Patent ID: 8347649
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: E06B,F25D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A door seal arrangement for sealing between a door and a door frame on food processing equipment, the door seal arrangement comprising: a door seal that is inflatable to create a seal between the door and the door frame on the food processing equipment and deflatable to release the seal between the door and the door frame; an air supply that applies positive air pressure to the door seal to inflate the door seal; a vacuum that applies a negative air pressure to the door seal to deflate the door seal; a control valve that selectively connects the air supply and the vacuum to the door seal, the valve being positionable in a first position wherein the positive air pressure is applied to inflate the door seal and in a second position wherein the negative air pressure is applied to deflate the door seal; and wherein the control valve system comprises a first conduit receiving positive air pressure from the air supply; a second conduit receiving positive air pressure from the air supply and supplying the positive air pressure to the door seal; and a switching mechanism that selectively connects and disconnects the first and second conduits; wherein operation of the air supply and connection of the first and second conduits inflates the door seal; and a third conduit receiving positive air pressure from the air supply; a fourth conduit receiving positive air pressure from the third conduit and providing said positive air pressure to the vacuum; and a fifth conduit receiving negative air pressure from the second conduit and supplying said air pressure to the vacuum; wherein the switching mechanism selectively connects and disconnects the third and fourth conduits together and the second and fifth conduits together; and wherein operation of the vacuum and connection of the first and fourth conduits and the third and fifth conduits creates the venturi effect, which deflates the door seal.