Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
222 words
The method of manufacturing a pressure vessel for use as a hydraulic accumulator which comprises the steps of providing a cylindrical metal member, inwardly deforming a first end of said member to define a generally hemispherical portion having a central oil port, providing a bladder assembly including a metallic retainer ring carrying a resilient, distensible elastomeric bladder member, inserting said bladder assembly into the interior of said metal member through the other end of said member and advancing said retainer ring to an intemediate position within said member, weldingly connecting said retainer ring to inner wall portions of said member about a circumferential weld line to divide said member into two chambers separated by said bladder assembly, introducing a source of cooling fluid into said chamber through said other end to induce an outward gaseous flow originating at a point adjacent said bladder and directed radially outwardly in directions conforming to the configuration of said bladder, while simultaneously heating and inwardly deforming the wall adjacent said other end of said cylindrical metal member at positions progressively nearer said other end while maintaining said cooling fluid flow, to cause said wall to assume a generally hemispherical configuration and reduce the diameter of said other end to define a central gas port, and thereafter withdrawing said source of cooling fluid through said central port.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
222 words
The method of manufacturing a pressure vessel for use as a hydraulic accumulator which comprises the steps of providing a cylindrical metal member, inwardly deforming a first end of said member to define a generally hemispherical portion having a central oil port, providing a bladder assembly including a metallic retainer ring carrying a resilient, distensible elastomeric bladder member, inserting said bladder assembly into the interior of said metal member through the other end of said member and advancing said retainer ring to an intemediate position within said member, weldingly connecting said retainer ring to inner wall portions of said member about a circumferential weld line to divide said member into two chambers separated by said bladder assembly, introducing a source of cooling fluid into said chamber through said other end to induce an outward gaseous flow originating at a point adjacent said bladder and directed radially outwardly in directions conforming to the configuration of said bladder, while simultaneously heating and inwardly deforming the wall adjacent said other end of said cylindrical metal member at positions progressively nearer said other end while maintaining said cooling fluid flow, to cause said wall to assume a generally hemispherical configuration and reduce the diameter of said other end to define a central gas port, and thereafter withdrawing said source of cooling fluid through said central port.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said cooling fluid flow is directed toward said other end in addition to said radial outward direction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said source of cooling fluid is progressively shifted closer to said other end as portions of said wall nearer said other end are progressively heated and deformed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 and including the step of at least partially filling the chamber between said bladder assembly and said oil port with a cooling liquid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said source comprises a plurality of jets, said jets being directed radially and inclined in the direction of said other end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said step of deforming said wall adjacent said other end comprises a spinning step.