Patent ID: 6216541
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
A pressure gauge operable over a predetermined operating range of pressure values affording relief to an internally encountered overpressure exceeding the max. pressure of said range comprising:an indicator of pressure values within said range being encountered by said gauge;an inlet adapted for connecting to a source of gas flow for which pressure values are to be indicated;a Bourdon tube extending in a secured relation from said inlet to a free end displaceable in response to changes in pressure values received at said inlet;an amplifier operatively secured intervening between the free end of the Bourdon tube and said indicator for translating displacement of said free end into pressure values at said indicator;a case/lens substantially enclosing said Bourdon tube; andfailure means responsive to a predetermined value of overpressure imposed on said Bourdon tube to release said overpressure at a selectively controlled rate;said failure means including a tip on the free end of said Bourdon tube comprising a joint secured by a solder compound to the input of said amplifier and forming the site at which failure will occur for effecting said release by a fracture of said solder compound being incurred at said predetermined value of overpressure; andthrottle means in the path of gas flow to said Bourdon tube to operatively restrict gas flow input to said Bourdon tube after failure has occurred.