Patent Description:
Field instruments, such as sensors and/or analyzers, can be important to various industrial devices, systems, and/or methods. In environments which involve or potentially involve explosive substances, such as alcohols and/or petroleum products, hazards of igniting the explosive substance can exists.

For example, instruments themselves may be involved with explosive substances, such as sensors for a production process, whether the explosive substances are within the precursor, intermediate product, incidental product, and/or final product. Additionally, the field environment for such instruments can themselves contain explosive substances, for example, gases, which could be ignited by the electronic equipment of the instruments and/or generally by an explosion originating from within the instruments. Accordingly, explosion management can be challenging. Document <CIT> describes a modular dual-compartment temperature transmitter. A temperature transmitter includes a dual-compartment housing and a head-mount temperature transmitter electronics module. The dual-compartment housing has a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment is configured to receive field wiring at a terminal block through at least one conduit. The first and second compartments are separated except for an electrical feedthrough therebetween. A head-mount temperature transmitter electronics module is disposed in the second compartment and is operably coupled to the terminal block in the first compartment. Document <CIT> describes a measurement apparatus including a sensor probe and a circuit housing. The sensor probe is insertable through an opening provided in a flow path wall of a flow path through which a fluid to be measured flows and is used in a predetermined orientation relative to the flow direction of the fluid to be measured. The circuit housing includes a display and connects to the sensor probe, the display being disposed outside of the flow path. The circuit housing is fixable at a plurality of rotation positions relative to the sensor probe about an axis along the insertion direction of the sensor probe. Document <CIT> describes an explosion proof electronics enclosure that comprises a first compartment defined by a body, a second compartment defined by the body, and a septum between the first compartment and the second compartment. A first aperture with the septum connects the first compartment and the second compartment. A cavity, in communication with the first aperture, comprises an undercut taper. A potting with the cavity conforms to the cavity shape and forms a substantially explosion-proof interface between the first compartment and the second compartment. Document <CIT> describes an electromagnetic interference resistant electronics enclosure that comprises a first compartment defined by a body and a second compartment defined by the body. A septum is between the first compartment and the second compartment. A first aperture with the septum connects the first compartment and the second compartment. A feed-through element comprises a first interface region and a second interface region, wherein one or more primary conductors extend between the first interface region and the second interface region, and wherein the first interface region resides in the first compartment, and the second interface region resides in the second compartment.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an explosion-resistant enclosure may include an analysis compartment for receiving analysis equipment for analysis of materials, a control compartment for receiving control equipment for governing operation of analysis equipment, the control compartment isolated from the analysis compartment, and a feed-through extending between the analysis compartment and the control compartment for extension of cabling therethrough. The feed-through may be hermetically sealed to block against flow of fluids between the analysis and control compartments.

In some embodiments, one or more of the feed-through, the analysis compartment, and the control compartment may be explosion resistant. The control compartment may comprise a control housing defining a control cavity for receiving control equipment and an access opening for accessing the control cavity. The control compartment may include a lid for joining with the housing to enclose the access opening.

In some embodiments, the control housing may include an end member for engagement with the lid. The access opening may be defined by the end member. The end member may be supported by a flange wall extending from the control housing. The end member may extend orthogonally from the flange wall to define an end face for engagement with the lid.

In some embodiments, the flange wall may include a receptacle defined on an outer surface thereof for receiving a clamp. At least one of the flange wall and the lid may include a sloped surface extending circumferentially for engagement with the clamp. The end member may engage with the lid to define a flame gap extending circumferentially about the access opening.

In some embodiments, the analysis compartment may include a clamp for securing the lid with the housing. The clamp may include a number of clamp arms extending circumferentially about each of the lid and the end member. Each of the clamp arms may include circumferential ends. The circumferential ends of a pair of clamp arms may be selectively fastened with each other to clamp the lid and the end member together.

