Abstract: A rapid-closure gate valve (10) comprising pressurized gas reservoirs (37, 39) that are integrated with the valve body (12). Pressurized gas stored in the reservoirs (37, 39) is utilized to shift a gate member (20) from a valve open position to a valve closed position upon actuation of the valve. Actuation of the valve is achieved by an actuator assembly (14) coupled with the valve body. The actuator assembly is configured to initiate a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoirs into a chamber (48) which effects shifting of the gate member.

Abstract: Improved, non-fragmenting, high efficiency vent apparatus (10, 78) are provided for protecting a structure (12) from potentially damaging or destructive abnormal pressure conditions. The apparatus (10, 78) is positioned in covering relationship to a vent opening (14) formed in the structure (12), and generally includes a burst member (16) and a tab assembly (18) equipped with a series of tabs (56); the tabs (56) bend or buckle to a burst member-clearing position when the vent apparatus (10, 78) experiences an abnormal pressure condition, thereby permitting rapid opening of a central section of the burst member (16) to thus protect structure (12). The burst member (16) may be of domed or flat construction, and can be in the form of a quadrate panel or any other desired shape.

Abstract: A non-metallic explosion vent is provided for protecting a confined space from a high overpressure condition. Reinforcing material having greater tensile strength than the resin, such as glass fiber roving, mesh or fabric, is embedded in the panel. An elongated, overall U-shaped groove extends inwardly from one of the surfaces of the panel through only a portion of the thickness of the panel. The groove interrupts the reinforcing material and defines a line of weakness that presents a relief area of the panel that opens under a predetermined overpressure condition. A plurality of spaced reinforcing components preferably overlie the groove, and optionally may extend across the relief area of the panel, transversely thereof and at an angle to one another. The reinforcing components contribute to control of the burst pressure of the vent and assist in preventing separation of the vent area from the body of the panel and/or fragmentation of the vent area during opening thereof.

Abstract: A pinch-type isolation valve (10) is provided having an integrated, on-board reservoir (42) for storing a pressurized fluid capable of effecting the collapse of an internal sleeve (32) upon actuation of the valve. Valve (10) comprises an outer wall 16 and an inner wall (30) which define the pressurized gas reservoir (42). An actuator assembly (14) is provided to cause and direct a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoir (42) into a gas-receiving chamber (39) defined between the inner wall (30) and sleeve (32).

Abstract: Two-stage, sequential operation protective assemblies are provided, including a primary protective device (20) having an element (32) which shifts in response to operation thereof (preferably a rupturable burst member (35)), together with a secondary protective device (22). An actuating assembly (24) interconnects the primary and secondary protective devices (20, 22) and has an actuating cable assembly (28) preferably including a cable (94) and a frangible component (86). In certain embodiments, an operator (28) for the secondary device (22) may be provided which includes an actuator (106) carried by the cable (94). Upon operation of the primary protective device (20), the cable (94) and frangible component (86) are tensioned and translated in a first direction. The component (86) then severs, which causes operation of the secondary protective device (22).

Abstract: Two-stage, sequential operation protective assemblies are provided, including a primary protective device (20) having an element (32) which shifts in response to operation thereof (preferably a rupturable burst member (35)), together with a secondary protective device (22). An actuating assembly (24) interconnects the primary and secondary protective devices (20, 22) and has an actuating cable assembly (28) preferably including a cable (94) and a frangible component (86). In certain embodiments, an operator (28) for the secondary device (22) may be provided which includes an actuator (106) carried by the cable (94). Upon operation of the primary protective device (20), the cable (94) and frangible component (86) are tensioned and translated in a first direction. The component (86) then severs, which causes operation of the secondary protective device (22).

Abstract: A pinch-type isolation valve (10) is provided having an integrated, on-board reservoir (42) for storing a pressurized fluid capable of effecting the collapse of an internal sleeve (32) upon actuation of the valve. Valve (10) comprises an outer wall 16 and an inner wall (30) which define the pressurized gas reservoir (42). An actuator assembly (14) is provided to cause and direct a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoir (42) into a gas-receiving chamber (39) defined between the inner wall (30) and sleeve (32).

Abstract: Improved, non-fragmenting, high efficiency vent apparatus (10, 78) are provided for protecting a structure (12) from potentially damaging or destructive abnormal pressure conditions. The apparatus (10, 78) is positioned in covering relationship to a vent opening (14) formed in the structure (12), and generally includes a burst member (16) and a tab assembly (18) equipped with a series of tabs (56); the tabs (56) bend or buckle to a burst member-clearing position when the vent apparatus (10, 78) experiences an abnormal pressure condition, thereby permitting rapid opening of burst member (16) to thus protect structure (12). The burst member (16) may be of domed or flat construction, and can be in the form of a quadrate panel or any other desired shape.

Abstract: A rapid-closure gate valve (10) comprising pressurized gas reservoirs (37, 39) that are integrated with the valve body (12). Pressurized gas stored in the reservoirs (37, 39) is utilized to shift a gate member (20) from a valve open position to a valve closed position upon actuation of the valve. Actuation of the valve is achieved by an actuator assembly (14) coupled with the valve body. The actuator assembly is configured to initiate a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoirs into a chamber (48) which effects shifting of the gate member.

Abstract: Explosion vent apparatus is provided, which includes a vent support unit defining a vent opening adapted to be aligned with an area to be protected from an overpressure condition, a vent panel movably mounted on the support unit in a normal closed position blocking the outlet and movable through a first displacement away from its closed position to a first overpressure-relieving position upon application of an overpressure of one magnitude of pressure while allowing movement of the vent panel through a second and greater displacement to a second overpressure-relieving position upon application of a higher overpressure. The vent panel does not deform or rupture upon opening, and recloses after pressure relief, either under spring pressure when opened under a lower first pressure, or by a fluid actuated reclosing mechanism upon full opening of the vent panel under a higher second pressure.

Abstract: Non-fragmenting pressure relief apparatus includes at least one circular rupture disc having a central asymmetric bulged section and a peripheral flange portion. A semi-circular line of weakness extends around the periphery of the bulged section and presents a hinge portion between the ends of the line of weakness. A hold-down member for the rupture disc having an inner opening surrounding the bulged section of the disc is provided with a unitary segment that extends into the inner opening of the hold-down member. The spaced end extremities of the line of weakness extend beneath the hold-down member segment. The hinge portion of the disc upon rupture of the disc bends about a fulcrum defined by the outer margin of the hold-down segment, which in conjunction with deflection of the segment of the hold-down member contributes to anti-fragmentation of the disc.

Abstract: Rectangular or circular vent apparatus for protecting a confined space having a vent aperture for relief of an overpressure condition is provided with each including vent structure having a vent unit adapted to be positioned over the vent aperture in normal closing relationship thereto. Each vent unit preferably includes at least one spring steel panel, or spring steel leaves positioned against a metal sheet, provided with a movable pressure relief portion having an initial position extending across the vent aperture. A backstop is provided for arresting the degree of movement of the spring steel. The spring steel panel or the spring steel leaves have a sufficient modulus of resilience and elasticity to cause the relief portion of the spring steel panel or the metal sheet to return to their respective initial positions from the open positions thereof upon relief of the overpressure condition in the confined space.

Abstract: A one piece flexible sanitary seal 16 of uniform cross-section is provided for over pressure vent structure that protects a confined space meeting hygienic standards. The seal 16 has an elongated body 38 provided with a central section 40, a C-shaped terminal end 42 having a main lug portion 46 and a secondary lug segment 48 that project away from each other with a cavity 50 therebetween, and a long tail portion 44 cooperating with the central section 40 to present a longitudinally extending angular groove 62. The seal 16 is adapted to be mounted between a vent membrane unit 14 and a frame component 18 of the vent structure. Lug portion 46 and lug segment 48 sealingly engage the inner surface of the vent membrane 14 inboard of a line of weakness therein defined by a series of slots. A rectangular projection 52 extends from the central section 40 in disposition to engage the vent membrane unit 14, outboard of the line of weakness.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a confined space having a vent aperture for relief of an overpressure condition and provided with a vent unit having a pressure relief portion normally closing the vent aperture is provided with recloser structure for generally closing off the vent aperture in the event of opening of the pressure relief portion of the vent unit. The recloser structure includes a resilient, flexible, spring steel recloser panel that is normally held in a bent condition out of closing relationship to the vent aperture. Releasable mechanism engages the recloser panel for normally retaining the panel in its open position. An actuator is connected to the releasable mechanism for actuating the latter to release the recloser panel for movement as a function of its inherent resilience into substantially closing relationship to the vent aperture after the relief portion of the vent unit has opened.

