Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
81775484
INDICATING DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application
Serial Number
13/158,115, filed June 10, 2011, entitled "Indicating Devices and Associated
Methods,"
which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial
Number
12/813,114, filed June 10, 2010, entitled "Explosion Indicators for Use in
Explosion-Proof
Enclosures with Critical Equipment," which is a divisional application of U.S.
Patent
Application Serial Number 11/960,904, filed December 20, 2007, entitled
"Explosion
Indicators for Use in Explosion-Proof Enclosures with Critical Equipment".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application relates to indicator devices for
indication of
temperature and/or pressure increases. The indicator devices can be used to
indicate sealing
within an enclosure or conduit, to indicate mechanical engagement of two
parts, or be used in
other applications requiring general indication of mechanical displacement,
temperature
and/or pressure changes.
100031 Under some circumstances, enclosed equipment may be damaged
when
subject to internal explosions, thus rendering the equipment faulty.
Currently, there are no
devices or methods of alerting a user that an internal explosion has occurred
in equipment
already equipped to withstand high pressures. As a result, in some instances,
the equipment
may continue to operate without maintenance under unsafe or faulty conditions
and lead to
further damage to the internal equipment, as well as damage to any downstream
equipment
connected to the internal equipment.
[0004] In other circumstances, an enclosure, such as a conduit in a
hazardous
location, may allow flame propagation through the conduit system after an
explosion, if the
area is not sealed properly. The flame propagation can also result in pressure
piling, which
can cause another unwanted larger explosion. Currently, there are no devices
or methods of
indicating that the area has been sealed properly.
[0005] Further, proper engagement of an enclosure cover to an
enclosure body is
necessary for containing any potential explosion therein, as well as seal off
the enclosure
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interior from the exterior environment. Currently, there are no devices or
methods of
indicating that the enclosure cover is properly coupled to an enclosure body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The
present invention satisfies the above-described needs by providing an
indicator
device having a housing and an indicator therein. In one aspect, the housing
includes a bore or
an opening therein in which the indicator is placed. The indicator is retained
in the housing by
a latch held in place by a spring. The spring includes a central axis, and the
latch is pivotable
about the central axis. Upon an increase in temperature or pressure, the
restrictive force of the
spring is overcome, the latch pivots and releases the indicator, and a portion
of the indicator
exits the housing.
[0007] In
another aspect, an indicator device includes a housing and an indicator
therein.
The housing includes a bore or an opening therein in which the indicator is
placed. The bore
includes a first portion and a second portion. The indicator includes a shaft
having an
indicating portion on one end and a ledge or pressure disc on an opposing end
of the shaft.
The indicating portion is positioned in the first portion and the shaft is
positioned substantially
in the second portion. Upon an increase in pressure or force against the
ledge, the indicator
shifts such that the indicating portion at least partially exits the first
portion. In some
embodiments, a spring is positioned around the shaft between the ledge and the
second
portion. When the spring is in a normal or extended state, the indicating
portion is in the first
portion. When the spring is compressed upon a force being applied against the
ledge, the
indicator device is activated and the indicating portion exits the first
portion.
[0008] Methods
of detecting sealing are also provided. Methods generally include isolating
an area of an enclosure or conduit to be sealed, positioning an indicator
device of the present
invention in an opening in the enclosure, and placing an expanding sealing
compound in the
area of the enclosure to be scaled.
[0008a] In
another aspect, there is provided an indicator device comprising: a housing
comprising at least one wall forming a bore therein, wherein the at least one
wall comprises an
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outer surface that is configured to be disposed within an aperture in an
enclosure wall of an
electrical enclosure; and an indicator placed in the bore, wherein the
indicator is retained in
the bore temporarily by a latch held in place by and coupled to a spring and a
pin, the spring
having a central axis extending therethrough, wherein the latch is pivotable
about the central
axis, wherein at least a portion of the indicator exits the housing and is no
longer retained by
the latch upon an increase in temperature or pressure within the electrical
enclosure, wherein
the electrical enclosure is located in a hazardous environment and contains at
least one piece
of electrical equipment, wherein the at least one piece of electrical
equipment is positioned
within a cavity formed by the enclosure wall of the electrical enclosure, and
wherein at least a
portion of the housing is disposed in the cavity.
[0008b] In another aspect, there is provided an indicator device
comprising: a housing
having a bore therein, wherein the bore includes a first portion and a second
portion, and
wherein the at least one wall comprises an outer surface configured to be
positioned within an
aperture in an enclosure wall of an electrical enclosure; and an indicator
placed in the bore,
wherein the indicator includes a shaft having an indicating portion at one end
and a ledge at an
opposing end thereof, wherein the indicating portion is positioned in the
first portion of the
bore, wherein the shaft is positioned in the second portion of the bore,
wherein at least a
portion of the indicating portion exits the first portion and at least a
portion of the shaft is
disposed in the first portion upon an increase in pressure within the
electrical enclosure
against the ledge, wherein the electrical enclosure is located in a hazardous
environment and
contains at least one piece of electrical equipment, wherein the at least one
piece of electrical
equipment is positioned within a cavity formed by the enclosure wall of the
electrical
enclosure, and wherein at least a portion of the housing is disposed in the
cavity.
[0008c] In another aspect, there is provided a method comprising: isolating
an area of
an electrical enclosure to be sealed; positioning an indicator device in an
opening in an
enclosure wall of the electrical enclosure; and placing an expanding sealing
compound in the
area of the electrical enclosure to be sealed, wherein the indicator device
comprises a housing
having a bore and an indicating component, wherein the bore in the housing
includes a first
portion and a second portion, wherein the indicating component includes a
shaft having an
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indicating portion at one end and a ledge at an opposing end thereof, wherein
the indicating
portion is positioned in the first portion of the bore, wherein the shaft is
positioned in the
second portion of the bore, wherein at least a portion of the indicating
portion exits the first
portion upon an increase in pressure within the electrical enclosure against
the ledge from the
expanding sealing compound, wherein the electrical enclosure contains at least
one piece of
electrical equipment, wherein the at least one piece of electrical equipment
is positioned
within the area formed by the enclosure wall of the electrical enclosure, and
wherein the
housing is in communication with the area.
[0008d] In
another aspect, there is provided an electrical enclosure comprising: an
enclosure housing comprising at least one enclosure housing wall that forms a
cavity; an
expanding sealing compound disposed in the cavity of the electrical enclosure,
wherein the
expanding sealing compound has an insubstantially expanded state and a
substantially
expanded state, wherein the expanding sealing compound is in the
insubstantially expanded
state when the expanding sealing compound is placed in the cavity; an
indicator device
coupled to the enclosure, wherein the indicating device comprises: an
indicator device
housing comprising at least one indicator device wall forming a bore therein,
wherein the at
least one indicator device wall comprises an outer surface that is disposed
within an aperture
that traverses the at least one enclosure housing wall; and an indicator
placed in the bore,
wherein the indicator is retained in the bore by a retaining feature when the
expanding sealing
compound is in the insubstantially expanded state in the cavity, and wherein
the retaining
feature releases the indicator when the expanding sealing compound is in the
substantially
expanded state in the cavity, wherein the expanding sealing compound, in the
insubstantially
expanded state, occupies a small volume of space in the cavity, and wherein
the expanding
sealing compound, in the substantially expanded state, occupies substantially
all of the cavity.
[0009] The
features of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in
the
art upon a reading of the description of the preferred embodiments that
follow.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention may be better understood by reading the
following
description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the attached
drawings wherein
like parts of each of the several figures are identified by the same
referenced characters, and
which are briefly described as follows.
[0011] Figure IA is a perspective view of an embodiment of an explosion
indicator
device.
[0012] Figure 1B is a sectional view of the explosion indicator device of
Figure IA.
[0013] Figure IC is a perspective view of the elements of the explosion
indicator
device of Figure 1A.
[0014] Figure 1D is a perspective view of the explosion indicator device of
Figure IA
mounted to an explosion-proof enclosure containing critical equipment.
[0015] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an explosion
indicator
device.
