Abstract An instrument casing assembly for pressure gauges and the like providing controlled venting to atmosphere in the event of internal overpressure buildup. A cylindrical cup-shaped window or crystal representing the front side is received axially interfitting within the open face of a cup-shaped casing representing the rear side. Axially positioned between opposing surfaces of the window and casing is a resilient gasket by which a seal can be effected thereat. For maintaining the seal there is provided an annular collar ring resiliently biasing the window and casing axially toward each other and against the gasket. In the event of an internal overpressure buildup, increasing pressure acting against the inside window surface forces separation thereof from the gasket in opposition to the biasing force of the collar.
Inventors
👤 R Luich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-05 07:09
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01L; G01L19/00; G01L19/0007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
An instrument casing assembly comprising in combination: a. a unitary generally cup-shaped transparent crystal having a radially extending front face integrally merging with an annular side wall; b. a cup-shaped, shell-like case having a radially extending back wall integrally merging with an annular side wall defining an open face in which to at least partially receive the side wall of said crystal in a peripherally surrounding axial interfit therewith; c. an annular resilient gasket positioned intervening between the end face of said crystal side wall and an internal radial surface portion of said case back wall thereat; and d. a generally resilient U-shaped annular collar ring axially extending to centrally surround said crystal and case in a tension relation therewith, said ring having axially spaced radial flanges one of which engages said crystal and the other of which engages said case to bias said case and crystal axially toward each other into sealing engagement with said gasket in the absence of internal overpressure while permitting axial displacement of said case and crystal for releasing said sealing engagement in the presence of a sufficient internal overpressure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
185 words
An instrument casing assembly comprising in combination: a. a unitary generally cup-shaped transparent crystal having a radially extending front face integrally merging with an annular side wall; b. a cup-shaped, shell-like case having a radially extending back wall integrally merging with an annular side wall defining an open face in which to at least partially receive the side wall of said crystal in a peripherally surrounding axial interfit therewith; c. an annular resilient gasket positioned intervening between the end face of said crystal side wall and an internal radial surface portion of said case back wall thereat; and d. a generally resilient U-shaped annular collar ring axially extending to centrally surround said crystal and case in a tension relation therewith, said ring having axially spaced radial flanges one of which engages said crystal and the other of which engages said case to bias said case and crystal axially toward each other into sealing engagement with said gasket in the absence of internal overpressure while permitting axial displacement of said case and crystal for releasing said sealing engagement in the presence of a sufficient internal overpressure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
An instrument casing assembly according to claim 1 in which said collar ring is operative for releasing said sealing engagement in response to internal overpressure acting internally against the front face of said crystal at a magnitude sufficient to overcome the biasing force of said ring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
An instrument casing assembly according to claim 2 in which said collar ring is comprised of relatively thin metal stock capable of exerting a predetermined biasing force against said crystal and case.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
An instrument casing assembly according to claim 3 in which said crystal is comprised of a relatively rigid thermoplastic composition having dimensional stability to at least 250*F.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An instrument casing assembly according to claim 4 in which the plastic composition of said crystal comprises polycarbonate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
An instrument casing assembly according to claim 4 in which the terminal end face of said crystal adapted to engage said gasket includes a serrated texture.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
An instrument casing assembly according to claim 4 in which said front crystal face includes an annular recessed flat defined at the near periphery surface thereof for receiving said one ring flange.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
An instrument casing assembly according to claim 7 in which said one ring flange is of relatively greater radial length than said other ring flange.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
An instrument casing assembly according to claim 8 including a dial plate centrally positioned in said case at least partially intervening between said gasket and case back wall thereat.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
An instrument casing assembly according to claim 9 in which the plastic composition of said crystal comprises polycarbonate.