Patent ID: 6260571
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: B63C,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A raft inflation valve, comprising,an elongated valve body having first and second ends, and an elongated center bore,a cylinder member having first and second ends slidably mounted in the center bore,a spring secured to the cylinder member and yieldingly urging the cylindrical member towards the first end of the valve body,an arm pivotally secured directly to the first end of the valve body and positioned to engage in a first position the first end of the cylinder member, and to move the cylinder member towards the second end of the valve body when in a second position whereupon the spring is compressed,a cutting element on the second end of the cylinder member,a pressurized gas filled vessel secured directly to the second end of the valve body and having a gas discharge port normally adjacent the cutting element,a seal membrane on the gas discharge port of the vessel in the path of the cutting element to be punctured when the arm moves the cylinder member towards the second end of the valve body,a space in the center bore around the second end of the cylinder member,an annular groove on the outside of the valve body in communication with the space at locations 180.degree. on opposite sides of the space,a coupling having a smooth center bore rotatably coupled to the valve body for free rotation between the valve body and coupling, and extending over the annular groove, and having a gas outlet in communication with the space, and a gas coupling on the gas outlet for attachment to a gas fitting on a raft structure.