[0016] Figure 2B is a sectional view of the explosion indicator device of
Figure 2A
before activation.
[0017] Figure 2C is a sectional view of the explosion indicator device of
Figure 2A
after activation.
[0018] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an explosion
indicator
device before activation.
[0019] Figure 3B is a perspective view of the explosion indicator device of
Figure 3A
after activation.
[0020] Figure 3C is a perspective view of the elements of the explosion
indicator
device of Figure 3A.
[0021] Figure 3D is a sectional view of the explosion indicator device of
Figure 3A
before activation.
[0022] Figure 3E is a sectional view of the explosion indicator device of
Figure 3A as
the device is being activated.
[0023] Figure 3F is a sectional view of the explosion indicator device of
Figure 3A
after activation.
[0024] Figure 3G is a perspective view of the explosion indicator device of
Figure 3A
mounted to an explosion-proof enclosure containing critical equipment.
[0025] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a guard unit.
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[0026] Figure 5A is
a side cross-sectional view of an indicator device before
activation.
[0027] Figure 5B is
a side cross-sectional view of the indicator device of Figure 5A
after activation.
[0028] Figure 6A is
a side cross-sectional view of the indicator device of Figure 5A
coupled to a conduit system before activation.
[0029] Figure 6B is
a side cross-sectional view of the indicator device of Figure 5A
coupled to a conduit system of Figure 6A after activation.
[0030] Figure 7
illustrates a method of indicating that sealing of the conduit system of
Figure 6A has occurred.
[0031] Figure 8A is
a side cross-sectional view of another indicator device coupled to
an enclosure.
[0032] Figure 8B is
a side cross-sectional view of the indicator device of Figure 8A
coupled to the enclosure.
[0033] Figure 9A is
a side cross-sectional view of an enclosure cover having an
indication system before activation.
[0034] Figure 9B is
a side cross-sectional view of an enclosure system having the
enclosure cover of Figure 9A coupled to an enclosure body after activation of
the indication
system.
[0035] Figure 10A
is a side cross-sectional view of another enclosure cover having an
indication system before activation.
[0036] Figure 10B
is a side cross-sectional view of an enclosure system having the
enclosure cover of Figure 10A coupled to an enclosure body after activation of
the indication
system.
[0037] Figure 11A
is a side cross-sectional view of another indicator device before
activation.
[0038] Figure 11B
is a side cross-sectional view of the indicator device of Figure 11A
after activation.
[0039] It is to be
noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical
embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting
of its scope, as
the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The present
application relates to indicator devices. More particularly, the
present application relates to explosion indicator devices for use with
explosion-proof
enclosures containing critical equipment. The indicator devices of the present
invention are
of simple construction and assembled from easily replaceable parts, therefore
possibly
minimizing costs of servicing damaged or used devices.
[0041] Referring to
Figures 1A-1D, an exemplary embodiment of an indicator device
100 includes a sleeve 102, a gasket 104, a fiber insert 106, a glass jewel 1
08 having a cavity
110, and a connector body 112. Sleeve 102 is open at each end and includes a
bore 114
therein. Cavity 110 and bore 114 are in communication so as to create a
chamber within
which the fiber insert 106 is positioned. Sleeve 102 includes exterior threads
116 which
threadably engage with connector body 112 having interior threads 118 and an
enclosure 120
having interior threads (not shown).
[0042] Referring to
Figures 2A-2C, an exemplary embodiment of an indicator device
200 includes a sleeve 102, a gasket 104, a capsule 202 having a first
compartment 204 and a
second compartment 206 separated by a partition 208, a glass jewel 108 having
a cavity 110,
and a connector body 112. Sleeve 102 is open at each end and includes a bore
114 therein.
Cavity 110 and bore 114 are in communication so as to create a chamber within
which the
capsule 202 is positioned. Sleeve 1 02 includes exterior threads 116 which
threadably engage
with connector body 112 having interior threads 118 and an enclosure (not
shown) similar to
that in Figure 1D. As shown in Figure 2C, when the capsule 202 is activated,
the partition
208 reacts so as to allow the contents of first compartment 204 and contents
of second
compartment 206 to mix.
[0043] Referring to
Figures 3A-36, an exemplary embodiment of an indicator device
300 includes a sleeve 302 open at each end and having an opening in a portion
of the sleeve
wall, and having a bore 304 therein, and a brightly colored component 306
retained in sleeve
302 by a latch 308 held in place by a pivot spring 310 and pin 312. The pivot
spring 310
includes a central axis 318 (Figure 3C) extending through a center of and
along a length of
the pivot spring 310. Sleeve 302 includes exterior threads 314 which
threadably engages
with enclosure 120 having interior threads (not shown). When the pressure
differential is
greater than the restrictive force of the pivot spring 310, the latch 308
pivots about the central
axis 318 from a first position (Figure 3D) to a second position (Figure 3E).
The indicator
device 300 is activated and at least a portion of the brightly colored
component 306 exits the
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top portion of sleeve 302, as indicated by Figures 3B and 3F, and retaining
ring 316 prevents
brightly colored component 306 from completely exiting the sleeve 302.
[0044] Referring to
Figure 4, an exemplary embodiment of a guard unit 400 that may
be used to replace connector body 112 in indicator devices 100 and 200. Guard
unit 400 is
open at one end 402 and at least partially open at a second end 404, and
includes a bore
therein. Guard unit 400 includes interior threads (not shown) for threadably
engaging a
sleeve 102 of indicator devices 100 and 200. Second end 404 protects glass
jewel 108, while
allowing a user at least partial visual sight of glass jewel 108.
[0045] Generally,
the indicator devices of the present invention include a sleeve open
at each end and having a bore therein, a dome-like transparent member having a
cavity, a
connector body, and an indicator. The transparent member is coupled to the
sleeve by the
connector body such that the cavity is in communication with the bore and
thereby creating a
chamber, and the indicator is positioned within the chamber. In some
embodiments, the
indicator device may further include a gasket, seal, or other sealing device
positioned
between the sleeve and the transparent member. The materials of construction
for the
indicator devices of the present invention is dependent on a variety of
factors, such as the
operating temperature and pressure, the particular application, equipment
conditions, and the
like, which will be recognizable by a person skilled in the art.
[0046] The sleeve
of the indicator devices of the present invention may be made of
any material that can withstand the presence of flammable vapors, gases, or
highly
combustible dusts. Suitable examples of sleeve material include, but are not
limited to, brass,
stainless steel, aluminum, or plastics appropriate for hazardous applications.
The sleeve
construction should provide integrity to the indicator device. For example, a
threaded portion
may be included in the sleeve to provide a flame-resistant exit path in the
case of an
explosion.
[0047] Suitable
examples of the dome-like transparent member include, but are not
limited to, glass jewels, transparent plastic materials, or other means of
visualizing an
indicator. In some embodiments, the dome-like transparent member may be clear.
In some
embodiments, the dome-like transparent member may be colored so as to enhance
visually
any light emitted by the indicator within.
[0048] The
connector body of the indicator devices of the present invention may be
made of any material that can withstand the presence of flammable vapors,
gases, or highly
combustible dusts. Suitable examples of connector body material include, but
are not limited
to, those suitable for environmental exposure. The connector body is a
mechanical means to
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connect the transparent member to the sleeve. The connector body may also
provide an
explosion proof joint between the transparent member and connector body via a
flat
flamepath, and/or an explosion proof joint within the body via a threaded
flamepath.
Furthermore, the connector body may be a guard unit for protecting the dome-
like transparent
member to achieve higher impact standards.
