Apparatus and method for containing and regulating the pressure in a pressure vessel

(19)

(11)

EP 1 528 166 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	09.08.2006 Bulletin 2006/32

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	04.05.2005 Bulletin 2005/18

(21)	Application number: 04256561.4

(22)	Date of filing: 25.10.2004

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International Patent Classification (IPC):

E03B 11/02^(2006.01)

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
	Designated Extension States:
	AL HR LT LV MK

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Priority:

30.10.2003 US 697391

(71)	Applicant: AOS Holding Company
	Wilmington, DE 19890 (US)

(72)	Inventors:
	Schurter, Robert M. Colgate, Wisconsin 53017 (US) Carian, Stephen Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218 (US)

(74)	Representative: Neill, Alastair William et al
	Appleyard Lees 15 Clare Road Halifax West Yorkshire HX1 2HY Halifax West Yorkshire HX1 2HY (GB)

(54)	Apparatus and method for containing and regulating the pressure in a pressure vessel

(57) Some embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a tank and/or pressure sensing assembly that can reduce one or more steps from a conventional manufacturing operation. The tank of some embodiments can have a seal that is capable of sealing an entire opening within the tank and is adapted to be punctured or pierced by a portion of a pressure sensing assembly or while the pressure sensing assembly is attached to the tank. The pressure sensing assembly of some embodiments can include a conduit connectable with the tank and a pressure switch coupled to the conduit. A projection contiguous with and extending from the conduit can pierce the seal (if used) on the tank. The projection can also pierce an elastic member within the tank in the event that the elastic member contacts the piercing member due to a leak.

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