U.S. patent application number 12/508597 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-28 for device for transferring material.
Invention is credited to Keng Nye KAO.
Application Number | 20100018972 12/508597 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41567714 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100018972 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KAO; Keng Nye |
January 28, 2010 |
DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING MATERIAL
Abstract
A device for transferring material is presented. The device
includes a cap. The cap includes a plurality of concentric ringed
sections stacked together for engaging to an opening of a
container. The cap has a feed opening for inserting a transfer tube
into the container and a vent extending from a bottom surface to a
top surface of the cap.
Inventors: |
KAO; Keng Nye; (Singapore,
SG) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HORIZON IP PTE LTD
7500A Beach Road, #04-306/308 The Plaza
SINGAPORE 199591
SG
|
Family ID: |
41567714 |
Appl. No.: |
12/508597 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61083521 |
Jul 25, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/212 ;
220/287; 220/367.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17C 2221/014 20130101;
F17C 2223/047 20130101; F17C 2221/033 20130101; F17C 2270/02
20130101; F17C 2223/0161 20130101; F17C 2225/047 20130101; F17C
2221/016 20130101; B65D 51/1633 20130101; F17C 2225/033 20130101;
F17C 2225/0161 20130101; F17C 2205/0311 20130101; F17C 2223/033
20130101; F17C 2221/017 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/212 ;
220/367.1; 220/287 |
International
Class: |
B65D 47/00 20060101
B65D047/00; B65D 51/24 20060101 B65D051/24; B65D 51/14 20060101
B65D051/14; B65D 51/16 20060101 B65D051/16 |
Claims
1. A device for transferring material comprising: a cap, wherein
the cap comprises a plurality of concentric ringed sections stacked
together for engaging to an opening of a container, a feed opening
for inserting a transfer tube into the container, and a vent
extending from a bottom surface to a top surface of the cap.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the ringed sections comprise a
circular shape.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the diameter of a top section of
the ringed sections is the largest and decreases with each
successive section toward a bottom section.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein the cap comprises a profile having
a plurality of steps.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the cap further comprises a
plurality of plates covering a top surface of the cap.
6. The device of claim 1 further comprises a transfer tube.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein the transfer tube comprises a
first end for coupling to a supply source and a second end that
comprises a sealed end.
8. The device of claim 6 wherein the transfer tube comprises a
first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the second end
portion comprises at least one fill opening toward the second end
of the transfer tube.
9. The device of claim 6 comprises a stopper for adjusting a
position of the transfer tube in a container.
10. The device of claim 1 comprises an indicator device for warning
the user when the container is filled to a desired level.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Cryogenic materials are very cold substances that are used
in a wide variety of processes and treatment. By definition,
cryogenic liquids have boiling points below minus 90.degree. C. For
example, liquid nitrogen at -196.degree. C., liquid helium at
-269.degree. C., liquid argon at -186.degree. C. and liquid methane
at -161.degree. C., etc. Hence, before handling cryogenic
materials, personal protection, such as cryo-gloves, cryo-apron,
safety goggles and shoes must be used.
[0002] Cryogenic materials are often employed for applications such
as freezing, cooling, flushing, and purging of machines/equipment.
Other applications include deep freezing of biological organs,
cryo-ablation of cancerous cells or tumor, targeted cryo-ablation
of prostate enlargement and warts, and medical application or
preservation of viruses, bacteria, microorganisms, DNA, etc.
[0003] As the cryogenic materials are often stored in bulk storage
tank, such as an intermediate vessel or container, there is a
frequent need to transfer smaller amounts of the cryogenic
materials into various smaller double-walled vacuum-sealed
containers, like the Dewar flasks, cryo-vessel or indirectly onto
the cancerous tumor, wart or prostate. These handling operations
are carried out in environments, such as laboratory, process room,
for organs, sperms, and other specimens in frozen storage rooms, or
in hospital clinics and surgery operation rooms.
[0004] Owing to its volatile nature, safety considerations during
the transferring and handling of the cryogenic materials are of
great concern. For example, over pressurization or rupture of the
Dewar flasks, columns, or cryogenic equipment can occur during the
filling, the phase change from liquid to gas, or the accidental
mixing with water (such as rain water) in the Dewar flask resulting
in rupture of the equipment. All cryogenic materials produce large
volumes of gas when the liquid is raised to ambient temperature and
vaporizes. Excessive vapor and hazards may also be produced during
the process of transferring, such as air bubbling, overfilling and
splashing, especially in an enclosed environment when the cryogenic
material is discharged.
