U.S. patent number 3,802,012 [Application Number 05/245,370] was granted by the patent office on 1974-04-09 for fluid pressure sensing devices.
Invention is credited to William J. Middleton, Jr..
United States Patent |
3,802,012 |
Middleton, Jr. |
April 9, 1974 |
FLUID PRESSURE SENSING DEVICES
Abstract
Disclosed are a fluid pressure sensing device and system for
selectively inflating flotation equipment, e.g., life saving vests,
jackets, rafts, etc. wherein, when the pressure of the fluid
exterior to a fluid pressure sensing member thereof substantially
reaches a selected fluid pressure, e.g., two feet of water, a
resilient member thereof, e.g., an "0" ring, is forced out of
sealing engagement with a geometrically shaped slot selectively
formed in the inner wall of the fluid sensing member and fluid,
such as water, enters through geometrically shaped openings
selectively formed in the bottom wall of the geometrically shaped
slot and into a cavity formed in the fluid pressure sensing member;
wherein the fluid dissolves a fluid soluble member positioned
within said cavity, e.g., a water soluble disc, and thereby
releases a gas control or releasing member thereof, e.g., a spring
biased slidable shaft having a pointed end thereon; whereby the gas
control member moves to its gas releasing position, e.g., the
pointed end of the slidable shaft pierces a frangible seal on a
CO.sub.2 bottle or cartridge and permits passage of the gas from
the gas storing member to the flotation equipment for inflation
thereof.
Inventors: |
Middleton, Jr.; William J.
(Richardson, TX) |
Family
ID: |
22926394 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/245,370 |
Filed: |
April 19, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/95;
137/516.15; 137/860 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C
9/24 (20130101); Y10T 137/7861 (20150401); F16K
15/142 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B63c 009/16 () |
Field of
Search: |
;9/316-320,321-326,314,311 ;222/5,3,478,481,544
;137/516.15,525 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Halvosa; George E. A.
Assistant Examiner: Sauberer; Paul E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sileo, Jr.; Michael A.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fluid pressure sensing device for selectively inflating
flotation equipment when the fluid pressure external thereto
substantially reaches a selected pressure, comprising in
combination:
a. gas releasing means for selectively controlling the passage of
gas from gas storage means to flotation equipment and being movable
from a first position to a gas releasing position;
b. fluid pressure sensing means for selectively actuating said gas
releasing means when said selected pressure occurs, said fluid
pressure means including
1. a main body portion having a cavity formed therein,
2. an annular groove formed in the inner wall of said main body
portion,
3. at least one geometrically shaped stoped opening formed in said
main body portion and extending into said annular groove for
providing an unimpeded path for fluid flow from the exterior of
said fluid pressure sensing means to said cavity,
4. fluid responsive means structurally capable of holding said gas
releasing means in its first position,
5. substantially non-metallic resilient means positioned within
said cavity in sealing engagement with said annular groove for
sealing said geometrically shaped opening and for selectively
inhibiting fluid from entering said cavity; wherein
c. said resilient means is mechanically forced out of sealing
engagement with said annular groove when said selected pressure
occurs and fluid thereby enters said cavity through said
geometrically shaped opening, whereby,
d. said fluid responsive means selectively permits said gas
releasing means to move to its gas releasing position which allows
gas to flow from said storage means to said flotation equipment for
selected inflation thereof.
2. The fluid pressure sensing device of claim 1 and further
including manual means for manually actuating said gas releasing
member.
3. The fluid pressure sensing device of claim 1 wherein said
resilient means is a solid or a hollow spherically shaped
member.
4. The fluid pressure sensing device of claim 1 wherein said
resilient means is a band like member.
5. The fluid pressure sensing device of claim 1 wherein said
resilient means is a tube like member.
6. A fluid pressure sensing device for selectively inflating
flotation equipment, comprising in combination:
a. gas storage means including a gas releasing member;
b. fluid pressure sensing means connected to said gas storage means
for actuating said gas releasing member including
1. a main body portion having a cavity formed therein,
2. an annular groove formed in the inner wall of said main body
portion,
3. at least one geometrically shaped opening formed in said main
body portion and extending into said annular groove for providing
an unimpeded path for fluid flow from the exterior of said fluid
pressure sensing means to said cavity,
4. resilient means positioned within said cavity in sealing
engagement with said annular groove for sealing said geometrically
shaped opening and inhibiting fluid from entering said cavity;
5. transparent means for providing visual access to the interior
thereof, and
6. color means selectively located within said cavity; wherein
c. when the pressure of the fluid exterior to said fluid pressure
sensing means substantially reaches a selected pressure, said
resilient means is forced out of sealing engagement with said
annular groove and fluid enters said cavity through said
geometrically shaped opening, actuating said fluid pressure sensing
means, whereby said gas releasing member is actuated, said
flotation equipment is inflated, and said color means is visually
accessible through said transparent means.
7. A fluid pressure sensing device for automatically inflating
flotation equipment when the fluid pressure external thereto
substantially reaches a selected pressure, comprising in
combination:
a. gas storage means for inflation
b. gas control means for selectively controlling the passage of gas
from gas storage means to flotation equipment, said gas control
means being moveable from a first position to a gas releasing
position;
c. fluid responsive means for holding said gas control means in its
first position, said fluid responsive means being structurally
capable of holding said gas control means in its first position
when dry but losing said structural capability when wet;
d. fluid pressure sensing means connected to said gas control means
for automatically sensing said selected pressure and for
automatically actuating said gas control means including
1. a main body portion releasably connected to said gas control
means and having a cavity formed therein;
2. an annular slot formed in the inner wall of said main body
portion,
3. at least one geometrically shaped opening formed in said main
body portion and extending into said annular slot for providing an
unimpeded path for fluid flow from the exterior of said fluid
pressure sensing means to said cavity of said main body portion,
and
4. substantially non-metallic resilient means positioned within
said cavity of said main body portion in sealing engagement with
said annular slot for sealing said opening and inhibiting fluid
from entering said cavity of said main body portion; wherein
e. said resilient means is mechanically forced out of sealing
engagement with said annular slot when said selected pressure
occurs, and fluid thereby enters said cavity through said
geometrically shaped opening, thereby diminishing the structural
capability of said fluid responsive means and releasing said gas
control means, whereby
f. said gas control means moves to its gas releasing position and
permits passage of gas from said gas storage means to said
flotation equipment for automatic inflation thereof.
Description
PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
There exists a present need for a technically simple, relatively
inexpensive, yet highly reliable fluid pressure sensing device for
automatically inflating life saving flotation equipments. Skilled
artisans in this field of technology have recognized that
"wearability" of life saving equipment is an important
characteristic, no less important than any other characteristic
including "reliability" and "durability". This is a fundamental
truth because the most reliable and durable life saving equipment
is ineffectual if the user is not wearing such equipment when an
accident or emergency occurs. Such factors as weight, bulk and
comfort are important characteristics in whether or not the
flotation equipment will be worn by the user. It is an established
fact that inflatable life saving equipment per se are more
comfortable, weigh less and are less bulky prior to inflation than
presently Coast Guard approved conventional foam or kapok filled
life saving equipment. However, such conventional equipments have
the advantage that the user does not have to do anything but wear
the equipment to obtain adequate flotation support during
emergencies. Thus, it is a desireable feature that life saving
equipment preferably does not require conscious user effort to
render such equipment operable prior to emergency use. An
inflatable life saving jacket, for example, preferably should be
automatically inflated without conscious user participation once
the user is immersed in water or quickly thereafter, e.g., within
several seconds after water entry, such as twenty seconds or
sooner. Water actuated life saving equipment will automatically
operate without user awareness within several seconds after water
entry but are unsatisfactory because such equipments prematurely
operate due to excessive water vapor, moisture accumulation, and
water exposure, i.e., when subjected to standing water, splashing,
rain, or the like. Accordingly, life saving equipment of the gas
inflatable type must be water tolerant during storage and when
being worn prior to water emergency, but must automatically operate
without user awareness when the user is inadvertently immersed in
water by virtue of an emergency. Of course, manual user override of
the automatic feature for intentional inflation of the life saving
equipment when an emergency is imminent or probable is another
desireable feature.
The prior art is replete with water actuated devices for
automatically inflating flotation equipment when the device is
immersed in water.
One type of water actuated inflation device utilizes water soluble
bands which circumscribe the release handle or lever for actuating
the device (see U.S. Letters Patent No. 3,266,668, issued Aug. 16,
1966). Another type of water actuated inflation device utilizes
restricting members of various shapes and geometries to hold a
spring in a compressed position, such restricting members having
sufficient strength to hold the compressed spring when dry but
loses its strength when wet, whereby when the device is immersed in
water the restricting member releases the spring and actuates the
device (see U.S. Letters Patents No. 3,490,648, issued Jan. 20,
1970 and No. 3,494,506, issued Feb. 10, 1970). Another type of
water actuated inflation device utilizes a water soluble member of
various shapes and geometries which has sufficient strength when
dry to hold a spring in a compressed state but disintegrates or
dissolves when wet so as to release the spring and thereby actuate
the device (see U.S. Letters Patent No. 3,526,339, issued Sept. 1,
1970). Another type of water actuated inflation device utilizes a
battery operated explosive member, the battery of which when dry
does not produce electrical energy but does produce electrical
energy when wet, whereupon when the device is immersed in water,
the battery ignites the explosive member which in turn propels a
piston that punctures the seal of a gas storage member to thereby
actuate the device (see U.S. Letters Patent No. 3,266,669, issued
Aug. 16, 1966). Another type of water actuated inflation device
utilizes a source of electrical power and a pair of spaced apart
conductors which when wet trigger a thyristor switch to close an
electric circuit and thereby actuate the device (see U.S. Letters
Patent No. 3,426,942, issued Feb. 11, 1969).
Pressure sensitive inflation devices of various constructions have
heretofore been made, but in the most part have not been completely
satisfactory by virtue of the fact that such prior known devices
have been generally complex in construction, expensive to
manufacture and generally unreliable, with some of them utilizing
battery storage members requiring periodic checks and maintenance
to ensure operability. For example, one type of pressure sensitive
inflation device utilizes a flexible diaphragm and associated
piston which moves proportional with the pressure external to the
device until it releases an actuating member which in turn may
ignite an explosive charge or close a circuit, the happening of
which releases pressurized fluid for inflation or the like (see
U.S. Letters Patent No. 3,349,786, issued Oct. 31, 1967). Another
example of a pressure sensitive inflation device utilizes a
resilient pressure sensitive diaphragm sealed across an opening
which stretches upon immersion in water to a predetermined depth so
as to release a trigger member and thereby actuate the device (see
U.S. Letters Patent No. 3,490,649, issued Jan. 20, 1970).
Although the aforementioned prior known techniques and apparatus
for automatically actuating inflation devices of various types have
been satisfactory in many respects, there still remain several
unsatisfactory features and functions that have confronted the
skilled artisan in the art to which they pertain, such as, device
reliability, technical complexity, high maintenance requirements,
high manufacturing costs, durability and user "wearability".
The several embodiments of this invention as hereinafter described
advantageously overcome the aforementioned unsatisfactory features
and functions in a simple, relatively inexpensive and highly
reliable manner, yet advantageously provide a device that is
relatively light weight, compact and comfortable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a fluid pressure sensitive device for
selectively controlling the passage of gas from a gas inlet to a
gas outlet thereof, and more particularly relates to a fluid
pressure sensitive device for selectively inflating flotation
equipment, such as, life saving vests, jackets and rafts.
