Abstract: A temperature probe has a metal casing, closed at one end and open at its other, in which a temperature sensor is buried in compacted hygroscopic mineral insulation having an exposed end face through which extend wires from the sensor. Such end face is sealed to keep it dry by a metal tube having one end surrounding and brazed to the metal casing, and plugged at its other end by a body of compressed sealant material. Lead wires extend through the sealant body and are electrically joined in a space provided between the exposed end face of mineral insulation and the opposing inner end face of the sealant plug.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the electrical conductivity of fluid which can be used to detonate an electro explosive device for operating a release mechanism for uncoupling a parachute canopy from its load upon landing in water. An operating network connected to an ignition capacitor and to a conductivity sensing circuit and connected in controlling relation to a semiconductor switch has a voltage independent portion which controls the time at which the semiconductor switch is closed to define a discharge path to detonate the electro explosive device independent of the rate of voltage rise on the ignition capacitor. The operating network also has a voltage dependent portion which when a voltage of predetermined magnitude is developed on the conductivity sensing circuit in response to fluid not having the predetermined condition of conductivity, the voltage dependent portion closes the semiconductor switch to define the discharge path when the energy level is insufficient to detonate the electro explosive device.

Abstract: The present invention is an explosively separable link provided in a strap assembly for automatic disengagement of two connected link members upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. The link assembly includes a first link member substantially in the form of a yoke having a pair of oppositely disposed coaxial apertures, one in each arm of the yoke. A second link member is provided and comprises a housing positioned between the arms of the yoke and includes a pair of opposed outwardly extending pins, each of which is cooperably received in one of the apertures in the yoke arm to permit relative rotation between the link members about the axis of the apertures. The housing in the second link includes a cylindrical bore coaxial with the axis of the apertures. Slidably positioned in the cylindrical bore are a pair of oppositely disposed piston members which are in substantially gas-tight relationship with the cylinder wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the electrical conductivity of field including a pair of electrodes and a capacitive type conductivity sensing circuit which in response to the electrodes being exposed to fluid of predetermined minimum conductivity under conditions involving a predetermined minimum rate of change of conductivity applies a gating voltage to the control terminal of a semiconductor device switching it into conduction to define a current flow path through a load. The load can be an ignition capacitor for an electro explosive device which, in turn, can be employed in a release mechanism for uncoupling a parachute canopy from its load upon landing in water. A semiconductor switch defines a discharge path for the ignition capacitor through the electro explosive device.

Abstract: A water-activated canopy release mechanism having a detachable sleeve positioned between the arms of a buckle yoke. The sleeve contains a longitudinal passage having a release piston and bushing positioned therein and supporting the sleeve within the yoke. An explosive cartridge mounted at the piston end is fired by a sensor activated by water of predetermined conductivity and drives the release piston completely into the sleeve and wedges it there, thus freeing the end of the sleeve adjacent the cartridge. Simultaneously, the piston drives the bushing out of the other end of the sleeve and against a wedge carried by the yoke arm. As a result, both the piston and the bushing are held in a position which permits the sleeve to drop free of the yoke releasing the canopy from its load.

Abstract: A flood valve adapted to close an opening through a barrier wall separating a fluid from a space, the valve having a plastic body with a bore therethrough, a piston slidable in the bore, a heating element carried by the body and having a section extending across the bore to restrain the piston against movement out of the bore, and a spring urging the piston against the restraining section of the heating element, the piston normally sealing the bore and the heating element, when energized, burning through the plastic body material to release the piston for admission of fluid through the bore to the space.

Abstract: A flood valve is adapted to be mounted in an opening provided through a wall to normally separate a fluid on one side thereof from a relatively unpressurized space on the other side thereof. The valve includes an integrally-formed plastic body member having a forward portion mounted in the opening, an intermediate thin-walled section, and a rearward portion arranged in the unpressurized space. A piston is slidably mounted in a bore provided in the forward portion to engage the rearward portion, and forms a sealed chamber within the bore adjacent the thin-walled section. A heating element encircles the thin-walled section and may be selectively energized to melt the same, and to allow the rearward portion and the piston to separate from the forward portion. After such separation, fluid may pass through the forward portion bore to enter the unpressurized space.

Abstract: A water activated pressurized gas release device, especially suited for automatically controlling the release of the pressurized gas for inflating flotation equipment when dumped into water, which includes an electrically fireable primer for generating propulsion gas to drive a piercing pin into the closure of a container of pressurized gas to release the same, and fired by electrical energy derived from a battery arranged in a circuit maintained open on the ground side by electrically conductive elements providing two spaced apart electrodes until such space is filled with water for a predetermined duration of time as occurs upon immersion to close the circuit.

Abstract: A seal assembly is adapted to provide a seal between a body member and an object, having a cylindrical outer surface, arranged to penetrate an opening provided through the body member. The seal assembly includes a lead ferrule having a frusto-conical first surface adapted to engage a body member circular shoulder edge, and having a frusto-conical second surface; an intermediate follower having one circular edge adapted to engage the lead ferrule second surface; a rear ferrule having a frusto-conical third surface adapted to engage another circular edge of the intermediate follower; and a compression cap adapted to exert a longitudinal force on the rear ferrule. When the compression cap is tightened, the seal assembly sequentially provides three longitudinally-spaced seal zones, and a seal between the body member and the object.