Luis O Masson

US Patent:

50388312, Aug 13, 1991

Filed:

May 24, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/356176

Inventors:

Luis Masson - Chicago IL

International Classification:

F16L 5512

US Classification:

138 93

Abstract:

A flood stopper system is used to prevent movement of fluid from a floor drain system out onto a floor that is being cleared by that drain system. The flood stopper system includes a balloon-like inflatable element that is automatically inflated to occlude the drain system in the event of a flood situation. The stopper system is located in the drain in a stand-by configuration and includes a float that covers a fluid-sensor and is only moved when a potential flood situation is present. Movement of the float permits fluid to contact the sensor and upon such contact, the sensor generates a signal that is used to fluidically connect a source of pressurized gas to the inflatable element to occlude the drain system.