Buoys – rafts – and aquatic devices – Water rescue or life protecting apparatus – Personal flotation device
Reexamination Certificate
2008-06-19
2010-10-26
Swinehart, Ed (Department: 3617)
Buoys, rafts, and aquatic devices
Water rescue or life protecting apparatus
Personal flotation device
Reexamination Certificate
active
07819714
ABSTRACT:
A water activated inflator and a method of air deployment of a water activated inflatable device are provided. A gas cylinder opening device for opening a sealing mechanism of a gas cylinder is disposed at least partially within a housing and is movable between a cocked position and a fired position along a first axis having a first orientation relative to the housing. A tension mechanism provides tension acting along the first axis for moving the gas cylinder opening device from the cocked position to the fired position. A plunger is holding the gas cylinder opening mechanism in the cocked position. The plunger is disposed in the housing and movable between a first position and a second position along a second axis having a second different orientation relative to the housing. A water soluble element is holding the plunger in the first position. A first interacting surface of the gas cylinder opening device is disposed at a predetermined angle to the first axis. A second interacting surface of the plunger is in contact with the first interacting surface at the predetermined angle. The angle is determined such that a component along the second axis of a component of the tension acting onto the second interacting surface is within a predetermined range for ensuring structural integrity of the water soluble element in the cocked position and for ensuring movement of the plunger when at least a portion of the water soluble element is dissolved. Using the water activated inflator in a rescue kit is highly beneficial for air rescue operations over a body of water by providing proper timing of the inflation shortly after impact.
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Medford Ed
Miljic Ned
Freedman & Associates
Irvin Aerospace Canada Limited
Swinehart Ed
LandOfFree
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