U.S. patent application number 09/839182 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-25 for hydraulically operated post valve yoke.
This patent application is currently assigned to Superior Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Johnston, Ronald, Schron, Chad.
Application Number | 20010032681 09/839182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22735696 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010032681 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnston, Ronald ; et
al. |
October 25, 2001 |
Hydraulically operated post valve yoke
Abstract
A hydraulically operative post valve yoke mounting system. The
system (10) includes one or more hydraulically operated yokes
(41-44). Each yoke is operative to engage with a tank or cylinder
(21-24) for placing the tanks in fluid communication with a high
pressure source of gas (50). Each yoke includes a yoke body (140).
The upper ends of each yoke body include a bore (116). A pin (104)
is operative to slide through each bore. Each yoke body includes an
opening (124) that is operative to receive a post valve (108) of a
tank (110). Each yoke is operative to urge the post valve with the
pin into sealed engagement with a passageway (142) in the lower end
(114) of each yoke responsive to hydraulic fluid pressure. The
hydraulic pressure may be supplied by a hydraulic pump (28) in
fluid communication with hydraulic yoke.
Inventors: |
Johnston, Ronald;
(Wellington, OH) ; Schron, Chad; (Cleveland,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER & JOCKE, L.P.A.
231 SOUTH BROADWAY STREET
MEDINA
OH
44256
US
|
Assignee: |
Superior Products, Inc.
3786 Ridge Road
Cleveland
OH
44144
|
Family ID: |
22735696 |
Appl. No.: |
09/839182 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60198978 |
Apr 21, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/20 ; 141/3;
141/346 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17C 2260/025 20130101;
F16K 31/52 20130101; F17C 2270/02 20130101; F17C 2201/0119
20130101; F16K 35/025 20130101; F17C 2227/0135 20130101; F17C 13/06
20130101; F17C 2205/0332 20130101; F16K 1/303 20130101; F17C
2205/0382 20130101; F17C 2205/0326 20130101; F17C 2227/045
20130101; F17C 13/04 20130101; F17C 2205/0142 20130101; F16K 1/308
20130101; F17C 2221/011 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/20 ; 141/3;
141/346 |
International
Class: |
B65B 001/04 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A hydraulically operated post valve yoke comprising: a yoke
body, wherein the yoke body includes a passageway, wherein the
passageway is operative to receive a high pressure supply of a
compressed first gas therethrough; and a hydraulic cylinder in
operative connection with the yoke body, wherein the hydraulic
cylinder is operative responsive to hydraulic fluid pressure to
urge a post valve of a tank into sealed engagement with the
passageway, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is further operative
responsive to the hydraulic fluid pressure to release the post
valve from sealed engagement with the passageway.
2. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim 1,
wherein the yoke body further includes: an opening for receiving
the post valve of a tank therethrough, a first end, wherein the
first end of the yoke body includes a bore that intersects with the
opening, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is in operative connection
with the first end of the yoke body; a second end opposed from the
first end of the yoke body, wherein the second end of the yoke body
includes the passageway; a pin in operative connection with the
hydraulic cylinder, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is operative
responsive to hydraulic pressure to move the pin within the bore
and opening to urge the post valve into engagement with the
passageway, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is operative to retract
the pin responsive to hydraulic pressure to release the post valve
from engagement with the passageway.
3. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim 2,
wherein the hydraulic cylinder is operative responsive to pressures
of a hydraulic fluid.
4. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim 3,
further comprising a hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the
hydraulic cylinder, wherein the hydraulic pump includes a supply of
the hydraulic fluid.
5. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim 4,
wherein the hydraulic fluid is fire resistant.
6. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim 4,
wherein the hydraulic fluid is comprised of a water glycol
hydraulic fluid.
7. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim 4,
wherein the hydraulic pump is operative to control the hydraulic
fluid pressure between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic
cylinder.
8. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim 7,
wherein the hydraulic pump is operative to control the hydraulic
fluid pressure responsive to a pressurized supply of a second
gas.
9. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim 8,
further comprising a directional valve, wherein the hydraulic pump
includes a first gas line and a second gas line, wherein when the
directional valve is in a first position, the directional valve is
operative to direct the flow of the second gas to the first gas
line, wherein when the directional valve is in a second position,
the directional valve is operative to remove the flow of the second
gas from the first gas line and exhaust the second gas from the
second gas line, wherein the hydraulic pump is responsive to the
pressurized supply of the second gas being placed in fluid
communication with first gas line to direct hydraulic fluid
pressure toward the hydraulic cylinder, wherein the hydraulic pump
is responsive to the absence of the pressurized supply of the
second gas being in fluid communication with the first gas line and
the exhausting of the second gas from the second gas line to direct
hydraulic fluid pressure away from the hydraulic cylinder.
10. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim
9, further comprising a safety control device, wherein the safety
control device is operative responsive to the high pressure supply
of the compressed first gas being in fluid communication with the
passageway to prevent the second gas from being exhausted from the
second gas line.
11. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim
10, wherein the safety control device includes a safety valve in
fluid communication between the second gas line and the directional
valve, wherein the safety valve is in fluid communication with the
passageway, wherein the safety valve is operative to close the
fluid connection between the second gas line and the directional
valve responsive to the presence of the high pressure supply of the
compressed first gas in the passageway.
12. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim
10, wherein the safety control device includes a first electronic
solenoid, a safety valve, and a control valve, wherein the safety
valve is fluid communication between the second gas line and the
directional valve, wherein the control valve is in fluid
communication between the safety valve and the pressurized supply
of the second gas, wherein the first electronic solenoid is
operative responsive to an electrical signal indicative of the high
pressure supply of the compressed first gas being in fluid
communication with the passageway to place the safety valve in
fluid communication with the pressurized supply of the second gas,
wherein the safety valve is operative to close the fluid connection
between the second gas line and the directional valve responsive to
the pressurized supply of the second gas.
13. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim
12, further comprising a second electronic solenoid and a source
valve in fluid connection between the high pressure supply of the
compressed first gas and the passageway, wherein the second
electronic solenoid is in operative connection with the source
valve and in electrical connection with the first electronic
solenoid, wherein the second electronic solenoid is responsive to
the source valve placing the high pressure supply of the compressed
first gas in fluid communication with the passageway to send the
electrical signal to the first electronic solenoid.
14. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim
1, further comprising a hydraulic pump and a safety control device,
wherein the hydraulic pump is operative to control the hydraulic
fluid pressure, wherein the safety control device is operative
responsive to the presence of the compressed first gas in fluid
communication with the passageway to prevent the hydraulic pump
from causing hydraulic pressure to release the post valve from
sealed engagement with the passageway.
15. The hydraulically operated post valve yoke according to claim
1, wherein the yoke body includes index pins which are adapted to
engage with the post valve of a CGA-870 Tank.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) of Provisional Application No. 60/198,978 filed Apr. 21,
2000.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to post valve yoke connections.
Specifically this invention relates to a system for quickly
engaging and disengaging a yoke to a post valve of a tank for
receiving a supply of compressed gas.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Yokes for mounting to post valves on tanks or cylinders of
compressed gases are known in the art. Yokes provide a tank with a
relatively safe connection to a pressurized supply of a gas for
filling the tank. One example of a prior art yoke is the CGA 870
Yoke. This device is specifically designed to mount on a CGA 870
post valve of a tank to supplying oxygen gas for filling the tank.
Such tanks are commonly used to supply the oxygen needs for medical
devices. FIG. 1 shows an example of such a prior art yoke 310. The
yoke 310 includes a yoke body 312 with an opening 316. The opening
316 is operative to accept a post valve 320 of a tank 318
therethrough. When the tank 318 is filled from a gas supply source,
the pressures involved typically range between 2000 psi and 3000
psi. The yoke includes a passageway 328 through which gases may be
supplied to the tank.
[0004] Prior art yokes include a hand wheel or a tee-bar 314. By
applying a rotational force to the tee-bar 314 a threaded pin 322
rotates so as to urge the post valve into sealed engagement with
the yoke. To facilitate proper alignment of the post valve 320 with
the yoke 310, the yoke includes standardized index pins 324 which
are operative to mate with corresponding holes in the post
valve.
[0005] A typical tank can be mounted to a yoke, filled with a gas,
such as oxygen, and dismounted from the yoke within several few
minutes. Unfortunately the manual act of rotating the tee-bar for
engaging and disengaging the yoke accounts for a significant
portion of time to fill a tank. For large suppliers of compressed
tanks of oxygen, a significant amount of the cost of labor to fill
tanks is consumed by the prior art, manual operation of rotating
each tee-bar a plurality of times to engage, and disengage yokes
from post valves. Consequently, there exists a need for a system of
engaging and disengaging a yoke to a tank which is faster and less
time consuming. There further exists a need for system of
connecting disconnecting multiple tanks at one time that is faster
and less time consuming.
[0006] Prior art yoke post valves and the heads of tanks are
manufactured with sizes and dimensions that conform to Compressed
Gas Association (CGA), ANSI, and international standards. This
enables a technician to mix and match yoke post valves from a
plurality of different manufacturers with tanks from a plurality of
different manufacturers of the same type. In this manner all CGA
870 Yokes will be compatible with all CGA 870 tanks, regardless of
who manufactures them.
[0007] Unfortunately, in practice there are slight variations in
tolerances between different yokes and tanks of the same type even
by the same manufacturers. These variations are typically the
result of the seals and gaskets between the post valves and the
yoke which have small differences in dimension and size. These
variations can range as high as {fraction (1/32)} of an inch. With
a prior art yoke, the tee-bar must be manually rotated by different
amounts to compensate for these variations. Consequently there
exists a need for a faster mechanism for engaging a yoke post valve
to a tank that does not require manual adjustments to compensate
for variations in sizes of seals, valves, and the yoke itself.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the exemplary form of the present
invention to provide an improved yoke for mounting to a post valve
of a tank.
[0009] It is a further object of the exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a yoke that is operative to quickly engage and
disengage with a tank.
[0010] It is a further object of the exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a system for engaging and disengaging a
plurality of yokes to tanks.
[0011] It is a further object of the exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a system for automating the engagement and
disengagement a plurality of yokes to tanks.
[0012] It is a further object of the exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a yoke that is operative to automatically
compensate for differences in sealing tolerances between the post
valve of a tank and the yoke.
[0013] Further objects of the present invention will be made
apparent in the following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and
the appended claims.
[0014] The foregoing objects are accomplished in one exemplary
embodiment of the invention by a tank mounting system that is
operative to hydraulically connect a plurality of tanks to a gas
system. The system includes a rack which is operative to mount each
tank to a corresponding yoke post valve. All of the yokes are in
operative connection with a common passageway for directing gases
through the system. The system further includes a hydraulic pump.
Each of the yokes includes a hydraulic cylinder that is integral
with the yoke. Each hydraulic cylinder is operative to urge the
post valve of a tank into sealed engagement with the yoke
responsive to hydraulic pressure. Each hydraulic cylinder is
further operative to disengage the post valve of a tank with the
yoke responsive to hydraulic pressure.
[0015] The hydraulic pump is operative to controllably supply the
hydraulic pressure to each of the yokes. In the exemplary
embodiment the hydraulic pump controls the hydraulic pressure
responsive to a valve controlled flow of a pressurized supply of
gas. In this described embodiment, the pressurized gasses are
supplied by a shop air compressor. However, alternative embodiments
may use any moderate pressure source of gases to operate the
hydraulic pump.
[0016] By manipulating the flow of shop air to the hydraulic pump,
the present invention enables an operator to simultaneously control
the engagement and disengagement of a plurality of yokes to
corresponding tank post valves. This described system significantly
reduces the amount of labor and time that is necessary for
connecting multiple tanks to a supply of pressurized gas such as
oxygen.
[0017] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the system may include a yoke that is manually engaged and
disengaged from a post valve of a tank with a lever arm. The lever
arm is operative to urge a plunger or pin toward the post valve for
engaging the post valve to the yoke. Once engaged the lever arm
includes a trigger locking mechanism for maintaining the yoke in an
engaged position. By releasing the trigger lock, the lever is
operative to raise the plunger and disengage the tank from the
yoke. Such a manual lever provides a much faster method of engaging
and disengaging a yoke to a post valve of a tank than the prior art
yoke described previously.
