FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT 1970

39 OF 1970
&
THE PATENT RULES 2003
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTIONS 10 & RULE 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION

IMPROVED TIGHT JOINT SEAL FOR LPG GAS CYLINDER PRESSURE

REGULATOR
2. APPLICANTS (S)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS

LPG Equipment Research Dooravaninagar, Bangalore-

IN
Centre 560016, Karnataka, India.

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION

The following specification describes the invention

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 IMPROVED TIGHT JOINT SEAL FOR LPG GAS CYLINDER PRESSURE
REGULATOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure pertains to the technical field of LPG gas cylinder pressure
regulator. Specifically, the present disclosure pertains to tight joint seal for LPG gas cylinder
pressure regulator.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the
present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art
or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly
referenced is prior art

[0003] Domestic and commercial use of pressurized hydrocarbon gases, particularly

liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is typically stored and delivered to users in a cylinder (also
known as bottle), requires several safety mechanisms during transportation, delivery and when in
use. LPG has become the preferred cooking fuel for billions of domestic and commercial users
throughout the world, and LPG cylinders are present in most kitchens due to its ease of
transportation and use. However, it can be a cause of severe damages due to its inherent
explosive nature/properties if not handled properly. Therefore, several safety features are
incorporated in these cylinders to ensure safety during handling, transportation and use.

[0004] Every LPG cylinder is provided with a Self Closing Valve, referred hereafter as SC
valve, wherein SC valve can ensure controlled release of LPG when required while
simultaneously ensuring to safely and reliably contain the pressurized LPG within the LPG
cylinder during storage and transportation. SC valve is normally in closed position and opens to
allow LPG to flow out when spindle of the SC valve is pressed. Users are required to attach a
pressure regulator that allows controlled release of LPG at constant pressure for use by an
appliance. In typical domestic setups, a pressure regulator known as Domestic Pressure
Regulator (DPR) is directly attached to SC valve, and when operated, actuates SC valve by
pressing the spindle to open the SC valve and allows LPG to come out of the LPG cylinder.

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[0005] It is of paramount importance from safety point of view that LPG released by the SC
valve is channelled fully through the DPR and not allowed to leak out. For this purpose, an O-
ring is provided on SC valve to provide a leak proof fitting of DPR on the SC valve. The O-ring
seals the space between inside diameter of the SC valve and outside diameter of the DPR to
prevent any leakage of LPG.

[0006] A second level of safety is provided by a tight joint component to withhold leaks in
case of the failure or absence of O-rings in S C valves. The tight joint component (also referred
to as tight joint seal or simply tight joint hereinafter) is fitted on domestic pressure regulators and
can prevent leakage of any LPG that may leak past the O-ring and thus provides an important
function as a secondary seal. However, in DPRs presently used in India, the tight joint can
prevent leakages only up to a pressure of 2 bar, which is grossly inadequate for Indian conditions
where gas pressure inside the cylinder can be up to 7 bar. This is because of inadequate sealing
area of present tight joint and also due to drawbacks in the material of tight joint used presently.

[0007] As leakage of combustible gas between DPR and SC valve connections of a cylinder
at customer premises can be disastrous, there is a need to improve efficiency of the existing tight
joints that can satisfactorily work as a second level of safety.

[0008] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is
inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term
provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0009] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties

such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain
embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the
term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the
written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the
desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the
numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits
and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and

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parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are
approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely
as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may
contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective
testing measurements.

[0010] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning
of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0011] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand
method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless
otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it
were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable
order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of
any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain
embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a
limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification
should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the
invention.

[0012] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein

are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed
individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found
herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons
of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the
specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written
description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to overcome problems associated with

existing second level of safety feature provided on domestic pressure regulators.

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[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved second level
sealing in domestic pressure regulator and SC valve of a gas cylinder that meets the requirement
of operating gas pressure.

[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tight joint that does not
require any change in the DPR and SC valve but meets the requirements second level sealing up
to the operating gas pressure.

[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tight joint that increases
sealing area between domestic pressure regulator and SC valve of a gas cylinder.

[0017] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tight joint with a new
material so that the tight joint meets the requirements second level sealing up to the operating gas
pressure.

SUMMARY

[0018] Aspects of present disclosure relate to second level sealing between domestic
pressure regulator (DPR) and SC valve of a domestic gas cylinder. In an aspect, the disclosure
provides a new design tight joint that is capable of meeting second level safety requirement in
respect of sealing between domestic pressure regulator and SC valve of a gas cylinder. Existing
tight joints are unable to withstand pressure beyond 2 bar as against storage pressure of gas of up
to 7 bar, and therefore tight joint of existing design is unable to prevent leakage when the
pressure builds up in the space between domestic pressure regulator and SC valve due to
damaged or missing O-ring exceeds 2 bar.

