Abstract:
A product transfer valve ( 1 ) includes a valve body ( 3 ), an inlet port ( 2 ), an outlet port ( 18 ). A safety interlock mechanism includes a segmented collar ( 22 ) with internal threads ( 23 ) for mounting the valve to a connection. A safety collar ( 6 ) is axially movable between a valve open position and a valve closed position, and causes movement of the segmented collar. An interference member ( 12 ) is supported on the cam operated mechanism ( 8 ) and engages the safety collar ( 6 ) to prevent inadvertent radial outward movement of the internal threads on the segmented collar until the safety collar is moved to the valve closed position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/348,057 filed on May 25, 2010, and claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/322,184 filed on Apr. 8, 2010, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to valves used in the delivery of liquid or gaseous products. More specifically, a cam operated valve desirably provides minimal venting of product on disconnect and rapid connection and disconnection of the valve to the system. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Cam operated valves with minimum vent features have long been known. Several types are exemplified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,367,775 and 5,836,352. These valves are typically connected to the end of a product delivery hose and are operated manually in the transfer of gaseous or liquid products. The cam operated open and close feature provides fast operation without the repetitive motion found in the operation of a typical valve closure utilizing a threaded stem operated by a hand wheel. The hand wheel requires the operator to engage in a repetitive twisting wrist motion which may lead to repetitive motion injury. 
         [0004]    Most cam operated valves still require a repetitive twisting motion to repeatedly connect the valve to the receiving or dispensing container. The thread engagement is typically only 4 threads, but since the connection operation is done with one hand it takes about three twists to get one rotation of the connector, so that the operator is subjected to at least 12 twisting motions to connect the device and another 12 twisting motions to disconnect the device. In the case of filling propane cylinders, for example, one operator may be asked to fill 50 or more cylinders in a day. Accordingly, the operator&#39;s wrist is subjected to 1,200 twisting motions which may lead to repetitive motion injury. 
         [0005]    The present invention addresses the repetitive motion connection problem with a valve that uses cam operation and minimum vent features to provide a safe and quick connection feature that eliminates repetitive motion. 
         [0006]    The disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the present invention, and an improved cam operated valve is hereinafter disclosed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one embodiment, a segmented threaded collar is biased to an open position by radially enclosed springs and prevented from over travel by a retaining collar which encloses the segmented collar. When the retaining collar is moved with respect to the segmented collar to the “open position”, the segmented collar is opened partially by the biasing springs to a diameter allowing the engagement threads on one end to be placed over the mating connection thread. When the retaining collar is moved with respect to the segmented collar to the “closed position”, the collar is returned to its radially collapsed position which engages the mating connection threads. A small rotation of the retaining collar of about ⅛th turn will tighten the connection for the transfer of product. 
         [0008]    One embodiment utilizes an internal sleeve to expand the segmented threaded collar when the retaining collar is moved to the “open position.” The sleeve is internal to the segmented threaded collar and is connected to the retaining collar by pins fixed to the retaining collar and interfacing with holes in the internal sleeve, such that a ramped surface on the internal sleeve contacts an internal surface of the segmented threaded collar to force the collar segments to open as the retaining collar is moved to the open position. 
         [0009]    While the elimination of repetitive motion on the connect and disconnect is desirable, the expanding collar feature as described above may allow the operator to undesirably disconnect the valve from the product transfer container while the valve is still open by simply pulling the retaining collar to the open position. To prevent this from occurring, a safety feature is employed wherein the position of the segmented collar is transmitted to the proximity of the open/close cam by two connection rods and a safety collar. A safety collar is spring biased to force the retaining collar to the closed position via the connecting rods. Therefore, when the retaining collar is in the closed position, the safety collar will be further from the open/close cam and when the retaining collar is in the open position, the safety collar will be closer to the open/close cam. A safety tab is then attached to the open/close cam such that when the segmented collar is in the closed position and the open/close cam is in the open position, any attempt to move the retaining collar from the closed position will be prevented by the interference of the safety tab on the open/close cam with the safety collar. When the open/close cam is placed in the closed position, the safety tab will not prevent moving the segmented collar to the open position. Safe operation is assured and the minimum vent and repetitive motion elimination features of the valve are maintained. 
         [0010]    A feature of the invention is the use of removable pins or other torque transfer members radially affixed to the retaining collar which provide for rotation, separation, and alignment of the threaded segments, interface with the internal sleeve and permit assembly of the device. 
         [0011]    These and further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, wherein reference is made to the figures in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a valve assembly. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly with the operating cam in the closed position and the retaining collar in the open position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly with the operating cam in the open position and the retaining collar in the closed position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the valve assembly with the operating cam in the closed position and the retaining collar in the open position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the valve assembly with the retaining collar in the closed position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the valve assembly with the retaining collar in the open position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an internal facing view of a segmented threaded collar segment with an alignment slot. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a segmented threaded collar segment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an external facing view of a segmented threaded collar segment with an alignment slot. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is section view of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the valve assembly with a slotted segmented collar and springs in the closed position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the valve assembly with a slotted segmented collar and springs in the open position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the valve assembly with a slotted segmented collar and internal sleeve in the closed position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is section view of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is section view of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the valve assembly with a slotted segmented collar and internal sleeve in the partially open position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the valve assembly with a slotted segmented collar and internal sleeve in the locked open position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view showing the integration of the safety collar and one or more connection rods. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]      FIG. 1  depicts many of the components of one embodiment of the cam operated product transfer valve  1 . The product transfer hose connects to valve port  2  contained on main valve body  3 . Port  2  in one application may be a fluid inlet port, with an axially positioned outlet port at the lower end of the valve body. Two push rods  4  and  5  communicate motion between the downwardly spring biased safety collar  6  and the retaining collar  7 . The operating cam  8  is used to open and close valve  1 . Spring biased latch  9  retains the cam in the closed position by locking into recess  10 . To open the cam operator  8 , the latch  9  is pressed at location  11  which pivots the latch free of the recess  10  and allows the cam operator  8  to be pulled to the open position. Safety tab  12  as shown in  FIG. 2  is attached to cam  8  such that when the cam  8  is moved to the open position, the safety collar  6  must be in the down position as shown in  FIG. 1  or the tab  12  will hit the safety collar  6  and prevent opening of the cam  8 . Similarly, with the cam  8  in the open position, the retaining collar  7  is prevented from being moved to an open position since safety tab  12  will interfere with the upward movement of collar  6  and rods  4  and  5  will thus prevent the upward movement of retaining collar  7 , thereby keeping the valve locked on the connection as long as the cam is open. The safety collar  6  is biased axially away from operator  8  by coil spring  63 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows the valve  1  in cross section with the operating cam  8  in the closed position, the retaining collar  7  in the open position and push rods  4  depicted out of their true circumferential location for clarity in the cross section view. The valve includes valve stem  13  which is biased in the downward direction by spring  15 . Stem  13  is further connected to rod  14  which is connected to seat assembly  16  containing an elastomeric seal  17  which prevents flow of product to the product connection cavity  18 . Seat assembly  16  is kept centered in the outlet flow bore  30  by a four legged centering member  31 . Threaded member  19  exemplifies the generic connection to the product container or product containing system which may be of many sizes and thread types. The container connection  19  may provide an elastomeric seal  20  which seals with the valve body member  21  located at the outlet port of the valve. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  shows the valve with the operating cam  8  in the open position which raises the seat assembly  16  allowing flow of product from inlet port  2  to the outlet port cavity  18 . The threaded and segmented collar  22  is in the closed or locked position wherein the threads  23  on the segmented collar  22  fully engage the threads  24  on the threaded member  19  of the product containing system.  FIG. 2  shows the segmented collar  22  in the open position biased to that position by a plurality of springs  25  on each segment of the collar  22 . The collar segments are circumferentially spaced by a plurality of pins  26  and  27 , i.e., the segments maintain their circumferential positioning by the pins. The pins  26  and  27  also drive or rotate the collar  22  segments when retaining collar  7  is then rotated to fully thread to product container member  19 . The retaining collar  7  may thus be rotated to tighten or loosen the threaded connection to the product transfer container. As retaining collar  7  is pulled in the upward direction compressing spring  63 , the collar  22  segments are biased by a springs  25  in each segment to an open position, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The radial expansion of the segmented collar  22  is limited by ramp  28  on retaining collar  7  contacting surface  36  of the collar  22  segments. The tapered surfaces  28  and  36  also aid in moving the threads  23  to the closed position in response to axial movement of the retaining collar  7 . The upward travel of retaining collar  7  is limited by ring  29  contacting pins  26 . The collar  22  is restrained from expansion at its uppermost end by lip  32  contacting the bore  33  of retaining collar  7 . In the fully expanded position, the segments of collar  22  and the collar threads  23  are opened to a diameter larger than the threads  24  on container member  19 , thus allowing the valve to be placed in a position shown in  FIG. 2  wherein the valve is in a connection position but the connection threads are not engaged. 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 3 , the retaining collar  7  is moved to the closed position which collapses the segments of collar  22  into engagement with the threads of container member  19 . Collar  7  may then be rotated slightly to tighten the threads on collar  22  to the threads on member  19  and allowing cam  8  to be rotated to an open position for the transfer of product. In the cam  8  open position, the end  34  of safety tab  12  will prevent safety collar  6  and retaining collar  7  via rods  4  and  5  from being moved to an open position thereby providing for operator safety. Only after the cam  8  has been moved to a closed position can retaining collar  7  be moved to an open position. 
         [0034]      FIG. 18  shows an alternative safety collar and rod arrangement wherein the rods  4  are affixed to safety collar  6  by threads  62 . The rods transfer axial forces from the safety collar to the retaining collar, and thus may or may not be connected to either or both the safety collar and the retaining collar. In other embodiments, the rods may be replaced with circumferentially spaced slats or with a c-shaped member with its slot aligned with the valve inlet port. Either the slats or the c-shaped member may transfer forces from the safety collar to the retaining collar. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  shows an external view of the valve  1  with the retaining collar  7  in the open position and the segmented collar  22  expanded. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a bottom end view of valve  1  showing segmented collar  22  with segments  40 ,  41 ,  42  and  43  in the closed or locked position. The stem  44  of pins  26  and  27  provide separation of the collar  22  segments and serve to drive the segments as retaining collar  7  is rotated to tighten or loosen the product transfer connection.  FIG. 6  particularly shows four pins and the four segments  40 ,  41 ,  42 , and  43  each spaced between two pins, although the number of pins will vary with different applications. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of valve  1  with the segments in an expanded or open position biased by springs  25 . The segments  40 ,  41 ,  42 , and  43  are thus each spaced between a pair of pins, with a biasing spring  25  in each segment radially outward. 
         [0038]    The segmented collar as disclosed herein technically may not be considered a collar in a sense that it does not have a 360° ring member which supports the radially movable segments. In one application, a unitary ring member may maintain the circumferential position of the segments extending axially from the ring member, but in other applications, such as that disclosed herein, the segments are each individual pieces with slots extending axially between the pieces. The circumferential position of the segments may then be maintained by the pins, as disclosed herein. This latter construction allows a relatively low spring force to be used to bias each segment radially outward since the segments are not mechanically interconnected. The actuator or safety collar  6  is preferably a true collar in the sense that it occupies a full 360° and surrounds the valve body. Both of the safety collar  6  and the retaining collar  7  preferably include a 360° component to transfer forces required to radially move the threaded members  23  inward and outward. The forces are reliably transmitted from the safety collar to the retaining collar and from the retaining collar to the segments and from the segments to the threaded member. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9  and  10  shows different views of a single segment  50  of another variation of the segmented collar which uses a slot  51  in each segment to control the radial alignment of each segment and prevent excess circumferential movement of the segments when the segmented collar is in the open position. In this embodiment, a set of alignment pins  27  as shown in  FIG. 11  are positioned to engage the slot in each segment which limits circumferential movement of the segments while permitting axial movement of the pins  27  during the actuation of the retaining collar. Since the spacing between the segments at the threaded end of the segmented collar increases when the collar is in the open position, the embodiment in  FIG. 5  with the pins  27  between the segments allows for increased circumferential motion in that position, whereas the slotted variation controls that motion which may be detrimental to positioning the valve over the male connection member  19 . This variation could also encompass two slots in each segment (not shown) wherein both pin sets  27  and  26  engaged slots in segment  50 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 11  shows the assembly of the slotted segment embodiment in the closed position which uses springs  52  to open the segments as the retaining collar  7  is moved to the open position, as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 13  depicts the segmented collar actuation assembly wherein slots  51  are used in the segments  50  and an internal sleeve  52  secured to the collar by pins  44  with threaded heads  27  opens the collar segments  50  when the retaining collar  7  is moved to the open or jaw disengaged position. The ramp surface on sleeve  50  thus forces the segments outward when the collar  7  moves up relative to the valve body. 
