초록 ▼

A closure assembly is described which includes a plurality of inflatable seals, a sliding door, and a frame configured to allow said door to slide back and forth therein. The sliding door includes a first portion having an opening therethrough and a second solid portion. The door further include a p

A closure assembly is described which includes a plurality of inflatable seals, a sliding door, and a frame configured to allow said door to slide back and forth therein. The sliding door includes a first portion having an opening therethrough and a second solid portion. The door further include a plurality of grooves, one plurality encircling the opening in the first portion and second plurality encircling the second portion. The inflatable seals are configured to fit into at least one of the grooves encircling each portion. The frame has a middle opening which can be aligned with the first portion of the door for allowing objects to pass through. The frame also has a top opening and a bottom opening which allows changing of the inflatable seals without removing the door from the frame. The assembly provides for a sealing of either portion of the door around the middle opening of the frame.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A closure assembly comprising:a plurality of tubular inflatable seals; a sliding door comprising a first portion and a second portion, said first portion having an opening therethrough, said door further comprising a plurality of grooves encircling said first portion and a plurality of grooves en

1. A closure assembly comprising:a plurality of tubular inflatable seals; a sliding door comprising a first portion and a second portion, said first portion having an opening therethrough, said door further comprising a plurality of grooves encircling said first portion and a plurality of grooves encircling said second portion, said grooves encircling an area slightly larger than the opening, said inflatable seals configured to fit into at least one of said grooves encircling said first portion and at least one of said grooves encircling said second portion; and a frame configured to allow said door to slide back and forth within said frame, said frame comprising a middle opening for allowing objects to pass therethrough when said first portion of said door is aligned with said middle opening, said frame further comprising a top opening and a bottom opening, said top opening and said bottom opening allowing said inflatable seals to be changed without removing or disassembling said door from said frame, said seals allowing a sealing of either of said first portion or said second portion of said door around said middle opening of said frame. 2. A closure assembly according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of grooves encircling said first portion and said plurality of grooves encircling said second portion each comprises three grooves, an inner seal groove, a pressurization groove, and an outer seal groove, said inner seal groove and said outer seal groove configured with said inflatable seals.3. A closure assembly according to claim 2 wherein said inflatable seals in said inner seal grooves and said outer seal grooves are configured to form independent gas tight seals between said door and said frame.4. A closure assembly according to claim 2 wherein said pressurization grooves are connected to a pressure supply, allowing testing of an integrity of said inflatable seals in said inner seal grooves and said outer seal grooves, while said closure assembly is in service.5. A closure assembly according to claim 1 wherein said door comprises bearing holders on sides of said door, said linear bearings configured to engage bearings mounted within said door frame.6. A closure assembly according to claim 1 wherein said door comprises an actuator connection for movement of said door.7. A closure assembly according to claim 1 wherein said door comprises a front surface and a back surface, said door further comprising a plurality of grooves encircling said first portion on both said front surface and said back surface, and a plurality of grooves encircling said second portion on both said front surface and said back surface, inflatable seals configured to fit into at least one of said grooves encircling said first portion and at least one of said grooves encircling said second portion.8. A closure assembly according to claim 7 wherein said plurality of grooves on said front surface and said back surface each comprises three grooves, an inner seal groove, a pressurization groove, and an outer seal groove, said inner seal grooves and said outer seal grooves configured with said inflatable seals.9. A closure assembly according to claim 8 wherein said inflatable seals in said inner seal grooves and said outer seal grooves are configured to form independent gas tight seals between said door and said frame.10. A closure assembly according to claim 2 wherein said inner seal grooves and said outer seal grooves comprise hollow nipples which are screwed into a bottom of said inner seal grooves and said outer seal grooves, said nipples extending into a preformed bole within said inflatable seals for connecting said inflatable seals to a pressurization supply.11. A sliding door for a closure assembly, said door comprising:a front surface; a back surface; a first portion comprising an opening therethrough; a solid second portion; a first plurality of grooves encircling said opening of said first portion on said front surface; a second plurality of grooves encircling a portion of said second portion on said front surface, and encircling an area larger than said opening; at least one inflatable seal within one of said first plurality of grooves; and at least one inflatable seal within one of said second plurality of grooves. 12. A sliding door according to claim 11 further comprising:a third plurality of grooves encircling said opening of said first portion on said back surface; a fourth plurality of grooves encircling a portion of said second portion on said back surface, and encircling an area larger than said opening; at least one inflatable seal within one of said third plurality of grooves; and at least one inflatable seal within one of said fourth plurality of grooves. 13. A sliding door according to claim 12 wherein each of said first, second, third, and fourth plurality of grooves comprises:an inner seal groove; an outer seal groove surrounding said inner seal groove; and a pressurization groove between said inner seal groove and said outer seal groove. 14. A sliding door according to claim 13 comprising one of said inflatable seals within each inner seal groove and each outer seal groove.15. A sliding door according to claim 14 wherein said inflatable seals within each inner seal groove are configured to be connected to a first pressure supply, said inflatable seals within each outer seal groove are configured to be connected to a second pressure supply, and said pressurization grooves are configured to be connected to a third pressure supply.16. A sliding door according to claim 15 wherein said inner seal grooves and said outer seal grooves comprise hollow nipples which are screwed into a bottom of said inner seal grooves and said outer seal grooves, said nipples extending into a preformed hole within said inflatable seals for connecting said inflatable seals to respective pressurization supplies.