[0018] To compensate for variation in tolerances between the seals
of the yoke and the post valve of the tank, this described
embodiment of the lever operated yoke, includes a plunger which is
automatically operative to adjust in height responsive to the
variations in sizes of the seals. The plunger includes a
retractable portion that is biased into an extended position by a
plurality of internal compression spring washers. For thicker or
thinner seals between the yoke and post valve, the compression
spring washers are operative to compress to enable the retractable
portion to retract a small amount. By retracting, the pin is
operative to change in length responsive to the engaging forces
caused by the larger seals.
[0019] The present exemplary invention enables a plurality of tanks
to be filled much faster than prior art methods. In one exemplary
system for filling tanks, multiple tanks are placed on a rack which
includes either the hydraulic yokes and/or the manual lever
operated yokes of the present invention. Each of the yokes on the
rack are connected to a common passageway. The exemplary hydraulic
yokes may be automatically engaged to a corresponding tank
responsive to the operation of the hydraulic pump. The exemplary
lever operated yokes are manually engaged to a corresponding tank
by moving their respective lever arms to an engaged position.
[0020] To prepare each tank for filling, the post valve of each
tank are manually opened so as to be in fluid communication with
the common passageway. A vacuum source may then be placed in
operative connection with the common passageway to remove any
residual gases that may be present in the tanks.
[0021] To fill the tanks with a compressed gas, the passageway is
placed in operative connection with a high pressure source of the
gas. Once filled, the post valves may be closed, the gas pressure
in the common passageway may be normalized with a bleeder, and the
yokes disengaged from the tanks. The exemplary hydraulic yokes may
be automatically disengaged responsive to operation of the
hydraulic pump. The exemplary lever operated yokes may be manually
disengaged by moving their respective lever arms to a disengaging
position. Thus exemplary hydraulic and lever operated yokes of the
present invention provide a safe and fast method of connecting
individual and multiple pressurized tanks to a high pressure supply
of a gas. Each of the exemplary embodiments are operative to
provide a longitudinal force that moves a pin or plunger in a
linear reciprocating motion. It is to be understood that a linear
reciprocating motion is defined herein as a generally straight back
and forth motion without the pin or plunger revolving about its
axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view representative of a prior
art yoke post valve.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic view representative of an exemplary
embodiment of a yoke post valve mounting system for the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view representative of an exemplary
embodiment of a hydraulically controlled yoke post valve for the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view representative of an exemplary
embodiment of the hydraulically controlled yoke post valve for the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view representative of an exemplary
embodiment of a lever operated yoke post valve for the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a side view representative of an exemplary
embodiment of the lever operated yoke post valve in a disengaged
position.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a side view representative of an exemplary
embodiment of the lever operated yoke post valve in an engaged
position.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional side view representative of an
exemplary embodiment of a tolerance compensating plunger for the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view representative of an
alternative exemplary embodiment of the lever operated yoke post
valve.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
[0031] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 2,
there is shown therein, a schematic view representative of an
exemplary embodiment of a post valve yoke mounting system 10 of the
present invention. Here the system 10 includes a rack or mounting
structure 12 that is operative to support a plurality of tanks or
cylinders 21-25. These tanks are operative to store pressurized
gases or other fluids, including such gases as oxygen, nitrogen, or
any other type of compressible gas. In the exemplary embodiment
these tanks conform to CGA-870 specifications for storage of
Oxygen. However, alternative embodiments of the present invention
may be adapted for use with CGA-880, CGA-890, CGA-910, CGA-930,
CGA-940, CGA-950, CGA0960, CGA-973 tanks or any other type gas or
fluid storage container.
[0032] The system 10 further includes a plurality of yoke post
valves 31-35 which are in fluid communication with a common
passageway 14. Each of the yoke post valves 31-35 are operative to
engage with one of the tanks 31-35 to transfer gases between the
tanks and the common passageway 14. In the exemplary embodiment
these yokes 31-35 are adapted to accept and engage with a CGA-870
tank. However, alternative embodiments of the exemplary yokes of
the present invention may be adapted to engage with any of the
previously listed CGA tanks or any other type of gas or fluid
storage container.
[0033] The common passageway 14 is in operative connection with at
least one source valve 38. The source valve 38 is operative to
place the common passageway in fluid communication with either a
high pressure source of a gas 50 or a vacuum source 52. In the
exemplary embodiment the high pressure source 50 is operative to
supply gases such as oxygen to the tanks 21-25. However, in
alternative embodiments the high pressure source may provide other
pressurized gases and fluids to the system 10 including carbon
dioxide, helium, nitrous oxide, medical air, nitrogen, and mixtures
of these gases.
[0034] FDA "Good Manufacturing Practices" require a vacuum to clean
out air, moisture, and any residual gas to maintain purity and
maintain an unadulterated drug product such as compressed medical
gasses. Consequently to ensure that the contents of the tanks are
not contaminated, the vacuum source 52 may be placed in fluid
communication with the common passageway 14. The vacuum source 52
is operative to remove air, moisture, and residual gases from the
tanks 21-25 which may have accumulated in the empty tanks prior to
being filled.
[0035] In one exemplary embodiment system 10 further includes a
hydraulic pump 28 that is in fluid communication with one or more
of the yokes through a hydraulic line 36. The hydraulic pump 28 is
operative to control the pressure of hydraulic fluid between the
hydraulic pump 28 and the yokes 31-34. Each of the yokes 31-34
include a hydraulic cylinder 41-44. The hydraulic cylinders are
operative responsive to the pressure of the hydraulic fluid to urge
the tanks into engagement with the yokes 31-34. When engaged a high
pressure seal is provided between the tanks and yokes. The
hydraulic cylinders 41-44 are also operative responsive to the
pressure of the hydraulic fluid to disengage the tanks 21-24 from
the yoke 31-34.
[0036] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
hydraulic pump 28 is pneumatically operated with a moderate
pressure gas supply 18. In the exemplary embodiment the gas supply
18 is provided by a shop air compressor; however alternative
embodiments of the present invention may use other sources of
moderate pressure air or other inert gases to operate the hydraulic
pump 28.
[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, the tanks 21-25 are filled with
oxygen. Because oxygen is extremely reactive with other materials,
precautionary measures must be taken to ensure the safety of the
operators of the system. Consequently the exemplary embodiment of
the present invention includes a hydraulic fluid that is water
soluble, fire resistant, and non-reactive with oxygen. One example
of an exemplary hydraulic fluid operative for use with the system
10 includes Renosafe C-46, Water Glycol Fire Resistant Hydraulic
Fluid supplied by Jergens Industrial Supply (Fuchs Lubricants
Co.).
[0038] The system 10 includes a directional valve 16 that is
operative to selectively direct the flow of moderate pressurized
gases such as air from an air supply 18 to the hydraulic pump 28.
The hydraulic pump 28 is operative responsive to the flow of
pressurized air from the direction valve 16 to control the pressure
of the hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic pump 28 and the
hydraulic cylinders 41-44. Two gas lines 46 and 48 controlled by
the directional valve 16 are operative to input gas pressure to and
release gas pressure from the hydraulic pump 28.
[0039] When the directional valve 16 is placed in a first position,
air pressure is directed through the first gas line 46 to the
hydraulic pump 28. The hydraulic pump 28 is operative responsive to
the air pressure at the first gas line 46 to provide sufficient
hydraulic pressure to engage the tanks 21-24 with their respective
yokes 31-34. In one exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic pump acts
as 30:1 booster and is operative to output hydraulic pressure which
is 30 times the pressure of the air supply 18.
[0040] When the directional valve is placed in a second position,
the directional valve is operative to remove the pressurized air
supply 18 from the first gas line 46 and is operative to exhaust
air from the second gas line 48. The hydraulic pump 28 is operative
responsive to the absence of the pressure of the air supply 18 and
the exhausting of air through the second gas line 48 to
hydraulically disengage the tanks 21-24 from their respective yokes
31-34. In alternative exemplary embodiments other configurations of
hydraulic pumps, valves, pressurized gas supplies, and piping may
be used to operatively control the hydraulic pressure output of the
hydraulic pump.
