Closure safety interlock with lockout plate for pressure vessel

Abstract

A closure safety interlock system is provided for a pressure vessel having a closure assembly with a primary locking system. The closure safety interlock defines a secondary locking system for assuring that the primary locking system may be opened only by following a proper sequence, thereby minimizing misuse of the primary locking system. The closure safety interlock includes a blocking member movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position for blocking movement of a primary lock when in the engaged position and until a release mechanism in the primary lock has been activated. A mechanism is provided for moving the blocking member from the engaged position to the disengaged position once the release mechanism has been activated. A locking plate is movable between a locked and closed position for prohibiting access to the blocking member and an open position for gaining access to the blocking member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is an improvement over my earlier filed U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,214, issued on Dec. 14, 2010.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention is related to media pressure vessels for bulk abrasive blaster systems and is specifically directed to the closure assembly for such vessels.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]The function of a bulk abrasive blaster system is to provide a controlled mixture of dry abrasive or non-abrasive media and compressed air to a blast nozzle. The abrasive blast stream may be used to prepare the surface being blasted for the application of a protective coating or may be used for simple removal of unwanted surface defects, or other typical blasting operations. The bulk abrasive blaster is one of the components of the abrasive blasting system. The system typically comprises an air compressor, a moisture removal device, the bulk abrasive blaster, a blast lin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The closure safety interlock system of the present invention is designed for a pressure vessel with a closure assembly having a primary locking system. It is a secondary locking system that ensures the primary locking system can only be opened after a proper sequence is followed. The system includes a lockout plate and a blocking member that can be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A mechanism is provided for moving the blocking member once the release mechanism has been activated. The system also includes sequencing indicia indicating the sequence which should be followed in activating the release mechanism. The closure safety interlock shield can be moved between a locked position and an open position, and is designed to prevent misuse of the primary locking system by limiting the movement of the blocking member. It provides a visual indication of the condition of the tank before opening the closure head. The closure safety interlock minimizes the need for a hammer or other device to aid in moving the swing bolts when any camlock handle is in the locked position. It prevents the operator from opening the closure head in an incorrect sequence.

Problems solved by technology

When in the locking position, it blocks access to the swing bolts, prohibiting the ability to force the bolts out of the holding lugs until all camlock handles have been rotated to the open position.

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