Patent ID: 7357146

Claim:
An inflatable flow control apparatus for controlling the flow of a fluid through a drain passage, the apparatus comprising: an inflatable bladder having first and second opposite sides and an outer surface extending between the first and second sides; a plurality of tubular passages extending through the bladder between the first and second sides, each of the plurality of tubular passages defining an inlet at the first side configured to receive the fluid into the inlet from the drain passage and an outlet at the second side configured to permit the fluid to be exhausted from the tubular passage; and further comprising at least one reinforcement strap extending longitudinally between the first and second sides of the bladder through an interior space of the bladder; and a control valve fluidly connected to each of the tubular passages and configured to control the flow of the fluid therethrough, wherein the bladder is configured to be inflated in the drain passage such that the outer surface is disposed against the drain passage with the first and second opposite sides directed in opposite longitudinal directions of the drain passage and the fluid in the drain passage may be directed into each of the inlets, through the associated tubular passage in a direction toward the second side, and outwardly through the associated outlet.