Abstract: A gas dispensing assembly suitable for use in combination with an interchangeable high pressure gas supply vessel. The gas dispensing assembly includes a regulator means comprising a housing having a passageway therethrough, and a check valve-gas flow regulator positioned in the passageway of housing. The check valve is operable so as to block any gas flow above a predetermined pressure through the passageway of the housing. The gas flow regulator controlling the rate and/or the pressure of the gas exiting from the regulator means. There is an outlet demand valve means comprising a housing having a passageway therethrough, the housing being detachably connectable to the interchangeable high pressure gas supply vessel, and to the other end of the housing of the regulator means, a chamber being formed between such housing and the regulator housing, the height of the chamber being variable by adjusting the distance between the housings, and an outlet demand valve positioned in the passageway of the housing.

Abstract: A gas dispensing assembly suitable for use in combination with an interchangeable high pressure gas supply vessel. The gas dispensing assembly includes a regulator means having a housing with a passageway and a check valve-gas flow regulator positioned in the housing passageway. The check valve is operable so as to block any gas flow above a predetermined pressure through the housing passageway from one end to the other end of the housing. The gas flow regulator controls the rate and/or pressure of the gas exiting from the regulator. The outlet demand valve has a housing with a passageway therethrough. Such housing is detachably connectable to the interchangeable high pressure gas supply vessel and to the other end of the regulator housing. A chamber is formed between such housing and the regulator housing. The height of the chamber is variable by adjusting the distance between both housings. An outlet demand valve is positioned in the housing passageway.

Abstract: A replaceable, non-refillable or single use valve for returnable, pressurized gas cylinders. The valve includes a valve housing removably mounted on the cylinder and a replaceable valve cartridge removably mounted in the valve housing. The valve cartridge includes a housing and a valve body movable in the housing movable by means of a handle to allow and prevent release of pressurized gas from the cylinder. A nozzle, which slidably fits in a vertical slot in the valve housing, is provided for venting pressurized gas from the cylinder.

Abstract: Piercing surge regulator valve for use with a liquid-carrying member. There is a valve body adapted to be connected to the fluid-carrying member in a sealing manner. The valve body comprises a housing and a housing fitting inside of the housing, the housing and housing fitting being movable in relation to each other. There is a bore in the valve body. There is also a container containing a flexible diaphragm therein so as to divide the container into two chambers, one chamber adapted to contain pressurized gas and the other chamber adapted to contain pressurized liquid, the container having a hole whereby the pressurized-liquid chamber communicates with the bore. A piercing element is present in the bore and has a passage therethrough. The housing fitting engages the piercing element, movement of the housing fitting inwardly in relation to the housing causing the piercing element to move in the direction toward the liquid-carrying member.

Abstract: A packless non-refillable valve which incorporates a diaphragm.

Abstract: The selective corrosion of a pressure vessel is facilitated to reduce the adverse consequences of a corrosion induced vessel wall rupture. A corrosion resistant coating is applied to the pressure vessel except in a region within the bounds of a restrictor located within the vessel. The region may have a reduced wall thickness. An accelerant material may be applied to the region to facilitate corrosion. Any corrosion induced rupture will occur in the region, and the pressure release due to rupture of the vessel wall will be controlled by the restrictor.

Abstract: An automated system for charging container with a liquefied refrigerant gas or like fluid employs a fill head assembly which is adapted to be controllably lowered onto the container. The fill head has a vacuum source assembly which connects with a low pressure source and a fluid supply source which connects with a source of pressurized fluid. A fluid passageway selectively communicates with the low pressure source and the pressurized fluid source. The fill head may be released so that fill head essentially rests on the container which is being filled and the container is automatically sequentially evacuated and filled with a pre-established amount of pressured fluid until a pre-established net weight is obtained. The system is controlled by a programmable controller.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid container filling system is disclosed comprising a first support platform for supporting a plurality of pressurized fluid containers for evacuating, a vacuum supply assembly for connecting a vacuum source to the fluid containers supported on the first platform and having at least one supply line for connection to the container valves, a second support assembly for supporting a plurality of pressurized fluid containers for filling, a pressurized fluid assembly for supplying pressurized fluid to the containers supported on the second platform and having at least one supply line for connection to the container valves, and a valve-clamp assembly interconnecting a container valve to the vacuum and fluid-supply assemblies, the valve-clamp assembly having a quick-disconnect valve for rapid connection and disconnection to the fluid supply line and vacuum supply line to permit flow when connected to the supply line and to close off flow when disconnected from the supply line, a valve-seat assembly

Abstract: A pressure relief device which is responsive to physical change in the end of a pressure vessel is formed by coining the end of the vessel. The device is self-regulating because the activation point automatically varies with vessel wall thickness.