WO2000020803A1 - Air pressure stabilising device - Google Patents

Air pressure stabilising device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000020803A1
WO2000020803A1 PCT/GB1999/003252 GB9903252W WO0020803A1 WO 2000020803 A1 WO2000020803 A1 WO 2000020803A1 GB 9903252 W GB9903252 W GB 9903252W WO 0020803 A1 WO0020803 A1 WO 0020803A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flow control
control member
move
condition
closed position
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1999/003252
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Richard Gatley
Original Assignee
Richard Gatley
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Richard Gatley filed Critical Richard Gatley
Priority to AU61092/99A priority Critical patent/AU6109299A/en
Priority to GB0108261A priority patent/GB2363330B/en
Publication of WO2000020803A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000020803A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C2/00—Fire prevention or containment
    • A62C2/06—Physical fire-barriers
    • A62C2/12—Hinged dampers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
    • F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
    • F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
    • F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
    • F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
    • F24F13/1406—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by sealing means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
    • F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
    • F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
    • F24F13/1426—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/32—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
    • F24F11/33—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies to fire, excessive heat or smoke
    • F24F11/35—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies to fire, excessive heat or smoke by closing air passages
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
    • F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
    • F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
    • F24F13/1426—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means
    • F24F2013/146—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means with springs

Definitions

  • This invention is concerned with improvements relating to flow control means, and in particular but not exclusively to devices which are operative in relation to openings such as ducts through which gases, such as air, may be vented under a low positive pressure from an enclosed environment.
  • hazard conditions In many enclosed environments it is desirable to maintain a flow of air, to ensure (eg) the maintenance of clean air in the environment, or to ensure the flow of air from the environment. For example, in a clean laboratory or hospital operating theatre it may be desired to maintain internally a supply of filtered air under a small positive pressure, to prevent ingress of contaminants through (eg) door seals, and for excess air to be vented from the laboratory through an air duct. It is however desirable in certain circumstances (hereinafter referred to as hazard conditions) to provide a means for preventing or restraining air flow.
  • the duct be closed, to prevent combustion products being vented from the laboratory.
  • a control device for controlling flow of air through an opening, comprising a flow control member for mounting in the opening for movement between an open position and a closed position, closure means moveable between a rest condition in which the flow control member is free to move between said open and closed positions and an active condition in which it acts on the flow control member to urge the flow control member to its closed position, and sensing means to sense the occurrence of a hazard condition, and which is operative in response to detection of a hazard condition to cause or allow the closure means to move from its rest to its active condition.
  • the invention is particularly useful where the control device comprises means to enable the flow control member to rotate about an axis between said open and closed positions.
  • the sensing means may be operative in response to a rise in temperature above (say) a critical level, or may be responsive to the generation of smoke or smoke-related gases, or other hazard, such as detection of escape of noxious materials.
  • the closure means when in its rest condition is operationally separate from the flow control member so as to exert no force on the flow control member as may interfere with its normal operation.
  • the sensing means may be operative to cause the closure means initially to enter into operative engagement with the flow control member and subsequently cause the flow control member to move to its closed position.
  • an air pressure stabilising device comprising a flow control member mounted in an opening for movement between open and closed positions, the control member being operative to move from its closed position in the event that pressure in the area under control rises above a predetermined level above atmospheric pressure, and to return to its closed position in the event that pressure falls below said predetermined level.
  • a closure means of the kind set out above may be incorporated into the control device in a manner such that operation of the flow control member in accordance with the teachings of my co-pending application is retained, whilst in the event of a hazard condition being sensed, the control member will be caused to move to its closed position.
  • an air pressure stabilising device comprising a flow control member adapted to be mounted in an opening for movement between open and closed positions, and a counterbalancing means operative to allow the flow control member to move from its closed position to its open position in the event of an increase in the air pressure acting against the flow control member, characterised by the provision of a closure means operative to cause the flow control member to move to a closed position in the event of a hazard condition being sensed.
  • the closure means may be moveable between a rest condition in which the flow control member is free to move between said open and closed positions and an active condition in which it acts on the flow control member to urge the flow control member to its closed position, sensing means preferably being provided which is operative in response to detection of a hazard condition to cause the closure means to move from its rest to its active condition.
  • the closure means may comprise a counterbalancing member of said counterbalancing means which is responsive to a hazard condition being sensed to move in relation to the centre of gravity of the flow control member to cause the centre of gravity to change, in relation to the axis of rotation of the flow control member, thereby to cause the flow control member to move to its closed position.
  • the counterbalancing means may comprise a counterbalancing member secured to an upper part of the flow control member (that is, when the flow control member is in normal use, above the axis of its rotation) which is secured in position by a temperature responsive means which (eg) permits the counterbalancing member to be detached from the flow control member, or to move in relation to the flow control member in such a manner that the centre of gravity moves towards a position below the axis of rotation of the flow control member to cause the flow control member to move to its closed position, in the event of detection of a hazard.
  • a temperature responsive means which (eg) permits the counterbalancing member to be detached from the flow control member, or to move in relation to the flow control member in such a manner that the centre of gravity moves towards a position below the axis of rotation of the flow control member to cause the flow control member to move to its closed position, in the event of detection of a hazard.
  • the closure means may comprise a closure member of a "memory material", of the kind which may be deformed into a desired shape, and which returns to its original shape when heated to a predetermined temperature, the closure member at its normal temperature being in a rest condition, but at said predetermined temperature (encountered in the event of a fire) adopts its active condition in which it acts on the closure member to move the closure member to its closed position.
  • a closure member of a "memory material” of the kind which may be deformed into a desired shape, and which returns to its original shape when heated to a predetermined temperature, the closure member at its normal temperature being in a rest condition, but at said predetermined temperature (encountered in the event of a fire) adopts its active condition in which it acts on the closure member to move the closure member to its closed position.
  • FIGURE 1 is a schematic side elevational view of one flow control device in accordance with this invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 1, showing closure means of the control device in operation;
  • FIGURE 3 is a schematic illustration showing a modified version of the preferred embodiment.
  • the flow control device shown in Figure 1 comprises a generally rectangular duct 6 mounted in an opening between a generally controlled environment 8, and an exterior, indicated generally by the numeral 10.
  • the air pressure stabilising system comprises a counterbalancing means, not shown in the drawing, which may be of known type, such as disclosed in the specification of UK patent application 9701396.5, or my International application W099/31442.
  • the counterbalancing means is operative to cause the flow control member 14 to adopt a closed position in normal use, (shown in full lines in Figure 1) and to move to its open position, shown in dotted lines, allowing air flow through the duct in the direction of the arrow A in the drawing, in the event that air pressure within the environment 8 rises to a level above a predetermined excess pressure.
  • the counterbalancing means is operative to allow the flow control member to be retained closed by an offset between the centre of gravity of the flow control member and the axis of rotation thereof, such that, when pressure within the environment 8 exceeds a predetermined level, the flow control member 14 undergoes relatively free movement to its open position.
  • an engagement member Secured to the duct wall on each side of the opening is an engagement member, conveniently provided by a boss 18 of enlarged diameter, around which a leaf spring 20 of a closure means of the device extends from a coil (tension) spring 22, the spring 22 being secured at one end to an anchor bracket 24.
  • the leaf spring 20 is connected at its end 25 remote from the coil spring 22, as shown in Figure 2, to a mounting bracket 26.
  • the leaf spring passes through a slot 15 in the flow control member, and does not interfere with normal operation of the air pressure stabiliser, and in particular does not interfere with rotation of the flow control member 14 about the axis 12 in response to changes in air pressure within the environment 8.
  • the leaf spring 20 is however secured to the fixing bracket 26 through a fuse link 28 of an actuating means of the device, which comprises material responsive to the attainment of a temperature higher than would normally be expected to be attained within the environment 8 to break, allowing the leaf spring 20 to separate from the fixing bracket 26, causing firstly the leaf spring to move into engagement with the member 14, as shown in Figure 1, and secondly under the action of the spring 22 to move the member 14 on the spindle upon which it is mounted to its closed position.
  • an actuating means of the device which comprises material responsive to the attainment of a temperature higher than would normally be expected to be attained within the environment 8 to break, allowing the leaf spring 20 to separate from the fixing bracket 26, causing firstly the leaf spring to move into engagement with the member 14, as shown in Figure 1, and secondly under the action of the spring 22 to move the member 14 on the spindle upon which it is mounted to its closed position.
  • the positions adopted by the leaf spring 20 on its release from the bracket 26 involve firstly, on straightening of the leaf spring, movement thereof into engagement with a rear face of the control member 14, and as the spring 22 contracts, rotation of the control member in a clockwise direction, as shown in the drawings.
  • the leaf spring is secured to the fixing bracket by a fuseable link located within the duct 6, if desired the link between the leaf spring and the fixing bracket may be actuated in response to a temperature sensor located remote from the duct 6.
  • the closure means may comprise a clock-type spring.
  • a responsive means is utilised which is responsive to changes in temperature in the duct itself
  • the actuating means may be operative to respond to smoke or other products of combustion in the duct itself, or in the environment being controlled by the duct such that the closure means is caused to operate in response to a detection of smoke.
  • means may be provided to cause actuation of the intumescent seals 30, causing them to be heated in response to the actuating means and to expand into sealing engagement with the flow control member 14, prior to the attainment of a high temperature within the duct itself.
  • a passive system can be utilised, for example one in which the counterbalancing means is caused to respond to a change in temperature to move in a catastrophic sense, as may be accomplished by the use of a counterbalancing member secured to an upper part of the flow control member, which becomes detached, which otherwise moves relative to the flow control member, in such a way as to cause the centre of gravity of the flow control member to move below the axis 12 in response to the increase in temperature.
  • a spring 40 of "memory material” is secured to the boss 18, one end 41 thereof being secured in a recess in the boss, the opposite end being provided with a flange 42.
  • the memory spring 40 is so arranged as to pass through openings in a central portion of the flow control member 14, so as not to interfere with normal operation of the flow control member 14, during normal operation of the flow control device.
  • the spring will revert, by virtue of its inherent memoiy, to an unwound condition, in which the flange 42 engages with shoulder of the flow control member 14, and moves the flow control member to its closed position, to engage, as heretofore described, with the intumescent seals.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Air-Flow Control Members (AREA)
  • Control Of Fluid Pressure (AREA)

Abstract

An air pressure stabilising device comprises a flow control device mounted in a generally rectangular duct (6) between a generally controlled environment (8), and an exterior environment (10). The flow control device comprises a flow control member (14) mounted for rotation about an axis (12), counterbalancing means being provided to cause the flow control member (14) to adopt a closed position in normal use, and to move to an open position in the event that air pressure within the environment (8) rises to a level above a predetermined excess pressure. A closure means is provided to cause the flow control member (14) to move to its closed position in the event of a hazard condition being detected, conveniently by a sensing means. The closure means may be provided by a spring (22, 40) held in a rest condition in which it is operationally separate from the flow control member so as to exert no force on the flow control member as may interfere with its normal operation. When the temperature rises above a threshold temperature, the spring (22) enters into an operative engagement with the flow control member to cause the flow control member to move to its closed position.

Description

Title: Air pressure stabilising device
Description of Invention
This invention is concerned with improvements relating to flow control means, and in particular but not exclusively to devices which are operative in relation to openings such as ducts through which gases, such as air, may be vented under a low positive pressure from an enclosed environment.
In many enclosed environments it is desirable to maintain a flow of air, to ensure (eg) the maintenance of clean air in the environment, or to ensure the flow of air from the environment. For example, in a clean laboratory or hospital operating theatre it may be desired to maintain internally a supply of filtered air under a small positive pressure, to prevent ingress of contaminants through (eg) door seals, and for excess air to be vented from the laboratory through an air duct. It is however desirable in certain circumstances (hereinafter referred to as hazard conditions) to provide a means for preventing or restraining air flow. For example, in the event of a rise in temperature in the environment from which the flow of air passes, as may occur (eg) in the event of a fire occurring in said environment, it may be desirable that the duct be closed, to prevent combustion products being vented from the laboratory.
According to this invention there is provided a control device for controlling flow of air through an opening, comprising a flow control member for mounting in the opening for movement between an open position and a closed position, closure means moveable between a rest condition in which the flow control member is free to move between said open and closed positions and an active condition in which it acts on the flow control member to urge the flow control member to its closed position, and sensing means to sense the occurrence of a hazard condition, and which is operative in response to detection of a hazard condition to cause or allow the closure means to move from its rest to its active condition. The invention is particularly useful where the control device comprises means to enable the flow control member to rotate about an axis between said open and closed positions.
The sensing means may be operative in response to a rise in temperature above (say) a critical level, or may be responsive to the generation of smoke or smoke-related gases, or other hazard, such as detection of escape of noxious materials.
Preferably the closure means when in its rest condition is operationally separate from the flow control member so as to exert no force on the flow control member as may interfere with its normal operation. Thus, the sensing means may be operative to cause the closure means initially to enter into operative engagement with the flow control member and subsequently cause the flow control member to move to its closed position.
In this manner movement of the flow control member in the opening, as may be caused by other events (eg. an increase in the air pressure within the environment) under the control of other instrumentalities (eg. an air pressure stabilising system) is not interfered with by the closure means.
For example, in the specification of my co-pending application, number W099/31442, there is described an air pressure stabilising device comprising a flow control member mounted in an opening for movement between open and closed positions, the control member being operative to move from its closed position in the event that pressure in the area under control rises above a predetermined level above atmospheric pressure, and to return to its closed position in the event that pressure falls below said predetermined level. By the use of the present invention a closure means of the kind set out above may be incorporated into the control device in a manner such that operation of the flow control member in accordance with the teachings of my co-pending application is retained, whilst in the event of a hazard condition being sensed, the control member will be caused to move to its closed position. Thus, according to this invention there is also provided an air pressure stabilising device comprising a flow control member adapted to be mounted in an opening for movement between open and closed positions, and a counterbalancing means operative to allow the flow control member to move from its closed position to its open position in the event of an increase in the air pressure acting against the flow control member, characterised by the provision of a closure means operative to cause the flow control member to move to a closed position in the event of a hazard condition being sensed.
The closure means may be moveable between a rest condition in which the flow control member is free to move between said open and closed positions and an active condition in which it acts on the flow control member to urge the flow control member to its closed position, sensing means preferably being provided which is operative in response to detection of a hazard condition to cause the closure means to move from its rest to its active condition.
Alternatively, the closure means may comprise a counterbalancing member of said counterbalancing means which is responsive to a hazard condition being sensed to move in relation to the centre of gravity of the flow control member to cause the centre of gravity to change, in relation to the axis of rotation of the flow control member, thereby to cause the flow control member to move to its closed position.
For example, the counterbalancing means may comprise a counterbalancing member secured to an upper part of the flow control member (that is, when the flow control member is in normal use, above the axis of its rotation) which is secured in position by a temperature responsive means which (eg) permits the counterbalancing member to be detached from the flow control member, or to move in relation to the flow control member in such a manner that the centre of gravity moves towards a position below the axis of rotation of the flow control member to cause the flow control member to move to its closed position, in the event of detection of a hazard.
Alternatively the closure means may comprise a closure member of a "memory material", of the kind which may be deformed into a desired shape, and which returns to its original shape when heated to a predetermined temperature, the closure member at its normal temperature being in a rest condition, but at said predetermined temperature (encountered in the event of a fire) adopts its active condition in which it acts on the closure member to move the closure member to its closed position.
There will now be given a detailed description, to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, of various flow control devices which are preferred embodiments of this invention, having been selected for the purposes of illustrating the invention by way of example.
In the accompanying drawings FIGURE 1 is a schematic side elevational view of one flow control device in accordance with this invention;
FIGURE 2 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 1, showing closure means of the control device in operation; and
FIGURE 3 is a schematic illustration showing a modified version of the preferred embodiment.
The flow control device shown in Figure 1 comprises a generally rectangular duct 6 mounted in an opening between a generally controlled environment 8, and an exterior, indicated generally by the numeral 10.
Mounted in the duct 6, for rotation about an axis 12, is the flow control member 14 of an air pressure stabilising system. The air pressure stabilising system comprises a counterbalancing means, not shown in the drawing, which may be of known type, such as disclosed in the specification of UK patent application 9701396.5, or my International application W099/31442. Specifically, the counterbalancing means is operative to cause the flow control member 14 to adopt a closed position in normal use, (shown in full lines in Figure 1) and to move to its open position, shown in dotted lines, allowing air flow through the duct in the direction of the arrow A in the drawing, in the event that air pressure within the environment 8 rises to a level above a predetermined excess pressure. Specifically, the counterbalancing means is operative to allow the flow control member to be retained closed by an offset between the centre of gravity of the flow control member and the axis of rotation thereof, such that, when pressure within the environment 8 exceeds a predetermined level, the flow control member 14 undergoes relatively free movement to its open position.
The construction and operation of the counterbalancing means is not described herein since it may be conventional, but is preferably in accordance with the teachings of my co-pending applications referred to above.
Secured to the duct wall on each side of the opening is an engagement member, conveniently provided by a boss 18 of enlarged diameter, around which a leaf spring 20 of a closure means of the device extends from a coil (tension) spring 22, the spring 22 being secured at one end to an anchor bracket 24. The leaf spring 20 is connected at its end 25 remote from the coil spring 22, as shown in Figure 2, to a mounting bracket 26. As will be seen from the drawings, the leaf spring passes through a slot 15 in the flow control member, and does not interfere with normal operation of the air pressure stabiliser, and in particular does not interfere with rotation of the flow control member 14 about the axis 12 in response to changes in air pressure within the environment 8. The leaf spring 20 is however secured to the fixing bracket 26 through a fuse link 28 of an actuating means of the device, which comprises material responsive to the attainment of a temperature higher than would normally be expected to be attained within the environment 8 to break, allowing the leaf spring 20 to separate from the fixing bracket 26, causing firstly the leaf spring to move into engagement with the member 14, as shown in Figure 1, and secondly under the action of the spring 22 to move the member 14 on the spindle upon which it is mounted to its closed position.
The positions adopted by the leaf spring 20 on its release from the bracket 26 involve firstly, on straightening of the leaf spring, movement thereof into engagement with a rear face of the control member 14, and as the spring 22 contracts, rotation of the control member in a clockwise direction, as shown in the drawings.
In its closed position the end portions of the flow control member are proximate to seals 30 extending around the peripheiy of the opening of, intumescent material, whereby in response to the increase in temperature within the duct 6, a secure seal is produced between the walls of the duct and the flow control member.
Whilst in the preferred embodiment the leaf spring is secured to the fixing bracket by a fuseable link located within the duct 6, if desired the link between the leaf spring and the fixing bracket may be actuated in response to a temperature sensor located remote from the duct 6.
Additionally, other forms of active elements may be utilised to apply a closing force to the flow control member, in response to a detection of an appropriate increase in temperature within the duct 6, or within the environment 8 being controlled by the duct. For example, the closure means may comprise a clock-type spring.
Whilst in the preferred embodiment a responsive means is utilised which is responsive to changes in temperature in the duct itself, if desired the actuating means may be operative to respond to smoke or other products of combustion in the duct itself, or in the environment being controlled by the duct such that the closure means is caused to operate in response to a detection of smoke.
In such circumstances, means may be provided to cause actuation of the intumescent seals 30, causing them to be heated in response to the actuating means and to expand into sealing engagement with the flow control member 14, prior to the attainment of a high temperature within the duct itself.
Alternative to the use of an active system illustrated in the drawings, a passive system can be utilised, for example one in which the counterbalancing means is caused to respond to a change in temperature to move in a catastrophic sense, as may be accomplished by the use of a counterbalancing member secured to an upper part of the flow control member, which becomes detached, which otherwise moves relative to the flow control member, in such a way as to cause the centre of gravity of the flow control member to move below the axis 12 in response to the increase in temperature.
In a modified version of the preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 3, a spring 40 of "memory material" is secured to the boss 18, one end 41 thereof being secured in a recess in the boss, the opposite end being provided with a flange 42. The memory spring 40 is so arranged as to pass through openings in a central portion of the flow control member 14, so as not to interfere with normal operation of the flow control member 14, during normal operation of the flow control device.
However in the event that the temperature within the duct 6 rises above a predetermined level, the spring will revert, by virtue of its inherent memoiy, to an unwound condition, in which the flange 42 engages with shoulder of the flow control member 14, and moves the flow control member to its closed position, to engage, as heretofore described, with the intumescent seals.
It will be appreciated that whilst the invention has been described above in relation to the closing of the flow control member in the event of a fire, the invention may in principle be utilised to ensure closure of the flow control member 14 in the occurrence of other hazards.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the following claims or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1 A control device for controlling flow of air through an opening, comprising a flow control member (14) for mounting in the opening for movement between an open position and a closed position, closure means (20,40) moveable between a rest condition in which the flow control member is free to move between said open and closed positions and an active condition in which it acts on the flow control member to urge the flow control member to its closed position, and sensing means to sense the occurrence of a hazard condition, and which is operative in response to detection of a hazard condition to cause or allow the closure means to move from its rest to its active condition.
2 A control device according to Claim 1, comprising means to enable the flow control member to rotate about an axis between said open and closed positions.
3 A control device according to one of Claims 1 and 2 wherein the sensing means is operative in response to a rise in temperature, or detection of smoke, to cause or allow the closure means to move from its rest to its active condition.
4 A control device according to any of the preceding claims wherein when in its rest condition the closure means is operationally separate from the flow control member and exerts no force on the flow control member, the sensing means being operative to cause the closure means initially to enter into operative engagement with the flow control member and subsequently to cause the flow control member to move to its closed position.
5 An air pressure stabilising device comprising a flow control member adapted to be mounted in an opening for movement between open and closed positions, and a counterbalancing means operative to allow the flow control member to move from its closed position to its open position in the event of an increase in the air pressure acting against the flow control member, characterised by the provision of a closure means operative to cause the flow control member to move to a closed position in the event of a hazard condition being sensed.
6 An air pressure stabilising device according to Claim 5 wherein the closure means is moveable between a rest condition in which the flow control member is free to move between said open and closed positions, and an active condition in which it acts upon the flow control member to urge the flow control member to its closed position.
7 An air pressure stabilising device according to Claim 6 comprising sensing means which is operative in response to detection of a hazard condition to cause the closure means to move from its rest to its active condition.
8 An air pressure stabilising device according to Claim 5 wherein the closure means comprises a counterbalancing member of said counterbalancing means, which is responsive to a hazard condition being sensed to move in relation to the centre of gravity of the flow control member to cause the centre of gravity to change, in relation to the axis of rotation of the flow control member, thereby to cause the flow control member to move to its closed position.
9 An air pressure stabilising device according to Claim 8 wherein the counterbalancing member is secured to an upper part of the flow control member which is secured in position by a temperature responsive means which permits the counterbalancing member to be detached from the flow control member, or to move in relation to the flow control member in such a manner that the centre of gravity moves towards a position below the axis of rotation of the flow control member to cause the flow control member to move to its closed position, in the event of detection of a hazard condition.
10 An air pressure stabilising device according to one of Claims 5 and 6 wherein the closure means comprises a closure member (40) of a "memory material", the closure member at normal temperature being in a rest condition, but said predetermined temperature adopts an active condition in which it acts on the closure member to move the closure member to its closed position.
PCT/GB1999/003252 1998-10-03 1999-10-01 Air pressure stabilising device WO2000020803A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU61092/99A AU6109299A (en) 1998-10-03 1999-10-01 Air pressure stabilising device
GB0108261A GB2363330B (en) 1998-10-03 1999-10-01 Air pressure stabilising device and a flow control

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9821450.5A GB9821450D0 (en) 1998-10-03 1998-10-03 Flow control means
GB9821450.5 1998-10-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000020803A1 true WO2000020803A1 (en) 2000-04-13

Family

ID=10839847

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1999/003252 WO2000020803A1 (en) 1998-10-03 1999-10-01 Air pressure stabilising device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6109299A (en)
GB (2) GB9821450D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2000020803A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002101198A3 (en) * 2001-06-13 2003-05-01 Thyssenkrupp Hiserv Gmbh Suction device for a tunnel
DE10350872A1 (en) * 2003-10-31 2005-06-09 Werner Wildeboer Fire protection mechanism for ventilation system, has flap valve supported around one rotational axis, and sealing strip for sealing gap between air duct line section and valve, when valve is in closed position
WO2005106345A1 (en) * 2004-04-29 2005-11-10 R & D Ventilation Systems Limited Gas pressure stabilizer
EP1779901A2 (en) 2005-10-27 2007-05-02 Ciat Sp. z o. o. Fire damper
ITCO20110026A1 (en) * 2011-07-12 2013-01-13 Fabrizio Sgheiz DEVICE TO REDUCE THE DISPERSION OF ENERGY IN THE ATMOSPHERE IN A HEAT GENERATOR
EP3726156A1 (en) * 2019-04-18 2020-10-21 Titon Hardware Limited Ventilation device
FR3119666A1 (en) * 2021-02-05 2022-08-12 Bhg Bistable valve

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2185307A (en) * 1986-01-10 1987-07-15 Hunter Int Ltd Improvements in or relating to a damper
US4958687A (en) * 1988-12-15 1990-09-25 Daito Tech Kabushiki Kaisha Fire damper
WO1999031442A1 (en) 1997-12-16 1999-06-24 Richard Gatley Air pressure stabiliser

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2185307A (en) * 1986-01-10 1987-07-15 Hunter Int Ltd Improvements in or relating to a damper
US4958687A (en) * 1988-12-15 1990-09-25 Daito Tech Kabushiki Kaisha Fire damper
WO1999031442A1 (en) 1997-12-16 1999-06-24 Richard Gatley Air pressure stabiliser

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002101198A3 (en) * 2001-06-13 2003-05-01 Thyssenkrupp Hiserv Gmbh Suction device for a tunnel
DE10350872A1 (en) * 2003-10-31 2005-06-09 Werner Wildeboer Fire protection mechanism for ventilation system, has flap valve supported around one rotational axis, and sealing strip for sealing gap between air duct line section and valve, when valve is in closed position
WO2005106345A1 (en) * 2004-04-29 2005-11-10 R & D Ventilation Systems Limited Gas pressure stabilizer
EP1779901A2 (en) 2005-10-27 2007-05-02 Ciat Sp. z o. o. Fire damper
EP1779901A3 (en) * 2005-10-27 2010-03-10 Ciat Sp. z o. o. Fire damper
ITCO20110026A1 (en) * 2011-07-12 2013-01-13 Fabrizio Sgheiz DEVICE TO REDUCE THE DISPERSION OF ENERGY IN THE ATMOSPHERE IN A HEAT GENERATOR
EP3726156A1 (en) * 2019-04-18 2020-10-21 Titon Hardware Limited Ventilation device
GB2583125B (en) * 2019-04-18 2023-07-05 Titon Hardware Ventilation device
FR3119666A1 (en) * 2021-02-05 2022-08-12 Bhg Bistable valve

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0108261D0 (en) 2001-05-23
GB2363330A (en) 2001-12-19
GB9821450D0 (en) 1998-11-25
AU6109299A (en) 2000-04-26
GB2363330B (en) 2002-11-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4432272A (en) Motor operated fire damper
US5533929A (en) Remotely trippable and resettable damper
US4487214A (en) Damper blade actuating mechanism
US6557583B2 (en) Electric power modulated lead screw actuated dampers and methods of modulating their operation
WO2000020803A1 (en) Air pressure stabilising device
US4817912A (en) Bi-metal operator for smoke, fire and air control damper
JP7444987B2 (en) a pressure relief device and a battery housing with the pressure relief device;
US6019679A (en) Fire and smoke damper
US6224481B1 (en) Power modulating lead screw actuated butterfly blade action damper
US6447393B1 (en) Electric power modulated lead screw actuated butterfly blade damper and method of controlling air flow and pressure and pneumatic two position operator
EP1779901B1 (en) Fire damper
US8132833B2 (en) Use of an intumescent material and device having a material of this type
GB2252163A (en) Temperature sensing apparatus
US3848676A (en) Thermally actuated valve assembly
JP4116343B2 (en) Gas meter fire prevention safety device
US20040011408A1 (en) Pressure reducing valve apparatus and method of the same
CA2033471A1 (en) Fire control valve with pivotal latch
US4887630A (en) Pneumatic control system for air handling system damper
GB2098475A (en) Damper blade actuating mechanism
RU2228476C2 (en) Thermal seal
KR102343624B1 (en) Shutter device for blower that automatically shuts down in case of fire
SU1025953A1 (en) Valve for exhaust ventilation duct
CA1116921A (en) Fire limiter for ducts in ventilation systems
EP4071423A1 (en) Blast damper
FI68973B (en) BRANDSPAERR FOER KANALER I VENTILATIONSANLAEGGNINGAR

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref country code: GB

Ref document number: 200108261

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase