US3946645A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Protective air lock
Assignee: Energy Research and Development Administration ERDA
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Filing: 1949-12-14
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Granted: 1976-03-30
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Expires: 1969-12-14
Abstract
Abstract A device suitable for preventing escape and subsequent circulation of toxic gases comprising an enclosure which is sealed by a surrounding air lock, automatic means for partially evacuating said enclosure and said air lock and for ventilating said enclosure and means for disconnecting said enclosure ventilating means, whereby a relatively undisturbed atmosphere is created in said enclosure.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert W. Evans
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 13:00
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/62; E04B1/92; A; A62; A62B; A62B11/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
232 words
In combination with a protective ventilating system, an improved building unit affording safety against escape of toxic gases and comprising an outer enclosure, an inner enclosure adapted to house toxic gas processing equipment and spaced from the outer enclosure by a protective air lock space, an air intake extending in sealed relation through said outer enclosure and space into said inner enclosure, single vacuum means connected to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, air-removal closure means interposed between said vacuum means and said inner enclosure, said closure means being adapted in closed position to permit an increased air pressure within said inner enclosure and in open position to permit a lowered air pressure therewithin, control means for actuating said air-removal closure means thereby to apply said vacuum exclusively to said air lock space or simultaneously to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, a second closure means disposed in said air intake, a second control means for operating said second closure means, said second closure means being adapted in closed position to permit isolation of air in said inner enclosure and in open position to permit air flow into said enclosure, and a third closure means providing ingress and egress to said inner enclosure and adapted in closed position to seal said air lock space against air leakage from both said inner and outer enclosures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
232 words
In combination with a protective ventilating system, an improved building unit affording safety against escape of toxic gases and comprising an outer enclosure, an inner enclosure adapted to house toxic gas processing equipment and spaced from the outer enclosure by a protective air lock space, an air intake extending in sealed relation through said outer enclosure and space into said inner enclosure, single vacuum means connected to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, air-removal closure means interposed between said vacuum means and said inner enclosure, said closure means being adapted in closed position to permit an increased air pressure within said inner enclosure and in open position to permit a lowered air pressure therewithin, control means for actuating said air-removal closure means thereby to apply said vacuum exclusively to said air lock space or simultaneously to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, a second closure means disposed in said air intake, a second control means for operating said second closure means, said second closure means being adapted in closed position to permit isolation of air in said inner enclosure and in open position to permit air flow into said enclosure, and a third closure means providing ingress and egress to said inner enclosure and adapted in closed position to seal said air lock space against air leakage from both said inner and outer enclosures.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said second control means includes a pressure differential means having one side thereof responsive to the pressure existing within said inner enclosure and another side thereof responsive to the pressure on the outside of said outer enclosure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said third closure means includes a hollow door having a hollow connection permanently connecting the interior of said door to said air lock space.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said control means for actuating said air-removal closure means is operable from a position on the exterior of said outer enclosure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
260 words
In combination with a protective ventilating system, an improved building unit comprising an outer enclosure, an inner enclosure spaced from the outer enclosure by an air lock space, an air intake extending in sealed relation through said outer enclosure and space into said inner enclosure, single vacuum means connected to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, air-removal closure means interposed between said vacuum means and said inner enclosure, said closure means being adapted in closed position to permit an increased air pressure within said inner enclosure and in open position to permit a lowered air pressure therewithin, control means operable from a position on the exterior of said outer enclosure for actuating said air-removal closure means thereby to apply said vacuum exclusively to said air lock space or simultaneously to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, a second closure means disposed in said air intake, a second control means for operating said second closure means and including a pressure differential means having one side thereof responsive to the pressure existing within said inner enclosure and another side thereof responsive to the pressure on the outside of said outer enclosure, said second closure means being adapted in closed position to permit isolation of air in said inner enclosure and in open position to permit air flow into said enclosure, and a third closure means providing ingress and egress to said inner enclosure and adapted in closed position to seal said air lock space against air leakage from both said inner and outer enclosures.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
260 words
In combination with a protective ventilating system, an improved building unit comprising an outer enclosure, an inner enclosure spaced from the outer enclosure by an air lock space, an air intake extending in sealed relation through said outer enclosure and space into said inner enclosure, single vacuum means connected to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, air-removal closure means interposed between said vacuum means and said inner enclosure, said closure means being adapted in closed position to permit an increased air pressure within said inner enclosure and in open position to permit a lowered air pressure therewithin, control means operable from a position on the exterior of said outer enclosure for actuating said air-removal closure means thereby to apply said vacuum exclusively to said air lock space or simultaneously to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, a second closure means disposed in said air intake, a second control means for operating said second closure means and including a pressure differential means having one side thereof responsive to the pressure existing within said inner enclosure and another side thereof responsive to the pressure on the outside of said outer enclosure, said second closure means being adapted in closed position to permit isolation of air in said inner enclosure and in open position to permit air flow into said enclosure, and a third closure means providing ingress and egress to said inner enclosure and adapted in closed position to seal said air lock space against air leakage from both said inner and outer enclosures.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
271 words
In combination with a protective ventilating system, an improved building unit comprising an outer enclosure, an inner enclosure spaced from the outer enclosure by an air lock space, an air intake extending in sealed relation through said outer enclosure and space into said inner enclosure, single vacuum means connected to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, air-removal closure means interposed between said vacuum means and said inner enclosure, said closure means being adapted in closed position to permit an increased air pressure within said inner enclosure and in open position to permit a lowered air pressure therewithin, control means for actuating said air-removal closure means thereby to apply said vacuum exclusively to said air lock space or simultaneously to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, a second closure means disposed in said air intake, a second control means for operating said second closure means and including a pressure differential means having one side thereof responsive to the pressure existing within said inner enclosures and another side thereof responsive to the pressure on the outside of said outer enclosure, said second closure means being adapted in closed position to permit isolation of air in said inner enclosure and in open position to permit air flow into said enclosure, and a third closure means including a hollow door having a hollow connection permanently connecting the interior of said door to said air lock space, said door providing ingress and egress to said inner enclosure and adapted in closed position to seal said air lock space against air leakage from both said inner and outer enclosures.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
271 words
In combination with a protective ventilating system, an improved building unit comprising an outer enclosure, an inner enclosure spaced from the outer enclosure by an air lock space, an air intake extending in sealed relation through said outer enclosure and space into said inner enclosure, single vacuum means connected to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, air-removal closure means interposed between said vacuum means and said inner enclosure, said closure means being adapted in closed position to permit an increased air pressure within said inner enclosure and in open position to permit a lowered air pressure therewithin, control means for actuating said air-removal closure means thereby to apply said vacuum exclusively to said air lock space or simultaneously to said space and to the interior of said inner enclosure, a second closure means disposed in said air intake, a second control means for operating said second closure means and including a pressure differential means having one side thereof responsive to the pressure existing within said inner enclosures and another side thereof responsive to the pressure on the outside of said outer enclosure, said second closure means being adapted in closed position to permit isolation of air in said inner enclosure and in open position to permit air flow into said enclosure, and a third closure means including a hollow door having a hollow connection permanently connecting the interior of said door to said air lock space, said door providing ingress and egress to said inner enclosure and adapted in closed position to seal said air lock space against air leakage from both said inner and outer enclosures.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-30 | 1979-09-29 | 1980-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-30 | 1983-09-29 | 1984-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-30 | 1987-09-29 | 1988-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |