US20050167453A1 - Apparatus and method for dispensing and refilling highly pressurized gases - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for dispensing and refilling highly pressurized gases Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050167453A1 US20050167453A1 US11/046,460 US4646005A US2005167453A1 US 20050167453 A1 US20050167453 A1 US 20050167453A1 US 4646005 A US4646005 A US 4646005A US 2005167453 A1 US2005167453 A1 US 2005167453A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- gas
- pressure
- valve
- pin
- flow path
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
- B65D83/16—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means
- B65D83/20—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means operated by manual action, e.g. button-type actuator or actuator caps
- B65D83/205—Actuator caps, or peripheral actuator skirts, attachable to the aerosol container
- B65D83/206—Actuator caps, or peripheral actuator skirts, attachable to the aerosol container comprising a cantilevered actuator element, e.g. a lever pivoting about a living hinge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
- B65D83/16—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means
- B65D83/22—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means with a mechanical means to disable actuation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
- B65D83/16—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means
- B65D83/22—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means with a mechanical means to disable actuation
- B65D83/224—Tamper indicating means obstructing initial actuation, e.g. removable
- B65D83/226—Tamper indicating means obstructing initial actuation, e.g. removable preventing initial depression of the actuator
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
- B65D83/42—Filling or charging means
- B65D83/425—Delivery valves permitting filling or charging
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
- G05D16/04—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power
- G05D16/10—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a piston or plunger
- G05D16/107—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a piston or plunger with a spring-loaded piston in combination with a spring-loaded slideable obturator that move together over range of motion during normal operation
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a unit for dispensing gas from a gas container and refilling the gas container, and in particular relates to an oxygen dispensing unit for use in dispensing oxygen for consumption from a high pressure container and for use in refilling the container with oxygen for consumption.
- the dispensing unit or regulator In producing a container and dispenser for gases, it is necessary to provide a dispensing unit or regulator to regulate egress of gas from a high pressure within the container to a lower pressure outside of the container.
- the dispensing unit or regulator must satisfy all relevant regulatory requirements including safety requirements, and at the same time preferably is lightweight, portable and inexpensive. Further, to allow re-use of the container, the dispensing unit or regulator preferably provides for convenient refilling of the container.
- the gas is for human consumption, such as oxygen for those who are at high altitude, or otherwise desire supplemental oxygen
- suitable mechanisms must be in place to ensure the oxygen is safe for human consumption.
- pure oxygen vigorously accelerates combustion and necessitates careful device design to avoid the risk of accidental ignition.
- the present invention provides a regulator for providing a substantially constant outlet gas pressure with varying inlet gas pressure, the regulator comprising:
- the pin portion of the pin valve is smaller in diameter than the aperture of the sealing disc, so that gas flows between the pin portion and the sealing disc.
- the pin portion slidably and sealably extends through the sealing disc, and the pin portion defines an internal passageway to allow the flow of gas when the pin valve is in an open position.
- the present invention provides a method of regulating gas flow to provide a substantially constant outlet gas pressure with varying inlet gas pressure, the method comprising:
- the present invention provides a device for regulating the flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized container, comprising:
- the present invention provides for the passage of gas in only one direction through each gas flow path.
- this configuration permits use of a gas filter such that particulates captured by the filter remain on an upstream side of the filter and thus cannot be passed downstream of the filter.
- a gas filter is provided along the first gas flow path to filter gas flowing from the pressurized container.
- the device further comprises means for sealing the pressurized container.
- the means for sealing is operable to provide a gas tight seal for gas at high pressure.
- the high pressure may be substantially 3,000 psi, or may be substantially 12,000 psi.
- the second gas flow path comprises means for attachment for a high pressure gas supply.
- the second gas flow path comprises a valve permitting the introduction of pressurized gas for refilling the container, and for sealing the second gas flow path at times when the container is not being refilled.
- the valve sealing the second gas flow path may be provided by a filler valve needle and O-ring arrangement, wherein the O-ring is positioned externally of the filler valve needle, and engagement of the filler valve shoulder with the O-ring effects a seal of the second gas flow path.
- the filler valve needle being positioned internally of the O-ring along the second gas flow path, the filler valve shoulder may be pressed against and engaged with the O-ring by internal gas pressure and/or by a spring.
- the filler valve needle preferably further comprises a needle portion extending through the O-ring to enable manual depression of the filling valve needle. Additionally or alternatively, the refilling process may be effected simply by applying an external pressure which is greater than an internal pressure of the pressurized container and/or the pressure applied by a spring, such that the filling valve needle is forced away from the O-ring by the external pressure, thus opening the second gas flow path.
- Preferred embodiments of the invention further comprise a safety failure mechanism, wherein an over-pressure condition causes the safety failure mechanism to release gas from the pressurized container.