In some embodiments, each one of the pair of clamp arms may include another circumferential end. The another circumferential ends of the pair of clamp arms may be pivotably coupled together. In some embodiments, the clamp may include a fastener. The fastener may be arranged pivotably coupling the clamps arms together. The fastener may be secured with a housing of the enclosure to support the clamp arms for movement between an open position free from the end member and a closed position clamped about the end member to clamp the lid and the end member together.

In some embodiments, the clamp may include a radial depression for receiving a circumferential portion of each of the lid and end member. The radial depression may be defined with one or more inwardly sloped surfaces of the clamp. Each inwardly sloped surface may be arranged for engagement with one of the lid and end member to press the lid and end member together under radially inward pressure of the clamp. In some embodiments, at least one of the flange wall and the lid may include an outwardly sloped surface extending circumferentially for engagement with the one or more inwardly sloped surfaces of the clamp to press the lid and end member together under radially inward pressure of the clamp.

In some embodiments, the lid may include a cable passage for extension of interface cabling therethrough. The cable passage may define a flame gap.

In some embodiments, the lid may be defined as a part of a lid assembly comprising a display screen for graphical display. The display screen may include cabling extending through the cable passage for communication with the control equipment. The display screen may include a touch screen for receiving touch sensitive user input.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an explosion-resistant device may include an explosion-resistant enclosure, analysis equipment for analysis of samples, the analysis equipment arranged within the explosion-resistant enclosure, and control equipment for governing control of the analysis equipment. The explosion-resistant enclosure may include an analysis compartment receiving the analysis equipment; a control compartment receiving the control equipment, and a feed-through. The control compartment may be isolated from the analysis compartment. The feed-through may extend between the analysis compartment and the control compartment for extension of cabling therethrough. The feed-through may be hermetically sealed to block against flow of fluids between the analysis and control compartments.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an explosion-resistant device may include an explosion-resistant enclosure comprising (i) an analysis compartment for receiving analysis equipment for analysis of materials, (ii) a control compartment for receiving control equipment, the control compartment isolated from the analysis compartment, and (iii) a feed-through extending between the analysis compartment and the control compartment for extension of cabling; and a lid assembly. The lid assembly may include (i) a lid for enclosing an opening of the explosion-resistant enclosure and (ii) a graphical display assembly for presenting visual information regarding the analysis equipment.

In some embodiments, the lid may include a cable passage for extension of display cabling therethrough. The cable passage may include an opening in a body of the lid and a passage fitting formed complementary to the opening to define a flame gap. The flame gap may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, the passage fitting may extend through the opening in the body of the lid with axial engagement with the surface of the opening along a longitudinal extent to define the flame gap.

In some embodiments, the lid assembly may include a clamp for clamping around the circumference of the lid to secure the lid with the explosion-resistant compartment. The clamp may be arranged circumferentially about the lid and an end member of the explosion-resistant compartment to secure the lid with the explosion-resistant compartment.

In some embodiments, the graphical display assembly may include a transparent outer face plate and an inner display. The inner display may be covered by the face plate. The graphical display assembly may include a display housing for housing the display. The display housing may be secured with the lid.

In some embodiments, the display housing may include a front bezel and a rear housing collectively defining an interior compartment for housing the display. The graphical display assembly may be formed as a touchscreen user interface. The outer face plate may define a touch sensitive interface for receiving user input.

In some embodiments, the display may include display cabling extending therefrom for communication with the analysis equipment. The display cable may extend through a cable passage defined within the lid for connection with the analysis equipment. The cable passage may be sealed to block against passage of explosive substance therethrough. Sealing may be provided by potting.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an explosion-resistant device may include an explosion-resistant enclosure comprising at least one compartment for receiving equipment and a lid assembly. The lid assembly may include a lid for enclosing an opening of the explosion-resistant enclosure. The lid may be clamped to the enclose the compartment by a clamp. The lid assembly may include a graphical display assembly for presenting visual information regarding the analysis equipment.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an explosion-resistant enclosure lid assembly may include a lid for enclosing an opening of an explosion-resistant enclosure, and a graphical display assembly for presenting visual information regarding the analysis equipment. The graphical display assembly may be joined with the lid.

In some embodiments, the graphical display assembly may include a touch screen display and a display housing receiving the display. The display housing may be connected with the lid. The lid may include a cable passage for extension of touch screen display cabling therethrough. The cable passage may include an opening in a body of the lid and a passage fitting formed complementary to the opening to define a flame gap. The passage fitting may extend through the opening in the body of the lid with axial engagement with the surface of the opening along a longitudinal extent to define the flame gap.

These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments.

The concepts described in the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.

In various industrial scenarios, electronic instrumentation can assist in high quality, safe, and/or efficient process management. In scenarios involving explosive and/or flammable substances, whether those substances are the intended final product or may otherwise exist (intentionally or not) at some point in a process to generate the final product, the risk of explosion and/or flame can exist. In particular, in using electronic equipment to conduct field analysis of process substances with flammability and/or explosion risks, the electronics themselves can pose a risk of ignition. For example, flammable and/or explosive gases to be analyzed may be ignited if allowed in contact with electronic equipment, such as control boards and/or circuitry internal to the instrumentation. Within the present disclosure, the resistance to explosion and/or flammability risks, including from electronic instrumentation, is described as explosion resistance.

Additionally, electronic instrumentation may exist in external environments which may have risk the presence of flammable and/or explosive substances, such as in petrochemical production facilities. Thus, in addition to the hazards of instrumentation generating internal ignition, electronic instrumentation can pose further risk to external environments. Accordingly, the design of instrumentation to manage explosion and/or flammability risks can be challenging.

Still further, control equipment, such as the electronic components for governing control of analysis equipment, can require more frequent, sporadic, and/or time-sensitive maintenance (e.g., repair and/or replacement). Ease of access to such control equipment is important to practical operations. However, robust explosion-resistant designs can inhibit ease of access to instrument internals. Thus, providing ease of access in proper explosion resistant designs can be challenging.

An exemplary instrumentation device <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The instrumentation device <NUM> is illustratively formed as an electronic analyzer, embodied to conduct gas chromatography to determine properties of a subject substance of a production process. As discussed in additional detail herein, the instrumentation device <NUM> includes electronic equipment housed within an explosion-resistant enclosure <NUM>. The electronic equipment can include any suitable manner of equipment, but is illustratively embodied to include gas chromatography equipment.

The explosion-resistant enclosure <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> defining an interior for receiving equipment therein. The housing <NUM> illustratively includes an analysis compartment <NUM> for receiving analysis equipment, and a control compartment <NUM> for receiving control equipment. The enclosure <NUM> illustratively includes an antenna <NUM> for communicating wireless signals, for example, Wi-Fi signals, although in some embodiments, the device <NUM> may be partly or wholly wired for communication.

As shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> includes a graphical display assembly <NUM> for presenting visual information. As discussed in additional detail herein, the display assembly <NUM> includes a display screen <NUM> embodied as a touch screen display enabled for touch interaction to receive user input. Traditional explosion-resistant devices can include designs which lack or have challenges implementing touch screen displays due to the need for explosion-resistant design in the display itself. The robustness of traditional explosion-resistant designs can inhibit the functionality of the touch screen.

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of the enclosure <NUM> has been removed to reveal internals within the analysis compartment <NUM> and the control compartment <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment as shown in <FIG>, the analysis compartment <NUM> defines an analysis cavity <NUM> therein. The analysis compartment <NUM> receives analysis equipment within the analysis cavity <NUM>, the analysis equipment illustratively embodied to include gas chromatography analysis modules <NUM> for conducting gas chromatography analysis, and may include one or more regulators, samplers, detectors, chromatograms and/or other equipment operated under guidance of the control equipment. The analysis modules <NUM> are illustratively arranged in communication with ports <NUM>, <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM> through the analysis compartment <NUM>. The ports <NUM>, <NUM> are illustratively defined as input and output ports for receiving and returning (external) substances for analysis by the analysis modules <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the control compartment <NUM> defines a control cavity <NUM> therein. The control compartment <NUM> receives control equipment within the control cavity <NUM>, the control equipment illustratively embodied as control circuitry <NUM>. The control circuitry <NUM> is illustratively embodiment as control circuitry for governing control and/or communication of gas chromatography processing; and may including one or more processors executing instructions stored on memory, and executing communications via communications circuitry based on guidance from the processor(s) for conducting gas chromatography operations. The control equipment is formed to conduct control operations for the analysis equipment. For example, the control equipment provides the governing control commands for operation of the analysis modules <NUM>.

The analysis compartment <NUM> is isolated from the control compartment <NUM> to assist in explosion-resistance. By isolating the analysis equipment within the analysis compartment <NUM> from the control equipment within the control compartment <NUM>, the enclosure <NUM> can reduce the likelihood of ignition of substances within the analysis compartment <NUM>, providing enhanced explosion-resistance. Any would-be ignition (or existence of explosion substance) occurring within the analysis compartment <NUM> can be less likely to spread outside of the analysis compartment <NUM>, providing enhanced explosion-resistance. Similarly, any would-be ignition (or existence of explosion substance) within the control compartment <NUM> can be less likely to spread beyond the analysis compartment <NUM>.

A feed-through <NUM> illustratively extends between the analysis and control compartments <NUM>, <NUM> for extension of cabling <NUM> therethrough. The feed-through <NUM> is formed as a narrow, sealed channel allowing extension of cabling <NUM> to communicate between the control equipment and the analysis equipment, but blocking against flow communication of substances (e.g., fluids) between the compartments <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the feed-through <NUM> is hermetically sealed to block against communication of substances.

In the illustrative embodiment, the feed-through <NUM> includes the cabling <NUM> extending therethrough and potted into place to seal the feed-through <NUM>. A connection terminal <NUM> is illustratively defined on an end of the feed-through <NUM> within the analysis compartment <NUM>. The connection terminal <NUM> includes the cabling <NUM> connected therewith and extending from the control compartment <NUM>. The connection terminal <NUM> is illustratively arranged for selectively receiving connection with the analysis modules <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the connection terminal <NUM> may be omitted and the cabling <NUM> may be hardwired with the analysis modules <NUM>. In some embodiments, a printed circuit board assembly may be arranged within the analysis compartment for connection with the connection terminal <NUM> to provide additional connections with the analysis equipment. In some embodiments, the cabling <NUM> may include a terminal connection on the control compartment side to receive selective connection with the control equipment.

Referring now to <FIG>, the enclosure <NUM> includes a lid assembly including a lid <NUM> for enclosing an access opening <NUM> of the control compartment <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is selectively joined with the control compartment <NUM> via a clamp <NUM> of the lid assembly to seal the control compartment <NUM>. A user can selectively operate the clamp <NUM> between locked and unlocked positions to access or seal the control compartment <NUM>, while the analysis compartment <NUM> remains isolated.

The control compartment <NUM> includes the access opening <NUM> providing access to the control cavity <NUM>. The access opening <NUM> is defined by an end member <NUM> of the control compartment <NUM> embodied as an end flange. The end flange <NUM> engages with the lid <NUM> to seal the access opening <NUM> of the control compartment <NUM>.

The clamp <NUM> is operable in a closed position (as suggested in <FIG>) to clamp the lid <NUM> and control compartment <NUM> together, and an open position (as suggested in <FIG>) to permit removal of the lid <NUM> for access within the control compartment <NUM>. The clamp <NUM> is illustratively formed with two clamp arms <NUM>. The clamp arms <NUM> are formed to secure (clamp) circumferentially about the lid <NUM> and the end flange <NUM> of the control compartment <NUM> to join the lid <NUM> and the control compartment <NUM> together by compression.

Each clamp arm <NUM> includes a terminal end <NUM> arranged at one end and another terminal end <NUM> arranged at the opposite end. The clamp arms <NUM> each extend between their terminal ends <NUM>, <NUM> with curvature complementary to a portion of the circumference of the lid <NUM> and end flange <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the terminal ends <NUM> are pivotably engaged with each other such that the clamp arms <NUM> can pivot between the open and closed positions of the clamp <NUM> while remaining engaged together.

The terminal ends <NUM> of the clamp arms <NUM> are selectively connected with each other to secure the clamp <NUM> in the closed position. The terminal end <NUM> of one of the clamp arms <NUM> illustratively includes a pair of fasteners <NUM>, embodied as bolts, extending from an end face <NUM> of the terminal end <NUM>. The terminal end <NUM> of the other of the clamp arms <NUM> illustratively includes a complementary pair of receivers <NUM> extending through an end face <NUM> for receiving connection of the fasteners <NUM>. The fasteners <NUM> illustratively thread into the receivers <NUM> to join the end faces <NUM> together to secure the clamp <NUM> in the closed position. In some embodiments, the clamp arms <NUM> may be secured together by any suitable manner of fastener.

The analysis compartment <NUM> includes a lid <NUM> shown disconnected from the housing <NUM> in <FIG>. The lid <NUM> is illustratively formed to connect with the analysis compartment <NUM> by threading to seal an access opening <NUM> of the analysis compartment <NUM>. The lid <NUM> of the analysis compartment is distinct from the lid <NUM> of the control compartment <NUM>. Accordingly, the analysis compartment <NUM> can be accessed without requiring access to the control compartment <NUM>, and the control compartment <NUM> can be accessed without requiring access to the analysis compartment <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the clamp <NUM> is shown in the open position. In the illustrative embodiment, the terminal ends <NUM> of the clamp arms <NUM> are pivotably coupled together by a pin fastener <NUM>. The pin fastener <NUM> is illustratively arranged connected with the housing <NUM> and extending therefrom to pivotably support the clamp arms <NUM>. The pin fastener <NUM> is illustratively arranged on a lower end (relative to the orientation of <FIG>) of the end flange <NUM> of the control compartment <NUM> such that the clamp arms <NUM> are arranged to the lateral sides of the end flange <NUM>. In such arrangement, the weight of the clamp arms <NUM> can assist in biasing each clamp arm <NUM> into the open position while remaining coupled with the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the clamp <NUM> can be biased into the open position when the clamps arms <NUM> are disconnected from each other at the terminal ends <NUM> to provide ease of access to the access opening <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the lid <NUM> is shown joined with the graphical display assembly <NUM> to form a lid assembly <NUM>. As discussed in additional detail herein, the graphical display assembly <NUM> provides touchscreen interface for user input and display. The lid assembly <NUM> can be clamped, via the lid <NUM> and clamp <NUM>, together with the control compartment <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a cross-section of a portion of the enclosure <NUM> is shown for ease of description. The lid assembly <NUM> is shown secured with the enclosure <NUM>, enclosing the access opening <NUM>. The lid <NUM> and the end flange <NUM> are engaged with each other to seal the access opening <NUM> of the control compartment <NUM>.

The end flange <NUM> is supported by a flange wall <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. The flange wall <NUM> extends from the housing <NUM>, projecting towards the access opening <NUM>. The end flange <NUM> extends generally orthogonally from the flange wall <NUM> to define a contact face <NUM> for engagement with the lid <NUM>. The contact face <NUM> is illustratively defined circumferentially about the access opening <NUM> for engagement with a contact face <NUM> of the lid <NUM>.

Engagement between the contact face <NUM> of the end flange <NUM> and the contact face <NUM> of the lid <NUM> defines a flame gap G for blocking against hazard of explosion. The flame gap G is illustratively defined as a circumferential flame gap, encircling the access opening <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the flame gap G is defined as a direct contact between two substantially flat surfaces, but in some embodiments, may have any suitable form, including but without limitation, plane, straight, flat, flanged, serrated, threaded, spigot, rabbet, multi-step, and/or labyrinth, such as, for example but without limitation, those conforming with one or more of<NPL>"; <NPL>"; and <NPL>.

In the illustrative embodiment as shown in <FIG>, the flange wall <NUM> defines a receptacle <NUM> for receiving engagement of the clamp <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> is defined as depression formed on an outer surface <NUM> of the flange wall <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> illustratively extends circumferentially about the flange wall <NUM> to receive the clamp <NUM>.

When the clamp <NUM> is clamped to secure the lid <NUM> and the control compartment <NUM> together, the receptacle <NUM> receives a rim <NUM> of the clamp <NUM>. The clamp <NUM> includes a depression <NUM> defined on a radially inner surface between the rim <NUM> and another rim <NUM>. A transition section <NUM>, <NUM> is defined between each rim <NUM>, <NUM> and the depression <NUM>. Each transition section <NUM>, <NUM> is formed as an inwardly sloped surface extending circumferentially for engagement with one of the lid <NUM> and the end flange <NUM>.

Ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the lid <NUM> and end flange <NUM>, respectively, engage within the depression <NUM> of the clamp <NUM>. The ends <NUM>, <NUM> each include an outwardly sloped surface <NUM>, <NUM> for engagement with one of the transition sections <NUM>, <NUM> formed complementary thereto. Engagement between the outwardly sloped surface <NUM>, <NUM> and the transition sections <NUM>, <NUM> can press the together the lid <NUM> and the end flange <NUM> under radial compression by the clamp <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment, the sloped surface <NUM> and the transition section <NUM> define a wedged engagement to encourage (press) the lid and the end flange <NUM> together. The sloped surface <NUM> and the transition section <NUM> define a wedged engagement to encourage (press) the lid <NUM> and the end flange <NUM> together. Each wedged engagement is arranged to transfer radial force from the clamp <NUM> into compressive force generally normal to the engagement between the lid <NUM> and end flange <NUM> (e.g., normal to the contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> in the illustrative embodiment) to encourage a tight fit at the flame gap G.

Referring now to <FIG>, the lid assembly <NUM> is shown in partial cross-section while spaced apart from the end flange <NUM>. The display assembly <NUM> of the lid assembly <NUM> includes a bezel <NUM> connected with rear housing <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the rear housing <NUM> includes a number of arms <NUM> extending for connection with the bezel <NUM> for joining the bezel <NUM> and rear housing <NUM> together. The bezel <NUM> and rear housing <NUM> collectively define a display housing <NUM> comprising a display compartment <NUM> for receiving the display assembly <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> includes a cable passage <NUM> defined therethrough for extension of cabling through the lid <NUM>. The cable passage <NUM> is formed as a sealing passage, permitting the extension of cabling with gas-tight sealing to support communication with the control equipment while blocking against flow of fluids through the access opening <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display housing <NUM> is illustratively secured with the lid <NUM> to mount the display assembly <NUM> with the lid <NUM>. The lid assembly <NUM> includes a fastener <NUM> which engages with the display housing <NUM> through the lid <NUM> to secure the lid <NUM> and display housing <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the rear housing <NUM> includes a stem <NUM> extending for connection with the fastener <NUM>. The stem <NUM> and fastener <NUM> are illustratively connected together, to form a passage fitting, via threaded engagement to secure the display housing <NUM> with the lid <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the stem <NUM> and fastener <NUM> may be connected by any suitable manner.

Each of the fastener <NUM> and stem <NUM> are illustratively formed with hollow interior to define an open space <NUM> for passage of cabling <NUM> through the lid <NUM>. The cabling can provide communication connection between the display assembly <NUM> and the control equipment within the control compartment <NUM>, while the lid <NUM> encloses the access opening <NUM>. With arrangement of cabling <NUM> through the space <NUM>, the space <NUM> can be sealed, for example, by potting the cabling <NUM> into place define a gas tight arrangement, while permitting communication between the display assembly <NUM> and the control equipment.

The cable passage <NUM> is illustratively includes an opening <NUM> formed in a body <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is defined by a port <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The port <NUM> includes a wall <NUM> extending from the body <NUM> to define the opening <NUM> to receive the stem <NUM> and fastener <NUM>. The wall <NUM> includes an interior surface <NUM> for engagement with at least one of the stem <NUM> and fastener <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment as shown in <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> receives the stem <NUM> therein in threaded connection as a passage fitting, and thus an outer surface <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> engages with the interior surface <NUM> of the wall <NUM>, but in some embodiments, either or both of the fastener <NUM> and the stem <NUM> may define the surface for engagement with the interior surface <NUM> of the wall <NUM>. The complementary engagement between outer surface <NUM> of the passage fitting (illustratively, the fastener <NUM>) and the interior surface <NUM> of the wall <NUM> defines a flame gap H.

The flame gap H is illustratively defined as a cylindrical flame gap, providing explosion resistance across the lid <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the flame gap H is defined as a direct contact between two substantially complementary surfaces (flat, although with complementary curvature to each other); but in some embodiments, the flame gap H may have any suitable form, including but without limitation, plane, straight, flat, flanged, serrated, threaded, spigot, rabbet, multi-step, and/or labyrinth, such as, for example but without limitation, those conforming with one or more of <NPL>"; <NPL>"; and <NPL>".

The flame gap H permits cabling to be installed through the lid <NUM>, while providing a sealed communication connection between the display assembly <NUM> and the control equipment via the cabling <NUM>. Unlike traditional approaches which may require the display screen itself to maintain significant explosion resistance, for example, through the use of thick glass for the screen itself, designs within the present disclosure can reduce the need for excessive configuration of the screen for explosion resistance, permitting more elegant display screens. Moreover, such elegant display screens can improve the usability of touchscreen interfaces.

As shown in <FIG>, the lid assembly <NUM> is shown partially exploded for descriptive ease. The display assembly <NUM> includes the display screen <NUM> embodied as a touchscreen display. The display screen <NUM> illustratively includes a face plate <NUM>, embodied as a transparent outer face plate, and a display <NUM> for engagement with the face plate <NUM>. The face plate <NUM> forms an outer contact surface of the display screen <NUM> defining a touch sensitive area for receiving user input, while the graphical display of the display <NUM> is visible through the face plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the display screen <NUM> may be formed as merely a visual display, without touch input, and/or may include non-touch input access.

The display screen <NUM> includes a touch sensor board <NUM> in communication with the face plate <NUM> to receive and communicate touch input from the user. The face plate <NUM> is illustratively joined with the display <NUM> via an adhesive layer <NUM> arranged therebetween. The display assembly <NUM> illustratively includes a gasket <NUM> for arrangement between the face plate <NUM> and the bezel <NUM> for supporting the display screen <NUM> within the display housing <NUM>. The display screen <NUM> is arranged within the display housing <NUM> for viewing and touch input through a display opening <NUM> in the bezel <NUM>. In some embodiments, the display screen <NUM> may be encapsulated within the display housing, for example, by potting.

Accordingly, touchscreen operation can be implemented while maintaining the explosion-resistance of the enclosure <NUM>. As mentioned above, traditional explosion resistant designs may have required significant explosion resistance in the display itself, for example, thick glass or plastic as the touchscreen surface. Thick touchscreen surfaces can themselves inhibit touchscreen operation, by lowering the sensitive of the capacitive touch surface to touch inputs. Designs within the present disclosure permit the use of a thin face plate in the touchscreen display, allowing greater, and more functional implementation of touchscreen operations.

Referring now to <FIG>, the device <NUM> having explosion-resistant enclosure <NUM> is shown, in which the analysis compartment <NUM> includes a lid assembly <NUM> in lieu of lid <NUM>. The lid assembly <NUM> is illustratively embodied to be similar to the lid <NUM>, and is arranged for enclosing the access opening <NUM> of the analysis compartment <NUM>. Unlike the lid <NUM>, the lid assembly <NUM> includes a carriage <NUM> pivotably connected with the housing <NUM> and a lid <NUM> received by the carriage <NUM>.

The lid assembly <NUM> is operable between closed and open positions. As shown in <FIG>, the lid assembly <NUM> is arranged in the closed position, having the lid <NUM> in a sealed position sealing the access opening <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lid assembly <NUM> is arranged in the open position, allow access to the access opening <NUM>, and thus, the analysis equipment within the analysis compartment <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM> illustrative includes a frame <NUM> for receiving the lid <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> is pivotably connected with the housing <NUM> by a pinned connection <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> is pivotable about the pinned connection <NUM> between the closed and opened positions to position the lid <NUM> to engage with the analysis compartment <NUM> or to allow access to the access opening <NUM>, respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, the analysis compartment <NUM> includes a connection flange <NUM> for engagement with the lid <NUM>. The connection flange <NUM> is illustratively formed to circumferentially define the access opening <NUM>. The lid <NUM> and the connection flange <NUM> collectively form a threaded engagement to selectively seal and unseal the analysis compartment <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the lid <NUM> is arranged in the sealed position to seal the analysis compartment <NUM>. The lid assembly <NUM> is arranged in the closed position to engage with the connection flange <NUM>, and the lid <NUM> has been rotated for threaded engagement with the connection flange <NUM> to form gas tight seal.

In <FIG>, the lid <NUM> is in the unsealed position. The lid <NUM> has been unthreaded from, but remains engaged with, the connection flange <NUM>, while the lid assembly <NUM> is arranged in the closed position. In <FIG>, the lid <NUM> is positioned farther from the access opening <NUM> than in the sealed position as shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the lid assembly <NUM> has been pivoted out from the closed position towards the open position.

Within the present disclosure, implementation of a clamped lid closure can promote ease of access for touchscreen designs. For example, by allowing the lid <NUM> to avoid rotation which would be required for a threaded connection with the housing <NUM>, twisting of cabling <NUM> can be avoided during closure of the enclosure <NUM>. Accordingly, ease of access can be afforded while providing explosion-resistant design.

Within the present disclosure, designs including one control and one analysis compartment have been considered. However, in some embodiments, devices, systems, and methods may include one or more control compartments and one or more analysis compartments, for example, one control compartment arranged in communication with two or more analysis compartments, for example, via serial or parallel feed-throughs extending between the control compartment and the analysis compartments.

Examples of suitable processors may include one or more microprocessors, integrated circuits, system-on-a-chips (SoC), among others. Examples of suitable memory, may include one or more primary storage and/or non-primary storage (e.g., secondary, tertiary, etc. storage); permanent, semi-permanent, and/or temporary storage; and/or memory storage devices including but not limited to hard drives (e.g., magnetic, solid state), optical discs (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM), RAM (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, DRDRAM), ROM (e.g., PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash EEPROM), volatile, and/or non-volatile memory; among others. Communication circuitry includes components for facilitating processor operations, for example, suitable components may include transmitters, receivers, modulators, demodulators, filters, modems, analog/digital (AD or DA) converters, diodes, switches, operational amplifiers, and/or integrated circuits.

Claim 1:
An explosion-resistant device (<NUM>), comprising:
an explosion-resistant enclosure (<NUM>) comprising (i) an analysis compartment (<NUM>) for receiving analysis equipment for analysis of materials, (ii) a control compartment (<NUM>) for receiving control equipment, the control compartment (<NUM>) isolated from the analysis compartment (<NUM>), and (iii) a feed-through (<NUM>) extending between the analysis compartment (<NUM>) and the control compartment (<NUM>) for extension of cabling (<NUM>); and
a lid assembly (<NUM>) comprising (i) a lid (<NUM>) enclosing an access opening (<NUM>) of the control compartment (<NUM>) and (ii) a graphical display assembly (<NUM>) for presenting visual information regarding the analysis equipment, the lid (<NUM>) positioned between the access opening (<NUM>) and the graphical display assembly (<NUM>).