US 5,174,325 A · Retraction mechanism for valve insertable sensors

Abstract

A retraction mechanism permits easily removing a sensor assembly from a pressurized process fluid container through a valve attached to an opening in the container. The retraction mechanism includes a folding support linkage having a first end and a second end formed from at least two links that are joined together to have a pivot joint located therebetween. The first end of the support linkage is joined to the sensor assembly, while the second end of the support linkage is joined to the valve or the fluid container. The two links are partially folded when the sensor assembly is in operable position, and pivot about the pivot joint to unfold when the sensor assembly is removed. The retraction mechanism further includes a damper connected between the two links of the support linkage. The damper provides a damping or restraining force for the sensor assembly as the sensor assembly is removed from the fluid container.

Claims15

Dependent claims

An apparatus for permitting removal and installation of a sensor assembly through a valve attached to an opening in a process fluid container, the apparatus comprising:

a support linkage having a first end and a second end formed from at least two links that are joined together for relative movement therebetween the links pivoting about the pivot joint as the sensor assembly is moved relative to the fluid container, the first end of the support linkage joined to the sensor assembly, and the second end of the support linkage mounted relative to the fluid container, wherein the linkage is in a substantially collapsed condition when the sensor assembly is inserted through the valve and into the container and securely mounted relative to the container, and wherein the linkage is in an expanded condition when the sensor assembly is removed from the container and the valve;
and
damping means for resisting rapid relative movement of the links as the sensor assembly is removed from the container and through the valve as the linkage is expanded so that the valve can be closed to seal the opening.

An apparatus for removing and installing a sensor assembly through a valve attached to an opening in a process fluid container, the apparatus comprising:

a first support link pivotally joined to the sensor assembly;
a second support link pivotally joined to the first support link and pivotally joined to the valve, wherein the first support link and second support link are in a substantially collapsed condition when the sensor assembly is inserted through the valve and into the container and securely mounted relative to the container, and wherein the first and second support links are in an expanded condition when the sensor assembly is removed from the container and the valve;
a fluidic damper having a damping rod resistively movable relative to a housing as the sensor assembly is removed from the container and through the valve as the links expand, the damper connected between the support links wherein the rod is joined to one of the support links and the housing is joined to the other support link;
and
stopping means to stop movement of the sensor assembly at a selected position with respect to the valve so that the valve can be closed to seal the opening.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Retraction mechanism for valve insertable sensors

Life of this patent

Retraction mechanism for valve insertable sensors

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15