GB2514362A - Tamper evidence - Google Patents

Tamper evidence Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2514362A
GB2514362A GB1309084.0A GB201309084A GB2514362A GB 2514362 A GB2514362 A GB 2514362A GB 201309084 A GB201309084 A GB 201309084A GB 2514362 A GB2514362 A GB 2514362A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
valve
tamper evidence
retaining element
lever
cap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1309084.0A
Other versions
GB201309084D0 (en
Inventor
Heiko Tullney
Stefan Freitag
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Linde GmbH
Original Assignee
Linde GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Linde GmbH filed Critical Linde GmbH
Priority to GB1309084.0A priority Critical patent/GB2514362A/en
Publication of GB201309084D0 publication Critical patent/GB201309084D0/en
Priority to PCT/EP2014/060324 priority patent/WO2014187817A2/en
Publication of GB2514362A publication Critical patent/GB2514362A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/002—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for vessels under pressure
    • F17C13/003—Means for coding or identifying them and/or their contents
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K35/00—Means to prevent accidental or unauthorised actuation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K35/00—Means to prevent accidental or unauthorised actuation
    • F16K35/12—Means to prevent accidental or unauthorised actuation with sealing wire
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/002—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for vessels under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/06—Closures, e.g. cap, breakable member
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0329—Valves manually actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/05—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels
    • F17C2205/052—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels by stickers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/07—Applications for household use
    • F17C2270/0745—Gas bottles

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Preventing Unauthorised Actuation Of Valves (AREA)
  • Indication Of The Valve Opening Or Closing Status (AREA)

Abstract

A tamper evidence device for a gas cylinder valve 1. The tamper evidence device comprises a cap 21 and an integral retaining element 22. In use, the cap covers the fluid outlet of the valve and the retaining element engages the valve actuation device 12, which may be a lever or a hand-wheel, to substantially disable the valve actuation device. The retaining element may be a breakable strap or breakable pin. The retaining element may engage with a first lug on the valve body and a second slug on a valve lever so as to fix the lever in position. The device may act as a visual indicator of tampering.

Description

TAMPER EVIDENCE
The present invention relates to tamper evidence device for a valve. In particular, the present invention relates to tamper evidence device for a gas cyHnder valve, CyUnder valve assemblies for gas cyUnders and the hke are weD known. TraditionaUy, cylinder valves are provided with a hand wheel which is operable by rotation to open and close the valve, More recently, cynder valves which use levers to operate the valve mechanism have become known, Such a cyUnder valve assembly is discilosed in US 5975121, Gas cylinders are typicauy fiUed at a central flUng plant and distributed to end users by road. To give end users confidence that the cylinder is full, and that it has not been tampered with since leaving the filling plant, it is common to apply tamper evidence devices to gas cylinder valves after the cylinder has been filled. This is particularly important for cylinders containing dangerous gases and liquids which should not be discharged by anyone other than the intended end user.
It is common in the industry to apply shrink wrap to the valve body and operating mechanism (hand wheel or lever) after the cylinder has been filled.
It is then not possible to operate the valve without damaging the shrink wrap thereby indicating that the valve has been tampered with, The shrink wrap can also usefully carry information such as fill date, contents and supplier etc. A common problem encountered when transporting gas cylinders is damage to the threads of the valve outlet, The valve body and outlet is typically made of brass, a soft metal which is easily damaged. The threads of the valve outlet are particularly vulnerable to damage by knocks and rough handling. To ensure a gas tight fit for the end user, the valve outlet threads must be protected during transit. This is typicafly acfteved by means of a plastic cap which covers the valve outlet.
One problem of the above described method of providing tamper evidence and valve outlet protection is that it is a two step process requiring the appcation of a cap prior to the application of the shrink wrap. This adds to the time and cost of the fiUing operation, hi addition, it is possible to apply the shrink wrap without the protective cap in place, either requiring the shrink wrap to be removed and the operation repeated, or risking the cyUnder being transported to the end user without the cap in place. Because the shrink wrap covers the cap, it is likely that the absence of the cap will not be noticed, particularly if the shrink wrap is opaque.
The present invention provides a tamper evidence device for a valve of the type having a body comprising a fluid outlet and a valve actuation device, the tamper evidence device comprising a cap and an integral retaining element, wherein, in use, the cap is arranged to cover the fluid outlet and the retaining element is arranged to engage with the valve actuation device to substantially disable the valve actuation device.
The tamper evidence device of the present invention simultaneously disables the valve and covers the valve outlet. Because the cap is an integral part of the tamper evidence device, it is not possible to apply the tamper evidence device without also providing the cap.
In one preferred example, the retaining element comprises a breakable strap. This allows flexibility since the tamper evidence device need not be specifically shaped to fit a particular valve configuration. In an alternative preferred example, the retaining element comprises a breakable pin.
The tamper evidence device may preferably be for a valve actuation mechanism of the type comprising a hand wheel, wherein the retaining element is arranged, in use, to substantiafly fix the hand wheel in place relative to the valve body. This aUows the tamper evidence device to be used with the current most common type of valve actuation device.
In an alternative example, the tamper evidence device may be for a valve actuation mechanism of the type comprising a lever, wherein the retaining element is arranged, in use, to fasten the ever to the valve body such that the ever is substantiaUy fixed in position relative to the v&ve body.
In this case, the retaining element may preferably be arranged, in use, to engage with a first lug located on the valve body and a second lug located on the ever to thereby substantiafly fix the ever in position relative to the valve body.
The tamper evidence device preferably comprises a visual indicator to indicate information lathe end user, Examp'es of the invention wiU now be described with reference to the foHowing drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a lever operated valve assembly having a tamper evidence device fitted thereto; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the lever operated valve assembly of Figure 1 having an alternative tamper evidence device fitted thereto; and Figure 3 shows an alternative isometric view of the valve assembly and tamper evidence device of Figure 2.
Referring to Figure 1, the top portion of a cylinder valve assembly 1 is shown. The cynder valve assembly 1 comprises a gas cylinder 2 and a lever operated valve assembly 10. The valve assembly 10 comprises a valve body SO 11 and an operating lever 12. The valve body 11 comprises a first lug 13 and the lever 12 comprises a second lug 14. Both the first and second lugs 13, 14 corn pñse openings which are arranged so that, when the lever is in the closed position (as shown) the openings overlap one another.
A tamper evidence device 20 is shown fitted to the valve assembly 10.
The tamper evidence device 20 comprises a cap 21 and an integral strap 22.
As shown, the cap 21 fits over the ouflet of the valve assembly 10 and the strap 22 passes through the openings in the first and second lugs 13, 14. In this way, the ever 12 is prevented from pivoting upwardly to open the valve since the lugs 13, 14 are essentiafly tied together by the strap 22 which functions in this embodiment as a retaining element.
The cap 21 and strap 22 are made of a plastics material such as (?).
The strap 22 fastens to itself in a nonreversible fashion such as is commonly known in the art of cable ties.
To release the tamper evidence device 20 ii is necessary to cut the strap 22. The same tamper evidence device 20 may therefore not be removed and re$itted.
As can be seen in Figure 1, if the cap 21 is not correctly fitted in place over the valve outlet, the strap 22 will tighten to a small loop surrounding the lugs 13, 14. In this instance it would be immediately obvious to the fitter that the cap 21 was not correctly fitted. This significantly reduces the risk of cylinders being dispatched to end users without the cap in place.
Figures 2 and 3 show an alternative tamper evidence device 30. For clarity, like numerals are used to describe like features of the cylinder 2 and valve 10 which remain the same as for Figure 1.
so The tamper evidence device 30 comprises a cap 31 and an integral strip 32 which extends from the cap 31 to a pin 33. The pin 33 comprises a shaft 37 and a chamfered head 34 at its distal end. The proximal end of the head 34 has a greater diameter then the shaft 37 of the pin 33 so that a shoulder (not shown) Is formed between the shaft 37 and the head 34. The distal end of the head 34 has a smaller diameter than the proximal end to provide a chamfered profile. Both the shaft 37 and head 34 comprIse a split 35 whIch extends through the depth of the head 34 and substantially through the length of the shaft 37 such that the pin 33 is substantially dMded into two halves.
In use, the cap 31 Is placed over the valve outlet and the head 34 of the pin 33 is pushed through the openings in the tugs 13, 14 (aided by the chamfered configuration of the head 34). The split 35 allows the two halves of the pin 33 to resiliently move towards on another and spring apart to substantially their original configuration. Once in place, the pin 33 is prevented from returning back through the tugs 13, 14 by the shoulder formed is between the shaft 37 and head 34. in this way, the lever 12 is prevented from pivoting upwardly to open the valve since the tugs 13, 14 are essentially locked together by the pin 33 which functions in this embodkient as a retaining element.
To remove the tamper evidence device, the pin must be broken by separating the head 34 from the shaft 37. The same tamper evIdence device may therefore not be removed and re-fitted.
As can be seen In FIgures 2 and 3, if the cap 31 is not correctly fitted In place over the valve outlet, the pin 33 will be able to freely rotate in the tugs 13, 14. In this instance it would be immediately obvious to the fitter that the cap 31 was not correctly fitted. This significantly reduces the risk of cylinders being dispatched to end users without the cap in place.
The strip 32 of tamper evidence device 30 carrIes a visual indicator 36.
This visual indIcator 36 may be a signal to the end user that the valve 10 has not been tampered with. In the example of Figure 3, this visual indicator 36 is provided by the word OK". The visual indicator 36 may addilionaHy or alternatively comprise information for the end user such as tifl date or contents etc. The tamper evidence device 20, 30 may usefuuy be of a highly visible cobur such as red or orange. This wiU assist fiUing plant operators to more easy see if the tamper evidence device is incorrectly fitted. For example, if the cap is not in place over the valve outlet. It wiU also as&sl the end user to see that the tamper evidence device is in place, Preferably, the tamper evidence device wifl be of a contrasting colour to the components of the valve 10.
Other embodiments to those shown in the Figures are contemplated within the scope of the invention. Non-Umiting examples include devices similar to devices 20 and 30 described above wherein the strap 22 or strip 32 (as the case may be) encircles the valve body 11 and lever 12 to thereby strap the lever 12 to the valve body Ii thereby preventing actuation of the lever 12.
In a further example, the Rigs 13, 14 may be located at any suitable position on the valve body 11 and lever 12 and do not need to be located at the opposite side of the valve to the outlet as shown in the Figures.
A further example is a hand wheel operated valve whereby the strap 22 or pin 33 (as the case may be) engages with the hand wheel thus preventing it from rotating and opening the valve. In the case of strap 22 the strap could be tied to a spoke of the hand wheel and in the case of pin 33 the hand wheel may be provided with a suitable opening for receiving the pin 33.

Claims (7)

  1. Claims 1. A tamper evdence device for a valve of the type having a body comprising a fluid outlet and a valve actuation device, the tamper evidence device comprising a cap and an integral retaining element, wherein, in use, the cap is arranged to cover the fluid outlet and the retaining element is arranged to engage wtth the valve actuation device to substantially disable the valve actuation device.
  2. 2. A tamper evidence device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining element comprises a breakable strap.
  3. 3. A tamper evidence device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining element comprises a breakable pin.
  4. 4. A tamper evidence device as claimed in any preceding claim for a valve actuation mechanism of the type comprising a hand wheel, wherein the retaining element is arranged, in use, to substantiaUy fix the hand wheel in place relative to the valve body.
  5. 5. A tamper evidence device as claimed in any one of claims I to 3, for a valve actuation mechanism of the type comprising a ever, wherein the retaining element is arranged, in use, to fasten the lever to the valve body such that the lever is substantially fixed in position relative to the valve body.
  6. 6, A tamper evidence device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the retaining element is arranged, in use, to engage with a first lug located on the valve body and a second lug located on the lever to thereby substantially fix the lever in position relative to the valve body.
  7. 7. A tamper evidence device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tamper evidence device comprises a visual indicator.
GB1309084.0A 2013-05-20 2013-05-20 Tamper evidence Withdrawn GB2514362A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1309084.0A GB2514362A (en) 2013-05-20 2013-05-20 Tamper evidence
PCT/EP2014/060324 WO2014187817A2 (en) 2013-05-20 2014-05-20 Tamper evidence

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1309084.0A GB2514362A (en) 2013-05-20 2013-05-20 Tamper evidence

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201309084D0 GB201309084D0 (en) 2013-07-03
GB2514362A true GB2514362A (en) 2014-11-26

Family

ID=48747059

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1309084.0A Withdrawn GB2514362A (en) 2013-05-20 2013-05-20 Tamper evidence

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2514362A (en)
WO (1) WO2014187817A2 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IE950380A1 (en) * 1995-05-25 1996-11-27 Rustsun Limited A tamper evident seal
GB2380732A (en) * 2001-10-12 2003-04-16 Lpg Ltd A tamper-evident cap for use on gas cylinders
FR2967403A1 (en) * 2010-11-12 2012-05-18 Rovip Cap for safety and guaranteeing tamper resistance to be installed on valve of gas cylinder, has blocking ring integrated with upper part of cap body and co-operated with lower part to irreversibly lock cap on valve after disintegration

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IE991007A1 (en) * 1998-12-01 2000-07-12 Rustsun Ltd Tamper evident seal
US7438085B2 (en) * 2003-03-21 2008-10-21 Ratermann George W Protection and tamper notification device for use with a valve
US7681587B2 (en) * 2006-09-15 2010-03-23 Protective Industries, Inc. Gas bottle valve stem protective sleeve

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IE950380A1 (en) * 1995-05-25 1996-11-27 Rustsun Limited A tamper evident seal
GB2380732A (en) * 2001-10-12 2003-04-16 Lpg Ltd A tamper-evident cap for use on gas cylinders
FR2967403A1 (en) * 2010-11-12 2012-05-18 Rovip Cap for safety and guaranteeing tamper resistance to be installed on valve of gas cylinder, has blocking ring integrated with upper part of cap body and co-operated with lower part to irreversibly lock cap on valve after disintegration

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201309084D0 (en) 2013-07-03
WO2014187817A2 (en) 2014-11-27
WO2014187817A3 (en) 2015-03-19

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)