Inflatable Or Fluid Pressure Responsive Patents (Class 49/477.1)
  • Patent number: 11592112
    Abstract: A labyrinth barrier is disclosed and comprises two or more members each defining respective vertical axes. One or more of the members are constructed at least in part of a shape memory material having a first energy state and a second energy state. The members are oriented relative to one another by their respective vertical axes in an original state to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow in a direction transverse to the respective vertical axes. The members are urged towards one another to further restrict the flow pathway when the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Tyler Emerson Berkey, Nicholas Page
  • Patent number: 11565786
    Abstract: An aircraft door sealing system comprises a resilient sealing element secured to an aircraft door arrangement first element and comprising a sealing lip extending from a sealing member. A rigid counter-bearing element is secured to an aircraft door arrangement second element and cooperates with the sealing element to seal a gap between the first and second elements. The counter-bearing element comprises a first portion cooperating with the sealing member and a second portion cooperating with the sealing lip. The sealing lip and the second portion are positioned relative to each other, and the sealing lip can be resiliently deformed, so that the sealing lip is applied to the second portion and a contact face between the sealing lip and the second portion is formed or increases, when an external pressure acting on an outer face of the sealing lip via the gap, exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Heeren
  • Patent number: 11203406
    Abstract: An aircraft door, and, more particularly, to a mounting system for a pressure seal of an aircraft door. A mounting system may include an outer skin, a pressure seal, a clamping component, a pressure seal fastener having a head and a threaded shank, a nut, a mounting support having a clearance hole that is adapted to prevent a rotational and axial movement of the pressure seal fastener, and mounting support fasteners. Mounting support fasteners removably attach the mounting support to the outer skin. The head of the pressure seal fastener is connected to the mounting support such that a rotational and axial movement of the pressure seal fastener is prevented. The nut is removably attached to the threaded shank of the pressure seal fastener, thereby removably clamping the pressure seal between the clamping component and the mounting support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Hackenberg, Thomas Thiess, Dirk Trott
  • Patent number: 11143303
    Abstract: A non-metallic engine case inlet compression seal for a gas turbine engine includes a non-metallic longitudinal leg section that extends from the non-metallic arcuate interface section and a non-metallic mount flange section that extends from the longitudinal leg section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony R. Bifulco
  • Patent number: 11118697
    Abstract: An inflatable seal system with retractable load bearing feature providing sealing in the annulus between a ball inside a pipe, with minimal pressure applied to inflate the inflatable seal, by using a retractable load bearing construct to hold the ball in place against the high-pressure forces in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventor: Pallant Satnarine Ramsundar
  • Patent number: 11002065
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a sealing system configured to provide a sealed boundary between a conditioned and an uncontrolled or separately conditioned environment. In some examples, the sealing system may comprise a door, a conditioning device, and a seal assembly. The door may be moveable between an opened position and a closed position. The seal assembly may be coupled to the door and have an airflow path. When the door is in the closed position, the conditioning device may be configured to direct conditioned air into the airflow path, thereby urging conditioned air through the seal to inhibit undesirable door and/or adjacent surface conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: ASI Doors, Inc.