[0041] In the exemplary embodiment, once the tanks 21-24 have been
filled with oxygen, the oxygen source 50 may be removed from the
system by the source valve 38, and the tanks may be manually
closed. To reduce the high pressure within in the passageway 14
prior to disengaging the tanks from the yokes, the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention further includes a bleeder 80.
The bleeder 80 is in operative fluid communication with the
directional valve 38 and/or the passageway 14 of the system. After
the tanks have been closed and the oxygen source has been removed
from the system, the bleeder may be used to normalize the gas
pressure within the passageway 14 with outside air pressure.
[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may further
include a safety control device 70 integrated with the hydraulic
pump and/or directional valve to prevent unclamping of the
hydraulic yokes 31-34 when the tanks 21-24 are being filled and the
system is pressurized. FIG. 2 shows an example of two exemplary
embodiments of the safety control device 70. The first embodiment
includes piping 60 which enables the high pressure oxygen source 50
to pass through pipping 60 to close the safety valve 62. The safety
valve 62 is operative responsive to the high pressure oxygen source
50 to prevent gas from being exhausted from the second gas line 48
when the passageway 14 is under pressurized and the directional
valve 16 is accidentally placed in the second position.
[0043] An exemplary second embodiment of the safety control device
is also shown in FIG. 2. As with the first exemplary embodiment of
the safety control device, the second exemplary embodiment includes
the safety valve 62 between the directional valve 16 and the second
gas line 48 of the hydraulic pump 28. However in this exemplary
embodiment the safety valve is in fluid communication with a
control valve 68. The control valve 68 is operative to place the
safety valve in fluid communication with the air supply 18
responsive to the detection of the system being pressurized by the
oxygen source 50. In this exemplary embodiment, the control valve
68 is activated by an electronic solenoid 72 which is in electronic
connection with an electronic solenoid 64 in operative connection
with the source valve 38. When the source valve 38 opens the oxygen
source to the passageway 14, the second solenoid 72 is operative to
send the first solenoid an electrical signal which causes the first
solenoid to open the control valve 68. As a result of the control
valve 68 opening, the safety valve closes and prevents the
directional valve 16 from accidentally exhausting the second gas
line 48 and thereby releasing the clamp of the yokes on the tanks
when the system is pressurized.
[0044] FIG. 3 is representative of a perspective view of a
hydraulically operated yoke 112. In the exemplary embodiment the
yoke 112 is in operative connection with a rack 120. The rack 120
is operative to support at least one tank in an angled position
with its respective post valve 108 directed downwardly through an
opening 124 in the yoke body 140. The rack further includes a
plurality of front guides 122, that are operative to support the
front 126 of a tank.
[0045] As discussed previously the exemplary hydraulic yoke 112 of
the present invention includes a hydraulic cylinder 100. The
hydraulic cylinder is in operative connection with a first end 106
of the yoke body 140. The hydraulic cylinder 100 is also in
operative connection with a supply of hydraulic fluid through a
hydraulic line 102. The hydraulic cylinder 100 is operative
responsive to the pressure of hydraulic fluid to move a pin 104
through the first end 106 of the yoke. As the pin is moved downward
into an extended position, the pin 104 is operative to urge the
post valve 108 of the tank 110 into sealed engagement with a
passageway in the opposed second end 114 of the yoke body 140. To
disengage the post valve 108 from the yoke, the hydraulic cylinder
is operative to retract the pin 104 responsive to the pressure of
the hydraulic fluid.
[0046] When the post valve 108 is engaged with the yoke, the post
valve 108 can be opened with a wrench for example to place the tank
in fluid connection with a common passage way 128. This common
passageway as discussed previously may be selectively connected to
a vacuum source to remove residual gases and may be connected to a
high pressure oxygen source to fill the tank with oxygen.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a side cross-section view of the hydraulic yoke
112. The hydraulic yoke includes standardized index pins 130 for
facilitating alignment of a compatible post valve to the yoke 112.
