Patent Description:
The pressure at which typical fluid distribution systems supply fluid may vary according to the demands placed on the system, the climate, the source of supply, and/or other factors. However, most end-user facilities equipped with gas appliances such as furnaces, ovens, etc., require the gas to be delivered in accordance with a predetermined pressure, and at or below a maximum capacity of a gas regulator. Therefore, fluid regulators are implemented in these distribution systems in order to ensure that the delivered gas meets the requirements of the end-user facilities.

Fluid regulators, such as the Tartarini™ M Series Pressure Regulator, are primarily designed for industrial and commercial applications supplying fluids, such as natural gas and propane, to furnaces, burners, and other appliances and are generally well known in the art. Fluid regulators are typically used to regulate the pressure of a supply fluid to a substantially constant value. Specifically, a fluid regulator has an inlet that typically receives the supply fluid at a relatively high pressure and provides a relatively lower and substantially constant pressure at an outlet. To regulate the downstream pressure, fluid regulators commonly include a sensing element (e.g., a diaphragm) to sense an outlet pressure in fluid communication with a downstream pressure.

Fluid regulators can also include a slam-shut device, such as the Emerson® OS/<NUM> series slam-shut device, that provide safety shutoff if needed. Slam-shut devices provide this safety shutoff in response to an overpressure condition (i.e., when the downstream pressure exceeds a maximum downstream pressure threshold) and/or an under pressure condition (i.e., when the downstream pressure is less than a minimum downstream pressure threshold). When the downstream pressure is at a normal operating value, the slam-shut device remains open (i.e., does not provide safety shutoff). However, when the downstream pressure varies beyond its set limits, the slam-shut device closes and prevents fluid from flowing through the fluid regulator. One problem encountered with typically slam-shut devices is the position of an integrated slam-shut device in the fluid regulator. A typical integrated slam-shut device is accessible from one side of the body of the fluid regulator, between the input and the output. Depending on the field installation and/or skid design, the side of the fluid regulator where the slam-shut device is positioned can be inaccessible by the user, which can severely complicate normal line startup, maintenance, and/or troubleshooting.

Document <CIT> relates to a fluid regulator with field convertible slam-shut device.

Document <CIT> relates to a slam-shut safety device for use in dirty service applications.

One aspect of the present invention includes a slam-shut mechanism as defined in the appended claims.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a fluid regulator as defined in the appended claims.

Additional optional aspects, arrangements, examples, and features are disclosed, which may be arranged in any functionally appropriate manner, either alone or in any functionally viable combination, consistent with the teachings of the disclosure. Other aspects and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description.

The present disclosure is directed to slam-shut safety devices that are for use with a fluid regulator and aim to solve some of the problems associated with known slam-shut safety devices (e.g., the Emerson® OS/<NUM> series slam-shut device described above). For example, the slam-shut safety devices described herein are accessible by a user, thereby facilitating normal line startup, maintenance, and/or troubleshooting. As another example, the slam-shut safety devices described herein can be moved in order to facilitate maintenance of other components of the fluid regulator without having to open or remove the slam-shut safety device.

<FIG> illustrate one example of a fluid regulator <NUM> constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The fluid regulator <NUM> is configured to regulate the pressure of a supply fluid flowing therethrough to a substantially constant value, but also includes a slam-shut safety device <NUM> that is configured to provide a safety shutoff capability in the event of an overpressure condition (i.e., the pressure downstream of the fluid regulator <NUM> is greater than a maximum downstream pressure threshold) or an under pressure condition (i.e., the pressure downstream of the fluid regulator <NUM> is less than a minimum downstream pressure threshold). The fluid regulator <NUM> in this example generally includes the slam-shut safety device <NUM> as well as a regulator body <NUM>, a control assembly <NUM>, and an actuator assembly <NUM>. In other examples, however, the fluid regulator <NUM> can include a different regulator body <NUM>, a different control element <NUM>, or a different actuator assembly <NUM>.

Referring first to <FIG>, the regulator body <NUM> has a fluid inlet <NUM> and a fluid outlet <NUM> connected by a fluid passage forming a flow path <NUM>. A seat <NUM> is disposed within the regulator body <NUM> and defines a flow orifice <NUM> that forms a portion of the flow path <NUM>. The seat <NUM> may be removably or fixedly disposed in position within the regulator body <NUM>. It will be appreciated that fluid flowing through the regulator body <NUM> flows from the fluid inlet <NUM> to the fluid outlet <NUM> via or through the flow path <NUM> (including the flow orifice <NUM>). The control assembly <NUM> is arranged for displacement in the regulator body <NUM> for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough. The control assembly <NUM> includes a control element <NUM>, which can, for example, take the form of a valve plug or a valve disk, and a valve stem <NUM> that is connected to the control element <NUM>.

The actuator assembly <NUM> is a diaphragm-based actuator assembly that is operatively connected to the regulator body <NUM> to control the position of the control assembly <NUM> relative to the seat <NUM>. As best illustrated in <FIG>, the actuator assembly <NUM> generally includes an actuator housing <NUM> and a diaphragm <NUM> disposed within the housing <NUM>. The actuator housing <NUM> is coupled to the regulator body <NUM> via a plurality of fasteners and is formed of a first or spring case <NUM> and a second or diaphragm case <NUM> secured together, such as with one or more bolts connecting respective outer flanges of the first and second cases <NUM>, <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> separates the housing <NUM> into a first chamber <NUM> and a second chamber <NUM>. The first chamber <NUM> is defined at least partly by one side of the diaphragm <NUM> and the spring case <NUM>. The second chamber <NUM> is defined at least partly by the other side of the diaphragm <NUM> and the diaphragm case <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the valve stem <NUM> has a first end operatively connected to the diaphragm <NUM> and a second end operatively connected to the control element <NUM>. Movement of the diaphragm <NUM> in response to pressure changes at the fluid outlet <NUM> thus causes the valve stem <NUM> to shift the control element <NUM> in a manner so as to maintain the process fluid pressure within a pre-selected range at the fluid outlet <NUM>. The actuator assembly <NUM> further includes a control spring <NUM> operatively connected to the diaphragm <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is arranged to bias the diaphragm <NUM> against the fluid pressure with a selected force so as to maintain the pre-selected pressure range at the fluid outlet <NUM>. The force exerted by the control spring <NUM> can be adjusted via an adjusting screw <NUM>.

In turn, the diaphragm-based actuator assembly <NUM> serves to position the control element <NUM> relative to the flow path <NUM> to satisfy desired process control parameters (e.g., a desired set-point pressure). The spring <NUM> naturally biases the diaphragm <NUM> downward relative to the orientation of <FIG>, which translates into a movement of the control assembly <NUM> along a longitudinal axis A and toward an open position, i.e., away from the seat <NUM>. In order to move the control assembly <NUM> from the open position to a closed position, in which the control element <NUM> sealingly engages a bottom surface of the seat <NUM> (and, more particularly, a valve seating surface <NUM>), a pneumatic signal can be supplied to the second chamber <NUM> to increase the pressure in the second chamber <NUM>. The pneumatic signal can, for example, be supplied in response to or based on a pressure at the fluid outlet <NUM>, detected by a feedback pressure sensor, that is more than the desired set-point pressure. In any event, this increase in pressure is sensed by the diaphragm <NUM> and ultimately overcomes the force applied by the spring <NUM>, thereby moving the diaphragm <NUM> in the upward direction (at least relative to the orientation of <FIG>) and moving the control element <NUM> and the valve stem <NUM> along the longitudinal axis A and toward the closed position. When the pneumatic signal supplied to the second chamber <NUM> is reduced and/or eliminated, the spring <NUM> can expand and urge the diaphragm <NUM> downward and, in turn, the control element <NUM> and the valve plug <NUM> back toward the open position.

As discussed above, the fluid regulator <NUM> includes the slam-shut safety device <NUM>, which is configured to provide a safety shutoff capability in the event the pressure downstream of the fluid regulator <NUM> is greater than the maximum pressure threshold or less than the minimum pressure threshold. The slam-shut safety device <NUM> generally includes an internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> and a slam-shut mechanism <NUM> operatively connected to the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM>, and a controller <NUM> that is operatively connected to the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> via the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> in order to control the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM>. As best illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is coupled to the regulator body <NUM> such that the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> is disposed within the regulator body <NUM> (i.e., the slam-shut assembly <NUM> is internal to the regulator body <NUM>). More particularly, the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> is disposed around the valve stem <NUM> extending through the regulator body <NUM>, though it will be appreciated that the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> is operatively decoupled from the valve stem <NUM>. As also illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> is partially disposed within the regulator body <NUM> and partially disposed outside of the regulator body <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> is coupled to an exterior portion of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>.

In some examples, the slam-shut safety device <NUM> can be partially or entirely removable from the regulator body <NUM> (e.g., in order to facilitate maintenance of the slam-shut safety device <NUM> or the other components of the fluid regulator <NUM>). In some examples, the slam-shut safety device <NUM> can be coupled to the regulator body <NUM> during manufacture of the fluid regulator <NUM>. In other examples, however, the slam-shut safety device <NUM> can be field positionable and/or adjustable during installation or maintenance of the fluid regulator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> generally includes a slam-shut support <NUM>, a slam-shut control element <NUM> (e.g., a slam-shut disk or plug), and a slam-shut spring seat <NUM>. As best illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the slam-shut support <NUM> is coupled to both a portion of the fluid regulator <NUM> and the seat <NUM>. In this example, the slam-shut support <NUM> has a first end that is coupled (e.g., bolted) to a portion of the actuator assembly <NUM>. The slam-shut support <NUM> has a second end that is seated against a top surface <NUM> of the seat <NUM> so as to retain the seat <NUM> within the regulator body <NUM>. The slam-shut support <NUM> also serves to guide the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> within the regulator body <NUM>. The slam-shut control element <NUM> is secured to the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> in any known manner (e.g., via a retaining pin). The slam-shut spring seat <NUM> is coupled to the slam-shut control element <NUM> such that the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> generally moves in unison with the slam-shut control element <NUM> (and vice-versa). When the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is in operation, the slam-shut control element <NUM> and the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> are movable relative to the seat <NUM> to control fluid flow through the regulator body <NUM>. More particularly, the slam-shut control element <NUM> and the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> are movable along the longitudinal axis A and within the regulator body <NUM> between a first, fully open position, shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and a second, closed position. In the first position, the slam-shut control element <NUM> is spaced from the seat <NUM> (and, more particularly, a slam-shut seating surface <NUM> formed on the top surface <NUM> opposite the valve seating surface <NUM>), thereby opening the flow orifice <NUM> and allowing fluid flow between the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM>. Conversely, in the second position, the slam-shut control element <NUM> is positioned in sealing engagement with the seat <NUM> (and more particularly the slam-shut seating surface <NUM>), thereby closing the flow orifice <NUM> and preventing fluid flow between the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM>.

In this example, the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> also includes a pair of biasing elements - a first biasing element <NUM> and a second biasing element <NUM>. The first biasing element <NUM>, which in this example takes the form of a spring, is configured to apply a biasing force to the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> in order to urge the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> (and in turn the slam-shut control element <NUM>) toward the seat <NUM> and toward the second position. To this end, the first biasing element <NUM> has one end that bears against a portion of the slam-shut support <NUM> and another end that bears against a top surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>. The second biasing element <NUM> in this example also takes the form of a spring, but the second biasing element <NUM> is configured to apply a biasing force to the slam-shut control element <NUM> in order to maintain a minimum distance between the slam-shut control element <NUM> and the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>, the minimum distance being sufficient to accommodate a portion of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, as will be discussed in greater detail below. To this end, the second biasing element <NUM> has one end that bears against a bottom surface (which can also be referred to as an underside) of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> and another end that bears against a portion of the slam-shut control element <NUM>. The second biasing element <NUM> also plays a role also in the resetting of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, after it has tripped.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> generally includes a housing <NUM>, a stuffing box <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, a cam <NUM>, a latching pin <NUM>, a latch <NUM>, and a lever <NUM>. The housing <NUM>, which in this example takes the form of a mechanism box, is removably coupled to the regulator body <NUM> (though the housing <NUM> can be fixedly coupled to the regulator <NUM>). As best illustrated in <FIG>, the stuffing box <NUM> is partially disposed in the regulator body <NUM> and partially disposed in the housing <NUM>. The stuffing box <NUM> is in turn coupled to the housing <NUM> so as to couple the housing <NUM> to the regulator body <NUM> even though a substantial portion of the housing <NUM> is disposed outside of the regulator body <NUM>. In this example, the stuffing box <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM> via one or more bolts extending through opposing flanged surfaces of the housing <NUM> and the stuffing box <NUM>, respectively. In other examples, however, the stuffing box <NUM> can be coupled to the housing <NUM> in a different manner. As also illustrated in <FIG>, one or more sealing elements are arranged between the housing <NUM> and the stuffing box <NUM> in order to prevent fluid leakage therebetween.

The shaft <NUM> generally extends through both the housing <NUM> and through the stuffing box <NUM>. As such, when the housing <NUM> is coupled to the regulator body <NUM> via the stuffing box <NUM>, the shaft <NUM> extends along a transverse axis B that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, such that the shaft <NUM> is perpendicular to the valve stem <NUM>. Additionally, as best illustrated in <FIG>, a first portion of the shaft <NUM> is disposed in the regulator body <NUM>, a second portion of the shaft <NUM> is disposed outside of the regulator body <NUM> but in the housing <NUM>, and a third portion of the shaft <NUM>, including an end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>, is disposed outside of both the regulator body <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> is accessible to an end user of the fluid regulator <NUM> when it is necessary to reset the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

The cam <NUM> is carried by the shaft <NUM> at or proximate an end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> opposite the end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. Thus, as best illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cam <NUM> is carried by the shaft <NUM> at a position within the regulator body <NUM> and outside of the housing <NUM>. Moreover, the cam <NUM> has a cam surface <NUM> that extends outwardly from the shaft <NUM> so that the cam surface <NUM> is positioned to be operatively connected to the slam-shut control element <NUM>. More particularly, as best illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cam surface <NUM> extends outwardly in a direction that is parallel to the transverse axis B. In turn, the cam surface <NUM> is positioned to selectively engage the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>. As discussed above, the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> moves in unison with the slam-shut control element <NUM>, such that the cam surface <NUM> is positioned to be operatively connected to the slam-shut control element <NUM> via the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>.

The latching pin <NUM> is also carried by the shaft <NUM>, but at a position spaced from the cam <NUM>, such that the latching pin <NUM> is disposed closer to the end <NUM> than the cam <NUM>. More particularly, the latching pin <NUM> is carried by the shaft <NUM> at a positon along the second surface of the shaft <NUM>, i.e., between the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. In turn, the latching pin <NUM> is positioned within the housing <NUM>. The latching pin <NUM>, which in this example has a substantially cylindrical shape, extends outward from the shaft <NUM> and has an indentation that defines a first contact surface <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The latch <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the housing <NUM> so that the latch <NUM> is configured to selectively engage the latching pin <NUM>. As best illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the latch <NUM> has a base <NUM> and an arm <NUM> that extends outward from the base <NUM>. The base <NUM>, which in this example has a substantially cylindrical shape, is disposed in the housing <NUM> and extends in a direction that is substantially parallel, if not entirely parallel, to the transverse axis B. In this example, the latch <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the housing <NUM> via a pin <NUM> that is inserted through an opening <NUM> formed in the base <NUM>, though in other examples, the latch <NUM> can be pivotably coupled to the housing <NUM> in a different manner. The arm <NUM>, which in this example has an L-shape, defines a second contact surface <NUM> that is located proximate a first end <NUM> of the latch <NUM> and is configured to selectively engage the first contact surface <NUM> of the latching pin <NUM> in order to selectively retain the latching pin <NUM> relative to the latch <NUM> in the position shown in <FIG>, <FIG>.

In the position shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, both the first contact surface <NUM> and the second contact surface <NUM> are parallel to a slam-shut axis C (which is parallel to the longitudinal axis A and perpendicular to the transverse axis B). In turn, as best illustrated in <FIG>, the second contact surface <NUM> is substantially flush against the first contact surface <NUM> when the latch <NUM> engages the latching pin <NUM>. In other examples, however, the first and second contact surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be oriented differently, as will be described in greater detail below.

Like the latch <NUM>, the lever <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the housing <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is also operably connected to the latch <NUM> and is configured to be selectively engaged by the controller <NUM>. As best illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the lever <NUM> in this example has a generally triangular shape having three vertices or nodes - a first vertex <NUM>, a second vertex <NUM>, and a third vertex <NUM>. The first vertex <NUM> is generally positioned adjacent an opening <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. As such, the first vertex <NUM> is positioned to be selectively engaged by a portion of the controller <NUM>, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Meanwhile, the second vertex <NUM> is generally configured to facilitate re-setting of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, so is positioned to selectively engage a portion of the latching pin <NUM> when the first vertex <NUM> is engaged by the controller <NUM>, as will also be discussed in greater detail below. Finally, the third vertex <NUM>, while somewhat hidden from view, is generally configured to facilitate unlatching of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, so is operably connected to the latch <NUM> via a second lever <NUM> that is also disposed in the housing <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>). The second lever <NUM> can have a symmetric configuration or an asymmetric configuration. In any event, the second lever <NUM> operatively connects the lever <NUM> to the latch <NUM> (and vice-versa) by being in contact with both components. In this example, the second lever <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the latch <NUM> via a pin <NUM> that extends through the second lever <NUM> and engages an inclined surface <NUM> formed proximate a second end <NUM> of the latch <NUM> opposite the first end <NUM>. In this example, the second lever <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the lever <NUM> by disposing the third vertex <NUM> around a portion of the second lever <NUM>. In other examples, however, the second lever <NUM> can be integrally formed with the lever <NUM> such that the lever <NUM> and the second lever <NUM> form a monolithic component. <FIG> illustrates one such example of a monolithic lever <NUM> that effectively combines the lever <NUM> with the second lever <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> also optionally includes a plate <NUM> and a torsion spring <NUM>. The plate <NUM> is generally configured to help support and retain the components of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> in the proper position. To this end, the plate <NUM> is fixedly secured to the housing <NUM> (e.g., via a plurality of bolts <NUM>), as illustrated in <FIG>. In this example, the plate <NUM> is substantially z-shaped and spans the width of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>. In this example, the plate <NUM> includes a first opening <NUM> sized to accommodate the end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>, and a second opening <NUM> sized to receive a portion of the second lever <NUM> so as to pivot the second lever <NUM> and the lever <NUM>. In other examples, however, the plate <NUM> can be sized, shaped, and/or arranged differently. On the other hand, the torsion spring <NUM> is configured to bias the latch <NUM> (and, more particularly, the second contact surface <NUM>) into engagement with the latching pin <NUM> (and, more particularly, the first contact surface <NUM>). To this end, the torsion spring <NUM> has one end coupled to the latch <NUM> (particularly the arm <NUM>) and another end affixed to the plate <NUM>. In other examples, however, the torsion spring <NUM> can be coupled to different components of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>. For example, the torsion spring <NUM> can instead have one end coupled to the latch <NUM> and another end coupled to the lever <NUM> or the second lever <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> is a known controller manufactured by Fisher Controls International LLC. In this example, the controller <NUM> is a VSX8 controller. As such, further details of the controller <NUM> will be omitted for brevity. However, importantly for purposes of this application, it will be appreciated that the controller <NUM> is coupled to a portion of the housing <NUM> and has a plug <NUM>. When the pressure downstream of the fluid regulator <NUM> is greater than the maximum pressure threshold or less than the minimum pressure threshold, the controller <NUM> is tripped, or activated, causing the plug <NUM> to selectively engage the lever <NUM> in order to cause the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> to interact with the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> such that the slam-shut safety device <NUM> closes the fluid regulator <NUM>.

When, for example, the pressure downstream of the fluid regulator <NUM> is greater than the minimum pressure threshold but less than the maximum pressure threshold, the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is in an un-tripped, or open, position (i.e., the slam-shut safety device <NUM> does not provide any safety shutoff), and the fluid regulator <NUM> is open and regulates the pressure of the supply fluid flowing therethrough as normally intended. When the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is in this un-tripped position, the components of the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM>, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> are positioned as illustrated in <FIG>. More particularly, the plug <NUM> of the controller <NUM> is spaced from the lever <NUM> (and, more particularly, the first vertex <NUM>), as illustrated in <FIG>. In turn, as also illustrated in <FIG>, the latch <NUM> is in a first position, in which the latching pin <NUM> extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis B and the second contact surface <NUM> of the latch <NUM> engages the first contact surface <NUM> of the latching pin <NUM>. Accordingly, the latch <NUM> securely (but releasably) retains the latching pin <NUM> in position against the latch <NUM>. As a result of this positioning of the latching pin <NUM>, the shaft <NUM> and the cam <NUM> are positioned so that the cam surface <NUM> engages the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In turn, the cam surface <NUM> retains the slam-shut control element <NUM> and the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> in the first, fully open position, which is also shown in <FIG> (and in <FIG> and <FIG>). As a result of the slam-shut safety device <NUM> being in this un-tripped position, the diaphragm-based actuator assembly <NUM> operates to position the control element <NUM> relative to the flow path <NUM> in order to satisfy the desired process control parameters. More particularly, the diaphragm-based actuator assembly <NUM> moves the control assembly <NUM> between the open position and the closed position as is necessary to satisfy the desired process control parameters.

However, when the pressure downstream of the fluid regulator <NUM> decreases below the minimum pressure threshold or increases above the maximum pressure threshold, the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is tripped, or activated, to shut off the fluid regulator <NUM>. First, the controller <NUM> detects the pressure increase or decrease, and, in response to that detection, the controller <NUM> is tripped, or activated, causing the plug <NUM> to be moved outwards (leftward in the orientation shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), towards the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>. Movement of the plug <NUM> in this manner causes the plug <NUM> to pass through the opening <NUM> and engage the lever <NUM>, and, more particularly, the first vertex <NUM> of the lever <NUM>. This engagement causes the lever <NUM> to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, which in turn causes the second lever <NUM> (which is fixed to the lever <NUM>) to likewise rotate in the counter-clockwise direction. Rotation of the second lever <NUM> in this manner causes the latch <NUM> (which is pivotably coupled to the second lever <NUM>) to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction from the first position shown in <FIG> to a second position, shown in <FIG>. While not visible in <FIG> or <FIG>, it will be appreciated that the pin <NUM> slidably engages the inclined surface <NUM> of the latch <NUM> as the latch <NUM> moves from the first position to the second position. Further, movement of the latch <NUM> from the first position to the second position disengages the latch <NUM> (and, more particularly, the second contact surface <NUM>) from the latching pin <NUM> (and, more particularly, the first contact surface <NUM>).

With the latch <NUM> free from the latching pin <NUM>, the latch <NUM> no longer serves to securely retain the latching pin <NUM>. In turn, the latching pin <NUM> rotates in a clockwise direction from the position shown in <FIG> to the position shown in <FIG>. This rotation of the latching pin <NUM> subsequently causes the shaft <NUM> and the cam <NUM>, which is carried by the shaft <NUM>, to rotate in a similar manner. While not visible in <FIG>, it will be appreciated that rotation of the cam <NUM> in this manner moves the cam surface <NUM> out of engagement and away from the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>. With nothing left to retain the slam-shut control element <NUM> or the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> in the fully open position (illustrated in <FIG>), the slam-shut control element <NUM> and the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> are allowed to move from the fully open position to the closed position illustrated in <FIG> (the cam surface <NUM> may, in some cases, re-engage the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> when the slam-shut control element <NUM> and the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> reach the closed position). In this closed position, the slam-shut control element <NUM> is positioned in sealing engagement with the seat <NUM> (and more particularly the slam-shut seating surface <NUM>), thereby closing the flow orifice <NUM> and preventing any fluid flow between the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM>. Accordingly, the slam-shut safety device <NUM> prevents any fluid flowing through the fluid inlet <NUM> from flowing downstream of the fluid regulator <NUM>.

