Abstract: An actuator is disclosed herein. The actuator includes a drive body including a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a first side and an opposing second side, a magneto strictive material disposed within the drive body and contacting the first side of the bottom surface of the drive body, a solenoid disposed within the drive body and surrounding the magneto strictive material, a drive rod extending through the magneto strictive material and through the bottom surface of the drive body, and a spring disposed adjacent the second side of the bottom surface of the drive body, wherein the drive rod extends through the spring.

Abstract: A pressure-compensated rupture disk assembly and method for subsea protection of a pressure vessel. The assembly and method incorporate a piston device, a dynamic piston seal configured to move the piston device when a predetermined pressure is reached; and a rupture disk adjacent the piston device, the rupture disk having a first pressure on a piston side and a second pressure on a second side, the rupture disk being configured to open when a predetermined pressure is exceeded.

Abstract: An abstract for a quench valve of a cryostat, in particular for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system, is attachable to the quench valve so as to raise the cracking pressure of the quench valve without changing the operability of the quench valve. Such an accessory device is usable to enable the cryostat, containing a cryogen, to be safely transported by air transportation.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, the system comprising at least one wellbore servicing equipment component, wherein a flow path extends from the wellbore servicing system component into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, and a pressure control system in fluid communication with the flow path, wherein the pressure control system comprises a relief path configured to communicate fluid through the pressure control system, a pressure control device configured to permit fluid communication between the flow path and the relief path upon experiencing a pressure and/or a differential pressure of at least a predetermined pressure threshold, and a first valve disposed within the relief path, wherein the first valve is configured to actuate from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

Abstract: A valve system for ensuring well closure upon exposure to a predetermined condition even where a well access line is disposed through the valve. This system may be configured with a supplemental power supply capable of effectuating a cutting closure of the valve. Thus, any obstructing well access line such as coiled tubing may be cut during closure to ensure sealing off of the well, even if the cutting mechanism is separated from its traditional power supply by shear or parting of a portion of the landing string. Once more, the supplemental power sufficient for a cutting closure is only provided in the event of a predetermined condition such as the emergence of a potentially hazardous tubular separation.

Abstract: An isolation valve system includes a main body (32), an actuator body (34) and a sealing membrane (307) arranged at a high pressure portion (36) of the isolation valve system. The sealing membrane mechanically attaches the actuator body to the main body. The sealing membrane further seals the high pressure portion from a low pressure portion (38). A burst plug (315) is arranged against the main body and supports the actuator body. An activation arrangement (50) is arranged for allowing an at least partial displacement of the burst plug, typically causing a phase transition. The sealing membrane is dimensioned to break when the actuator body is moved due to the displacement of the burst plug. The isolation valve system includes preferably a stack (30) of substrates (301-304) being bonded together. The substrates have micromechanical structures, which form at least the actuator body and the sealing membrane.

Abstract: A safety system for a fluid conduit includes an elongated flexible conduit having a first end and a second end and a central opening running therethrough and capable of transporting a first fluid under pressure. A first valve is located near the first end of the conduit and a second valve is located near the second end of the conduit. Each of the valves is moveable between a closed position and an open position so as to control the flow of the first fluid through the conduit. The central opening of the conduit is surrounded by a conduit wall which extends substantially the entire length of the conduit. A plurality of enclosed channels are located within the conduit wall and extend at least a substantial length of the conduit. A second fluid under pressure is contained in the channels and a sensor is provided for monitoring the pressure of the second fluid within the channels.

Abstract: A device that relieves lubricant pressure in a divider block lubrication system into a fluid reservoir, a container, or directly back into the compressor frame to which the tubing is connected. This eliminates housekeeping, environmental, safety, and compressor component failure concerns associated with current atmospheric rupture assemblies that relieve directly to the atmosphere. The environmental compressor protection assembly contains a spring set to a pre-determined pressure. Lubricant pressure in excess of this pre-determined set pressure results in spring compression and opening of a relief path. The assembly preferably remains in a full open position and must be must be manually reset to the closed position to prevent fluid flow in the system. The relief path can lead to a fluid reservoir, a container, or directly back into the compressor frame. Flow of lubricant through the relief path results in loss of flow to the lubrication system.

