Importance

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Abstract

A mechanism for selectively securing a cover to a flange of a pressure vessel. The cover and flange each have openings that are aligned when the cover is in position facing the flange. The mechanism includes an anchor plate having a hole therethrough. A piston is slidable in a direction normal to the cover in alignment with the opening therethrough. A stud extends from to the piston with a stud head remote from the piston. The stud head fits through the opening of the closer of the cover and flange and through a wider portion of the anchor plate hole, and is positioned opposite the flange and cover from the piston when the cover is positioned over the flange. The stud head does not fit through a narrower portion of the anchor plate hole. A resilient member biases the piston away from the cover. A selectively activated actuator overcomes the resilient member and forces the stud head away from the flange and the anchor plate. The anchor plate moves between (i) a locking position, in which the narrower portion of the hole is aligned with the openings so that the resilient member can bias the stud head against the anchor plate, and (ii) an unlocked position, in which the wider portion of the hole is aligned with the openings so that the resilient member can bias the stud head into the enlarged portion of the anchor plate hole.

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First Claim