IP Library Granted Patent US 7,363,969
Granted Patent B2
US 7,363,969 · App. 10/910,175 · Granted Apr 29, 2008

Casing vent security device

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,363,969
App. No.
10/910,175
Granted
Apr 29, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

A casing vent security device includes an in-line section in communication with a casing vent, the in-line section having an ambient air passageway for selectively allowing ambient air to pass through the in-line section and into the vent. The device further includes a plurality of sensors disposed within the in-line section for monitoring the ambient air passing through the in-line section. The device still further includes at least one mechanism for selectively occluding the passage of ambient air into the vent upon receiving a signal from the sensors. The device provides information on the plurality of sensors and the vent.

Claims (18)

1. A casing vent security device adapted for use with a casing vent, such as a well casing vent, comprising:

an in-line section in communication with a casing vent, the in-line section having an ambient air passageway for selectively allowing ambient air to pass through the in-line section and into the vent;

a plurality of sensors disposed within the in-line section for monitoring the ambient air passing through the in-line section;

occlusion means positioned in the in-line section for selectively occluding the passage of ambient air into the vent upon receiving a signal from the sensors; and

signaling means for providing information on the plurality of sensors and the vent wherein the occlusion means includes a first plunger valve and a second slide valve.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the sensors are capable of sensing at least one of: mechanical, chemical, biological, radioactive, gas phase, liquid phase and solid phase contaminants.

3. The device of claim 1 further including an adapter unit for adapting the casing vent security device retrofittingly to an existing vent.

4. The device of claim 1 further including a housing for encompassing at least the in-line section.

5. The device of claim 1 in combination with a remote monitoring system for remotely monitoring device activities.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein a signal indicates potential contamination of the ambient air passing through the in-line section.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a solenoid for actuating at least one of the valves.

8. A casing vent security device adapted for use with a casing vent, such as a well casing vent, comprising:

an in-line section in communication with a casing vent, the in-line section having an ambient air passageway for selectively allowing ambient air to pass through the in-line section and into the vent;

a plurality of sensors disposed within the in-line section for monitoring the ambient air passing through the in-line section;

a first plunger valve and a second slide valve, the first valve positioned in the in-line section and the second valve positioned downstream of the first valve, the valves for selectively occluding the passage of ambient air into the vent upon receiving a signal from the sensors; and

signaling means for providing information on the plurality of sensors and the vent.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the first valve is spring actuated.

10. The device of claim 8 wherein the second valve is in operational association with motor means to open or close the second valve in sliding fashion.

Assignments (1)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENT COLLATERAL AT REEL/FRAME NO. 027805/0855 Recorded Dec 31, 2012
From: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: DISPENSING DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL
Reel/Frame 029557/0716 →