The slam-shut safety device <NUM> continues to provide this safety shutoff until the overpressure condition or the under-pressure condition has been corrected and the shutoff is no longer needed, at which time the slam-shut safety device <NUM> can be opened, i.e., returned to its un-tripped position. Beneficially, the slam-shut safety device <NUM> can be reset, or returned to its un-tripped position, in a single step. More particularly, the slam-shut safety device <NUM> can be returned to its un-tripped position by rotating the shaft <NUM> in a counter-clockwise direction from the position shown in <FIG> to the position shown in <FIG>. Rotation of the shaft <NUM> in this manner, which can be achieved by the end user of the fluid regulator <NUM> using a tool (e.g., a wrench) or in some other manner, causes (i) a portion of the latching pin <NUM> to engage the lever <NUM> (and, more particularly, the second vortex <NUM>), and (ii) the cam surface <NUM> to re-engage the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> and to move the slam-shut control element <NUM> and the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> from the closed position shown in <FIG> back to the fully open positon shown in <FIG>.

The engagement between the latching pin <NUM> and the lever <NUM> further causes the lever <NUM> to rotate in the clockwise direction from the position shown in <FIG> to the position shown in <FIG>. Rotation of the lever <NUM> to the position shown in <FIG> causes the second lever <NUM> to rotate in the clockwise direction as well, which in turn allows spring <NUM> to rotate the latch <NUM> in the clockwise direction to the position shown in <FIG>. Rotation of the lever <NUM> to the position shown in <FIG> also causes the lever <NUM> (and, more particularly, the first vertex <NUM> of the lever <NUM>) to again engage the plug <NUM> of the controller <NUM>, but this time the engagement causes the plug <NUM> to move inwards (rightward in the orientation shown in <FIG>), away from the housing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, and eventually out of engagement with the lever <NUM>.

When the shaft <NUM> is released (e.g., from the tool), the latching pin <NUM> will attempt to rotate in the clockwise direction from the position shown in <FIG> back to the position shown in <FIG>. However, the latch <NUM>, by virtue of being operatively connected to the lever <NUM> and having been rotated to the position shown in <FIG>, prevents the latching pin <NUM> from doing so. Instead, the latch <NUM> catches the latching pin <NUM> and re-engages the latching pin <NUM> via the first and second contact surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, just as is illustrated in <FIG>, thereby again securely retaining the latching pin <NUM> in position against the latch <NUM>. In turn, the cam surface <NUM>, which engages the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>, again retains the slam-shut control element <NUM> and the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> in the fully open position.

Referring now to <FIG>, it will be appreciated that some of the components of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> within the housing <NUM> can be re-positioned to provide a slam-shut mechanism <NUM> that is effectively a mirror-image of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>. Such a re-positioning allows the controller <NUM> to be located in a different position relative to the fluid regulator <NUM>, e.g., when it is necessary to do so due to space constraints in the environment housing the fluid regulator <NUM>. More particularly, by re-positioning some of the components of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can be decoupled from a first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and instead coupled to a second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In turn, the controller <NUM> will occupy a different position relative to the housing <NUM> (and, in turn, the regulator body <NUM>).

Referring still to <FIG>, it will be appreciated that the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> includes a different plate than the plate <NUM> secured to the housing <NUM> in the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>. Instead, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> includes a plate <NUM> that is substantially t-shaped. While the plate <NUM> is similarly fixedly secured to the housing <NUM> (e.g., via a plurality of bolts <NUM>), the plate <NUM> includes three openings (instead of the two openings included in the plate <NUM>) - - first opening <NUM> sized to accommodate the end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>, a second opening <NUM> sized to receive a portion of the second lever <NUM> so as to pivot the second lever <NUM> and the lever <NUM> when the controller <NUM> is coupled to the first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and a third opening <NUM> sized to receive a portion of the second lever <NUM> so as to pivot the second lever <NUM> and the lever <NUM> when the controller <NUM> is coupled to the second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another example of a slam-shut mechanism <NUM> that can be used instead of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> and the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> effectively combines the arrangement of some of the components of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> with the arrangement of some of the components of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> to provide a pair of linked slam-shut assemblies 1708A, 1708B in a housing <NUM>, either one of which can be pushed by the controller <NUM> to close the fluid regulator <NUM>. Thus, the controller <NUM> can be coupled to a first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> or a second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> can be easily and quickly coupled to either the first portion <NUM> or the second portion <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> can be easily and quickly moved between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> as desired. It will be appreciated that when the controller <NUM> is coupled to the first portion <NUM>, the controller <NUM> will engage the slam-shut assembly 1708A in order to close the fluid regulator <NUM>, whereas when the controller <NUM> is coupled to the second portion <NUM>, the controller <NUM> will engage the slam-shut assembly 1708B in order to close the fluid regulator <NUM>. In either case, however, because the slam-shut assemblies 1708A, 1708B are linked together, both the slam-shut assemblies 1708A, 1708B will move in unison regardless of which slam-shut assembly 1708A, 1708B is engaged by the controller <NUM>.

As best illustrated in <FIG>, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> includes the shaft <NUM>, the cam <NUM>, and the plate <NUM> discussed above, and each of the slam-shut assemblies 1708A, 1708B includes a latching pin <NUM>, a latch <NUM>, a lever <NUM>, a pin <NUM>, a second lever <NUM>, and a pin <NUM>. Thus, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> includes two latching pins <NUM>, two latches <NUM>, two levers <NUM>, two pins <NUM>, two second levers <NUM>, and two pins <NUM>. As best illustrated in <FIG>, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> also includes a plurality of gear teeth <NUM> that help to link the slam-shut assembles 1708A, 1708B together. More particularly, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> includes two male gear teeth 1720A and two female gear teeth 1720B that selectively engage the two male gear teeth 1720A, respectively, when the controller <NUM> engages the slam-shut assembly 1708A or the slam-shut assembly 1708B. The gear teeth 1720A, 1720B of the first slam-shut assembly 1708A are operatively coupled to both the latch <NUM> and the lever <NUM> of the first slam-shut assembly 1708A. Likewise, the gear teeth 1720A, 1720B of the second slam-shut assembly 1708B are operatively coupled to both the latch <NUM> and the lever <NUM> of the second slam-shut assembly 1708B.

Accordingly, in a similar manner as discussed above, when the first slam-shut assembly 1708A (and, more particularly the lever <NUM>) is pushed by the controller <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, the lever <NUM> of the first slam-shut assembly 1708A will rotate (in the counter-clockwise direction), which will in turn rotate the second lever <NUM> and the pin <NUM> of the first slam-shut assembly <NUM>, and which will cause the latch <NUM> of the first slam-shut assembly 1708A to move from the first position to the second position. As discussed above, movement of the latch <NUM> of the first slam-shut assembly 1708A from the first position to the second position closes the fluid regulator <NUM>. More particularly, movement of the latch <NUM> of the first slam-shut assembly 1708A from the first position to the second position disengages the latch <NUM> (and, more particularly, the second contact surface <NUM>) from the latching pin <NUM> (and, more particularly, the first contact surface <NUM>), which eventually moves the cam surface <NUM> out of engagement and away from the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>. The slam-shut control element <NUM> and the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> are subsequently allowed to move from the fully open position to the closed position.

At the same time, movement of the latch <NUM> causes the gear teeth 1720A, 1720B of the first slam-shut assembly 1708A (which are coupled to the latch <NUM> via the pin <NUM>) to also rotate in the counter-clockwise direction. The rotation of the gear teeth 1720A, 1720B of the first slam-shut assembly 1708A in this direction causes the gear teeth 1720A, 1720B of the second slam-shut assembly 1708B to rotate in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the gear teeth 1720A, 1720B of the second slam-shut assembly 1708B in this direction causes the latch <NUM> of the second slam-shut assembly 1708B (which is coupled to the gear teeth 1720A, 1720B of the second slam-shut assembly 1708B via the pin <NUM>) to move from the first position to the second position.

Beneficially, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> functions in an identical manner when the controller <NUM> is coupled to the second portion <NUM>, is tripped, and pushes the second slam-shut assembly 1708B instead of the first slam-shut assembly 1708A, as illustrated in <FIG>. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> functions in an identical manner when the controller <NUM> is tripped and pulls the first slam-shut assembly 1708A (when coupled to the first portion <NUM>), as illustrated in <FIG>, or pulls the second slam-shut assembly 1708B (when coupled to the second portion <NUM>), as illustrated in <FIG>. In other words, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> is operable regardless of whether the controller <NUM> is a pull controller (and pulls from the left or from the right) or is a push controller (and pushes from the left or from the right).

<FIG> illustrates a portion of another example of a slam-shut mechanism <NUM> that can be used instead of any of the slam-shut mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> described herein. The slam-shut mechanism <NUM> is substantially similar to the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, with the difference being that the cam <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> is positioned differently than the cam <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>. More particularly, the cam <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> is rotated approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the cam <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, as illustrated by comparing <FIG> with <FIG> (which shows the position of the cam <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>). In turn, the cam surface <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> is also rotated approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the cam surface <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, as also illustrated by comparing <FIG> with <FIG>. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the shaft <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> rotates in an opposite direction than the shaft <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> as the latch <NUM> is moved between the first position and the second position to open or close the fluid regulator <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another example of a slam-shut mechanism <NUM> that can be used instead of any of the slam-shut mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> described herein. The slam-shut mechanism <NUM> is substantially similar to the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, particularly in that the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> also includes first and second slam-shut assemblies 2608A, 2608B that are linked together, such that the first and second slam-shut assemblies 2608A, 2608B move in unison together regardless of which slam-shut assembly 2608A, 2608B is engaged by the controller <NUM>. However, the first and second slam-shut assemblies 2608A, 2608B are linked together in a different manner than the first and second slam-shut assemblies 1708A, 1708B. More particularly, instead of using the gear teeth <NUM>, the first and second slam-shut assemblies 2608A, 2608B are connected together via a linkage bar <NUM> that is coupled to both the lever <NUM> of the first slam-shut assembly 2608A and the lever <NUM> of the second slam-shut assembly 2608B. As illustrated in <FIG>, in this example the linkage bar <NUM> is coupled to the levers <NUM> via pins <NUM> located proximate the first vertices <NUM> of the levers <NUM>, respectively. In other examples, however, the linkage bar <NUM> can be coupled to different portions of the levers <NUM> in order to connect the first and second slam-shut assemblies 2608A, 2608B. In any event, the usage of the linkage bar <NUM> beneficially allows the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> to be entirely assembled outside of the housing <NUM>.

The slam-shut mechanism <NUM> and the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> are particularly advantageous because both mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> allow the housing <NUM> to be coupled to different portions of the regulator body <NUM>, such that the controller <NUM>, which can itself be coupled to different portions of the housing <NUM>, can be located in a number of different orientations relative to the regulator body <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can be positioned in at least four different orientations relative to the regulator body <NUM>: (<NUM>) a first orientation, 1a, in which the housing <NUM> is coupled to a first portion of the regulator body <NUM> and the controller <NUM> is coupled to a top of the housing <NUM>, (<NUM>) a second orientation, 1b, in which the housing <NUM> is coupled to the first portion of the regulator body <NUM> but the controller <NUM> is coupled to a bottom of the housing <NUM>, (<NUM>) a third orientation, 1c, in which the housing <NUM> is coupled to a second portion of the regulator body <NUM> and the controller <NUM> is coupled to the bottom of the housing <NUM>, and (<NUM>) a fourth orientation, 1d, in which the housing <NUM> is coupled to the second portion of the regulator body <NUM> and the controller <NUM> is coupled to the top of the housing <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the controller <NUM> can be easily and quickly moved between any of these different orientations (or other orientations) as desired.

In some examples, any of the slam-shut mechanisms described herein can be modified so as to ensure that the latching pin <NUM> is not inadvertently released from the latch <NUM> (e.g., due to vibrations or shocks occurring during operation of the fluid regulator <NUM>). For example, any of the slam-shut mechanisms described herein can be modified so that the first contact surface <NUM> of the latching pin <NUM> is inclined relative to the second contact surface <NUM> of the latch <NUM>, as orienting the first and second contact surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> in this manner has been found to prevent the slam-shut mechanism from inadvertently unlatching (e.g., when subject to vibrations or shocks) but still allow the slam-shut mechanism to unlatch when desired. More particularly, the first contact surface <NUM> of the latching pin <NUM> can be oriented at a first angle β<NUM> relative to the slam-shut axis C (which is parallel to the longitudinal axis A) and the second contact surface <NUM> oriented at a second angle β<NUM> relative to the slam-shut axis C, as illustrated in <FIG>. Preferably, the first angle and second angles are selected so that the second contact surface <NUM> is inclined relative to the first contact surface <NUM> at an angle equal to between approximately <NUM> degrees and approximately <NUM> degrees, as it has been found that values below <NUM> degrees still allow such inadvertent latching whereas values above <NUM> degrees frustrate the ability of the slam-shut mechanism to unlatch when desired.

In some examples, any of the slam-shut mechanisms described herein can be modified so as to replace the torsion spring <NUM> with a different biasing element that imparts a biasing force on the latch <NUM> that prevents the slam-shut mechanism from inadvertently unlatching (e.g., when subject to vibrations or shocks) but still allow the slam-shut mechanism to unlatch when desired. For example, the housing <NUM> can be modified to include a compression spring <NUM> having one end seated against an underside of the latch <NUM>, such that the compression spring <NUM> applies a compressive force on the underside of the latch <NUM> in order to bias the latch <NUM> to its first position (i.e., into engagement with the latching pin <NUM>), as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some cases, any of the slam-shut mechanisms can also be modified to include a force adjuster that is positioned immediately adjacent one end of the compression spring <NUM> and is configured to adjust the compressive force applied by the compression spring <NUM> when desired (e.g., to account for different tolerances). In the example illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the force adjuster takes the form of a threaded pin <NUM> that is threaded within a threaded opening <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM> and has one end seated against the compression spring <NUM> opposite the latch <NUM>. It will be appreciated that by moving (e.g., rotating) the threaded pin <NUM> towards the latch <NUM>, the threaded pin <NUM> will further compress the compression spring <NUM>, thereby increasing the compressive force applied by the compression spring <NUM> on the underside of the latch <NUM>. Conversely, by moving the threaded pin <NUM> away from the latch <NUM>, the threaded pin <NUM> will allow the compression spring <NUM> to expand, thereby decreasing the compressive force applied by the compression spring <NUM> on the underside of the latch <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another example of an internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> that can be used instead of the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM>. The internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> is specifically configured for use with the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>, though it will be appreciated that the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> can be used with other slam-shut mechanisms (e.g., the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>). The internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> is similar to the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM>, in that the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> includes a slam-shut support <NUM>, a slam-shut control element <NUM>, and a slam-shut spring seat <NUM>. However, the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> is different because the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> has a different shape than the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> of the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM>. More particularly, the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> has a flanged portion <NUM> that is narrower than the flanged portion of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>, and the flanged portion <NUM> is positioned at the top end of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>, whereas the flanged portion of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> is positioned between the top and bottom ends of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that as a result of the design of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>, the cam surface <NUM>, which selectively engages the flanged portion <NUM> and rotates to move the slam-shut control element <NUM> between its fully open position (illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>) and its closed position (illustrated in <FIG>), rotates less than the cam surface <NUM> rotates to move the slam-shut control element <NUM> between its fully open positon and its closed position. In one example, the cam surface <NUM> rotates approximately <NUM> degrees to move the slam-shut control element <NUM> between its fully open and closed positions, whereas the cam surface <NUM> rotates approximately <NUM> degrees to move the slam-shut control element <NUM> between its fully open and closed positions. In turn, the shaft <NUM> and the latching pins <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> need not rotate as far, thereby helping to ensure that the latching pins <NUM> do not inadvertently move other components of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>.

At the same time, use of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> can increase the likelihood that the cam surface <NUM> will disengage from the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> when the slam-shut safety device <NUM> employing the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> is in the tripped position, as illustrated in <FIG>. Accidental disengagement may also occur in other cases when the contact surface between the cam surface <NUM> and the slam-shut spring seat <NUM> is small and the slam-shut safety device <NUM> employing any of the other slam-shut mechanisms described herein is in the tripped position. In any event, disengagement of the cam surface <NUM> from the slam-shut spring seat (<NUM> or <NUM>) will cause the slam-shut mechanisms described herein to not work as intended and the cam surface <NUM> and/or the slam-shut spring seat (<NUM> or <NUM>) may be damaged. Thus, in some examples, the slam-shut mechanisms described herein can be modified so that the cam <NUM> (which carries the cam surface <NUM>) is slidable along the shaft <NUM> in order to promote engagement between the cam surface <NUM> and the slam-shut spring seat (<NUM> or <NUM>) at all times, particularly when the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is tripped.

<FIG> illustrate one such example, in which the slam-shut mechanism further includes a biasing element <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> is modified to accommodate the biasing element <NUM> and permit adjustment of the cam surface <NUM> relative to the shaft <NUM>. In this example, the shaft <NUM> is modified to include a plurality of stepped, radial surfaces having different diameters, and to include a travel stop <NUM>, which in this example is an elastic ring, fixedly secured on an end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. As best illustrated in <FIG>, the cam <NUM> is movably disposed on one of the radial surfaces (the radial surface <NUM> closest to the end <NUM>). Meanwhile, the biasing element <NUM>, which in this example takes the form of a spring, is disposed between one of the radial surfaces (the innermost stepped surface <NUM>) and an underside of the cam <NUM> opposite the cam surface <NUM>. In turn, the biasing element <NUM> biases the cam <NUM> (and, more particularly, the cam surface <NUM>) outward, toward the travel stop <NUM>, which prevents the cam <NUM> from being moved beyond the end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> (which would decouple the cam <NUM> from the shaft <NUM>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the biasing element <NUM> helps to maintain the cam surface <NUM> in engagement with the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat (e.g., slam-shut spring seat <NUM>), regardless of whether the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is in the un-tripped position (<FIG>) or in the tripped position (<FIG>). When, for example, the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is in the un-tripped position (<FIG>), the cam surface <NUM> engages the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>, yet the cam <NUM> is spaced from the end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. The biasing element <NUM> in turn biases the cam surface <NUM> into engagement with the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>. On the other hand, when the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is moved to the tripped position (<FIG>), the biasing element <NUM> biases the cam <NUM> outward, toward the end <NUM>, so that the cam surface <NUM> is pushed into engagement with the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>. As such, it will be appreciated that in the un-tripped position, the distance between the stepped surface <NUM> and the underside of the cam <NUM> is equal to D1, whereas in the tripped position, the distance between the stepped surface <NUM> and the underside of the cam <NUM> is equal to D2, D2 being greater than D1.

<FIG> illustrate another example that can be used in instead of the example illustrated in <FIG>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the slam-shut mechanism further includes a biasing element <NUM> and a bushing <NUM> that is coupled to the shaft <NUM> for accommodating the biasing element <NUM> and facilitating adjustment of the cam surface <NUM> relative to the shaft <NUM>. Like the shaft <NUM> in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the shaft <NUM> illustrated in this example includes a travel stop <NUM>, which in this example is an elastic ring, fixedly secured on an end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. However, unlike the shaft <NUM> in the example of <FIG>, the shaft <NUM> in this example only includes a single stepped surface, i.e., stepped surface <NUM>. The cam <NUM> is movably disposed on the shaft <NUM> between the travel stop <NUM> and the stepped surface <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. As best illustrated in <FIG>, the bushing <NUM> is coupled to the shaft <NUM> (e.g., via any known manner) proximate the end <NUM>, such that the bushing <NUM> surrounds a portion of the shaft <NUM>. Meanwhile, as best illustrated in <FIG>, the biasing element <NUM>, which in this example takes the form of a spring, is disposed in a recess <NUM> of the bushing <NUM>, with one end of the biasing element <NUM> seated against a shoulder <NUM> of the bushing <NUM> that helps to define the recess <NUM>. Accordingly, the biasing element <NUM> surrounds a portion of the shaft <NUM> within (or substantially within) the bushing <NUM>. In turn, the biasing element <NUM> biases the cam <NUM> (and, more particularly, the cam surface <NUM>) outward, toward the travel stop <NUM>, which prevents the cam <NUM> from being moved beyond the end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> (which would decouple the cam <NUM> from the shaft <NUM>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the biasing element <NUM> helps to maintain the cam surface <NUM> in engagement with the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat (e.g., slam-shut spring seat <NUM>), regardless of whether the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is in the un-tripped position (<FIG>) or in the tripped position (<FIG>). When, for example, the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is in the un-tripped position (<FIG>), the cam surface <NUM> engages the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>, yet the cam <NUM> is spaced from the end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. The biasing element <NUM> in turn biases the cam surface <NUM> into engagement with the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>. On the other hand, when the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is moved to the tripped position (<FIG>), the biasing element <NUM> biases the cam <NUM> outward, toward the end <NUM>, so that the cam surface <NUM> is pushed into engagement with the bottom surface of the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>. As such, it will be appreciated that in the un-tripped position, the distance between the shoulder <NUM> and the underside of the cam <NUM> is equal to D3, whereas in the tripped position, the distance between the shoulder <NUM> and the underside of the cam <NUM> is equal to D4, D4 being greater than D3.

The slam-shut mechanisms described herein can, in some examples, be coupled to the regulator body <NUM> of the fluid regulator <NUM> via a single flange, e.g., the flange <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, that is coupled to and disposed between the housing <NUM> of the respective slam-shut mechanism and the regulator body <NUM>. However, it will be appreciated that this single flange prevents the housing <NUM> from being decoupled from the regulator body <NUM> without first opening the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, in some examples, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the slam-shut mechanisms described herein can be coupled to the regulator body <NUM> of the fluid regulator <NUM> via a flange assembly that allows the housing <NUM> of the respective slam-shut mechanism to be quickly and easily coupled to or decoupled from the regulator body <NUM> without having to open the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the flange assembly generally includes a first flange <NUM> and a second flange <NUM> configured to matingly engage the first flange <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first flange <NUM> is mounted to the regulator body <NUM> via a plurality of fasteners <NUM> inserted into a plurality of circumferential openings <NUM>, respectively, formed in the first flange <NUM> and then a plurality of corresponding openings <NUM> formed in the regulator body <NUM>. The first flange <NUM> has a central opening <NUM> that is surrounded by the plurality of circumferential openings <NUM>. Meanwhile, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second flange <NUM> is mounted to an exterior portion of the housing <NUM> via a plurality of fasteners <NUM> inserted into a plurality of circumferential openings <NUM>, respectively, formed in the second flange <NUM> and then a plurality of corresponding openings formed in the housing <NUM>. In other examples, however, the second flange <NUM> can be integrally formed on the exterior portion of the housing <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the second flange <NUM> in this example has an outwardly extending coupling <NUM>, a plurality of tabs <NUM> carried by an end of the outwardly extending coupling <NUM>, and a central opening <NUM> defined by the outwardly extending coupling <NUM>. When the second flange <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM>, the shaft <NUM> extends through the central opening <NUM> such that the cam <NUM> and the cam <NUM> extend outward from the second flange <NUM> and the outwardly extending coupling <NUM> surrounds a portion of the cam <NUM>. As such, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the central opening <NUM> of the first flange <NUM> has a shape and size that match the shape and size of the second flange <NUM>, particularly the outwardly extending coupling <NUM> and the plurality of tabs <NUM>.

