Frangible Pressure Relief Means Patents (Class 220/89.2)
  • Patent number: 7950408
    Abstract: A pressure relief device is disclosed that is designed to open in response to a pre-determined pressure differential. The pressure relief device includes a panel member, and at least one release mechanism. The release mechanism has a first end, a failure portion configured to fail upon experiencing a predetermined load, and a second end. The at least one release mechanism is configured to hold the panel member against a frame prior to experiencing the predetermined pressure differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems Limited
    Inventors: Steven Farwell, Niall Smith, Geof Brazier
  • Patent number: 7905244
    Abstract: This invention relates to an explosion pressure relief device with a wall and a framework fixing the wall. In the case of an explosion in a container to which an explosion pressure relief device is attached, such explosion pressure relief device serves to allow the pressure wave to escape at best greatly weakened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rembe GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Penno, Bernard Penno
  • Patent number: 7784482
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure relief devices and to corresponding pressure relief assemblies that have improved vacuum resistance, improved fragmentation resistance, and/or improved burst control while maintaining low mass. The pressure relief device includes a substantially flat flange section and a domed section. The domed section may include a transitional line that defines a change in the shape of the domed section. The pressure relief device may also include a bracket for securing or aligning a domed section to a flange section. The pressure relief device may further include a stress distribution feature that is disposed transversely to a line of weakness in the domed section. The pressure relief assembly may include a fastener having a wire that is configured to break and release the pressure relief device when subject to a predetermined tensile load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Farwell, Gregory P. Klein, Geoffrey C. Brazier, Gary M. Plunkett
  • Patent number: 7735671
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Eijkelenberg, Guido Dom
  • Publication number: 20100140264
    Abstract: A rupture disc for use in a pressure relief system includes a dome having a concave and a convex side and a circumferential flange associated therewith. At least one control score is formed or otherwise produced in the dome at a radial position between an apex of the dome and an outer circumference of the dome. At least one of a depth, a width, a length and the radial portion of the at least one control score is selectively controlled so that the depth, width, length, and/or radial position of the at least one control score controls the pressure at which the dome will start to collapse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL DISC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gabriel Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7732090
    Abstract: A sealed rectangular battery having a reliably operative explosion-proof valve is provided. A rectangular battery case 1 whose cross-section is oblong, the battery case having a prismatic shaped case body 5 with a bottom and a lid 6. An explosion-proof valve 2 is arranged near one of two opposing short sides of a main surface wall of the lid. The explosion-proof valve a V-cut groove 15 concavely formed in V-shaped or U-shaped in which a central bent part 15a is positioned at a central location in the main surface wall 6a of the lid, and a thin wall 16 formed by the V-cut groove. Cut grooves 18 connecting each of two ends of the V-cut groove and each of two long sides of the main surface wall of the lid which are parallel to each other, respectively, are cut and formed in the main surface wall of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Somatomo
  • Publication number: 20100108671
    Abstract: A pressure relief system including a container having (a) at least two layers sealed together to form a closed cavity and (b) a stress point area is disclosed. The stress point area is configured to rupture upon sufficient pressure being generated in the closed cavity so that venting of pressurized contents of the container cavity may occur without explosive bursting of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: William Cho
  • Patent number: 7637283
    Abstract: The present invention creates a new rigid degassing valve. The valve of the present invention utilizes a relatively stiff support body in order to successfully vent gases, such as carbon dioxide, from within the packaging. Carbon dioxide may be created by organic products placed in the packaging which causes the package to expand. The valve of the current invention maintains its shape as the package becomes bloated and takes on a rounded shape due to carbon dioxide expended by the roasted coffee beans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Plitek, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Karl K. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20090308874
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for storage of a pressurized fluid is provided. The pressure vessel includes a composite layer having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines an internal cavity. The pressure vessel further includes at least one pressure relief device in fluid communication with the internal cavity. At least one thermally conductive element is continuously wound on the outer surface of the composite layer and adapted to carry load and transport heat from a heat source adjacent the composite layer to the at least one pressure relief device. A method for producing the pressure vessel is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Markus Lindner, Wolfgang Oelerich, Michael Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20090302035
