Patent ID: 6318399
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: A62C,Y10T

Abstract:
A latch mechanism for a fluid damper comprising:a frame defining a flow passageway;a curtain barrier which is displaceable along a predetermined path extending across the flow passage between a damper open position in which the barrier is retracted to one side of the flow passage and a damper closed position in which the barrier extends across and obstructs the flow passage; anda mechanism for biasing the barrier from the damper open position to the damper closed position, wherein the mechanism comprises,a housing for attachment to the damper frame and at least one latch member biased so as to project from the housing, the latch member being moveable relative to the housing between a first position in which it projects across the predetermined path so as to enable retention of the barrier in the damper open position and a second position in which it does not project across the predetermined path so as to enable extension of the barrier to the damper closed position; anda releasable locking member arranged to engage the at least one latch member to prevent the displacement of the latch member from the first to the second position, the locking member being operatively coupled to a thermally sensitive element such that when the thermally sensitive element reaches a predetermined temperature it changes shape or state so as to release the locking member thereby allowing the latch member to move to the second position, and the latch member being retractable into the housing from the first position to a third position against the bias which causes it to project from the housing despite engagement of the locking member with the latch member.