Patent ID: 6244457
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A gauge hatch structure comprising in combination:(a) a vent neck member with opposed upper first and lower second end portions;(b) a wall structure that extends circumferentially around the outside of, and in radially adjacent relationship to, said vent neck member, and that defines in combination with said vent neck member a sealing liquid reservoir that extends circumferentially between said wall structure and said vent neck member, said reservoir having an upper open mouth generally adjacent to said first end portion;(c ) mounting means for said vent neck member and said wall structure and having a support flange portion that extends radially outwardly beyond said wall structure;(d) a cover plate structure comprising(1) a pallet plate subassembly for extending across and sealingly closing said first end portion, and(2) an apron member that circumferentially and downwardly extends from said pallet plate subassembly, that is located in radially outside adjacent relationship to said vent neck member, and that has a lower portion that extends through said open mouth and into said reservoir; and(e) an arm structure having a proximal portion joined to an outside region of said cover plate structure and a distal portion pivotally joined to said mounting means outwardly adjacent said vent neck member for reversibly pivoting said cover plate structure upwardly and away from said first end portion so that said cover plate structure is inclinable relative to said first end portion.