Gas-propelled line deployment system

Abstract

A gas propelled line deployment system includes a launch tube, and a bullshaped projectile. The launch tube has a closed end with a gas port formed therein and an open end having a plurality of radially extending threaded apertures. The projectile has two spaced, circumferential grooves adjacent the blunt end thereof, with an O-ring mounted in one of the grooves. The projectile is slidably received in the launch tube with the blunt end adjacent the open end of the tube, i.e. the rounded end facing the close end, so that O-ring forms a gas tight seal adjacent the open tube end. Nylon retainer screws are threadedly received in the threaded apertures so that they engage within the other circumferential groove in the projectile. The line to be deployed is attached to an elastic band which is attached to the blunt end of the projectile. A carbon dioxide gas canister communicates with the gas port to introduce a pressurized gas flow into the tube. The gas entering the launch tube builds up a propulsion force which is operative for shearing the nylon retainer screws and propelling the projectile outwardly from the launch tube, deploying the line.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.