[0005] In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide devices
for safe handling and transfer of cryogenic materials from bulk
storage to smaller containers. Furthermore, it is desirable to
provide a medical device for cryogenic medical applications.
SUMMARY
[0006] A device for transferring material is presented. The device
includes a cap. The cap includes a plurality of concentric ringed
sections stacked together for engaging to an opening of a
container. The cap has a feed opening for inserting a transfer tube
into the container and a vent extending from a bottom surface to a
top surface of the cap.
[0007] These and other objects, along with advantages and features
of the present invention herein disclosed, will become apparent
through reference to the following description and the accompanying
drawings. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of
the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive
and can exist in various combinations and permutations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer
to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally
being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In
the following description, various embodiments of the present
invention are described with reference to the following drawings,
in which:
[0009] FIGS. 1a-b show vertical cross-sectional and bottom views of
an embodiment of a cap;
[0010] FIGS. 1c-d show various arrangements of vents on the
cap;
[0011] FIGS. 2a-c shows an embodiment of a cap as adapted for use
with various containers;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a cap and transfer tube;
[0013] FIGS. 4a-c show various embodiments of cap and transfer
tubes; and
[0014] FIGS. 5a-c show various embodiments of transfer tubes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Cryogenic materials include, for example, liquid nitrogen,
liquid helium, liquid argon or liquid methane. Other types of
materials, such as non-cryogenic materials, can also be useful.
Typically, cryogenic materials are stored in bulk storage tank.
Containers, such as double-wall vacuum canisters, or intermediate
vessels, gas cylinders or storage canisters are filled from the
storage tank for portability. The containers can be provided in
different sizes. Embodiments relates generally to devices for safe
handling and transfer of cryogenic materials from, for example,
bulk storage tank to a container.
[0016] FIGS. 1a-b show vertical cross-sectional and top planar
views of an embodiment of a filler cap 110. The filler cap
facilitates transfer of cryogenic materials from, for example, a
static or bulk storage tank to a portable container. Portable
containers can have fill openings of different sizes. In one
embodiment, the filler cap is adaptable to fill containers with
different fill openings or opening types.
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1a-b, the filler cap comprises a
plurality of x concentric ringed sections 101.sub.1-101.sub.x
stacked together. In one embodiment, the ringed sections comprise a
circular shape. Other geometric shapes, such as octagonal or
hexagonal, are also useful. It is also understood that not all the
ringed sections need to have the same shape. The ringed sections
generally have diameters D.sub.1-D.sub.x wherein the diameter
(D.sub.1) of top section has the largest and decreases with each
successive section toward the bottom, with the diameter (D.sub.x)
of the bottom ring section being the smallest. Such an arrangement
forms a step-like profile. In one embodiment, the filler cap
comprises a profile having a plurality of steps.
[0018] A step comprises first and second step surfaces. The first
step surface is formed by the bottom surface of a ringed section
(x) and a second step surface is formed by the side surface of a
ringed section below (x+1). For example, the first step surface of
the top step is formed by the bottom surface 132.sub.1 of the top
ringed section and the second step surface of the top step is
formed by the side surface 133.sub.2 of the ringed section below.
The steps, for example, comprise straight surfaces which are
orthogonal. Non-straight and/or non-orthogonal surfaces are also
useful. For example, the side surfaces can be tapered inwards from
the top towards the bottom of the step. It is understood that not
all the steps need to have the same configuration. For example,
some steps can be orthogonal and straight surfaces while others do
not.
[0019] As shown, the cap includes four ringed concentric sections
stacked together (x=4). The four ringed sections form three (x-1)
steps 108.sub.1-108.sub.3. In one embodiment, the top ring section
includes a top surface which forms the top surface of the cap. The
top surface of the cap comprises a surface generally along a first
direction, for example, horizontal. The bottom surfaces of the
ringed structures are generally along the first direction. The
ringed sections comprise side surfaces generally along a second
direction. In one embodiment, the first and second directions are
orthogonal. Providing non-orthogonal bottom and side surfaces are
also useful.
[0020] The diameters of the ring sections are selected to fit the
openings of containers to be filled. The ring sections, for
example, comprise a circular shape. Other geometric shapes are also
useful. The shape of the ring sections can also be selected to
match the shape of the container openings to be filled. The cap
should be loosely fitted to the container opening to allow, for
example, easy release of vapor.
[0021] The number of steps can be selected to adapt to the number
of different types of containers which to be filled. Providing a
cap which is adapted to a subset of portable containers used is
also useful. In this case, different caps can be provided to fill
different subsets of portable containers. In one embodiment, a cap
comprises 2-5 steps. Providing a cap with other numbers of steps is
also useful. The number of steps can depend on the number of
different size containers to be filled. For example, if it is
desired to fill three different container sizes, a cap with 3 steps
would be used.