    Abstract: A reverse acting rupture disc and methods of forming the same are provided. Generally, the rupture disc comprises a bulged portion and a circumscribing flange area surrounding the bulged portion. The bulged portion includes a mechanically formed line-of-opening recess comprising a singular channel. In certain embodiments, the mechanical process by which the recess is formed utilizes a high-speed mill which removes a portion of metal from the bulged portion of the disc without disrupting the substantially uniform metallic grain structure of the metal adjacent the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Bon F. Shaw, Bradford T. Stilwell, Michael D. Krebill
  • Patent number: 7624888
    Abstract: A container has at least one seam, the at least one seam having a joined portion and an unjoined portion. A seal seals the unjoined portion of the seam, the seal being operative to fail due to internal pressure before a remainder of the container. The container may be cylindrical, comprise metal and have at least one longitudinal seam. Generally, the joined portion comprises a weld. The seal may comprise one or more of a fluid adhesive, a gasket, a patch and an I-shaped gasket. A cover attached to the container with fasteners may at least partially cover the seal to protect it from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Daniel J. Pudlak, Robert Ho, David Ondre
  • Patent number: 7600527
    Abstract: A reverse acting rupture disc is provided having a laser defined electropolished line-of-weakness recess, and an improved method of forming an electropolished line-of-weakness recess in a reverse acting rupture disc that assures full opening of the disc upon reversal. A rupture disc blank is pre-bulged, final bulged, and then provided with a layer of resist material. A laser is used to remove at least a portion of the layer of resist material corresponding to a desired line-of-weakness recess in the concave face of the bulged rupture disc. The disc is then subjected to an electropolishing operation to remove metal from the lased area of the rupture disc, thereby forming a lustrous polished line-of-weakness recess in the disc of desired configuration and of a predetermined depth that is related to material thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Bon F. Shaw, Bradford T. Stilwell, Michael D. Krebill, Brent W. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20090223956
    Abstract: An easily rupturable portion, which is ruptured when an inner pressure of a can container is raised extraordinary and the domed portion is thereby deformed to protrude outwardly of the can container, is formed on an outer face side of the domed portion and situated in the close vicinity of an outer circumferential portion of the domed portion continuing into a seamed portion. For example, the easily rupturable portion is ruptured to release the contents of the can container when an inner pressure of a can container is raised extraordinary by heat or the like to deform the domed portion of a bottom lid to protrude outwardly within the outer circumferential portion of the domed portion. Therefore, a gas can be released without blowing off a portion of the can container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: DAIWA CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Matsukawa, Wataru Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7556063
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Eijkelenberg, Guy Jakus, Guido Dom
  • Publication number: 20080202595
    Abstract: The bursting disc assembly has a primary bursting disc (10) and a secondary bursting disc (20) immediately behind and supporting the primary bursting disc. Each of the said discs (10,20) is made of metal and is gas impermeable, and the bursting strength of the assembly is derived from both of the bursting discs acting in combination. The primary and secondary bursting discs are in contact over the whole of the operating area of the disc, and are shaped together as a pair The materials of the two discs can be chosen suitably for their functions. The primary disc is for example corrosion-resistant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Graeme Melrose, Russell Trotter
  • Publication number: 20080164256
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a small sized and high-pressurized container for preventing explosion. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a can body has a shape of cylinder for containing high-pressurized product therein. An upper body, which has a dome-like shape, is connected to the top of the can body by seaming or welding, and comprises a groove around its lower part. A valve is mounted on the top of upper body, and discharges high-pressurized gases or liquids, which exists in the inside of the container. A plurality of scores is configured at the bottom of the groove of the upper body, in order to discharge an overpressurized product and prevent bursting or explosion of the container. The scores weaken the resistance of the upper body, so in the event of that a certain internal overpressure is applied, the upper body firstly deforms outwardly and then one or more scores are fractured, and lastly the overpressurized product is discharged from the scores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Don-Woo Youm, Byoung-Gu Kim, Do-Young Gil
  • Patent number: 7281544
    Abstract: Valves for controlling the release of a substance, include a housing having an inlet for connection to a source of the substance, an outlet, and a passage extending therebetween. The passage is enclosed by a ceramic disc and means are provided to apply an electrical pulse to the disc to break the disc and so connect the inlet to the outlet. The methods include containing the substance in a container, connecting the container to a valve; and applying an electrical pulse to the disc to break the disc and connect the inlet to the outlet. The valves and methods are particularly suited, but not limited, to the control of substances such as pressurised fire extinguishing media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Kidde IP Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Bocquart
  • Patent number: 7251920
    Abstract: A lateral force resisting system includes a rigid structural panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The rigid structural panel may be a vertical truss or a rigid structural frame with a wooden panel covering one side and interconnecting the members of the rigid structural frame. The wooden panel may be made up of multiple panes to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin embodiment or self-tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy L. Timmerman, Sr., Timothy L. Timmerman, II
  • Patent number: 7234481
    Abstract: A safety pressure relief device comprises an annular flange portion (22), a concave/convex dome portion (24) and a transition portion (26) between the flange portion (22) and the dome portion (24), the transition portion (26) comprising a linear extent (28) extending from the annular flange portion (22) at a first acute angle (?1) to the plane of the flange portion (22), a tangent to the dome portion (24) at its junction with the transition portion (26) making a second acute angle (?2) with the plane of the flange portion (22) which is greater than said first angle (?1), a line of weakness being formed in and around part at least of the linear extent (28) of the transition portion (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Elfab Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Henderson, Phillip G. Coulson, Mark Hayles
  • Patent number: 7222757
    Abstract: A pressure relief device for venting an internally pressurized container such as an aerosol can has three sections, a concave annular outer area, a circular central area and an annular intermediate area connecting the concave annular area to the circular area. The three sections all have the same thickness. The central area has a center point and an arc shaped score line extending through 132° to 138°, preferably 135°, about an arc center. The arc center is offset from the center point of the circular area by a distance of from about 0.290 inches. The score line has a depth of from 0.010 to 0.012 inches and is trapezoidal in transverse cross section. The intermediate area meets the circular area at an angle greater than 90° and the intermediate area meets the concave annular outer area at an angle greater than 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Ferreira, Yurij F. Wowczuk, Richard A. Henry, Richard H. Raborn
  • Patent number: 7095606
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to prevent an unwanted conduction of a flow of gas inside a channel that connects an inner space of an enclosed switchgear (1) to another space. To this end, the channel is closed by means of a closing mechanism according to an increase in pressure in the inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gildo Mahn, Achim Milbich, Brunhilde Wenge
  • Patent number: 7051751
    Abstract: A burst disk assembly is configured for use in a pressurized gas system for venting pressurized gas from the system in the event that the gas exceeds a predetermined pressure. A plug has a tapered cylindrical shape with a minimum cross-section that is less than a body plug region open cross-section of the assembly, and a maximum cross-section that is greater than the body plug region open cross-section. The plug defines, at an end adjacent the minimum cross-section, a disk face. A frangible disk is positioned in the plug region and is sandwiched between the plug disk face and a body radial wall of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Pressure Spcacialist, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent L. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7017767
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Eijkelenberg, Guido Dom
  • Patent number: 6959828
    Abstract: A non-fragmenting pressure relief apparatus includes a rupture disc having a central bulged or flat section and a peripheral flange portion. Certain embodiments of the invention have a butterfly shaped element having two wing panels attached to the underside of a rupture disc of the apparatus. A line of weakness of major length extends around the periphery of the central section of a disc and C-shaped end region lines of weakness in the wing panels, which define a hinge portion of the disc therebetween, first converge and then diverge from one another, and connect with the major line of weakness. Application of an overpressure to the rupture disc apparatus causes the entire line of weakness to sever including the end region lines of weakness whereby divergence of the opening force at the hinge portion of the disc prevents separation of the central section of the disc from the peripheral portion of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Eijkelenberg, Guido Dom
  • Patent number: 6955182
    Abstract: A relief valve includes an outlet and a cavity with a barb formed on an inner surface. An insert pressed into the cavity includes an inlet in communication with the contents of a pressurized container. A frangible member is trapped within the cavity by the insert and separates the inlet and outlet. The insert defines an area of pressure acting on the frangible member from the pressurized container. The frangible member bursts in response to a desired pressure within the pressurized container. The insert is fabricated from a plastic material with a high resistance to plastic deformation. The insert is held within the cavity by a plurality of barbs that prevent removal. Removal of the insert is only possible by destroying the insert, thereby evidencing modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas S. Siimes, Timo Siimes
  • Patent number: 6948515
    Abstract: A rupture disk assembly for use in a pressurized fluid passageway within an application environment having a temperature operational range. The disk assembly includes a cylindrical one-piece disk consisting of unimpregnated graphite, a single bore extending partway into the top surface of the disk, a casing, and a metallic layer overlaying the planar bottom surface of the disk. The disk assembly has a particular burst pressure that is generally temperature insensitive over essentially the entire temperature operational range. The temperature operational range may be from about ?425° F. to about 900° F. The burst pressure may have a tolerance of about +/?5% over the temperature operational range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Zook Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wadkins
  • Patent number: 6945420
    Abstract: A metal reverse buckling sanitary rupture disc is provided having a central bulged section in which the convex surface of the bulged section is relatively smooth and of substantially uninterrupted configuration. A small segment region of the central bulged section is strain hardened by plastic deformation causing the segment region to have greater residual stress than the remainder of the central bulged section. When the disc is subjected to an overpressure condition against the convex surface of the bulged section sufficient to effect reversal of the bulged section, such reversal commences at the higher residual stress segment region of the bulged section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Krebill, E. Dean Miller
  • Patent number: 6792964
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure relief devices and to corresponding pressure relief assemblies that have improved vacuum resistance, improved fragmentation resistance, and/or improved burst control while maintaining low mass. The pressure relief device includes a substantially flat flange section and a domed section. The domed section may include a transitional line that defines a change in the shape of the domed section. The pressure relief device may also include a bracket for securing or aligning a domed section to a flange section. The pressure relief device may further include a stress distribution feature that is disposed transversely to a line of weakness in the domed section. The pressure relief assembly may include a fastener having a wire that is configured to break and release the pressure relief device when subject to a predetermined tensile load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Farwell, Gregory P. Klein, Geoffrey C. Brazier, Gary M. Plunkett
  • Patent number: 6742538
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Western Valve
    Inventors: Steven K. Aderholt, Franklin B. Piehl, Dennis C. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 6672389
    Abstract: A unitary, forward buckling rupture disc is provided that is adapted to be mounted in a holder in which the disc is in closing relationship to a tubing string in an oil well and has greatest utility for testing the integrity of the connection between the sections of oil well tubing strings. The disc is designed to withstand the fluid pressure head in the string and a leak test pressure, and to then burst and fully open under a predetermined overpressure. The concavo-convex bulged section of the disc has a non-circular, continuous score line formed in the concave face thereof. The score line is of continuously varying depth around its circumference and includes an outwardly projecting cam segment which is of greatest depth that ruptures first and is in direct opposition to a lesser depth score line portion forming a hinge area for the burst region of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventor: James O. Hinrichs
  • Patent number: 6607003
    Abstract: There is provided herein an improved rupture panel or disk that consists of a sheet metal top section with a relatively thick polymer foam seal attached thereto. In the preferred arrangement the instant invention does not require a separate support member. The foam sealing component is preferably attached to the top section by some sort of adhesive to hold it in place and it is installed on the process side of the top section. Additionally, the sealing member is preferably of a thickness which is substantially thicker than would typically be used in a conventional rupture panel arrangement. In another preferred embodiment the sealing member is also designed to function as a gasket, thereby eliminating the need for that separate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co,
    Inventor: Alan T. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030146215
    Abstract: A container (1), especially a fluidized container, including a housing upper part (2) and a housing lower part (3) is provided. The housing parts are detachably interlinked in an annular separation zone which is provided with a sealing element. The container in accordance with the invention provides that (i) the two housing parts are interlinked by coupling elements (8, 9) that engage with one another in a positive manner and that allow a limited movement in the direction of separation; (ii) the container parts are retained in a sealing position with a predetermined separation point (7) by means of a retainer (5), in which position an elastic sealing element (10) sealingly rests against the two coupling elements; and (iii) the coupling elements acts as a limiting stop when a maximum container pressure is exceeded, the predetermined separation point is activated and the housing parts are displaced towards the direction of separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: GLATT GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias i. W. Tondar, Edgar Rehm, Thomas Boecherer
