Single Fill Valve

Abstract

A single fill valve for a cryogenic liquid storage vessel. The valve includes a central opening configured to receive a cryogenic liquid and distal and bottom openings configured to direct cryogenic liquid into the cryogenic liquid storage vessel. The valve further includes a plunger and a pin configured to move the plunger and block at least the distal and bottom openings of the single use valve.

Claims

1. A single fill valve for a liquid storage vessel, comprising: a tube like cylindrical body with a proximal and distal ends with each of the ends terminated by a coupling arrangement; a central opening configured to receive a liquid, with distal and bottom openings configured to direct liquid into a cryogenic liquid storage vessel; a plunger and a pin configured to move the plunger and block at least an inflow passage.

2. The valve according to claim 1 wherein upon completion of cryogenic liquid storage vessel charging of the cryogenic liquid the plunger is activated to block at least the inflow passage.

3. The valve according to claim 1 wherein the coupling arrangement is a thread.

4. The valve according to claim 1 wherein in one position the plunger closes the inflow passage preventing cryogenic liquid from entering the cryogenic liquid storage via the distal fill port.

5. The valve according to claim 1 further including a one way ball valve facilitating discharge of the cryogenic liquid from the liquid storage vessel and preventing cryogenic liquid from entering the cryogenic liquid storage vessel via a discharge port.

6. The valve according to claim 1 wherein the valve includes a burst disc and wherein a burst disk acts as a safety pressure release mechanism.

7. The valve according to claim 6 wherein the burst disc communicates with inner space of the vessel.

8. The valve according to claim 6 wherein a cryogenic liquid pressure in inner space of the vessel is applied to the burst disk.

Description

LIST OF FIGURES AND THEIR BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross section of an example of a single fill valve for a cryogenic liquid storage vessel;

[0016] FIG. 2 is an example of a one-way ball valve; and

[0017] FIG. 3 is an example of a protective over pressure value for releasing over pressured vessels in a safe and controlled manner.

DESCRIPTION

[0018] FIG. 1 is a cross section of an example of a single fill valve for a cryogenic liquid storage vessel. Valve 100 is shown attached to a cryogenic liquid storage vessel 104. Valve 100 is a tube-like cylindrical body that includes a proximal end 108 and a distal end 112. Both ends 108 and 112 are terminated by a coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement could be a thread implemented on outer side of the tube-like cylindrical body.

[0019] Threaded segment 108 is located at a proximal end of valve 100 and configured to facilitate connection of single use valve 100 to a cryogenic liquid filling station (not shown). Threaded segment 112 located distal to liquid filling station end of valve 100 facilitates connection of single use valve 100 to a cryogenic liquid storage vessel 104.

[0020] When single fill valve 100 coupled with cryogenic liquid storage vessel 104 is connected to a cryogenic liquid filling station or to a skin treatment apparatus, sealing element 118 is pressed by cylindrical insert 130 to support hermetic connection between the valve 100 and the cryogenic liquid filling station or the skin treatment apparatus.

[0021] When connected to a cryogenic liquid filling station single use valve 100, allows the liquid or gas 120 to enter the inner space or volume 114 of vessel 104 through normal center fill port 110. Liquid or gas 120 flows from center fill port 110 into liquid storage vessel 104 through a distal side fill port 124 and bottom fill port 126. Pin 128 is in mechanical contact with a plunger 132. During filling of vessel 104 with a cryogenic liquid, inflow passage 122 of side fill port 124 is open allowing the cryogenic liquid or gas to fill vessel 104 via distal side fill port 124 and distal bottom fill port 126. Upon completion of filling vessel 104 with cryogenic liquid filling or other liquid, pin 128 is pushed in the direction of/into the vessel 104. Depressed pin 128, displaces plunger 132 blocking inflow passage 122 preventing liquid or gas 120 from entering liquid storage vessel 104.

[0022] Pushing of the pin can be manually done after completion of the cylinder filling, or can be automated, occurring when releasing filled canister from the liquid filling station or when the filled canister is first connected to the tissue treatment system. Manual pushing of the pin can be done using a special tool designed for this purpose, and such tool can be designed into the liquid refilling station vessel coupler so that the pin 128 can be pushed into place prior to disconnecting the coupler from the vessel.

[0023] The cryogenic liquid in the cryogenic liquid storage vessel 104 is maintained under pressure such that when cryogenic liquid storage vessel 104 is connected to a skin treatment apparatus and skin treatment is conducted the liquid can be dispensed and cool the treated area of the skin. When single fill valve 100 coupled with cryogenic liquid storage vessel 104 is connected to a skin treatment apparatus cryogenic liquid or gas exits cryogenic liquid storage vessel 104 through a one-way ball valve 136 shown in detail in FIG. 2. Spring 202 maintains the desired position of ball 204. Once the liquid storage vessel is empty, attempts to fill it again through the inflow passage 122 are blocked by plunger 132. The one-way ball valve 136 blocks entrance of cryogenic liquid or gas via the exit path, therefore, not allowing the vessel to be refilled.

[0024] Valve 100 includes some safety features shown in FIG. 3. In case of emergency these features would support safe liquid discharge from the cryogenic liquid storage vessel 104. Burst disk 304, held by nut 306 is a thin (0.05-0.2 mm) diaphragm that acts as a safety pressure release mechanism. Channel 308 communicates with the inner space or volume 114 of vessel 104 and maintains the cryogenic liquid pressure in inner space or volume 114 by applying pressure to burst disk 304. Excessive cryogenic liquid pressure will destroy disk 304 and reduce pressure in the inner space 114.

[0025] It will also be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the apparatus includes both combinations and sub-combinations of various features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.