Vent-blocking inflatable bladder for a retrofit 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, the pneumatic bladder assembly comprising:
- an inflatable and deflatable bladder having a nipple for coupling to the air tube;
a pin piercing the nipple and the air tube, thereby securing the air tube to the nipple; and
a band surrounding the nipple and the pin to prevent the pin from dislodging from the nipple.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An improved inflatable bladder for use as a zone climate control system valve to controllably permit and prevent airflow through a vent of a forced air HVAC system. The bladder is secured by a rigid strap which may be coupled to the vent near the vent opening. The bladder is coupled to its pressure/vacuum air tube by a pin which is inserted through the air tube and the bladder nipple to which it mates. The bladder may have a donut shape for use with a vent which is located directly on a trunk which also has downstream vents or ducts which are not part of the same zone as the vent controlled by the bladder.
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Citations
8 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, the pneumatic bladder assembly comprising:
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an inflatable and deflatable bladder having a nipple for coupling to the air tube; a pin piercing the nipple and the air tube, thereby securing the air tube to the nipple; and a band surrounding the nipple and the pin to prevent the pin from dislodging from the nipple. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification