Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
TITLE: CLOSURE FOR PRESSURE VESSEL OR PIPELINE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:
[0001] This application claims priority of Canadian patent application serial
no.
2,935,829 filed July 11, 2016.
TECHNICAL FIELD:
[0002] The present disclosure is related to the field of quick actuating
closures for
providing rapid access to, and sealing the end of, a pressure vessel or
pipeline, in
particular, to clamp-style closures with an improved means of safeguarding
against
unintentional operation and providing an element of redundancy in retaining
the holding
elements.
BACKGROUND:
[0003] There have been many variations in the design of quick actuating
closures over
the last many decades. Most provide a means for rapid access to a pressure
vessel or
pipeline as compared to bolted flange connections. They employ various means
to seal
and support the end load created by internal and external pressures including
screw
threads whereby external threads on a hub interconnect with the internal
threads of the
door, conical bands whereby a split or segmented band is actuated into an
annular
groove between the hub and door, bayonet connections whereby interlocking
segments
of the hub are engaged with mating segments of the door by partial rotation
and clamps
whereby a split clamp ring is engaged on raised collar on the hub and door and
are held
together by toggles, bolts or other mechanisms.
[0004] It is, therefore, desirable to provide a quick clamping mechanism that
overcomes
the shortcomings of the prior art.
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SUMMARY:
[0005] The present disclosure deals with the clamp ring style of closure. In
some
embodiments, an annular hub can be attached to the mating pressure vessel or
pipeline, and can function as an access port to the interior of the pressure
chamber. A
door can be sized to match the mating dimensions of the hub and provides a
means to
close access to the pressure vessel or pipeline. In some embodiments, both the
hub
and door can have a raised annular collar located at each end of their
respective
contacting surfaces. A hinge arrangement can be attached to both the hub and
door to
allow for pivoting the contact surfaces of the door to align with the contact
surfaces of
the stationary hub. After the surfaces are drawn together in opposition, two
halves of a
split annular ring can be rotated via hinge arrangement over the hub/door
flange, with
the ends drawn together with a toggle mechanism.
[0006] Once the toggle mechanism has been fully actuated, circular openings
contained
within the toggle linkages, and circular openings within the blocks attaching
the toggle
mechanism to the split annular ring, can align linearly. This linear
arrangement can
allow the passage of a locking pin of largely round cross section to pass
axially through
the circular openings, thereby locking the split annular rings and toggle
mechanism in
the closed position.
[0007] The locking pin described above can contain a circular radial hole
offset from one
end of the locking pin opposite the portion enclosed by the linearly arranged
holes
contained within the toggle linkages and blocks. This hole can be aligned
perpendicular
to the axis of the hub by means of one or more planar surfaces disposed on one
or both
of the top and the bottom of the locking pin, the one or more planar surfaces
orientated
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parallel to the axis of the hub that pass through a hole contained in a stem
housing that
is attached radially to the hub. The stem housing can contain a circular hole
orientated
radially with the hub axis and is concentric to a tapped hole passing
completely through
the hub wall. A threaded bushing can be installed into the tapped hole and can
further
contain a centrally located tapped hole to accept a pressure alert stem.
[0008] In some embodiments, the pressure alert stem can be sealed against the
threaded bushing by means of an elastomer o-ring. The threaded portion of the
pressure alert stem can be interrupted by an axial slot extended the entire
length of the
thread to a depth below the minor diameter of the thread. This can act as a
safety
feature in that if the interior portion of the hub is under differential
pressure, and if an
attempt is made to remove the pressure alert stem from the threaded bushing,
the seal
created by the o-ring would be compromised and the interior pressure contained
within
the hub would pass unobstructed through the thread groove, alerting the
operator of a
differential pressure situation with the closure assembly.
[0009] When fully assembled, the pressure alert stem can pass through the
radial
circular hole in the locking pin and the threaded bushing installed in the hub
wall. In this
position, the pressure alert stem can extend fully through the locking pin,
preventing the
locking pin from translating linearly through the toggle assembly and
subsequently
locking the toggle and split annular rings in the closed position. As a
consequence, in
order to operate the toggle mechanism to open the closure door, the pressure
alert
stem must be removed completely from the closure assembly in order for the
locking pin
to be translated linearly out of the toggle hole alignment. This embodiment
constitutes a
safety feature of the closure in that the pressure alert stem must be removed,
thus
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alerting the operator of differential pressure within the closure hub, before
the locking
pin can be removed to allow the toggle mechanism to function and, thus,
opening the
closure door. With the locking pin in the extended position, the locking pin
can create
an interference within the stem housing preventing the pressure alert stem
from being
installed into the threaded bushing until the locking pin and toggle assembly
are fully
engaged in the closed position.
[0010] A better understanding of these features can be obtained from the
description of
the drawings and detailed description of the embodiments that follow.
[0011] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a closure device can be provided
for a
pressure vessel or a pipeline, the closure device comprising: a hub comprising
a central
opening configured to correspond to an opening in the pressure vessel or
pipeline; a
door configured to contact the hub and close access to the hub central
opening; a hinge
assembly operatively coupling the door to the hub; a split annular ring
assembly
operatively coupled attached to the hub and further comprising opposing ring
sections
configured to move between an open position to a closed position, the opposing
ring
sections each comprising an inner channel configured to engage corresponding
flange
elements disposed on both the door and the hub; an actuating mechanism
configured to
cause the split annular ring assembly to engage the flange elements thereby
fastening
the door to the hub; a locking pin configured to inhibit movement of the
actuating
mechanism when the actuating mechanism is in a locked position; and a pressure
alert
assembly operatively coupled to the hub, the pressure alert assembly
configured to
inhibit movement of the locking pin when the actuating mechanism is in the
locked
position.
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[0012] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the closure device can further
comprise a
seal disposed between the door and hub.
[0013] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the hub can be configured to be
welded or
bolted to the pressure vessel or the pipeline.
[0014] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the hinge assembly can further
comprise:
upper and lower blocks operatively coupled to the door, further comprising a
plain pin
and a threaded adjustment pin arrangement configured to manipulate a vertical
location
of the door in relation to the central opening; upper and lower flange plates
operatively
coupled to the upper and lower blocks on the door, and further comprising a
gusset
body disposed between the upper and lower flange plates; a hinge shaft; and a
hinge
adjustment assembly operatively coupling the upper and lower flange plates to
the
hinge shaft, the hinge adjustment assembly configured to manipulate a position
of the
door relative to the hub, wherein the hinge assembly can support the door and
allow
rotation of the door about the hinge shaft.
[0015] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the hinge shaft can comprise an
axis that
ranges from being substantially vertical to substantially horizontal.
[0016] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the actuating mechanism can
further
comprise: blocks attached to each of the opposing ring sections, each block
comprising
a longitudinal through-hole comprising an axis substantially parallel with a
plane defined
by the split annular ring assembly, wherein the longitudinal through-holes of
the blocks
substantially align with each other when the opposing ring sections are in the
closed
position; toggle linkages disposed on anterior and posterior sides of a first
of the blocks
operatively coupling the first of the blocks to a toggle handle, the toggle
handle
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operatively coupling a second of the blocks to the toggle linkages, the toggle
handle
configured to move the opposing ring sections between the open and closed
positions;
and wherein the toggle linkages further comprise second longitudinal through-
holes
configured to align with the longitudinal through-holes of the blocks when the
opposing
ring sections are in the closed position.
[0017] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the locking pin can further
comprise: a
cylindrical member comprising a diameter substantially corresponding to the
longitudinal
through-holes of the blocks and the toggle linkages, the cylindrical member
comprising
a largely circular cross-section further comprising at least one planar
surface configured
to inhibit rotation of the locking pin when disposed in a supporting housing
comprising
an opening disposed therethrough having a similar cross-section as the locking
pin; a
bolt hole disposed through the locking pin, the axis of the bolt hole
substantially
perpendicular to the axis of the locking pin, the bolt hole disposed at a
location offset
from a first end of the locking pin; a lip of circular cross section disposed
at a second
end of the locking pin; and a radial handle extending substantially
perpendicular from
the locking pin near the first end thereof, the radial handle extending along
a plane
substantially parallel to the at least one planar surface.
[0018] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the bolt hole can be configured
for
allowing a locking bolt to pass therethrough and prevent the locking pin from
moving
within the supporting housing.
[0019] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the locking bolt can comprise a
pressure
alert stem operatively coupled to the hub.
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[0020] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the closure device can further
comprise a
pressure alert assembly comprising: a stem housing operatively coupled to the
hub, the
stem housing further enclosing a radial hole disposed through the hub to
provide
communication with an interior of the pressure vessel or the pipeline; a
threaded
bushing disposed in the radial hole, the threaded bushing configured to
threadably
receive an interrupted thread of a pressure alert stem, the threaded bushing
further
comprising a sealing surface to contact an o-ring seal disposed on the
pressure alert
stem; and a third longitudinal through-hole disposed through the annular
external
housing, the third longitudinal through-hole substantially aligned with the
longitudinal
through-holes of the blocks and with the second longitudinal through-hole when
the
opposing ring sections are in the closed position.
[0021] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the closure device can further
comprise
the locking pin disposed in the longitudinal through-holes when the opposing
ring
sections are in the closed position, the locking pin further comprising a stem
hole
disposed through the locking pin, the axis of the stem hole substantially
perpendicular to
the axis of the locking pin, the stem hole disposed at a location offset from
a first end of
the locking pin and configured to have the pressure alert stem pass
therethrough when
the pressure alert stem is threaded into the threaded bushing thereby
preventing the
locking pin from being removed from the longitudinal through-holes without
first
removing the pressure alert stem from the threaded bushing.
[0022] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the interrupted thread can be
configured
to close off communication to the interior of the pressure vessel or the
pipeline when the
pressure alert stem is fully threaded and seated in the threaded bushing, and
to provide
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communication to the interior of the pressure vessel or the pipeline when the
pressure
alert stem is at least partially unthreaded from the threaded bushing.
[0023] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the pressure alert stem can
comprise a
tee-shaped handle.
[0024] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the pressure alert assembly can
further
comprise a key lock assembly comprising a retractable locking pin configured
to engage
a circumferential groove disposed around the pressure alert stem.
[0025] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the hinge assembly can further
comprise:
upper and lower bearing blocks operatively coupled to the hub; a substantially
vertical
hinge shaft disposed between and at least partially through each of the upper
and lower
bearing blocks, the hinge shaft comprising an upper threaded end and a lower
threaded
end, each of the upper and lower threaded ends comprising upper and lower
threaded
fasteners, respectively, the threaded fasteners configured to retain the hinge
shaft to the
upper and lower bearing blocks; a hinge arm comprising a first end operatively
coupled
to the door, and a second end rotatably disposed about the hinge shaft; one or
more
stop collars disposed on the hinge shaft, the one or more stop collars
configured to lock
the second end of the hinge arm in a fixed position on the hinge shaft; and a
hinge
adjustment assembly configured to manipulate a vertical position of the door
relative to
the hub, wherein the hinge adjustment assembly can support the door, and
wherein the
hinge adjustment assembly further comprises the upper and lower threaded
fasteners,
wherein rotating the upper threaded fastener adjusts the vertical position of
the door
relative to the upper and lower bearing blocks, and wherein rotating the lower
threaded
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fasteners locks or unlocks the vertical position of the door relative to the
upper and
lower bearing blocks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0026] Figure la is a front elevation view depicting one embodiment of a
closure
assembly in its locked and closed position.
[0027] Figure 1 b is a front elevation view depicting a second embodiment of a
closure
assembly in its locked and closed position.
[0028] Figure 2a is a side elevation cross-section view depicting the closure
assembly of
Figure 1 a along section lines 1-1.
[0029] Figure 2b is a side elevation cross-section view depicting the closure
assembly of
Figure lb along section lines 1-1.
[0030] Figure 3a is a front perspective view depicting the closure assembly of
Figure la
in a locked and closed position.
[0031] Figure 3b is a front perspective view depicting the closure assembly of
Figure lb
in a locked and closed position.
[0032] Figure 4a is a front perspective view depicting the closure assembly of
Figure la
in an unlocked and open position.
[0033] Figure 4b is a front perspective view depicting the closure assembly of
Figure lb
in an unlocked and open position.
[0034] Figure 5a is a top plan view depicting the closure assembly of Figure 1
a in its
locked and closed position.
[0035] Figure 5b is a top plan view depicting the closure assembly of Figure 1
b in its
locked and closed position.
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[0036] Figure 6a is a top plan view depicting the closure assembly of Figure
la in an
unlocked and open position.
[0037] Figure 6b is a top plan view depicting the closure assembly of Figure 1
b in an
unlocked and open position.
[0038] Figure 7a is a side elevation cross-section view depicting a hinge of
the closure
assembly of Figure la along section lines 2-2.
[0039] Figure 7b is a side elevation cross-section view depicting a hinge of
the closure
assembly of Figure lb along section lines 2-2.
[0040] Figure 8a is a top plan cross-section view depicting the hinge of
Figure 7a along
section lines 5-5.
[0041] Figure 8b is a top plan cross-section view depicting the hinge of
Figure 7b along
section lines 5-5.
[0042] Figure 9a is a close-up perspective view depicting the toggle
mechanism/locking
pin arrangement of the closure assembly of Figure 1a in a closed and locked
position,
as viewed from the anterior end.
[0043] Figure 9b is a close-up perspective view depicting the toggle
mechanism/locking
pin arrangement of the closure assembly of Figure 1 b in a closed and locked
position,
as viewed from the anterior end.
[0044] Figure 10a is a close-up perspective view depicting the toggle
mechanism/locking pin arrangement of the closure assembly of Figure la in an
open
and unlocked position, as viewed from the anterior end.
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[0045] Figure 10b is a close-up perspective view depicting the toggle
mechanism/locking pin arrangement of the closure assembly of Figure 1 b in an
open
and unlocked position, as viewed from the anterior end.
[0046] Figure lla is a close-up perspective view depicting the toggle
mechanism/locking pin arrangement of the closure assembly of Figure la in a
closed
and locked position, as viewed from the posterior end.
[0047] Figure llb is a close-up perspective view depicting the toggle
mechanism/locking pin arrangement of the closure assembly of Figure lb in a
closed
and locked position, as viewed from the posterior end.
[0048] Figure 12a is a close-up perspective view depicting the toggle
mechanism/locking pin arrangement of the closure assembly of Figure la in an
open
and unlocked position, as viewed from the posterior end.
[0049] Figure 12b is a close-up perspective view depicting the toggle
mechanism/locking pin arrangement of the closure assembly of Figure lb in an
open
and unlocked position, as viewed from the posterior end.
[0050] Figure 13a is a close-up side elevation cross-section view of the
closure
assembly of Figure 5a along section lines 3-3.
[0051] Figure 13b is a close-up side elevation cross-section view of the
closure
assembly of Figure 5b along section lines 3-3.
[0052] Figure 14a is a close-up side elevation cross-section view of the
closure
assembly of Figure 6a along section lines 4-4.
[0053] Figure 14b is a close-up side elevation cross-section view of the
closure
assembly of Figure 6b along section lines 4-4.
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[0054] Figure 15a is a perspective view depicting a pressure alert stem for
use with the
closure assembly of Figure la.
[0055] Figure 15b is a perspective view depicting a pressure alert stem for
use with the
closure assembly of Figure lb.
[0056] Figure 16a is a perspective view depicting a locking pin for use with
the closure
assembly of Figure la.
[0057] Figure 16b is a perspective view depicting a locking pin for use with
the closure
assembly of Figure lb.
[0058] Figure 17 is a close-up cross-section view depicting the closure
assembly of
Figure 2b.
[0059] Figure 18 is a partial cutaway, front perspective view depicting the
closure
assembly of Figure 14b with the pressure alert stem prior to being inserted
therein.
[0060] Figure 19 is partial cutaway, front perspective view depicting the
closure
assembly of Figure 18 with the pressure alert stem inserted and locked
thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS:
[0061] In this description, references to "one embodiment", "an embodiment",
or
"embodiments" mean that the feature or features being referred to are included
in at
least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to "one
embodiment",
"an embodiment", or "embodiments" in this description do not necessarily refer
to the
same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or
except
as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description.
For example, a
feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included
in other
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embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can
include
a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described
herein.
[0062] Illustrated in this specification are two embodiments of closure
assembly 10. A
first embodiment is illustrated in the figures labeled with an "a" suffix,
that is: la, 2a, etc.
A second embodiment is illustrated in the figures with a "b" suffix, that is:
1 b, 2b, etc.
Reference characters for elements or features specific to the first embodiment
are
appended with the "a" suffix, whereas reference characters for elements or
features
specific to the second embodiment are appended with the "b" suffix. Reference
characters for elements or features that are common to the first and second
embodiments have no "a" or "b" suffix.
[0063] Referring to Figures 1 a and 2a, a first embodiment of a clamp style
closure
device for a pressure vessel or pipeline is shown. In some embodiments,
closure
assembly 10a can comprise hub 11 a, which can be adapted to be attached to
pressure
vessel opening (not shown) or end of pipe (not shown) by welding with use of
an
appropriately sized bevel 13 located on the posterior portion of hub lla
matching that of
the pressure vessel opening or pipe end. On the anterior end of hub 11 a, male
flange
14 can be provided extending outwardly from the body and circumferentially
around the
hub edge. Hub 11 a can comprise circular bore 12, which can define the central
axis of
the closure assembly.
[0064] In some embodiments, door 21a can be pivotally attached to hub 11 a via
hinge
mechanism 31a for opening and closing closure assembly 10a. In some
embodiments,
door 21a can be circular in configuration with male flange 22 that is matched
dimensionally with male flange 14 of hub 11 a. Anterior end 23 and posterior
end 24 of
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door 21a can be planar and parallel. Door 21a can comprise groove 127a offset
from
posterior end 24 of door 21a in a gland-type configuration that can accept
elastomer
seal 25 in the form of an o-ring or other configuration that can create a
pressure tight
seal between hub 11 a and door 21a. In some embodiments, the axis of sealing
surface
27 of hub lla can be concentric with that of hub 11a, and can be inclined
between zero
degrees (parallel to hub bore 12) and fifteen degrees to better accept the
seal contained
within door 21a.
[0065] Referring to Figures 1 b and 2b, a second embodiment of a clamp style
closure
device for a pressure vessel or pipeline is shown. In some embodiments,
closure
assembly 10b can comprise hub 11b, which can be adapted to be attached to
pressure
vessel opening (not shown) or end of pipe (not shown) by welding with use of
an
appropriately sized bevel 13 located on the posterior portion of hub llb
matching that of
the pressure vessel opening or pipe end. On the anterior end of hub 11 b, male
flange
14 can be provided extending outwardly from the body and circumferentially
around the
hub edge. Hub lib can comprise circular bore 12, which can define the central
axis of
the closure assembly.
[0066] In some embodiments, door 21b can be pivotally attached to hub llb via
hinge
mechanism 31b for opening and closing closure assembly 10b. In some
embodiments,
door 21b can be circular in configuration with male flange 22 that is matched
dimensionally with male flange 14 of hub 11 b. Anterior end 23 and posterior
end 24 of
door 21b can be planar and parallel. Door 21b can comprise groove 127b offset
from
posterior end 24 of door 21b in a face-type configuration that can accept
elastomer seal
25 in the form of an o-ring or other configuration that can create a pressure
tight seal
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between hub llb and door 21b. In some embodiments, the plane of sealing
surface 28
of hub lib can be substantially perpendicular to the axis of hub bore 12, and
can be
further inclined between zero degrees and fifteen degrees (relative to the
normal of the
axis of hub bore 12) to better accept the seal contained within door 21b.
[0067] Figures 1 a to 6a illustrate two halves of split annular ring 41 and
42, for use with
closure assembly 10a, that can be split equally with a vertical plane passing
through the
axis of hub 11a. Pivot blocks 43a and 44a can be attached to the bottom
portion of split
annular ring 41 and 42, which can contain through holes 49 and 50,
respectively. In
some embodiments, hub pivot block 46a can be attached to the bottom of the
outer
surface of hub 11 a with circular hole 51 parallel to the axis of hub 11a. In
some
embodiments, the alignment of holes 49, 50 and 51 can be such that pivot pin
150 can
pass axially through all holes and allow the two halves of split annular ring
41 and 42 to
rotate about the axis of pivot pin 150. Pivot pin 150 can comprise external
threads for
installation of jam nuts 48 to secure the split annular ring assembly in
place. In some
embodiments, spacer cylinder 47a can be installed between pivot block 44a and
hub
pivot block 46a to maintain alignment of split annular ring 41 and 42, mating
hub flange
14 and door flange 22.
[0068] To maintain planar movement of split annular ring 41 and 42 about hub
contact
face 28, guide bar 240 can attach to the outer periphery of hub 1 1 a and can
be
captured within a slot created by the attachment of guide bar 241 and the
posterior face
of split annular ring 41 and 42. As split annular ring 41 and 42 advances to
the open
position, surfaces 242 and 243, as shown in Figures 11a, can come into contact
and
limit the movement of split annular ring 41 and 42 about pivot pin 150. In
some
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embodiments, one set of guide bars 240, 241 can be mirrored about hub 11 a
vertical
plane for each split annular ring 41 and 42.
[0069] Figures lb to 6b illustrate two halves of split annular ring 41 and 42,
for use with
closure assembly 10b, that can be split equally with a vertical plane passing
through the
axis of hub 11b. Pivot blocks 43b and 44b can be attached to the bottom
portion of split
annular ring 41 and 42, which can contain through holes 49b and 50b,
respectively. In
some embodiments, hub pivot block 46b can be attached to the bottom of the
outer
surface of hub 11 b with circular hole 51 parallel to the axis of hub 11 b. In
some
embodiments, the alignment of holes 49b, 50b and 51 can be such that pivot pin
150
can pass axially through all holes and allow the two halves of split annular
ring 41 and
42 to rotate about the axis of pivot pin 150. Pivot pin 150 can comprise
external threads
for installation of jam nuts 48 to secure the split annular ring assembly in
place. In
some embodiments, spacer washer 47b can be installed between pivot block 44b
and
pivot pin 150 to maintain alignment of split annular ring 41 and 42, mating
hub flange 14
and door flange 22.
