Force-independent releasable system
AssigneeAir Cruisers Company
InventorRobert William Hentges
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Force-independent release systems are disclosed. Releasable links are designed for use in connection with inflatable safety devices. Particular examples for use include evacuation slides and/or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel, or any other inflatable safety device that requires a rapid inflation. In one example, the force-independent release system separates when a certain inflatable pressure is achieved. In another example, the force-independent release system separates at a certain predetermined time. It is possible for the force-independent release system to also include current force-dependent technology as a redundant backup.
Claims16
A force-independent release system for an inflatable safety device, the system comprising:
- a frangible link that releases upon a predetermined time after deployment begins or once a certain inflation pressure of the inflatable safety device is reached, or any combination thereof;
- and
- characterized in that the frangible link is controlled by at least one switch selected from the group consisting of a timer switch, a pressure switch, and a pneumatic switch on the inflatable safety device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.