[0019] In another aspect, sealing area in the existing design of tight joint is inadequate to
withstand pressure beyond 2 bar, limiting the efficiency of the existing tight joints. In an aspect,
the disclosure provides a new design for tight joint that increases the sealing area, thereby
removing this deficiency. In another aspect, the disclosed tight joint has more contact area on
regulator end. In yet another aspect, the disclosed tight joint has more contact area on valve end
also. In yet another aspect, the disclosed tight joint also has more contact area height between
DPR & SC valve. The increased contact area on DPR end, on valve end, and increased contact
height results in improved sealing.

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[0020] In another aspect, the tight joint of existing design can be made of Nitrile rubber,
which has limited resistance to hydrocarbons and therefore can deteriorate fast in view of its
continuous exposure to hydrocarbons. In addition, it is susceptible to permanent set due to
inferior compression set property and consequently loose its sealing property. In an aspect of the
disclosure, new tight joint can be made of Flouro-Karbon Elastomer (fluorinated carbon), which
possesses superior hydrocarbon resistance and permanent set property. Increased compression
set property can lead to increased service life of the tight joint as it shall not easily develop
permanent set, and superior hydrocarbon resistance can prevent damage to the tight joint from
exposure to hydrocarbons.

[0021] In another aspect, the disclosed tight joint with new design and made of Flouro-
Karbon Elastomer can have a hardness in the range of 70 +5/-5 IRHD. In yet another aspect, the
disclosed tight joint with hardness of 70 +5/-5 IRHD gives the optimum performance. In another
aspect, the disclosed tight joint has been subjected to pressure test under simulated conditions
and found to create a leak proof joint between DPR and SC valve that withstood pressure upto 15
bar, which is much higher than the maximum pressure of gas in the gas cylinder, thus proving
the efficiency of the disclosed tight joint.

[0022] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter
will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments,
along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the
present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The
drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a typical domestic pressure regulator
configured on SC valve of a gas cylinder indicating installation of tight joint as prevalent in art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in

the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the

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disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated
variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as
defined by the appended claims.

[0026] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement
purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified
in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some
cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that
references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not
necessarily all, of the claims.

[0027] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim
is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have
given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0028] Embodiments of present disclosure relate to second level sealing between domestic
pressure regulator (DPR) and SC valve of a domestic gas cylinder. In an aspect the disclosure
provides a new design tight joint that is capable of meeting second level safety requirement in
respect of sealing between domestic pressure regulator and SC valve of a gas cylinder.

[0029] Existing tight joints are unable to withstand pressure beyond 2 bar as against
storage pressure of gas of up to 7 bar and therefore tight joint of existing design are unable to
prevent leakage when the pressure build up in the space between domestic pressure regulator and
SC valve due to damaged or missing O-ring exceeds 2 bar.In an aspect sealing area in the
existing design of tight joint is inadequate to withstand pressure beyond 2 bar limiting the
efficiency of the existing tight joints.

[0030] In an embodiment, the disclosure provides a new design for tight joint that increases
the sealing area thereby removing this deficiency. In an aspect the disclosed tight joint has more
contact area on regulator end. In another aspect the disclosed tight joint has more contact area on
valve end also. In yet another aspect the disclosed tight joint also has more contact area height
between DPR & SC valve. The increased contact area on DPR end, on valve end and increase
contact height results in improved sealing.

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[0031] The tight joints of existing design are made of Nitrile rubber that has limited
resistance to hydrocarbons and therefore can deteriorate fast in view of its continuous exposure
to hydrocarbons. In addition it is susceptible to permanent set due to inferior compression set
property and consequently lose its sealing property.

[0032] In an embodiment of the disclosure, new tight joint is made of Flouro-Karbon

Elastomer (fluorinated carbon) that possesses superior hydrocarbon resistance and permanent set
property. Increased compression set property leads to increased service life of the tight joint as it
shall not easily develop permanent set and superior hydrocarbon resistance can prevent damage
to the tight joint from exposure to hydrocarbons.

[0033] In another embodiment the disclosed tight joint with new design and made of
Flouro-Karbon Elastomer can have a hardness in the range of 70 +5/-5 IRHD. The disclosed
tight joint with hardness of 70 +5/-5 IRHD gives the optimum performance. In another
embodiment the disclosed tight joint has been subjected to pressure test under simulated
conditions and found to create a leak proof joint between DPR and SC valve that withstood
pressure up to 15 bar which is much higher than the maximum pressure of gas in the gas cylinder
thus proving the efficiency of the disclosed tight joint.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view 100 of a typical domestic pressure regulator
configured on SC valve of a gas cylinder indicating installation of tight joint as prevalent in art.
For drawing gas from the cylinder, DPR 102 is inserted in the hollow space in the housing of SC
valve 104 and locked in position by locking balls 106. The primary sealing between domestic
pressure regulator (DPR) and SC valve is provided by O-ring 108. As the spindle 110 of the SC
valve 104 is pressed by operating the DPR 102, gas flows out of the gas cylinder and flows to
DPR as depicted by arrows. It is prevented from leaking out by O-ring 108. However, in case the
O-ring 108 is damaged or missing, gas will tend to leak out. To meet such an eventuality a
second level safety is provided in form of tight joint 112 that is configured between DPR 102
and housing of SC valve 104 as depicted. The tight joint can prevent leakage of any gas that may
go past the O-ring 108.

[0035] However, existing tight joints are unable to withstand pressure beyond 2 bar as
against storage pressure of gas of up to 7 bar. Therefore, tight joint of existing design is unable to
prevent leakage when the pressure build up in the space between domestic pressure regulator 102

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and SC valve 104 due to damaged or missing O-ring exceeds 2 bar. This is primarily on account
of inadequate sealing area in the existing design of tight joint that can withstand pressure beyond
2 bar thus limiting the efficiency of the existing tight joints.

[0036] In an embodiment, the disclosure provides a new design for tight joint that increases
the sealing area thereby removing this deficiency. In an aspect, the disclosed tight joint has more
contact area on regulator end and has new dimensions of the contact surface on regulator end in
the range of 18.0 – 20.0 mm and 17.0 - 1 9.0 mm respectively.

[0037] In another embodiment, the disclosed tight joint has more contact area on valve end
also and has new dimensions of the contact surface on valve end in the range of 11.0 -13.5 mm
and 13.5- 15.0 mm

[0038] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed tight joint also has more contact area
height between DPR & SC valve and new overall contact area height is in the range of 5.0 to 8.0
mm. The increased contact area on DPR end, on valve end and increase contact height can result
in improved sealing.

[0039] The tight joints of existing design are made of Nitrile rubber, which has limited
resistance to hydrocarbons, and therefore can deteriorate fast in view of its continuous exposure
to hydrocarbons. In addition, it is susceptible to permanent set due to inferior compression set
property and consequently lose its sealing property.

[0040] In an embodiment of the disclosure, new tight joint is made of Flouro-Karbon

Elastomer (fluorinated carbon) that possesses superior hydrocarbon resistance and permanent set
property. Increased compression set property can lead to increased service life of the tight joint
as it shall not easily develop permanent set and superior hydrocarbon resistance can prevent
damage to the tight joint from exposure to hydrocarbons.

[0041] In another embodiment, the disclosed tight joint with new design and made of
Flouro-Karbon Elastomer can have a hardness in the range of 70 +5/-5 IRHD. The disclosed
tight joint with hardness of 70 +5/-5 IRHD gives the optimum performance. In another
embodiment the disclosed tight joint has been subjected to pressure test under simulated
conditions and found to create a leak proof joint between DPR and SC valve that withstood

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pressure up to 15 bar which is much higher than the maximum pressure of gas in the gas cylinder
thus proving the efficiency of the disclosed tight joint.

[0042] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and
further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope
thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not
limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a
person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with
information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The present disclosure overcomes problems associated with existing second level of
safety feature provided on domestic pressure regulators.

[0044] The present disclosure provides an improved second level sealing in domestic
pressure regulator and SC valve of a gas cylinder that meets the requirement of operating gas
pressure.

[0045] The present disclosure provides a tight joint that does not require any changes in the
DPR and SC valve but meets the requirements second level sealing up to the operating gas
pressure.

[0046] The present disclosure provides a tight joint that increases sealing area between
domestic pressure regulator and SC valve of a gas cylinder.

[0047] The present disclosure provides a tight joint with a new material so that the tight
joint meets the requirements second level sealing up to the operating gas pressure.

For LPG Equipment Research Centre

Tarun Khurana
Regd. Patent Agent [INPA-1325]
Dated: 6th Jan’15

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 ABSTRACT

IMPROVED TIGHT JOINT SEAL FOR LPG GAS CYLINDER PRESSURE

REGULATOR

The present disclosure relates to second level sealing between domestic pressure
regulator (DPR) and SC valve of a domestic gas cylinder. The disclosure provides a new design
tight joint made of Flouro-Karbon Elastomer (fluorinated carbon) that possesses superior
hydrocarbon resistance and permanent set property and is capable of meeting second level safety
requirement up to operating pressure of gas stored in cylinder.

For LPG Equipment Research Centre

Tarun Khurana
Regd. Patent Agent [INPA-1325]
Dated: 6th Jan’15

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