Abstract: Method of manufacturing an accumulator device including a shell portion having an open mouth and a cap member affixed over the open mouth after a bladder assembly has been secured within the shell portion of the pressure vessel. The method comprises in the provision of an exterior annular weld connecting the cap member to the outer wall portion of the vessel as well as an interior weld connection between the interior wall portion of the cap member and the upwardly directed end edge of the mouth of the pressure vessel. By locating the metallic skirt member which functions to support the bladder such that the top of the skirt forms a dam for containing the weld which secures the cap member interior to the uppermost edge of the pressure vessel, the possibility of weld fragments falling into the bladder causing damage to the latter is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic accumulator and particularly to a low cost pressure accumulator having improved life cycle and operating characteristics. More particularly, the invention pertains to a hydraulic accumulator wherein means are provided for prolonging the bladder life and effecting an improved seal at the oil port end of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an accumulator device and method of making the same. The pressure vessel in accordance with the invention includes a shell portion having an open mouth and a cap member affixed over the open mouth after a bladder assembly has been secured within the shell portion of the pressure vessel. A characterizing feature of the invention resides in the provision of an exterior annular weld connecting the cap member to the outer wall portion of the vessel as well as an interior weld connection between the interior wall portion of the cap member and the upwardly directed end edge of the mouth of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A pressure vessel comprises a rigid envelope enclosing a chamber and consisting of a body and cover, the rim of the cover being inserted in the rim of the body, and the body and cover being secured to each other. Defined between the overlapping rims is an annular groove adapted to receive a flange at the periphery of a circular flexible diaphragm, which serves to divide the chamber into two compartments of variable volume. There is a fluid orifice in both the body and cover, the two orifices being axially alinged and communicating one with each variable-volume compartment. To ensure a good seal between the compartments, and to enhance retention of the flange in the groove, the annular groove is of less height and greater width than the flange on the diaphragm, before the flange is sandwiched into the groove between the rims of the cover and body, so that the flange is deformed into the groove, when the cover is assembled on the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydropneumatic accumulator comprising a pressure vessel or casing having a cylindrical bore, a cylindrical container closed at both ends slidably mounted within said bore, the container having restricted flow passages communicating the bore of the casing to the interior of the container, and an expansible bladder member disposed within the container adapted to separate the container into two chambers communicating, respectively, with the bore of the casing and a gas input orifice in the end of the container external of the casing.