[0022] In one embodiment, the cap comprises a feed opening 105. The
feed opening 105 allows an elongated transfer tube (not shown) to
be inserted into the container. The transfer tube is coupled to a
supply source for filling the portable container. The supply
source, for example, comprises a bulk storage tank for a cryogenic
material. Other types of storage tank and materials are also
useful.
[0023] In one embodiment, the cap includes at least one vent
opening 120. The vent opening extends from the bottom to the top of
the cap filler. The vent opening is provided to vent, for example,
cryogenic vapors during filling. The vent opening should
sufficiently release pressure in the portable container due to the
filling process. Vapor releasing can be used to indicate the
fullness of the container. In another embodiment, the cap comprises
a plurality of vent openings. As shown, the cap comprises first and
second vent openings. The vent openings, for example, are oval
shape and are arranged in a balanced configuration around the cap.
For example, the vents are located on opposite portions of the cap.
Vent openings, for example, overlap the different steps. Providing
vent openings which overlap one or some of the steps is also
useful. Preferably, the vent openings overlap all the steps of the
cap. Other shape, size or number of vent openings, and
arrangements, as shown in FIGS. 1c-e, are also useful. For example,
the vents can be circular, crescent, rectangular, slot-like,
triangular, oval or any suitable shape or combination thereof.
[0024] By monitoring the release of vapors from the vent, one can
determine the fullness of the container. For example, vapors or the
intensity of the vapors being visible from the vents may indicate
that the amount of fullness of the container. Filling can terminate
once the container is filled to the desired level. For example,
filling can terminate when it reaches 70-80% of the maximum volume
of liquid in the container. In one embodiment, a whistling device
is fitted over the cap to warn the user when the storage container
is filled to the desired level. Other level indicators, such as
photo sensors, pressure gauges or light emitting diodes (LEDs), can
also be used.
[0025] In another embodiment, the level indicator can comprise, for
example, a plurality of thin circular plates covering the top of
the cap, overlapping the vents. For example, two to three plates
can be disposed on the cap surface. Providing other number of thin
plates, including one, is also useful. The plates can include a
plate feed opening for aligning centrally along the elongated
transfer tube. The plates comprise a plurality of plate openings
which are smaller than the vent openings. In one embodiment, the
plate openings at the lower plate are smaller than those in the
upper plates. The holes, for example, can be arranged in different
configurations, gradually reducing in size from the bottom to the
top plate. Depending on the vapor pressure, different plate or
plates will be lifted or floated, indicating different level of
fullness of the container.
[0026] The cap can be formed from, for example, stainless steel.
Other types of materials which can withstand the temperatures of
cryogenic materials, such as carbon steel or metal alloys like
titanium alloy, nickel alloy, zinc alloy or copper alloy, are also
useful. The cap can be formed from a single piece of material or
multiple pieces of materials. For example, milling, lathing,
molding, welding and/or other types of bonding or machining
techniques can be used to form the cap. In one embodiment, the cap
is formed from a steel rod which is lathed and drilled.
[0027] FIGS. 2a-c show a cap adapted for use with various types of
containers 220. The container, for examples, includes a body
portion 220b and a neck portion 220a with an opening 230. The neck
portion comprises a smaller cross-sectional area relative to the
body portion. The containers, for example, comprise doubled-wall
vacuum sealed type containers. Other types of containers are also
useful. As discussed, containers can comprise different size or
shaped openings. A cap 110 is fitted to the opening of container
220. As shown, the cap includes three steps formed by a stack of
four ringed shape structures 101.sub.1-101.sub.4. Depending on the
size of the opening, a different step rest thereon.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a cap 110, as described in FIG. 1a. A transfer
tube 370 is provided for the cap. The transfer tube, for example,
comprises a hollow tube having first and second ends 345 and 350.
The transfer tube, in one embodiment, comprises a circular
cross-sectional shape. Other cross-sectional shapes are also
useful. The transfer tube facilitates filling of the container on
which the cap is adapted.
[0029] The first end is coupled to a supply source. The supply
source, for example, provides cryogenic material to the transfer
tube to fill the container. Filling the container with other types
of materials is also useful. For example, the transfer tube is in
fluid communication with the bulk storage tank via a connecting
tube. The connecting tube can be, for example, a flexible hose or a
pipe. In one embodiment, the connecting tube is coupled to the
transfer tube using a coupling nut. For example, the top part of a
male connecting tube can be coupled with a flared female locking
nut. Other coupling configurations or devices are also useful.
