Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in inflating a vehicle occupant restraint (12) includes a storage chamber (18) containing a mixture of gases which is releasable to inflate the vehicle occupant restraint (12). The mixture of gases includes a combustible fuel gas which, when burning, produces first combustion products which pressurize and supplement the mixture of gases. The apparatus (10) also includes an actuator assembly (16) for igniting the combustible fuel gas. The actuator assembly (16) includes a movable container (104) in which an ignitable material (122) is contained. The ignitable material (122) in the movable container (104), when burning, produces second combustion products which ignite the combustible fuel gas. The actuator assembly (16) casts the movable container (104) across the storage chamber when the second ignitable material (122) is burning.

Abstract: Method for destroying aerosol cans providing for their complete emptying, recovery, separation of various elements contained without losses, and the devices, automatic or not, for implementing the destruction method as well as the automatic piercing machine. The invention is related to the industrial sector of recovery and valorisation of waste products, the innovation of the method according to the invention allowing to pierce the aerosol can by means of a hollow needle (2) allowing to transfer the contents into a low pressure separation vat (8) making both housings, the aerosol can and the vat (8) to communicate, the invention using the resulting expansion in order to seperate the gases from the liquids, said gases thus expanded being sucked, compressed means of a compressor (13), liquified by an air-condenser (15) from where they are transferred into storage vats for treatment or reuse, the recovered liquids at the bottom of the vat (8) being transferred for reconditioning, treatment or destruction.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the inflation of a container or a floating body of an item of lifesaving equipment with compressed gas. The gas content of a compressed gas container sealed with the aid of a diaphragm, is released by opening the diaphragm with an opening striker disposed in a housing. A lever drive comprising a swiveling lever possessing an intermediate member upon which a hand lever also acts, engages the opening striker to place the device reliably into operation. The swiveling lever is two-armed and swivelable about an axis of rotation that is integral with the housing. A first arm of the swiveling lever is supported upon a spring with its free end, and a second arm of the swiveling lever is supported on a housing stop. The second arm is supportable with its free end upon an automatic element. The intermediate member is two-armed and swivelable about an axis of rotation that is integral with the housing.

Abstract: An auto inflator having a dissolvable element that abuts and prevents sliding movement of a retainer pin that is under very low pressure. The auto inflator further includes a rotatably mounted lever arm that effects puncturing of a gas-filled cartridge by a puncture pin when the lever arm is rotated. Rotation of the lever arm occurs when the retainer pin is retracted upon dissolution of the dissolvable element. A slide member is slidably mounted in an elongate track and is biased to slide away from the retainer pin but the retainer pin, when extended, prevents that movement. The retainer pin is biased to retract, but the dissolvable element prevents that retraction until it is dissolved. Upon dissolution, the retainer pin retracts and the slide member moves along the track, pulling a lanyard with it. The lanyard is engaged to the lever arm and effects its rotation so that the puncture pin is driven into the membrane that seals the cartridge.

Abstract: A device for pressurizing beverages within containers, including a hand-held charging gun adapted to controllably admit pressurized gas such as CO.sub.2 into the container up to a predetermined limit. The charging gun includes a pressure regulating head and a manual control button. The pressure regulating head is sized to fit over a receptor of a check valve cap which is configured to thread onto the neck of a common beverage bottle. Positioning the charging gun so that the receptor fits within the receptor cavity and depressing the manual control button commences the flow of CO.sub.2 gas into the bottle. At a predetermined pressure limit, a pressure regulator renders the continued depression of the control button ineffective and stops the gas flow. The pressure regulating head includes a blow-back plug for preventing matter from the bottle from entering the piston cylinder. A check valve in the cap includes a piston which is sealingly held against a gasket at the upper end of the receptor.

Abstract: An air bag type of passenger protector equipped in a vehicle. The passenger protector comprises a compressed gas supplying assembly and an air bag receiving assembly for receiving an air bag which is connected to the compressed gas supplying assembly by means of a power hose. The compressed gas supplying assembly comprises a compressed gas container, a movable weight, a hinged link, a hinged lever and a perforating pin. If there occurs a vehicle collision, the weight is reliably operated in response to a mechanical shock caused by the vehicle collision and this causes the hinged link and the hinged lever to be sequentially turned and in turn causes the perforating pin to be pushed so as to perforate a closed tip of the compressed gas container.

