ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 5 -- United States Patent no. 12,617,588, issued on May 5.
"Adaptive diameter sealing mechanism" was invented by Robert Reynolds (Mount Juliet, Tenn.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A diameter-adaptive sealing mechanism includes a central actuator gear, multiple pivot-linked actuator subassemblies, and a deformable ring. Rotation of the actuator causes synchronized outward motion of the actuator subassemblies, expanding the deformable ring to engage an interior vessel wall and create a seal. Reverse rotation returns the deformable ring toward a neutral diameter. The mechanism supports manual or mechanical rotation and is suitable for applications such as adaptive tumbler l...