Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Controlled by condition responsive means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-10
2001-05-01
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Controlled by condition responsive means
C052S302100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223473
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an explosion relief system for a building.
Explosion relief systems for buildings are provided in order to ameliorate the effects of an explosion inside a building. Typically, these systems include an explosion relief panel which will break away and thus provide a “weak” point in the building to relieve the force of the explosion in such a way to limit the damage. For buildings which are inside of other buildings, a blast shaft is associated with the explosion relief panel, the blast shaft directing the force of the explosion away from the inner building and then through the wall or the roof of the outer building.
For stand-alone buildings, there remains a need to direct the force of the explosion (and, concurrently, pieces of material which can act as shrapnel) out of the building to cause the least amount of damage. This need is particularly acute where human beings are in the vicinity of the building.
What is needed, therefore, is an explosion relief system that directs the force of the explosion as well as any “shrapnel” created thereby away from the building and any persons near the building, so that the least amount of damage is caused thereby.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The explosion relief system of the invention has met the above-mentioned needs as well as others. The explosion relief system for a building having a wall includes an explosion relief panel substantially covering an opening in the wall and a blast shaft mounted adjacent to the explosion relief panel. The blast shaft includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is adapted to permit at least a portion of a force of the explosion to escape therefrom and the second opening allows rain, snow and the like to pass through the blast shaft when the explosion relief panel substantially covers the opening in the wall. The second opening is substantially covered when the explosion relief panel is forced away from the opening in the wall when the explosion occurs.
A blast shaft substantially as described above and a building including the explosion relief system described above are also provided.
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CID Associates, Inc.
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott , LLC
Lang IV William F.
Radack David V.
Stodola Daniel P.
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