Abstract: A tank valve system comprises a main valve body, an overfill protection device (OPD), a gauge drive apparatus and a fuel level indicator. The OPD and gauge drive apparatus are configured to both be inserted through a narrow neck of a fuel storage tank prior to connecting the valve body to the neck. The valve body includes a primary fuel channel and a shuttle interface channel. The OPD includes an overfill float driving an overfill shutoff valve for controlling fluid flow from the primary channel into the tank. The gauge drive apparatus includes a gauge float, a shuttle, and an elongated extension body. The gauge float is movable with respect to the extension body between an uppermost position and a lowermost position, thereby driving the shuttle. The shuttle has a gauge actuation portion transportable within the shuttle interface channel to thereby actuate the fuel level indicator.

Abstract: A tank valve system comprises a main valve body, an overfill protection device (OPD), a gauge drive apparatus and a fuel level indicator. The OPD and gauge drive apparatus are configured to both be inserted through a narrow neck of a fuel storage tank prior to connecting the valve body to the neck. The valve body includes a primary fuel channel and a shuttle interface channel. The OPD includes an overfill float driving an overfill shutoff valve for controlling fluid flow from the primary channel into the tank. The gauge drive apparatus includes a gauge float, a shuttle, and an elongated extension body. The gauge float is movable with respect to the extension body between an uppermost position and a lowermost position, thereby driving the shuttle. The shuttle has a gauge actuation portion transportable within the shuttle interface channel to thereby actuate the fuel level indicator.

Abstract: A quick-fill apparatus for use with a valve assembly, and related methods of filling a pressure vessel, are disclosed. A valve assembly may be affixed to a pressure vessel, and may include a receptacle, a fill valve and an overfill valve. Preferred examples of the apparatus comprise a body, a valve trigger pin, a vent trigger pin and a handle. A valve engagement end of the body may be releasably securable within the receptacle. At that point, moving the handle to the on position causes the valve trigger pin to force the fill valve to an open configuration, and causes the vent trigger pin to force the overfill valve to a fluid venting configuration. A rigid fill tube may be in fluid supplying communication with a fuel supply port of the body. The fill tube and the handle may be elongated and extend in a shared direction.

Abstract: A tank valve system comprises a main valve body, an overfill protection device (OPD), a gauge drive apparatus and a fuel level indicator. The OPD and gauge drive apparatus are configured to both be inserted through a narrow neck of a fuel storage tank prior to connecting the valve body to the neck. The valve body includes a primary fuel channel and a shuttle interface channel. The OPD includes an overfill float driving an overfill shutoff valve for controlling fluid flow from the primary channel into the tank. The gauge drive apparatus includes a gauge float, a shuttle, and an elongated extension body. The gauge float is movable with respect to the extension body between an uppermost position and a lowermost position, thereby driving the shuttle. The shuttle has a gauge actuation portion transportable within the shuttle interface channel to thereby actuate the fuel level indicator.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a combination valve assembly comprises a valve housing, an overpressure vent valve, a fill valve and a movable liquid overfill seal. The valve housing includes a longitudinal axis. The overpressure vent valve relieves excess pressure from the tank to which the assembly is affixed. The fill valve includes a fill valve pin actuatable between an open and closed configuration. The overfill seal is movable between a fluid sealing position and a fluid releasing position, and is elastically biased toward its fluid sealing position. In its fluid sealing position, the overfill seal prevents liquid from escaping the tank through the dip tube and outward of the valve assembly. Actuation of the fill valve pin toward its open position and movement of the overfill seal toward its fluid releasing position are preferably configured to both occur in the same direction, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A cylinder valve assembly includes an actual on-off control subsystem. An intermediate chamber extends between a probe chamber and proximal chamber of the valve body along a main axis. A control port extends radially of the main axis. A valve pin is received by the intermediate chamber and movable between closed and open positions. A control plug is received by the control port and actuatable between on and off positions. Fluid communication between the proximal and probe chambers through the valve body is enabled when the valve pin is in the open position and the control plug is in the on position. Contrastingly, such fluid communication is prevented if either the valve pin is in the closed position or the control plug is in the off position. The control plug is preferably located in radial alignment along the main axis with at least a portion of the valve pin.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for palletless shipment of gas cylinder arrays. A three-dimensional array of gas cylinders is formed from a plurality of vertically-stacked two-dimensional subarrays. First elongated voids extend through the array in a width direction at a first handle elevation. Second elongated voids extend through the array in a depth direction at a second handle elevation. The first and second elongated voids are bilaterally bounded by handle portions of adjacent gas cylinders, and vertically bounded by upper and lower surfaces of surrounding cylinders. Pairs of tunnel elements are disposed within respective elongated voids and are each configured to releasably receive a corresponding forklift tong. Vertically-disposed pillars may be provided to increase the rigidity and load distribution of the system. Flaps may radiate from the pillars to minimize impact and abrasion between adjacent cylinders during shipment.