[0070] To maintain planar movement of split annular ring 41 and 42 about hub
contact
face 28, guide bar 240 can attach to the outer periphery of hub 1 1 b and can
be
captured within a slot created by the attachment of guide bar 241 and the
posterior face
of split annular ring 41 and 42. As split annular ring 41 and 42 advances to
the open
position, surfaces 242 and 243, as shown in Figure 11b, can come into contact
and limit
the movement of split annular ring 41 and 42 about pivot pin 150. In some
embodiments, one set of guide bars 240, 241 can be mirrored about hub 11 b
vertical
plane for each split annular ring 41 and 42.
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[0071] Referring to Figures 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b, in some embodiments, split
annular ring
41 and 42 can act as a means for drawing hub male flange 14 and door male
flange 22
together to facilitate contact between hub contact face 28 and door contact
face 29
when rotated into the closed position about pivot pin 150. Split annular ring
41 and 42
can comprise inner channel 143 concentric to hub bore 12 that is wide enough
to accept
both the axial width of hub male flange 14 and door male flange 22. In some
embodiments, the sides of inner channel 143, and the corresponding contact
sides of
hub male flange 14 and door male flange 22 can be parallel. The included
contact
angle between opposing sides of inner channel 143 can vary from zero degrees
to 10
degrees. In some embodiments, split annular ring 41 and 42 can comprise
clearance
arcs 51 and 52, which can further comprise of circular sectors of a diameter
exceeding
the outer diameter of door male flange 22 as they are projected on split
annular ring 41
and 42 in the open position. In some embodiments, arcs 51 and 52 can extend
through
the anterior outer surface of split annular ring 41 and 42 up to inner channel
143, which
can contact male flange 22.
[0072] Referring to Figures la, 7a and 8a, in some embodiments of closure
assembly
10a, hinge assembly 31a can be provided as a means to support the weight of
door 21a
during opening and closing operations and, additionally, to allow door 21a to
be pivoted
about the vertical axis of hinge shaft 134a to facilitate access to hub bore
12 by
employing use of door handle 120a. Hinge assembly 31a can comprise upper and
lower bearing blocks 33a and 34a, respectively, that can be affixed to the
exterior of
mounting plates 35 and 36, respectively. In some embodiments, mounting plates
35
and 36 can be affixed by cross member 37 to maintain parallelism between
mounting
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plates 35 and 36. Mounting plates 35 and 36 can comprise two opposing and
axial
holes that can accept adjustment pin 38 into upper mounting plate 35, and
adjustment
bolt 39 into lower mounting plate 36. In some embodiments, adjustment pin 38
and
adjustment bolt 39 can be installed into holes of adjustment blocks 131 and
130,
respectively. Door 21a positioning within the vertical plane can be achieved
by raising
or lowering adjustment bolt 39 by rotating jam nuts 132 and 133.
[0073] With reference to Figures 7a and 8a, upper and lower bearing blocks 33a
and
34a (lower bearing block 34a not shown), can be attached to mounting plates 35
and
36, respectively (mounting plate 36 not shown), and can pivot about the axis
of hinge
shaft 134a. Hinge shaft 134a can be supported by means of circular upper
bearing 135
disposed in upper bearing block 33a, and lower bearing 136 disposed in lower
bearing
block 34a (not shown). In some embodiments, the bearings can comprise plain
bearings or mechanical bearings, such as roller bearings, ball bearings or
tapered
bearings. The bearings can be supported axially within the circular center
cavity of
bearing carrier 149a. The outside of bearing carrier 149a can comprise of
oppositely
arranged planar edges 137a, 138a, 139a and 140a. In some embodiments, upper
and
lower bearing blocks 33a and 34a can comprise oppositely arranged screws 141,
142,
143 and 144 located with threaded holes arranged radially with hinge shaft
134a axis
that can contact edges 137a, 138a, 139a and 140a. By loosening and alternately
tightening opposing screws 141, 142, 143 and 144, axis hinge shaft 134a and,
by
extension, door contact face 29, can be tilted in minute increments to achieve
parallelism between hub contact face 28 and door contact face 29, and
concentricity
between the circular outer edges of hub male flange 14 and door male flange
22. In
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some embodiments, circular dished cap 145a can be installed over upper and
lower
bearing blocks 33a and 34a and be retained by a plurality of screws 146. In
some
embodiments, hinge shaft 134a can be retained within hinge 147a. Hinge 147a
can be
attached to hinge block 148, which can also be attached to the outer periphery
of hub
11, parallel to the horizontal plane cutting the axis of hub 11a.
[0074] Referring to Figures 1 b, 7b and 8b, in some embodiments of closure
assembly
10b, hinge assembly 31b can be provided as a means to support the weight of
door 21b
during opening and closing operations and, additionally, to allow door 21b to
be pivoted
about the vertical axis of hinge shaft 134b to facilitate access to hub bore
12 by
employing use of door handle 120b. Hinge assembly 31b can comprise upper and
lower bearing blocks 33b and 34b, respectively, operatively coupled to 11 b
and can
either be coupled to hub llb with fasteners, or integral to the structure of
hub 11b. In
some embodiments, door 21b can comprise hinge arm 236 to operatively coupled
door
21b to hinge shaft 134b. In some embodiments, hinge arm 236 can comprise hinge
bearings 39b to provide smooth rotational movement about hinge shaft 134b.
Hinge
arm 236 can further comprise thrust washers 38b disposed on an outer surface
of
bearings 39b, and held in place by stop collars 37b. Each end of hinge shaft
134b can
be threaded, and have nut 135b threaded thereupon. Coarse adjustment of door
21b
positioning within the vertical plane can be achieved by loosening stop
collars 37b and
moving door 21b to an approximate desired vertical position and then
tightening stop
collars 37b into position, with fine adjustment for raising or lowering door
21b by
adjusting nuts 135b on both ends of hinge shaft 134b.
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[0075] With reference to Figures 7b and 8b, upper and lower bearing blocks 33b
and
34b (lower bearing block 34b not shown) can be operatively coupled to hub 11
b, as
described above. Hinge shaft 134b can be disposed inside adjustment collar
149b.
The outside of collar 149b can comprise of oppositely arranged planar edges
137b,
138b, 139b and 140b. In some embodiments, upper and lower bearing blocks 33b
and
34b can comprise oppositely arranged screws 141, 142, 143 and 144 located with
threaded holes arranged radially with hinge shaft 134b axis that can contact
edges
137b, 138b, 139b and 140b. By loosening and alternately tightening opposing
screws
141, 142, 143 and 144, axis hinge shaft 134b and, by extension, door contact
face 29,
can be tilted in minute increments to achieve parallelism between hub contact
face 28
and door contact face 29, and concentricity between the circular outer edges
of hub
male flange 14 and door male flange 22. In some embodiments, circular dished
cap
145b can be installed over upper and lower bearing blocks 33b and 34b and be
retained
by a plurality of screws.
[0076] Figures 9a, 10a, 1 1 a and 12a illustrate, in some embodiments for use
with
closure assembly 10a, an over-center toggle mechanism attached to the top of
split
annular ring 41 and 42, which can function to move split annular ring 41 and
42 into its
locked position, and to expand split annular ring 41 and 42 into the unlocked
position
through rotation about pivot pin 150. Toggle block 61 can be mounted radially
on one
half of split annular ring 41 on the end opposite pivot block 43a, as shown in
Figure ha.
Likewise, toggle block 62 can be mounted radially on one half of the annular
ring 42 on
the end opposite pivot block 44a. In some embodiments, toggle block 61 can
comprise
two tines 63 that can accept the body of toggle block 62 during the locking
operation, as
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shown in Figure 9a. Toggle blocks 61, 62 can further comprise through-hole 164
that
can align axially when split annular ring 41 and 42 are in the closed and
locked position,
and parallel with the axis of hub 11 a. In some embodiments, toggle handle 66a
can
comprise tines 160 that can straddle toggle block 62. Toggle linkages 64a, 65a
can be
installed on either side of toggle blocks 61, 62. In some embodiments, toggle
pin 67
can be inserted through holes provided by toggle linkage 64a, 65a and toggle
block 61.
Toggle pin 68 can be inserted through holes provided by toggle linkage 64a,
65a and
toggle handle 66a. Toggle pin 69 can be inserted through holes provided by
toggle
block 62 and toggle handle 66a. During the action of pivoting toggle handle
66a about
the axis of toggle pin 69, toggle linkages 64a, 65a can, subsequently, pivot
about toggle
pins 67, 68 forcing the split annular ring 41 and 42 to pivot about pivot pin
150. Toggle
linkages 64a, 65a can comprise through-hole 161 that can align axially with
hole 164 on
toggle blocks 61, 62 when split annular ring 41 and 42 are in the closed and
locked
position and is parallel with the axis of hub 11a.
[0077] Figures 9b, 10b, 11b and 12b illustrate, in some embodiments for use
with
closure assembly 10b, an over-center toggle mechanism attached to the top of
split
annular ring 41 and 42, which can function to move split annular ring 41 and
42 into its
locked position, and to expand split annular ring 41 and 42 into the unlocked
position
through rotation about pivot pin 150. Toggle block 61 can be mounted radially
on one
half of split annular ring 41 on the end opposite pivot block 43h, as shown in
Figure lb.
Likewise, toggle block 62 can be mounted radially on one half of the annular
ring 42 on
the end opposite pivot block 44b. In some embodiments, toggle block 61 can
comprise
two tines 63 that can accept the body of toggle block 62 during the locking
operation, as
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shown in Figure 9b. Toggle blocks 61, 62 can further comprise through-hole 164
that
can align axially when split annular ring 41 and 42 are in the closed and
locked position,
and parallel with the axis of hub 11b. In some embodiments, toggle handle 66b
can
comprise tines 160 that can straddle toggle block 62. Toggle linkages 64b, 65b
can be
installed on either side of toggle blocks 61, 62. In some embodiments, toggle
pin 67
can be inserted through holes provided by toggle linkage 64b, 65b and toggle
block 61.
Toggle pin 68 can be inserted through holes provided by toggle linkage 64b,
65b and
toggle handle 66b. Toggle pin 69 can be inserted through holes provided by
toggle
block 62 and toggle handle 66b. During the action of pivoting toggle handle
66b about
the axis of toggle pin 69, toggle linkages 64b, 65b can, subsequently, pivot
about toggle
pins 67, 68 forcing the split annular ring 41 and 42 to pivot about pivot pin
150. Toggle
linkages 64b, 65b can comprise through-hole 161 that can align axially with
hole 164 on
toggle blocks 61, 62 when split annular ring 41 and 42 are in the closed and
locked
position and is parallel with the axis of hub 11b.
[0078] Referring to Figure 15a, in some embodiments, closure assembly 10a can
comprise pressure alert stem 70a, further comprising of hexagonal body 71a
sized to
accept industry standard imperial wrench sizes, cylindrical extension 72a and
threaded
body 73a on the end opposite hexagonal body 71a. In some embodiments, threaded
body 73a can comprise longitudinal groove 74 parallel with pressure alert stem
70a
axis. Longitudinal groove 74 can extend from threaded body end 75a to o-ring
seal
groove 77a at a depth equal to or greater than the root diameter of the
thread. An
appropriately sized o-ring 76 can be passed over threaded body 73a and
installed into
o-ring groove 77a adjacent end surface 78a.
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[0079] Referring to Figure 15b, in some embodiments, closure assembly 10b can
comprise pressure alert stem 70b, further comprising of tee-shaped head 71b
configured to turned by hand wherein pressure alert stem 70b can be tightened
hand-
tight and not over-torqued with a wrench. Pressure alert stem 70b can further
comprise
cylindrical extension 72b and threaded body 73b on the end opposite tee-shaped
head
71b. Cylindrical extension 72b can further comprise circumferential groove 79
disposed
therearound. In some embodiments, threaded body 73b can comprise longitudinal
groove 74 parallel with pressure alert stem 70b axis. Longitudinal groove 74
can extend
from threaded body end 75b to o-ring seal groove 77b at a depth equal to or
greater
than the root diameter of the thread. An appropriately sized o-ring 76 can be
passed
over threaded body 73b and installed into o-ring groove 77b adjacent end
surface 78b.
[0080] Referring to Figure 16a, closure assembly 10a can comprise locking pin
80a,
further comprising of a cylindrical body provided with two planar and parallel
surfaces
81a, 82a extending the length of locking pin 80a up to stop lip 84. Pin end 86
can
remain circular. In some embodiments, through hole 83a can be disposed through
locking pin 80a near end 87a, and can be sized to accept the passage of
pressure alert
stem 70a. Locking pin handle 85a can be attached to the cylindrical sidewall
surface of
locking pin 80a and disposed near through hole 83a, wherein locking pin handle
85a
can extend away from locking pin 80a in a plane substantially parallel to
surfaces 81a,
82a.
[0081] Referring to Figure 16b, closure assembly 10b can comprise locking pin
80b,
further comprising of a cylindrical body provided with a planar surface 81b
extending the
length of locking pin 80b up to stop lip 84. Pin end 86 can remain circular.
In some
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embodiments, through hole 83b can be disposed through cylindrical portion 300
of
locking pin 80b, and can be sized to accept the passage of pressure alert stem
70b.
Locking pin handle 85b can be attached to cylindrical portion 300 and disposed
near
through hole 83b, wherein locking pin handle 85b can extend away from locking
pin 80b
in a plane substantially parallel to surface 81b.
[0082] Referring to Figures 13a and 14a, in some embodiments, radial hole 90a
can be
provided in hub 11a having straight or taper thread 91a located towards outer
surface
92a of hub 11a. Threaded bushing 94a, comprising an external straight or
tapered
thread matching straight or tapered thread 91a, and straight internal thread
95a
matching the size of threaded body 73a of pressure alert stem 70a, can be
installed into
radial hole 90a. Stem housing 96a can be attached radially to outer surface
92a of hub
11a with longitudinal hole 97a concentric to radial hole 90a. In some
embodiments,
stem housing 96a can comprise radial hole 98a relative to longitudinal hole
97a that can
further comprise a profile identical to end profile 87a of lock pin 80a, and
can be parallel
to the axis of hub 11a. In some embodiments, slot 99a (as shown in Figures 11a
and
12a) can be perpendicular to radial hole 98a and longitudinal hole 97a, and
can further
extend into longitudinal hole 97a and be sized to accept locking pin handle
85a.
[0083] Referring to Figures 13a and 14a, the safety features and
characteristics of
closure assembly 10a are shown. With toggle mechanism 60a, split annular ring
41 and
42 and door 21a in the closed position, toggle linkage holes 160 and 161,
toggle block
holes 164 and 165, and stem housing radial hole 98a can align along a common
axis
and, thus, allow locking pin 80a to be installed until locking pin handle 85a
contacts the
end of slot 99a (as shown in Figures 11a and 12a) of pressure alert stem
housing 96a,
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thus inhibiting the movement and function of toggle mechanism 60a and split
annular
ring 41 and 42. Pressure alert stem 70a can be inserted through longitudinal
hole 97a,
through locking pin hole 83a, up to threaded bushing 94a. Pressure alert stem
70a can
then be threaded into threaded bushing 94a until stem end surface 78a contacts
threaded bushing 94a and pressure alert stem o-ring 76 is confined within
threaded
bushing 94a effecting a seal.
[0084] Referring to Figures 13b and 14b, in some embodiments, radial hole 90b
can be
provided in hub 11 b having straight or taper thread 91b located towards outer
surface
92b of hub 11b. Threaded bushing 94b, comprising an external straight or
tapered
thread matching straight or tapered thread 91b, and straight internal thread
95b
matching the size of threaded body 73b of pressure alert stem 70b, can be
installed into
radial hole 90b. Stem housing 96b can be attached radially to outer surface
92b of hub
lib with longitudinal hole 97b concentric to radial hole 90b. In some
embodiments,
stem housing 96b can comprise radial hole 98b relative to longitudinal hole
97b that can
further comprise a profile identical to end profile 87b of lock pin 80b, and
can be parallel
to the axis of hub lib. In some embodiments, slot 99b (as shown in Figures 11
b and
12b) can be perpendicular to radial hole 98b and longitudinal hole 97b, and
can further
extend into longitudinal hole 97b and be sized to accept locking pin handle
85b.
[0085] Referring to Figures 13b and 14b, the safety features and
characteristics of
closure assembly 10b are shown. With toggle mechanism 60b, split annular ring
41 and
42 and door 21b in the closed position, toggle linkage holes 160 and 161,
toggle block
holes 164 and 165, and stem housing radial hole 98b can align along a common
axis
and, thus, allow locking pin 80b to be installed until locking pin handle 85b
contacts the
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end of slot 99b (as shown in Figures llb and 12b) of pressure alert stem
housing 96b,
thus inhibiting the movement and function of toggle mechanism 60b and split
annular
ring 41 and 42. Pressure alert stem 70b can be inserted through longitudinal
hole 97b,
through locking pin hole 83b, up to threaded bushing 94b. Pressure alert stem
70b can
then be threaded into threaded bushing 94b until stem end surface 78h contacts
threaded bushing 94b and pressure alert stem o-ring 76 is confined within
threaded
bushing 94b effecting a seal.
[0086] Referring to Figure 18, pressure alert stem 70b is shown being inserted
into
longitudinal hole 97b. Disposed in recess 194 pressure alert stem housing 96b
can be
lock mechanism 191. As shown in Figure 18, when key 192 is turned to the
"unlock"
position as shown, locking pin 193 retracts into lock mechanism 191, as shown.
Referring to Figure 19, pressure alert stem 70b is shown fully inserted in
longitudinal
hole 97b, wherein key 192 can be turned to the "lock" position (as shown)
thereby
causing locking pin 193 to extend from lock mechanism 191 into groove 79 of
pressure
alert stem 70b thereby preventing pressure alert stem 70b from being removed
from
longitudinal hole 97b thus locking closure assembly 10b.
[0087] In some embodiments, closure assembly 10b can comprise an alternate
sealing
configuration, as shown in Figure 17. In some embodiments, hub lib can
comprise
concentric recess 129 disposed therearound about hub bore 12, wherein recess
129 is
configured to receive concentric protrusion 128 disposed adjacent groove 127b
disposed on door 21b. Protrusion 128 and recess 129 can comprise complimentary
profiles wherein protrusion 128 is disposed in recess 129 when door 21b is
closed and
joined together with hub 11 b by split annular rings 41 and 42, and wherein
protrusion
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edge 170 overlaps with ledge 171 of recess 129. As gas or fluid pressures
increase
within hub bore 12 within closure assembly 10b, the pressure can urge door 21b
away
from hub 11 b. As this occurs, protrusion 128 can partially retract from
recess 129 but
still maintain retention of o-ring seal 25 within groove 127b. Without this
configuration of
protrusion 128 and recess 129, excessive pressure within closure assembly 10b
could
otherwise cause o-ring seal 25 to expand outward from groove 127b into the
interstitial
gap between door 21b and hub 11b, thus resulting in a breach in the seal
therebetween.
[0088] With the embodiments in the foregoing fully engaged, closure actuation
is
prevented until it can be verified no differential pressure exists within hub
bore 12. To
accomplish this, pressure alert stem 70a or 70b can be rotated counter
clockwise until
o-ring seal 76 backs out of threaded bushing 94a or 94b. If differential
pressure exists
within hub bore 12, the media (liquid and/or gas) present within hub 11 a or
lib would
expel through longitudinal groove 74, alerting the operator of a differential
pressure
condition within hub 1 1 a or 11b. With o-ring seal 76 broken and media
venting,
threaded body 73a or 73b would still be sufficiently engaged to prevent
pressure alert
stem 70a or 70b from being expelled out of longitudinal hole 97a or 97b, thus
preventing
harm to the operator. When alerted to a differential pressure situation within
hub lla or
11b, the operator can then rotate pressure alert stem 70a or 70b clockwise to
re-seal o-
ring 76 within threaded bushing 94a or 94b and follow procedures to reduce the
differential pressure to zero.
[0089] If, during the counter clockwise rotation of pressure alert stem 70a or
70b and
breaking of o-ring seal 76, that no differential pressure is observed,
pressure alert stem
70a or 70b may be fully extracted from threaded bushing 94a or 94b as well as
from
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locking pin hole 83a or 83b and finally out of stem housing 96a or 96b. Only
then can
locking pin 80a or 80b be disengaged by sliding the pin longitudinally through
toggle
linkage holes 160 and 161, toggle block holes 164 and 165, and stem housing
radial
hole 98a or 98b until stop lip 84 enters circular recess 190a or 190b within
stem housing
96a or 96b effecting cessation of locking pin 80a or 80b movement. Toggle
mechanism
60a or 60b can then be actuated causing split annular ring 41 and 42 to rotate
around
pivot pin 150 and allow door 21a or 21b to rotate about hinge shaft 134a or
134b axis.
[0090] In some embodiments, locking pin 70a or 70b can provide an additional
advantage over the prior art in that it can incorporate an extra layer of
redundancy to the
holding characteristics of toggle mechanism 60a or 60b. If, in the event that
a failure
should occur in one or more features of toggle mechanism 60a or 60b, locking
pin 70a
or 70b would remain engaged within toggle blocks 61 and 62, thereby reducing
the
possibility of split annular ring 41 and 42 movement and door 21a or 21b
opening while
hub lla or llb contains differential pressure.
[0091] Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications
can be
made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope,
intent or
functionality. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification
have been
used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no
intention in the
use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features
shown and
described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is
defined and
limited only by the claims that follow.
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