In one embodiment of the invention the fluid pressure sensing
device includes: Gas Control Means for controlling the passage of
gas from gas storage means to flotation equipment which is
selectively movable into a gas releasing position; Restraint Means
including Fluid Soluble Means for selectively inhibiting the Gas
Control Means from moving into its gas releasing position; and
Fluid Pressure Sensing Means connected to the Gas Control Means for
sensing a selected fluid pressure external thereof. One embodiment
of the Fluid Pressure Means of this invention includes a main body
portion including a cavity which is releasably connected to the Gas
Control Means. A geometrically shaped slot is formed in the inner
wall of the main body and geometrically shaped openings selectively
formed in the bottom wall of the geometrically shaped slot for
providing an unimpeded path for fluid flow from the exterior of the
Fluid Pressure Sensing Means through the openings and slot to the
cavity of the main body portion. Resilient Means are positioned
within the cavity of the main body portion in sealing engagement
with the geometrically shaped slot for sealing the geometrically
shaped openings and inhibiting fluid from entering the cavity of
the main body.
By this novel construction, when the pressure of the fluid exterior
to the Fluid Pressure Sensing Means reaches a selected fluid
pressure, the Resilient Means is forced out of sealing engagement
with the geometrically shaped slot, fluid enters the cavity and
dissolves the Fluid Soluble Means, which in turn releases the
Restraint Means, whereupon the Gas Control Means moves to its gas
releasing position and permits passage of gas from the gas storage
means to the flotation equipment for inflation thereof.
In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid pressure sensing
device includes Housing Means having a geometrically shaped cavity
formed therein and a gas outlet and inlet selectively located
thereon; Gas Controlling Means for selectively controlling the
passage of gas from the gas inlet to the gas outlet which is
selectively moveable from a gas inhibiting position to a gas
releasing position; Restraining Means for releasibly holding the
Gas Control Means in its gas inhibiting position which include a
fluid soluble member; Biasing Means for moving the Gas Control
Means into its gas releasing position which is restrained from
operation by the Restraining Means; Pressure Sensing Means
including a pressure sensing head having a central chamber and
selectively positioned slots formed therein with associated
openings and a resilient member positioned within the slots for
sealing the openings and inhibiting fluid from entering the
chamber. By this latter novel construction, when the external fluid
pressure reaches a selected value, the resilient member is forced
out of its sealing position to allow fluid to enter the chamber,
whereupon the soluble member dissolves, the Restraining Means
releases the Biasing Means and the Gas Control Means is biased into
its Gas releasing position, thereby permitting passage of gas from
the gas inlet to the gas outlet.
It is contemplated that the resilient member may be of various
geometric shapes, such as, ring-like, a solid or hollow sphere,
band-like, or a full or partial tube, so long as its shape and
resilient characteristics in structural combination with the shape
of the slots formed in the inner wall of the pressure sensing head
cooperate effectively to seal such slots and the associated
openings and inhibit fluid from entering the chamber or cavity
thereof until the external fluid pressure reaches a selected
value.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is one object of this invention to provide a pressure sensing
device for selectively allowing gas to pass from a gas inlet to a
gas outlet thereof.
Another object of this invention is to provide a fluid pressure
sensing device for selectively inflating flotation equipment, such
as life saving vests, jackets and rafts, when the device is
immersed in water to a selected depth.
Another object of this invention is to provide a pressure sensing
device of the type described herein which is uniquely tolerant to
water vapor, moisture accumulation, humidity, water exposure, or
the like, and only operates automatically when immersed in water
and subjected to hydrostatic pressure which is capable of causing
operation of the device, such as two feet of water.
Another object of this invention is to provide a pressure sensing
device of the type described herein which prevents the passage of
gas from gas storage means to flotation means for inflation thereof
until the pressure of the fluid exterior to the device reaches a
selected hydrostatic pressure.
Another object of this invention is to provide an automatically
actuated pressure sensing device of the type described herein that
includes a manual override capability for selectively inflating
flotation means prior to an emergency condition without adversely
affecting the automatic pressure sensing capability of the
device.
Another object of this invention is to provide a pressure sensing
device requiring relatively fewer pressure sensing members, yet
advantageously senses hydrostatic pressures of relatively small
pressure differentials.
Another object of this invention is to provide a pressure sensing
device of the type described herein which advantageously provides
improved "wearability", yet adequately achieves satisfactory
"reliability" and "durability".
Another object of this invention is to provide a pressure sensing
device of the type described herein which is technically simple,
relatively inexpensive to make, highly reliable and durable, yet
being relatively lightweight, compact and comfortable to
advantageously achieve improved user "wearability".
These and other objects and features of this invention will be
readily apparent from the following description when taken in
conjunction with the appended claims and attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a partially cross-sectioned and partially cut-away view
of a fluid pressure sensing device for selectively inflating
flotation equipment in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention, with the lanyard and manual lever thereof in a
manual override position shown in phantom.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clevis and bore plug assembly,
manual actuation lever, coaxial sleeve and drive pin and piercing
pin of FIG. 1
FIGS. 3-5 are cross sectional views of alternate embodiments of the
flexible member of the pressure sensing head in accordance with
this invention.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the pressure sensing head of FIG.
1.
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the pressure sensing head taken
along the view plane 7--7 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the pressure sensing head of
FIG. 7 taken along the view plane 8--8 with the flexible member
removed for clarity and graphic simplicity.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view with partial cut-away portions of a
subverter cap in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view with partial cross section of the
pressure sensing head of FIG. 1 with the subverter cap of FIG. 9
secured in its subverting position.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are cut away, partially sectioned views of the
flexible member of FIG. 1 respectively in its sealing and
non-sealing position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A detailed description of several embodiments of this invention
follows with reference being made to the drawings wherein like
parts have been given like reference numerals for clarity and
understanding of the elements and features of this invention.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is generally shown a fluid
pressure sensing device for selectively inflating flotation
equipment (hereafter PS Device) in accordance with one embodiment
of this invention which is readily adaptable for use with a
standard inflatable life vest, jacket or raft. The PS device
includes a main body portion 10 having a mounting hole 12 of
standard shape and dimension for releasably securing the PS device
to a standard inflatable life vest, jacket or raft. At one end of
the main body 10 is an internally threaded opening 14 for
releasably securing a gas storage member 15, such as a standard
CO.sub.2 cartridge. To ensure gas sealing integrity between the gas
storage member 15 and the internal cavity 16, a gasket 18 is
provided which abuts the end wall of opening 14. The other end of
the main body 10 has an externally threaded shank 21 upon which is
threadably secured an internally threaded bonnet 22.
A clevis and bore plug assembly, generally indicated at 24, is
releasably secured within the cavity 16 by the bonnet 22. This
assembly includes a clevis 26 having a transverse slot formed at
one end, a cross pin 28 for holding a lever 30 in position thereon,
a shoulder portion 32 for positioning and clamping the clevis 26
with respect to and upon the main body 10, and a flexible "O" ring
seal 34 for preventing egress and ingress of unwanted fluids out of
and into the cavity 16. A sleeve 36 having a diameter less than the
diameter of the clevis 26 and coaxial therewith is secured to or
integral with the clevis 26. Coaxially positioned within the sleeve
36 is a drive pin 38 which is mounted therein for slidable coaxial
movement with respect to both the clevis 26 and sleeve 36. The
drive pin 38 has a head 40 at one end, and a flexible "O" ring 44
positioned therebetween to prevent egress and ingress of unwanted
fluids out of and into the cavity 16. A piercing pin 46 having one
end laterally restricted and coaxially positioned within the
central bore 42 of the drive pin 38 and a pointed end coaxially
positioned in close proximity to the opening 20 of the main body
10. Near the pointed end of the piercing pin 46 is a piston 50,
which is secured thereto by welding or brazing, or preferably it is
threadably secured for maintenance purposes, with a flexible "O"
ring 52 mounted thereon to keep the gas emitted by the gas storage
member 15 in the portion of cavity 16 which is between the piston
50 and the small opening 20. Between the piston 50 and the end wall
19 is positioned a return spring 53 to ensure that the piston is
returned a sufficient distance from the end wall 19 after actuation
of the PS device so as to allow gas to egress therefrom through the
outlet 55. Thus, gas emitted from the gas cartridge 15 passes
through the opening 20, enters the cavity 16 and exhausts out the
outlet 55 to the flotation device (not shown) connected
thereto.
Positioned concentrically about the sleeve 36, drive pin 38 and
piercing pin 46, within the cavity 16, is a hammer or striker 54
having a larger rear portion 56 and a smaller front portion 58,
joined by a tapered portion or restraining shoulder 60. Secured at
the front end of the hammer 54 is an enlarged head portion 62. The
hammer 54 is preferably hollow so that it can move axially within
the cavity 16 independent with respect to the drive and piercing
pins 38,46. A helical spring 64 is concentrically mounted within
the hollow of the hammer 54 with one of its ends abutting the inner
shoulder 66 and its other end abutting the clevis 26. By this
construction, when the hammer 54 is in the position as shown in
FIG. 1, the spring 64 is compressed thereby biasing the hammer 54
toward the right end of the main body 10.
Releasably secured at the opposite end of the main body 10 is a
handle 68, which has an opening 70 formed in its enlarged outer end
72 and a longitudinal slot formed in its smaller inner end 74. An
externally threaded shank 76 is secured to or integrally formed
with the enlarged outer end 72 for storing a subverter cap 78 when
not in use. Subverter cap 78 has a resilient ring-like member 79
secured to the peripheral edge of its open end and will be further
described hereinbelow with regard to the mode of operation of the
PS device. The smaller inner end 74 has a central bore formed
therein which is shaped to conform to the outer end of the main
body 10. Handle 68 is fitted upon the outer end of the main body 10
so that when it is pulled away from the main body 10, it easily
slides off, yet fits snugly in place so as to remain thereon during
normal use of the PS device. To ensure proper relative positioning
of the handle 68 with respect to the main body 10, an inner
peripheral shoulder 80 is formed at a selected distance within the
central bore to prevent the handle 68 from sliding too far down the
main body 10. The central bore in the handle 68 preferably
terminates at the enlarged portion of the handle. The lever 30 is
positioned within the slot 74 of the handle 68, while the lanyard
82 is connected at one end to the lever 30 while its other end
extends through the opening 70 of the handle 68 and secured therein
by the knot 84.
The clevis 26, lever 30, drive pin 38, piercing pin 46, handle 68
and lanyard 82 combine to provide manual override of the automatic
pressure sensing capability of the PS device, as will be described
hereinbelow in more detail.
Extending from the main body 10 is an externally threaded boss 86
having a central bore 88 formed therein. Positioned within the
central bore 88 is a restraint pin 90 having a substantially flat
upper end and a conical or tapered lower end 92 with a resilient
"O" ring 94 positioned therebetween. The tapered end 92 of the
restraint pin 88 extends into the cavity 16 and abuts the
restraining shoulder 60 of the hammer 54 and holds the hammer 54 in
the position shown in FIG. 1, to wit, the "cocked" position of the
PS device in readiness for actuation thereof or for the gas
releasing mode of the PS device.
A pressure sensing head 96 is threadably secured to the threaded
boss 86 and tightly abutting the resilient washer 97, and includes
a cup shaped body 98, a central bore 100, and internal annular
groove or slot, selectively positioned openings 102 which extend to
the slot 103, an externally threaded shank 104 and a transparent
window 106. Positioned within the central bore 100 is a resilient
member 108 which is preferably an "O" ring that abuts and seals the
annular slot 103. Circumscribing the lower end of the bore 100 is a
fluid soluble member 110, preferably disc shaped, that extends
beyond the peripheral edge thereof and abuts the shoulder portion
112 of the body 98. The soluble member 110 is of the type that when
dry has sufficient strength to hold the restraint pin 90 in its
hammer restraining position (as shown in FIG. 1) in opposition to
the force exerted by the compressed spring 64 against the hammer
54. However, when the soluble member 110 gets wet it loses its
strength by dissolving or disintegrating and thereby releases the
hammer 54.
The top of the restraint pin 90 is preferably painted a bright
color, such as red, so that when the soluble member has dissolved
or disintegrated, the user of the PS device is readily aware of the
expended condition by visual observance of the colored top of the
restraint pin 90 as viewed through the transparent window 106.
The resilient member 108 of the pressure sensing head 96 is chosen
to have expansion and resilience characteristics which will
satisfactorily seal the annular groove 103 when the PS device is
subjected to an external fluid pressure above a selected value, and
will readily compress and unseat itself at one or more areas along
its periphery when the PS device is subjected to an external fluid
pressure at or above the selected value. By this arrangement, the
central bore 100 of the pressure sensing head 96 is maintained free
of fluid until the selected external pressure occurs, such as when
the PS device is submerged to a selected depth of water. Thus,
fluids and other contaminants are prevented from entering the
central bore 100 so as to substantially enhance device reliability
and uniquely achieve pressure sensing capability primarily
independent of chemical or electrical requirements.
Automatic operation of the PS device is as follows:
1. The elements and members are relatively positioned in mechanical
and chemical cooperation as shown in FIG. 1 in readiness for a
cycle of operation when the PS device is subjected to a selected
external fluid pressure, such as submersion to two feet of
water.
2. When the external pressure reaches the selected value, the fluid
in the slots 102 unseats the resilient member 108 from the annular
groove 103 and fluid enters the central bore 100 of the pressure
sensing head 96.
3. The fluid soluble member 110 is saturated with fluid and
dissolves or disintegrates, thereby releasing the restraint pin 90
so that it moves out of engagement with the hammer 54 but remains
within the central bore 88.
4. The compressed spring 64 drives the hammer 54 toward the
piercing pin piston 50, striking the piston 50 and driving it and
the piercing pin 46 with a force sufficient to penetrate the seal
on the gas cartridge 15. The piercing pin preferably moves within
the drive pin in a coaxial manner therewith and is not secured
thereto. The drive pin being used to drive the piercing pin only
during manual operation of the PS device. A detailed description of
the manual operation of the PS device is set forth hereinbelow in
detail.
5. The return spring 53, which is compressed when the piston 50
moves to the right, biases the piston 50 and hammer 54 to the left
a sufficient distance to clear both the opening 20 and outlet
55.
6. Gas from the gas cartridge 15 passes through the opening 20,
into the cavity 16, and out the gas outlet 55 to a flotation device
(not shown) which is both mechanically and fluidly secured to the
PS device via the mounting hole 12 and gas outlet 55,
respectively.
7. To reset the PS device, the handle 72 is pulled off the housing
10, the bonnet and pressure sensing head 96 are removed from the
housing 10, and the expended gas cartridge 15 removed. All elements
are then thoroughly dried. A dry soluble member 110 is positioned
over the restraint pin 90 and the pressure sensing head 96 is
threaded down on the threaded boss 86, ensuring that the hammer 54
is positioned so that its conical member 60 engages the tapered end
92 of the restraint pin 90. It is also important at this point to
ensure that the resilient member 108 is properly seated in sealing
engagement with the annular groove 103. The bonnet 22 is then
threaded down on the threaded end 21 of the housing 10, thereby
compressing the spring 64. Finally, the handle 72 is slid onto the
housing 10 with the lever 30 and lanyard 82 in position as shown in
FIG. 1.
Manual operation of the PS device is effected by pulling the handle
72 away from the housing 10, which causes the lever 30 to pivot
about the cross pin 40 due to the lanyard 82 which is connected
therebetween. The end of the lever 30 cams against the head 40 of
the drive pin 38 which moves to the right and forces the piercing
pin 46 to penetrate the seal on the gas cartridge 15, thus
actuating the PS device. The return spring 53 ensures that the
piston 50 is adequately returned to a position to clear the opening
20 and outlet 55. Note, however, that when the PS device is
manually operated, the hammer 54 does not move from the position
shown in FIG. 1 by virtue of the fact that the novel concentric
sleeve configuration hereinabove described. Thus, by replacing the
spent gas cartridge 15 after manual operation, the PS device is in
readiness for both subsequent manual and automatic operation
without removal of the pressure sensing head 96 and without damage
to the soluble member 110, provided of course the subverter cap 78
has been used, i.e., removed from the handle 72 and positioned upon
the sensing head 96, as shown in FIG. 10.
The subverter cap 78 is provided for the purpose of preventing
automatic actuation of the PS device for any reason, such as, by
skin divers who may desire to have automatic actuation after a dive
when near the surface, or by military personnel who may wish to
subvert automatic operation during certain water phases of a
mission. In any event, if it is desireable to subvert automatic
operation, the subverter cap 78 is threadably removed from the end
of the handle 72 and threadably secured to the pressure sensing
head 96 until the resilient ring-like member 79 is firmly
compressed against the upper ledge of the cup member 98, thereby
preventing external fluid from exerting pressure against the
resilient member 108 via the openings 102.
FIGS. 3-5 respectively show alternate embodiments of a resilient
member which may be substituted for the resilient member 108. FIG.
3 shows a resilient sphere 114 which may be solid or hollow, that
abuts the inner edges of the annular groove 103 so as to be in
sealing engagement therewith. FIG. 4 shows a resilient band 115
that overlies and expands against the annular groove 103 and abuts
a portion of the inner surface of the cup member 104 so as to be in
sealing engagement therewith. FIG. 5 shows a resilient tube like
member 116 which may be a half section as shown or a complete tube
(not shown) that abuts the inner edges of the annular groove 103 so
as to be in sealing engagement therewith.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are respectively top plan and cross sectional views
of the pressure sensing head 96 which are enlarged and graphically
included herein to assist in better understanding the structural
interrelationships between the several parts thereof. In this
embodiment, the pressure sensing head is not threaded for uses in
which the subverter capability is not desired.
FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively show the subverter cap 78 and a view of
it secured on the pressure sensing head 96, each with partial cut
away for graphic simplicity. Note that the resilient member 108 is
visible through the opening 102.
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the pressure sensing head taken
along the view plane 8--8 with the resilient member 108 removed.
Note that the annular groove 103 formed in the main body 104
intersects the openings 102 to provide fluid path from the outside
of the pressure sensing head 96 to the cavity thereof.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are enlarged partial cross sectional views of the
resilient member 108 respectively in its fluid sealing and non
sealing positions. Note that the resilient member 108 when in its
fluid sealing position firmly abuts the upper edges of the annular
slot or groove 103, and is moved out of sealing engagement when in
its non fluid sealing position.
It will therefore be apparent from the foregoing description of
several embodiments of the present invention in light of the
attached drawings that the fluid pressure device is uniquely
tolerant to water vapor, moisture accumulation, humidity, water
exposure, or the like, and only operates automatically when
immersed in water and subjected to a hydrostatic pressure capable
of causing operation of the device, such as, the hydrostatic
pressure at two feet of water. Furthermore, such novel pressure
sensing device requires relatively fewer pressure sensing members,
yet advantageously senses hydrostatic pressures of relatively small
pressure differentials, such device being technically simple,
relatively inexpensive to make, highly reliable and durable,
relatively lightweight, compact and comfortable.
The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used
as terms of description and not limitation, and it is not intended,
in the use of such terms and expressions, to exclude any
equivalence of the features shown and described, or portions
thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are
possible within the scope of the present invention.
Without further elaboration, the foregoing is considered to explain
the character of the present invention so others may by applying
current knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under varying
conditions of service, while still retaining certain features which
may properly be said to constitute the essential items of novelty
involved, which items are intended to be defined and secured by the
appended claims.
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