Abstract: An elongate body includes a first fixed jaw fixedly and orthogonally mounted to the body, having a second sliding jaw, with the fixed jaw and the sliding jaw arranged to secure a pipe therebetween, such as the first jaw includes a piercing head. The piercing head includes a conduit structure in pneumatic communication with further conduit structure directed through the first jaw and body extending through the body, such that the body includes a further projection portion arranged for securement to conductive tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first housing coaxially aligned with and separable relative to the second housing is provided, wherein the first housing includes a puncture rod arranged to address and puncture a gas charged cylinder within the second housing, whereupon the puncture rod includes pneumatic conduit structure to direct pressurized gas from the cylinder into a delivery conduit for mounting to an associated bicycle tire.

Abstract: A water-actuated, pressurized gas release device (10) that automatically actuates to inflate an associated personal flotation device when immersed in an electrically conductive fluid, such as salt or fresh water, is described. The device is comprised of a high strength plastic housing (12) that holds an enclosure tube (62) housing a primer charge (68) in a longitudinal alignment with a piercing pin (44). The primer is connected to a lever (80) and a lead wire (84) that is electrically connected to an electrical circuit means (87) which is in electrical contact with a pair of batteries (118A, 118B). When the device is immersed in water, an electrical circuit is formed between a terminal (122) of the battery pack and the lever and lead wire which serve as an electrical return to the electrical circuit means.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device drives a ram to a stop. The ram cuts off the neck of a gas bottle which is received in an area below the ram stop. The ram is disposed over the open neck of the gas bottle and may provide gas channels through the ram or around the ram to selected outlets.

Abstract: Valve unit (1) intended for puncturing a film (P), especially a plastic film, thereby creating a tight lead-through through the plastic film (P), which valve unit (1) comprises a first member (2) for puncturing the plastic film (P), which first member (2) has a hollow space (5a) and at least one opening (5) leading through between the outside of the first member (2) and said hollow space (5a), and further a second member (3), which is intended to be positioned on the side of the plastic film (P), which is opposite to the first member (2) when the valve unit (1) is attached to a plastic film (P), said hollow space (5a) being in open connection with the surrounding atmosphere through the second member (3), a groove (7) extending around the circumference in the area between the first and the second members (2,3) being disposed to receive the edge portion of the plastic film (P) around the valve unit (1), which has been pricked through the plastic film (P), and an annular, resilient element (12) being displaceabl

Abstract: An emergency locating device allows an injured person to inflate and deploy a balloon using only one hand. The device has a cylindrical housing holding a cartridge pressurized with a quantity of a lighter-than-air gas, a quick-release fitting for removably attaching the balloon to the upper end of the housing, and an actuator extending from the lower end of the housing for causing a pin to puncture the cartridge when the actuator is depressed to allow gas to flow from the cartridge through the fitting to inflate the balloon. The fitting can be manually separated into a lower segment that remains attached to the housing, and an upper segment attached to the balloon that includes a one-way valve to prevent gas from escaping. The inflated balloon is tethered by a line to the housing. The upper portion of the housing can be used as a reel or spool to store the tether line when not in use.

Abstract: A fluid recovery tool for forming an opening in a pipe, tube, or other fluid-carrying conduit includes a pair of pliers having two handle portions pivotally attached and moveable with respect to each other. Each handle portion of the pliers terminates in a jaw portion, and the jaw portions are located in opposed moveable relation to one another. A piercing valve assembly is removably mounted to the pair of pliers for penetrating the pipe. The piercing valve assembly includes a pair of housing members pivotally attached to each other. One of the pair of housing members receives one of the jaw portions and is removably mounted thereto, while the other of the pair of housing members receives the other of the jaw portions and is removably mounted thereto. The piercing valve assembly further includes a piercing element mounted in the upper housing member for piercing the pipe, and a conduit for fluidly connecting the piercing element with a remote storage container or vessel.

Abstract: A firing apparatus includes a firing pin on a longitudinal axis and biasing means to urge the pin in a firing direction. A central trigger body with a pull end and base end extends along the axis and includes a fruste-conical surface surrounding the axis and expanding toward the base end to a base edge. An outer trigger body includes a base portion having a sheath with an inner cylindrical surface surrounding the inner body and extending to a base edge. Cooperating screw threads on the inner and outer bodies allow adjustment of the bodies longitudinally, one relative to the other, such that the inner and outer base edges are separated by a selected longitudinal distance.

Abstract: An inflator assembly inflates a vehicle occupant restraint. The inflator assembly includes a container in which gas is stored under pressure. An ignitable material is disposed within the container. An actuator assembly is provided to release the stored gas from the container and to ignite the ignitable material. The actuator assembly includes a pyrotechnic charge of ignitable material which burns to move a piston to rupture a portion of the container. A passage through the piston conducts a flow of combustion products resulting from ignition of the pyrotechnic charge of ignitable material to ignite the ignitable material within the container. During burning of the ignitable material, the gas in the container is heated to increase the fluid pressure in the container.

Abstract: A manifold for use with an inflatable article such as a life raft, life vest, and other articles used in aircraft and marine safety and the like, an improved puncture pin and dual cam drive system for positive control of the puncture pin, an improved means for positioning the cam lever arm, an improved positive dynamic seal of the puncture pin, and an emergency bleed system in case of puncture failure. The manifold body is preferably an integral molding of strong and impact resistant plastic material with a continuous passage within the molded plastic that provides a path for the compressed gas of the attached cartridge to flow to the desired article to be inflated, eliminating any possible areas of leakage.

Abstract: A puncturing device (10) for pressurized containers (12) comprises an elongated housing member (16) defining an elongated cavity (24) with openings (26, 28) at first and second ends (30, 32) thereof for receiving an inverted pressurized container at the first end, the housing member including a selective attachment member (36) for securing the second end of the housing member to a collection receptacle (38). A non-sparking puncturing apparatus (18), with a lever (44) having a built-in stop (48, 50), is movably mounted on the housing member with a pivot-link (54)-driven puncture pin (56) extending through an intermediate aperture (34) into the cavity for piercing a nozzle-end of the pressurized container below an internal shoulder (40) thereof with a seal (42). Thus, gases and residual contents are released into the receptacle through the opening in the second end.

Abstract: Air bag device, for use on a vehicle having collision sensing means, comprises a reservoir of pressurized fluid sealed by a frangible plate and an inflatable cushion connected to the reservoir. A striking member, having a piston at one end and a conical point at the other end, is slidably mounted in a cylinder in the reservoir. Lead styphnate and a length of electrically heated nichrome wire are positioned in the cylinder adjacent the piston. If a collision occurs, the collision sensing means sends an electrical signal, through wiring passing through a hermetic seal in the reservoir, to the length of nichrome wire which ignites the lead styphnate, generating combustion gases which bear against the piston thereby rapidly driving the conical point of the striking member into the frangible plate to shatter it, releasing pressurized fluid from the reservoir into the cushion to inflate it.

Abstract: An inflator (110) including: a pressure means (12, 14, 16, 20) for storing a quantity of stored inflation gas under pressure. The pressure means including a first burst disk (46) in communication with the stored inflation gas and preventing egress of the gas from the chamber and a hollow sliding piston (172) having at one end thereof cutting edges (174) for puncturing the first burst disk (46). A shear disk (180) having a stationary outer portion (187) and a central portion or second disk (186), central portion is secured to one end of the piston (172) opposite the cutting edges (174). The central portion is capable of separating from the outer portion and moving with the piston (172). A quantity of propellant material (218) is provided near the second burst disk (80) to produce gaseous combustion products when burned.

Abstract: Fluid pressure discharge device includes a handle, a fluid conduit in the handle, and a slidable fluid conduit tube movable relative to the fluid conduit for discharging a pressurized fluid near a clog in a clogged pipe. A pressurized gas for being discharged from the discharge end of the slidable fluid conduit can be supplied by a standard gas cartridge. An auxiliary handle is provided in another preferred embodiment for enhancing the manipulation of the fluid pressure discharge device, and for storing spare, unspent gas cartridges.

Abstract: A pressure responsive relief valve assembly for relieving an overpressure condition in a piping system includes a valve and a mounting saddle formed as a unit body with a pipe tapping conduit projecting outwardly therefrom for providing communication between the interior of a piping system and the valve, an opposing saddle, and bolts or other fasteners for clamping the saddles to opposite sides of a pipe. Upon tightly clamping the valve assembly to the pipe, the pipe tapping conduit punctures the pipe wall to communicate the valve with the interior of the pipe. A gasket is provided intermediate the valve assembly and the pipe to prevent leakage. The assembly may thus advantageously be installed on a pipe without interrupting fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: An inflator comprises a source of gas for inflating on inflatable vehicle occupant restraint, such as an air bag. The air bag, when inflated, restrains an occupant of a vehicle during a collision. A burst disk is located to block gas flow into the air bag. A piston is movable from a retracted position to an extended position to rupture the burst disk. The piston includes (i) a first central portion for puncturing the burst disk and (ii) a second portion for cutting out a portion of the burst disk after the first central portion punctures the burst disk. After the second portion of the piston cuts out a portion of the burst disk, the cut out portion of the burst disk is clamped between the piston and a housing part of the inflator.

Abstract: The gas supply mechanism with a safety device of the present invention uses a small size high pressure gas container. In connection with a gas passage, a safety device is installed, which allows the gas in the passage to flow out gradually when the gas pressure in the passage rises excessively. A gas discharge port of this safety device is open on the same surface as the surface of the main body and does not protrude from the body.

Abstract: An ignition assembly in a motor vehicle inflatable safety system is provided, preferably to be used with a projectile. In one embodiment, the ignition assembly includes an actuation piston and an activator, such as a percussion primer(s) and an ignition material, which are separated by a retention pin. When a sufficient force is exerted on the actuation piston, the retention pin fails such that the actuation piston moves and impacts the percussion primer(s) to ignite the propellant within the gas generator. The resulting propellant gases are thereafter provided in a predetermined direction(s). Advantageously, a check valve-like device is employed to substantially reduce the flow of propellant gases in a direction other than the predetermined direction(s). The preferred projectile also includes a body that has a smaller dimension than the projectile piercing head when the projectile is used to separate a closure disk to release stored, pressurized gases in addition to activating the gas generator.

Abstract: A projectile for releasing a gas or other suitable fluid to initiate operation of an inflator in a motor vehicle inflatable safety system. In one embodiment, the projectile has a plurality of intersecting, concave, and inclined faces which taper to a point at the tip of the projectile. This projectile is positioned on the convex side of a dome-shaped disk which isolates the inflator from an expandable confinement. When a condition is detected requiring operation of the inflator, the projectile is freely propelled toward the disk to controllably separate the disk along lines coinciding with the edges defined by the intersecting faces of the projectile to reduce the potential for portions thereof breaking or tearing off and entering the flow from the inflator to the confinement.

Abstract: A pressure supply unit to supply pressure to a dispensing can, the unit being attached to a gas bulb containing gas under a predetermined pressure. The unit has a chamber pressurized to the desired can pressure, and one wall of the chamber is a diaphragm connected to a needle valve for regulating gas flow from the bulb. A reduction of can pressure causes the diaphragm to move the needle to release gas from the bulb.

Abstract: A beverage cooling device is provided for use with a capsule containing preferably liquified gas such as carbon dioxide. The beverage cooling device includes a cap section having a top with at least one aperture formed therethrough, a push rod projecting downwardly from the top, a sidewall, and a base. Additionally, the beverage cooling device includes a base section detachably secured to the cap section with the base section having a bottom and a base section top. The base section top has formed therein a base section aperture and the base section has projecting upwardly therefrom a pierce pin. The base section bottom also has a lower surface adjacent the pierce pin.

Abstract: A puncturing device for relieving the pressure in pressurized containers and allowing the collection of the released gases and residual contents by providing a generally bottle-shaped housing member for receiving a pressurized container in an inverted position, the housing being adapted at its lower end for attachment to a collection container and having an aperture to permit entrance of a puncturing device. A second flat member is provided for slidably engaging the upward facing end of the pressurized container to force the pressurized container downward within the housing member against a resilient beveled shoulder secured therein to create a seal, an angular third member with a puncturing device at the lower end thereof and attachment to a pivot point for moving the third member relative to the housing member for puncturing the pressurized container therein by forcing the puncturing device through the aperture in the housing member and into the pressurized container.

Abstract: An apparatus for tapping a fluid through a wall, comprising a vacuum source (24), a tapping head (1) provided at the front thereof with a circumferential seal (3) bounding a contact area, perforating means (4) to be brought into a position extending through the contact area, and at least one conduit (11, 111, and 211) communicating with the contact area for discharging air from the contact area enclosed by the seal (3) and for discharging fluid released. The invention provides an apparatus for easily and reliably tapping fluid that may be under excess pressure through a wall. In the contact area a reduced pressure can be generated by the vacuum source, resulting in that the tapping head is held against the wall and moreover no fluid can release into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A safety device is described for use with a vehicle. The device incorporates mechanical cutting means which, in response to a collision, positively cut a seal that fluidally separates a source of pressurized fluid from an air bag. Sensing means are also included which detect a collision and cause the mechanical cutting means to actuate, thus inflating the air bag and protecting occupants of the vehicle. Also described is a manifold which fluidally couples a plurality of sensing means to a plurality of air bags. Upon one or more sensing means detecting a collision, the manifold actuates one or more air bags. A brittle seal, such as tempered glass, is shattered for instantaneous liberation of pressurized fluid. A filter removes debris from the shattered seal.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight confetti cannon for projecting confetti to heights of 30-40 feet in the air is used to create spectacular displays for rock concerts or stage shows. The cannon consists of a hollow barrel having a length of at least 8", preferably at least 16" and a length/diameter ratio of at least 14 having a CO.sub.2 cartridge radially mounted at its base. The cartridge is covered by an insulated grip. A valve is mounted between the cartridge and the barrel and has a cartridge puncturing mechanism which enables complete discharge of CO.sub.2 cartridge contents in less than three seconds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compressed gas cartridge actuator assembly having an elongated main body with side by side wells. A pair of compressed gas cartridges are positioned in the wells to face in opposite directions. Each end of the elongated body has a lever and a piercing pin for selective actuation of one of the cartridges.

Abstract: A disposable CO.sub.2 gas generator cartridge of cylindrical construction and including inner and outer coaxial reagent chambers which are interconnected when installed in a cylindrical pressure vessel and having a top cover assembly including a pusher type activating mechanism which is operated by a cam surface located on a handwheel. The cover assembly connects to a carbonated drink dispenser by means of a quick disconnect coupling activated by the operation of a manually operated pull down lever assembly including the handwheel. Operation of the handwheel acts to start gas generation and also vent the cartridge to atmosphere when spent.

Abstract: A lanyard that when pulled upon causes a pivotally mounted inflator level arm to rotate about a pivot shaft is secured against separation from the lever arm by being sandwiched between opposing halves of a molded lever arm and being constrained to follow a serpentine path of travel through that molded lever arm. Blind slots formed in opposite halves of the molded lever arm are partially occupied by plugs that constrain the lanyard to follow the serpentine path of travel so that axial forces exerted upon the lanyard are resisted to an enhanced degree.

Abstract: A projectile propellant device is adapted to supply a compressed gas from a compressed gas container for providing the propulsion force for a projectile or for providing the operating force for a gas powered device. The propellant device includes a gas container containing a volume of gas at sufficient pressure for applying a desired force upon release, and a compressed gas releasing structure for producing a release opening in the compressed gas container in response to the detonation of a pyrotechnic material. The release opening releases the compressed gas for applying the desired force, such as a propulsion force to propel a projectile. The gas releasing structure preferably includes a pyrotechnic charge device and a puncturing device both mounted within a suitable device housing along with the gas container.

Abstract: An inflator (10) comprising: a pressure tank (12, 14, 16, 20) for storing a quantity of stored inflation gas under pressure. The pressure tank comprising a first burst disk (46) in communication with the stored inflation gas; a sliding piston (72) including at one end thereof a sharp edge (74) for puncturing the first rupture disk and at its other end a second rupture disk (80). The sliding piston (72) movable into engagement with the first rupture disk in response to the build up of pressure acting on the second rupture disk (80) in response to the burning of propellant material (90) thereby permitting egress of the stored inflation gas. The second burst disk being ruptured by the continued build up of pressure due to the burning propellant whereupon after the rupturing of same the heated products of combustion resulting from the burning propellant flow through the sliding piston (72) to increase the temperature of the stored inflation gas prior to its exit from the inflator.

Abstract: A squib inflator adaptor for operatively connecting a conventional electrically actuated squib to the threaded neck of a compressed gas cartridge such that upon actuation of the squib, a pierce pin in the adaptor pierces the frangible seal of the gas cartridge allowing the gas therein to escape and inflate the inflation article.

Abstract: An apparatus for tapping a fluid through a wall, comprising a vacuum source (24), a tapping head (1) provided at the front thereof with a circumferential seal (3) bounding a contact area, perforating means (4) to be brought into a position extending through the contact area, and at least one conduit (11, 111, and 211) communicating with the contact area for discharging air from the contact area enclosed by the seal (3) and for discharging fluid released. The invention provides an apparatus for easily and reliably tapping fluid that may be under excess pressure through a wall. In the contact area a reduced pressure can be generated by the vacuum source, resulting in that the tapping head is held against the wall and moreover no fluid can release into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 cartridge is screw threadedly received into an inflator having a lanyard-operated, pivotally mounted bell crank. A pin having a round in section pointed end capable of puncturing the cartridge is slidably positioned within a bore formed in the inflator and the length of the pin exceeds the length of the bore so that the head of the pin protrudes out of the bore. Rocking the bell crank about its pivot point drives the head of the pin into the bore so that the pointed end of the pin punctures the thin center of the cartridge. The pin in hollow so that the gas escaping from the cartridge flows through the pin and is directed into another bore formed in the inflator which is confluent with the inflation manifold of an inflatable device.

Abstract: A lanyard that when pulled upon causes a pivotally mounted inflator lever arm to rotate about a pivot shaft is secured against separation from the lever arm by being sandwiched between opposing halves of a molded lever arm and being constrained to follow a serpentine path of travel through that molded lever arm. Blind slots formed in opposite halves of the molded lever arm are partially occupied by plugs that constrain the lanyard to follow the serpentine path of travel so that axial forces exerted upon the lanyard are resisted to an enhanced degree.

Abstract: An inflator for automatically inflating an inflatable article, such as a personal flotation vest, upon immersion in water. A plunger and a piercing pin are movably mounted within a housing and are movable with respect to a pressurized gas canister attached to the housing. A force generating mechanism, mounted within the housing, acts on the plunger to forcibly move the plunger and the piercing pin to pierce the canister to release the pressurized gas therefrom through the housing to an inflatable article attached to the housing. A pair of spaced water sensor probes mounted in the housing provide a signal to a control device indicating that the housing is immersed in water. The control device activates a release mechanism which rotates a cam to release a spring-biased ram in the force generating mechanism from a first, retracted position such that the ram engages the plunger and urges the plunger and the piercing pin under force into the sealed end of the gas canister.

Abstract: An automatic valve for inflating an inflatable article, includes a pin for piercing an operculum seal of a container for a compressed gas, a spring for urging the pin in a first direction to pierce the operculum seal of a compressed gas container, an arming mechanism for causing movement of the pin against the spring into an armed position and a latching mechanism including a pressurizable compartment for latching the pin in the armed position. The latching mechanism is arranged so as to release the pin on release of pressure of the pressurizable compartment, and a release mechanism for causing the release of pressure from the pressurizable compartment on immersion of the valve in water.

Abstract: A portable dispenser for fastening to a conventional carbonated beverage container and providing the convenient dispensing of the contents therein while maintaining the carbonation of the beverage until fully consumed is disclosed. The dispenser is comprised of a body assembly for threadedly engaging a conventional carbonated beverage container, such as one liter, two liter and three liter PET containers, and sealing with respect thereto. The body assembly contains a tube assembly for extending from the bottom of the beverage within the container to the dispenser outlet, with a valve mechanism spring loaded to squeeze the tube closed and manually operable for controllably allowing the flow of the beverage therethrough. The body assembly includes a unique pressure regulator and a CO.sub.2 cartridge in a cartridge holder for providing a source of CO.sub.2 at the regulated pressure to the beverage container.

Abstract: Stopper removal apparatus of the type in which gas under pressure is directed into a container thereby to eject a cork or like stopper. The apparatus directs gas from a gas cylinder into a gas reservoir sealed by a piston valve. Each gas cylinder has its own seal to prevent gas escaping during storage. As a new cylinder is installed and the cylinder seal is broken, the resulting gas from the cylinder forces the piston valve to its sealing position, so no gas escapes. The gas pressure provides the sealing force. When an actuator moves the piston valve to an open position, gas passes through passages and a hollow needle that penetrates the stopper to exit within the container to eject the stopper.A cover assembly completely encloses the needle. A disk at one end of the cover retracts as the needle is inserted into the stopper. After the stopper is ejected it remains on the needle within the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for inflating tire tubes, more specifically the inflation of bicycle tire tubes either a SCHRADER or PRESTA type inflation valve. In one embodiment, a conduit having an internal gas passage threadably connects the tire tube inflation valve to a sealed cartridge containing a requisite volume of pressurized gas to inflate a mounted tire. A pointed puncture tube mounted at the inlet end of the conduit and forming a portion of the internal passage, ruptures the cartridge seal when the cartridge is connected to the conduit. The gas flow through this ruptured seal is controllable by a seal around the puncture tube that contacts the cartridge seal. Attachment means and seal elements contained within the conduit prevent loss of the pressurized gas during tube inflation. A gas-tight connection to the tube inflation valve is created by a resilient coupling member mounted at the outlet end of the conduit.

Abstract: A bi-stable electromagnet operator having an armature plate which is held in a first position by a permanent magnet and in a second position by a spring. An electromagnet is provided to enable the armature plate to move from the first position to the second position. The magnet has high coercivity and therefore the permanent magnet and core of the electromagnet can be in close magnetic contact both when the armature is in the first position and in the second position. The high coercivity of the permanent magnet provides for sufficient flux flow to maintain magnetization when the armature plate is in the second position away from the permanent magnet. Typically, the permanent magnet comprises neodymium.

Abstract: An inflator for automatically inflating an inflatable article, such as a personal flotation vest, upon immersion in water. A plunger is movably mounted within a housing and is movable with respect to a pressurized gas canister attached to the housing. An internally resettable automatic actuator mechanism, mounted within the housing, acts on the plunger to move the plunger to pierce the canister to release the pressurized gas therefrom through the housing to the inflatable article attached to the housing. A pair of spaced water sensor probes mounted in the housing provide a signal to a control device indicating that the housing is immersed in water. The control device activates the automatic actuator mechanism to release a spring-biased ram from a latched position such that the ram engages and urges the plunger under force into the sealed end of the gas canister.

Abstract: A manually-operated device for safely inflating automotive vehicle tires. A pressurized gas cylinder is connected to a manual valve for delivery of pressurized gas to a vehicle tire. The gas pressure is safely controlled (regulated) by a stepped piston that is slidably arranged in a vent chamber. A small diameter rod section of the piston is aligned with a valve seat in the main flow passage. Pressure rise on the large diameter section of the piston causes the rod section to temporarily interrupt the main gas flow. Gas is vented around the large diameter section of the piston to enable the rod section to move away from the associated valve seat, thereby permitting gas flow to resume through the main passage.

Abstract: A portable device for dispensation of compressed gas in discrete bursts. The device includes a support frame, a cylinder punch assembly, an adjustable cylinder table, a rotatable knob to adjust the table and a trigger-operated nozzle. The punch assembly permits puncture of a cylinder of compressed gas that is supported on the adjustable cylinder table.

Abstract: In a refrigerant charging apparatus for charging a refrigerant by using a refrigerant can (1), an upper can-opening part (21), a conduit (6) having two ways of inner passages for indication and charging and a lower can-opening part (6A), and a level indicator (4) communicated with the refrigerant can via both can-opening parts are provided in order to correctly indicate remaining quantity of the refrigerant in the can.