membrane in continuous connection to an electrical indicator circuit. The conductor strip across each pair of membranes is centrally notched to a preselected depth of cut thereby to adjust the flow pressure break strength.

Abstract: An improved replaceable carbon rupture disk element and element-holder assembly are provided. The carbon rupture disk element is comprised of a carbon disk having a pair of opposing bores extending thereinto whereby an integral blow-out portion having a particular rupture pressure is formed in the disk connected to an enlarged rim portion. A reinforcing ring is attached to the rim of the carbon disk having a height substantially equal to or greater than the height of the enlarged rim portion of the disk which prevents the rim portion from being subjected to compressive forces which change the rupture pressure of the blow-out portion.