Patent GB-388182-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to fluid pressure release mechanisms
IPC: A62C13/64
Filed: 1932-01-22
Abstract: 388,182. Releasing fluids under pressure. KIDDE & CO., Inc., W., 140, Cedar Street, New York, U.S.A. Jan. 22, 1932, No. 2062. Convention date, Feb. 14, 1931. [Class 47 (ii).] A container in which fluid is held under pressure by a frangible seal is provided with a seal-rupturing element which is normally energized by a spring, but is held in non-rupturing position by a detent mechanism. A fluidpressure operated means is provided for releasing the detent mechanism. The pressure fluid may be used for fire-extinguishing or for inflating flotation bags for aircraft. As shown, Fig. 3, a cutter 7 for the seal 5 is carried by a hollow stem 10 slidable in a head 3 under the influence of a spring 15, which is adjustably compressed by a screwed closure nut 16. The stem is held in raised position by the engagement of a collar 28 with a groove in a rotatable spindle 29. The upper end of the stem projects normally beyond the nut 16, and is formed with apertures 27. When the stem has descended to rupture the seal, the apertures 27 deliver the released fluid to a pipe line 13<1>. If the seal is ruptured by excessive pressure within the container, the fluid escapes to atmosphere. Coloured indicator wings 18 pivoted at 19 to the stem 10 are normally held closed by a differently coloured frangible band 87, which is ruptured either by intentional or accidental release of the fluid, the exposed colouring of the wings then indicating such release. The spindle 29 extends into a casing 32 and is held normally from rotation by a spring-biased lever system 35, 38, 39, 42, the lever 42, Fig. 7, being locked by a hook 49 on a spring-biased lever 50 pivoted in the casing 32. The lever 50 is arranged to be moved, to trip the detent lever system, by a pin 58 projecting from a flexible diaphragm 59. A second diaphragm 60 carries a pin 61 adapted to engage the rear surface of the diaphragm 59. Fluid pressure set up in the space behind either diaphragm will move that diaphragm to trip the detent mechanism and so release the spring 15 to cause release of the fluid. A manual release of the detent mechanism is provided by a flat-sided spindle 71 which is adapted, when rotated by tension on a cable and hand-lever, to move the lever 50 to tripping position. The detent and release mechanisms are so arranged that they can be reset, after use, automatically, by pulling up the cutter stem to normal position. The spring 15 is not put under compression until the lever system has been reset, and means are provided to prevent partial resetting of the mechanisms. The diaphragms 59, 60 are of rubber or the like, thickened near the centre, and stiffened by thin, flexible discs 88. They are bulged in a direction opposite to that in which the operating fluid pressure is applied. As applied to the inflation of flotation bags f, Fig. 2, on an aeroplane, operating pressure for the diaphragms is applied if the aeroplane falls into water. To this end, pipes 94<1> connected to the diaphragm chambers are led to points near the landing wheels and upper wings, and terminate in enlarged tubes 94 which are closed at their outer ends and provided with lateral perforations. For fire-extinguishing purposes, the diaphragm chambers are connected to pressure bulbs or tubes in the fire zone. Specification 364,154 is referred to.