Patent ID: 6241298
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: B66C,Y10S

Abstract:
A release mechanism (1) suitable for use in releasing remotely a load (6) supported on a hook (4) or the like which mechanism comprises a discrete load supporting means (2) provided with ejector means (8) formed and arranged for selectively ejecting a said load supported thereby and discrete control means (12) formed and arranged for controlling said ejector means (8) on said load supporting means (2), said control means (12) being provided in a control means housing (27) which housing (27) includes power supply means (42) for driving said ejector means (8), said load supporting means (2) being substantially spaced apart and depending from said control means (12) by an elongate support link (10) and said control means (12) and said ejector means (8) being connected together by a communication means (14), and a reservoir (28) to supply pressurised fluid; characterised in that said power supply means (42) is in the form of a compressed pressurised hydraulic fluid contained within an accumulator bladder (42) and said reservoir (28) is in the form of an annular tank surrounding said accumulator bladder (42).