Patent ID: 6254447
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: B63C

Abstract:
A self-acting inflation device for floating life preservers which activates upon impact of water, comprising:a pyrotechnic charge, a striking pin provided with a tip for puncturing a sealing membrane of a pressure gas cartridge, and a plunger capable of driving the striking pin against the force of a spring in the direction at the sealing membrane when the pyrotechnic charge is ignited by means of a trigger and ignition mechanism;wherein said striking pin tip and said sealing membrane are of electrically conducting material, and wherein during a ready position of the inflation device, the tip of the striking pin bears against the sealing membrane of the pressure gas cartridge and wherein the tip of the striking pin and the sealing membrane thus form an electrical circuit together with an indicator unit in such a way that when the circuit is closed an intact membrane is indicated by the indicator unit thereby testing the presence of an intact pressure gas cartridge.