- the safety failure mechanism is a reseating relief valve.
- the safety failure mechanism may comprise a sacrificial seal configured so as to fail upon occurrence of the over-pressure condition, thus releasing all pressurized gas from the container.
- the sacrificial seal may comprise a metal sheet sealing a safety gas flow path, the metal sheet being configured to fail upon occurrence of the over-pressure condition.
- the metal sheet may comprise a sheet of brass having a specific thickness to meet this purpose.
- the over pressure condition may be selected to arise when an internal pressure of the container exceeds five thirds of the intended maximum operating internal pressure of the container but not more than 10% less than five thirds of the intended maximum internal pressure of the container.
- Embodiments of the invention preferably further comprise a regulator to regulate egress of gas from the pressurized container along the first gas flow path.
- the regulator on the first gas flow path provides a substantially constant output gas pressure or speed, regardless of the internal pressure of the pressurized container.
- the regulator is preferably effected by a pin valve engaging a sealing disc so as to selectively seal the first gas flow path.
- the pin valve may be held against the sealing disc by internal pressure of a pressurized container and/or a pin valve retaining spring.
- the pin valve has a pin portion extending through the sealing disc and shoulder portions engaging with the sealing disc to provide said seal of said first gas flow path.
- Said shoulder portions may be semi-spherical, to engage in a corresponding seat of the sealing disc.
- actuation of the pin portion of the pin valve is preferably effected by a nose portion of a diaphragm.
- gas flow past the pin valve and sealing disc preferably flows to a cavity between the diaphragm and the sealing disc.
- Such embodiments preferably further comprise an actuator for depressing a diaphragm engagement spring, which in turn applies force to the diaphragm so as to depress the pin portion of the pin valve.
- an outlet port is provided leading from the cavity to allow the flow of gas from the cavity out of the regulator.
- the outlet port preferably comprises a constriction to limit the flow of gas from the cavity. The constriction my be simply effected by providing a small hole for egress of gas from the cavity, with the size of the hole being selected to provide a desired equilibrium pressure within the cavity during actuation of the actuator.
- the constriction may comprise a small hole of substantially 0.3 mm in diameter.
- the outlet port is effected by a hollow shaft of the diaphragm, with one end of the hollow shaft being the nose of the diaphragm for engagement of the pin portion of the pin valve, and an opposite end of the hollow shaft being open to allow egress of gas from the hollow shaft.
- the constriction is preferably effected by a small hole passing laterally through a wall of the hollow shaft to allow constricted gas flow from the cavity to the outlet port.
- the pressure within the cavity is primarily controlled by the balancing factors the strength of the diaphragm engagement spring and the size of the surface area of the diaphragm so as to controllably open the valve provided by the pin valve and sealing disc, with the pressure in the cavity being largely independent of the pressure within the pressurized container.
- the flow of gas through the small hole and through the outlet port out of the regulator is substantially constant.
- Embodiments of the invention in which the outlet port comprises a hollow shaft through the diaphragm are particularly advantageous in avoiding the need for an outlet port distinct from the diaphragm, such as an outlet port extending laterally from the cavity, requiring additional material and weight of the regulator.
- FIG. 1 is an assembled cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a regulator according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded cross sectional view of the regulator of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the regulator of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a regulator and cylinder in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 a is a fragmentary schematic view of a pin valve of the regulator of FIG. 1 showing the pin valve in a closed position;
- FIG. 5 b is a fragmentary schematic view of a pin valve of the regulator of FIG. 1 showing the pin valve in an open position;
- FIG. 6 a is a fragmentary schematic view of another species of pin valve showing the pin valve in a closed position
- FIG. 6 a is a fragmentary schematic view of the pin valve of FIG. 6 a showing the pin valve in an open position
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a gas dispenser according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a partial exploded perspective view of the gas dispenser of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator assembly of the gas dispenser of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a side view of the gas dispenser of FIG. 11 illustrating an open position of an actuator cover.
- the embodiment of the invention set out in the figures is a regulator 30 for refillable high pressure gas containers, and for oxygen gas in particular.
- the regulator 30 provides for a compact, refillable personal oxygen supply, and when used in conjunction with a high pressure container, allows for more gas to be held in a smaller space.
- the regulator is designed and tested to International Safety and Production Standards, and importantly has been designed to be operable with one hand.
- the regulator 30 provides for regulation of high pressure gas as it exits a high pressure container, and further provides a filing valve and over pressure relief, all in a compact and light weight unit.
- the regulator further provides for attachment of a variety of actuation mechanisms to operate the regulator, allowing for user preference and interchangeable actuation mechanisms.
- the regulator 30 further provides a number of anti-tampering and anti-dismantling features.
- the regulator 30 provides for a body-to-cylinder seal between the body 1 of the regulator 30 and a high pressure container.
- the body 1 is configured to screw into the neck of such a cylinder with straight threads.
- a counter-bore is required on the cylinder having a smaller outside diameter than the outside diameter of the body 1 .
- the inside diameter of the counter-bore is required to be the outside diameter of the threaded connection in the cylinder neck.
- the Teflon seal is slightly thicker than the space available between the base of the counter-bore and the lower face of the body 1 . Consequently, when the body 1 is tightened against the top of such a cylinder, the Teflon seal is crushed into the counter-bore. The Teflon seal then extrudes against the threaded connection on the base of the body 1 and all sides and imperfections in the faces of the counter-bore, ensuring a gas-tight seal up to and beyond 12,000 psi.
- the threaded connection provides the strength required to contain cylinder pressures up to and beyond 12,000 psi without the body 1 shearing out of the cylinder neck.
- the operating pressure of the regulator will be between 15 psi (1 bar, or atmospheric pressure at sea level) and 3,000 psi, however for safety and design standard requirements, the system is designed to cope with up to 12,000 psi without failure.
- the regulator 30 further comprises a side filling mechanism, allowing gas to be introduced to the body 1 and then into the cylinder through the side filling gas flow path.
- the side filling gas flow path is distinct from a gas flow path for gas exiting the regulator.
- the side filling gas flow path comprises filling valve retainer 17 , O-ring 13 , filling valve needle 18 , filler spring 2 and Teflon seal 19 .
- a seal of the side filling gas flow path is provided between the body 1 and the filling valve retainer 17 .
- the filling valve retainer 17 comprises a threaded outer which screws into the side of the body 1 .
- the cavity in the body 1 into which the filling valve retainer 17 is screwed is also threaded, and has a shoulder just short of the base of the hole to stop the filling valve retainer once it is screwed in to that point.
- the Teflon seal 19 has inside and outside diameters which match those of the filling valve retainer 17 .
- the Teflon seal 19 is slightly thicker than the space available between the filling valve retainer 17 and the body 1 , when the filling valve retainer 17 has been tightened against the shoulder in the body 1 .
- a releasable seal or valve is provided by a filling hole in the filling valve retainer 17 .
- the filling hole in the outer end of the filling valve retainer 17 is sealed by crushing the Viton O-ring 13 between the shoulders of the filling valve needle 18 and the flat inside face of the filling valve retainer 17 .
- the crushing force on the Viton O-Ring 13 is exerted in series by the flat inside face of the side filling retainer 17 crushing the o-ring against the shoulders of the filling valve needle 18 .
- Pressure is exerted on the filling valve needle 18 to urge it against the Viton O-ring 13 by the filler spring 2 and also by gas pressure when present.
- Filler spring 2 is compressed between the filling valve shoulders 18 and the body 1 as a result of having a longer free height than the space available between the filling valve needle and the body 1 when the filling valve retainer 17 is screwed in against the shoulder on the body 1 .
- Filling may be achieved either by manual activation of the externally extending needle portion of the filling valve needle 18 and the introduction of gas under pressure, or by providing sufficient external gas pressure to compress filler spring 2 enough to release the seal between the filling valve needle 18 and the filling valve retainer 17 , thus allowing gas flow past the filling valve needle 18 and along the second gas flow path into a cylinder.
- external pressure manual pressure or gas pressure
- the internal gas and spring pressure ensure that the seal between the filling valve needle 18 and the filling valve retainer 17 is re-established.
- the regulator 30 further provides for over-pressure relief, so as to ensure a safe failure mode in case the cylinder and regulator become over-pressurized.
- over-pressurization is defined as being five thirds of a maximum cylinder/regulator operating pressure. Given that the maximum operating pressure in the present embodiment is 3,000 psi, the over pressure condition is defined as being 5,000 psi.
- the failure mode can, for example, take the form of a burst disc or a reseating relief valve.
- the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 incorporates a burst disc safe failure mode, however the cavity in the body that accepts the burst disc components 9 - 12 may alternatively be used to accept the components required for a reseating relief valve.
- a cavity in the body 1 is provided with a female thread, and houses the components for the safe failure mode.
- a burst disc retainer 12 is provided having a thread on its outside diameter, and a hexagonal hole of a specific size for accepting a screwing tool.
- a brass burst disc exterior washer 11 is provided having a circular hole in it of specified size.
- a disc 10 for bursting under the over-pressure condition is provided, comprising a solid piece of sheet brass. The disc 10 has a specific thickness.
- a copper seal gasket 9 is provided and also has a circular hole in it of a specific size.
- the copper seal gasket washer 9 is crushed into the body 1 by each of the parts 11 and 10 to the point of extrusion into surface imperfections. The extrusion of this gasket ensures a gas tight seal during normal operating conditions.
