# US 12,181,259 B2 · Multi-fault tolerant separation system > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,181,259 B2 - Document ID: US12181259B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/721,712 - Filed: 2022-04-15 - Published: 2023-10-19 - Granted: 2024-12-31 - Earliest claimed: 2022-04-15 - Applicants: David Michael Gallus; Timothy David Gallus; Rachel Chiwan Gallus; Robert Michael Gallus - Inventors: David Michael Gallus; Timothy David Gallus; Rachel Chiwan Gallus; Robert Michael Gallus - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12181259B2 ## CPC - F42B 15/36: Means for interconnecting rocket-motor and body section; Multi-stage connectors; Disconnecting means - F42B: EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION (explosive compositions C06B; fuzes F42C; blasting F42D) ## Abstract A separation device assembly with efficiency that allows for multi-fault-tolerance. The separation device assembly comprising an inflation device that applies force to a shear plate assembly which in-turn applies focused force to a frangible portion. The assembly further comprising a set of upper and lower compressive load bearing elements which are configured as a stopping means. The limitation of excess movement after fracture allows residual energy from the inflation device to be applied to non-fractured portions of the assembly. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A separation device assembly comprising: A separation device having at least two attachment portions, at least one frangible portion, and at least one movement stopping element; the attachment portions being arranged to fixedly connect to at least two separate structural components, with the attachment portions being joined to each other through at least one frangible portion, with at least one movement stopping element positioned as to confine the post-fracture movements of at least one frangible portion to between one tenth to sixty times the elongation limit of the fracture plane material; further comprising, at least one set of upper and lower compressive load bearing elements that are configured to bear the majority of the compressive force on the device; wherein at least one compressive load bearing element is used as at least one movement stopping element; wherein an expansion cavity is formed between at least one attachment portion and at least one frangible portion; further comprising, at least one inflation device located within the expansion cavity. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The separation device assembly of claim 1, wherein the frangible portion or portions contain a groove or stress riser to facilitate fracturing. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The separation device assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one inflation device is inflated by at least one gas producing combustible load. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The separation device assembly of claim 1, further comprising a shear plate assembly which transfers and focuses force from the inflation device to, or near the fracture plane of at least one frangible portion. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The separation device assembly of claim 4, wherein the shear plate assembly is integrally formed with at least one other shear plate assembly. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The separation device assembly of claim 5, wherein the shear plate assemblies have a thinner region between them that facilitates relative bending of the shear plate assemblies. ### Claim 7 (depends on 4) The separation device assembly of claim 4, wherein the shear plate assembly is affixed to at least one other shear plate assembly by means of a hinge. ### Claim 8 (depends on 4) The separation device assembly of claim 4, wherein the shear plate assembly is bonded to at least one other shear plate assembly. ### Claim 9 (depends on 4) The separation device assembly of claim 4, wherein the shear plate assembly has a point shaped tip. ### Claim 10 (depends on 3) The separation device assembly of claim 3, wherein an inflation device is configured to apply force against at least one shear plate assembly. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The separation device assembly of claim 10, wherein the inflation device is configured with a recurved groove along its axis. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The separation device assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one movement stopping element is affixed to at least one attachment portion with at least one fastener. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The separation device assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one movement stopping element is bonded to at least one attachment portion. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The separation device assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one movement stopping element is fastened to at least one frangible portion with at least one fastener. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The separation device assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one movement stopping element is bonded to at least one frangible portion. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The separation device assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one frangible portion is fastened to at least one attachment portion with at least one fastener. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The separation device assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one frangible portion is bonded to at least one attachment portion. ### Claim 18 A method of separating portions of a structure at all locations along a three dimensional separation assembly, the method comprising: an inflation device deposited inside an expansion cavity used to fracture frangible portions, and wherein the energy for inflation is limited, and also providing a stopping means which confines post fracture movements of any frangible portions to between one tenth to sixty times the elongation limit of the fracture plane material; wherein compressive load bearing elements are used as a stopping means. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The method of claim 18, wherein at least one shear plate assembly vectors and focuses inflation device force at or near the desired fracture plane. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The method of claim 19, wherein the inflation device is configured with a recurved groove along its axis. ### Claim 21 (depends on 18) The method of claim 18, wherein the energy delivery profile to the inflation device is matched to the design requirements of the separation assembly. ### Claim 22 (depends on 18) The method of claim 18, further comprising a means of sensing the complete fracturing of all frangible portions of the assembly in order to control the energy delivery profile of the inflation device through staged firing of combustible loads.