Pressure lock assembly and pressure vessel
US5687870A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J13/24
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pressure lock assembly for use between first and second independently pressurized areas and a pressure vessel incorporating such a lock assembly. The pressure lock assembly is automatically actuated when the first area has a substantially higher pressure than the second area and is automatically deactuated when the areas have substantially uniform pressures. The pressure lock assembly has first and second body members. The first body member has an inner surface bounding the first area, an outer surface bounding the second area, and a through-opening extending between the surfaces. The body members are displaceable between an open position in which the body members are at least partially disengaged and a closed position in which the body members are closely engaged. A flexure member is disposed adjacent the inner end of the through-opening. When the two independently pressurized areas have substantially uniform pressures, the flexure member is disposed in a relaxed configuration in which the flexure member is unsealed from the first body member. When the first area has a substantially higher pressure than the second area, the flexure member is disposed in a pressurized configurati…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.