Torque limiting handle
The handle with a torque limiting device addresses the issue of valve damage from excessive torque by disengaging when a threshold is reached, providing feedback and extending the valve's lifespan.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024556555
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-03-25
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-03-24
AI Technical Summary
Valves on fluid and gas containers are often damaged due to inappropriate or excessive torque applied during opening or closing, leading to a shortened lifespan.
A handle with a torque limiting device that includes driven and driving members, which disengage when a torque threshold is reached, preventing further rotation and providing feedback to the user.
The torque limiting device prevents damage to the valve by limiting the torque applied, thereby extending the valve's lifespan and ensuring proper operation.
Smart Images

Figure 2025510187000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a handle for a fluid container, and more particularly, to a handle including a torque limiting device for opening and closing a valve on a fluid container or gas vessel. [Background technology]
[0002] Cylinders for storing and dispensing fluids and gases typically have valves to enable or disable the flow of fluid into and out of the cylinder. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0003] Valves typically have a specific closing torque range that the end user will use. Sometimes the torque device is not used or the wrong device is used. If the valve is not opened or closed properly or too much, it can damage the valve and shorten its lifespan. [Means for solving the problem]
[0004] In some embodiments, the handle includes a torque limiting device. In some embodiments, the torque limiting device includes a plurality of driven members and a plurality of drive members. In some embodiments, the plurality of drive members are configured to drive the plurality of driven members in a first direction to turn the valve. In some embodiments, in response to the valve turning, the plurality of drive members disengage from the plurality of driven members when a torque threshold is reached. In some embodiments, feedback is provided when the torque limiting device reaches a torque threshold.
[0005] In some embodiments, the handle is configured to be turned in a first direction to close the valve and in a second direction to open the valve, hi some embodiments, the handle includes an indicator configured to visually indicate the position of the valve.
[0006] In some embodiments, the handle comprises an outer body and an inner body. In some embodiments, the outer body and the inner body are configured to be coupled to one another. In some embodiments, the inner body is configured to be secured within the outer body. In some embodiments, the outer body includes a plurality of drive members and the inner body includes a plurality of driven members. In some embodiments, the outer body includes a plurality of driven members and the inner body includes a plurality of drive members. In some embodiments, one or both of the outer body and the inner body are made of a non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the outer body has an inner diameter and the inner body has an outer diameter. In some embodiments, the inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter such that the inner body fits within the outer body. In some embodiments, the plurality of drive members include a plurality of members extending from a hub of the inner body.
[0007] In some embodiments, the shape and stiffness of the plurality of drive members are defined such that the plurality of drive members disengage from the plurality of driven members when a torque threshold is reached. In some embodiments, the system includes a fluid or gas container or vessel, a valve, and a handle. In some embodiments, the valve has a first position that allows flow from the fluid container. In some embodiments, the valve has a second position that disables flow from the fluid container. In some embodiments, the handle is configured to be turned in a first direction to open the valve and in a second direction to close the valve. In some embodiments, the handle includes a plurality of driven members and a plurality of drive members. In some embodiments, the plurality of drive members are configured to drive the plurality of driven members in a first direction to rotate the valve. In some embodiments, in response to the valve turning, the plurality of drive members disengage from the plurality of driven members when a torque threshold is reached. In some embodiments, feedback is provided when the torque threshold is reached.
[0008] In some embodiments, the system includes an indicator configured to visually indicate the position of the valve. In some embodiments, the system includes a scannable indicator configured to indicate a fluid type of the fluid container.In some embodiments, the handle includes the scannable indicator.
[0009] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of driving members and the plurality of driven members are made of a non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the handle further comprises an outer body and an inner body. In some embodiments, the outer body and the inner body are configured to be coupled to one another. In some embodiments, the inner body is configured to be secured within the outer body. In some embodiments, the outer body has an inner diameter and the inner body has an outer diameter. In some embodiments, the inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter such that the outer body fits over the inner body.
[0010] In some embodiments, the shape and stiffness of the plurality of drive members are defined such that the plurality of drive members disengage from the plurality of driven members when a torque threshold is reached. In some embodiments, the plurality of driven members includes a plurality of members extending from a hub of the handle.
[0011] In some embodiments, the handle includes a protrusion. In some embodiments, one or both of the valve and the fluid reservoir include a second protrusion. In some embodiments, the second protrusion is configured to limit the amount of rotation in the first direction upon abutment with the protrusion of the handle.
[0012] In some embodiments, the forces applied by the multiple drive members to the multiple driven members are configured to be different in the first direction and the second direction. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and in which is shown by way of illustration an embodiment in which the systems and methods described herein may be practiced. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a handle, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the handle of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the handle of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 1 attached to a valve, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle of FIG. 1 attached to a valve, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a handle, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 6 with the cover removed, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the handle of FIG. 6 with the cover removed, according to some embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the handle of FIG. 1 attached to a fluid storage and dispensing container, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The same or similar parts are designated by the same reference numbers throughout the figures. Cylinders for storing and sometimes dispensing fluids or gases typically have valves to allow or disallow the flow of fluid or gas into and out of the cylinder. The valves usually have a specific closing torque range that the end user is meant to use. Sometimes no torque device is used, or the wrong torque device is used. If the valve is not opened or closed properly or is opened and closed too much, it can be damaged and its lifespan shortened.
[0015] Several embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a handle that includes a torque limiting device. The handle is configured such that when a torque threshold is reached, a portion of the handle disengages and is unable to provide sufficient torque to further rotate the valve. In some embodiments, when the handle disengages, audible or tactile feedback is provided to the user to indicate that the valve is in its open or closed position. In some embodiments, the handle can prevent the user from over-rotating the valve and causing damage. In some embodiments, the handle can extend the life of the valve.
[0016] 1 is a perspective view of a handle 100, according to some embodiments. The handle 100 may be referred to as a torque limiting handle in some embodiments. The handle includes a torque limiting device. The torque limiting device is configured to prevent a user from over-torqueing a valve when the handle 100 is used with a valve.
[0017] The handle 100 includes an outer body 102 and an inner body 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer body 102 is configured to at least partially surround the inner body 104. The inner body 104 includes a hub 106. The hub 106 of the inner body 104 is configured to be secured to a valve. The outer body 102 also includes a hub 108. The hub 106 and the hub 108 may be similarly sized or the same size. In some embodiments, the hub 106 and the hub 108 may be concentric.
[0018] The hub 106 of the inner body 104 includes a surface 110 and an opening 112 formed in the surface 110. In some embodiments, the surface 110 may be a flat surface. In some embodiments, the opening 112 may be sized and shaped to receive a threaded bolt from the valve to secure the handle 100 to the valve. In some embodiments, a nut or other fastener may be threaded onto a corresponding bolt, thereby securing the handle 100 to the valve. In some embodiments, the nut may directly contact the surface 110 to provide a clamping force to secure the inner body 104 and handle 100 to the valve. In some embodiments, the nut may indirectly contact the surface 110 to provide a clamping force.
[0019] In some embodiments, the outer body 102 is configured to be secured to the inner body 104 by an interference fit. The outer body 102 is optionally rotatable relative to the inner body 104. For example, when the handle 100 is rotated to close the valve, the outer body 102 may disengage from the inner body 104 when a torque threshold is reached. In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be selected based on the particular valve used with the handle 100. In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be based on an acceptable torque range for various valves. That is, in some embodiments, the handle 100 may be configured for a particular valve, and in some embodiments, the handle 100 may be configured for a range of valves. In some embodiments, feedback may be provided to the user when the torque threshold is reached. For example, in some embodiments, audible feedback may be provided. In some embodiments, tactile feedback may be provided. In some embodiments, the feedback may be both audible and tactile.
[0020] In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be 7 N·m. In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be 0.1 N·m to 20 N·m, 1 N·m to 20 N·m, 2 N·m to 20 N·m, 3 N·m to 20 N·m, 4 N·m to 20 N·m, 5 N·m to 20 N·m, 6 N·m to 20 N·m, 7 N·m to 20 N·m, 8 N·m to 20 N·m, 9 N·m to 20 N·m. m, may be 10N·m to 20N·m, may be 11N·m to 20N·m, may be 12N·m to 20N·m, may be 13N·m to 20N·m, may be 14N·m to 20N·m, may be 15N·m to 20N·m, may be 16N·m to 20N·m, may be 17N·m to 20N·m, may be 18N·m to 20N·m, may be 19N·m to 20N m, may be 0.1 N·m to 19 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 18 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 17 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 16 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 15 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 14 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 13 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 12 N·m, or may be 0.1 N·m to 11 N·m, It may be 0.1 N·m to 10 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 9 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 8 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 7 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 6 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 5 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 4 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 3 N·m, may be 0.1 N·m to 2 N·m, or may be 0.1 N·m to 1 N·m.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer body 102 includes a series of protrusions 114 alternating with a series of grooves 116. The combination of the protrusions 114 and the grooves 116 can provide a gripping surface for a user. In some embodiments, the outer body 102 may not include a combination of the protrusions 114 and the grooves 116.
[0022] In some embodiments, the outer body 102 may be made of a metallic material. In some embodiments, the outer body 102 may be made of a non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the inner body 104 may be made of a metallic material. In some embodiments, the inner body 104 may be made of a non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the outer body 102 and the inner body 104 may be made of the same material. In some embodiments, the outer body 102 and the inner body 104 may be made of different materials. In some embodiments, the outer body 102 may be made of a metallic material and the inner body 104 may be made of a non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the outer body 102 may be made of a non-metallic material and the inner body 104 may be made of a metallic material.
[0023] In some embodiments, the outer body 102, the inner body 104, or a combination thereof, may be manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, such as 3D printing. Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the handle 100 of Figure 1 according to some embodiments. Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the handle 100 of Figure 1 according to some embodiments.
[0024] 2 and 3 together, a bottom view of a torque limiting device 130 according to some embodiments can be seen. As shown, the torque limiting device 130 includes a plurality of drive members 132 and a plurality of driven members 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive members 132 are integrally formed with the outer body 102 and the driven members 134 are integrally formed with the inner body 104. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the drive members 132 can be integrally formed with the inner body 104 and the driven members 134 can be integrally formed with the outer body 102.
[0025] The outer body 102 has an inner diameter D1. The inner diameter D1 may be measured from an inner surface 136 of the outer body 102. In some embodiments, the drive member 132 extends a distance L1 from the inner surface 136. In certain embodiments, D1 may be at least about 1 inch (25.4 mm), or no more than 2.75 inches (70 mm), and in other embodiments, D1 may be about 1.75 inches (44.5 mm), and D1 may be adjusted based on the application. The distance L1 may be selected according to the dimensions of the drive member 132. L1 may be adjusted depending on the application. In certain embodiments, L1 may range between 0.02 inches (0.5 mm) and 0.2 inches (5 mm), and in other embodiments, L1 may be about 0.05 inches (1.3 mm). In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 132 is shown with a semicircular shape. It is understood that this shape may be changed in accordance with the arrangements disclosed herein.
[0026] In some embodiments, the driven member 134 may include a base 138 and a tip 140. The base 138 is located on the hub 106. The tip 140 is a free end of the driven member 134. The tip 140 includes a surface 142. The surface 142 is configured to abut the inner surface 136. In some embodiments, the surface 142 is configured to engage the inner surface 136. In some embodiments, the surface 142 is configured to be spaced apart from the inner surface 136 and not contact the inner surface 136 except for the drive member 132. Thus, in some embodiments, the inner body 104 has an outer diameter D2 measured at the surface 142 of the tip 140. In some embodiments, the inner diameter D1 is greater than the outer diameter D2. In some embodiments, the inner diameter D1 and the outer diameter D2 are substantially the same. As used herein, substantially the same means the same, e.g., subject to manufacturing tolerances, etc.
[0027] The driven member 134 includes a first surface 144 and a second surface 146. The drive member 132 is configured to contact the second surface 146 of the driven member 134 when the handle 100 is rotated in the R1 direction. In some embodiments, the R1 direction corresponds to a valve closing direction. In response to being rotated in the R1 direction, the drive member 132 contacts the driven member 134 and applies a force to rotate the driven member 134 in the R1 direction. When a torque threshold is reached, the drive member 132 is configured to disengage from the driven member 134. As a result, rotation of the drive member 132 in the R1 direction does not cause the driven member 134 to rotate in the R1 direction.
[0028] In some embodiments, to achieve disengagement, the follower member 134 is flexible. The follower member 134 may be flexible due to the material selected. In some embodiments, the flexibility may be a result of curvature of the follower member 134. The stiffness of the material of the follower member 134 may be selected in combination with the thickness T of the follower member 134, the angle θ of the follower member 134, the radius of curvature of the follower member 134, etc. to configure the torque limiting device 130 for a particular torque threshold.
[0029] In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be selected based on the particular valve used with the handle 100. In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be based on the acceptable torque ranges for various valves. That is, in some embodiments, the handle 100 may be configured for a particular valve, and in some embodiments, the handle 100 may be configured for a range of valves.
[0030] In some embodiments, when the drive member 132 disengages from the driven member 134, feedback is provided to a user turning the handle 100. In some embodiments, the feedback is audible. For example, the disengagement of the drive member 132 and the driven member 134 may produce a clicking sound. In some embodiments, the feedback is tactile. For example, the user may be able to feel the movement of the driven member 134 relative to the drive member 132. In some embodiments, the feedback is both audible and tactile.
[0031] In some embodiments, when the handle 100 is rotated in the R2 direction, the drive member 132 is configured to contact the first surface 144 of the driven member 134. In some embodiments, the R2 direction corresponds to an open direction of the valve.
[0032] In some embodiments, the inner body 104 may include a member 148. The member 148 may protrude from the hub 106. In some embodiments, the valve may include a corresponding member to prevent the user from opening the valve too far (i.e., rotating it too far in the R2 direction). Such a feature may act as a stop for rotation in the R2 direction and prevent damage to the valve from opening it past the fully open position.
[0033] In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be set based on one of the R1 direction or the R2 direction. In some embodiments, a first torque threshold may be set for the R1 direction and a second torque threshold may be set for the R2 direction. In some embodiments, the first torque threshold and the second torque threshold may be different.
[0034] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the handle 100 of Figure 1 attached to a valve 180, according to some embodiments. Figure 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of the handle 100 of Figure 1 attached to a valve 180, according to some embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, Figures 4-5 are referenced together.
[0035] The valve 180 may include a first threaded connection 182 and a second threaded connection 184. The first threaded connection 182 and the second threaded connection 184 may be used to connect the valve 180 to a fluid container 186 and a device, respectively.
[0036] The valve 180 may include an indicator 188. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator 188 indicates that the valve 180 is in a "closed" state. In some embodiments, when a user rotates the handle 100 to transition from a "closed" state to an "open" state, the indicator 188 may be visually changed to indicate "open". In some embodiments, the indicator 188 may include text similar to the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the indicator 188 may include an "O" or a "C" to represent an open state or a closed state, respectively. In some embodiments, the indicator 188 may not include text, but may instead include color coding. For example, in the closed state, the indicator 188 may be red, and in the open state, the indicator 188 may be green. It should be understood that these colors are exemplary and that the actual colors may be changed other than those illustrated above. In some embodiments, the indicator 188 may be configured to rotate with the handle 100 and the valve 180. Thus, in a partially open state or a partially closed state, the indicator 188 may indicate that the valve 180 is in an intermediate state.
[0037] In some embodiments, the handle 100 may include an indicator 190. The indicator 190 may be a scannable indicator. In some embodiments, the indicator 190 may be scanned by a device to determine the type of fluid contained in an associated fluid container. In some embodiments, the indicator 188 may be a bar code, a QR code, or the like. In some embodiments, the indicator 190 may be an RFID tag, or the like. In some embodiments, the indicator 190 may be a visual color coding indicative of the fluid contained within the fluid container.
[0038] In some embodiments, valve 180 may include member 192. Member 192 may be configured to engage member 148 (FIG. 2) when valve 180 is in an open state. Member 192 may prevent a user from over-rotating handle 100, which may reduce the likelihood of valve 180 becoming stuck in an open state.
[0039] 6 is a perspective view of a handle 200, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the handle 200 can be referred to as a torque limiting handle. In some embodiments, the handle 200 includes a torque limiting device. In some embodiments, the torque limiting device is configured to prevent a user from over-torqueing a valve when the handle 200 is used with a valve.
[0040] The handle 200 includes an outer body 202 and an inner body covered by a cover 204. The inner body is shown and described in more detail according to Figures 7-8 below. The cover 204 can be a separate part from the outer body 202. In some embodiments, the outer body 202 can include a plurality of protruding members 206. The members 206 can provide a gripping surface for the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 200 includes five members 206. It should be understood that this is an example and that the actual number of members 206 can vary, either more or less than five.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the handle 200 of FIG. 6 with the cover 204 removed, according to some embodiments. With the cover 204 removed, the inner body 208 is visible. The inner body 208 includes a hub 210. The hub 210 defines an inner opening 212. The inner body 208 is positioned such that a threaded bolt from the valve can be received through the opening 214. In some embodiments, a nut or other fastener can be threaded onto a corresponding bolt, thereby securing the handle 200 to the valve. In some embodiments, the nut may directly contact the surface 216 to provide a clamping force to hold the handle 200 to the valve. In some embodiments, the nut may indirectly contact the surface 216 to provide a clamping force.
[0042] The outer surface of the inner body 208 can include a number of driven members 218, and the outer body 202 includes a number of drive members 220. The drive members 220 are sized and shaped to fit within the driven members 218. In some embodiments, the driven members 218 can be recessed into the outer surface of the inner body 208. For example, the inner body 208 includes a number of grooves 222 recessed into the outer surface of the inner body 208. In some embodiments, protruding edges 224 define the grooves 222 therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 222 have a generally semicircular shape. It should be understood that this is by way of example only and that the actual shape can be varied in accordance with the principles described herein. In some embodiments, the inner body 208 can have the appearance of a gear or sprocket.
[0043] The outer body 202 is rotatable relative to the inner body 208 in some circumstances. For example, when the handle 200 is rotated to close the valve, the outer body 202 may disengage from the inner body 208 when a torque threshold is reached. In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be selected based on the particular valve used with the handle 200. In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be based on the acceptable torque ranges of various valves. That is, in some embodiments, the handle 200 may be configured for a particular valve, and in some embodiments, the handle 200 may be configured for a range of valves. In some embodiments, feedback may be provided to the user when the torque threshold is reached. For example, in some embodiments, audible feedback may be provided. In some embodiments, tactile feedback may be provided. In some embodiments, the feedback may be both audible and tactile.
[0044] In some embodiments, the outer body 202 may be made of a metallic material. In some embodiments, the outer body 202 may be made of a non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the inner body 208 may be made of a metallic material. In some embodiments, the inner body 208 may be made of a non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the outer body 202 and the inner body 208 may be made of the same material. In some embodiments, the outer body 202 and the inner body 208 may be made of different materials. In some embodiments, the outer body 202 may be made of a metallic material and the inner body 208 may be made of a non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the outer body 202 may be made of a non-metallic material and the inner body 208 may be made of a metallic material.
[0045] In some embodiments, the outer body 202, the inner body 208, or a combination thereof, can be manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, such as 3D printing. FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the handle 200 of FIG. 6 with the cover removed, according to some embodiments.
[0046] The driven member 218 and the driving member 220 may be together referred to as a torque limiting device 230 . In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 220 is integrally formed with the outer body 202 and the driven member 218 is integrally formed with the inner body 208 .
[0047] A tip 232 of the drive member 220 is configured to be received within a groove 222 of the driven member 218. The drive member 220 is configured to contact an edge 224 of the driven member 218 when the handle 200 is rotated in the R3 or R4 directions. In some embodiments, the R3 direction corresponds to a valve closing direction. In response to being rotated in the R3 direction, the drive member 220 contacts the driven member 218 and applies a force to rotate the driven member 218 in the R3 direction. When a torque threshold is reached, the drive member 220 is configured to disengage from the driven member 218. As a result, rotation of the drive member 220 in the R3 direction does not cause the driven member 218 to rotate in the R3 direction.
[0048] In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be set based on one of the R3 direction or the R4 direction. In some embodiments, a first torque threshold may be set for the R3 direction and a second torque threshold may be set for the R4 direction. In some embodiments, the first torque threshold and the second torque threshold may be different.
[0049] In some embodiments, to achieve disengagement, the drive member 220 is flexible. The drive member 220 may be made flexible by the material selected. The stiffness of the material of the drive member 220 may be selected in combination with the thickness T of the drive member 220, or the number of drive members 220, etc., to configure the torque limiting device 230 for a particular torque threshold.
[0050] In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be selected based on the particular valve used with the handle 200. In some embodiments, the torque threshold may be based on the acceptable torque ranges for various valves. That is, in some embodiments, the handle 200 may be configured for a particular valve, and in some embodiments, the handle 200 may be configured for a range of valves.
[0051] In some embodiments, feedback is provided to a user turning the handle 200 when the drive member 220 disengages from the driven member 218. In some embodiments, the feedback is audible. For example, the disengagement of the drive member 220 and the driven member 218 may produce a clicking sound. In some embodiments, the feedback is tactile. For example, the user may be able to feel the movement of the driven member 218 relative to the drive member 220. In some embodiments, the feedback is both audible and tactile.
[0052] In some embodiments, when the handle 200 is rotated in the R4 direction, the drive member 220 is configured to contact the edge 224 of the driven member 218. In some embodiments, the R4 direction corresponds to an open direction of the valve. In some embodiments of the invention, a torque limiting device is provided in a valve used in a fluid storage and dispensing system.
[0053] 9 shows the torque limiting device 100 attached to a valve on a fluid storage and dispensing vessel 900 in some embodiments. Examples of fluid storage and dispensing packages include those commercially available from Entegris, Inc. (Billerica, Massachusetts, USA) under the trademarks SDS and SAGE, in which fluid is stored on an adsorption medium from which it is desorbed under dispensing conditions, and those commercially available from Entegris under the trademark VAC, in which the fluid storage and dispensing vessel includes a pressure regulator assembly disposed therein that opens in response to downstream pressure below a set point of the regulator assembly, thereby dispensing fluid at the set point pressure.
[0054] The fluids stored in and dispensed from the fluid supply packages of the present disclosure may be of any suitable type, such as fluids that have utility in semiconductor manufacturing, flat panel display manufacturing, or solar panel manufacturing.
[0055] For example, examples of fluids contained in the fluid storage and dispensing vessels may include, but are not limited to, hydride liquids for semiconductor manufacturing operations, such as of the type including arsine, phosphine, stibine, silane, chlorosilane, diborane, geist, disilane, trisilane, methane, hydrogen selenide, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen. Other liquids useful in semiconductor manufacturing operations may be those that can be used in semiconductor manufacturing operations as halogenated etchants, cleaning agents, source reagents, etc., and may include acidic liquids such as hydrogen fluoride, boron trichloride, boron trifluoride, hydrogen tetraacetate, hydrogen chloride, halogenated silanes (e.g., SiF4), dislanes (e.g., Si2F6), GeF4, PF3, PF5, AsF3, AsF5, He, N2, O2, F2, Xe, Ar, Kr, CO, CO2, CF4, CHF3, CH2F2, CH3F, NF3, COF2, etc., or mixtures of two or more thereof. Other reagents that may be stored and supplied in this manner may include organometallic reactants used as precursors in metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD).
[0056] In other embodiments of the present invention, a torque limiting device may be provided on a valve for a gas storage and dispensing vessel. The gases stored in and dispensed from the pressure regulated vessels of the present disclosure may be of any suitable type and may include, for example, gases useful in the manufacture of semiconductor products, flat panel displays, and solar panels. Such gases may include single component gases as well as multi-component gas mixtures.
[0057] Exemplary gases that may be contained in the pressure regulated gas supply packages of the present disclosure include, for example, arsine, phosphine, nitrogen trifluoride, boron trifluoride, boron trichloride, diborane, trimethylsilane, tetramethylsilane, disilane, silane, germane, organometallic gaseous reagents, hydrogen selenide, hydrogen telluride, stibine, chlorosilane, germane, disilane, trisilane, methane, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, hydrogen fluoride, diboron tetrafluoride, and the like. The gas may include, but is not limited to, nitrogen, hydrogen chloride, chlorine, fluorinated hydrocarbons, halogenated silanes (e.g., SiF4) and disilanes (e.g., Si2F6), GeF4, PF3, PF5, AsF3, AsF5, He, N2, O2, F2, Xe, Ar, Kr, CO, CO2, CF4, CHF3, CH2F2, CH3F, NF3, COF2, and the like, or mixtures of two or more thereof and isotopically enriched variants thereof.
[0058] A gas storage and dispensing vessel may contain a gas in an interior volume of a vessel container, which may be a single component gas or a multi-component gas, for example, a gas selected from the group consisting of: This group may be, for example, arsine, phosphine, nitrogen trifluoride, boron trifluoride, boron trichloride, diborane, trimethylsilane, tetramethylsilane, disilane, silane, germane, organometallic gaseous reagents, hydrogen selenide, hydrogen telluride, stibine, chlorosilanes, germane, disilane, trisilane, methane, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, hydrogen fluoride, diboron tetrafluoride, hydrogen chloride, chlorine, fluorinated hydrocarbons, halogenated silanes (e.g., SiF4), halogenated disilanes (e.g., Si2F6), GeF4, PF3, PF5, AsF3, AsF5, He, N2, O2, F2, Xe, Ar, Kr, CO, CO2, CF4, CHF3, CH2F2, CH3F, NF3, COF2, etc., or mixtures of two or more of these, or isotopically enriched variants thereof.
[0059] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Terms described in the singular may be in the plural unless clearly indicated otherwise. As used herein, the terms "having" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.
[0060] It should be understood that changes in detail may be made, particularly in matters of the materials of construction employed, and the shape, size and arrangement of parts, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The specification and described embodiments are exemplary, the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.
Claims
1. Equipped with a torque limiting device, the torque limiting device including a plurality of driven members and a plurality of driving members; the plurality of drive members are configured to drive the plurality of driven members in a first direction to rotate a valve; in response to the valve rotating, the plurality of drive members disengage from the plurality of driven members when a torque threshold is reached; providing feedback when the torque limiting device reaches the torque threshold; handle.
2. the handle is configured to be rotated in a first direction to close the valve and in a second direction to open the valve; the handle further comprises an indicator configured to visually indicate the position of the valve.
2. The handle of claim 1.
3. Further comprising an outer body and an inner body; the outer body and the inner body are configured to be coupled to one another; The inner body is configured to be secured within the outer body.
2. The handle of claim 1.
4. the outer body includes the plurality of drive members and the inner body includes the plurality of driven members; 4. The handle of claim 3.
5. the outer body includes the plurality of driven members and the inner body includes the plurality of drive members; 4. The handle of claim 3.
6. one or both of the outer body and the inner body are made of a non-metallic material; 4. The handle of claim 3.
7. the outer body having an inner diameter and the inner body having an outer diameter; the inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter such that the inner body fits within the outer body; 4. The handle of claim 3.
8. the plurality of driven members includes a plurality of members extending from a hub of the inner body; 4. The handle of claim 3.
9. a shape and stiffness of the plurality of drive members are defined such that the plurality of drive members disengage from the plurality of driven members when the torque threshold is reached; 2. The handle of claim 1.
10. a fluid or gas storage and dispensing vessel; a valve having a first position that allows flow from the fluid reservoir and a second position that disables flow from the fluid reservoir; a handle configured to be rotated in a first direction to open the valve and in a second direction to close the valve; Equipped with The handle has a plurality of driven members and a plurality of drive members; the plurality of drive members are configured to drive the plurality of driven members in a first direction to rotate the valve; in response to the valve rotating, the plurality of drive members disengage from the plurality of driven members when a torque threshold is reached; providing feedback when the torque threshold is reached; system.
11. and an indicator configured to visually indicate a position of the valve. The system of claim 10.
12. and a scannable indicator configured to indicate a fluid type of the fluid container. The system of claim 10.
13. the handle includes the scannable indicator; The system of claim 12.
14. one or more of the driving members and the driven members are made of a non-metallic material; The system of claim 10.
15. the handle further comprising an outer body and an inner body; the outer body and the inner body are configured to be coupled to one another; the inner body is configured to be secured within the outer body; the outer body having an inner diameter and the inner body having an outer diameter; the inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter such that the outer body fits over the inner body; The system of claim 10.
16. a shape and stiffness of the plurality of drive members are defined such that the plurality of drive members disengage from the plurality of driven members when the torque threshold is reached; The system of claim 10.
17. the plurality of driven members including a plurality of members extending from a hub of the handle; The system of claim 10.
18. the handle further comprises a protrusion; The system of claim 10.
19. one or both of the valve and the fluid reservoir include a second protrusion; The second protrusion is configured to limit the amount of rotation in the first direction by abutting against the protrusion of the handle.
20. The system of claim 18.
20. The force applied to the plurality of driven members by the plurality of driving members is configured to be different in the first direction and the second direction. The system of claim 11.
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