[0030] The second end, in one embodiment, comprises a sealed end.
The second end can be sealed by, for example, spot welding. Other
sealing techniques are also useful. The second end can be rounded
to provide a smooth and rounded finish. Providing a sealed end
prevents, for example, cryogenic material from exiting through the
tip. This has been found to avoid violent splashing and/or air
bubbling which may potentially result in creation of excessive
vapor and/or vapor escaping through the opening of the container.
As such, wastage is reduced while increasing health and safety of
handlers.
[0031] A second end portion 352 of the transfer tube toward the
second end comprises at least one fill opening 340. Providing a
plurality of openings in the end portion is also useful. In one
embodiment, the end portion includes a plurality of fill openings.
In one embodiment, the fill openings are arranged in a plurality of
columns on the circumference of the transfer tube along the length
direction. Other fill opening arrangements are also useful. The
diameter of fill openings, for example, may range from about 0.3 cm
to about 0.5 cm with a spacing of about 1 cm. Other sizes and
spacing are also useful. Fill material entering the transfer tube
from the supply exits through the fill openings into the container.
Providing fill openings on the side of the tube facilitates
smoother flow and efficient filling of the cryogenic liquid into
the container.
[0032] A first end portion 347 of the tube from the second end
portion to the first end does not contain any fill openings. The
first portion should be sufficient in length to locate the second
portion near the bottom or body of the container and not the neck.
The transfer tube is slidably mated to the cap via the entry
opening. When mated, the tube can be adjusted by positioning the
first end portion appropriately to locate the fill openings at the
bottom or body of the container, as shown in FIGS. 4a-c. This
allows the tube to be adjusted based on the size or height of the
container. When the cap is adapted to the container, the transfer
tube hangs inside the container without touching the inner surface
thereof.
[0033] In one embodiment, once the desired transfer tube position
is obtained, it is welded to the cap. This permanently fixes the
position of the tube relative to the cap. Alternatively, fixing the
tube at the desired position can be achieved by, for example, using
a stopper. The stopper, in one embodiment, can be a clip or bolt
that is threaded to the tube. The stopper can be located in the
desired position on the tube above the cap, preventing the tubing
from sliding downwards. Providing stoppers on both the top and
bottom of the cap is also useful. Other techniques for fixing the
tube in position are also useful.
[0034] Using the cap to suspend the transfer tube at the desired
height above the bottom of the container advantageously reduces or
delays bubbling or turbulence to a later stage during filling. This
facilitates efficient filling with shorter waiting time compared to
a situation when bubbling or turbulence occurred during the
beginning stage of the filling. Additionally, the holder, in
covering the container opening, prevents splashing, spilling or
evaporation of the container contents, thereby reducing wastage and
safeguarding the health and safety of the user.
[0035] The transfer tube can be made from materials such as
stainless steel, carbon steel or metal alloys (e.g., titanium
alloy, aluminum alloy, or copper alloy). Other suitable materials
that are resistant to the low temperature of the cryogenic
material, such as aeronautical alloys, low resistant alloys,
plastic or quartz material, are also useful. When the filling
device is fitted over a container opening, the transfer tube hangs
inside the container. In one embodiment, the length of the transfer
tube extends below the neck portion of the container.
[0036] FIGS. 5a-c show various embodiments of transfer tubes 370.
Referring to the FIGS. 5a-c, the transfer tube comprises first and
second end portions 347 and 352. The second end portion comprises
fill openings through which fill material enter a container to be
filled. As can be seen, the length of the second end portion can be
selected to accommodate various types of containers to be filled.
Furthermore, the fill openings can be of the same size (FIG. 5a) or
different sizes (FIGS. 5b-c). For example, FIG. 5b shows fill
openings with alternating first 340a and second 340b sizes while
FIG. 5c shows alternating groups of first 340c and second 340d size
openings. Other fill opening configuration and first and second end
portions are also useful.
[0037] The container, for example, the double-walled vacuum sealed
vessel containing the filled cryogenic material from the bulk
storage tank can make use of existing available pumping or purging
system to automate the transfer of cryogenic material into the
column or to maintain the temperature or the cooling of the various
machines. The machines, for example, include vibrating sample
magnetometer (VSM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray
microanalyzer, etc. Examples of the features incorporating the
automated siphoning or purging of the cryogenic material include a
vacuum pump, air supply line, vacuum tube, level gauge, purge and
safety valves, quartz LED emitters and sensors, flowmeter gauge and
suction tube. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. The foregoing embodiments, therefore, are to be considered
in all respects illustrative rather than limiting the invention
described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the
appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all
changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *