FIFXD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to high-pressure fluid delivery and, in particular, to a high-pressure fluid conduit having a safety feature that provides protection against errors by a workman conducting the fluid delivery operation or a failure of the conduit during the fluid delivery operation.

BACKGROUND

[0002 j When filling containers (e.g., cylinders, tank trucks, rail cars, and stationary tanks) with compressed or non-compressed fluids, both gasses and liquids, or operating equipment that relies on pressurized fluid flow, the fluid is transferred from one container (e.g., a tank truck) to another container (e.g., a stationary tank). Although the fluid can be transferred from one container to another via solid piping, it is common practice in many situations to use a flexible conduit or hose that connects the two containers and through which the fluid is transferred. A flexible hose allows ease of connection/disconnection between the containers, as well as a limited range of motion between the source of the fluid and the destination of the fluid.

[0003] For example, compressed or non-compressed gasses, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, and liquids, such as chemicals, petroleum and acids, are transported, stored, and used in individual containers of varying size and capacity. In order to fill these containers with the desired product, each container is connected, either singly or in groups, to a fluid filler/seller, in order to connect each container to the filling connection, a flexible hose is used to allow for quick connection/disconnection of the containers to and from the filling connection. A filling station manifold is one example of a filling connection, in addition, operating equipment that runs or uses compressed fluids, such as a forklift or a hydraulic system, also benefits from the ease of use of flexible hoses.

[0004] There are various safety risks associated with transferring fluids from one container to another. Service personnel conducting fluid delivery operations might make human errors, such as driving a tank truck away after filling a container without disconnecting the hose from the tank truck and/or the filled container. This situation can create extreme forces on the hose and the attached piping systems that can cause one or more components to fail.

[0005] When a hose fails, regardless of the cause of the failure, substantial damage can result, in a number of ways. First, if a hose is completely severed, both ends of the hose can whip around wildly under the forces of the compressed fluid that is released from the severed ends. In addition, if a container is not secured, the pressure of the fluid leaving the container can cause the container to move very rapidly in the opposite direction of the escaping fluid. Both of these situations can result in substantial risk of personal injury, as well as property damage.

Furthermore, a hose failure will cause leaks from both the delivery and receiving ends, leading to a costly waste of the fluid, as well as the discharge of a hazardous fluid, that has the potential of filling the environment with hazardous or explosive fumes.

[0006] When the piping system fails, other related equipment, such as shut-off valves and other fluid controls as well as safety systems, might be damaged, causing extensive property damage and physical injury or loss of life. [0007] According to the present invention, a high-pressure fluid conduit, adapted for connection between a high-pressure fluid source and a high-pressure fluid container, includes a hose unit having a first end and a second end. This high-pressure fluid conduit also includes a first housing adapted for connection to a high-pressure fluid source and has a first fluid opening through which high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source enters the first housing, a second fluid opening through which high-pressure fluid from the high pressure fluid source leaves the first housing, and a cavity between the first fluid opening in the first housing and the second fluid opening in the first housing. This high-pressure fluid conduit also includes a second housing abutting the first housing and has a first fluid opening aligned with the second fluid opening of the first housing and through which high-pressure fluid leaving the first housing enters the second housing, a second fluid opening through which high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source entering the second housing leaves the second housing and enters the hose unit and high-pressure fluid from the hose unit enters the second housing upon separation of the first housing and the second housing. The second housing also has a cavity between the first fluid opening in the second housing and the second fluid opening in the second housing. A high- pressure fluid conduit, constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes a coupling for coupling the first housing to the second housing and sensing separation of the first housing and the second housing. This coupling has a weakened break-away section that fractures when a predetermined force is applied to the coupling that causes parts of the coupling to separate and permits separation of the first housing and the second housing. Also included in a high-pressure fluid conduit, constructed in accordance with the present invention, are a valve seat at the second fluid opening in the first housing and a valve seat at the first fluid opening in the second housing. A high-pressure fluid conduit, constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes a first valve body pivotally mounted in the cavity of the first housing and movable between a first position to permit the flow of high-pressure fluid from the high- pressure fluid source througli the first housing and a second position against the valve seat in the first housing to prevent high-pressure fluid leaving the first housing and a second valve body pivotally mounted in the cavity of the second housing and movable between a first position to permit the flow of the high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source through the second housing and a second position against the valve seat in the second housing to prevent the flow of high-pressure fluid from the hose unit leaving the second housing, A high-pressure fluid conduit, constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes valve control means for retaining the first valve body in its first position and the second valve body in its first position and selectively moving the first valve body towards its second position and the second valve body towards its second position in response to fracture of the coupling and separation of the parts of the coupling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a system in which a high-pressure fluid conduit, constructed in accordance with the present invention, is used and illustrates the condition of the high-pressure fluid conduit during open or normal operation.

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a system in which a high-pressure fluid conduit, constructed in accordance with the present in vention, is used and illustrates the condition of the high-pressure fluid conduit just prior to a break-away event.

[0010] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a system in which a high-pressure fluid conduit, constructed in accordance with the present invention, is used and illustrates the condition of the high-pressure fluid conduit after a break-away event.

[0011] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a high-pressure fluid conduit, constracted in accordance with the present invention, and illustrates the condition of the high-pressure fluid conduit during open or normal operation,

[0012] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a high-pressure fluid condirit, constructed in accordance with the present invention, and illustrates the condition of the high-pressure fluid conduit after a break-away event.

[0013] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling portion of a high-pressure fluid conduit, constracted in accordance with the present invention, and illustrates the condition of the high-pressure fluid conduit during open or normal operation,

[0014] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling portion of a high-pressure fluid conduit, constructed in accordance with the present invention, and illustrates the condition of the high-pressure fluid conduit after a break-away event.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT fOOlS] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, a high-pressure fluid conduit 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention, is adapted for connection between a high-pressure fluid source, represented by a fixture 12, and a high-pressure fluid container (not shown) to which high-pressure fluid is delivered. Fixture 12 can include a plurality of input conduits 14 that are connected to a stationary tank, for example, that carries a high-pressure fluid and serves as the source of high-pressure fluid that is to be delivered to the high-pressure fluid container, for example, a tank truck.

[0016] The high-pressure fluid conduit 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a hose unit 16 having a first end 16a and a second end 16b. End 16a of hose unit 16 receives high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source (e.g., a stationary tank) and the high-pressure fluid leaves the hose unit and is delivered to the high-pressure fluid container (e.g., a tank truck) through end 16b of the hose unit.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, hose unit 16. during open or normal operation, is connected between the high-pressure fluid source and the high-pressure fluid container and high pressure fluid is conducted from the high-pressure fluid source to the high-pressure fluid container with the hose unit laying on a surface or sagging above the surface. As shown in Figure 2, prior to a break-away event, such as a tank truck driving away before being disconnected from a storage container, hose unit 16 is strained by the force of the tank truck driving away. As shown in Figure 3, after hose unit 16 has strained a predetermined amount, the hose unit breaks away from fixture 12 at end 16a of the hose unit.

[0018] After a break-away event, the flow of high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source is blocked, for example, by a valve in a housing through which high-pressure fluid previously was conducted to hose unit 16. Back-flow of high-pressure fluid from the high- pressure fluid container into the hose unit at end 16b of the hose unit and the escape of high- pressure fluid in the hose unit prior to the break-away event are blocked, for example, by a valve in a housing through which high-pressure fluid was conducted from the hose unit to the high- pressure fluid container. A high-pressure fluid conduit 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention, serves to block the escape, at end 16a of the hose unit, of high-pressure fluid in the hose unit prior to the break-away event.

[0019] Referring to Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7, a high-pressure fluid conduit 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention, also includes a first housing 18 adapted for connection to a high-pressure fluid source, such as a tank truck. Housing 18 has a first fluid opening 18a through which high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source enters housing 18, a second fluid opening 18b through which high-pressure fluid from the high pressure fluid source leaves housing 18, and a cavity 18c between first fluid opening 18a in housing 18 and second fluid opening 18b in housing 18.

[0020] A high-pressure fluid conduit 10, constaicted in accordance with the present invention, further includes a second housing 20 abutting housing 18. Housing 20 has a first fluid opening 20a aligned with second fluid opening 18b of housing 18 and thro ugh which high- pressure fluid leaving housing 18 enters housing 20. Housing 20 also has a second fluid opening 20b through which high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source entering housing 20 leaves housing 20 and enters hose unit 16 and high-pressure fluid from the hose unit enters housing 20 upon separation of housing 18 and housing 20, Housing 20 also has a cavity 20c between first fluid opening 20a in housing 20 and second fluid opening 20b in housing 20.

[0021] Preferably a sealant 21, such as an o-ring, a gasket or a configuration of tightly fitting surfaces, appropriate for the fluid being transferred, is provided at or on the abutting surfaces of housings 18 and 20 for the purpose containing the fluid within the high-pressure fluid conduit during open or normal operation. This sealant permits the abutting surfaces of housings 18 and 20 to separate freely after a break-away event as described below.

[0022] A high-pressure fluid conduit, 1.0, constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes a coupling 22 for coupling first housing 18 to second housing 20 and sensing separation of housing 18 and housing 20. in particular, coupling 22 is fitted in a notch 18d in housing 18 and a notch 20d in housing 20.

[0023] Coupling 20, having a weakened break-away section that fractures when a predetermined force is applied to the coupling, serves as a break-away component with parts 22a and 22b that separate permitting separation of first housing 18 and second housing 20 when, for example, the driver of a tank truck fails to disconnect the high-pressure fluid conduit from either the tank truck or a storage container before driving the tank truck away from the storage container. Upon fracture of coupling 22, a safety feature is activated and the high-pressure fluid conduit switches from an open or normal mode of operation to a closed or safety-activated mode of operation.

[0024] For the embodiment of the present invention that is illustrated in Figures 4,5, 6, and 7, coupling 22 is an annular ring having a weakened section extending around the annular ring that fractures when a predetermined force is applied to the annular ring that causes first and second parts 22a and 22b of the annular ring, on opposite sides of the weakened section, to separate. The weakened section of annular ring 22, in the form of a continuous groove 22c that extends circumfererjtiafly completely around the annular ring, has a reduced thickness, relative to the thickness of first and second parts 22a and 22b of the annular ring. The size, shape, and extent of groove 22c calibrate annular ring 22 to fracture when a predetermined force is applied to the annular ring, whereupon first and second parts 22a and 22b of the annular ring separate as illustrated in Figure 7. It should be noted that this force, when applied generally along the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid conduit will result in substantially uniform separation of first and second parts 22a and 22b of annular ring 22 along groove 22c, while a force applied at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid conduit will result in progressive separation of first and second parts 22a and 22b of the annular ring along groove 22c, For more details about annular ring 22 and the manner in which it functions to couple two parts together and permits the two parts to separate when a predetermined force is applied to the annular ring, reference should be made to U.S. 8,336,570.

[0025] To protect against a premature fracture of coupling 22, as might occur when an end of the high-pressure fluid conduit is dropped accidentally, a high-pressure fluid conduit, constructed in accordance with the present invention, preferably includes a shock absorber that protects coupling 22. This shock absorber can be a compressible ring 24 that completely surrounds annular ring 22 and takes up or absorbs the energy that might cause coupling 22 to fracture prematurely.

[0026] A high-pressure fluid conduit 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes a valve seat 26 at second fluid opening 18b in first housing 18 and a valve seat 28 at first fluid opening 20a in second housing 20.

[0027] A high-pressure fluid conduit 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes a first valve body 30 that is pi vo tally mounted in cavity 18c of first housing 18 and is movable between a first position to permit the flow of the high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source through housing 18, as shown in Figure 4, and a second position against valve seat 26 in housing 18 to prevent high-pressure fluid leaving housing 18, as shown in Figure 5.

[0028] A high-pressure fluid conduit 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes a second valve body 32 that is pivotally mounted in cavity 20c of second housing 20 and is movable between a first position to permit the flow of the high- pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source through housing 20, as shown in Figure 4, and a second position against valve seat 28 in housing 20 to prevent the flow of high-pressure fluid from hose unit 16 leaving second housing 20, as shown in Figure 5.

[0029] A high-pressure fluid conduit 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes valve control means for retaining first valve body 30 in its first position and second valve body 32 in its first position and selectively moving first valve body 30 towards its second position and second valve body 32 towards its second position in response to fracture of coupling 22 and separation of parts 22a and 22b of coupling 22. For the embodiment of the present invention illustrated, the valve control means include a linkage having a first member 34 pivotally secured to first valve body 30 and a second member 36 pivotally secured to second valve body 32 and coupled to and separable from first member 34 of the linkage.

Specifically, first member 34 of the linkage and second member 36 of linkage are coupled together by one of the members of the linkage (36 as illustrated) fitted into a bore hole 34a in the other of the members of linkage (34 as illustrated). During open or normal operation, linkage members 34 and 36 are coupled together with linkage member 36 fitted in bore hole 34a of linkage member 34. This fit between linkage members 34 and 36 is such that, upon separation of housings 18 and 20, linkage member 36 withdraws from linkage member 34, so that the two linkage members separate and valve bodies 30 and 32 are permitted to move from their first positions out of the flow of high-pressure fluid through housing 18 and 20, respectively, toward their second positions. The flow of high-pressure fluid through housing 18 from the high- pressure fluid source urges valve body 30 to its second position, namely against valve seat 26, thereby preventing the escape of high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source from housing 18, The flow of high -pressure fluid through housing 20 from hose unit 16 urges valve body 32 to its second position, namely against valve seat 28, thereby preventing the escape of high-pressure fluid from hose unit 16.

[0030] The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing the invention.

Other embodiments are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that the scope of the invention is given by the appended claims together with their full range of equivalents.