Abstract:
A normally closed valve is characterized by an integral valve body forming a fluid passage between an inlet thereto and an outlet therefrom, and a flow barrier within the passage integrally joined with the body to hermetically seal the passage. The barrier is movable or rupturable by a fluid coupler, inserted into the outlet end of the passage, to open the passage between the inlet thereto and the coupler.Preferably, the valve is economically formed of a plastic material, such as polyethylene, and connects at its outlet with a fluid coupler having a normally closed, movable seal at its inlet. In the use of the valve, upon movement of the inlet end of the coupler into the outlet end of the passage, the valve passage forms a fluid seal therewith prior to engagement of the barrier thereby. Continued movement of the coupler into the valve then moves the flow barrier to open the passage, and engages the coupler seal with a plunger to move the seal from a seat at the inlet to the coupler to establish the fluid passage between the inlet to the valve passage and the inlet to the coupler. In consequence of forming a seal between the valve and coupler prior to opening of either the flow barrier or the coupler seal, a connection may be established between the coupler and the valve in a drip-free manner, and the fluid to be valved is at all times maintained out of contact with the atmosphere and in a sanitary condition.
Abstract:
A concealed inertially operated pneumatic safety system including a box having an opening with diaphragm means therein, a collapsed balloon within said box fastened by gas-tight attachment, pressurized gas storage means and inertially powered gas release means, said gas release means being adapted to cause release of gas from said pressurized gas storage means in response to a predetermined deceleration or shock to said box, the released gas causing said balloon means to inflate sufficiently to force said diaphragm means aside and to fully inflate externally of said box means.
Abstract:
An improved vehicle safety device is disclosed which is adapted to protect a vehicle occupant or a pedestrian from injury in the event of a collision of a motor vehicle. The safety device includes an inflatable confinement or a protector bag which is arranged to be rapidly expanded to a protective position immediately when the motor vehicle encounters the collision. The inflatable confinement is expanded with a pressurized gas which is supplied from a pressurized gas generator which is normally closed by a rupturable sealing member. The sealing member is ruptured to open the gas generator by means of a mechanism including an explosive means and a rupturing means which is moved by activation of the explosive means to a position in which the sealing member is ruptured.
Abstract:
A VEHICLE SAFETY APPARATUS PROTECTS AN OCCUPANT OF A VEHICLE DURING A COLLISION. THE SAFETY APPARTUS INCLUDES A CONFINEMENT WHICH IS INFLATED BY THE FLOW FROM A FLUID RESERVOIR AND, WHEN INFLATED, RESTRAINS MOVEMENT OF AN OCCUPANT OF THE VEHICLE DURING THE COLLISION. THE RESERVOIR INCLUDES AN OPENING THEREIN AND A PLUG MEMBER IS LOCATED IN THE OPENING. THE PLUG MEMBER HAS A FLUID PASSAGEWAY EXTENDING THERETHROUGH AND MEANS FOR BLOCKING THE FLOW OF FLUID FROM THE RESERVOIR THROUGH THE FLUID PASSAGEWAY. AN EXPLOSIVE IS LOCATED IN THE FLUID PASSAGEWAY AND ON DETONATION PROVIDES FOR FLOW OF FLUID THROUGH THE FLUID PASSAGEWAY FROM THE RESERVOIR TO THE CONFINEMENT.
Abstract:
An inlet support structure for use with a rupture disc, the inlet support structure including an annular member having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, a plurality of spaced apart cut-outs extending from the inner diameter towards the outer diameter, a central non-circular opening extending through the annular member and including the cut-outs, the cut-outs providing additional space for the petals of a rupture disc to be received therein when the rupture disc ruptures so as to provide a greater flow area through the rupture disc.
Abstract:
A control regulator includes a diaphragm assembly with an integrated pressure relief mechanism. The diaphragm assembly includes a diaphragm with a locally weakened area and a diaphragm plate with an opening aligned with the locally weakened area.