- the specific sizes noted in components 12 , 11 , 10 and 9 are calculated to ensure that the disc 10 fails (bursts or tears) within a specific gas pressure range.
- the range is substantially between 5,000 psi and 4,500 psi (greater than five thirds of service pressure, but not less than ninety percent of five thirds of service pressure.
- the regulator 30 further ensures that within the limits of the materials, a constant gas pressure, or gas speed, is delivered to the outlet port of part 4 regardless of the inlet pressure (or cylinder pressure) into the body 1 .
- the regulation of gas pressure is achieved by opening and shutting a valve comprising parts 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 to allow gas to escape to a cavity, and restricting the release of gas from the cavity by providing a constriction in the outlet port, the constriction being a small hole in the nose of the regulator piston diaphragm 4 which connects to a larger central tube through the diaphragm 4 that becomes the outlet port at its upper end.
- the gas speed at the outlet port is determined by the combination of gas pressure in the cavity below the diaphragm 4 , the surface area of the diaphragm within the pressure cavity, the strength of the spring 3 and the size of the hole that the gas can escape through.
- the small hole or outlet port 33 is approximately 0.3 mm in diameter.
- Embodiments of the invention include a small hole in the range of approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 0.7 mm, and in other embodiments the small hole is between approximately 0.3 mm and approximately 0.5 mm.
- the brass pin valve 6 has a shoulder on its internal end which locates into a spring 5 .
- Brass pin valve 6 further comprises a shoulder presenting a spherical sealing surface, and a narrow pin portion protruding from its upper or external end.
- a Teflon (PTFE) or Neoflon (PCTFE) sealing disc 7 is provided having a central circular hole through it. The pin portion of the pin valve 6 protrudes through the hole and the spherical sealing surfaces of the pin valve shoulder mates with the sealing disc 7 around the edge of the circular hole.
- the sealing disc 7 is secured into the body 1 by a threaded retainer 8 .
- the outer circumference of the sealing disc 7 must also be gas tight to prevent leaking. This is achieved by an angled lower surface of the cavity in the body 1 that the sealing disc 7 is secured in, and the sealing disc 7 being slightly thicker than the space it is secured into. Accordingly, when the threaded retainer 8 is screwed down against the sealing disc 7 , the sealing disc 7 extrudes slightly into the available cavity and the angle of the lower surface ensures that a perfect seal is provided on the outer circumference so that there is no leakage through that path.
- the regulation of gas flow out of the cylinder along the first gas flow path occurs as follows.
- gas is released into the cavity between the diaphragm 4 and the sealing disc 7 .
- the cavity is sealed by the O-ring 14 .
- the release of pressurized gas into the cavity increases the gas pressure within the cavity, which pushes the diaphragm 4 upwardly against the regulator spring 3 .
- Spring 3 is retained within the body 1 by the actuator 16 , which in turn is retained within the body 1 by retainer 20 .
- the actuator 16 compresses spring 3 which then forces diaphragm 4 towards the pin portion of the pin valve 6 .
- a nose portion of the diaphragm 4 forces pin valve 6 inwardly away from the sealing disc, breaking the seal and allowing gas to escape into the cavity between the sealing disc 7 and the diaphragm 4 . Consequently, gas pressure in the cavity rises, which applies a pressure against the surface of the diaphragm within the pressure cavity urging the diaphragm 4 away from the pin valve 6 , against the force of the spring 3 .
- the spring 3 will compress sufficiently for the diaphragm 4 to move away from the sealing disc 7 , allowing the pin valve 6 to re-seat against the sealing disc 7 , closing the valve.
- the movable diaphragm 4 allows the preexhaust pressure regulating cavity 31 , which forms a portion of the outlet gas flow path, to expand and contract the volume of gas in the cavity thereby slowing the pressure increase as more gas flows into the cavity 31 .
- the pressure and volume increase at the same time at a rate determined by the force of the regulator spring 3 , so that the pressure increase is slowed because volume is also increased as the regulator spring 3 is compressed. Therefore, the size of the cavity 31 varies with the pressure in the cavity, and the regulator spring 3 biases the diaphragm toward a small cavity position. This also acts to regulate the temperature change in the cavity 31 as the gas expands and would normally cool rapidly.
- the outlet port 33 restricts flow of the gas out of the cavity 31 building pressure in the cavity and increasing the volume of the cavity until the diaphragm and its pin engagement end 39 , which abuts against the pin portion 50 of the valve pin 6 , is retracted enough that the pin valve 6 closes against the sealing disc 7 to seal the cylinder.
- the gas in the cavity is then exhausted through the outlet port 33 and the central bore 35 of the hollow shaft 37 of the diaphragm 4 .