         [0042]      FIG. 15  shows the stems  53  of pins  26  providing the separation and rotational driving engagement of segments  50  at the upper end of the segmented collar. 
         [0043]      FIG. 14  shows pins  44  engaged in slot  51  of segment  50  and in holes  55  in internal sleeve  52 , providing separation  54  and rotational driving engagement for segments  50  and axial movement for internal sleeve  52 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 16  shows the internal cam sleeve  52  moved axially by pins  44  such that the engagement of surface  56  of sleeve  52  against inner surface  57  of segment  50  opens the segments  50  of the segmented collar. 
         [0045]      FIG. 17  shows the retaining collar  7  moved to the full open position wherein inner surfaces  59  of segments  50  contact outer surface  58  of inner sleeve  52  which prevents ends  60  of segments  50  from collapsing radially and thereby aids the operation of the connection function. The spring assisted opening embodiments of  FIGS. 2 and 12  function but allow inward radial movement of a segment  50  when the retaining collar is in full open position, which may inhibit connection to the male member  19  if a segment strikes the member  19  during the connection operation. 
         [0046]    It should be noted that pin set  26  and  27  removably located in the retaining collar  7  may be used to enhance both the operation and assembly of the valve. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the full open position of the retaining collar  7  is limited by stem  53  of pin  26  contacting spiral ring  61 , and the full closed position of retaining collar  7  is limited by pin  44  contacting end  65  of slot  51  in each segment as in the spring assisted embodiment in  FIG. 11  or in  FIG. 13 . In  FIGS. 11 and 13 , pins  44  engage sleeve  52 , which contacts surface  66  of segment  50 . Further to the spacing and driving function of the pins  26  and  27  is their removability which enables assembly of the device. 
         [0047]    To move the valve from the disconnected position as shown in  FIG. 2  to a connected position as shown in  FIG. 3 , so that the valve body is connected to the container connection  19 , an operator may grasp the exterior of retainer sleeve  7  and push downward, thereby moving the thread  23  from the disengaged position to the engaged position. To disengage the valve body from container connection  19 , the retainer collar  7  is moved axially toward the inlet  2 , which then moves the safety collar  6  axially due to the presence of pins  4 . The interaction between axial movement of the collars and the operation of the valve operating cam  8  is discussed above. 
         [0048]    The segmented collar as disclosed herein includes internal threads which move radially to engage and disengage a threaded container connection. In other embodiments, the inner interconnection between the valve and the connection need not include threads, and the lower ends of the collar segments  50  may thus include jaw members which radially moving to engage or disengage a non-threaded connection. Various configurations of jaw members may thus depend on the design of the connection to which the valve is to be connected. 
         [0049]    For valve shown herein, the valve includes a side port and an axial port in the valve housing. The segmented collar and the retaining collar are each spaced on one side of the side port (the lower side as shown in the figures), while the safety collar and the cam operated mechanism are on the axially opposite side of the side port (above the side port). In order to provide access in a variety of manners to the valve side port, elongate rods or other force transfer members as disclosed herein transmit axial forces between the safety collar and the retaining collar. 
         [0050]    Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein in some detail, this has been done solely for the purposes of explaining the various aspects of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims which follow. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment shown and described is exemplary, and various other substitutions, alterations and modifications, including but not limited to those design alternatives specifically discussed herein, may be made in the practice of the invention without departing from its scope.