Abstract: A method for calculating the remaining usage time of a gas cylinder equipped with a pressure reducer, the method comprising the following steps: (a) measuring the pressure of the gas in the cylin-der; (b) calculating the variation of pressure of the gas in the cylinder over time while gas is out-putted; (c) calculating a remaining usage time Tr based on the measured pressure in the cylinder and the calculated variation of pressure. Step (c) takes into account characteristics of the pressure reducer relative to variations of its nominal flow rate along the decrease of its inlet pressure while emptying the cylinder.

Abstract: A method for calculating the remaining usage time of a gas cylinder equipped with a pressure reducer, the method comprising the following steps: (a) measuring the pressure of the gas in the cylin-der; (b) calculating the variation of pressure of the gas in the cylinder over time while gas is out-putted; (c) calculating a remaining usage time Tr based on the measured pressure in the cylinder and the calculated variation of pressure. Step (c) takes into account characteristics of the pressure reducer relative to variations of its nominal flow rate along the decrease of its inlet pressure while emptying the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an indicator (22) of the opening and/or closing status of a device controlling the flow of a fluid, such as a tap or a pressure reducer for compressed gas, comprising a sleeve-shaped support (24) to rotatably engage with a protruding portion (18) of a body of the device and from which an actuating spindle (20) extends along a longitudinal axis of said device; an indicator sleeve (26) axially sliding along the support (24); a rotor (28) to be fixed to the spindle (20) and comprising at its periphery a least one track (32) with a curved profile; and at least one track follower (30) extending radially from the indicator sleeve (26) through a longitudinal slot (242) in the support (24) and engaging with the at least one track (32).

Abstract: A tap for gas cylinder, comprising a body with an inlet, an outlet and a passage connecting the inlet with the outlet; an electronic indicator of the status of the tap and/or cylinder, the indicator being mounted on the body; a pressure sensor electrically connected to the electronic indicator and providing to the indicator the gas pressure at the inlet. The pressure sensor is mounted on the body at a location that is distinct from the mounting location of the electronic indicator. The invention is also directed to a tap assembly comprising the above tap and a cover housing the tap.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a valve actuating device comprising a body with a bore and a bottom, an actuating element sealingly housed in the bore of the body and forming a first chamber with the body, a piston sealingly extending through a bore in the actuating element, the piston and bore delimiting a second actuating chamber, a passage for an auxiliary fluid between the first and second chambers so that a movement of the piston in the bore of the actuating member can increase the pressure in the first chamber and move the actuating element. The fluid passage comprises a restriction and a check-valve, both arranged in parallel, so as to limit the flow of the auxiliary fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hand-wheel for adjusting an outlet pressure and/or a flow-rate of a tap for a gas cylinder, the hand-wheel comprising a body; and a transparent cover fixed on the body. The hand-wheel further comprises indicia arranged between the transparent cover and the body so as to be visible by a user but not in contact with the fingers of the user. The invention is also directed to a tap for gas cylinder, comprising such a hand-wheel, as well as to a tap assembly comprising such a tap and a cover housing the tap.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a protective and/or handling cover (2; 102) for a tap (26; 126) of a gas cylinder assembly (22; 122), said cover comprising a housing (4; 104) for receiving the tap (26; 126); a first handle (6; 106) located at the top of the housing (4; 104); and a second handle (8; 108) located on a rear face (28; 128) of the housing (4; 104), for handling the gas cylinder assembly (22; 122), said handle comprising a rod (8.1; 108.1) forming with a portion of the housing (4; 104) a slot (30; 130) so that said rod can be grasped and encircled through said slot by the fingers of an operator. The portion of the housing forming the slot (30; 130) forms a smooth and continuous surface (32; 132) that extends vertically so as to from a resting surface for the operator's hand.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a gauge body for a container for pressurized gas, comprising a mounting surface for mounting the body to the container; an inner side in contact with the pressurized gas when mounted on the container; an outer side opposite to the inner side with regard to the mounting surface, the outer side being outside of the container when the body is mounted on the container; an electrical lead extending in a gas tight manner through the body from the inner side to the outer side. The electrical lead comprises a metallic rod and a bushing around the rod, the bushing being mounted a gas tight manner on the body.

Abstract: A cover for a tap of a gas cylinder, the cover comprising a shell for housing the tap, the shell comprising a front area for an indicator, a wheel for adjusting the outlet pressure and/or flow rate, and/or at least one outlet connector of the tap. The front area of the shell is a part that is distinct from, and configured to be attached to, the rest of the shell.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hand-wheel for adjusting an outlet pressure and/or a flow-rate of a tap for a gas cylinder, the hand-wheel comprising a body; and a transparent cover fixed on the body. The hand-wheel further comprises indicia arranged between the transparent cover and the body so as to be visible by a user but not in contact with the fingers of the user. The invention is also directed to a tap for gas cylinder, comprising such a hand-wheel, as well as to a tap assembly comprising such a tap and a cover housing the tap.

Abstract: A gas storage assembly. The assembly comprises a gas cylinder, a tap fixed to the gas cylinder, a cover with a shell protecting and housing the tap. The shell includes a front face with a hand-wheel and connecting plugs, a rear face on the opposite of the front face, a first element, and a second element. The rear face comprises a rear opening formed in both the first element and the second element which are an upper half shell and a lower half shell respectively. A rear closure part closes the rear opening and is removably mounted to the lower half shell and to the tap. The opening provides a wide view for mounting and testing the tap when mounted to the gas cylinder.

Abstract: A tap for gas cylinder, comprising a body with an inlet, an outlet and a passage connecting the inlet with the outlet; an electronic indicator of the status of the tap and/or cylinder, the indicator being mounted on the body; a pressure sensor electrically connected to the electronic indicator and providing to the indicator the gas pressure at the inlet. The pressure sensor is mounted on the body at a location that is distinct from the mounting location of the electronic indicator. The invention is also directed to a tap assembly comprising the above tap and a cover housing the tap.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an indicator (22) of the opening and/or closing status of a device controlling the flow of a fluid, such as a tap or a pressure reducer for compressed gas, comprising a sleeve-shaped support (24) to rotatably engage with a protruding portion (18) of a body of the device and from which an actuating spindle (20) extends along a longitudinal axis of said device; an indicator sleeve (26) axially sliding along the support (24); a rotor (28) to be fixed to the spindle (20) and comprising at its periphery a least one track (32) with a curved profile; and at least one track follower (30) extending radially from the indicator sleeve (26) through a longitudinal slot (242) in the support (24) and engaging with the at least one track (32).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a closing member of a valve, for example of a gas valve, comprising a body generally circular around a longitudinal axis and with a shoulder, a rubber seal packing disposed around the body on the shoulder and a sleeve disposed around the seal packing and the shoulder. The body comprises a longitudinally extending surface adjacent the shoulder and receiving the seal packing, the surface comprising at least one recess filled by the seal packing.

Abstract: A device for regulating the pressure and/or flow of pressurized gas, comprising a body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas passage connecting the outlet with the inlet, a pressure reducer and a flow selector arranged downstream of the pressure reducer, a hand-wheel rotatably mounted on the body and cooperating with the flow selector for adjusting the flow, and a pressure indicator located at the center of the hand-wheel. The device comprises also a shaft rigidly fixed to the body and rotatably bearing the hand-wheel, the shaft supporting the pressure reducer and comprising a gas channel fluidly connected to the gas passage in the body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cover (4) for a tap of a gas cylinder (6), comprising a shell (7, 8) for housing the tap; and a hook (12) pivotally mounted on the shell (8), configured for securing the gas cylinder (6) to a horizontal bar (28). The shell (8) comprises reservations (30) on its external surface configured for receiving the hook (12) in a folded position so as to generally conform to said external surface. The invention is also directed to a gas storage assembly comprising a gas cylinder (6), a tap and a cover (4).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a gauge body for a container for pressurized gas, comprising a mounting surface for mounting the body to the container; an inner side in contact with the pressurized gas when mounted on the container; an outer side opposite to the inner side with regard to the mounting surface, the outer side being outside of the container when the body is mounted on the container; an electrical lead extending in a gas tight manner through the body from the inner side to the outer side. The electrical lead comprises a metallic rod and a bushing around the rod, the bushing being mounted a gas tight manner on the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for regulating the flow rate and/or pressure of a fluid, such as valve for a pressure gas cylinder, comprising a reducing valve including a first plug designed to be moved in the normal flow direction of the fluid during closure. The reducing valve also comprises a plunger to which the plug is coupled. The face of the plunger that is oriented towards the first plug defines a regulation chamber together with the body. The aforementioned face also comprises a seal that engages with a corresponding surface of the body such as to form a second plug for maintaining residual pressure. The regulation device also comprises a means for preloading and releasing a spring acting on the opposite face of the plunger.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a valve actuating device comprising a body with a bore and a bottom, an actuating element sealingly housed in the bore of the body and forming a first chamber with the body, a piston sealingly extending through a bore in the actuating element, the piston and bore delimiting a second actuating chamber, a passage for an auxiliary fluid between the first and second chambers so that a movement of the piston in the bore of the actuating member can increase the pressure in the first chamber and move the actuating element. The fluid passage comprises a restriction and a check-valve, both arranged in parallel, so as to limit the flow of the auxiliary fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a valve for gas under pressure, for example at temperatures below ?100° C., comprising a body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a passage connecting the inlet with the outlet; a shut-off device for closing the gas passage; a spindle designed for operating the shut-off device; and at least one gasket between the spindle and the body. The valve further comprises at least one cavity around the spindle for accumulating particles separated from the at least one gasket while operating the spindle and the shut-off device, for example at temperatures below ?100° C.