Patent ID: 8336579
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: B63B,F16L,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An emergency disconnection system for a fluid loading arm which comprises: two valves; a collar which when closed secures the valves together and when opened allows the valves to disconnect from each other; an actuator which comprises a single rod which is movable axially over a length of travel, first means for moving the rod over a first portion of its travel to close the two valves and second means for moving the rod over a remaining portion of its travel to open the collar; wherein the first and second means are independently controllable and are positioned substantially coaxially relative to each other; and wherein the collar comprises first and second segments which each comprise first and second ends, a first tie rod which in the closed position of the collar is positioned between the first ends of the segments and which permits the opening of the collar, a second tie rod which is positioned between the second ends of the segments and which permits the pivoting of the segments relative to each other, and elastic means operative between at least the first segment and at least one of the valves to bias the collar toward its open position.