Abstract: A one piece flexible sanitary seal 16 of uniform cross-section is provided for over pressure vent structure that protects a confined space meeting hygienic standards. The seal 16 has an elongated body 38 provided with a central section 40, a C-shaped terminal end 42 having a main lug portion 46 and a secondary lug segment 48 that project away from each other with a cavity 50 therebetween, and a long tail portion 44 cooperating with the central section 40 to present a longitudinally extending angular groove 62. The seal 16 is adapted to be mounted between a vent membrane unit 14 and a frame component 18 of the vent structure. Lug portion 46 and lug segment 48 sealingly engage the inner surface of the vent membrane 14 inboard of a line of weakness therein defined by a series of slots. A rectangular projection 52 extends from the central section 40 in disposition to engage the vent membrane unit 14, outboard of the line of weakness.

Abstract: Rectangular or circular vent apparatus for protecting a confined space having a vent aperture for relief of an overpressure condition is provided with each including vent structure having a vent unit adapted to be positioned over the vent aperture in normal closing relationship thereto. Each vent unit preferably includes at least one spring steel panel provided with a movable pressure relief portion having an initial position extending across the vent aperture. A backstop is provided for arresting the degree of movement of the spring steel panel, that absorbs kinetic energy of opening of the spring steel panel, and that assures return of the relief portion of the spring steel panel in substantially its original shape to a selected opening position when a predetermined overpressure is applied against the relief portion of the vent unit. A line of weakness comprising a series of end-to-end slits defines the movable pressure relief portion of each spring steel panel.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a confined space having a vent aperture for relief of an overpressure condition and provided with a vent unit having a pressure relief portion normally closing the vent aperture is provided with recloser structure for generally closing off the vent aperture in the event of opening of the pressure relief portion of the vent unit. The recloser structure includes a resilient, flexible, spring steel recloser panel that is normally held in a bent condition out of closing relationship to the vent aperture. Releasable mechanism engages the recloser panel for normally retaining the panel in its open position. An actuator is connected to the releasable mechanism for actuating the latter to release the recloser panel for movement as a function of its inherent resilience into substantially closing relationship to the vent aperture after the relief portion of the vent unit has opened.

Abstract: A non-metallic explosion vent is provided for protecting a confined space from a high overpressure condition. Reinforcing material having greater tensile strength than the resin, such as glass fiber roving, mesh or fabric, is embedded in the panel. An elongated, overall U-shaped groove extends inwardly from one of the surfaces of the panel through only a portion of the thickness of the panel. The groove interrupts the reinforcing material and defines a line of weakness that presents a relief area of the panel that opens under a predetermined overpressure condition. A plurality of spaced reinforcing components preferably overlie the groove, and optionally may extend across the relief area of the panel, transversely thereof and at an angle to one another. The reinforcing components contribute to control of the burst pressure of the vent and assist in preventing separation of the vent area from the body of the panel and/or fragmentation of the vent area during opening thereof.

Abstract: Explosion vent apparatus is provided, which includes a vent support unit defining a vent opening adapted to be aligned with an area to be protected from an overpressure condition, a vent panel movably mounted on the support unit in a normal closed position blocking the outlet and movable through a first displacement away from its closed position to a first overpressure-relieving position upon application of an overpressure of one magnitude of pressure while allowing movement of the vent panel through a second and greater displacement to a second overpressure-relieving position upon application of a higher overpressure. The vent panel does not deform or rupture upon opening, and recloses after pressure relief, either under spring pressure when opened under a lower first pressure, or by a fluid actuated reclosing mechanism upon full opening of the vent panel under a higher second pressure.

Abstract: Unitary one-piece frameless overpressure vent panel assembly (10) includes a rigid, generally planar primary support member having a central relief opening (26), a rigid, generally planar secondary support member (44) provided with a central relief aperture (46), and a frangible vent panel (30) between the support members in full closing relationship to the relief opening and the aperture. A sealant element (48) may be provided between the vent panel and at least one of the support members in circumscribing relationship to the relief opening or aperture. At least one line of weakness (34) may be provided in the vent panel. A flexible gasket (58) secured to the secondary support member assures a fluid tight seal between the vent panel assembly and the structure defining a protected zone. Alternatively, a knife blade or the like may be provided adjacent the vent panel to effect severing thereof under a predetermined overpressure in lieu of a line of weakness in the panel.