In order to couple the housing <NUM> of the slam-shut mechanism to the regulator body <NUM> of the fluid regulator <NUM> via the flange assembly, the second flange <NUM> (mounted to the housing <NUM>) is positioned immediately adjacent the first flange <NUM> (mounted to the regulator body <NUM>) such that the outwardly extending coupling <NUM> and the tabs <NUM> of the second flange <NUM> are aligned with the central opening <NUM> of the first flange <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In turn, the shaft <NUM> and the cam <NUM> are inserted through the central opening <NUM> of the first flange <NUM> until (<NUM>) a perimeter edge <NUM> of the second flange <NUM> engages (and surrounds) a perimeter edge <NUM> of the first flange <NUM>, and (<NUM>) the outwardly extending coupling <NUM> and the tabs <NUM> of the second flange <NUM> are inserted into the central opening <NUM> of the first flange <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The outwardly extending coupling <NUM> and the tabs <NUM> are subsequently rotated (e.g., in a clockwise direction) until the tabs <NUM> are out of alignment with the central opening <NUM> of the first flange <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. A plurality of fasteners <NUM> (only one of which is shown in <FIG>) are subsequently inserted into a plurality of apertures formed in each of the perimeter edge <NUM> and the perimeter edge <NUM>, thereby fixing the second flange <NUM> in this position relative to the first flange <NUM> (and securing the housing <NUM> to the regulator body <NUM>). It will of course be appreciated that the housing <NUM> can be decoupled from the regulator body <NUM> in a similar (but reverse) manner, all without having to open the housing <NUM>.

In some cases (e.g., for maintenance), it may be necessary to remove the actuator assembly <NUM> from the regulator body <NUM>. In order to remove the actuator assembly <NUM> from the regulator body <NUM>, the plurality of fasteners coupling the actuator housing <NUM> from the regulator <NUM> are removed, and the actuator assembly <NUM> can be lifted up, off the regulator body <NUM>. Lifting the actuator assembly <NUM> in this manner also lifts the control assembly <NUM> and the components of the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> out of the regulator body <NUM>. However, in some cases, the components of the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> may interfere with the removal of the actuator assembly <NUM> from the regulator body <NUM>. For example, the shaft <NUM> and the cam surface <NUM> may interact with the seat <NUM> and the slam-shut control element <NUM> as the actuator assembly <NUM> is removed from the regulator body <NUM>.

Thus, in some examples, any of the slam-shut mechanisms described herein can be modified to include a bushing that allows the slam-shut mechanism to be moved (e.g., slid) outward, away from the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM>, in order to allow the actuator assembly <NUM>, the control assembly <NUM>, and the components of the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM> to be removed from the regulator body <NUM> without interference and without removing the slam-shut mechanism. <FIG> illustrate one example of such a bushing <NUM> that can be employed for this purpose in connection with the slam-shut mechanism <NUM>. First, it will be appreciated that the bushing <NUM> is removably coupled to the regulator body <NUM> via a plurality of fasteners (not shown) such that the bushing <NUM> engages a portion of the regulator body <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Moreover, as also illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bushing <NUM> is also removably coupled to the stuffing box <NUM> via a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts <NUM>) at a position between the housing <NUM> and the cam <NUM>, and, more particularly, at a position immediately adjacent an exterior portion of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, when the bushing <NUM> is coupled to the regulator body <NUM>, the housing <NUM>, which is coupled to the bushing <NUM> via the stuffing box <NUM>, is spaced from and disposed entirely outside of the regulator body <NUM>.

When the bushing <NUM> is located in the position illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bushing <NUM> is fixed relative to the housing <NUM> and the stuffing box <NUM>, and the slam-shut safety device <NUM> is operable in the manner described above. However, when it is necessary to remove the actuator assembly <NUM> from the regulator body <NUM>, the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> can be moved from the position illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> to the position illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. This is accomplished by removing the bolts <NUM> from the stuffing box <NUM> and the bushing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In turn, the housing <NUM> and the stuffing box <NUM> can be moved outward, away from the regulator body <NUM>, relative to the regulator body <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Movement of the housing <NUM> and the stuffing box <NUM> in this manner drives the cam surface <NUM> outward as well, away from the seat <NUM> and the components of the internal slam-shut assembly <NUM>, such that the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> does not interfere with the removal of the actuator assembly <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, for example, a gap G will now exist between the cam surface <NUM> and the seat <NUM>. At the same time, the bushing <NUM> continues to engage the regulator body <NUM>, such that the slam-shut mechanism <NUM> continues to be coupled to the regulator body <NUM>. Conversely, when it is time to re-couple the actuator assembly <NUM> to the regulator body <NUM>, the housing <NUM> and the stuffing box <NUM> can be moved inward, toward the regulator body <NUM>, and the bolts <NUM> can again be used to secure the bushing <NUM> to the stuffing box <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In some examples, the shaft <NUM> and the cam <NUM> (which may also be referred to herein as a cam and shaft assembly) can be modified so that the slam-shut mechanism employing the modified shaft and cam can be interchangeably used in connection with a plurality of differently sized fluid regulators. More particularly, the shaft <NUM> and the cam <NUM> can be modified so as to be adjustable relative to one another so that the slam-shut mechanism can be interchangeably used in connection with the plurality of differently sized fluid regulators. As an example, the modified shaft and cam can be configured so that the slam-shut mechanism employing the modified shaft and cam can be interchangeably used in connection with a first fluid regulator (e.g., the fluid regulator <NUM>) having a first size (e.g., a <NUM>" fluid regulator, a <NUM>" fluid regulator), a second fluid regulator having a second size (e.g., a <NUM>" fluid regulator, a <NUM>" fluid regulator, a <NUM>" fluid regulator) larger than the first size, or a third fluid regulator having a third size (e.g., a <NUM>" fluid regulator, a <NUM>" fluid regulator, a <NUM>" fluid regulator, a <NUM>" fluid regulator) larger than the first and second sizes.

<FIG> illustrate one example of such a modified shaft <NUM> and a modified cam <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the shaft <NUM> generally includes a plurality of holes that correspond to different positions of the cam <NUM> relative to the shaft <NUM> in order to accommodate the differently sized fluid regulators, respectively. In this example, the shaft <NUM> includes three threaded holes 6056A, 6056B, 6056C formed in an end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>, with each threaded hole 6056A-6056C corresponding to a differently sized fluid regulator. In this example, the first threaded hole 6056A corresponds to the first fluid regulator (having the first size), the second threaded hole 6056B corresponds to the second fluid regulator (having the second size), and the third threaded hole 6056C corresponds to the third fluid regulator (having the third size). The three threaded holes 6056A-6056C are circumferentially spaced about the end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. In other examples, however, the shaft <NUM> can include more or less holes, such that the shaft <NUM> can accommodate a different number of differently sized fluid regulators. Moreover, in other examples, the holes need not be threaded.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in <FIG>, the cam <NUM> generally includes a cam body <NUM> having an aperture <NUM>, and a cam surface <NUM> that projects outwardly from the cam body <NUM> and is structurally and functionally identical to the cam surface <NUM> described above. Thus, the cam surface <NUM> is also adapted to be operatively connected to the slam-shut control element <NUM> (via the slam-shut spring seat <NUM>). The aperture <NUM> is generally defined by a central opening <NUM> and a plurality of semi-circular cutouts surrounding the central opening <NUM>. In this example, the aperture <NUM> includes three semi-circular cutouts 6076A-6076C, with each semi-circular cutout 6076A-6076C corresponding to a differently sized fluid regulator and arranged to be generally aligned with a respective one of the three threaded holes 6056A-6056C when the cam <NUM> is coupled to the shaft <NUM>. As such, in this example, the first semi-circular cutout 6076A corresponds to the first fluid regulator (having the first size), the second semi-circular cutout 6076B corresponds to the second fluid regulator (having the second size), and the third semi-circular cutout 6076C corresponds to the third fluid regulator (having the third size). In other examples, however, the aperture <NUM> can be defined by a different arrangement of openings (e.g., less or more than three semi-circular cutouts).

Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that the cam <NUM> can be coupled to the shaft <NUM> by disposing the end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> in the central opening <NUM>, and, depending upon the size of the fluid regulator in which the shaft <NUM> and the cam <NUM> are to be disposed, the semi-circular cutout 6076A-6076C corresponding to the size of that fluid regulator is aligned with the corresponding threaded hole 6056A-6056C. In turn, a fastener <NUM>, which in this example is threaded, is inserted into the desired semi-circular cutout 6076A-6076C and the corresponding threaded hole 6056A-6056C.

When, for example, the slam-shut mechanism employing the shaft <NUM> and the cam <NUM> is to be used in connection with the first fluid regulator (having the first size), the cam <NUM> is configured in (or re-configured to) a first position relative to the shaft <NUM>. In this first position, the first semi-circular cutout 6076A is aligned with the first threaded hole 6056A, and the fastener <NUM> is inserted into the first semi-circular cutout 6076A and the first threaded hole 6056A, as illustrated in <FIG>. In turn, the center of the cam surface <NUM> is spaced a first height H<NUM> from the center of the shaft <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the height H<NUM> is equal to the height the cam surface <NUM> falls (or rises) as the slam-shut control element <NUM> moves from the fully open position to the closed position (and vice-versa) in the first fluid regulator. Moreover, the second and third semi-circular cutouts 6076B, 6076C are generally out of alignment with the second and third threaded holes 6056B, 6056C, respectively. Further, the cam surface <NUM> is oriented at a first angle θ<NUM> relative to the transverse axis B of the shaft <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the first angle θ<NUM> is related to the amount of rotation that the shaft <NUM> and the cam surface <NUM> experience as the slam-shut control element <NUM> is moved from the fully open position to the closed position (and vice-versa) in the first fluid regulator. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the first fluid regulator is a <NUM>" fluid regulator, such that the first height H<NUM> is equal to <NUM> inches and the first angle θ<NUM> is equal to approximately <NUM> degrees, as the shaft <NUM> and the cam surface <NUM> rotate approximately <NUM> degrees as the slam-shut control element <NUM> is moved from the fully open position to the closed position (and vice-versa) in the first fluid regulator.

However, when the slam-shut mechanism employing the shaft <NUM> and the cam <NUM> is to be used in connection with the second fluid regulator (having the second size larger than the first size), the cam <NUM> is configured in (or reconfigurable to) a second position relative to the shaft <NUM> in order to be used in connection with the larger, second fluid regulator. In this second position, the second semi-circular cutout 6076B is aligned with the second threaded hole 6056B, and the fastener <NUM> is inserted into the second semi-circular cutout 6076B and the second threaded hole 6056B, as illustrated in <FIG>. In turn, the center of the cam surface <NUM> is spaced a second height H<NUM> from the center of the shaft <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the height H<NUM> is equal to the height the cam surface <NUM> falls (or rises) as the slam-shut control element <NUM> moves from the fully open position to the closed position (and vice-versa) in the second fluid regulator. Moreover, the first and third semi-circular cutouts 6076A, 6076C are generally out of alignment with the first and third threaded holes 6056A, 6056C, respectively. Further, the cam surface <NUM> is oriented at a second angle θ<NUM> relative to the transverse axis B of the shaft <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the second angle θ<NUM> is related to the amount of rotation that the shaft <NUM> and the cam surface <NUM> experience as the slam-shut control element <NUM> is moved from the fully open position to the closed position (and vice-versa) in the second fluid regulator. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the second fluid regulator is a <NUM>" fluid regulator, such that the second height H<NUM> is equal to <NUM> inches and the second angle θ<NUM> is equal to approximately <NUM> degrees, as the shaft <NUM> and the cam surface <NUM> rotate approximately <NUM> degrees as the slam-shut control element <NUM> is moved from the fully open position to the closed position (and vice-versa). Thus, the second height H<NUM> is greater than the first height and the second angle θ<NUM> is less than the first angle, which is consistent with the fact that in the second fluid regulator, the slam-shut control element <NUM> has a greater travel stroke length than the slam-shut control element <NUM> in the first fluid regulator.

On the other hand, when the slam-shut mechanism employing the shaft <NUM> and the cam <NUM> is to be used in connection with the third fluid regulator (having the third size larger than the first and second sizes), the cam <NUM> is configured in (or reconfigurable to) a third position relative to the shaft <NUM> in order to be used in connection with the larger, third fluid regulator. In this third position, the third semi-circular cutout 6076C is aligned with the third threaded hole 6056C, and the fastener <NUM> is inserted into the third semi-circular cutout 6076C and the third threaded hole 6056C, as illustrated in <FIG>. In turn, the center of the cam surface <NUM> is spaced a third height H<NUM> from the center of the shaft <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the height H<NUM> is equal to the height the cam surface <NUM> falls (or rises) as the slam-shut control element <NUM> moves from the fully open position to the closed position (and vice-versa) in the third fluid regulator. Moreover, the first and second semi-circular cutouts 6076A, 6076B are generally out of alignment with the first and second threaded holes 6056A, 6056B, respectively. Further, the cam surface <NUM> is oriented at a third angle θ<NUM> relative to the transverse axis B of the shaft <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the third angle θ<NUM> is related to the amount of rotation that the shaft <NUM> and the cam surface <NUM> experience as the slam-shut control element <NUM> is moved from the fully open position to the closed position (and vice-versa) in the third fluid regulator. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the third fluid regulator is a <NUM>" or <NUM>" fluid regulator, such that the third height H<NUM> is equal to <NUM> inches and the third angle θ<NUM> is equal to approximately <NUM> degrees, as the shaft <NUM> and the cam surface <NUM> rotate approximately <NUM> degrees as the slam-shut control element <NUM> is moved from the fully open position to the closed position (and vice-versa) in the third regulator. Thus, the third height H<NUM> is greater than the first and second heights and the third angle θ<NUM> is less than the first and second angles, which is consistent with the fact that in the third fluid regulator, the slam-shut control element <NUM> has a greater travel stroke length than the slam-shut control element <NUM> in the first and second fluid regulators.

It will be appreciated that the cam <NUM> is reconfigurable relative to the shaft <NUM> between the first position, the second position, and the third position any number of times. For example, the cam <NUM> can be configured in the first position for use in the first fluid regulator, then reconfigured to the second position for use in the second fluid regulator. To this end, the fastener <NUM> is removable from the first, second, or third semi-circular cutout 6076A, 6076B, or 6076C and the first, second, or third threaded hole 6056A, 6056B, or 6056C, depending upon the position of the cam <NUM>. The cam <NUM> can in turn be re-positioned as desired, and the fastener <NUM> disposed in the first, second, or third semi-circular cutout 6076A, 6076B, or 6076C and the first, second, or third threaded hole 6056A, 6056B, or 6056C, depending upon the desired new position of the cam <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A slam-shut mechanism (<NUM>) for operatively connecting a slam-shut control element (<NUM>) of a fluid regulator (<NUM>) with a controller (<NUM>) for the slam-shut control element, the slam-shut mechanism comprising:
a shaft (<NUM>);
a cam (<NUM>) carried by the shaft, the cam having a cam surface (<NUM>) adapted to be operatively connected to the slam-shut control element;
a latching pin (<NUM>) carried by the shaft;
a latch (<NUM>); and
a lever (<NUM>) operably connected to the latch, the lever adapted to be selectively engaged by the controller,
wherein responsive to the controller engaging the lever, the latch is movable from a first position, in which the latch securely retains the latching pin, such that the cam surface is arranged to retain the slam-shut control element in a fully open position, to a second position, in which the latching pin is released from the latch, thereby allowing the slam-shut control element to move from the fully open position to a closed position.