WO2005076096A1 - Dispositif et procede pour la distribution et la recharge de gaz haute pression - Google Patents

Dispositif et procede pour la distribution et la recharge de gaz haute pression Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005076096A1
WO2005076096A1 PCT/IB2005/000255 IB2005000255W WO2005076096A1 WO 2005076096 A1 WO2005076096 A1 WO 2005076096A1 IB 2005000255 W IB2005000255 W IB 2005000255W WO 2005076096 A1 WO2005076096 A1 WO 2005076096A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gas
pressure
valve
pin
flow path
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2005/000255
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Joshua Lockhart Brownlie
Original Assignee
Eagle Beijing Investments Limited
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 Eagle Beijing Investments Limited filed Critical Eagle Beijing Investments Limited
Priority to EP05702404A priority Critical patent/EP1709500A1/fr
Publication of WO2005076096A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005076096A1/fr

Links

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. Furthermore, 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:
  • a pin valve and sealing disc for inter-engagement so as to releasably seal an outlet gas flow path, the pin valve having a pin portion extending through the sealing disc such that depression of the pin portion disengages the pin valve from the sealing disc and breaks the seal;
  • a diaphragm forming a cavity downstream of the seal and configured to depress the pin portion of the pin valve, and having an outlet port having a flow constriction;
  • an actuator for applying force to a diaphragm engagement spring, which in turn applies force to the diaphragm so as to engage the pin portion of the pin valve; [0012] wherein a gas pressure within the cavity opposes the force of the diaphragm engagement spring on the diaphragm, such that the pin valve is controllably disengaged from the sealing disc and a substantially constant pressure is maintained within the cavity during actuation of the actuator, such that a substantially constant outlet pressure / gas speed is provided through said outlet port.
  • 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: [0015] providing a releasable seal of a gas flow path;
  • the present invention provides a device for regulating the flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized container, comprising:
  • a second gas flow path for the flow of gas into the pressurized container By providing a gas flow path for the egress of gas from the container which is distinct from the gas flow path for the introduction of gas to the container, the present invention provides for the passage of gas in only one direction through each gas flow path. Importantly, 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. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment 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.
  • 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. In such embodiments depression of the pin portion of the pin valve against the force of the pin valve retaining spring and internal pressure allows gas to flow along the first gas flow path past the pin valve and 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.
  • Figure 1 is an assembled cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a regulator according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is an exploded cross sectional view of the regulator of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the regulator of Figures 1 and
  • Figure 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a regulator and cylinder in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 5a is a fragmentary schematic view of a pin valve of the regulator of Figure 1 showing the pin valve in a closed position;
  • Figure 5b is a fragmentary schematic view of a pin valve of the regulator of Figure 1 showing the pin valve in an open position;
  • Figure 6a is a fragmentary schematic view of another species of pin valve showing the pin valve in a closed position
  • Figure 6a is a fragmentary schematic view of the pin valve of Figure 6a showing the pin valve in an open position
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a gas dispenser according to the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a partial exploded perspective view of the gas dispenser of
  • Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator assembly of the gas dispenser of Figure 7;
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator assembly of Figure 9.
  • Figure 11 is a side view of the gas dispenser of Figure 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.
  • Teflon seal having outside and inside diameters matched to those of the counter-bore, is trapped securely within the counter-bore.
  • 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.
  • 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 overpressure 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.
  • a gas tight seal is formed due to the soft sealing disc 7 deforming onto the smooth spherical sealing surface of the pin valve 6 so that all surface imperfections are closed off, preventing any gas from escaping.
  • 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.
  • 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. At a certain level of gas pressure within the cavity, 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.
  • 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 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 button on the lever When the user presses the button on the lever, the lower surface will engage with the actuator 16 to commence gas flow as previously described herein.
  • the button/lever When the user releases the button, 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 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.
  • 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.
  • Figure 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
  • 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. However, 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 Figure 6b.
  • 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.
  • 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 Figure 5b.
  • the actuator button is movably mounted on the actuator housing 76, and 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)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif (60) pour la distribution de gaz stocké dans un contenant sous haute pression (61), puis la recharge de ce contenant (61) avec du gaz supplémentaire. Le dispositif comprend un régulateur (30) qui comporte lui-même un premier ensemble soupape (5, 6, 7, 8) sur un premier trajet d'écoulement de gaz permettant l'écoulement de gaz depuis le contenant (61) dans le régulateur (30) et le maintien d'une pression ou d'une vitesse de gaz sensiblement constante à la sortie, indépendamment de la pression interne du contenant (61). Le régulateur (30) comporte par ailleurs un second ensemble soupape (2, 13, 17, 18, 19) sur un second trajet d'écoulement de gaz permettant la recharge du contenant (61) en gaz haute pression et la fermeture de ce trajet lorsque le contenant (61) ne doit pas être rechargé. Le mécanisme de soupape de surpression (9, 10, 11, 12) du régulateur (30) libère du gaz depuis le contenant (61) en réponse à une situation dans laquelle la pression interne du contenant (61) dépasse cinq tiers de la pression interne maximum du contenant (61).
PCT/IB2005/000255 2004-01-30 2005-01-29 Dispositif et procede pour la distribution et la recharge de gaz haute pression WO2005076096A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05702404A EP1709500A1 (fr) 2004-01-30 2005-01-29 Dispositif et procede pour la distribution et la recharge de gaz haute pression

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US54074004P 2004-01-30 2004-01-30
US60/540,740 2004-01-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005076096A1 true WO2005076096A1 (fr) 2005-08-18

Family

ID=34837417

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2005/000255 WO2005076096A1 (fr) 2004-01-30 2005-01-29 Dispositif et procede pour la distribution et la recharge de gaz haute pression

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20050167453A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1709500A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN1938662A (fr)
WO (1) WO2005076096A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107076356A (zh) * 2014-10-31 2017-08-18 普莱克斯技术有限公司 加压气体用容器

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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
US7819292B2 (en) * 2006-01-30 2010-10-26 The Fountainhead Group, Inc. Fluid dispensing system
JP2011518397A (ja) * 2008-04-21 2011-06-23 エマーソン プロセス マネージメント レギュレーター テクノロジーズ インコーポレイテッド 圧力バランストリムを有する圧力負荷供給圧力調整器
NO330021B1 (no) * 2009-02-11 2011-02-07 Statoil Asa Anlegg for lagring og tilforsel av komprimert gass
CN101806392B (zh) * 2010-03-31 2011-12-21 湖南三德科技发展有限公司 具有联锁组件的微型充氧器
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
US20150108176A1 (en) * 2012-04-12 2015-04-23 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Can tap
US10131486B2 (en) * 2012-07-27 2018-11-20 The Chemours Company Fc, Llc Can tap
CN104747905A (zh) * 2013-12-26 2015-07-01 张先进 一种流体控制装置及加气***
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
CN106018471B (zh) * 2016-07-01 2018-08-07 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
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 (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2029553A (en) * 1978-08-30 1980-03-19 Dungs Karl Gmbh & Co Gas pressure regulator
US4450848A (en) * 1982-09-29 1984-05-29 Ferrigno Elisa L Artificial fingernail forming method, composition and kit
GB2136104A (en) * 1983-02-25 1984-09-12 Hahn Metallbau Gmbh Steel cylinder for a drink dispenser
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
EP0672977A1 (fr) * 1994-03-17 1995-09-20 NOVA COMET S.r.l. Robinet à gaz avec système intégré pour le réglage manuel et autostabilisation de pression
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

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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
US5799688A (en) * 1990-12-20 1998-09-01 Jetec Company Automatic flow control valve
FR2724241B1 (fr) * 1994-09-02 1996-10-25 Air Liquide Ensemble de commande et de distribution de gaz et dispositif de stockage de gaz equipe d'un tel ensemble
DE10112962A1 (de) * 2001-03-17 2002-10-02 Hans Wiederkehr Ventil

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2029553A (en) * 1978-08-30 1980-03-19 Dungs Karl Gmbh & Co Gas pressure regulator
US4450848A (en) * 1982-09-29 1984-05-29 Ferrigno Elisa L Artificial fingernail forming method, composition and kit
GB2136104A (en) * 1983-02-25 1984-09-12 Hahn Metallbau Gmbh Steel cylinder for a drink dispenser
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
EP0672977A1 (fr) * 1994-03-17 1995-09-20 NOVA COMET S.r.l. Robinet à gaz avec système intégré pour le réglage manuel et autostabilisation de pression
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
US20040000338A1 (en) * 2002-07-01 2004-01-01 Heiderman Douglas Charles Multiple regulator vacuum delivery valve assembly

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107076356A (zh) * 2014-10-31 2017-08-18 普莱克斯技术有限公司 加压气体用容器

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1709500A1 (fr) 2006-10-11
US20050167453A1 (en) 2005-08-04
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
US5911220A (en) First stage regulator and rotatable in-line valve
US4363424A (en) Quick coupling device for a gas pressurization system
JP6007317B2 (ja) 流体制御用バルブアセンブリ
EP0077828B1 (fr) Soupape d'interruption sensible a la pression
US5022435A (en) Gas regulator with safety device
US7686017B2 (en) Fluid flow control valve
TWI780232B (zh) 高壓減壓傾斜噴嘴
KR101403189B1 (ko) 압력 유체 실린더
US9823669B2 (en) Pressure-reducing valve having a residual pressure function built into the reducing valve
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
US9069360B2 (en) Outlet valve for use with a pressurized fluid container
US20050230433A1 (en) Pressure release connection and pneumatic dispensing device
TW201825819A (zh) 氣體傳送閥及其使用方法
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
US8556133B2 (en) Valve and dispenser
CA2646087A1 (fr) Soupape pour contenant de gaz comprime
WO2015008212A1 (fr) Soupape régulatrice
US20060027604A1 (en) Pressure regulator and dispensing device
GB2085567A (en) Fluid closure and discharge devices
AU2002345554A1 (en) Fluid flow control valve

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 4400/DELNP/2006

Country of ref document: IN

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2005702404

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 200580010001.3

Country of ref document: CN

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2005702404

Country of ref document: EP