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Patent 3028776 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 3028776
(54) English Title: APPARATUS FOR CAPPING A CYLINDER VALVE
(54) French Title: APPAREIL D`ENCAPSULATION D`UN ROBINET DE BOUTEILLE
Status: Granted
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • F17C 13/04 (2006.01)
  • F16K 17/00 (2006.01)
  • F16K 43/00 (2006.01)
  • F16L 55/07 (2006.01)
  • F16L 55/10 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • GAREAU, FRANCOIS (Canada)
(73) Owners :
  • AIR LIQUIDE CANADA, INC. (Canada)
(71) Applicants :
  • AIR LIQUIDE CANADA, INC. (Canada)
(74) Agent: LEDGLEY LAW
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2021-02-09
(22) Filed Date: 2018-12-28
(41) Open to Public Inspection: 2020-06-28
Examination requested: 2018-12-28
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): No

(30) Application Priority Data: None

Abstracts

English Abstract

An apparatus for capping a cylinder valve having an emergency gas outlet, including an emergency capping device body, with internal threads configured to accept an emergency gas outlet blocking screw, the emergency gas outlet blocking screw threaded into the emergency capping device body, the emergency gas outlet blocking screw including an end configured to removably attach to a blocking plug, and the blocking plug removably attached to the emergency gas outlet blocking screw, the blocking plug configured to seal and block the emergency gas outlet.


French Abstract

Un appareil est décrit pour fermer une soupape de cylindre ayant une sortie de gaz durgence, y compris un corps dappareil de fermeture durgence comportant un filetage intérieur conçu pour accepter une vis de blocage de la sortie de gaz durgence, qui est filetée dans le corps dappareil de fermeture durgence et qui comprend une extrémité conçue pour sattacher de façon amovible à un bouchon de blocage, ce bouchon étant attaché de manière amovible à la vis et configurée pour sceller et bloquer la sortie de gaz durgence.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for capping a cylinder valve 101 comprising an emergency
gas outlet
105, comprising:
.cndot. an emergency capping device body 301 configured to be positioned
around an
existing valve body during an emergency overpressure condition, after the
outlet line, tubing, or conduit from the valve body have been removed,
.cndot. the emergency capping device body 301, with internal threads 310
configured
to accept an emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305,
.cndot. the emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305 threaded into the
emergency
capping device body 301, the emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305
comprising an end configured to removably attach to a blocking plug 306, and
the blocking plug 306 removably attached to the emergency gas outlet blocking
screw 305, the blocking plug 306 configured to seal and block the emergency
gas outlet 105,
wherein the existing valve body comprises a three port valve comprising an
inlet port
configured to attach to a gas cylinder, an outlet port configured to deliver
regulated gas
to a user, and an emergency gas outlet configured to relieve pressure during
the
emergency overpressure condition.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
.cndot. blocking plug 306 is configured to accept at least one first
connector 316,
.cndot. emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305 comprises a locking groove
313
configured to receive the at least one first connector 316, and
.cndot. blocking plug 306 is removably attached to emergency gas outlet
blocking
screw 305 with the at least one first connector 316.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the blocking plug 306 further
comprises a
guide 318.

13


4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the guide 318 is configured to hold a
sealing
means 317, and wherein the sealing means 317 is configured to seal against the
valve
emergency outlet 105.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:
.cndot. blocking plug 306 and guide 318 are configured to accept at least
one two
second connector 319, and
.cndot. guide 318 is removably attached to blocking plug 306 with the at
least one two
second connector 319.
6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the emergency gas
outlet
blocking screw 305 comprises an actuator selected from the group consisting of
a
handwheel, a knob, a crank, or a speed ball handle 308.
7. An apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, the cylinder valve further
comprising a
valve outlet 104, comprising:
.cndot. the emergency capping device body 301 further comprising internal
threads
309 configured to accept a valve outlet blocking screw 302, and
.cndot. the valve outlet blocking screw 302 threaded into the emergency
capping
device body 301, the valve outlet blocking screw 302 comprising an end 303
configured to block the valve outlet 104.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the valve outlet blocking screw 302
comprises
an actuator selected from the group consisting of a handwheel, a knob, a
crank, or a
speed ball handle 304.

14

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


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APPARATUS FOR CAPPING A CYLINDER VALVE
Background
Most cylinders or manifolded cylinder packs are fitted with a relief device.
In a
situation where excess pressure is encountered, this is designed to discharge
cylinder
contents either completely or only discharge the excess pressure. Discharge of
a
pressure relief device will be accompanied by a high-pitched noise and a jet
of gas at
high speed.
There are three types of commonly used pressure relief devices.
The burst disc is the most common. In the event of overpressure, this is
designed to burst, leaving an open passage for gas contents to escape
completely. For
example, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) cylinders are typically fitted with a burst disc
that
operates at approximately 207 bar and is fitted on the cylinder valve.
A burst disc (or rupture disc) is a type of sacrificial part because it has a
one-
time-use membrane that fails at a predetermined differential pressure, either
positive or
vacuum. The membrane is usually made out of metal, but nearly any material (or

different materials in layers) can be used to suit a particular application.
Rupture discs
provide instant response (within milliseconds) to an increase or decrease in
system
pressure, but once the disc has ruptured, it will not reseal. It is not
possible to set an
accurate pressure value at which the disc will burst. Major advantages of the
application
of rupture discs compared to using pressure relief valves include leak-
tightness and
cost.
The next type of pressure relief device is the fusible plug. A fusible plug is
a
threaded metal cylinder, usually of bronze, brass, or gunmetal, with a tapered
hole
drilled completely through its length. This hole is sealed with a metal of low
melting
point that flows away if a pre-determined, high temperature is reached. A
typical
application for the fusible plug is for tanks transporting corrosive gases.
For example,
acetylene cylinders are typically fitted with fusible plugs that melt at
approximately
100 C. The temperature rating of the fusible metal is stamped onto the face of
the
device.
1
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The last type of pressure relief device is the pressure relief valve. This
type of
device might be used for LPG. A spring-loaded valve opens when the cylinder
pressure
exceeds the pressure setting of the spring to discharge contents. Once the
cylinder
pressure decreases to the valve's pressure setting, the valve will normally
reseat
without leakage.
Ordinarily, when such a non-resetting pressure relief valve fails, the
contents of
the cylinder are simply allowed to vent in situ. However, often this is not a
desirable
result, especially if the cause of the rupture is a fire in the immediate area
and the
cylinder contains an oxidant. Another consideration would be the cost of the
lost gas.
There exists a need in the industry for a device to contain the gases within a
cylinder
with a venting pressure safety relief device.
Summary
An apparatus for capping a cylinder valve having an emergency gas outlet,
including an emergency capping device body, with internal threads configured
to accept
an emergency gas outlet blocking screw, the emergency gas outlet blocking
screw
threaded into the emergency capping device body, the emergency gas outlet
blocking
screw including an end configured to removably attach to a blocking plug, and
the
blocking plug removably attached to the emergency gas outlet blocking screw,
the
blocking plug configured to seal and block the emergency gas outlet.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus
for
capping a cylinder valve 101 comprising an emergency gas outlet 105,
comprising:
= an emergency capping device body 301 configured to be positioned around
an existing valve body during an emergency overpressure condition, after the
outlet line, tubing, or conduit from the valve body have been removed,
= the emergency capping device body 301, with internal threads 310
configured
to accept an emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305,
= the emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305 threaded into the emergency
capping device body 301, the emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305
comprising an end configured to removably attach to a blocking plug 306, and
the blocking plug 306 removably attached to the emergency gas outlet
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= blocking screw 305, the blocking plug 306 configured to seal and block
the
emergency gas outlet 105,
wherein the existing valve body comprises a three port valve comprising an
inlet port
configured to attach to a gas cylinder, an outlet port configured to deliver
regulated gas
to a user, and an emergency gas outlet configured to relieve pressure during
the
emergency overpressure condition.
In accordance with another aspect there is provided:
= plug 306 is configured to accept at least one first connector 316,
= emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305 comprises a locking groove 313
configured to receive the at least one first connector 316, and
= plug 306 is removably attached to emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305
with the at least one first connector 316.
In accordance with another aspect the blocking plug 306 further comprises a
guide 318.
In accordance with another aspect the guide 318 is configured to hold a
sealing means
317, and wherein the sealing means 317 is configured to seal against the valve

emergency outlet 105.
In accordance with another aspect:
= plug 306 and guide 318 are configured to accept at least one two second
connector 319, and
= guide 318 is removably attached to plug 306 with the at least one two
second
connector 319.
In accordance with another aspect the emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305
comprises an actuator selected from the group consisting of a handwheel, a
knob, a
crank, or a speed ball handle 308.
In accordance with another aspect the cylinder valve further comprising a
valve outlet
104, comprising:
= the emergency capping device body 301 further comprising internal threads

309 configured to accept a valve outlet blocking screw 302, and
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= the valve outlet blocking screw 302 threaded into the emergency capping
device body 301, the valve outlet blocking screw 302 comprising an end 303
configured to block the valve outlet 104.
In accordance with another aspect the valve outlet blocking screw 302
comprises an
actuator selected from the group consisting of a handwheel, a knob, a crank,
or a speed
ball handle 304.
Brief Description of the Drawings
For a further understanding of the nature and aspects for the present
invention,
reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or
analogous
reference numbers and wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of typical medical gas valve with the
pressure relief device intact.
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a typical medical gas valve after an

overpressure condition has been encountered, with the pressure relief device
ruptured.
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2018P00603 CA
Figure 3 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the present
invention, in the unsealed position.
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the present
invention in the sealed position.
Figure 5 is another schematic representation of a valve with the pressure
relief
device intact.
Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a top view of an emergency capping
device body in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a side view of an emergency capping
device body in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a schematic representation a valve outlet locking screw in
accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention
Figure 9 is a schematic representation an emergency gas outlet blocking screw
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
Figure 10 is a schematic representation an emergency gas outlet blocking screw

plug in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
Figure 11 is a schematic representation an emergency gas outlet sealing means
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
Figure 12 is a schematic representation an emergency gas outlet blocking screw

plug assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
Figure 13 is another schematic representation of one embodiment of the present

invention, in the unsealed position.
Figure 14 is another schematic representation of one embodiment of the present

invention in the sealed position.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
Element Numbers
101 = valve body
102 = valve body internal passage
103 = valve body inlet
104 = valve body outlet
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,
The last type of pressure relief device is the pressure relief valve. This
type of
device might be used for LPG. A spring-loaded valve opens when the cylinder
pressure
exceeds the pressure setting of the spring to discharge contents. Once the
cylinder
pressure decreases to the valve's pressure setting, the valve will normally
reseat
without leakage.
Ordinarily, when such a non-resetting pressure relief valve fails, the
contents of
the cylinder are simply allowed to vent in situ. However, often this is not a
desirable
result, especially if the cause of the rupture is a fire in the immediate area
and the
cylinder contains an oxidant. Another consideration would be the cost of the
lost gas.
There exists a need in the industry for a device to contain the gases within a
cylinder
with a venting pressure safety relief device.
Summary
An apparatus for capping a cylinder valve having an emergency gas outlet,
including an emergency capping device body, with internal threads configured
to accept
an emergency gas outlet blocking screw, the emergency gas outlet blocking
screw
threaded into the emergency capping device body, the emergency gas outlet
blocking
screw including an end configured to removably attach to a blocking plug, and
the
blocking plug removably attached to the emergency gas outlet blocking screw,
the
blocking plug configured to seal and block the emergency gas outlet.
Brief Description of the Drawings
For a further understanding of the nature and aspects for the present
invention,
reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or
analogous
reference numbers and wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of typical medical gas valve with the
pressure relief device intact.
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a typical medical gas valve after an

overpressure condition has been encountered, with the pressure relief device
ruptured.
2
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2018P00603 CA
Figure 3 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the present
invention, in the unsealed position.
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the present
invention in the sealed position.
Figure 5 is another schematic representation of a valve with the pressure
relief
device intact.
Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a top view of an emergency capping
device body in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a side view of an emergency capping
device body in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a schematic representation a valve outlet locking screw in
accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention
Figure 9 is a schematic representation an emergency gas outlet blocking screw
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
Figure 10 is a schematic representation an emergency gas outlet blocking screw

plug in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
Figure 11 is a schematic representation an emergency gas outlet sealing means
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
Figure 12 is a schematic representation an emergency gas outlet blocking screw

plug assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
Figure 13 is another schematic representation of one embodiment of the present

invention, in the unsealed position.
Figure 14 is another schematic representation of one embodiment of the present

invention in the sealed position.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
Element Numbers
101 = valve body
102 = valve body internal passage
103 = valve body inlet
104 = valve body outlet
3
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105 = valve emergency outlet
106 = pressure relief device (rupture disc or fusible plug)
107 = compressed gas inlet flow
108 = gas outlet flow
109 = emergency gas outlet flow
110 = medical gas cylinder
301 = emergency capping device body
302 = valve outlet blocking screw
303 = valve outlet blocking screw tapered end
304 = valve outlet blocking screw actuator (hand wheel)
305 = emergency gas outlet blocking screw
306 = emergency gas outlet blocking screw plug
307 = emergency gas outlet blocking screw plug cavity
308 = emergency gas outlet blocking screw actuator
309 = first internal thread (configured to receive valve outlet blocking
screw)
310 = second internal thread (configured to receive emergency gas outlet
blocking screw)
311 = device body wall
312 = device body valve body channel
313 = emergency gas outlet blocking screw locking groove
314 = emergency gas outlet blocking screw blunt end
315 = third internal thread (configured to receive emergency gas outlet
blocking
screw)
316 = first connector (roll pin, spring pin, screw, bolt, etc.)
317 = emergency gas outlet sealing means (crush gasket)
318 = guide (configured to mate with emergency gas outlet blocking screw plug)
319 = second connector (screw, rivet, etc.)
320 = sealing means holder
All cryogenic liquids produce large volumes of gas when they vaporize. For
example, one volume of liquid oxygen at atmospheric pressure vaporizes to 860
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volumes of oxygen gas at 68 F (20 C). A cryogenic liquid cannot be
indefinitely
maintained as a liquid even in well-insulated containers. If these liquids are
vaporized
in a sealed container, they can produce enormous pressures that could rupture
the
container. For this reason, pressurized cryogenic containers are normally
protected
with multiple devices for over-pressure prevention. Common pressure-relief
devices are
a pressure-relief valve for primary protection and a rupture disc for
secondary
protection.
Medical gas cylinder valves have three ports when manufactured according to an

industry standard (for example, the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) 870 or
540).
One port is screwed into the gas cylinder, a second port is where the
regulator or gas
delivery is attached, and the third port contains a pressure relief safety
burst disc.
Pressure-relief devices are installed on most cylinders to prevent the rupture
of a
normally pressurized cylinder when it is inadvertently exposed to fire, high
temperatures, or overfilling.
Turning to Figure 1, a schematic representation of typical medical gas valve
is
presented. The actuator mechanism and the details of the valve stem, seat,
packing,
etc. are not directly pertinent to the present invention, so these are not
shown in detail in
any of the instant drawings. Valve body 101 has a valve body inlet 103 that is
typically
attached to the medical gas cylinder 110, allowing compressed gas inlet flow
107 enter
valve body internal passage 102. Under normal operating conditions, valve
emergency
outlet 105 is sealed, and no flow passes through pressure relief device 106.
Pressure
relief device 106 may be a rupture disc, a fusible plug, a combination of the
two, or any
other non-resetting device known to the art. Again, under normal operating
conditions,
gas outlet flow 108 exits valve body outlet 104 under conditions controlled by
the valve
mechanism itself.
Turning to Figure 2, the same valve is schematically represented after an
overpressure condition has been encountered. In this situation, pressure
relief device
106 has failed, and emergency gas outlet flow 109 occurs. In this situation,
gas outlet
flow 108 will likely stop completely, as the gas will encounter less pressure
drop through
the now open valve emergency outlet 105. At this time, closing the valve
itself will not
stop the flow of gas from valve emergency outlet 105.
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Turning to Figures 3 and 4, schematic representations of one embodiment of the

present invention is provided. Emergency capping device body 301 is placed
adjacent
to valve body 101 and is partially surrounding it. Emergency capping device
body 301
includes valve outlet blocking screw 302 and emergency gas outlet blocking
screw 305.
Valve outlet blocking screw 302 may have a tapered end 303 that is configured
contact
valve body outlet 104 and block any flow. Emergency capping device body 301
has
internal threads that are configured to engage with the external threads on
valve outlet
blocking screw 302, allowing valve outlet blocking screw tapered end 303 to be
moved
toward or away from valve body outlet 104 by the use of valve outlet blocking
screw
actuator 304. Valve outlet blocking screw actuator 304 may be a knob, a
handwheel, a
crank, a speed ball handle, or any type of manual actuator known to the art.
Valve
outlet blocking screw actuator 304 may be a pneumatic, hydraulic, or any other
actuator
type known to the art.
Emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305 has a plug 306 that is configured
contact valve emergency outlet 105 and block any flow. Plug 306 may, for
example,
have a cavity 307 into which valve emergency outlet is contained. Emergency
capping
device body 301 has internal threads that are configured to engage with the
external
threads on emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305, allowing plug 306 to be
moved
toward or away from valve emergency outlet by the use of emergency gas outlet
blocking screw actuator 308. Emergency gas outlet blocking screw actuator 304
may
be a knob, a handwheel, a crank, a speed ball handle, or any type of manual
actuator
known to the art. Emergency gas outlet blocking screw actuator 304 may be a
pneumatic, hydraulic, or any other actuator type known to the art.
Turning to Figure 5, another schematic representation of a medical gas valve
in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is presented. The
actuator
mechanism and the details of the valve stem, seat, packing, etc. are not
directly
pertinent to the present invention, so these are not shown in detail in any of
the instant
drawings. Valve body 101 has a valve body inlet 103 that is typically attached
to the
medical gas cylinder (not shown). Under normal operating conditions, valve
emergency
outlet 105 is sealed, and no flow passes through pressure relief device 106
(which is
internal in this embodiment and thus not explicitly represented). Pressure
relief device
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106 may be a rupture disc, a fusible plug, a combination of the two, or any
other non-
resetting device known to the art. Again, under normal operating conditions,
gas outlet
flow 108 exits valve body outlet 104 under conditions controlled by the valve
mechanism itself.
Turning to Figures 6 and 7, another schematic representation of an emergency
capping device body 301 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention
is presented. Emergency capping device body 301 has first internal threads 309
that
are configured to engage with the external threads on valve outlet blocking
screw 302.
Emergency capping device body 301 has second internal threads 310 that are
configured to engage with the external threads on emergency gas outlet
blocking screw
305. Emergency capping device body 301 has device body valve body channels 312

that are configured to accommodate valve body 101. As illustrated in Figure 7,

emergency capping device body 301 has a device body wall 311 that defines the
rear
boundary of device body valve body channels 312.
Turning to Figure 8, a schematic representation of one embodiment of valve
outlet blocking screw 302 is provided. Valve outlet blocking screw 302 may
have a
tapered end 303 that is configured contact valve body outlet 104 and block any
flow.
Other means of blocking the outlet flow of valve body outlet 104 that are
known to the
art may be used. Emergency capping device body 301 has internal threads that
are
configured to engage with the external threads on valve outlet blocking screw
302,
allowing valve outlet blocking screw tapered end 303 to be moved toward or
away from
valve body outlet 104 by the use of valve outlet blocking screw actuator 304.
Valve
outlet blocking screw actuator 304 may be a knob, a handwheel, a crank, a
speed ball
handle, or any type of manual actuator known to the art. Valve outlet blocking
screw
actuator 304 may be a pneumatic, hydraulic, or any other actuator type known
to the
art.
Turning to Figure 9, a schematic representation of one embodiment of
emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305 is provided. Emergency gas outlet
blocking
screw 305 may have a segment on the end that is unthreaded. The unthreaded
portion
may include a locking groove 313 that is configured to receive one or more
first
connector pins 316 (below). The unthreaded portion may also include a blunt
end 314
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that is configured to nestle into a receiving pocket in emergency gas outlet
blocking
screw plug 306 (below). Emergency capping device body 301 has internal threads
that
are configured to engage with the external threads on emergency gas outlet
blocking
screw 305, allowing blunt end 304 to be moved toward or away from valve
emergency
outlet 105 by the use of emergency gas outlet blocking screw actuator 308.
Emergency
gas outlet blocking screw actuator 308 may be a knob, a handwheel, a crank, a
speed
ball handle, or any type of manual actuator known to the art. Emergency gas
outlet
blocking screw actuator 308 may be a pneumatic, hydraulic, or any other
actuator type
known to the art.
Turning to Figure 10, a schematic representation of one embodiment of
emergency gas outlet blocking screw plug 306 is provided. In one embodiment,
plug
306 has a cavity 307 that is configured to fit over and around valve emergency
outlet
105, thereby stopping the flow. Plug 306 has an internal passageway 315
configured to
receive emergency gas outlet blocking screw rounded end 315. Plug 306 has one
or
more holes that are sized and located to accommodate first connector pins 316,
which
then engage locking groove 313. Plug 306 has at least two holes that are sized
and
located to accommodate second connectors 319, which then engage guide 318
(below).
Turning to Figure 11, a schematic representation of emergency gas outlet
sealing
means 317 is provided. Sealing means 317 locking groove 313 may be a gasket, a

crush gasket, an o-ring, or any sealing means known to the art.
Turning to Figure 12, a schematic representation of the emergency gas outlet
blocking screw plug assembly is provided. Guide 318 is attached to plug 306 by
means
of second connectors 319. Second connectors 319 may be screws, rivets, bolts,
or any
connecting means known to the art. Guide 318 has sealing means holder 320 that

allows sealing means 317 to be properly located on the face of plug 306 and
ultimately
deposited on device valve body 101, around valve emergency outlet 105. Guide
318 is
held in place on both sides of plug 306, by means of second connectors 319.
Second
connectors 319 may be screws, rivets, bolts, or any suitable means known in
the art.
Turning to Figure 13, a schematic representation of one embodiment of the
present invention is provided. The actuator mechanism and the details of the
valve
stem, seat, packing, etc. are not directly pertinent to the present invention,
so these are
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not shown in detail in any of the instant drawings. Valve body 101 has a valve
body
inlet 103 that is typically attached to the medical gas cylinder (not shown).
Under
normal operating conditions, valve emergency outlet 105 is sealed, and no flow
passes
through pressure relief device (internal to valve emergency outlet 105 and not
shown in
this figure). The pressure relief device may be a rupture disc, a fusible
plug, a
combination of the two, or any other non-resetting device known to the art.
Again,
under normal operating conditions, gas exits valve body outlet 104 under
conditions
controlled by the valve mechanism itself.
Emergency capping device body 301 is placed adjacent to valve body 101 and is
partially surrounding it. Emergency capping device body 301 has first internal
threads
309 that are configured to engage with the external threads on valve outlet
blocking
screw 302 (below). Emergency capping device body 301 has second internal
threads
310 that are configured to engage with the external threads on emergency gas
outlet
blocking screw 305 (below). Emergency capping device body 301 has device body
valve body channels 312 that are configured to accommodate valve body 101.
Emergency capping device body 301 includes valve outlet blocking screw 302
and emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305. Valve outlet blocking screw 302
may
have a tapered end 303 that is configured contact valve body outlet 104 and
block any
flow. Emergency capping device body 301 has internal threads that are
configured to
engage with the external threads on valve outlet blocking screw 302, allowing
valve
outlet blocking screw tapered end 303 to be moved toward or away from valve
body
outlet 104 by the use of valve outlet blocking screw actuator 304. Valve
outlet blocking
screw actuator 304 may be a knob, a handwheel, a crank, a speed ball handle,
or any
type of manual actuator known to the art. Valve outlet blocking screw actuator
304 may
be a pneumatic, hydraulic, or any other actuator type known to the art. When
emergency capping device body 301 is in the proper position valve outlet
blocking
screw 302 is aligned with valve body outlet 104, and emergency gas outlet
blocking
screw 305 is aligned with valve emergency outlet 105.
Emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305 has a plug 306 that is configured
contact valve emergency outlet 105 and block any flow. In one embodiment, plug
306
has a cavity 307 that is configured to fit over and around valve emergency
outlet 105,
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thereby stopping the flow. Plug 306 has an internal passageway 315 configured
to
receive emergency gas outlet blocking screw rounded end 315. Plug 306 has one
or
more holes that are sized and located to accommodate first connector pins 316,
which
then engage locking groove 313. Plug 306 has at least two holes that are sized
and
located to accommodate second connectors 319, which then engage guide 318
(below).
Sealing means 317 locking groove 313 may be a gasket, a crush gasket, an o-
ring, or
any sealing means known to the art.
Guide 318 is attached to plug 306 by means of second connectors 319. Second
connectors 319 may be screws, rivets, bolts, or any connecting means known to
the art.
Guide 318 has sealing means holder 320 that allows sealing means 317 to be
properly
located on the face of plug 306 and ultimately deposited on device valve body
101,
around valve emergency outlet 105. Guide 318 is held in place on both sides of
plug
306, by means of second connectors 319. Second connectors 319 may be screws,
rivets, bolts, or any suitable means known in the art.
Emergency capping device body 301 has internal threads that are configured to
engage with the external threads on emergency gas outlet blocking screw 305,
allowing
plug 306 to be moved toward or away from valve emergency outlet by the use of
emergency gas outlet blocking screw actuator 308. Emergency gas outlet
blocking
screw 305 may have a segment on the end that is unthreaded. The unthreaded
portion
may include a locking groove 313 that is configured to receive one or more
first
connector pins 316 (below). The unthreaded portion may also include a blunt
end 314
that is configured to nestle into a receiving pocket in emergency gas outlet
blocking
screw plug 306 (below). Emergency capping device body 301 has internal threads
that
are configured to engage with the external threads on emergency gas outlet
blocking
screw 305, allowing blunt end 304 to be moved toward or away from valve
emergency
outlet 105 by the use of emergency gas outlet blocking screw actuator 308.
Emergency
gas outlet blocking screw actuator 308 may be a knob, a handwheel, a crank, a
speed
ball handle, or any type of manual actuator known to the art. Emergency gas
outlet
blocking screw actuator 308 may be a pneumatic, hydraulic, or any other
actuator type
known to the art.
CA 3028776 2018-12-28

2018P00603 CA
Turning to Figure 13, one embodiment of the present method is provided. Valve
101 is attached to a cylinder of compressed gas (not shown). An overpressure
condition is encountered, and the pressure relief device (internal to valve
emergency
outlet 105, and not shown in this figure, but clearly indicated in prior
figures) ruptures or
otherwise activates in order to relieve the pressure. Most, if not all, of the
gas flow that
had been exiting through valve body outlet 104 stops, and most, if not all, of
the gas
now exits through valve emergency outlet 105.
The operator responds by removing the outlet line, tubing, or conduit from
valve
body outlet 104, and placing emergency capping device body 301 around valve
body
101. When emergency capping device body 301 is in the proper position valve
outlet
blocking screw 302 is aligned with valve body outlet 104, and emergency gas
outlet
blocking screw 305 is aligned with valve emergency outlet 105.
Emergency capping device body 301 will have valve outlet blocking screw 302
threaded into first internal thread 309, and emergency gas outlet screw 305
threaded
into second internal thread 309. Plug assembly, which includes guide 318
attached to
two sides of plug 306 by means of second connector 319, will have emergency
gas
outlet sealing means 317 securely in place. Plug assembly will be attached to
the
unthreaded end of emergency gas outlet screw 305, with the first connectors
316
holding plug 306 in place by way of emergency gas outlet blocking screw
locking groove
313.
The operator then rotates valve outlet blocking screw actuator 304, thereby
moving valve outlet blocking screw tapered end 303 toward valve body outlet
104. The
ultimate blocking position for valve outlet blocking screw tapered end is
indicated in
Figure 14. In this position, gas flow from valve body outlet 104 will cease.
The operator then rotates emergency gas outlet blocking screw actuator 308,
thereby moving plug 306 toward valve emergency outlet 105. The ultimate
blocking
position for valve outlet blocking screw tapered end is indicated in Figure
14. In this
position, gas flow from valve emergency outlet 105 will cease.
It will be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials,
steps
and arrangement of parts, which have been herein described in order to explain
the
11
CA 3028776 2018-12-28

2018P00603 CA
nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art within the
principle and
scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. Thus, the present
invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments in the
examples
given above.
12
CA 3028776 2018-12-28

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

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Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2021-02-09
(22) Filed 2018-12-28
Examination Requested 2018-12-28
(41) Open to Public Inspection 2020-06-28
(45) Issued 2021-02-09

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

Last Payment of $100.00 was received on 2022-12-19


 Upcoming maintenance fee amounts

Description Date Amount
Next Payment if small entity fee 2023-12-28 $100.00
Next Payment if standard fee 2023-12-28 $277.00

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
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  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

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Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Request for Examination $800.00 2018-12-28
Application Fee $400.00 2018-12-28
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2020-03-13
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2020-12-29 $100.00 2020-12-14
Final Fee 2020-12-29 $300.00 2020-12-16
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 3 2021-12-29 $100.00 2021-12-20
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 4 2022-12-28 $100.00 2022-12-19
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
AIR LIQUIDE CANADA, INC.
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Examiner Requisition 2019-11-29 4 218
Correspondence Related to Formalities 2020-01-27 1 41
Amendment 2020-03-30 10 607
Description 2020-03-30 16 823
Claims 2020-03-30 2 116
Representative Drawing 2020-05-25 1 42
Cover Page 2020-05-25 1 72
Description 2020-10-07 16 746
Claims 2020-10-07 2 68
Acknowledgement of Acceptance of Amendment 2020-11-16 1 158
Office Letter 2020-11-16 1 159
Refund 2020-11-27 1 51
Final Fee 2020-12-16 2 86
Amendment after Allowance 2020-10-07 10 366
Representative Drawing 2021-01-18 1 30
Cover Page 2021-01-18 1 64
Refund 2021-04-15 2 173
Abstract 2018-12-28 1 15
Description 2018-12-28 12 577
Claims 2018-12-28 2 56
Drawings 2018-12-28 11 861
Request Under Section 37 2019-01-25 1 54
Response to section 37 2019-04-24 2 63