The yoke 112 further includes a passageway 142 in the second end
114 of the yoke body. A gasket 132 located adjacent the passageway
142 provides a high pressure seal when the post valve is engaged
with the passageway 142 of the yoke. The upper end 106 of the yoke
body 140 includes a bore 116 which intersects with the opening 124.
The pin 104 is in operative sliding connection with the bore
116.
[0048] The hydraulic cylinder 100 includes a piston 136 that is
operative to reciprocate within a chamber 134 of the hydraulic
cylinder. The pin 104 is in operative connection with the piston
136 and moves through the bore 116 responsive to the movement of
the piston 136. As the piston moves down in response to hydraulic
pressure in the upper portion 138 of the chamber, the pin moves
into an extended position within the opening 124. As the piston 136
moves up in response to hydraulic pressure in the upper portion 138
of the chamber, the pin retracts.
[0049] The described embodiment of the present invention provides a
fast and automatic system for engaging a plurality of tanks to
their respective yokes. Even though each pin may need to extend
downward from the hydraulic cylinders by differing amounts
depending on the differences in tolerances and seal sizes of the
yokes and tanks, the present exemplary embodiment is operative to
provide sufficient hydraulic pressure to move each pin a sufficient
distance to create a high pressure seal between each of the yokes
and tanks in the system.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 1 a further exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may include an alternative yoke 35 that is lever
operated. FIG. 5 is representative of a perspective view of the
exemplary alternative lever operated yoke 150 of the present
invention. As with the hydraulic yoke described previously, the
lever operated yoke 150 includes a yoke body 148 with an opening
146 that is operative to receive a post valve 152 of a tank 154
therethrough. The yoke body 148 is operative to engage with a post
valve of a tank by having a pin or plunger urge the post valve into
sealed engagement with a passageway of the yoke. However, unlike
the hydraulic embodiment, the lever operated yoke 150 is not
activated by using hydraulic pressure, but requires the manual
movement of the lever arm 156 between a disengaged position and an
engaged position.
[0051] FIG. 6 is representative of a side view of one exemplary
embodiment of the lever operated yoke 150 in a disengaged position.
The yoke includes a pin or plunger 158 that is operative to
reciprocate within a bore 160 in a first end 162 of the yoke body.
The yoke further includes a lever arm 156 with a first end portion
172 and a second end portion 170. The first end portion 172 of the
lever arm is in pivoting connection with the first end portion 164
of the plunger 158.
[0052] In the exemplary embodiment the lever arm 156 includes a
handle 186 that is in operative connection with the second end
portion 170 of the lever arm to provide the lever arm with an
L-shape. Although the exemplary lever arm 156 has an L-shape
configuration, alternative exemplary embodiments may have other
shapes and configuration including a lever arm with a relatively
straight configuration. The lever arm 156 is sandwiched between two
cross members 166 and 168. Each of the cross members 166 and 168
include a first end portion that is in pivoting connection with the
first end portion 162 of the yoke. In addition each of the cross
members 166 and 168 include a second end portion that is in
pivoting connection with the second end portion 170 of the lever
arm.
[0053] In the exemplary embodiment, the yoke is operative to engage
with the post valve 152, by moving the lever arm 156 in a first
direction 188. This movement of the lever arm causes the plunger
158 to move downwardly and urge the post valve 152 into sealed
engagement with a passageway 144 in the second end 174 of the yoke.
FIG. 7 shows the yoke 150 in the engaged position.
[0054] The yoke 150 further includes a trigger lock 176 in pivoting
connection with the cross members 166 and 168. The trigger lock
includes a first end 178 and a second end 182. The first end
includes a hooked portion 184 that is biased to move adjacent an
extending portion 180 of the lever arm 156 when the yoke is in the
engaged position. In the exemplary embodiment, the trigger lock 176
is biased with a coil spring 186. When the hooked portion 184 is
adjacent the extending portion 180 of the lever arm 156, the lever
arm is prevented from moving to the disengaged position. The
trigger lock is operative to prevent the yoke 150 from accidentally
disengaging while the tank is being filled with a high pressure
source of oxygen.
[0055] By depressing the second end 182 of the trigger lock 176
toward the lever arm 156, the hooked portion 184 of the first end
is operative to pivot away from the extending portion 180. This
enables the lever arm 156 to be manually moved in a second
direction 189 which places the yoke 150 back into the disengaged
position as shown in FIG. 6.
[0056] As with the hydraulic embodiment of the yoke, the lever
operated yoke is operative to automatically compensate for
differences in tolerances and sizes of gaskets 190 between the post
valve 152 and the base of the yoke 174. In the exemplary embodiment
of the lever operated yoke, the plunger 158 includes a retractable
portion 192 that is operative to extend from the plunger 158 with
different lengths responsive to variations in tolerances and the
sizes of gaskets 190 when the post valve 152 is engaged with the
yoke.
[0057] FIG. 8 is representative of a cross-sectional side view of
the plunger 158. The plunger 158 includes an internal axial bore
200 and an opening 206 in the lower end portion 210 of the plunger
158. The retractable portion 192 is in sliding connection with the
bore 200. The retractable portion 192 includes an upper portion 204
and a tip portion 208. The tip portion 208 is operative to extend
out the opening 206. The upper portion 204 has a larger diameter
relative to the diameters of the tip portion 208 and the opening
206 to prevent the retractable portion 192 from sliding out of the
plunger.
[0058] The upper end portion 164 of the plunger includes a second
bore 202 which intersects with the internal axial bore 200. The
second bore accepts a pivot pin 194 therethrough which provides the
pivoting connection between the plunger 158 and the first end
portion 172 of the lever arm 156.
[0059] In the exemplary embodiment the plunger 158 includes a
plurality of compression spring washers such as belleville springs
196 between the pivot pin 194 and the retractable portion 192. The
compression spring washers 196 urge the retractable portion 192 to
an extended position. When the yoke 150 is engaged with a post
valve 152 with relatively small gaskets, the retractable portion
192 in its maximum extended position has a sufficient length to
urge the post valve into a high pressure seal with the yoke. In
addition the compression spring washers 196 are operative to exert
sufficient force on the retractable portion 192 to maintain the
high pressure seal between the yoke and post valve when a 2000 psi
to 3000 psi source of gas is used to fill the tank.
[0060] When the gaskets between the yoke and the post valve are
relatively thicker, the compression spring washers 196 are
operative to compress a sufficient amount to enable the lever arm
156 to reach its engaged position, while exerting sufficient force
on the retractable portion 192 to maintain a higher pressure seal
between the yoke and post valve. In the exemplary embodiment there
are a sufficient number of compression spring washers in serial
relation to enable the tip to recede into the plunger by about
{fraction (1/32)} of an inch. The extra amount of space between the
compression washers 196 and the pivot pin 194 is filled with a
spacer plug 198.
[0061] FIG. 9 shows an cross-sectional view of an alternative
exemplary embodiment of the lever operated post valve yoke 220.
Here the yoke 220 is shown engaged to a tank 224. In this exemplary
embodiment the first end 228 of the trigger lock 226 is urged
adjacent to an upper surface 230 of the yoke body. In this locked
position, the lever arm 232 is prevented from moving to a
disengaged position. By depressing the second end of the 234 of the
trigger lock, the first end 228 rotates away from the upper surface
230. This enables the lever arm 232 to rotate and the plunger 236
to move upwardly to disengage the tank 224.
[0062] Thus the post valve yoke mounting system of the present
invention achieves one or more of the above stated objectives,
eliminates difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and
systems, solves problems and attains the desirable results
described herein.
[0063] In the foregoing description certain terms have been used
for brevity, clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are used
for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of
examples and the invention is not limited to the exact details
shown and described.
[0064] In the following claims any feature described as a means for
performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means
known to those skilled in the art to be capable of performing the
recited function, and shall not be limited to the features and
structures shown herein or mere equivalents thereof.
[0065] Having described the features, discoveries and principles of
the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated,
and the advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful
structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,
systems, equipment, operations, methods and relationships are set
forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *