Apparatus for coupling two storage and/or transport units to a safety device

US6913048B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GEA Buck Valve GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Martin Koch · Neuenbürg, DE
• Bernd Elsässer · Sulzburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 6, 2001
• Grant date: Jul 5, 2005
• Expiry date: Mar 19, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/87973
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A device couples two storage and/or transport units with a security device. By alternately using a single actuating device, the security device and a pivoting device react in such a way that connecting branches of the units which are coupled are placed in a lock position by the security device and are firmly locked with respect to each other such that it is not possible to separate them. Closing valves in the connecting branches insure that the connecting branches are sealed from each other. By subsequently rotating the drive shaft, it is possible to open the closing valves using the pivoting device in order to enable a transfer process to occur. By rotating the drive shaft back, the closing valves are re-closed. Also by rotating the drive shaft, the connecting branches can be separated from each other.