Abstract:
A closure for a large sized opening in a pressure vessel has a lid longitudinally movable between an open covering position in which it is aligned with the opening but spaced apart from it, and perpendicularly displaceable between the covering position and sealing position in which it engages the sealing edge of the opening. The lid is moved by a hydraulic or pneumatic ram between the open and covering positions and is carried by rollers mounted on shafts affixed to the lid which run on longitudinal support surfaces. The shafts are rotatably mounted in bearings fixed to the lid and are coupled together for simultaneous rotation, while the rollers are eccentric relative to the bearings. The ram applies torque to the shafts in one sense during closing movement of the lid and in the opposite sense during opening movement of the lid. A follower member or members fixedly secured to one of the shafts engage(s) guide means which prevent the shafts rotating during movement of the lid between the open and covering positions. When the lid reaches the covering position, engagement between the follower member or members and the guide means ceases so that the shafts rotate and the lid is displaced from the covering position to the sealing position by the relative eccentricity of the rollers and bearings. A cam surface is provided for guiding at least one follower member during return displacement of the lid between the sealing position and the covering position. Two embodiments of the invention, applied to top and bottom closures, are described.
Abstract:
The invention provides a quick-action locking means for pressure vessels, consisting of a holder to which the top of the pressure vessel containing connections and/or measuring equipment is rigidly mounted, a presser, and a sliding spacer device positioned between the detachable lower part of the pressure vessel and the presser. The lower part of the pressure vessel positioned on the spacer device is pressed against the top by the presser. The locking means of the invention allows rapid opening and closing of the pressure vessel without using tools and without dismounting tubular ducts and fittings.
Abstract:
Apparatus for sterilizing laboratory and hospital glassware, liquids, instruments, garments, contaminated animal wastes and bedding and the like, utilizing a sterilizer enclosure having a steam jacket surrounding the same and a vertically movable front door closure, wherein the door is vertically slideable in a track and is substantially restrained from outward movement by restraining means only at its upper and lower end, and including expandable seal members surrounding the sterilizer opening and opposite the door. The seal comprises two discrete segments, an inflatable member for displacing the sealing member against the door in sealing relationship therewith, and a sealing member. The construction is designed for maximum safety and ease of operation at minimum cost.
Abstract:
A stationary pressure digester for digesting biomaterials with a fast acting closure designed as an easily movable cover carriage with a lower pressure take up plate, an upper pressure take up plate and a closing threaded plug in one of said plates. The pressure take up plates are connected by necked-down bolts and spacer sleeves and the closing nut has a thread with a large pitch and a large area permitting a pressure tight closure which permits moving the closure cover as well as opening and closing the pressure digester fast and easily.
Abstract:
A pressure vessel such as a steam cooker is provided with a door closure comprising a horizontally disposed door mounting and actuating member pivotally mounted for swinging movement across an access opening of the vessel and supporting a warped door for movement into and out of the opening; a rotationally and axially movable shaft carried in the door mounting member has a cam and follower associated therewith for moving the shaft axially in response to rotation thereof; and mechanism coupling the door and the shaft for shifting the door laterally with respect to the door mounting member also causes translational movement of the door toward and away from the door mounting member in response to rotation of the shaft so that the door can be inserted through the opening in a warped condition and then unwarped so that the outer peripheral edge sealingly engages the inside of the opening. The operating handle for the actuating mechanism is located to one side of the access opening when the door is closed.
Abstract:
A low profile port closure apparatus which consists of a port positioned on the vessel to be sealed, a threaded sealing means for effecting fluid-tight closing of said port, and pressure retaining manifold structure which enables sealing positioning and removal of the sealing means in said port, and which manifold means is removable from operative position.
Abstract:
A vessel assembly including an improved connection of head and shell wherein annular seal rings are pre-compressed by insertion of radial pins, which pins are placed and retained in an inserted position by a retention, lock shaft.
Abstract:
A tunnel autoclave having guillotine doors at opposite ends has sections of rail fixed to the said doors so as to be aligned with guide rails extending through the said autoclave when the doors are in the open position.
Abstract:
The invention is concerned with an improved creep resistant sealing arrangement for a bell jar which is used in vacuum work. The bell jar generally consists of a closed top cylindrical container having an open bottom defining a planar rim. The rim generally seats against a flat surface with a gasket between the rim and the surface. A vacuum source communicates with the interior of the bell jar. The sealing arrangement of the present invention comprises a unitary resilient elastomeric ring having a generally J-shaped cross-section, an outer leg of which fits against the outside of the bell jar, an inner leg of which fits against the inside of the bell jar and a cross member of which fits against the rim of the bell jar. Also part of the sealing arrangement is means for fastening the outer leg radially against the outside of the bell jar. Such fastening means can comprise a metal band resembling an enlarged hose clamp, a tape fastening the outer leg to the outside of the bell jar, or an adhesive placed between the outer leg and the outside of the bell jar.
Abstract:
A fail-safe key interlock system prevents an autoclave door from being opened when steam pressure within the autoclave is above a predetermined level, and prevents a steam supply valve of the autoclave from being opened unless the autoclave door is closed, latched and locked. The system is fail-safe in that if there is a loss of electrical power or control air pressure, the door cannot be opened and the steam supply valve is closed or remains closed.