[0049] The
indicators of the present invention are activated in response to a
temperature differential, pressure differential, or both. In some embodiments,
the indicator
may include a material that changes color in response to a temperature
differential and/or
pressure differential. The material may be in the form of an insert that is
placed in a cavity of
the indicator devices of the present invention. In some embodiments, the
material may
include fibers, high temperature plastics, or pressure sensitive films that
discolor in response
to a temperature differential and/or pressure differential. Suitable examples
of these
materials include, but are not limited to, flame retardant material, brightly
colored material,
and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable pressure sensitive films
include, but are not
limited to, those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,442,316. In some embodiments,
the materials
may be enclosed in a highly flammable material, such as kapok fibers. Other
materials and
configurations for the insert will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art and are
considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
[00501 In some
embodiments, the indicator may be in the form of a capsule having a
first compartment and a second compartment separated by a partition that
reacts to a
temperature and/or pressure differential. In some embodiments, the indicator
may have more
than two compartments separated by partitions that react to a temperature
and/or pressure
differential. The partition may be an elastic membrane having a cross-section
designed to fail
under a desired circumstance, or may be a thin glass partition capable of
fracturing under
pressure. Other configurations for the partition will also be apparent to
those of ordinary skill
in the art and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
The
compartments may be equal in size, or of different sizes. The first
compartment may include
a first chemical and the second compartment may include a second chemical,
wherein light is
emitted when the first and second chemicals are mixed after the partition
reacts. Suitable
examples of the first chemical include, but are not limited to, luminols,
oxalates, derivatives
and salts thereof, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable oxalates
include, but are
not limited to, bis(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl-6-carbopentoxyphenyl)oxalate.
Suitable examples of
the second chemical include, but are not limited to, oxidants. In some
embodiments, a
fluorophore may be further added to the first chemical and/or second chemical.
Suitable
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examples of fluorophores include, but are not limited to, 2,4-di-tert-
butylphenyl 1,4,5,8-
tetracarboxynaphthalene diamide (for red color) and 5,12-
bis(phenylethynyl)naphthacene (for
orange color). Other fluorophores will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art and are
considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
100511 In some
embodiments, the indicator devices of the present invention may
include a sleeve open at each end and having a bore formed therein and an
indicator placed in
the bore. The indicator is retained in the sleeve by a latch held in place by
a spring and a
retaining ring. Suitable examples of springs include, but are not limited to,
pivot springs or
living hinge springs. The spring may be constructed of any material that will
not likely
oxidize and impede performance of the device. In some embodiments, the spring
may be
constructed from stainless steel. In some embodiments, the indicator may be a
brightly-
colored component. When a temperature differential or pressure differential is
greater than
the restrictive force of the spring, the indicator device is activated and at
least a portion of the
indicator exits the sleeve.
100521 In some
embodiments. methods associated with indicator devices of the
present invention include methods of providing a system for detecting a high
stress event,
including providing an enclosure coupled to an indicator device having a
sleeve open at each
end and having a bore therein, a dome-like transparent member having a cavity,
a connector
body, and an indicator, wherein the indicator is adapted to activate upon
exposure to a
temperature differential, pressure differential, or both. The transparent
member is coupled to
the sleeve by the connector body such that the cavity is in communication with
the bore and
thereby creating a chamber, and the indicator is positioned within the
chamber. In some
embodiments, activating the indicator comprises the indicator changing color.
In other
embodiments, the indicator is a capsule having a first compartment having a
first chemical
and a second compartment having a second chemical separated by a partition,
and activating
the indicator comprises the partition reacting so as to allow the first and
second chemicals to
mix so as to emit light.
100531 In some
embodiments, methods associated with indicator devices of the
present invention include methods of providing a system for detecting a high
stress event,
including providing an enclosure coupled to an indicator device having a
sleeve open at each
end and having a bore formed therein, and an indicator placed in the bore and
retained in the
sleeve by a latch held in place by a spring and a retaining ring, wherein the
indicator is
adapted to activate upon exposure to a temperature differential, pressure
differential, or both.
In some embodiments, the indicator is a brightly-colored component. In some
embodiments.
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activating the indicator includes at least a portion of the indicator exiting
the sleeve when a
temperature differential or pressure differential is greater than the
restrictive force of the
pivot spring.
100541 Generally,
systems of the present invention comprise an indicator device of
the present invention coupled to an enclosure. The indicator devices of the
present invention
may have features that allow it to be easily coupled to an enclosure
comprising equipment.
For example, the sleeve may include outer threads adapted for threading
engagement with
complimentary threads formed in the interior of the enclosure wall. In another
example, the
indicator devices may include a highly machined flat surface that may be
bolted or secured to
a highly machined flat surface of an enclosure.
100551 Referring
now to Figures 5A-5B, an exemplary embodiment of an indicator
device 500 for use in sealing applications is shown. The indicator device 500
includes an
indicator housing or sleeve 502 having a cylindrical opening or bore 504
extending
therethrough. In certain exemplary embodiments, the sleeve 502 acts as a plug
or sealing
member when positioned within an opening or plug cavity 612 in a conduit 602
(Figures 6A-
6B). In certain exemplary embodiments, the sleeve 502 includes threads 502a
for mating
with corresponding threads 614 in the conduit 602. In certain exemplary
embodiments, the
bore 504 includes a first portion 504a and a second portion 504b. The first
portion 504a has a
size, or diameter, that is larger than a size, or diameter, of the second
portion 504b.
[0056] A brightly
colored component 506 is positioned within the bore 504 of the
sleeve 502. The component 506 includes a cylindrical shaft 506a having a ledge
or flat
pressure disc 506b coupled to one end of the shaft 506a and an indicating
portion 506c
coupled to the other end of the shaft 506a. The shaft 506a is generally
configured to be
positioned within the second portion 504b and movable therein. In certain
exemplary
embodiments, the size and shape of a cross-section of the shaft 506a
corresponds to the size
and shape of the second portion 504b of the bore 504. In certain exemplary
embodiments,
the size, or diameter, of the disc 506b is greater than the size of the second
portion 504b of
the bore 504 and the size of the shaft 506a.
[0057] The
indicating portion 506e is generally configured to be positioned within the
first portion 504a of the bore 504 in the normal state (Figure 5A), and at
least partially exits
the first portion 504a in the actuated or activated state (Figure 5B). In
certain exemplary
embodiments, the size of the indicating portion 506c is greater than the size
of the second
portion 504b of the bore 504 and the size of the shaft 506a. Generally, the
disc 506b and the
indicating portion 506c prevent the component 506 from completely exiting the
second
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portion 504b of the bore 504. In certain exemplary embodiments, a compressible
member,
such as a spring 516, is positioned around an end of the shaft 506a between
the disc 506b and
the sleeve 502. In alternative embodiments, a breakable member can be
positioned between
the disc 506b and the sleeve 502 that readily fractures upon a force being
applied to the disc
506b. In certain exemplary embodiments, the compressible member or the
breakable
member offers minimal resistance to a force being applied to the disc 506b.
[0058] When the
spring 516 is in the extended or normal state (Figure 5A), the
indicating portion 506c is positioned entirely within the first portion 504a
of the bore 504.
When a sufficient force is applied to the disc 506b, the spring 516 is
compressed (Figure 5B),
thus causing at least a portion of the indicating portion 506c to move out of
the first portion
504a of the bore 504 and indicate that the indicator device 500 has been
activated.
[0059] Referring
now to Figures 6A and 6B, an exemplary embodiment of a conduit
system 600 is shown. The system 600 includes a conduit 602 having a generally
cylindrical
wall 604 defining a central cavity 606 therein. The conduit 602 also includes
an extension
610 integrally coupled to the wall 604 and defining a plug cavity 612 therein.
The plug
cavity 612 and the central cavity 606 are open to one another, and a path
exists from the
central cavity 606 to the plug cavity 612. The indicator device 500 is
positioned within the
plug cavity 612 of the extension 610. In certain exemplary embodiments, the
interior of the
extension 610 includes threads 614 for mating with threads 502a of the sleeve
502 of the
indicator device 500.
[0060] In certain
exemplary embodiments, it is desirable to seal the interior of the
conduit 602, for example, in instances where a housing with sparking or arcing
part or hot
operating devices that could cause an ignition would need to be sealed off,
where the conduit
602 goes from one level of hazard to another or from one room to another. An
area 620 to be
sealed in the central cavity 606 of the conduit 602 can be isolated using dams
622, 624. In
certain exemplary embodiments, the darns 622, 624 are constructed from
neoprene, fiber
materials, putty compounds, and the like. An expanding sealing element 630 can
be placed in
the area 620 (Figure 6A) and allowed to expand to fill the area 620. Suitable
examples of
sealing elements 630 include, but are not limited to, Chico SpeedSealTM
Compound,
commercially available from Cooper Crouse-Hinds, and epoxy-based sealants. As
the
scaling clement 630 expands, the sealing clement 630 forces against the disc
506b, thereby
causing at least part of the indicating portion 506c to shift out of the first
portion 504a and
actuating the indicator device 500 (Figure 6B) to indicate that the area 620
has been filled and
sealed.
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[0061] Referring to
Figure 7, an exemplary' method 700 of determining if an area of
an enclosure or conduit has been sealed is shown. In step 702, one end of the
area to be
sealed is dammed. In step 704, an indicator device is positioned in an opening
that is in
physical communication with the area to be sealed. In step 706, an expanding
sealing
element is placed within the area to be sealed. In step 708, the other end of
the area to be
sealed is dammed. In step 710, the scaling element expands and fills the area
to be sealed. In
step 712, the indicator device is actuated, thereby indicating that the area
has been filled.
[00621 Referring to
Figures 8A-8B, an exemplary embodiment of an indicator device
800 coupled to the enclosure 120 is shown. The indicator device 800 is the
same as that
described above with regard to indicator device 300, except as specifically
stated below. For
the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow. A
bimetal spring 810 is
positioned around a shaft 806a of a brightly colored component 806 on an end
opposing a
portion 806b that exits the housing or sleeve 302 when activated. Upon an
increase in
temperature, the bimetal spring 810 expands and pushes against a ledge 806c on
the shaft
806a so as to overcome the restrictive force of the pivot spring 310. The
latch 308 pivots
about its central axis and the indicator device 800 is activated when at least
a portion of the
brightly colored component 806 exits the top portion of sleeve 302. In certain
exemplary
embodiments, the length of the bi-metal spring 810 varies based on the
temperature range to
be indicated, for instance, a shorter bi-metal spring that needs to expand
more may be used to
indicate a higher temperature versus a longer bi-metal spring that needs to
expand less may
be used to indicate lower temperatures. In certain exemplary embodiments,
sleeve 302
includes a bore 804 having a cylindrical first portion 804a and a cylindrical
second portion
804b, where the first portion 804a has a diameter greater than a diameter of
the second
portion 804b. The portion 806b of the brightly colored component 806 is
positioned within
the first portion 804a, and has a size greater than the diameter of the second
portion 804b.
[0063] In certain
exemplary embodiments, the shaft 806a is in physical
communication with a switch 830 that is in electrical communication with an
alarm or power
system (not shown). Prior to activation of the indicator device 800, the
switch 830 is
depressed, thereby indicating that the system is in the normal state (Figure
8A). Once the
brightly colored component 806 shifts in response to a temperature increase,
the shaft 806a
disengages the switch 830 (Figure 8B), thereby sending a signal that the
indicator device has
been activated. In certain exemplary embodiments, when the switch 830 opens,
power to the
system is shut off. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch 830 is an
explosion-proof
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switch. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch 830 is a pushbutton
switch. In certain
exemplary embodiments, the indication system is resettable after activation.
100641 Referring to
Figures 9A-9B, an exemplary embodiment of an enclosure
system 900 is illustrated. The system 900 includes a housing or enclosure
cover 902 and an
enclosure body 904. The enclosure cover 902 includes an opening 910 having a
cylindrical
first portion 9I0a. a cylindrical second portion 910b that has a diameter less
than the first
portion 910a, and a cylindrical third portion 910c that has a diameter greater
than the second
portion 910b. A brightly colored indicating component 920 having a cylindrical
shaft 920a
and an indicating portion 920b is positioned in the opening 910. The
indicating portion 920b
is sized to be received in the first portion 910a. In certain exemplary
embodiments, a disc
924 is positioned at the base of the shaft 920a an movable within and out of
the third portion
910c. In certain exemplary embodiments, a spring 926 is positioned around the
shaft 920a in
the first portion 910a. In certain exemplary embodiments, the diameter of the
spring 926 is
greater than the diameter of the second portion 9lOb.
[0065] The
indicating component 920 is retained in a compressed position in the
enclosure cover 902 by a latch 928 held in place by a pivot spring (not shown)
and a pin 932.
The pivot spring includes a central axis extending through a center of and
along a length of
the pivot spring. When the enclosure cover 902 is coupled to the enclosure
body 904, the
enclosure body 904 applies a force against the disc 924 to cause a deflection.
In certain
exemplary embodiments, a deflection of about 0.003 inch of the disc 924 will
activate the
system. The deflection also translates the pressure to the spring 926 which
results in a force
against the latch 928 that is greater than the restrictive force of the pivot
spring. The latch
928 pivots about the central axis and allows at least a portion of the
brightly colored
indicating component 920 to exit the top portion of the enclosure cover 902.
In certain
exemplary embodiments, a clamping mechanism 940 can be used to secure the
enclosure
cover 902 to the enclosure body 904. In certain exemplary embodiments, the
clamping
mechanism 940 provides the necessary deflection to activate the indication
system.
[0066] Referring to
Figures 10A-10B, an exemplary embodiment of an enclosure
system 1000 is illustrated. The enclosure system 1000 is the same as that
described above
with regard to enclosure system 900, except as specifically stated below. For
the sake of
brevity, the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow. The latch 928 and
pivot spring
mechanism of enclosure system 900 is replaced with a breakable membrane 1028
to hold the
indicating component 920 in place. The membrane 1028 is positioned adjacent to
and above
the indicating portion 920b, thus preventing the indicating portion 920b from
exiting the first
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portion 910a. In certain exemplary embodiments, the membrane 1028 is a thin
plastic film or
a neoprene cover. In certain exemplary embodiments, the membrane 1028 is
secured to the
enclosure cover 902 with the use of an adhesive, such as glue, a snap-fit
connection, a
retaining clip, or can be over-molded to the enclosure cover 902.
[0067] Referring to
Figures 11A-11B, an exemplary embodiment of an indicator
device 1100 is illustrated. The indicator device 1100 is the same as that
described above
with regard to indicator device 500, except as specifically stated below. For
the sake of
brevity, the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow. The spring 516 of
indicator device
500 is removed and replaced with a breakable membrane 1116 to hold the
indicating
component 506 in place. The membrane 1116 is positioned adjacent to and above
the
indicating component 506, thus preventing the indicating component 506 from
exiting the
first portion 504a of the bore 504. In certain exemplary embodiments, the
membrane 1116 is
a thin plastic film or a neoprene cover. In certain exemplary embodiments, the
membrane
1116 is secured to the interior of the bore 504 with the use of an adhesive,
such as glue, a
snap-fit connection, or a retaining clip. The bore 504 also includes a third
portion 504c
having the disc 506b positioned and movable therein. The diameter of the third
portion 504e
is greater than the diameter of the second portion 504b. In certain exemplary
embodiments,
the length of the third portion 504c is such that the disc 506b does not
extend out of the
sleeve 502
[0068] The
indicator device 1100 can be used with the conduit system 600 (Figures
6A-6B). When the membrane 1116 is intact or in the normal state (Figure 11A),
the
indicating portion 506e is positioned entirely within the first portion 504a
of the bore 504.
When a sufficient force is applied to the disc 506b, such as from an expanding
sealing
compound, the membrane 1116 breaks (Figure 11B), thus causing at least a
portion of the
indicating portion 506c to move out of the first portion 504a of the bore 504
and indicate that
the indicator device 1100 has been activated.
[0069] Therefore,
the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and
advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The
particular embodiments
disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be
modified and practiced
in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art
having the benefit of
the teachings herein. While numerous changes may he made by those skilled in
the art, such
changes are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the
appended
claims. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of
construction or design
herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore
evident that the
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particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified
and all such
variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present
invention. The terms in
the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and
clearly defined
by the patentee.
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