Electrically conductive confined space ventilator conduit formed of conductive polymer, electrical grounding circuit for ventilation system using same, and methods of using and forming same
US7467645B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/139
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electrically conductive confined space ventilation conduit formed of a substantially rigid non-metallic conductive material, such as plastic, and a related process for ventilating an enclosure accessed by a manhole or other port. In one embodiment, the conduit has a pair of outer cylindrical sections and a central section having a cross-sectional shape of a crescent or a segment of a circle where it passes through a port to provide a minimum of obstruction for men and equipment passing through the port. Intermediate sections of varying cross-section connect the central section to the cylindrical outer sections so that the outer sections are offset from the axis of the manhole. The central section is preferably configured to obstruct no more than about 10 percent of a standard manhole opening, while causing either no air flow rate reduction, or a reduction of no more than about 10 percent as compared to the flow rate through a cylindrical conduit similar to said outer sections. The conduit is preferably formed of a conductive or electrically dissipative polyethylene polymer material to allow static electricity to be conducted from the conduit to ground. In a preferred embodiment,…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.