Bladder damper
US5348270A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/8225
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A damper includes an elastic bladder which is attached to and surrounds a support element mountable in a ventilation duct. The bladder inflates when supplied with fluid to restrict the available air space within the duct, thus restricting airflow through the duct. The amount of restriction can be regulated by monitoring the degree of inflation of the bladder and by controlling the degree of inflation to provide the desired airflow restriction rate. The bladder may be inflated by supplying pressurized air to the interior of the bladder through the support element or by vaporizing a refrigerant in communication with the bladder. The damper may comprise a single bladder extending longitudinally through the duct or a plurality of bladders extending transversely across the duct.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.