Acoustics – Geophysical or subsurface exploration – Seismic wave generation
Patent
1984-08-30
1987-01-06
Terapane, John F.
Acoustics
Geophysical or subsurface exploration
Seismic wave generation
181402, 367145, G01V 106, G01V 138
Patent
active
046339698
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to signalling and is primarily concerned with signalling between persons, at least one of whom is submerged in a body of water. One object of the invention is to provide a signalling device which is less elaborate than are known devices for underwater communication.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a signalling device comprising a hollow body within which there is a chamber, a closure element which normally closes the chamber off from a space outside the body, a source of gas adapted to charge the chamber with gas, whereby the pressure within the chamber can be increased to rupture the closure element, and triggering means for initiating release of gas from said source into the chamber, the closure element being adapted to be ruptured by a gas pressure within the chamber which the body can withstand without rupture.
If the outer face of the closure element is in contact with a body of water, rupture of the closure element by gas pressure within the chamber causes a sound wave to be transmitted through the water. Furthermore, rupturing of the closure element may release into the water from the chamber material which is adapted to provide a signal, for example a visual signal.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of signalling wherein a body of a signalling device is opened, an ambient pressure substantially above atmospheric pressure at sea level is exerted on an element within the body, said ambient pressure causes release of gas into a chamber in the body and the gas pressure within the chamber ruptures a closure element closing the chamber off from a space outside the body.
The body preferably includes first and second parts adapted to be released from each other and to be reassembled with each other by manipulation of the body parts and the closure element is preferably trapped between said parts. With this arrangement, the closure element can easily be replaced by a fresh closure element, during preparation of the device for reuse.
The source of gas is conveniently a cartridge comprising a combustible propellent and a percussion cap for igniting the propellent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
An example of a signalling device embodying the first aspect of the invention and which can be used in a method according to the second aspect of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which shows a cross-section of the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The device shown in the drawing comprises a body which includes a housing of generally cylindrical shape which is formed in four parts, namely a first end cap 11, a shorter tubular part 12 on which the first end cap is fitted, a second end cap 13 and a longer tubular part 14, on which the second end cap is fitted, the tubular parts 12 and 14 being connected to one another in coaxial relation by a spigot and socket joint. The first end cap 11 defines an opening 15 to the interior of the body, is screwed into the housing part 12 and is sealed thereto by an O-ring seal 49.
The joint between the housing parts 12 and 14 is provided for convenience in manufacture and assembly of the device only. These housing parts may be permanently secured together.
Within the shorter housing part 12, there is disposed a source 16 of gas under pressure and within the longer housing part 14 there is disposed triggering means for initiating release of gas from the source. There is also disposed within the longer housing part a sleeve 20 having at one end a flange 21 which is a sliding fit within the housing part 14 and bears against an abutment constituted by a spigot 22 of the shorter tubular part 12 which extends into the longer tubular part 14. This spigot is provided with an O-ring seal to prevent ingress of water at the joint between the housing parts 12 and 14.
The sleeve 20 extends from the flange 21 in a direction away from the first end cap 11 into a drivi
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Jorgensen Eric
Terapane John F.
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