    Inventors: George F. Balbach, Joseph M. Endter, Steven E. Spitz, William B. Weishar
  • Patent number: 10882598
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for a sliding door in a pressurized aircraft. In one embodiment, an aircraft comprises a fuselage having a door opening, and a door configured to slide into the door opening from within the fuselage, the door held in a closed position in the door opening by excess air pressure within the fuselage during operation of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Bell Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Robert Chavez, Brent Chadwick Ross
  • Patent number: 10329835
    Abstract: An inflatable, window-covering system is described. The inflatable, window-covering system may include an inflatable cushion and a drive assembly, the drive assembly including a power source; one or more sensors, where the one or more sensors may be configured to detect a triggering event; and an air pump configured to inflate the inflatable cushion based, at least in part, on the detected triggering event. In some cases, the triggering event may include any of sensing a predetermined temperature, sensing a predetermined level of light intensity, sensing a predetermined time, or receiving an instruction, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Conrad Geyser
  • Patent number: 10215281
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a seal assembly for sealing a gap between a first component and a second component is disclosed. The second component is movable relative to the first component. The seal assembly includes a rub strip and a seal strip. The rub strip includes a seal strip engagement surface having a convex shape. Additionally, the rub strip includes a first component engagement surface that is opposite the seal strip engagement surface and has a concave shape. The seal strip includes a rub strip engagement surface having a convex shape. Furthermore, the seal strip includes a second component engagement surface that is opposite the rub strip engagement surface and has a concave shape. The seal strip engagement surface is harder than the rub strip engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charuhas M. Soman, Keith Townsend, Eric D. Blohm, Richard B. Tanner, Mark J. Herzberg, Ralph E. Hardin
  • Patent number: 9863539
    Abstract: A bearing having an inner ring, an outer ring, and sealing means is provided. The bearing includes a complementary inflatable sealing device mounted on one of the rings and further includes a fixed annular part and a deformable annular portion coupled to the annular fixed part that can be deformed in a direction from a retracted position to a deployed position under the effect of a fluid and in the other direction towards its retracted position, at least one annular chamber for receiving the fluid, into which the orifice being formed between the fixed and deformable portions at least when the deformable annular portion is extended axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Juliette Delaby, Michel Nicolas
  • Patent number: 9682765
    Abstract: An aircraft door includes an outer shell with an exterior and an interior, a stiffening structure arranged on the interior of the outer shell, and at least one door seal arranged on the interior of the outer shell. The door seal is circumferential in an edge region. In the edge region between the outer shell and the door seal at least one circumferential stiffening component is arranged that is connected to the stiffening structure. Thus, in a particularly simple manner and without modifications to a stiffening structure, an aircraft door may be provided with very substantial stiffness in an edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Paul, Holger Homann
  • Patent number: 9636983
    Abstract: A roll-up door assembly including a plurality of door panels; a pneumatic seal apparatus having an elastic membrane of an elongated tube disposed around a perimeter of the trailer door so as to be adjacent to the plurality of door panels, wherein pressurized air is injected into the pneumatic seal apparatus to expand the elastic membrane and to apply an outward force against multiple sides of the plurality of door panels, wherein applying the outward force against the plurality of door panels on multiple sides keeps the plurality of door panels as a single unit such that substantially less air flows through the plurality of door panels than prior to the application of the outward force to seal the trailer door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Translead
    Inventor: Donald James Hindman
  • Patent number: 9383037
    Abstract: Device for closing an opening in a chamber wall of a low-pressure or vacuum chamber, having at least one movably mounted closure element, a main body with a through-opening and a seat, which surrounds the through-opening, the through-opening is congruent with the opening in the chamber wall, and the device has at least one open position of the closure element, in which the through-opening is exposed by the closure element, and at least one closed position, in which the through-opening is completely closed using the closure element. At least one elastic seal with an inflatable chamber is sealingly arranged in the closed position between the closure element and the seat and the elastic seal has in addition to the inflatable chamber a safety chamber for receiving fluid from the inflatable chamber in the event of a leak in the inflatable chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Duelli
  • Patent number: 9133659
    Abstract: A door seal for a doorway in a vehicle for public passenger transportation has at least one reinforcing element coated with an elastomer, the reinforcing element having a lesser elasticity in the longitudinal direction of the seal than in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lars Krug, Thomas Busch
  • Publication number: 20150108885
    Abstract: A door opening unit for automatically opening a door for a dishwasher includes an actuator, a link member that makes a straight motion due to pressurization of the actuator and has a plurality of legs, a plurality of rotation levers that are connected to the plurality of legs of the link member, and a plurality of pressurization members that are connected to the plurality of rotation levers. Since the plurality of pressurization members may pressurize a plurality of points of the door, the door may be more smoothly opened. Also, the door opening unit for automatically opening the door includes a restoring spring that restores positions of the plurality of pressurization members when power to the actuator is turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan Ku KANG, Jea Won LEE, Kyung Han JEONG
  • Patent number: 8992213
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a fan drive shaft in a vacuum heat treating furnace is disclosed. The sealing apparatus includes a housing having an annular body and a central opening. An inflatable first seal surrounds the central opening of the annular body. A second seal surrounds the central opening and is adjacent to the inflatable first seal. The sealing apparatus also includes a channel formed in the annular body adjacent to the second seal for conducting a purging fluid into the central opening. A means for injecting the purging fluid into the central opening is operably connected to the channel. A vacuum heat treating furnace and a fan drive system incorporating the sealing apparatus are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ipsen, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Moller, Werner Hendrik Grobler, Jake Hamid
  • Publication number: 20150082708
    Abstract: A cover plate for covering a door clearance between a skin of a means of transportation and a door as well as a door arrangement with such a cover plate is proposed. The cover plate includes a mounting region for permanently fastening the cover plate on the door; a covering region for covering the door clearance; and a fastening device that is designed for fixing the covering region on the skin when the door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Eilken, Matthias Hegenbart, Memis Tiryaki, Dirk Elbracht, Leonard Rahmel
  • Publication number: 20150047262
    Abstract: A waterproof lockable door and an automatic pressure adjusting plug set thereof are provided. An electronic device is formed with an opening having an annular wall. The waterproof lockable door includes a cover member formed with at least a penetrated hole and an automatic pressure adjusting plug set including a waterproof member and at least a fastening unit. The waterproof member is formed with at least a fasten hole. The fastening unit is formed with a head portion and a rod portion, and the rod portion is received in the penetrated hole and generates a movement relative to the cover member thereby driving the outer periphery of the waterproof member to be tightly adjacent to annular wall. Accordingly, the tolerance of the annular wall and the waterproof member and the air pressure inside an opening both force the waterproof member to move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: GETAC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kun-Cheng LEE, Juei-Chi CHANG
  • Patent number: 8915020
    Abstract: A device (100) for closing an opening in a room has a frame (102) in the reveal of the room opening and at least one leaf (104) which is arranged movably with respect to the frame (102) and is movable with respect to the frame into a closure position in which there is, between the frame (102) and the leaf (104), a gap (112) which can be sealed by means of a deformable and/or movable sealing member (114). A sealing member actuating device (120), by means of which the sealing member (114) can be deformed and/or moved, is arranged in the frame (102) and/or in the leaf (104) in order to seal the gap (112).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: air-lux technik ag
    Inventor: Heinz Sauter
  • Publication number: 20140360100
    Abstract: A door seal for a doorway in a vehicle for public passenger transportation has at least one reinforcing element coated with an elastomer, the reinforcing element having a lesser elasticity in the longitudinal direction of the seal than in the transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lars Krug, Thomas Busch
  • Patent number: 8898956
    Abstract: A sliding door device for a vehicle includes a sliding door installed to be slidingly moved, a door weather strip attached to the sliding door, a pressure switch for sensing internal pressure of the door weather strip, a pneumatic line for connecting the door weather strip and the pressure switch to communicate with each other, an electronic control unit (ECU) for receiving a sensing signal of the pressure switch to control opening and closing of the sliding door, and an opening and closing valve for having the pneumatic line communicate with the atmospheric pressure or blocking the pneumatic line from the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent an object or an occupant from being jammed in a process of closing the sliding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kyunghyun Nam
  • Patent number: 8850746
    Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for maintaining a pressure difference between an exterior and an interior of an object having an access hatch and an access hatch frame. The seal assembly has a seal retainer having an interior face oriented toward the interior of the object, an exterior face oriented toward the exterior of the object, a hatch-side face oriented toward the access hatch and extending from the interior face to the exterior face, and frame-side face oriented toward the access hatch frame and extending from the interior face to the exterior face. The seal assembly also has at least one sealing member mounted on either the interior face or the exterior face of the seal retainer and a plurality of conduits formed in the seal retainer and extending from the exterior face to the interior face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Lannie D. Harrison
  • Publication number: 20140223828
    Abstract: A sealing system for doors and windows includes a reservoir device, a sealing tube configured to expand and to contract, and a transfer valve configured to couple the reservoir device to a first end of the sealing tube. Responsive to either of a door or window closing, a medium may be transferred from the reservoir device via the transfer valve to the sealing tube. Responsive to receiving the medium, the sealing tube may expand to substantially seal a gap between an edge of either of the door or the window and a surface in proximity to the edge. Responsive to either of the door or window opening, the medium may be discharged from the sealing tube via the transfer valve. The sealing tube may contract in response to discharging the medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Norman David Eansor
  • Patent number: 8800209
    Abstract: Pneumatic door system of fluid lines, valves, switches, and sensors integrated into hinge mechanisms, door frame, and door connected to a fluid pressurization system to inflate and deflate one or more fluid seals attached to outer perimeter of door adjacent to inner perimeter of door frame to close gap between outer perimeter of door and inner perimeter of door frame to provide radio frequency shielding against, for example, high-altitude electromagnetic pulse. Air seal creates a substantially impermeable barrier against radio frequency transmission, as well as air infiltration, when fully inflated. Separate fluid channels in each component interconnect to act as one fluid circuit or network when door is closed. Pneumatic door system can be fluidly connected to a conventional fluid pressurization system in communication with a programmable logic controller to respond to user input or automatic commands with system overrides to react to system air pressure and air flow conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Gaven Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Gaviglia
  • Patent number: 8802023
    Abstract: A steam autoclave (steam sterilization system) has a door for opening and closing an opening that defines the entrance to and exit from a steam sterilization chamber. The door may be latched and locked and pneumatically sealed when in a closed position. Preferably, the door has a convex portion that projects into the sterilization chamber when the door is in a closed position for aiding in providing an even distribution of steam throughout the sterilization chamber during operation of the steam autoclave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: OnSite Sterilization LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Lewis, Timothy A. Barrett
  • Patent number: 8789314
    Abstract: Active seal architectures adapted for producing a variable sealing and/or closing force between a closure panel and perimeter, includes a mounting clip, a flexible outer layer fixedly connected to the clip, defining an interior space, and longitudinally extending along the perimeter; and an interior structure comprising and reconfigurable by an active material disposed within the space, and operable to impart differing first and second forces upon the layer and panel when the material is activated and deactivated respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Diann Brei, Jonathan E. Luntz, Monica Cristina Toma, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8595983
    Abstract: Pneumatic door system of fluid lines, valves, switches, and sensors integrated into hinge mechanisms, door frame, and door connected to a fluid pressurization system to inflate and deflate one or more fluid seals attached to outer perimeter of door adjacent to inner perimeter of door frame to close gap between outer perimeter of door and inner perimeter of door frame to provide radio frequency shielding against, for example, high-altitude electromagnetic pulse. Air seal creates a substantially impermeable barrier against radio frequency transmission, as well as air infiltration, when fully inflated. Separate fluid channels in each component interconnect to act as one fluid circuit or network when door is closed. Pneumatic door system can be fluidly connected to a conventional fluid pressurization system in communication with a programmable logic controller to respond to user input or automatic commands with system overrides to react to system air pressure and air flow conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Gaven Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Gaviglia
  • Patent number: 8572911
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to a protective window covering system comprising a conventional building window having a window frame and an inflatable protective window covering, wherein multiple hooks are mounted around the perimeter of the window frame, wherein the inflatable protective window covering is comprised of a single, uninterrupted inner cavity and walls wherein the walls of the protective covering enclose the inner space of the protective covering, and wherein the walls of the protective covering include at least two rows of fibers extending throughout at an angle that is offset by 15° to 75°, and a securing means wherein the securing means attaches loosely to the window frame in an uninflated state, wherein inflation of the protective covering applies tension to the securing mechanism thereby securing the protective covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: University of Akron Research Foundation
    Inventor: Wieslaw K. Binienda
  • Patent number: 8555552
    Abstract: A vehicle and method of operation having a first door, a second door, an inflatable door seal assembly and an inflator assembly. The first door has a first opening side and a first seal mount extending along the first opening side. The second door has a second opening side adjacent to the first opening side to define a gap and a second seal mount extending along the second opening side. The door seal assembly has a first seal assembly mounted to one of the first or second seal mounts, the first seal assembly inflatable to extend into the gap toward the other of the seal mounts when the first and second door are closed and deflatable to retract from the gap. The inflator assembly pumps a fluid into the seal assembly to inflate the seal assembly and pumps the fluid out to deflate the seal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joel S. Hooton
  • Patent number: 8492660
    Abstract: Radio-frequency (RF) leakage from shielded enclosures is minimized while ensuring applicable RF attenuation standards and access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by attaching an inflatable bladder to a door of an enclosure. Substantially surrounding the bladder is an electrically conductive material. When the bladder is inflated it makes contact with conductive material which in turn makes conductive contact with the door frame to create an RF seal. The use of the bladder and conductive material provides an improved RF seal and allows for the use of a low-profile threshold that permits ADA access to, and from, the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Dominick Carducci, Glenn A. McNemar, Mary R. Castle, Robert A. Wiatr
  • Patent number: 8397431
    Abstract: An ejection system for a window pane or panel which is affixed to a frame structure with at least one clamping seal. The system has means for ejecting the panel or window pane from the clamping seal and (a) a frame part with a housing which surrounds the inner face of the window pane or panel along a peripheral path, wherein the housing has an open end facing the window pane or panel; (b) an inflatable seal arranged in the housing; (c) a pressure source which is joined to the inflatable seal; and (d) an emergency actuation means to release pressure from the gas pressure source. The released air or gas expands the inflatable seal which pushes the window pane or panel out of the clamping seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Kornelius Krahl
  • Publication number: 20130047519
    Abstract: A vehicle and method of operation having a first door, a second door, an inflatable door seal assembly and an inflator assembly. The first door has a first opening side and a first seal mount extending along the first opening side. The second door has a second opening side adjacent to the first opening side to define a gap and a second seal mount extending along the second opening side. The door seal assembly has a first seal assembly mounted to one of the first or second seal mounts, the first seal assembly inflatable to extend into the gap toward the other of the seal mounts when the first and second door are closed and deflatable to retract from the gap. The inflator assembly pumps a fluid into the seal assembly to inflate the seal assembly and pumps the fluid out to deflate the seal assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Joel S. Hooton
  • Patent number: 8347649
    Abstract: A door seal arrangement and method for sealing between a door and a door frame on food processing equipment are provided. The door seal is inflatable to create a seal between the door and the door frame and deflatable to release the seal between the door and the door frame. An air supply applies positive air pressure to the door seal to inflate the door seal. A vacuum applies a negative air pressure to the door seal to deflate the door seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak-MP Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse A. Gavin, Bryan Davis, Robert Wayne Fessenden, Dennis Conohan
  • Publication number: 20120317887
    Abstract: Device for closing an opening in a chamber wall of a low-pressure chamber or vacuum chamber, which has at least one movably mounted closure element (1), at least one main body (2) with a through-opening (3) and at least one seat (4), which surrounds the through-opening (3), wherein the through-opening (3) can be made congruent or is congruent with the opening in the chamber wall, and wherein the device has at least one open position of the closure element (1), in which the through-opening (3) is exposed by the closure element (1), and at least one closed position of the closure element (1), in which the through-opening (3) is completely closed using the closure element (1), and has at least one elastic seal (5) with at least one inflatable chamber (6), wherein, in the closed position, the seal (5) is arranged between the closure element (1) and the seat (4) and the closure element (1) is sealed with respect to the seat (4) and wherein the elastic seal (5) has in addition to the inflatable chamber (6) at least
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: VAT HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Duelli
  • Publication number: 20120260579
    Abstract: A seal that includes a hollow bulb that defines an interior space, and further includes at least one solid divider wall located in the interior space in order to divide the interior space so that it includes at least a first chamber and a second chamber, where the first and second chambers are not in fluid communication with one another. In some preferred embodiments: (i) the interior wall is generally V-Shaped in transverse cross-section; (ii) the first chamber is generally triangular in transverse cross-section; and (iii) the second chamber is generally U-shaped in transverse cross-section. Some preferred embodiments further include a seal base (for example, a T-shaped base), with the hollow bulb being mechanically connected to the base at the bottom of the T-shape so that an open end of the V-shaped interior wall is oriented to directly face the seal base. In some preferred embodiments, the first and second chambers are hollow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ULTRAFAB, INC.
    Inventor: Alan J. DeMello
  • Patent number: 8289717
    Abstract: Protective containers for electronic equipment, and methods of testing and manufacture thereof, are provided. The cabinets provide a HEMP protection level to electronic equipment housed therein that meets a HEMP protection level according to MIL-STD-188-125-1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Heimann, Jennifer Edison Zatz, Stephen Sattler, Andrew Bruno
  • Patent number: 8225553
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fireproofing a doorway, more particularly, the present invention relates to a gasket structure capable of sealing a doorway in the event of a fire. The gasket structure includes an outer silicon rubber core having a substantially D-shaped cross-section for mounting to a gasket retainer with a substantially U-shaped channel to a door frame. The gasket also includes an inner core of intumescent material within the outer core. The gasket is designed so that if the outer silicone rubber deteriorates because of fire, the intumescent material undergoes voluminous expansion to fill up voids left by the deterioration of the outer silicone rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Redfern, Patrick Arthur Ryals
  • Patent number: 8206660
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilizer having a housing defining a sterilization chamber. An opening in the housing communicates with the chamber. A surface surrounds the opening, and a door is movable between one of an open position allowing access to the chamber through the opening and a closed position covering the opening. A seal element is associated with the surface for forming a fluid-tight seal between the door and the surface when the door is in the closed position. An operating system is provided for applying pressure to one side of the seal from a first source external to the operating system to force the seal into engagement with the door. Sensing means are provided for monitoring the pressure applied to the seal from the first pressure source. A second source of pressure is provided in the operating system and is connectable to the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Buczynski, James M. Huber, David A. Karle, Teppo Nurminen, David F. McCall
  • Patent number: 8091831
    Abstract: A door arrangement for tightly closing a door opening comprises a door frame, a door which, when closed, is arranged in the door frame, and inner and outer sealing lips. The inner and outer sealing lips run next to each other along a periphery of the door opening between a first surface of the door and a second surface of the door frame, wherein the first and second surfaces face each other. The inner and outer sealing lips bound a space formed between them. The door arrangement further comprises a pressure-reducing device configured to reduce pressure in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Thorsten Roming
  • Publication number: 20110258934
    Abstract: Pneumatic door system of fluid lines, valves, switches, and sensors integrated into hinge mechanisms, door frame, and door connected to a fluid pressurization system to inflate and deflate one or more fluid seals attached to outer perimeter of door adjacent to inner perimeter of door frame to close gap between outer perimeter of door and inner perimeter of door frame to provide radio frequency shielding against, for example, high-altitude electromagnetic pulse. Air seal creates a substantially impermeable barrier against radio frequency transmission, as well as air infiltration, when fully inflated. Separate fluid channels in each component interconnect to act as one fluid circuit or network when door is closed. Pneumatic door system can be fluidly connected to a conventional fluid pressurization system in communication with a programmable logic controller to respond to user input or automatic commands with system overrides to react to system air pressure and air flow conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: John J. Gaviglia
  • Publication number: 20110126472
    Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for maintaining a pressure difference between an exterior and an interior of an object having an access hatch and an access hatch frame. The seal assembly has a seal retainer having an interior face oriented toward the interior of the object, an exterior face oriented toward the exterior of the object, a hatch-side face oriented toward the access hatch and extending from the interior face to the exterior face, and frame-side face oriented toward the access hatch frame and extending from the interior face to the exterior face. The seal assembly also has at least one sealing member mounted on either the interior face or the exterior face of the seal retainer and a plurality of conduits formed in the seal retainer and extending from the exterior face to the interior face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Lannie D. Harrison
  • Publication number: 20110016796
    Abstract: A weatherseal adapted to be installed in a door or window opening includes a spine, a resilient foam core, an intumescent material, and a liner. The spine has first and second ends, the first end adapted for mounting the weatherseal to the door or window opening. The resilient foam core is attached to the spine, proximate the second end of the spine. The intumescent material is arranged proximate the foam core. The liner encloses the flexible foam core and the intumescent material. The weatherseal or a portion may be color-coded to identify the weatherseal for fire rated applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Mark D. Foster, Craig W. Lund
  • Patent number: 7845707
    Abstract: A closure assembly with a shape memory polymer seal is provided for use with a vehicle. The closure assembly includes a frame member configured for attachment to the vehicle body to selectively transition from a closed position to an open position. The seal structure includes a base portion elongated along and attached to a peripheral edge of the frame member or the vehicle body, and a flexible contact portion extending integrally from the base portion and configured for sealing communication with an opposing surface. A thermally-activated smart material (TASM), namely a shape memory polymer member, is disposed inside a cavity within the contact portion. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with the TASM, and is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows therethrough. The TASM is activated in response to the thermal differential of the thermoelectric device, thereby altering at least one physical property of the TASM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Yueh-Se J. Huang, Houng Yue Chang, Phillip M. Turner, Pei-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 7731494
    Abstract: A system used in a vertical furnace is provided that includes a tube. The tube includes a tube flange at its lower end. The tube flange provides a first sealing surface at its lower end. Further, there is a structural member at the lower surface of the tube flange. This structural member extends vertically away from the lower surface of the tube flange at a position that is displaced inwardly from the first sealing surface. The system also includes a removable door plate that provides a second sealing surface at its upper surface. The second sealing surface of the removable door plate is sealed with the first sealing surface of the tube flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: A.S.M. International N.V.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Klinger
  • Publication number: 20100132264
    Abstract: An example of an inflatable seal for a door includes a bi-directional airflow pattern of frost-inhibiting heated air. The bi-directional flow pattern enables the seal's discharge opening and supply air blower to both be located well above the floor and preferably above the doorway. If the discharge opening is near the suction inlet of the blower, such an arrangement makes it possible to recover previously heated air by returning some of the warm air back to the blower. In some examples, the seal includes a supply air conduit and a return air conduit with one disposed within the other. The internal conduit may include a relatively stiff elbow to prevent that conduit from becoming kinked near an upper corner of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Steven Campbell, Carl David Hardison, Rodney Kern, Perry Knutson, Peter S. Schulte, Mark Ungs
  • Patent number: 7624538
    Abstract: Gate with an at least partially peripheral sealing means, with a retaining strip made from metal, within which the seal is arranged, wherein the seal may be activated pneumatically, with an adjustable plate which is located above the seal and is guided by guide means so as to be adjustable relative to the retaining strip, with an electrically conductive fabric strip which electrically connects the retaining strip to the plate, and with spring contacts which are arranged on the plate, are electrically conductive and may be brought into abutment with the rabbet of the installation frame provided on the building side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sommer Metallbau-Stahlbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Hautmann, Jürgen Hofmann, Oliver Sommer
  • Publication number: 20090255187
    Abstract: Active seal architectures adapted for producing a variable sealing and/or closing force between a closure panel and perimeter, includes a mounting clip, a flexible outer layer fixedly connected to the clip, defining an interior space, and longitudinally extending along the perimeter; and an interior structure comprising and reconfigurable by an active material disposed within the space, and operable to impart differing first and second forces upon the layer and panel when the material is activated and deactivated respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Diann Brei, Jonathan E. Luntx, Monica Cristina Toma, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7578097
    Abstract: A door for a cold storage locker or other applications includes an inflatable or fluid-filled seal system. The seal system comprises a network of pliable tubular seals that expand as air or another fluid is forced air through the seals. Expansion of the seals provides a more positive seal. To inhibit frost from accumulating near the seals, the seals are kept relatively warm by continuously circulating fluid through the seals regardless of whether the door is open or closed. In some cases, the fluid within the seals is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Dondlinger, Tom Jansen, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke
  • Publication number: 20090058246
    Abstract: Gasket for refrigerator cabinets of the kind including a soft bellows-type portion used for sealing the area between the cabinet and the door, thus extending from a base portion able to match the outer door and/or inner door of the refrigerator cabinet, wherein said base portion is substantially rigid and that at one end of it there is a means made of substantially soft material extending toward said inner door, said material having good flexible and spring back features when exposed to refrigerator and freezer temperatures, able to further seal, preferably by compression, the space located between said cabinets and inner door in a more internal area of the refrigerator cabinet, wherein said sealing means is independent and free from constraints with respect to said soft bellows-type portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Paolo Cittadini, Marco De Giorgi
  • Publication number: 20090049754
    Abstract: A system used in a vertical furnace is provided that includes a tube. The tube includes a tube flange at its lower end. The tube flange provides a first sealing surface at its lower end. Further, there is a structural member at the lower surface of the tube flange. This structural member extends vertically away from the lower surface of the tube flange at a position that is displaced inwardly from the first sealing surface. The system also includes a removable door plate that provides a second sealing surface at its upper surface. The second sealing surface of the removable door plate is sealed with the first sealing surface of the tube flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel L. Klinger