- embodiments of the invention utilize a regulator spring having a load force of approximately 120 Newtons to approximately 200 Newtons, and in other embodiments, the load force of the regulator spring 3 is approximately 150 Newtons to approximately 170 Newtons.
- the working surface area of the diaphragm 4 is approximately 10 mm to approximately 15 mm in diameter, and the diameter is approximately 12.5 mm to approximately 13.5 mm in other embodiments.
- the regulator 30 further provides for safety features, given that oxygen is a hazardous gas in that it can vigorously promote combustion of materials that are normally not flammable.
- the regulator 30 is designed so that the chance of an inadvertent release of oxygen is minimized.
- the regulator 30 is designed for attachment of a shroud to conceal the regulator 30 and provide an attractive product presentable for sale, but also preferably includes a positive actuation mechanism (not shown) of the actuator 16 .
- the positive actuation mechanism is preferably designed to engage to commence oxygen flow and disengage to ensure no inadvertent release by accidental activation of the actuator 16 .
- all parts are “oxygen cleaned” in trichloroethylene (or similar oxygen-safe chemical solvents), which is important to safety.
- the O-ring 14 of the diaphragm is lubricated with an oxygen compatible lubricant, again for safety purposes.
- the positive actuation mechanism may comprise a spring loaded button or lever, or a threaded knob.
- a plastic lever may be provided to activate the actuator 16 .
- the lower surface will engage with the actuator 16 to commence gas flow as previously described herein.
- the button/lever will completely disengage from the actuator 16 .
- the disengagement preferably leaves a small space between the engagement surface of the lever and the actuator 16 by allowing excess travel in the upward movement of the lever, along with a built in spring mechanism to hold the lever away from the actuator 16 .
- This springing mechanism may for example be provided by resilient plastic and therefore independent of the spring mechanisms of the regulator 30 .
- the spring loaded action of the lever ensures that the user must apply ‘positive’ pressure to the button on the lever to commence flow.
- the shroud preferably further comprises a mouthpiece.
- the mouthpiece is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lever is accessible only when the mouthpiece is in the open position.
- the mouthpiece may be removably secured into the open position and the closed position by tabs moulded into the plastics.
- the regulator 30 will normally be under high pressure when connected to a cylinder, it is undesirable to allow consumers to easily dismantle the regulator 30 from the cylinder due to potential safety concerns. Accordingly, the regulator 30 is screwed down to the cylinder with significant torque, so that a levered tool is required to unscrew it even when the system is un-pressurized. Furthermore, no surfaces are provided where a normal spanner can be easily connected to attempt to unscrew the regulator from the cylinder. Additionally, to ensure that users do not inadvertently unscrew the regulator 30 from the cylinder when the system is pressurized, the shroud is designed to detach from the regulator or fail before sufficient torque could be applied to unscrew the regulator. To do so will require removal of the plastics, attachment of the cylinder to a suitable holding mechanism and use of a purpose-made spanner/wrench.
- a horizontal groove 21 is provided around the outer circumference of the body 1 and plastic ribs on the inside diameter of the plastic shroud parts will clip into the groove 21 .
- the plastic is thus held in a fixed vertical location.
- a shroud used in conjunction with the described regulator preferably provides safety and anti-tampering features, and further provides a substantially sealed flow path for gas from the outlet of the regulator to flow to a user's inhalation port.
- the plastic shroud being interchangeable, further provides for user customization and preference, thus providing an attractive feature to users.
- the propellant is the oxygen pressure itself within the container, without need for an aerosol additive or the like. Accordingly, a user receives pure oxygen from the container.
- FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of a regulator and cylinder in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
- Regulator 40 connects to cylinder 41 by screwing into the neck of cylinder 41 with a straight threaded engagement.
- a Teflon or Neoflon seal (not shown) is trapped securely within a counter bore 44 .
- the Teflon or Neoflon seal is slight thicker than the space available between the base of the counter bore 44 and the lower face 42 of the regulator 40 . Consequently, when the regulator 40 is tightened against the top of the cylinder 41 , the Teflon or Neoflon seal is crushed within the counter bore.
- FIG. 4 further illustrates a filter 45 for preventing the flow of particulate matter from the cylinder out through the regulator 40 to a user.
- FIG. 4 further illustrates a second gas flow path 46 , for filling the cylinder in a manner which involves a gas flow through the filter 45 in one direction only.
- the pin valve 6 includes the pin portion 50 , which extends through a central aperture 52 in the sealing disc 7 and the retainer 8 .
- the rounded shoulder 54 of the pin valve seals the gas inside the cylinder.
- the pin valve 6 is biased into the closed position by the valve pin spring 5 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the shoulder 54 is spaced away from the sealing disc, and the gas is allowed to flow through the aperture 52 , which forms part of the outlet gas flow path.
