Patent ID: 6748743
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: F02C,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A safety valve for selective instantaneous release of pressurized gas to the atmosphere, the safety valve comprising a rupturable membrane and rupture means, wherein said rupture means is positioned in close proximity to said rupturable membrane, and wherein said rupture means, when activated, is instantaneously caused to rupture said rupturable membrane,wherein said rupture means comprises a puncturing instrument having a first end which comprises a blade, said puncturing instrument further having a second end which comprises a driving means, wherein when said rupture means is activated said driving means propels said blade through said ruptureable membrane so as to result in bursting of said ruptureable membrane and instantaneous release of pressurized gas to the atmosphere, wherein said driving means comprises a rod, a compressed gas cylinder and a latch, wherein said rod has a first end which is detachably connected to said blade, said rod has a mid portion which extends through said compressed gas cylinder, said mid portion of said rod is provided with a gas cylinder piston within said compressed gas cylinder which is drivable by compressed gas within said cylinder, said rod has a second end which is separated from said first end by said mid portion and which terminates in a flange, said latch residing adjacent to said second end of said rod, said latch abutting said flange in a manner which obstructs the travel path and prevents motion of said flange, said latch being maintained in position abutting said flange by action of a solenoid, said compressed gas cylinder being provided with a compressed gas source which acts to drive said compressed gas piston and rod in the direction of said cutting blade, said rod being prevented from motion by the obstructive action of said latch against said flange, said latch being withdrawn from said flange when electrical power to said solenoid is interrupted.