US3845876A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pressure tank safety vent system
Assignee: ACF Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1973-10-01
•
Granted: 1974-11-05
•
Expires: 1993-10-01
Abstract
Abstract In accordance with the present invention a pressure tank safety vent system is provided comprising a vent member mounted in a fixed housing. The vent member is hollow and is in fluid communication with the tank. It has at least one port adapted to vent the tank pressure. A resilient assembly is provided which restrains movement of the vent member within the fixed housing. The resilient assembly includes at least two chambers, at least one of which contains a vent controlling fluid. The chambers are in fluid communication by means of at least one vent controlling channel. In the event that pressure build-up within the tank lasts sufficiently long to transport at least a portion of the fluid from one chamber to the other chamber, the vent member will move sufficiently within the fixed housing to vent the tank pressure. In the event that an insufficient amount of fluid is transferred, such as during a surge in the tank, for example, caused by coupling impacts on a railway tank car, the vent member will not vent the system and in a preferred embodiment will return to generally its original position due to the spring constant of the resilient means and/or gravity and the fluid will return to the original chamber. The flow of fluid from one chamber to the other determines the time lapse between pressure build-up and venting. The time may be controlled by the viscosity of the fluid and the cross sectional area of the vent controlling channel. The spring constant of the resilient means, viscosity of the fluid, the size of the channel and the volume and pressure within the chambers may be varied to meet different pressure and/or surge conditions encountered in different applications. A piston and cylinder arrangement may be used to define the vent controlling channel. Displacement of the vent member can be controlled by providing a tapered piston, or providing ports between said first and second chambers which are closed off by a portion of the moving vent member. In one embodiment the vent member may vent the pressure build-up into a vent chamber and a burst disk is provided between the vent chamber and the atmosphere. In venting to atmosphere appropriate means, such as a cap, may be provided to direct the vented material away from personnel which may be in the area of the pressure tank.
Inventors
- 👤 R Needham
- 👤 D Souchek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 00:55
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D90/00; B65D90/22; B65D90/32; B65D90/34; F; F16; F16K; F16K24/00; F16K24/04; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/1624; Y10T137/1632; Y10T137/1789; Y10T137/7722; Y10T137/7781; Y10T137/7837; Y10T137/785; Y10T137/7852
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 47
Claim 1
Independent Claim
236 words
A pressure tank safety vent system comprising: a hollow housing adapted to be in communication with an opening in said pressure tank; a vent member mounted within the hollow portion of said housing; said vent member having a vent opening therein in communication with the opening in said housing, and having at least one port in communication with said vent opening; said vent member being movable within said hollow portion between first and second positions, in said first position said housing preventing said port from venting said pressure tank and a second position wherein said port is adapted to vent said pressure tank; said housing further having mounted therein a resilient assembly comprising: resilient means biased into an extended position; first and second chambers at least one of which contains a vent controlling fluid, said chambers being in fluid communication by means of at least one vent controlling channel; said resilient assembly being in mechanical engagement with at least a portion of said housing; whereby during a pressure build-up in said pressure tank, the tank pressure is applied to said resilient assembly and said vent controlling fluid will pass through said vent controlling channel, and in the event the pressure build-up continues for a time sufficient to transfer a substantial portion of said fluid from said first channel to said second channel, said vent member will move into said second position and vent said pressure tank.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
236 words
A pressure tank safety vent system comprising: a hollow housing adapted to be in communication with an opening in said pressure tank; a vent member mounted within the hollow portion of said housing; said vent member having a vent opening therein in communication with the opening in said housing, and having at least one port in communication with said vent opening; said vent member being movable within said hollow portion between first and second positions, in said first position said housing preventing said port from venting said pressure tank and a second position wherein said port is adapted to vent said pressure tank; said housing further having mounted therein a resilient assembly comprising: resilient means biased into an extended position; first and second chambers at least one of which contains a vent controlling fluid, said chambers being in fluid communication by means of at least one vent controlling channel; said resilient assembly being in mechanical engagement with at least a portion of said housing; whereby during a pressure build-up in said pressure tank, the tank pressure is applied to said resilient assembly and said vent controlling fluid will pass through said vent controlling channel, and in the event the pressure build-up continues for a time sufficient to transfer a substantial portion of said fluid from said first channel to said second channel, said vent member will move into said second position and vent said pressure tank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 1 wherein in the event that said pressure build-up is of a sufficiently short duration as to transfer an insufficient amount of fluid from said first chamber to said second chamber to move said vent member to said second position, said vent member will return to approximately its original position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 2 wherein said resilient means comprises a bellows.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 2 wherein said fluid is a liquid having a viscosity of 500 to 2,000 centistokes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A pressure tank safety vent system According to claim 4 wherein the total area of said channels is from about 0.01 to about 1 square inch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 5 wherein the total area of said opening is from about 0.02 to about 0.1 square inch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 6 wherein said liquid has a viscosity of from about 750 to about 1, 500 centistokes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 7 wherein said liquid is silicone oil.