Abstract: A cylinder valve assembly includes an actual on-off control subsystem. An intermediate chamber extends between a probe chamber and proximal chamber of the valve body along a main axis. A control port extends radially of the main axis. A valve pin is received by the intermediate chamber and movable between closed and open positions. A control plug is received by the control port and actuatable between on and off positions. Fluid communication between the proximal and probe chambers through the valve body is enabled when the valve pin is in the open position and the control plug is in the on position. Contrastingly, such fluid communication is prevented if either the valve pin is in the closed position or the control plug is in the off position. The control plug is preferably located in radial alignment along the main axis with at least a portion of the valve pin.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for palletless shipment of gas cylinder arrays. A three-dimensional array of gas cylinders is formed from a plurality of vertically-stacked two-dimensional subarrays. First elongated voids extend through the array in a width direction at a first handle elevation. Second elongated voids extend through the array in a depth direction at a second handle elevation. The first and second elongated voids are bilaterally bounded by handle portions of adjacent gas cylinders, and vertically bounded by upper and lower surfaces of surrounding cylinders. Pairs of tunnel elements are disposed within respective elongated voids and are each configured to releasably receive a corresponding forklift tong. Vertically-disposed pillars may be provided to increase the rigidity and load distribution of the system. Flaps may radiate from the pillars to minimize impact and abrasion between adjacent cylinders during shipment.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for palletless shipment of gas cylinder arrays. A three-dimensional array of gas cylinders is formed from a plurality of vertically-stacked two-dimensional subarrays. First elongated voids extend through the array in a width direction at a first handle elevation. Second elongated voids extend through the array in a depth direction at a second handle elevation. The first and second elongated voids are bilaterally bounded by handle portions of adjacent gas cylinders, and vertically bounded by upper and lower surfaces of surrounding cylinders. Pairs of tunnel elements are disposed within respective elongated voids and are each configured to releasably receive a corresponding forklift tong. Vertically-disposed pillars may be provided to increase the rigidity and load distribution of the system. Flaps may radiate from the pillars to minimize impact and abrasion between adjacent cylinders during shipment.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for palletless shipment of gas cylinder arrays. A three-dimensional array of gas cylinders is formed from a plurality of vertically-stacked two-dimensional subarrays. First elongated voids extend through the array in a width direction at a first handle elevation. Second elongated voids extend through the array in a depth direction at a second handle elevation. The first and second elongated voids are bilaterally bounded by handle portions of adjacent gas cylinders, and vertically bounded by upper and lower surfaces of surrounding cylinders. Pairs of tunnel elements are disposed within respective elongated voids and are each configured to releasably receive a corresponding forklift tong. Vertically-disposed pillars may be provided to increase the rigidity and load distribution of the system. Flaps may radiate from the pillars to minimize impact and abrasion between adjacent cylinders during shipment.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of a fluid from an associated pressure reservoir includes a regulator body housing a shuttle assembly and supporting a multiplicity of radially-distributed service lobes. Each service lobe includes features in fluid communication with one or more chambers within the regular body, and performs a particular function relating to the pressure and contents within those chambers. Such lobes may include one or more of a bias lobe for regulating pressure within the shuttle bias chamber, a fill lobe through which the reservoir may be filled, a gauge lobe which displays the pressure within the reservoir, and a relief lobe including one or more burst disks to relieve over pressurization in the reservoir or output chamber of the regulator. Each service lobe may slideably engage a respective interface on the regulator body, and be releasably secured there by way of a threaded retainer.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a gas pressure regulator comprise a regulator body, an adaptor sleeve, a retainer and an indexing ring. The regulator body includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, a ported intermediate portion therebetween, and a main bore. The adaptor sleeve axially receives the distal portion and includes an outer threading for engaging an air source adaptor of a paintball marker. The retainer threadably engages the main bore within the distal end, thereby axially securing the adaptor sleeve onto the distal end. The indexing ring receives the distal portion therethrough for resiliently biased axial movement of the indexing ring between a locking position and an unlocking position. When the indexing ring is in its unlocking position, the adaptor sleeve is rotatable with respect to the regulator body. When the indexing ring is in its locking position, the adaptor sleeve is rendered substantially non-rotatable with respect to the regulator body.

Abstract: A valve assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a head portion and a body portion. A throughbore extends through both the head portion and the body portion. A normal fluid flow path is formed within the valve assembly to provide for the controlled exit of a fluid. The valve assembly also includes an automatic pressure-relieving mechanism. The pressure-relieving mechanism includes a disc designed to burst or rupture at a predetermined pressure and an over-pressure fluid flow path for controlling the egress of over-pressure fluid.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a gas biased pressure regulator comprise a capsule subassembly and a regulator body. The regulator body is adapted to connect to a source of pressurized gas. The capsule subassembly is removably received within the regulator body and includes a capsule body and a piston. The piston is axially slidable between fluid release and fluid seal configurations. When the piston is in its fluid release configuration, an output chamber is placed in fluid communication with the source. When the piston is in its fluid seal configuration, the output chamber is sealed from fluid communication with the source. A pressurizable bias chamber within the capsule body contains a bias pressure urging the piston toward its fluid release configuration. Pressure from the source urges the piston toward its fluid seal configuration. The piston may also have a fluid charge configuration for facilitating the pressurization of the bias chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a combination valve assembly comprises a valve housing, an overpressure vent valve, a fill valve and a movable liquid overfill seal. The valve housing includes a longitudinal axis. The overpressure vent valve relieves excess pressure from the tank to which the assembly is affixed. The fill valve includes a fill valve pin actuatable between an open and closed configuration. The overfill seal is movable between a fluid sealing position and a fluid releasing position, and is elastically biased toward its fluid sealing position. In its fluid sealing position, the overfill seal prevents liquid from escaping the tank through the dip tube and outward of the valve assembly. Actuation of the fill valve pin toward its open position and movement of the overfill seal toward its fluid releasing position are preferably configured to both occur in the same direction, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a gas pressure regulator comprise a regulator body, an adaptor sleeve, a retainer and an indexing ring. The regulator body includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, a ported intermediate portion therebetween, and a main bore. The adaptor sleeve axially receives the distal portion and includes an outer threading for engaging an air source adaptor of a paintball marker. The retainer threadably engages the main bore within the distal end, thereby axially securing the adaptor sleeve onto the distal end. The indexing ring receives the distal portion therethrough for resiliently biased axial movement of the indexing ring between a locking position and an unlocking position. When the indexing ring is in its unlocking position, the adaptor sleeve is rotatable with respect to the regulator body. When the indexing ring is in its locking position, the adaptor sleeve is rendered substantially non-rotatable with respect to the regulator body.

Abstract: A valve assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a head portion and a body portion. A throughbore extends through both the head portion and the body portion. A normal fluid flow path is formed within the valve assembly to provide for the controlled exit of a fluid. The valve assembly also includes an automatic pressure-relieving mechanism. The pressure-relieving mechanism includes a disc designed to burst or rupture at a predetermined pressure and an over-pressure fluid flow path for controlling the egress of over-pressure fluid.

Abstract: A combined fill and safety vent plug adapted to being mounted in a port in a pressure tank. A valve housing member is adapted to being mounted in a port in a pressure vessel. A fill valve is located in a fill valve socket in the valve housing member. A vent valve and an overflow system are also provided in the valve housing member. All of the functions of filling, venting, dispensing, and overflow protection are provided by elements contained in one single plug in one single port in a pressure vessel. For safety purposes, the vent valve dumps excess fluid generally laterally of the valve housing member.