Closure for a pressurized chamber
AssigneeAmerican Sterilizer Company
InventorsHarinder Singh, Richard L. Ostromecki
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A closure for a chamber having an interior which can contain a fluid under pressure provides apparatus for latching the door of the chamber in its closed position and locking it in that position when the positive pressure within the chamber reaches a predetermined level. The closure includes a door that is moved by positive pressure within the chamber and, through appropriate mechanisms, activates locking apparatus that prevents the door from leaving its closed position as long as such pressure is present within the chamber.
Claims14
A sealable closure for an opening in a chamber comprising:
- a door adapted to move between a closed position and an open position with respect to said opening in said chamber;
- a sealing device disposed between said door and the perimeter of said opening, said sealing device being operable to effect a seal therebetween when said door is in its closed position without the need for applying a mechanically-compressive force to said seal;
- means disposed on said chamber and said door for cooperating to prevent said door from leaving its closed position after having been moved thereto;
- and
- means operatively connected between said door and said cooperating means for rendering inoperative said cooperating means during any period that a positive pressure of a predetermined minimum value exists within said chamber.
A selable closure for an opening in a chamber comprising:
- a door adapted to move between a closed position and an open position with respect to said opening in said chamber and adapted for limited movement while said door is in its closed position, said limited movement being caused by a change of pressure within the chamber;
- a sealing device disposed between said door and the perimeter of said opening, said sealing device being operable to effect a seal therebetween when said door is in its closed position without the need for applying a mechanically-compressive force to said sealing device;
- a post secured to said door for movement therewith;
- a hub mounted on said post for rotational and axial movement relative to said post, said hub having a key formed on a surface thereof;
- a lever and a catch, said lever pivotally secured at one end thereof to said hub and slidably secured at a point intermediate its ends to said door by said catch;
- a locking plate secured to said post having a key adapted to mate with said hub key to limit rotation of said hub to a predetermined arc of not more than 360 degrees and to prevent rotation of said hub when the pressure present within the chamber causes said limited movement of said door toward its open position;
- a retainer secured to said sterilizer;
- a second end of said lever being retained against said sterilizer by said retainer upon rotation of said hub through said predetermined arc when said door is in its closed position, said retainer allowing said limited movement of said door toward its open position when positive pressure is present within said chamber but preventing said door from leaving its closed position;
- and
- means for rotating said hub;
- said limited movement of said door toward its open position causing said keys to mate and prevent rotation of said hub when said door is secured in said closed position by said retainer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.