US 2007/0181182 A1 · Valve assembly

Abstract

A valve assembly can include a ruptureable member. The ruptureable member may be secured in place by a first support member, a second support member, and one or more removable engaging elements. The valve assembly can be configured such that the ruptureable member can be removed when a single removable engaging element is removed. In another embodiment, a valve assembly can include a plunger having a substantially solid shaft. The valve assembly can also include a ruptureable section attached to the substantially solid shaft. In still another embodiment, a valve assembly can include a plunger including a stem portion and a motion limiter portion, wherein the motion limiter portion is wider than the stem portion. The valve assembly can also include a spring surrounding the stem portion and the motion limiter portion, wherein the motion limiter portion is configured to keep the spring from becoming fully compressed.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A valve assembly comprising:

a ruptureable member including a ruptureable portion that is designed to rupture before a pressure difference across the ruptureable portion exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the ruptureable member includes a first side and second side opposite the first side;
a first support member and a second support member, wherein:
the first support member lies along the first side of the ruptureable member;
and
the second support member lies along the second side of the ruptureable member;
and
a first removable engaging element adjacent to ruptureable member, wherein the first removable engaging element lies outside a perimeter of the ruptureable member.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Valve assembly

Life of this patent

Valve assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22