Abstract: A multiple-dome, scored rupture disc presents opposing first and second disc faces, and is provided with a circular, central region and a flat annular flange surrounding the central region. An arcuate line of weakness is formed in the disc circumscribing the central area except for a portion of the circumference of the central area defining a hinge about which the central region pivots upon rupture. The central region is divided by a diametrical ridge into two side-by-side semicircular halves within which the disc is bulged to form a plurality of separate concavo-convex bulges in the body.

Abstract: A fire or explosion suppression system provided with a source of pressurized suppressant and an apertured release suppressant nozzle which extends into the area protected by the system is provided with a cover unit which prevents the nozzle from becoming clogged or impeded by solid materials present in the protected zone. The cover unit that envelops the nozzle is of elastomeric material and has four internal grooves defining lines of weakness which present a cross-pattern. Upon release of the suppressant, the cover unit ruptures along the lines of weakness whereby the petal-shaped areas of the unit defined by the grooves open up for free flow of suppressant therepast.

Abstract: A seat assembly (28) for a valve member (20) includes a seat carrier (40) defining a pocket to receive a rigid seat ring (42). The outer peripheral surface (56) of the rigid seat ring (42) is spaced radially from the inner peripheral surface (45) of the seat carrier (40) to define a radial clearance therebetween of at least around 0.001 inch per inch of flow passage diameter. The sealing surface (58) of the seat ring (42) extends at 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the flow passage and the flexing and expansion of rigid seat ring (42) when the valve member (20) is moved to closed position permit the seat ring (42) to conform to irregularities in the adjacent mating sealing surface.

Abstract: Rupture disc bulkhead structure for use in a multi-stage rocket motor for missiles or the like wherein the disc is supported by a multiple apertured backup member. The disc has a series of bulges which define dimples that conform to the configuration of the apertures in the backup member. Bulging of the disc is carried out under a pressure exceeding that of the withstand pressure of the supported disc. Score lines in the disc aligned with the support segments of the apertured backup member permit the disc to rupture and open at a pressure significantly lower than the back pressure withstand value. The construction provides bulkhead structure which will withstand back pressures in the range of 2,000 to 10,000 static psig yet fully open in a forward direction at a static pressure of no more than about 100 to 400 psig.

Abstract: A fluid pressure relief assembly for a system operating under an elevated pressure includes a support structure having means defining a bore therethrough of desired cross-sectional configuration, the support structure being provided with a shoulder extending transversely into the bore and presenting a peripheral abutment surface which divides the bore into a first zone an a second zone. The assembly further includes a bidirectional relief means having a central frangible section, and means mounting the relief means across the bore of the support structure in normal flow blocking relationship thereto. A peripheral portion of the central frangible section is disposed to engage the shoulder for support thereby. The central portion of the frangible section within the innermost margin of the shoulder is constructed to undergo rupture only when the pressue in the first zone exceeds the pressure in the second zone by a preselected first magnitude.

Abstract: An environmental detection system particularly useful for fire detection and suppression is provided which ensures high reliability in operation and high reliability in preventing false operation. The preferred system includes a microprocessor-based, software-governed, control panel connected to one or more detector loops. Each loop includes a plurality of parallel-coupled, addressable detectors which send analog signals to the control panel representative of an environmental parameter such as smoke obscuration along with reference and identification signals. The preferred system provides automatic calibration and test of the detectors, automatic testing under load of the backup batteries, flexibility in defining the protective scheme, and storage of history information concerning system alarms and troubles. The preferred system also verifies alarm conditions before actuating an alarm or discharging a fire suppressant.

Abstract: A ball valve (10) has a stem (28) to rotate a ball member (20) with a lower key or lug (29) received within a slot or opening (26) forming a keyway in the ball member (20). As shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3, relieved or cutaway surfaces (52, 54, 56) are provided between lug (29) and the outer spherical surface (24) of ball member (20) so that a torque exerted by rotation of the stem (28) contacts surfaces (34, 36) of the slot (26) along opposed corners (48) which are spaced a distance T1 from the outer spherical surface (24) of ball valve member (20) thereby removing or minimizing any stress concentrations adjacent outer spherical surface (24).

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a sudden rise in pressure of a source thereof is disclosed which is especially useful for activating explosion suppression or isolation equipment by virtue of the fact that the apparatus is capable of detecting a sudden, incipient rise in pressure in a containment system which could result in a destructive overpressure in the system. The sudden pressure detection apparatus is provided with a housing having a pair of opposed passages defining fluid inlets closed with deflectable diaphragm means interconnected by a rod assembly having means thereon for operating a switch which controls activation of the suppression or isolation equipment. One of the housing inlets is adapted to be coupled to the source of system pressure. A pressure equalization conduit extends between and intercommunicates the housing passages to equalize the pressure on the diaphragm means.

Abstract: An environmental detection system particularly useful for fire detection and suppression is provided which ensures high reliability in operation and high reliability in preventing false operation. The preferred system includes a microprocessor-based, software-governed, control panel connected to one or more detector loops. Each loop includes a plurality of parallel-coupled, addressable detectors which send analog signals to the control panel representative of an environmental parameter such as smoke obscuration along with reference and identification signals. The preferred system provides automatic calibration and test of the detectors, automatic testing under load of the backup batteries, flexibility in defining the protective scheme, and storage of history information concerning system alarms and troubles. The preferred system also verifies alarm conditions before actuating an alarm or discharging a fire suppressant.

Abstract: An environmental detection system particularly useful for fire detection and suppression is provided which ensures high reliability in operation and high reliability in preventing false operation. The preferred system includes a microprocessor-based, software-governed, control panel connected to one or more detector loops. Each loop includes a plurality of parallel-coupled, addressable detectors which send analog signals to the control panel representative of an environmental parameter such as smoke obscuration along with reference and identification signals. The preferred system provides automatic calibration and test of the detectors, automatic testing under load of the backup batteries, flexibility in defining the protective scheme, and storage of history information concerning system alarms, and troubles. The preferred system also verifies alarm conditions before actuating an alarm or discharging a fire suppressant.

Abstract: An environmental detection system particularly useful for fire detection and suppression is provided which ensures high reliability in operation and high reliability in preventing false operation. The preferred system includes a microprocessor-based, software-governed, control panel connected to one or more detector loops. Each loop includes a plurality of parallel-coupled, addressable detectors which send analog signals to the control panel representative of an environmental parameter such as smoke obscuration along with reference and identification signals. The preferred system provides automatic calibration and test of the detectors, automatic testing under load of the backup batteries, flexibility in defining the protective scheme, and storage of history information concerning system alarms and troubles. The preferred system also verifies alarm conditions before actuating an alarm or discharging a fire suppressant.

Abstract: A differential fire and explosioin protection system is for a containment enclosure which receives pneumatically conveyed process air containing a combustible media. A pair of temperature sensors located in opposed relationship in the outlet duct of containment enclosure are responsive to changes in the outflow temperature at different rates. One temperature sensor has a thin metallic sheathed probe, while the other sensor is provided with a relatively thick wall sleeve in surrounding relationship to the probe. Control means connected to the temperature sensors is adapted to activate fire and/or explosion suppression or isolation equipment in response to a predetermined differential in temperature as sensed by the sensors during a certain time interval.

Abstract: A ball valve (10) has a stem (36) and a packing (82) about the stem (36). A spring (85) comprises a plurality of Belleville washers (86) biased between the upper cover plate (72) and the packing (82) for exerting a compressive loading against follower (84) and packing (82) for sealing against the stem (36). The upper plate (72) has an enlarged diameter bore portion (76) adjacent the valve body portion (12) and Belleville washers (86) including a load transmitting ring (88) over the Belleville washers (86) are received within the enlarged diameter bore portion (76). Manual threaded adjusting screws (94) extend through the upper plate (72) and have inner ends in abutting contact with the load transmitting ring (88) to restore a compressive loading thereon if the Belleville washers (86) lose their capability to apply a sufficient compressive loading against the packing (82).

Abstract: A suppressant delivery and release nozzle structure is disclosed for an explosion protection system. The nozzle is a reducing elbow, concentric or eccentric mounting a rupture disc at its small end. A selectively actuatable detonator housed in the nozzle adjacent the disc permits substantially instantaneous opening of the disc upon command for release and delivery of suppressant to a zone to be protected from an explosion hazard. The configuration of the nozzle assures unimpeded discharge of suppressant from the system in a minimum of time without significant two-phase flow. The nozzle is equally adaptable for liquid or powdered suppressant compositions.

Abstract: An environmental detection system particularly useful for fire detection and suppression is provided which ensures high reliability in operation and high reliability in preventing false operation. The preferred system includes a microprocessor-based, software-governed, control panel connected to one or more detector loops. Each loop includes a plurality of parallel-coupled, addressable detectors which send analog signals to the control panel representative of an environmental parameter such as smoke obscuration along with reference and identification signals. The preferred system provides automatic calibration and test of the detectors, automatic testing under load of the backup batteries, flexibility in defining the protective scheme, and storage of history information concerning system alarms and troubles. The preferred system also verifies alarm conditions before actuating an alarm or discharging a fire suppressant.

Abstract: A backflash interrupter device is provided which can be placed in-line in a run of pipe, duct, or the like for preventing a pressure wave and any subsequent flame front traveling along the run from passing beyond the device. The preferred backflash interrupter device includes a chamber base and a vent cap cooperatively defining a transfer chamber with at least two fluid-conducting members coupled therewith with the distal ends thereof configured for coupling with respective terminal ends of portions of the run of pipe, duct, or the like.

Abstract: A versatile, economical, and structurally simple annunciator for use with a fire detection system or the like is provided which requires only a single connection with the detection system, which can be configured as desired, and which allows additional annunciators to be connected thereto. The preferred annunciator is particularly suited for use with a detection system producing data signals representative of abnormal conditions such as fire, unauthorized entry, or the like. The preferred annunciator includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes arranged in a graphic representation of the protected area and a signal processor coupled with the light-emitting diodes for receiving and processing the data signals and for selectively actuating the light-emitting diodes in response thereto according to configuration data stored in memory. The data signals are preferably optical signals transmitted over a fiber optical cable.

Abstract: An exercise monitoring system and method for comparing the present movement of the exercise machine caused by the physical exertion of a user with the user's past movement of the exercise machine. The system includes an exercise monitoring main unit, an exercise monitoring screen, a portable personal memory module, an exercise machine monitoring device, and an exercise monitoring analyzer. The exercise machine monitoring device measures the movement of the exercise machine and provides data representative thereof. The portable personal memory provides data representative of the user's past movement of the exercise machine. The exercise monitoring main unit compares the data and generates a pacing signal on the exercise monitoring screen for the user. The user follows the pacing signal to duplicate his previous performance. The exercise monitoring screen discipline the user's present pace compared to his past pace.

Abstract: A hygienic pressure relief panel unit is provided which reliably ruptures at a predetermined pressure in order to prevent buildup of dangerous pressure within protected structure such as a vessel or the like defining an enclosed space, which prevents media passage therethrough before rupture, and which presents a sanitary, easily cleanable surface toward the vessel interior in order to inhibit accumulation of food particles, dust, or the like. The preferred panel unit includes a slotted stainless steel panel with the slots configured as a line of weakness for separation at a predetermined pressure, a sheet of PTFE material prepared on one side thereof to present an adhesive bonding surface, and an adhesive coupling the sheet and the panel, whereby the panel unit can be placed in a covering relationship with the vent opening of the protected structured in order to present the outer face of the PTFE sheet toward the vessel interior.

Abstract: An exercise monitoring system and method for comparing the present movement of the exercise machine caused by the physical exertion of a user with the user's past movement of the exercise machine. The system includes an exercise monitoring main unit, an exercise monitoring screen, a portable personal memory module, an exercise machine monitor, and an exercise monitoring analyzer. The exercise machine monitor measures the movement of the exercise machine and provides data representative thereof. The portable personal memory provides data representative of the user's past movement of the exercise machine. The exercise monitoring main unit compares the data and generates a pacing signal on the exercise monitoring screen for the user. The user follows the pacing signal to duplicate his previous performance. The exercise monitoring screen discipline the user's present pace compared to his past pace.