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 2 wherein said resilient means comprises an elastomeric housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 2 wherein a bushing is provided in said housing and wherein said piston is movable along said bushing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 2 wherein said channel is defined by clearance between a piston and a portion of said first chamber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 11 wherein said first chamber and said piston are movable with respect to the other.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 11 wherein said first and second chambers are located within said resilient means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 11 wherein said piston is fixed and said first chamber is movable with respect thereto.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 11 wherein said piston is tapered.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 11 wherein check valve ports are provided between said first chamber and said second chamber.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 11 wherein a plurality of ports are provided between said first and second chambers and wherein selected ports are closed off as said vent member moves toward said second position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 17 wherein said piston is hollow and is provided with a plurality of ports and wherein as said first chamber rises it closes off selected ones of said ports.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 17 wherein a greater force is required to move said vent member a given additional distance as additional ports are closed off.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 11 wherein a third chamber is defined between said first and second chambers.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 20 wherein said third chamber is defined by a cap mounted upon said first chamber.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
55 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 21 wherein said piston is tapered in the vicinity of said third chamber and wherein a constant force is required to move said first chamber with respect to said piston but a greater force is required to move said third chamber with respect to said piston.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of vent controlling channels are provided between said first and second channels.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
242 words
A pressure tank safety vent system comprising: a hollow housing adapted to be in communication with an opening in said pressure tank; a vent member mounted within the hollow portion of said housing; said vent member having a vent opening therein in communication with the opening in said housing, and having at least one port in communication with said vent opening; said vent member being movable within said hollow portion between first and second positions, in said first position said housing preventing said port from venting said pressure tank and a second position wherein said port is adapted to vent said pressure tank to the atmosphere; said housing further having mounted therein a resilient assembly comprising: resilient means biased into an extended position; first and second chambers at least one of which contains a vent controlling fluid, said chambers being in fluid communication by means of at least one vent controlLing channel; said resilient assembly being in mechanical engagement with at least a portion of said housing; whereby during a pressure build-up in said pressure tank, the tank pressure is applied to said resilient assembly and said vent controlling fluid will pass through said vent controlling channel, and in the event the pressure build-up continues for a time sufficient to transfer a substantial portion of said fluid from said first channel to said second channel, said vent member will move into said second position and vent said pressure tank to the atmosphere.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
242 words
A pressure tank safety vent system comprising: a hollow housing adapted to be in communication with an opening in said pressure tank; a vent member mounted within the hollow portion of said housing; said vent member having a vent opening therein in communication with the opening in said housing, and having at least one port in communication with said vent opening; said vent member being movable within said hollow portion between first and second positions, in said first position said housing preventing said port from venting said pressure tank and a second position wherein said port is adapted to vent said pressure tank to the atmosphere; said housing further having mounted therein a resilient assembly comprising: resilient means biased into an extended position; first and second chambers at least one of which contains a vent controlling fluid, said chambers being in fluid communication by means of at least one vent controlLing channel; said resilient assembly being in mechanical engagement with at least a portion of said housing; whereby during a pressure build-up in said pressure tank, the tank pressure is applied to said resilient assembly and said vent controlling fluid will pass through said vent controlling channel, and in the event the pressure build-up continues for a time sufficient to transfer a substantial portion of said fluid from said first channel to said second channel, said vent member will move into said second position and vent said pressure tank to the atmosphere.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
59 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 24 wherein in the event that said pressure build-up is of a sufficiently short duration as to transfer an insufficient amount of fluid from said first chamber to said second chamber to move said vent member to said second position, said vent member will return to approximately its original position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 25 wherein said resilient means is provided with a spring to assist the resilient means to return the original position.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
36 words
A pressure safety vent system according to claim 25 wherein said housing is made in at least two parts comprising an upper housing and a lower housing and a sealing means is provided between said housing.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 25 wherein said resilient means is mounted upon said vent member and said reservoir is mounted above said resilient means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
38 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 25 wherein reservoir is mounted upon said vent member and said resilient means is mounted above said reservoir and wherein said resilient means engages a portion of said housing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 25 wherein a cover is affixed to said vent member to direct the flow of vented material.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 25 wherein said vent member is provided with a flange to maintain said resilient assembly.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 31 wherein means are also provided on said housing to maintain engagement of said resilient assembly.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 32 wherein said means comprise at least one protrusion.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 25 wherein sealing means is provided between said vent member and said housing.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 34 wherein said sealing means is an O-ring.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
295 words
A pressure tank safety vent system comprising: a hollow housing adapted to be in communication with an opening in said pressure tank; a vent member mounted within the hollow portion of said housing; said vent member having a vent opening therein in communication with the opening in said housing, and having at least one port in communication with said vent opening; said vent member being movable within said hollow portion between first and second positions, in said first position said housing preventing said port from venting said pressure tank and a second position wherein said port is adapted to vent said pressure tank into a vent chamber; said housing further having mounted therein a resilient assembly comprising: resilient means biased into an extended position; first and second chambers at least one of which contains a vent controlling fluid, said chambers being in fluid communication by means of at least one vent controlling channel; said resilient assembly being in mechanical engagement with at least a portion of said housing; a burst disk mounted in said vent chamber adapted upon bursting to vent said vent chamber to the atmosphere; whereby during a pressure build-up in said pressure tank, the tank pressure is applied to said resilient assembly and said vent controlling fluid will pass through said vent controlling channel, and in the event the pressure build-up continues for a time sufficienT to transfer a substantial portion of said fluid from said first channel to said second channel, said vent member will move into said second position and vent said pressure tank into said vent chamber, and whereby in the event the pressure in said vent chamber exceeds the design pressure of said burst disk, said burst disk will burst and vent said vent chamber to the atmosphere.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
295 words
A pressure tank safety vent system comprising: a hollow housing adapted to be in communication with an opening in said pressure tank; a vent member mounted within the hollow portion of said housing; said vent member having a vent opening therein in communication with the opening in said housing, and having at least one port in communication with said vent opening; said vent member being movable within said hollow portion between first and second positions, in said first position said housing preventing said port from venting said pressure tank and a second position wherein said port is adapted to vent said pressure tank into a vent chamber; said housing further having mounted therein a resilient assembly comprising: resilient means biased into an extended position; first and second chambers at least one of which contains a vent controlling fluid, said chambers being in fluid communication by means of at least one vent controlling channel; said resilient assembly being in mechanical engagement with at least a portion of said housing; a burst disk mounted in said vent chamber adapted upon bursting to vent said vent chamber to the atmosphere; whereby during a pressure build-up in said pressure tank, the tank pressure is applied to said resilient assembly and said vent controlling fluid will pass through said vent controlling channel, and in the event the pressure build-up continues for a time sufficienT to transfer a substantial portion of said fluid from said first channel to said second channel, said vent member will move into said second position and vent said pressure tank into said vent chamber, and whereby in the event the pressure in said vent chamber exceeds the design pressure of said burst disk, said burst disk will burst and vent said vent chamber to the atmosphere.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
59 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 36 wherein in the event that said pressure build-up is of a sufficiently short duration as to transfer an insufficient amount of fluid from said first chamber to said second chamber to move said vent member to said second position, said vent member will return to approximately its original position.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
126 words
A pressure tank safety vent system comprising: vent means connected to said tank and operable by a predetermined pressure within said tank to vent said tank; and resilient time delay means operatively connected with said vent means, said resilient time delay means comprising at least two chambers separated by a passageway, one of said chambers containing a fluid for delaying opening of said vent means to vent said tank until said predetermined pressure has existed for a predetermined period of time to transfer at least a portion of said fluid from one of said chambers to the other through said passageway, whereby said vent means is not operative to vent said tank by pressure surges of a time duration less than said predetermined period of time.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
126 words
A pressure tank safety vent system comprising: vent means connected to said tank and operable by a predetermined pressure within said tank to vent said tank; and resilient time delay means operatively connected with said vent means, said resilient time delay means comprising at least two chambers separated by a passageway, one of said chambers containing a fluid for delaying opening of said vent means to vent said tank until said predetermined pressure has existed for a predetermined period of time to transfer at least a portion of said fluid from one of said chambers to the other through said passageway, whereby said vent means is not operative to vent said tank by pressure surges of a time duration less than said predetermined period of time.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
32 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 38 wherein in the event of a pressure surge said resilient time delay means absorb at least some energy from said pressure surge.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
33 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 39 wherein said resilient time delay means comprises a bellows chamber and a reservoir, and fluid passes from said bellows chamber into said reservoir.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
40 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 39 wherein in said resilient time delay means at least one of said chambers comprises a cylinder having a piston movable with respect thereto adapted to absorb energy from said surges.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 38 wherein said vent means comprises at least one rupturable member.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
19 words
A pressure tank safety vent system according to claim 38 wherein said vent means comprises at least one port.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1056842A
Cited
US1091238A
Cited
US2860656A
Cited
US2933096A
Cited
US3310197A
Cited
US3435984A
Cited
US3472420A
Cited
US3431731A
Cited
US3598277A
Cited
US3742968A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-04 | 1978-05-06 | 1978-11-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-04 | 1982-05-06 | 1982-11-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-04 | 1986-05-06 | 1986-11-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |