Inflatable sealing device
US6485029B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S277/921
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inflatable sealing device is used to seal a door, such as a shutter door in a submarine, when the door is closed. The inflatable sealing device includes a seal retainer positioned around the opening through a structure, such as a submarine hull or other type of wall. An inflatable seal is positioned with a retainer cavity within the seal retainer. The inflatable seal includes a seal periphery and a seal tip extending from the seal periphery. The seal periphery preferably has an elliptical cross section in a deflated state and a circular cross section in an inflated state such that the seal tip extends into a gap to seal the door when the inflatable seal is pressurized and inflated. The seal tip retracts into the seal retainer when the inflatable seal is deflated. A pressure actuator, such as a bellows, is used to pressurize the inflatable seal using an actuating fluid. The bellows can be compressed using a door arm coupled to the door such that the seal is automatically actuated to seal the door as the door reaches its fully closed position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.