Air flow regulator with detector and method for regulating air flow

• US 10,175,701 B2
• Filed: 12/22/2016
• Issued: 01/08/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stephen B. Maguire
• Original Assignee: Stephen B. Maguire
• Inventors: Maguire, Stephen B.
• Primary Examiner(s): MCCALISTER, WILLIAM M
• Application Number:
  US15/388,043
• Publication Number:
  US 20170102716A1
• Time in Patent Office: 747 Days
• Field of Search: 137509, 137497, 137498, 137504, 137554
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 53/58 Devices for accelerating or decelerating flow of the materials; Use of pressure generators controlling pressure of propelling gas B65G53/66
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 53/66 Use of indicator or control devices, e.g. for controlling gas pressure, for controlling proportions of material and gas, for indicating or preventing jamming of material controlling the flow of coal firing systems C21B5/003
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 17/34 in which the flow-energy of the flowing medium actuates the closing mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 7/0153 using slidable elements
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8242 Electrical

Abstract

Method and apparatus for air flow regulation comprise a vertically oriented tube, a sail assembly positioned in the tube and moveable therewithin responsively to air flow through the tube to regulate rate of air flow through the tube and to stop air flow through the tube upon air flow rate through the tube exceeding a preselected value with a detector for sensing when the sail assembly has stopped air flow thought the tube as a result of air flow rate exceeding said pre-selected value.

Claims

1. Air flow regulating apparatus, comprising:

a) a first tube;

b) a second tube telescopingly movable along and within the first tube;

c) a baffle for forcing air flow in the first tube through the second tube;

d) a sail within the first tube, connected to the second tube and being movable responsively to air flow within the first tube;

e) a stop within and connected to the first tube for limiting axial travel of the second tube; and

f) a detector for sensing when the second tube contacts the stop.

2. Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second tube has an edge adapted for substantially air tightly contacting a sealing surface of the stop to preclude air flow through the second tube upon the second tube contacting the sealing surface.

3. Apparatus of claim 2 wherein the stop is perpendicular to axes of the first and second tubes.

4. Apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first and second tubes are coaxial and the first tube is movable coaxially within the second tube.

5. Apparatus of claim 3 wherein the stop is planar.