PIERCABLE CLOSURE DIAPHRAGM FOR A CHAMBER

• US 3,552,441 A
• Filed: 09/26/1967
• Issued: 01/05/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/1967
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Luhleich Hartmut
• Original Assignee: Luhleich Hartmut
• Inventors: LUHLEICH HARTMUT
• Application Number:
  US04/670,600
• Time in Patent Office: 1,197 Days
• US Class Current: 137/625.48
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/065 with linearly sliding closure members
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/6123 With aperture forming means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86879 Reciprocating valve unit

Abstract

A diaphragm having opposite surfaces of convex shape, in the manner of a lens, and constituted of elastic material to enable its being pierced by the sharp end of a hollow element and form a seal with the hollow element during penetration and withdrawal thereof, whereby the diaphragm can constitute a closure for an open vessel and prevent contamination of its interior.

Claims

1. Apparatus for sealing a chamber, said apparatus comprising a diaphragm constituted of a material which is pierceable by a retractable hollow element for gaining access to the interior of the chamber, said material being elastic and having opposite surfaces, through both of which the hollow element passes, said surfaces in normal, unstressed condition of the diaphragm being of convex shape, and in consequence of the specific material of the diaphragm, urging the diaphragm into sealing contact with the hollow element both during penetration and retraction thereof whereby the interior of the chamber is isolated from the outside atmosphere.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a rigid ring, said diaphragm being supported in said ring under pressure, said ring having an inner diameter for receiving the diaphragm which is smaller than the outer diameter of the diaphragm whereby the diaphragm is compressed when mounted in the ring.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim two wherein said ring includes a depending portion adapted for being mounted on a vessel defining said chamber, and an upstanding portion with a terminal annular bulge defining an opening with said inner diameter for receiving said diaphragm.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said ring is constituted of elastic material which is less elastic than that of the diaphragm.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a sleeve member integral with said diaphragm and depending therefrom for being mounted on a vessel defining said chamber.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a body portion including sleeve members extending from said diaphragm for being mounted on two vessels which are to be coupled together.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said diaphragm extends transversely in said body portion, said sleeve members being two in number and extending in opposite directions from said diaphragm.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said sleeve members are two in number and extend at right angles to one another to form a connection element, said diaphragm being connected to said sleeve members to form a portion of an outer wall of the connection element.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said sleeve member has a groove therein or receiving the end of the vessel.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said apparatus comprises a single body which has a plurality of pierceable bounding walls, and includes a diaphragm at each of a number of walls.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said walls define a polyhedron, each of the walls being provided with a diaphragm.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said polyhedron defines an internal closed chamber.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprising an integral depending sleeve member on the polyhedron for being mounted on a vessel defining said chamber.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in combination with said hollow element for constituting a valve for controlling communication between a plurality of vessels, said apparatus including a body with means for engaging a plurality of vessels, said body being provided with cavities in communication with respective vessels, said cavities being arranged in alignment, said body including a plurality of said diaphragms arranged in alignment to bound said cavities, said hollow element having closed ends and extending axially through said diaphragms and having a plurality of axially spaced openings which provide communication between selected cavities depending upon the axial position of the hollow element in the body.

15. The combination as claimed in claim 14 wherein said hollow element includes solid end portions beyond the endmost of said openings. 3 The combination as claimed in claim 15 wherein one of said end portions of said hollow element extends externally of the body, said one end portion including exposed marking means for visually indicating the various positions for said hollow element which provide communication between selected cavities.

17. The combination as claimed in claim 14 wherein said body, said diaphragms, and said means for engaging the vessels, are integral and are formed from a one piece element.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 comprising an internal annular projection on said ring spaced from said diaphragm for limiting the depth of engagement of the ring on the vessel and for covering the upper edge of the vessel.