  • Patent number: 6591854
    Abstract: A burst disk assembly has a burst disk which is interposed within the high pressure relief vent of a superconducting magnet. The burst disk is a composite design constructed of a solid carbon graphite center surrounded by an integrally formed stainless steel ring. A captured burst disk flange insures proper placement and seating of the burst disk during replacement and supports the burst disk so as to prevent it from falling or dropping out of the assembly during replacement of the ruptured burst disk. A deformable gasket contiguous to the burst disk seals the burst disk to the captured burst disk flange when the disk and the flange are pressed together. Attachment bolts are used to provide even application of pressure along the face of the burst disk and the captured burst disk flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Turner, Daniel C. Woods, Jerry Butler, Daniel Molumby, Lawrence V. Bischke, Wayne Cooke, Christopher G. King, Mehdi Kaveh
  • Patent number: 6571816
    Abstract: A cell safety valve which has a thin valve plate formed on a sheet-shaped sealing plate for sealing the cell such that if the inner pressure of the cell exceeds a predetermined value, the valve plate breaks to release a gas in the cell to the outside, in which the valve plate has a dome-shaped dome portion formed thereon and, at its middle or near it, a break groove formed for facilitating the breaking of the valve. By this construction, it is possible to prevent the electrolyte from leaking while reducing the cell-to-cell difference in the operating pressure of the safety valve and ensuring a sufficient open area at the time of the operations of the safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuma Morishita, Hironori Marubayashi, Shigeki Fujii, Yosihiro Tobita
  • Patent number: 6571972
    Abstract: A lid is shown for use with a portable tank or intermediate bulk container, or the like, having a threaded collar defining a port opening. The lid includes a generally circular top wall and a generally cylindrical sidewall connected to the top wall and having an inner threaded surface for threading to the threaded collar to close the port opening, in use. First and second circular openings through the top wall define first and second bung openings. First and second cylindrical collars extend downwardly from the top wall surrounding the respective first and second openings. Each cylindrical collar has a threaded inner wall for receiving a removable closure to selectively close the first and second bung openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Hoover Materials Handling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Bouc, Dwight Nichols, Michael Faltys
  • Patent number: 6471082
    Abstract: A closure for threadable insertion within an opening of a drum and capable of venting the drum when exposed to elevated pressures and temperatures to prevent the build-up of explosive pressures within the drum. A center portion of the closure is molded with thinner dimensions allowing the center to distort as a result of heat and internal pressures. At elevated levels, the center portion ruptures venting internal container pressure. In order to ensure venting at proper levels while maintaining integrity for the transport of materials, the center portion includes a downwardly depending circular flange and a series of lugs on the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Duane Fritzinger
  • Patent number: 6446653
    Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly and methods and apparatuses for forming a rupture disk are disclosed. The rupture disk assembly includes a rupture disk having a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area. The rupturable portion includes a structural apex formation at or near the apex of the dome and is configured to rupture when exposed to a fluid having a predetermined pressure. Preferably, a safety member is disposed adjacent the rupture disk. The safety member includes a hinge about which the disk bends when the disk ruptures. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for consistently, accurately, and repeatably forming a structural apex formation in a rupture disk before the formation of the rupture disk dome, during the formation of the rupture disk dome, and after the formation of the rupture disk dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donall Cullinane, John Daly, Stephen Farwell, Greg Klein, Barry Lowe, Mitch Rooker, John Tomasko, Geof Brazier
  • Patent number: 6446654
    Abstract: A pressure relief device for a sealed system is provided. The device includes a negative pressure support that is engageable with the system. A seal is disposed between the support and the system such that a negative pressure differential created in the system acts on the seal to move the seal away from the negative pressure support. A wire connects the seal to the support. The wire is configured to break, thereby releasing the seal, when the seal is exposed to a negative pressure differential having a predetermined level. The device may also include a positive pressure support disposed between the seal and the negative pressure support. The positive pressure support prevents the seal from releasing until the system experiences a positive pressure differential of a predetermined level. The device may also include a sensor that indicates when the seal has released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Greg Klein, John Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6431383
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Continental Disc Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Mozley, James M. Shivers
  • Patent number: 6367203
