Apparatus for blocking fluid flow through a conduit responsive to an emergency condition
US5558131A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/3631
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Fluid flow through a conduit is selectively blocked upon the occurrence of an alarm condition by an inflatable member normally folded when not in use to occupy as small a volume as is practicable. The small size volume together with securement of the inflatable member in a preferred location minimizes the effect of the inflatable member to normal fluid flow. A thin, tear-away sleeve maintains the inflatable member in the folded state and quickly tears apart during inflation enabling the inflatable member to fill and plug the interior of the conduit. The shape of the inflatable member, together with the fluid source utilized for inflation assures rapid, liquid-tight sealing. Alarm signal monitoring and inflation initiation is guaranteed under substantially all conditions through the employment of an electronic controller with a stand-by battery. The gas source serves the dual function of inflating the inflatable member and providing suitable energy for proper operation of a valve whose operation is enabled by the electronic controller. A local AC source is utilized to trickle charge the battery. The microprocessor based electronic controller incorporates routines to prevent improper…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.