Automatic shut-off for a conduit fluid containment system

• US 5,771,916 A
• Filed: 10/08/1996
• Issued: 06/30/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Innovative Research And Development Corporation
• Original Assignee: Innovative Research And Development Corporation
• Inventors: Calciano, Alfred L., Armenia, John G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hepperle, Stephen M.
• Application Number:
  US08/727,775
• Time in Patent Office: 630 Days
• Field of Search: 137/67, 137/109, 137/118.01, 137/121, 137/312, 251/78
• US Class Current: 137/67
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/081 Safety arrangements for preventing water damage
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 17/042 with locking or disconnecting arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 17/0493 with a spring other than a helicoidal spring
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 17/363 the closure members being rotatable or pivoting F16K17/386 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/1624 Destructible or deformable element controlled
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/2559 Self-controlled branched flow systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/5762 With leakage or drip collecting

Abstract

This invention relates to a conduit that is at least partially encased within a containment housing. The containment housing provides structure for containment of fluids from a leaking or totally failed conduit and for automatically shutting off the flow of fluid through the leaking conduit. More particularly, the apparatus comprises at least one conduit that is at least partially received within a containment housing. A valve is attached to the conduit so that it is in fluid flow relationship with the conduit. The valve is biased toward a closed position, but is held in the open position by a release located within the containment chamber, defined as the space between the exterior of the conduit and the interior of the containment housing. When a predetermined fluid leaks from the conduit into the containment chamber the block expands and thereby operatively engages the release so that the valve moves to the closed position blocking the flow of fluid through the conduit.

Claims

1. Apparatus for conducting fluids from a fluid source to a fluid receiver and for controlling fluid loss therefrom, said apparatus comprising:

at least one conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end;

at least one containment housing having a first end and a second end, said containment housing being sized and configured to receive at least a portion of said conduit therein, such that a containment chamber is defined between said outer surface of said conduit and said inner surface of said containment housing;

a valve attached in fluid flow relationship to said conduit, said valve being adjustable from an open position, defined as when a fluid is able to pass through said valve and through said conduit, to a closed position defined as when a fluid is unable to flow through said conduit;

a release engaging said valve, said release holding said valve in said open position;

means for biasing said valve to said closed position being attached to said valve;

an air vent formed in said containment housing such that when a fluid enters said containment housing at least a portion of the air is vented from said containment housing; and

a block inserted within said containment chamber such that said block engages said containment housing and lies adjacent said release, said block expanding when said fluid enters said containment chamber to at least partially immerse said block, said expanding block operatively engaging said release so that said valve is moved to said closed position by said biasing means.

2. Apparatus as in claim 1 said valve further comprising:

a valve stem attached to said valve such that rotation of said valve stem moves said valve from said open position to said closed position; and

an arm having a first end attached to said valve stem and said second end extending therefrom such that said second end engages said release so that said arm and said valve stem are prevented from rotating said valve to said closed position.

3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said release comprises a lever having a first end pivotally attached to said containment housing and a second end engaging said second end of said arm preventing rotation of said arm, thereby holding said valve in said open position.

4. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said block is comprised of compressed fibers that expand upon immersion in a predetermined fluid.

5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said block is comprised of wood fibers.

6. Apparatus as in claim 1, said conduit comprising;

a first section, that includes said outlet end, said first section being comprised of a rigid material;

a third section, that includes said inlet end, said third section being comprised of a rigid material, and a second section interposed between and connected in fluid flow relationship with said first and third sections, said second section being comprised of a flexible material; and

said containment housing comprising a first part, including said first end, said first part being comprised of a flexible material and a second part, including said second end, said second part being comprised of a rigid material, said first and second parts being attached to one another in fluid flow communication; and

said valve being inserted in said third section of said conduit and attached to said second part of said housing.

7. Apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said conduit has an exterior surface and said containment housing has an interior surface, said apparatus further comprising said third segment of said conduit being contiguously formed with said second part of said containment housing and said first end of said containment housing being sealingly attached to said first section of said conduit, forming a containment chamber between said exterior of said first conduit and said interior of said containment housing.

8. Apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a drain line having a first end attached to said vent and a second end connectable to a drain pipe, whereby the fluid overflowing said containment housing through said vent is captured by said drain pipe.

9. Apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising;

a second conduit, defined as a bypass conduit, having a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to said valve and extending outwardly therefrom, said bypass conduit passing through and being sealed to said containment housing, when said valve is in said open position in relation to said conduit, said valve is closed in relation to said bypass conduit such that no fluid may pass through said valve into said bypass conduit, when said valve is closed in relation to said conduit said bypass conduit is in fluid flow relationship with said valve and in fluid flow relationship with said inlet end of said conduit.

10. Apparatus as in claim 9, further comprising a Y-shaped connector having a first end, a second end, and a third end, said second end being attached in fluid flow relationship with said outlet end of said conduit and said third end being attached in fluid flow relationship with said second end of said bypass conduit and said first end of said connector defining a connector outlet end.

11. Apparatus as in claim 10, further comprising means for preventing fluid flow outwardly from said second end of said connector being attached to said connector proximal to said second end of said connector and a means for preventing fluid flow outwardly from said third end of said connector being attached to said connector proximal to said third end of said connector, whereby fluid flowing in said conduit is prevented from entering said bypass conduit and fluid flowing in said bypass conduit is prevented from entering said conduit.