    Abstract: A rupture panel for relieving an excess pressure differential between the interior and exterior of a vessel having a wall and an opening through the wall includes a first frame section connected to the vessel wall at the opening and a pair of pressure relief panels mounted to the frame, each panel having a stitched portion, the stitched portions providing opening capability on both vacuum and burst pressure control (or on either vacuum or burst pressure control). A pair of sealing members that sandwich the pair of pressure relief panels there between are provided, one of the sealing members engaging one of the pressure relief panels, the other sealing member engaging the other pressure relief panel. Each of the sealing members has a sealing surface that covers a stitched portion of an adjacent relief panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Graham, Tom P. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020033394
    Abstract: A pressurized container (1) with crimped surfaces (2, 2′, 2″) at contact regions (3, 3′) on the two surfaces (2+2′, 2′+2″) are sealed gas-tight by crimping and with a gas-tight sealing compound (4) as an intermediate layer between the two surfaces (2−2″, 2′−2″). gas-tight sealing compound (4) is applied between the surfaces (2−2′, 2′−2″) of the pressurized can (1) before the crimping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Kaveh Towfighi
  • Patent number: 6321771
    Abstract: A pressure relief device for a sealed system is provided. The device includes a negative pressure support that is engageable with the system. A seal is disposed between the support and the system such that a negative pressure differential created in the system acts on the seal to move the seal away from the negative pressure support. A wire connects the seal to the support. The wire is configured to break, thereby releasing the seal, when the seal is exposed to a negative pressure differential having a predetermined level. The device may also include a positive pressure support disposed between the seal and the negative pressure support. The positive pressure support prevents the seal from releasing until the system experiences a positive pressure differential of a predetermined level. The device may also include a sensor that indicates when the seal has released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Greg Klein, John Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6318576
    Abstract: A sanitary rupture disk apparatus includes a rupture disk member having a periphery and a stitched portion, preferably positioned next to the periphery. A hinge area that is unstitched is provided also at the periphery of the rupture disk member. A peripheral holder or support engages the periphery of the disk member, the peripheral support being comprised of a pair of backup rings and a flexible, preferably polymeric member. The polymeric member can be in the form of a two-part flexible sanitary gasket. A pair of annular flanges of the flexible gasket extend radially inwardly of the peripheral support, each of the flanges overlapping and sealing the stitched portion of the disk member, the flanges enabling a pressure loading of the disk member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Graham, Tom P. Miller
  • Patent number: 6311715
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Zook Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wadkins
  • Patent number: 6298869
    Abstract: A thermoformed reverse buckling polymer rupture disk having an unsupported raised center portion including score lines cut in the polymer disk that creates a line of weakness to control the buckling pressure of the disk and forms a predetermined burst pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co.
    Inventor: John L. Strelow
  • Patent number: 6286702
    Abstract: A pressure release safety cap comprising a pressure release safety cap body having an open end and a closed end, the closed end having located thereupon a frangible groove and a hinge groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Henry Buermann
  • Patent number: 6257267
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide safety valve elements for condenser use, which rupture precisely at a predetermined pressure especially stably in a low pressure range so as to release inner pressure outside and can be manufactured readily, and to provide a condenser which incorporates the safety valve elements. The safety valve elements for condenser use according to the present invention comprises a metal substrate A which is provided with a perforated opening C and a metal foil B laid over the metal substrate A to close the perforated opening C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinji Saijo, Kazuo Yoshida, Nobuyuki Yoshimoto, Yoshihiko Isobe
  • Patent number: 6254982
    Abstract: A pressure relief device comprises an unimpregnated graphite membrane having a gas impermeable coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Zook Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Nicholas Clark
  • Patent number: 6241113
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Continental Disc Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Mozley, James M. Shivers
  • Patent number: 6240948
    Abstract: A rupture disk which is welded or brazed to a relatively massive or robust ring member integrally attached to the remainder of the body by an isolating member of reduced cross-sectional thickness. The upper part of the tubular body is attached by welding or brazing to the lower half of the body at a flange which extends outwardly from the mounting member. This eliminates the need for compressive forces to effect a seal, and one or two sources of potential leakage and setpoint shift (assembly force) are thereby eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Hansen Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Hansen, III, John A. Yencho, Orval J. Kuhn, Jr.