Abstract: An activation rupture disc unit is provided that is capable of withstanding a substantially higher back pressure than its burst activation pressure. The unit includes a tubular housing having a fluid passage. Tapered wall structure defines at least a portion of the passage with the fluid outlet thereof being of greater area than the fluid inlet. A rupture disc is carried by the housing and has a central bulged section in fluid-blocking relationship to the passage. A tapered, self-releasing solid plug is positioned in and conforms to the tapered portion of the passage. The plug has a curved surface conforming to and positioned in full supporting relationship to the central section of the rupture disc. The plug is of sufficient mass to prevent rupture of the central section of the disc under a back pressure substantially greater than the activation pressure of the disc.

Abstract: A relief device for a high-pressure gas container, comprising a main body having a generally uniform outer circumference and that defines a primary bore, the primary bore in fluid communication with an interior volume of the high-pressure gas container, the main body having a secondary bore, the secondary bore located within the outer circumference and in fluid communication with the primary bore, a spud assembly seated in the secondary bore, the spud assembly including a rupture disc that relieves to the atmosphere the contents of the container when the container reaches a certain pressure, the rupture disc located within the secondary bore and within the outer circumference, the spud assembly and rupture disc fixedly attached.

Abstract: A cold gas generator for an airbag system has a storage device filled with a gas under pressure and provided with a gas outlet opening. A thin-walled sealing disk is provided which, in a rest state, seals pressure-tightly the gas outlet opening. A support device supports the sealing disk against a gas pressure of the gas acting on the sealing disk in a pressure direction. A triggering device acts on the support device. The support device has a pressure plate resting against the sealing disk and a support lever supporting the pressure plate and the sealing disk. The pressure plate and the support lever are configured as separate parts. A bearing supports the support lever such that the support lever receives forces in the pressure direction and is force-free transversely to the pressure direction. The triggering device acts on the support lever so as to cause pivoting about the bearing.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating an airbag has a vessel for containing compressed gas. The vessel has a gas outlet aperture. A support element is located in the gas outlet aperture with a sealing element next to the side of the support element that faces the interior of the vessel. A locking element is disposed in a locking position between a side of the support element that faces away from the interior of the vessel and a first abutment that is rigid with respect to the vessel. The support element is further supported by a second abutment that is rigid with respect to the vessel. A gas releasing device moves the locking element from the locking position to open the gas outlet aperture.

Abstract: A rupture disk assembly comprising two rupture disks which form a chamber. The chamber is connected by a first line to the interior of a vessel on which said rupture disk assembly is mounted and a valve in the line reduces the pressure in the chamber to less than 90% of the pressure of said vessel. A second line connects the vessel and a pilot valve, and a third line connects the chamber to the pilot valve and has a pressure reduction valve in the line to prevent flow from the pilot valve to the chamber. The pressure in the chamber is static and said pilot valve is closed while the pressure in the vessel is at or below the set pressure of the pilot valve and a flow is established through said chamber when the pressure in the vessel exceeds the set pressure of the pilot valve.

Abstract: A release device for releasing an inflatable element for protecting a vehicle against impact, which element, once inflated, presents a general shape that fits closely over the region of the vehicle to be protected, said inflatable element being held, in a folded state, in a compartment that includes a wall that is connected in sealed manner to an edge of an opening of said inflatable element, wherein, facing said opening, said wall includes gas release means that are protected during inflation of the inflatable element by a closure flap controlled by actuator means that remove said closure flap once the inflatable element is deployed.

Abstract: An improved reverse rupture disc for use as a safety pressure relief device is provided. The disc is defined by an annular flat flange region, a concave-convex disc dome region and a transition region that joins the disc-shaped flat flange region to the concave-convex disc dome region. One or more deformations may be formed at or near the apex of the disc dome region for weakening the disc to the point that incidental damage to the disc will not weaken the disc any further, thereby ensuring that the disc will reverse at a certain pressure, and no lower. The disc may also formed with one or more irregular transition regions at the base of the disc and a partial circular groove in the transition region. The irregular transition region of the disc cooperates with a shear enhancing means such as a protrusion or notch formed in a support ring or disc holder disposed downstream of the disc to sever the disc dome from the annular flat flange region along the groove in the transition region.

Abstract: A system for controlling with safety the transfer or control of high pressure fluids from a container for use as to an inflatable escape slide. The pressurized container houses valve mechanisms such as a first and second valve mechanism, with the first valve mechanism controlling by actuation the on off flow of high pressure fluids to the second valve mechanism. The second valve mechanism controls the rate of flow by reducing the pressure for delivery to the inflatable escape slide. A safety valve operates in conjunction with the first valve mechanism and upon breaking of the valve mechanisms from the pressurized container to prevent the contents of the pressurized container from rapid escape or uncontrolled release.

Abstract: A system for controlling with safety the transfer or control of high pressure fluids from a container for use as to an inflatable escape slide. The pressurized container houses valve mechanisms such as a first and second valve mechanism, with the first valve mechanism controlling by actuation the on off flow of high pressure fluids to the second valve mechanism. The second valve mechanism controls the rate of flow by reducing the pressure for delivery to the inflatable escape slide. A safety valve operates in conjunction with the first valve mechanism and upon breaking of the valve mechanisms from the pressurized container to prevent the contents of the pressurized container from rapid escape or uncontrolled release.

Abstract: A stacked rupture disk assembly of the present invention is adapted to be positioned between flanges in a vent pipe or pressure relief port of a pressure vessel. The stacked rupture disk assembly includes a first rupture disk assembly and a second rupture disk assembly mechanically affixed to the first rupture disk assembly. Each rupture disk assembly includes a graphite rupture disk defining an annular support portion surrounding an thinner rupture membrane adjacent and flush with a first end of the annular support portion. The annular support portion and the rupture membrane define a substantially planar outer surface of the rupture disk. The annular support includes a recessed region extending from an opening in a second end of the annular support to the rupture membrane. Optionally, the second rupture disk assembly includes a support member having spaced apart first and second ends and adapted to be inserted into the recessed region such that the first end abuts and supports the rupture membrane.

Abstract: An opening apparatus for a gas pressure container for inflating an airbag is provided. A housing is fixedly connected to the container and communicates therewith via a discharge opening. The housing includes a principal member that has oppositely disposed open ends. A sealing element for initially sealing the discharge opening is supported by a pressure piece on a counterbearing against opening forces acting on the sealing element via gas pressure in the container. A triggering device is provided that when activated removes support for the sealing element so that the discharge opening is opened by gas pressure in the container for inflating the airbag. The triggering device is in the form of a separate unit that is independently mountable on the housing and is held n one of the end plates. Support of the sealing element is stable independently of the triggering device.

Abstract: An inflator (10) for providing inflation fluid to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device includes a pressure vessel (12) defining a chamber (30) for inflation fluid. The pressure vessel (12) has a passage (40) through which inflation fluid flows from the chamber (30). A burst disk (52) blocks fluid flow through the passage (40). A member (80) is disposed adjacent to and on one side of the burst disk (52) prior to the inflation fluid entering the pressure vessel (12). The burst disk (52) deforms toward the one side due to the pressure of the inflation fluid when the inflation fluid is disposed in the chamber (30). The member (80) limits deformation of the burst disk (52) by contacting the burst disk. An actuatable igniter assembly (66), when actuated, moves the member toward the burst disk (52) to rupture the burst disk and enable the inflation fluid to flow from the chamber (30) through the passage (40).

Abstract: A release mechanism for releasing high pressure fluid from an associated pressure vessel has connecting means for connecting to the pressure vessel, a support sleeve which has an axial and a radial opening, a sealing disc, supporting means which may be a trap door, a rotatable column, or a support plug and a protractor or retractor for selectively removing the supporting means and thus opening the sealing means. The sealing means can also be opened spontaneously, operating as a relief valve.

Abstract: A release mechanism for releasing pressurized fluid from an associated pressure vessel has sealing means for use in sealing an opening in the associated pressure vessel, supporting means for supporting the sealing means, first opening means for selectively opening the sealing means by removing the supporting means and, damping control means for damping the supporting means and also regulating the release of the high pressure fluid. To release pressurized fluid from the pressure vessel, the supporting means is removed out of supporting relationship with a sealing means. Next the supporting means is moved along its axis without damping, then with damping and, finally, with relatively light damping.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a bottle containing compressed gas and an outlet passage through which the gas may leave the bottle; a housing supported within the bottle and having a side wall defining an inner housing space communicating with the outlet passage; a movable element disposed in the housing and being displaceable between an initial position and an advanced position; an externally actuatable triggering mechanism positioned in the housing for propelling the movable element from the initial position into the advanced position; an aperture provided in the side wall of the housing for establishing communication between an inner bottle space and the outlet passage; a sealing disc secured to the side wall and obturating the aperture for preventing communication between the inner bottle space and the outlet passage. The sealing disc has a surface flush with an inner face of the side wall of the housing.

Abstract: In a fluid flow emergency shutdown valve a valve body is transversely interposed in a fluid line upstream with respect to a flow restricting unit, A valve stem is longitudinally slidably supported by the valve body and referenced to atmosphere at its respective ends, The valve stem supports a valve normally disposed upstream with respect to its seat. The other end portion of the valve stem supports a piston fluid pressure balanced by downstream fluid pressure from the outlet port of the flow restricting unit in combination with the buckling point value of a collapsible pin axially abutting the downstream end of the valve stem, A decrease in downstream fluid pressure below a predetermined value increases the pressure differential across the piston from its upstream to its downstream side which moves the piston to buckle the collapsible pin and move the valve to a closed position.

Abstract: The valve has an outlet safety channel (20) closed by a burstable diaphragm (26) wedged between the body (10) of the valve and a plug (24) fitted detachably in the body (10) of the valve, the said plug (24) comprising an axial passage (28) in communication with the outside and filled with a fusible material (32) up to where it comes into contact with the diaphragm (26). A rubber seal (30) resistant to temperatures above the melting point of the fusible material obstructs the axial passage (28) towards the outside.

Abstract: A butterfly valve provided within a disconnect of a fluid flow line, such as in a fuel dispensing system, incorporating a pair of decoupling members, at least one or a pair of butterfly valves mounted within and in proximity with location for disconnection of the conduit, the butterfly valve incorporating a valve disk held by a retainer and which is spring biased for snapping into closure against its valve seat, when disconnection occurs, to prevent the further flow of fuel from the conduit, or in the instance where a pair of the butterfly valves of this design, are incorporated proximate each of the disconnect members, upon severance of the conduit or hose at this location, effecting an immediate closure of both butterfly valves, preventing the discharge of any further fluid from the remaining separated parts of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A compact, light weight fluid flow control device adapted to be interconnected between a source of fluid under pressure and a normally stowed inflatable system such as a safety slide or flotation unit. The device uniquely initiates fluid flow between the source and the inflatable system by means of either a pyrotechnic device or a redundant mechanical system. Once fluid flow has been initiated, the device uniquely regulates and controls the flow of fluid toward the inflatable system.

Abstract: A valve for sealing off pressurized fluid for an extended period comprises, a body defining a passageway, a closure member in said passageway for closing off the latter against fluid flow, a pivotally mounted arm for maintaining the closure member in its passageway closing off condition, and a catch for releasably retaining the arm in the valve closed position. In one arrangement, the closure member includes a diaphragm which extends across and divides the passageway and is arranged to burst under a sufficient pressure differential, the arm carrying a backing plate which, in its valve closed position is superimpositioned against one face of the diaphragm to prevent it from bursting.

Abstract: A valve having a valve housing for mounting on a high pressure fluid container. A cartridge is mounted in a fluid conduit in the valve housing leading to the fluid container. A metallic disc is crushed by the cartridge against a valve seat in the conduit to provide a reliable lasting seal. Opening of the valve is provided by releasing a trigger pin connected to a latch in the cartridge for removing a support from a portion of the disc permitting it to rupture under the high pressure and communicating the high pressure gas to a pressure regulator chamber in cross configuration with the valve conduit in the valve housing. A pressure regulator member in the chamber controls the size of a discharge orifice for lowering the pressure and introducing the gas into an inflatable body. Filling of the high pressure fluid container may be done by introducing high pressure fluid into the regulator for passage into the fluid conduit of the valve with the cartridge carrying the disc spaced from the valve seat.

Abstract: Rupturable pressure relief apparatus are provided which are less subject to damage and premature failure as a result thereof and which reliably rupture at very low pressure differentials. The apparatus are adapted to be clamped between conventional pipe flanges or annular support members and are basically comprised of a first circular rupturable member formed of solid flexible material and a second circular rupturable member also formed of flexible material positioned adjacent the first rupturable member. The second rupturable member includes a solid annular flange portion and a plurality of arcuate slots circumscribing a substantially circular central portion wth rupture tabs between the arcuate slots. Knife means having a cutting edge forming at least a portion of a circle are positioned adjacent the second rupturable member on the side thereof opposite from the first rupturable member so that when the second rupturable member ruptures, the first rupturable member is severed by the knife means.

Abstract: A breakaway pipeline coupling is described which comprises first and second pipe sections forming a fluid seal and designed to separate at a predetermined axial load. A plurality of piston and cylinder pressure compensating devices are arranged around the exterior of the pipe sections to hold them together until separation.Shear pins or shear studs passing between the pipeline sections will fail when the coupling is subjected to an external tensile force exceeding the predetermined maximum force. The pressure compensating devices apply a compression load on the coupling to counteract the tension load exerted by internal pressure in the pipeline. The pressure compensating devices included pistons movable axially within cylinders in response to pressure differentials, and porting or tubing for exposing one side of the piston to the internal pressure within the coupling.

Abstract: The present application discloses a safety valve means for battery comprising a lid plate having therein a valve hole, a thin plate overlapped on the lid plate for closing the valve hole, a terminal plate in the reverse dish shape overlapped on the thin plate and having a gas removing hole and a downwardly projected cutter means and forming a valve chamber together with the thin plate, a holding means for holding the periphery of the thin plate between the lid plate and the terminal plate by caulking the turning edge of the lid plate or the terminal plate and an annular resilient member disposed between the thin plate and the terminal plate and pressed by the terminal plate to press the thin plate.

Abstract: An entirely mechanical air bag device for cars wherein a frangible lid seals a container having gas under pressure therein. The frangible lid is supported by a pressing lid in contact with a link mechanism. During a crash, an impact detecting assembly releases the link mechanism which in turn releases the pressing lid which permits the frangible lid to be fractured by the high pressure gas to inflate the bag.

Abstract: An adjustable compressed gas pressure regulator of the diaphragm and spring type has a spring seat mounted between the spring and the adjuster and the regulator body has a limit stop to engage and stop adjustment displacement of the spring seat prior to complete compression of the spring.

Abstract: A device for dissipating the accidental over-pressure of a fluid contained in an enclosure provided with a sealing membrane intended to be deformed and broken by the over-pressure comprises a mobile piston applied against the membrane subjected to the action of a spring by means of an overcenter spring mechanism having a threshold of balance which, when exceeded, causes the sudden releasing of the piston and the breaking of the membrane, the threshold being reached by the movement of the piston under the action of the deforming of the membrane. The invention applies to the protection of the enclosures under fluid pressure.