- the body 101 again houses and slidably guides the pin valve 106 , and the sealing disc 107 and retainer 108 are held in position by the concentric counter bore 100 of the body 101 .
- the pin portion 150 again extends through the central aperture 152 defined by the sealing disc 107 and the retainer 108 .
- the outer surface of the pin portion 150 seals in the aperture of the sealing disc.
- the pin portion 150 defines a pin portion passageway 109 , which forms part of the outlet gas flow path when the pin valve 106 is in the open position of FIG. 6 b .
- the pin portion passageway 109 includes a lower passage 110 , a centrally and axially located through passage 111 , and a plurality of outlet passages 112 , 113 .
- Each of the passages 110 , 111 , 112 , 113 is in fluid communication, and are sized to restrict the flow of gas from the cylinder.
- the gas dispensing apparatus 60 includes a pressure vessel 61 defining and internal chamber 62 closed by a pressure bearing wall 64 , which defines an opening 66 for receiving the regulator 30 , specifically the body 1 of the regulator, and permitting gas to move in and out of the internal chamber as controlled by the regulator.
- the gas dispenser 60 also includes an actuator assembly 70 which engages the diaphragm hollow shaft 37 , so that an operator can depress actuator button 79 of the actuator lever 74 . To prevent accidental actuation, the lever and button are covered by an actuator cover 72 .
- the actuator cover 72 slides into an open position illustrated in FIG. 11 . In one embodiment the cover 72 clips into both its open and closed positions.
- the actuator lever 74 engages the actuator 16 which moves the diaphragm 4 to move the pin valve 6 to the open position illustrated in FIG. 5 b .
- the actuator button is movably mounted on the actuator housing 76
- the actuator lever 74 is, in one embodiment, pivotally mounted in the actuator housing 76 .
- An actuator surface 78 of the lever 74 extends around the hollow shaft 37 of the diaphragm 4 and engages the actuator 16 .
- the hollow shaft is in fluid communication with an actuator passage 80 that also forms part of the outlet gas flow path.
- Alternate actuation mechanisms may include a button or a threaded knob, incorporated into a similar actuator housing clipped on the groove of the regulator body 1 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/046,460 US20050167453A1 (en) | 2004-01-30 | 2005-01-28 | Apparatus and method for dispensing and refilling highly pressurized gases |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US54074004P | 2004-01-30 | 2004-01-30 | |
US11/046,460 US20050167453A1 (en) | 2004-01-30 | 2005-01-28 | Apparatus and method for dispensing and refilling highly pressurized gases |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050167453A1 true US20050167453A1 (en) | 2005-08-04 |
Family
ID=34837417
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/046,460 Abandoned US20050167453A1 (en) | 2004-01-30 | 2005-01-28 | Apparatus and method for dispensing and refilling highly pressurized gases |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050167453A1 (fr) |
EP (1) | EP1709500A1 (fr) |
CN (1) | CN1938662A (fr) |
WO (1) | WO2005076096A1 (fr) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060236991A1 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2006-10-26 | Yiauguo Gan | Gas gun for coupling different gas containers |
CN101806392A (zh) * | 2010-03-31 | 2010-08-18 | 湖南三德科技发展有限公司 | 具有联锁组件的微型充氧器 |
EP2520515A1 (fr) * | 2006-01-30 | 2012-11-07 | The Fountainhead Group, Inc. | Système de distribution de fluide |
CN106018471A (zh) * | 2016-07-01 | 2016-10-12 | 湖南三德科技股份有限公司 | 用于样品热值分析的自动量热仪 |
CN109931499A (zh) * | 2019-02-21 | 2019-06-25 | 北京航天试验技术研究所 | 一种内压平衡式加氢枪及该内压平衡式加氢枪的使用方法 |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8240327B2 (en) * | 2008-04-21 | 2012-08-14 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Pressure loaded service regulator with pressure balanced trim |
NO330021B1 (no) * | 2009-02-11 | 2011-02-07 | Statoil Asa | Anlegg for lagring og tilforsel av komprimert gass |
CN102167275B (zh) * | 2010-12-30 | 2012-11-21 | 江苏华宇飞凌包装机械有限公司 | 广口容器灌装阀 |
WO2013155434A1 (fr) * | 2012-04-12 | 2013-10-17 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Robinet dépresseur |
CN109027402B (zh) * | 2012-07-27 | 2020-08-18 | 科慕埃弗西有限公司 | 罐龙头 |
CN104747905A (zh) * | 2013-12-26 | 2015-07-01 | 张先进 | 一种流体控制装置及加气*** |
EP3212392B1 (fr) * | 2014-10-31 | 2020-11-25 | Praxair Technology, Inc. | Récipient pour gaz comprimé |
ITUB20160404A1 (it) * | 2016-01-26 | 2017-07-26 | Global Service Design Ltd Uk Company Number 07411425 | Apparato per l'erogazione controllata di un fluido da un contenitore e relativo metodo di erogazione |
CN108799512A (zh) * | 2018-08-30 | 2018-11-13 | 深圳市长治电子科技有限公司 | 一种高压阀门 |
Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US734993A (en) * | 1903-05-06 | 1903-07-28 | Andrew S Burt | Pressure-regulator. |
US820239A (en) * | 1906-02-06 | 1906-05-08 | Augustus Leicester Moss | Valve. |
US3605800A (en) * | 1969-10-20 | 1971-09-20 | Kichiro Satoh | Automatic regulating valve |
US4431117A (en) * | 1981-12-09 | 1984-02-14 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Propellant storage construction, parts therefor and methods of making the same |
US4450858A (en) * | 1980-05-08 | 1984-05-29 | Union Carbide Corporation | Gas pressure reducing regulator |
US4520838A (en) * | 1983-07-01 | 1985-06-04 | The B.F. Goodrich Company | Valve for high pressure fluid container |
US4550746A (en) * | 1983-08-11 | 1985-11-05 | Kosan Teknova A/S | Regulator for mounting on the outlet connection of a gas cylinder or like container |
US4630637A (en) * | 1984-09-15 | 1986-12-23 | Kernforschungsanlage Julich Gmbh | Gas flow regulator for gases with condensable components |
US5678602A (en) * | 1994-09-02 | 1997-10-21 | L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude | Gas control and dispensing assembly and gas storage device equipped with such an assembly |
US5799688A (en) * | 1990-12-20 | 1998-09-01 | Jetec Company | Automatic flow control valve |
US6170519B1 (en) * | 1999-07-28 | 2001-01-09 | Hose Shop, Ltd. | Pressure regulator |
US6360546B1 (en) * | 2000-08-10 | 2002-03-26 | Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. | Fluid storage and dispensing system featuring externally adjustable regulator assembly for high flow dispensing |
US6363964B1 (en) * | 2000-08-29 | 2002-04-02 | Kent Carroll | Adjustable pressure regulator |
US6431205B1 (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2002-08-13 | Gaap Gas Control Llc | Damper for diaphragm-operated pressure regulating valves |
US6523565B2 (en) * | 2000-06-23 | 2003-02-25 | Teleflex Gfi Control Systems L.P. | Pressure regulator |
US20040000338A1 (en) * | 2002-07-01 | 2004-01-01 | Heiderman Douglas Charles | Multiple regulator vacuum delivery valve assembly |
US7178551B2 (en) * | 2001-03-17 | 2007-02-20 | Hans Wiederkehr | Valve |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2837758C2 (de) * | 1978-08-30 | 1982-07-08 | Karl Dungs Gmbh & Co, 7067 Urbach | Gasdruckregler |
US4450848A (en) * | 1982-09-29 | 1984-05-29 | Ferrigno Elisa L | Artificial fingernail forming method, composition and kit |
DE3306626A1 (de) * | 1983-02-25 | 1984-08-30 | Hahn-Metallbau-GmbH, 7012 Fellbach | Stahlflasche fuer ein getraenkegeraet |
ITBS940024A1 (it) * | 1994-03-17 | 1995-09-17 | Nova Comet Srl | Rubinetto di intercettazione per gas con sistema integrato di regolazione manuale di autostabilizzazione della pressione |
-
2005
- 2005-01-28 US US11/046,460 patent/US20050167453A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-01-29 WO PCT/IB2005/000255 patent/WO2005076096A1/fr active Application Filing
- 2005-01-29 CN CNA2005800100013A patent/CN1938662A/zh active Pending
- 2005-01-29 EP EP05702404A patent/EP1709500A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US734993A (en) * | 1903-05-06 | 1903-07-28 | Andrew S Burt | Pressure-regulator. |
US820239A (en) * | 1906-02-06 | 1906-05-08 | Augustus Leicester Moss | Valve. |
US3605800A (en) * | 1969-10-20 | 1971-09-20 | Kichiro Satoh | Automatic regulating valve |
US4450858A (en) * | 1980-05-08 | 1984-05-29 | Union Carbide Corporation | Gas pressure reducing regulator |
US4431117A (en) * | 1981-12-09 | 1984-02-14 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Propellant storage construction, parts therefor and methods of making the same |
US4520838A (en) * | 1983-07-01 | 1985-06-04 | The B.F. Goodrich Company | Valve for high pressure fluid container |
US4550746A (en) * | 1983-08-11 | 1985-11-05 | Kosan Teknova A/S | Regulator for mounting on the outlet connection of a gas cylinder or like container |
US4630637A (en) * | 1984-09-15 | 1986-12-23 | Kernforschungsanlage Julich Gmbh | Gas flow regulator for gases with condensable components |
US5799688A (en) * | 1990-12-20 | 1998-09-01 | Jetec Company | Automatic flow control valve |
US5678602A (en) * | 1994-09-02 | 1997-10-21 | L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude | Gas control and dispensing assembly and gas storage device equipped with such an assembly |
US6170519B1 (en) * | 1999-07-28 | 2001-01-09 | Hose Shop, Ltd. | Pressure regulator |
US6431205B1 (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2002-08-13 | Gaap Gas Control Llc | Damper for diaphragm-operated pressure regulating valves |
US6523565B2 (en) * | 2000-06-23 | 2003-02-25 | Teleflex Gfi Control Systems L.P. | Pressure regulator |
US6360546B1 (en) * | 2000-08-10 | 2002-03-26 | Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. | Fluid storage and dispensing system featuring externally adjustable regulator assembly for high flow dispensing |
US6363964B1 (en) * | 2000-08-29 | 2002-04-02 | Kent Carroll | Adjustable pressure regulator |
US7178551B2 (en) * | 2001-03-17 | 2007-02-20 | Hans Wiederkehr | Valve |
US20040000338A1 (en) * | 2002-07-01 | 2004-01-01 | Heiderman Douglas Charles | Multiple regulator vacuum delivery valve assembly |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060236991A1 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2006-10-26 | Yiauguo Gan | Gas gun for coupling different gas containers |
EP2520515A1 (fr) * | 2006-01-30 | 2012-11-07 | The Fountainhead Group, Inc. | Système de distribution de fluide |
CN101806392A (zh) * | 2010-03-31 | 2010-08-18 | 湖南三德科技发展有限公司 | 具有联锁组件的微型充氧器 |
CN106018471A (zh) * | 2016-07-01 | 2016-10-12 | 湖南三德科技股份有限公司 | 用于样品热值分析的自动量热仪 |
CN109931499A (zh) * | 2019-02-21 | 2019-06-25 | 北京航天试验技术研究所 | 一种内压平衡式加氢枪及该内压平衡式加氢枪的使用方法 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2005076096A1 (fr) | 2005-08-18 |
EP1709500A1 (fr) | 2006-10-11 |
CN1938662A (zh) | 2007-03-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20050167453A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for dispensing and refilling highly pressurized gases | |
US6935541B1 (en) | Caulk gun pressurizing system | |
US4363424A (en) | Quick coupling device for a gas pressurization system | |
US5022435A (en) | Gas regulator with safety device | |
US5911220A (en) | First stage regulator and rotatable in-line valve | |
US7334598B1 (en) | Pressure regulator adaptable to compressed gas cartridge | |
JP6007317B2 (ja) | 流体制御用バルブアセンブリ | |
US7686017B2 (en) | Fluid flow control valve | |
TWI780232B (zh) | 高壓減壓傾斜噴嘴 | |
KR101403189B1 (ko) | 압력 유체 실린더 | |
US20050205140A1 (en) | Combination valve and regulator with vented seat for use with pressurized gas cylinders, particularly oxygen cylinders | |
US9823669B2 (en) | Pressure-reducing valve having a residual pressure function built into the reducing valve | |
US5467798A (en) | Refill-preventing valve for non-refillable containers | |
US20130291953A1 (en) | Pressure regulator | |
US4221216A (en) | Emergency escape breathing apparatus | |
JP5767251B2 (ja) | 炭酸化器、炭酸化装置、関連する吐出アセンブリ、関連するキャップアセンブリ、および容器内を炭酸化する方法 | |
TW201825819A (zh) | 氣體傳送閥及其使用方法 | |
US20160251210A1 (en) | Pressure regulation in beverage containers | |
WO2004062733A1 (fr) | Vanne de regulation de pression a ouverture rapide, dispositif d'extinction de feu utilisant ladite vanne, dispositif de cylindre de gaz haute pression et dispositif d'alimentation rapide d'un fluide | |
AU2008256528B2 (en) | Valve and dispenser | |
US3259274A (en) | Regulator and dispensing system | |
WO2015008212A1 (fr) | Soupape régulatrice | |
US20060027604A1 (en) | Pressure regulator and dispensing device | |
GB2085567A (en) | Fluid closure and discharge devices | |
WO2010143009A1 (fr) | Régulateur de pression fluidique |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EAGLE BEIJING INVESTMENTS LIMITED, VIRGIN ISLANDS, Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BROWNLIE, JOSHUA LOCKHART;REEL/FRAME:016240/0372 Effective date: 20050126 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: OXIA HOLDINGS LIMITED, VIRGIN ISLANDS, BRITISH Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:EAGLE BEIJING INVESTMENTS LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:017842/0338 Effective date: 20050304 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |