Vent-blocking inflatable bladder assembly for a HVAC zone control system
First Claim
1. A pneumatic bladder assembly for use as an airflow control mechanism in an HVAC system, in which an air pump selectably provides one of pressure and vacuum to an air tube extending through ductwork of the HVAC system, said bladder assembly comprising:
- a) an inflatable and deflatable bladder having a plurality of means for attaching and a nozzle for coupling to said air tube,b) a restraint fixture for restraining the locations of said nozzle and said air tube in proper alignment for coupling,c) a mounting fixture for fixing the location of said bladder assembly in a duct of said HVAC system, said means for attaching attached to said mounting fixture and said restraint fixture attached to said mounting fixture such that it restrains said nozzle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is an inflatable bladder assembly for use in HVAC zone control systems. The bladder has a nozzle for inflating and deflating the bladder. The nozzle connects to a small air tube that is connected to the control system that provides pressure and vacuum for inflating and deflating the bladder. The bladder has at least two mounting tabs for attaching the bladder to a mounting fixture. A restraint fixture is attached to the mounting fixture. The restraint fixture firmly grips the nozzle and air tube. The restraint fixture allows the nozzle and air tube to be easily inserted into the fixture such that an airtight seal is made between the nozzle and air tube. The restrain fixture strongly resists forces that would remove the nozzle or air tube from the restraint fixture. The mounting fixture is attached to the duct system.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A pneumatic bladder assembly for use as an airflow control mechanism in an HVAC system, in which an air pump selectably provides one of pressure and vacuum to an air tube extending through ductwork of the HVAC system, said bladder assembly comprising:
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a) an inflatable and deflatable bladder having a plurality of means for attaching and a nozzle for coupling to said air tube, b) a restraint fixture for restraining the locations of said nozzle and said air tube in proper alignment for coupling, c) a mounting fixture for fixing the location of said bladder assembly in a duct of said HVAC system, said means for attaching attached to said mounting fixture and said restraint fixture attached to said mounting fixture such that it restrains said nozzle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification