US2671516A - Fluid pressure medium dispensing system - Google Patents

Description

March 9, 1954 3, A JR 2,671,516

FLUID PRESSURE MEDIUM DISPENSING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 15. 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR.

BYA arg GPamfiJn ATTORNEY March 9, 1954 c. GRANT, JR

FLUID PRESSURE MEDIUM DISPENSING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 15, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR. Cf pazuf d};

A TTORNEY March 9, 1954 H. c. GRANT, JR

FLUID PRESSURE MEDIUM DISPENSING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 13, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IHIIII' "I ll.

. I INVENTOR- Hal /y C QazaZ; 1: BY

V, Z //%V A TTORNEY Patented Mar. 9, 1954 FLUID PRESSURE MEDIUM DISPENSING SYSTEM Harry 0, Grant, .l'r., Ridgewood, N. J assignor to Specialties Development Corporation, Belleville, N. J a corporation of New Jersey Application September 13, 1949,. Serial No. 115,423

10 Claims.

The present invention relates to fluid pressure medium dispensing systems for storing and releasing a fluid pressure medium, such as carbon dioxide or the like, adapted to be utilized for fire extinguishing and other similar purposes.

The invention is more particularly concerned with such systems wherein a plurality of receptacles for storing the medium are to be discharged individually or coincidentally into a common manifold for conducting the medium to its point of use. In such systems, it has been found desirable to utilize main valves for releasing the medium from the receptacles, which are pressure operated either by medium from the receptacles or from an independent source, or by mediumdi'scharged into the manifold from one or more of the receptacles in the system, such receptacles being generally designated as master or control cylinders. The source of pressure medium for so eflecting operation of the pressure operable releas means may be under the controlof one or more types of release devices or control head's including locally or remotely, manually or automatically operated devices, the selection and arrangement of which may be varied widely to meet the desired operating characteristics of the system involved.

Systems of the foregoing described character generally are utilized to good advantage for accomplishing their intended purpose, but, due to their construction and design, are subject to certain inherent disadvantages.

There is always the possibility that the syste may be discharged while one or more receptacles are disconnected from the manifold for the purpose of weighing its contents, repair, replacement, recharging or other servicing operations, thus making it necessary to guard against the loss of all or substantial amounts of medium through the connection or connections from which such receptacles have been removed. Also, while receptacles are disconnected from the manifold, during transit to the location where the system is to be installed or on such location prior to connection thereof into the system or while temporarily disconnected for servicing. there is a possibility that the receptacles may be discharged accidentally, unintentionally or due to unauthorized tampering therewith. Upon such discharge, the sudden flow of pressur medium from the receptacle produces a jet propulsion effect which may set the receptacle in motion'to cause damage to property or personal injury.

In order to guard against the foregoing contingencics, the elements making up these systems have been equipped with safety devices designed to minimize or eliminate the undesirable consequences. This, however, has resulted in making such systems unduly complicated and costly and so highly specialized that the component elements could not b used universally and interchangeably to construct a wide variety of systems. Also, the requirement of various safety devices complicated the assembly of the system and induced faulty assembly of systems resulting in improper or ineffective operation.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide systems of the foregoing character which overcome the disadvantages just de scribed.

Another object is to provide such systems which are simplified in construction, are reduced in cost, and can be readily assembled and serviced.

Another object is to more or less standardize th elements making up such systems to render them universally adaptable in constructing a wide variety of systems therefrom.

Another object is to embody the required safety devices in such systems without complicating their assembly.

Another object is to utilize several such safety devices in cooperating relation whereby they are adapted to accomplish a joint function when connected and to accomplish individual functions when disconnected.

Another object is to provide an improved coupling for establishing connection between the manifold and the receptacles wherein such safety devices are embodied.

Another object is to provide such couplings comprising members which are detachably connected in a manner which assures proper functioning of the safety devices associated therewith and eliminates faulty assembly.

Another object is to provide a combined fluid pressure medium release control valve and manifold coupling unit.

A further object is to provide a main valve for the receptacles constructed and. arranged to condition the safety devices to facilitate actuation of main. valve pressure operable means by pressure medium the manifold and to facilitate discharge of. the pressure medium in the receptacles through the coupling.

A still further object consists in the construction and arrangement of elements of the coupling and main valve members whereby the foregoing objects are accomplished by a minimum number of parts.

Other and further objects of the invention will 3 be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiment about to be described, or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and is shown in the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification, wherein:

Figure l is a, schematic view of a portion of a fluid pressure medium dispensing system embodying the present invention.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view illustrating a combined fluid pressure medium main release valve and manifold coupling unit used in connection with the system shown in Figure 1, with the parts thereof in coupled relation and the valve in closed position.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 on Figure 2 illustrating an arrangement for facilitating quick connection and disconnection of the coupling members.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2 with the valve in open position.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 with the parts in uncoupled relation.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and more particularly to Figure 1 thereof, there is shown a portion of fluid pressure medium dispensing system comprising a common discharge manifold ID for conducting the medium to its point of use having a plurality of T-fittings ll connected therein, a plurality of receptacles 12, such as cylinders for storing liquefied carbon dioxide, a combined fluid pressure medium release control valve and manifold coupling unit M in accordance with the present invention on each receptacle, and a conduit l5, such as a flexible hose, connecting each unit to one of the fittings H.

The system illustrated herein is of the pressure operated type generally known as a single pipe system, that is, a single pipe, such as the manifold [0, serves to conduct the released fluid pressure medium to the point of use and also serves to conduct medium released therein from one or more control or master cylinders, for example, the cylinder A, to the release control valves of the other cylinders connected to the manifold, for example, the cylinders B, whereby pressure operation of these valves is effected to release the medium stored in cylinders B into the manifold In order to release the medium from the cylinder A, the unit l4 thereof is provided with a control device l6, herein illustrated by way of example as the locall operable hand wheel type, although it will be understood that any other suitable control device of the locally or remotely operable type may be utilized, such devices being well known in the art.

While only one master cylinder A and only two cylinders B have been shown to illustrate a system embodying the present invention, it will be understood that any suitable number of cylinders A and B may be connected to the manifold. Preferably, at least two cylinders A are provided, which may have control devices arranged for simultaneous discharge to supply sufficient pressure medium in the manifold adapted to effect the discharge of as many as 100 cylinders B.

The combined fluid pressure medium release control valve and manifold coupling unit l4 for the cylinder A is shown in detail in Figure 2.

This unit generally comprises a valve body or casing 20. a closure 2i for the upper end of the valve body which also serves as a coupling member, a second coupling member 22 suitably secured or formed with the lower end of the hose i5, coupling means 24 for removably connecting the coupling members 2| and 22, and pressure operable valve means, anti-recoil means and check valve means cooperatively associated with the coupling members and the valve body, as will be described in detail hereinafter.

The valve body has a lower externally threaded section 25 fitted into the neck opening of the cylinder or receptacle and has an enlarged upper section 26 threaded externally to receive the closure 2|. The interior of the body has a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, the lower portion of which is formed with a shoulder 21 for supporting a flange 29 at the upper end of a syphon tube 30 extending into the cylinder. The upper portion of the through bore is enlarged at the section 26 tojserve as a piston cylinder 3| for pressure operable valve opening means to be described hereinafter.

Intermediate the upper and lower portions of the through bore of the valve body, a bushing member 32 is threadedly secured to the valve body, which has a central bore 34 formed with a shoulder 35 adjacent its lower end and which has a main valve seat 36 at the lower end surrounding the bore 34. The bushing member 32 and the shoulder 29 define a main valve chamber 31 and the syphon tube 30 constitutes an inlet for this chamber.

A main valve member 40 is normally urged upwardly against its seat 36 by a spring 4| having its lower end supported on a shoulder 42 formed in the syphon tube 30. The valve member 40 has an upwardly facing central bore or well 44 for slidably supporting a stem 45 associated with an anti-recoil check valve member 46.

The closure member 2| serves as a cover for the upper end of the valve casing and comprises a threaded skirt 41 secured to the upper casing section 26, a top or cover portion 49 and a cylindrical boss portion 50 extending upwardly from the cover portion and having a central through bore 5| provided with a downwardly facing valve seat 52 adjacent its upper end arranged for cooperation with the valve member 46 in the manner described hereinafter. A gasket 54 is disposed in an annular recess 53 adjacent the lower end of the bore 5|.

The pressure operable means for effecting opening or unseating of the main valve member 40 include a piston assembly comprising an annular piston 55 disposed in the cylinder 3| and formed with an annular recess 56 for housing a gasket 57, an upwardly extending sleeve 59 on the piston slidably disposed in the bore 5| of the closure portion 50, and a downwardly extending sleeve 60 on the underside of the piston having a gasket 6| thereon in sliding engagement with the bore 34 of the bushing member 32. The lower end of the sleeve 60 is adapted to extend through the port defined by the main valve seat 36 and engage the main valve member 40 and unseat the same upon downward movement of the piston assembly. Upon unseating of the main valve member, pressure medium in the valve chamber 31 is conducted through a plurality of apertures or slots 62 in the sleeve 60 to the valve outlet, conduit means provided by the bore through the piston 55, the sleeves 59 and 60, and the bore 51 of the closure member 2!.

The piston 55 is normally urged upwardly against the underside of the closure cover portion 49, with its sleeve 60 out of engagement with the main valve member 40, by a spring 84 having its upper end engaging the underside of the piston and having its lower end seated on a shoulder 65 formed at the lower end of the piston cylinder 3!.

The pressure operable piston assembly illustrated herein is of the type adapted to be actuated by pressure medium from the receptacle l2 or by pressure medium from the manifold l0. To accomplish the former, a passage 66 formed with a valve seat 61 for a pilot valve member 69 extends from the main valve chamber 31 to a chamber sealed off by the control device It and a second passage H extends through the valve body from the chamber 10 to the piston cylinder 3| in back of the piston 55. Upon operation of the control device I6, the pilot valve member is unseated to allow pressure medium to enter the piston cylinder and actuate the piston assembly.

Actuation of the piston assembly by pressure medium from the manifold is accomplished by providing a passage 12 extending from the bore of the piston assembly through the piston 55 to the upper end of the piston cylinder.

In order to prevent the loss of pressure medium through either the passage H or the passage 12 when pressure medium is introduced through the other, a check valve 14 is provided in the passage H which prevents the flow of medium to the chamber 10. and a check valve 15 is provided in the passage '12 which prevents the flow of medium from the piston cylinder to the piston assembly bore.

The coupling member 22 comprises a cylindrical tubular portion 16 having the hose I5 con nected to its upper end and an outer flange H at its lower end adapted to be disposed over the upper end of the closure member portion 50. At the lower interior end of the coupling member 22, an upwardly facing valve seat 19 is provided which defines a port in registry with the bore 5| of the closure member portion.

A valve member 80, herein shown as a ball, is adapted to engage the seat 19 to close its port but is normally held on": its seat by the upper end of the valve stem 45, when the coupling members are connected to maintain communication between the conduit means in the coupling members. Movement of the valve member in a direction ofi its seat is limited by a spider 8| secured in the bore of the coupling member portion 16 and having a central, bearing aperture 82 for slidably receiving a stem 84 carried by the valve member 80, the stem having a flange 85 thereon for engaging the underside of the spider. Such limited movement of the valve member 80 also restricts the upward movement of the valve member 46 towards its seat 52 when the coupling members are connected.

The coupling means. 24, illustrated more particularly in, Figures 2 and 3, comprise a sleeve 86 disposed about the boss portion 5i! of the coupling or closure member 2! and the flange 11 of the coupling member 22, and an inwardly extending shoulder 81 at the upper end thereof adapted to overlie the flange l1 and having a central aperture 89 through which the tubular portion, 15 of the coupling member 22 is inserted prior to securement to the hose l5. An annular recess 99 is formed at the interior of the sleeve 86 for receiving agasket 9| adapted to form, a seal between the sleeve and the outer wall of the boss portion 50.

The interior of the sleeve 86. is. furtherprovided with an annular inwardly facing recess 92 and the outer wall of the boss portion is provided with an outwardly facing annular recess 94 opposite the recess 92. A pair of parallel apertures 95, preferably having a rectangular cross-section, extend through the sleeve 86 and intersect, at diametrically opposite points in tangential relation, the recess formed by the adjacent opposed recesses 92 and 94.

The sleeve 85 of the coupling member 22 and the boss 59 of the coupling member 2| are detachably connected by a substantially U-shaped clip 95 (Figure 3) having a pair of parallel legs 9? of rectangular cross-section extending through the apertures 95 to interlock the sleeve and boss at their respective recesses as shown in Figure 2.

Referring again to Figure l, the combined fluid pressure medium release control valve and manifold coupling units I4 for the cylinders B are substantially identical to unit [4 described in connection with Figure 2, except that they are not provided with a control device l6, whereby actuation of the main valve can only be effected by pressure medium from the manifold upon discharge of a cylinder A. The tubular boss I! on the valve body defining the chamber 10 (Figure 2) is capped by a closure l8 to prevent foreign matter from entering the passages 66 and ll of the valve body and to guard against tampering with or accidental unseating of the pilot valve member 69.

The operation of the system and the elements thereof will be best understood by reference to Figures 2, 4 and 5.

In Figure 2, the unit I4 is shown in position as normally assembled in the system. The main valve member as and the pilot valve member 69 are seated and the coupling members 2! and 22 are connected. The stem 45 of the valve member 46 is in its lowermost position in its supporting well 44 of the main valve member whereby the valve member 45 is ofi its seat 52 and is out of contact with the piston assembly sleeve 59. The stem 45, when in this position and due to itsv length, engages and maintains the ball off its seat 29 with the flange slightly below its spider.

Thus, if the unit I4 is to be actuated by pressure medium from the manifold Hi, there is a clear passage from the hose 15 through the conduit means of the coupling members to the pas sage 12 of the piston assembly. Likewise, the unit is conditioned for actuation by pressure medium within the cylinder or receptacle upo unseating of the pilot valve member.

In Figure 4, the elements of the unit l4 are shown in the positions they assume after the piston 55 is actuated by either pressure medium from the manifold or the receptacle. When the piston has moved to its lowermost position, as shown, the main valve member 49 is unseated and medium from the receptacle passes through the apertures 62 of the piston assembly sleeve 60 to the interior thereof. Release of such medium drives the valve member 45 upwardly to provide a discharge opening of sufficient area between the member 48 and the upper end of the sleeve 59, and the upper end of the stem 45 of the member it moves the ball 88 upwardly and away from its seat 9 to more fully uncover the port defined by this seat and thereby provide for discharge of the medium into. the manifold by way of the conduit means in the coupling member and the hose l5.

However, the extent of upward movement of the ball 3d is limited by the flange 85, which now engages the underside of the spider 8|, whereby the extent of the upward movement of the stem 45 is likewise limited, preferably to position the valve member 46 a sufiicient distance from its seat 52 to facilitate rapid discharge of the medium through the port defined by this seat.

In Figure 5, the unit M is shown with its coupling members disconnected, which is a commonly occurring condition of the elements shown when the cylinder is removed from the system for checking the weight of its contents or for charging or replacement.

Should the system be now operated, fluid pressure medium is not lost through the disconnected hose coupling member 22, because the ball 88 is now free to move and is driven upon its seat 19 to close the conduit means outlet of the coupling member.

Similarly, should the disconnected receptacle be discharged accidentally or unintentionally, no harm will result due to a jet propulsion or recoil effect, because the valve member 56 is now free to move and is driven upon its seat 52 to prevent the rapid discharge of medium through the conduit means outlet defined by this seat.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that the present invention provides an improved system for dispensing fluid pressure medium wherein a combined fluid medium release valve and manifold coupling unit overcomes the difficulties heretofore encountered with such systems in a simple and practical manner.

As various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without sacrificing any of its advantages, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A valve comprising a housing having a bore extending therethrough provided with inlet and outlet sections, each formed with a valve seat and an opening, and provided with an enlarged intermediate bore section; a piston in said enlarged bore section having a through bore and having a tubular extension at each side thereof, one of which extends into said outlet bore section and the other of which extends into said inlet bore section, said inlet section extension having lateral opening means adjacent its free end and having a valve member thereon for engaging said inlet section valve seat; a second valve member for engaging said outlet section valve seat; and means for slidably mounting said last mentioned valve member relative to and coaxially of said outlet section extension.

2. A valve according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means include elements so constructed and arranged to maintain said second valve member out of engagement with the free end of said outlet section extension.

3. A valve according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means include a central well in said first valve member and a stem on which second valve member is mounted slidably supported in said well, said stem being of a length to maintain said second valve member out of engagement with the free end of said outlet section extension.

4. A valve comprising a housing having a bore extending therethrough provided with inlet and outlet sections, each formed with a valve seat and an opening, and provided with an enlarged intermediate bore section; a piston in said enlarged bore section having a through bore and having a tubular extension at each side thereof, one of which extends into said outlet bore section and the other of which extends into said inlet bore section, said inlet section extension having lateral opening means adjacent its free end and having a valve member thereon for engaging said inlet section valve seat; a second valve member for engaging said outlet section valve seat; means for slidably mounting said last mentioned valve member relative to and coaxially of said outlet section extension, a coupling member adapted to be secured to said housing over said housing bore outlet opening having an opening adapted to register with said last mentioned valve seat and being formed with a valve seat; a third valve member for said last mentioned valve seat; and means for preventing said second and third valve members from engaging their respective valve seats when said coupling member is secured to said valve housing.

5. A valve according to claim 4, wherein said last mentioned means include an extension on said second valve member for engaging said third valve member and moving the same 011 its seat and a stop for limiting the movement of said third valve member away from its seat.

6. A valve comprising a housing having a bore extending therethrough provided with inlet and outlet sections, each formed with a valve seat and an opening, and provided with an enlarged intermediate bore section; a piston in said enlarged bore section having a through bore and having a tubular extension at each side thereof, one of which extends into said outlet bore section and the other of which extends into said inlet bore section, said inlet section extension having lateral opening means adjacent its free end and having a valve member thereon for engaging said inlet section valve seat; a second valve member for engaging said outlet section valve seat; means for slidably mounting said last mentioned valve member relative to and coaxially of said outlet section extension, said mounting means including elements so constructed and arranged to maintain said second valve member out of engagement with the free end of said outlet section extension; and means for connecting said housing bore outlet opening to a source of fluid pressure medium; said piston having a passage extending from its through bore to said enlarged housing bore section.

7. A valve according to claim 6, wherein said housing has a passage extending from its inlet bore section opening to its enlarged bore section; a valve is provided for controlling said last mentioned passage; and a check valve is provided in said piston passage for preventing the flow of fluid from said enlarged housing bore to said piston through bore.

8. A valve comprising a housing having a bore extending therethrough provided with inlet and outlet sections, each formed with a valve seat and an opening, and provided with an enlarged intermediate bore section and a passage extending from its inlet bore section to said enlarged bore section; a valve for controlling said passage; a piston in said enlarged bore section having a through bore and having a tubular extension at each side thereof one of which extends into said outlet bore section and the other of which extends into said inlet bore section, said piston having a passage extending from its through bore to said enlarged housing bore section and having lateral opening means adjacent the free end of said inlet section extension; a valve member secured to said inlet section extension forming a closure for said piston bore and being adapted to engage said. inlet section valve seat; check valve means in said piston passage for preventing flow of fluid from said enlarged housing bore to said piston bore; a second valve member for engaging said outlet section valve seat; means for slidably mounting said last mentioned valve member relative to and coaxially of said outlet section extension including elements so constructed and arranged to maintain said second valve member out of engagement with the free end of said outlet section extension; a coupling member adapted to be secured to said housing over said housing bore outlet opening having an opening formed with a valve seat and adapted to register with said outlet section opening; a third valve member for said last mentioned valve seat; and means for preventing said second and third valve members from engaging their respective valve seats when said coupling member is secured to said valve housing.

9. In combination, a main valve having a movable valve seat member provided with a port and having an outlet for releasing fluid medium under pressure from a receptacle, a valve member normally closing said valve seat port, coupling means adapted for connecting said valve outlet to a manifold including upper and lower coupling members respectively provided with downstream and upstream facing valve seats each having a port, a check valve in each of said coupling members for engaging the respective seats thereof to prevent the flow of pressure medium through said check valve ports when said coupling members are disconnected, said lower check valve being slidably mounted on said valve member between said valve member and said upstream facing seat to enable said lower check valve to be moved independently of said valve member and having a stem section at its downstream end adapted to engage said upper check valve, said upper coupling member having stop means for limiting the downstream movement of said upper check valve and said lower check valve in engagement therewith when said coupling members are connected to maintain said check valves off their seats and thereby to permit the flow of 1G pressure medium through said check valve ports, and means for moving said valve seat member to cause said valve member to unclose said valve port.

10. In combination, a main valve having a movable valve seat member provided with a port and having an outlet for releasing fluid medium under pressure from a receptacle, a valve member normally closing said valve seat port, coupling means adapted to for connecting said valve outlet to a manifold including upper and lower coupling members respectively provided with downstream and upstream facing valve seats each having a port, a check valve in each of said coupling members for engaging the respective seats thereof to prevent the flow of pressure medium through said check valve ports when said coupling members are disconnected, said lower check valve being slidably mounted on said valve member between said valve member and said upstream facing seat to enable said lower check valve to be moved independently of said valve member and having a stem section at its downstream end adapted to engage said upper check valve, said upper coupling member having stop means for limiting the downstream movement of said upper check valve and said lower check valve in engagement therewith when said coupling members are connected to maintain said check valves ofi their seats and thereby to permit the flow of pressure medium through said ports, and pressure operable piston means for moving said valve seat member to cause said valve member to unclose said main valve port including a passage in the main valve adapted for communication with the manifold through said ports when said check valves are ofi their seats.

HARRY C. GRANT, J R.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2.0721577 Allen Mar. 2, 1937 2,218,318 Pfauser Oct. 15, 1940 2,412,613 Grant, Jr Dec. 17, 1946 2,451,218 Hengst Oct. 12, 1948 2,485,006 Main Oct. 18, 1949

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