Gas lockout system
US5313975A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 24, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7725
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A propane gas distribution system according to the present invention substantially enhances safety by providing a gas lockout device within the enclosure containing the distribution lines to the propane appliances for closing off a gas distribution line in response to either a sensed low pressure level or a sensed high pressure level. The closure member within the lockout device is biased closed, but is normally prevented from closing by a stop member which in turn is held in position until the unsafe low pressure or unsafe high pressure condition exists. A security control member is utilized for restricting the re-opening of the lockout device to select personnel, which typically would be a propane company representative. According to the method of the present invention, gas from the high pressure source is regulated and output to a low pressure gas distribution line. The gas pressure within the distribution line is sensed, and the gas line is automatically closed in response to a sensed low pressure level or a high sensed high pressure level. The gas distribution line is normally prevented from closing when gas pressure is above the low pressure level and below the high pressure …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.