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US5214241A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Pressure stabilized radio frequency gasket

Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1991-09-20
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Granted: 1993-05-25
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Expires: 2011-09-20
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Abstract

Abstract A radio frequency gasket assembly having a flexible hollow tube enveloped a conductive layer, and filled with a compressible fluid, or a combination of both compressible and incompressible fluids. In one embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled completely with a compressible fluid, such as air. When the gasket is compressed, a portion of the fluid is allowed to collect in a spring-loaded reservoir, maintaining at all times a substantially constant internal pressure. When the compressive force is removed, the collected fluid re-enters the gasket, which may then assume its original undeformed profile. In another embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled with a mixture of both compressible and incompressible fluids. When the gasket is compressed, a portion of the compressible fluid is evacuated or collected in a spring-loaded reservoir or the like, maintaining at all times a substantially constant internal pressure. When the compressive force is removed, an equal amount of compressible fluid is re-introduced into the gasket, which may then assume its original undeformed profile.

Inventors

  • 👤 Bruce T. Benwell

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-08 07:02
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K9/00; H05K9/0007; H05K9/0015; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S277/00; Y10S277/919; Y10S277/92; Y10S277/921

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim 114 words
An apparatus for providing an electrically conductive seal between two surfaces, said apparatus comprising: a gasket comprising a flexible hollow tube, a mixture of air and an incompressible fluid contained within said hollow tube, and mans for covering said hollow tube, wherein said covering means envelops said tube and is electrically conductive; mans for releasing a portion of said air upon compression of said hollow tube; means for introducing an equal portion of air back into said hollow tube when said hollow tube is no longer under compression, whereby said hollow tube will resume its original undeformed profile, and a substantially constant internal pressure will be maintained at all times within said hollow tube.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 114 words
An apparatus for providing an electrically conductive seal between two surfaces, said apparatus comprising: a gasket comprising a flexible hollow tube, a mixture of air and an incompressible fluid contained within said hollow tube, and mans for covering said hollow tube, wherein said covering means envelops said tube and is electrically conductive; mans for releasing a portion of said air upon compression of said hollow tube; means for introducing an equal portion of air back into said hollow tube when said hollow tube is no longer under compression, whereby said hollow tube will resume its original undeformed profile, and a substantially constant internal pressure will be maintained at all times within said hollow tube.
Claim 3
Independent Claim 104 words
An apparatus for providing an electrically conductive seal between two surfaces, said apparatus comprising: a gasket comprising a flexible hollow tube filled with air and means for covering said hollow tube, wherein said covering means envelops said tube and is electrically conductive; means for releasing a portion of said air upon compression of said hollow tube; means for introducing an equal portion of air back into said hollow tube when said hollow tube is no longer under compression, whereby said hollow tube will resume its original undeformed profile, and a substantially constant internal pressure will be maintained at all times within said hollow tube.
Claim 4
Independent Claim 104 words
An apparatus for providing an electrically conductive seal between two surfaces, said apparatus comprising: a gasket comprising a flexible hollow tube filled with air and means for covering said hollow tube, wherein said covering means envelops said tube and is electrically conductive; means for releasing a portion of said air upon compression of said hollow tube; means for introducing an equal portion of air back into said hollow tube when said hollow tube is no longer under compression, whereby said hollow tube will resume its original undeformed profile, and a substantially constant internal pressure will be maintained at all times within said hollow tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 63 words
The invention of claim 1 or 2 wherein said gasket is attached to a shielded door of a shielded enclosure, and said means for releasing a portion of said air from, and introducing an equal portion of air back into said gasket is comprised of: a spring-loaded reservoir attached to said door; a hollow tube disposed between said gasket and spring loaded reservoir.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 90 words
The invention of claim 1 or 2 wherein said gasket is attached to a shielded door of a shielded enclosure, and said means for releasing a portion of said air from, and introducing an equal portion of air back into said gasket is comprised of: a mechanical air pump which is attached to said door, wherein said air pump has a plunger which is in contact with said shielded enclosure; a hollow tube disposed between said gasket and air pump; a release valve disposed between said gasket and air pump.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 95 words
The invention of claim 1 or 2 wherein said gasket is attached to a shielded door of a shielded enclosure, and said means for releasing a portion of said air from, and introducing an equal portion of air back into said gasket is comprised of: a mechanical air pump which is attached to said door, wherein said air pump has a plunger which is attached to and operated by the latching means of said door; a hollow tube disposed between said gasket and air pump; a release valve disposed between said gasket and air pump.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 68 words
The invention of claim 1 or 2 wherein said gasket is attached to a shielded door of a shielded enclosure, and said means for releasing a portion of said air from, and introducing an equal portion of air back into said gasket is comprised of: a regulated air supply provided with a power supply and release valve; a hollow tube disposed between said gasket and regulated air supply.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US2832618A Cited
US3764037A Cited
US3769750A Cited
US4177353A Cited
US4260164A Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1996-05-24 1996-11-23 1997-05-25 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2000-05-24 2000-11-23 2001-05-25 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2004-05-24 2004-11-23 2005-05-25 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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