Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for compressed fluid vessel monitoring can permit a user to more easily order replacement vessels, monitor use, monitor inventory and return empty vessels. Embodiments can utilize a collar connectable to a vessel to help facilitate such functionality. The collar can be adapted to transmit signals to a data processing system. The data processing system can be adapted to permit a user to track the location and fill status of the vessel as well as order a replacement vessel and disposal or return of an empty vessel. Instrumented vessels can also convey sensor data to help identify a leak condition or other condition of the vessel. In some embodiments, the data processing system can be adapted for integration into a user's inventory system and/or purchasing system as well as a supplier's system to facilitate communications concerning vessel fill status, reorder, and/or vessel return.

Abstract: There is provided a protection structure for a gas cylinder assembly comprising a gas cylinder body and a valve. The gas cylinder body includes a base and a neck to which a proximal end of the valve is connectable in use. The protection structure comprises first and second structural sections, the first section being connectable to the valve such that the second section is spaced from the valve by the first section. Further, in use, the second section is arranged to transfer impact forces to the first section, and the second section is arranged to deform with respect to the second section in response to said impact forces to reduce the peak impact force on the valve.

Abstract: A pressure regulator comprising a housing having an inlet in communication with a gas source, an outlet operable to supply a gas at a given pressure and flow rate, a conduit extending between the inlet and the outlet, a restriction device located in the conduit and positionable to control the flow of gas therethrough, a biasing arrangement to apply a predetermined bias to the restriction device and a selection device operable to select one of a predetermined plurality of discrete, offset configurations of the biasing arrangement and restriction device to provide a discrete selection of gas pressures at said outlet. The outlet comprises a fixed-size orifice selected from a specific group of fixed-sized orifices such that the combination of orifice and selectable position of said selection device provide a group of discrete flow rate/pressure combinations to applications downstream of said outlet.

Abstract: A pressure regulator comprising a housing having an inlet in communication with a gas source, an outlet operable to supply a gas at a given pressure and flow rate, a conduit extending between the inlet and the outlet, a restriction device located in the conduit and positionable to control the flow of gas therethrough, a biasing arrangement to apply a predetermined bias to the restriction device and a selection device operable to select one of a predetermined plurality of discrete, offset configurations of the biasing arrangement and restriction device to provide a discrete selection of gas pressures at said outlet. The outlet comprises a fixed-size orifice selected from a specific group of fixed-sized orifices such that the combination of orifice and selectable position of said selection device provide a group of discrete flow rate/pressure combinations to applications downstream of said outlet.

Abstract: There is provided a protection structure for a gas cylinder assembly comprising a gas cylinder body and a valve. The gas cylinder body includes a base and a neck to which a proximal end of the valve is connectable in use. The protection structure comprises first and second structural sections, the first section being connectable to the valve such that the second section is spaced from the valve by the first section. Further, in use, the second section is arranged to transfer impact forces to the first section, and the second section is arranged to deform with respect to the second section in response to said impact forces to reduce the peak impact force on the valve.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas heater for connection to a heat source and a pressurized gas source, the gas heater comprising: a jacket having an inlet and an outlet and defining a cavity there between; a porous heat exchanger extender within said cavity, and means for providing heat to said heat exchanger along the length thereof. The invention also provides a gas supply apparatus and a method of providing gas.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas heater for connection to a heat source and a pressurised gas source, the gas heater comprising: a jacket having an inlet and an outlet and defining a cavity there between; a porous heat exchanger extender within said cavity, and means for providing heat to said heat exchanger along the length thereof. The invention also provides a gas supply apparatus and a method of providing gas.

Abstract: An exterior impact and abrasion resistant protective coating (14) is provided on the surface of the vessel (12) having information (16, 18, 20) provided on the exterior surface thereof to form a container (10) for storing and dispensing gas under pressure. The coating (14) is sufficiently transparent such that said information (16, 18, 20) is visible through the coating (14). One advantage of the invention is that any labels (16, 18, 20) on which the information is provided are protected against abrasion and other damage that would otherwise obscure the information thereby reducing the frequency with which the labels (16, 18, 20) need to be replaced.