# US 5,350,338 A · Vault ventilator system

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 5,350,338 A
- Document ID: US5350338A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/031,632
- Filed: 1993-03-15
- Granted: 1994-09-27
- Earliest claimed: 1990-10-11
- Inventors: Robert R. Hellman, Jr.
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5350338A

## CPC

- E05B 65/0078: {Safety means for persons trapped within the safe, e.g. release from inside, venting means (by releasing the striker E05B63/246; similar means for refrigerator or cold-room doors E05B65/0053)}
- Y10T 70/8378: Knobs, hand grips, etc.
- E05B: LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A system for introducing fresh air to a locked vault which is integral to the door of the vault. A fan provides motive force to the air which flows principally through passages in, or created with, existing components in the door. A food/water passage may be furnished by providing the door wheel spindle as a hollow, rather than a solid, tube.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A vault ventilator system to provide fresh air to the inside of a vault, comprising:
(a) means to cause said fresh air to flow into said vault; and
(b) air passages defined between components of a lock mechanism installed in a door of said vault for the flow of air therethrough, wherein said air passages include a first clearance defined between at least one lock spindle and a lock spindle tube within which said at least one lock spindle is disposed.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A vault ventilator system, as defined in claim 1, wherein said air passages include a second clearance defined between a relock protection plate and an intermediate plate, said second clearance created by spacing said relock protection plate apart from said intermediate plate in sealed relationship by means of a gasket disposed therebetween.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

A vault ventilator system, as defined in claim 2, further comprising an air duct disposed for air communication between said second clearance and the inside of said vault.